Gibson Les Paul

1972 Gibson Les Paul 58 reissue

If nothing but the best of the best will do and you want to take your collection to heights that only a handful collectors will ever achieve this incredible Vintage Gibson Les Paul ’58 reissue might be for you. 

Comments: Over 50 years old! Short lived model. First appeared in 1971 with 25 units shipped  and 1046 units in 1972. Most of these were in Gold Top finish and far fewer in cherry sunburst. The date code on the pots indicate 42 week of 1971. It was manufactured in 1971 or 1972 in Kalamazoo Michigan. Gibson referred to this model as a ’58 reissue. It’s similar to a 1954 Les Paul model. Mahogany body with maple cap. Wraparound bridge/tailpiece.

Our Customer acquired this guitar in 1991. It’s in the identical condition as when he purchased it except for jumbo re-fret. The headstock had been repaired prior to his ownership. 

SPECIAL FEATURES: P-90 Soap-bar pickups with “Gibson” embossed on the crème colored covers. 1 piece body with 2” depth. Small head stock. No volute. Wrap around tail piece. Gibson called this a “58 reissue but the specs are similar to a 1954 Les Paul

Condition: Good condition. Repaired headstock. Jack plate has been changed to brass. Tuning machines replaced with Grovers. Knobs changed. Has handling marks, dings, scuffs, and weather checking consistent with a guitar that's been  played for over 50 as seen in pictures. Always kept at 50% humidity.

SPECS:

Width at nut: 1.67”

Neck depth at first fret: .81”

Neck depth at 9th fret: .93”

Neck pick up output: 8.25 ohms

Bridge pick up out put: 8.21 ohms

Weight 9 lbs 12 ounces

Body depth  thickness: 2”

Pot code/date: 1377142 (42 week of 1971)

One piece mahogany neck.  Small head stock. No volute

Tailpiece: Wrap around

An exceedingly rare instrument from the Gibson catalog, the '54/58 reissues are maybe the best examples of the Norlin era. While being a polarizing time amongst collectors, it goes without saying that the Norlin era of instruments have all increased in value, with these first year reissues being the highest grade on the list.

A unique Lester, the 54/58 models were produced in overall very low numbers, these "Gibson" embossed P90's P90 equipped guitars reflect some fine points of the 50's with subtle changes throughout, something seen really only on these examples. A slab, non pancake body with a standard plain top maple veneer, it certainly looks the part, seen on these burst examples with a subtle burst finish also on the back. Thin binding showing the maple cap at the cutaway, no volute, as well as a wrap tailpiece further the level of thoughtfulness during this brief time.
This example dating likely to early 1972, with a correct 67XXXX serial, albeit with changed pots (dating to 2004/5). A well cared for guitar in its past, it does show some wear most notably with an expert repaired headstock break, which is evident in its black finish thats been added as a cover. Buckle rash and some standard nicks and bruises are visible - notably along its edges on the back side, as well as its P-90 slots and at the elbow. A deeper gouge is visible on the bass side shoulder near the pickup selector switch. It's two piece top has more significant scratches behind the bridge that don't break the finish. Overall good condition cosmetically, and certainly a great player.

The neck is nice and straight with a proper angle, playing with even low action with plenty of room for adjustment at the two stud wrap tailpiece bridge (Tone Pros 85-13 compensated for intonation [for a wound third]). The action measures a super light 5-3/64" in height at the twelfth fret between the sixth string to the first. The neck has a slightly larger profile, which measures about .89" in thickness at the first position tapering up to about 1" at the twelfth fret. The binding is clean, and the typical "fretless-wonder" style frets are overall very clean. The original Gibson Deluxe double line Kluson tuners are present, albeit, the holes had been reamed out, re-doweled having presumably had another larger tuner on it at some point in its life. The truss rod appears untouched, and it retains the original nut. A small circle inexplicable circle is present in the finish on the north side of the truss rod cover. As previously mentioned the headstock has been repaired.