1959 Gibson Les Paul Conversion
BMVG's is pleased to offer an incredible 1954/9 Gibson Les Paul Conversion.
To simply state that this Les Paul is a "flame top" is a slightly laughable understatement. This instrument is a unicorn! If you hadn't noticed yet, it features an unbelievable edge to edge figured; one piece "book matched" original top. We have seen only 3 or 4 other one piece topped 50's Les Pauls. They have all been from late 53 - early 54, obviously they had slabs of maple large enough to accommodate in this window of time, simply unreal.
Massive Pearly vibes?!?!
The original wrap tail stud plugs can be seen under the ABR-1 bridge. Under the pickups, plugs to accommodate the new HB routes can be seen as is to be expected in any p90 to HB conversion. This guitar came out of and was converted & refinished in Canada about 15-20 years ago. I recently attempted to reach out to the previous owner to confirm who did the work but he has since past. This instrument has been in the collection of a client of ours for the last 3/4 years.
The neck is full and has a slight V. It measures .89 @ 1st and .97 @ the 12th. which is exactly what we should expect from a 54. The instrument is very light weight coming in a comfortable 8 5oz. The double zebra PAF's display full stickers and read 7.6 N & 8.8 B respectively. They are very well balanced together.
The original commissioner of this job really wanted this instrument to be as 59 as possible. With that said, the serial number was restamped to a 9, the logo was moved up in the "59 position" and the harness was replaced with a harness from mid 1959, original bonnet knobs included. The tuners were also swapped to D stamped 1959 correct single line Kluson tuners.
The short seam stop tail & ABR-1 bridge are also period correct. This is a stunning instrument that was gone over top to tails with no expense spared and no stone left unturned.
It is accompanied by a beautiful Lifton case.