1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard; The Last Burst
The Last Burst. Almost certainly a special order guitar, here we have not only an unusually beautiful and highly figured sunburst Les Paul from the original series, but as far as anyone knows, the last one made. With a serial number over 300 units higher than the next latest one known, it dates to late 1960. The serial number has the second digit filled in instead of a space, which Gibson did on solid bodies until early ’61, in years when they ran out of 5 digit numbers towards the end of the year. The manufacturer’s date code places potentiometer production in the 28th
week of 1960, and the guitar’s serial number puts it well after the introduction and production of a number of early SG Les Pauls, as some of these have lower numbers.
She sounds and plays great of course, but as Jay Scott said, regrettably, in his first book on ‘bursts; “It’s the wood that makes it good”. Or was that Kenny Rogers? Regardless, as Stan Jay might have written, ”imagine if you will, some of the most diseased maple ever to grace the loading dock of Kalamazoo’s finest” ( sorry Stan, wherever you are. ) From most angles we see profuse, continuous waves of tight flame which cover nearly the entire top. The medullary grain is very striking as well, and the curl has great depth and iridescence.
However, what sets it apart so beautifully from most 1960 ‘bursts is its unusually translucent finish and deep, rich color. Most ’60s are noticeably more opaque, and more of an orangey-red “tomato soup” looking affair, hence the derogatory tag “clown burst” assigned to many of them.
Fully original* and in exceptionally fine condition, the only issue is an old, clean heel repair with very minimal touch up. The repair dates back at least to the 1980’s. The A & G tuners are a few years later, originals are included and just need to be re-tipped. Pickup covers were off and put back on.
Just as the first / earliest known sunburst Les Paul - which surfaced earlier this year - is historically significant, this too is an important instrument as it marks the end of an era at Gibson, and the end of production of what was to become their best known, most coveted and most iconic electric guitar.
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