Gibson Les Paul 59 True Historic Billy Gibbons Carve Prototype #02 (2017)

Today we are delighted to offer you two Les Pauls that can be described without exaggeration as the epitome of music history. These are prototypes from the legendary Aging Room of the Gibson Custom Shop. When there was a change of ownership at Gibson in 2018 a long-time employee of the Aging Room named Mitch Treutel was able to acquire three True Historic Paulas: the actual “Gibbons Dish Carve Sample” of the “Pearly Gates” and the two corresponding prototypes. These prototypes, which served as a production reference and teaching object for employees in the Gibson Custom Shop, come directly from the estate of Edwin Wilson, the director of the “True Historic Program” who died in 2023. They hung in Wilson's office for many years and it was only after his death that his widow sold the two guitars to Melvyn Franks. From this iconic figure among guitar collectors and former owner of the original Greeny the previous owner was able to acquire the two prototypes, which are now looking for a new, happy owner. In the enclosed letter from Rick Gembar, former General Manager of the Gibson Custom Division, he explains how essential these prototypes were as part of the True Historic program to create instruments that were as close as possible to the '59 originals. Rick calls Billy Gibbons Les Paul called “Pearly Gates” one of the best examples of the carved top of a real '59, as this top shape has probably been the most popular over the years. The fact that our prototypes have this “top carve”, which was also inspected and approved by Billy Gibbons himself, as we know from Melvyn Franks, makes these guitars all the more unique. So we are delighted that we were finally able to get hold of these exclusive specimens, which were never actually intended for sale. But our joy is not only due to their music-historical significance, but also to their phenomenal characteristics when it comes to look, playability and sound. What a great grain, what a fantastic color tone and gradient! How great do these Les Pauls play with their pleasant '59 neck profile and a dream weight of well under 4 kg? ...and with their fabulous sound with singing, sustain-rich lead sounds on the neck and fat, smacking rock planks on the bridge it's easy to understand why these prototypes were regarded as reference guitars for later production. They resonate and sound like we rarely get to hear! Of course the two Paulas, that we can offer you in absolute collector's condition, come without the usual certificates, as according to Rick's explanations, certificates were never issued for prototypes because these guitars were not intended for sale. These exceptional Les Pauls can be purchased individually or as a pair.

• Including case, hangtags, “shipping tag” of the original shipping box, letter from Rick Gembar (SRVP/GM Gibson Custom Division)
• Weight: 3820 grams (Prototype 01), 3650 grams (Prototype 02)