1960 Gibson Les Paul Custom – Cherry Red

1960 Gibson Les Paul Custom – Cherry Red

Here we go again…
We’re absolutely thrilled to announce we’ve found another ultra-rare, factory Cherry-finished early 1960 Gibson Les Paul Custom!

This incredible piece of guitar history came to us from Europe, where its previous owner had cherished and played it regularly since 1978.

It’s one of only a handful ever made for Hagström/Sweden between 1959 and 1960. Rumor has it there are only 6—maybe 12 at most—in existence. We know of one 1959 model, and two other 1960 examples (one owned by Neil Schon, the other sold by GuitarPoint to Jason Isbell, as seen in Gibson’s “The Collection” video). However, both of those are later production models—this one is something special: a rare “Double-0” series, made between ’59 and ’60 and featuring all the classic 1959 specs, including that beautifully full, just-right neck profile. This particular neck feels amazing—not too chunky, more of a perfect in-between.

The finish has beautifully faded to a rich red-brown natural mahogany tone. Traces of the original Cherry remain visible under the pickguard and in the cavities—a gorgeous, worn-in aesthetic that tells its story.

There’s a major headstock repair, clearly visible but solid and stable. It was done long ago and didn’t require any additional work from our luthier. There’s also a very old clear-coat overspray on the back, likely to cover buckle rash. Even so, it’s seen a lot of love and play since—as evident from the honest wear on the back.

All the plastic parts are original: pickguard, backplates, poker chip, switch tip, knobs—the works. The pots are dated 1959. The original non-wire ABR-1 bridge and stoptail are still present, as are the original Grover tuners. Two of the PAF pickups have had some work done: all three have been authenticated by our friend Andreas Kloppmann in Germany.

The neck PAF is untouched (except for a cut lead), the middle pickup is a 1961 with a rewound slug coil, and the bridge PAF also has a rewound slug coil.

This is a rare chance to own a stunning, historically significant, and seriously cool-sounding Les Paul—at about 100K less than the mint-condition one we sold to Jason Isbell. Honestly, we never expected to find another. This might just be the last one to hit the market for a long time.

Includes a new case.