Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $220,850

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Les Paul 1960". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step into a legendary era of guitar craftsmanship with the 1960 Gibson Les Paul, a signature piece that has enchanted musicians and collectors alike. Revered for its iconic flamed maple top and cherry sunburst finish, this solid body electric guitar embodies the pinnacle of American luthiery. Crafted during a golden age, this instrument combines timeless aesthetics with unparalleled sound, making it a coveted relic among vintage guitar enthusiasts.

Its distinctive tone comes from the revered PAF humbuckers, delivering a rich, warm sound that can handle anything from smooth jazz to hard rock. The stopbar tailpiece and tune-o-matic bridge ensure superior sustain and tuning stability, allowing your performances to resonate with clarity and precision. With only an estimated 1,700 of these mythical "Burst" Les Pauls still in existence, owning one is not just about playing music, but holding a piece of history in your hands.

Whether you're a collector searching for a rare find or a musician seeking a guitar with soul, the 1960 Gibson Les Paul is more than an instrument—it's a legacy.

Key Features:

  • Flamed maple top with cherry sunburst finish
  • Pair of vintage PAF humbuckers
  • Stopbar tailpiece
  • Tune-o-matic bridge
  • Solid body construction
  • Iconic 1960s design and craftsmanship

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Standard "Burst"
Finish Cherry Sunburst
Year 1958 - 1960
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Standard
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple

FAQs

What type of neck profile does the 1960 Les Paul have?

The 1960 Les Paul features a slimmer neck profile compared to its 1950s counterparts, offering a faster and more comfortable playing experience for guitarists who prefer a thinner neck.

What kind of pickups are used in the 1960 Les Paul, and what tones do they produce?

The 1960 Les Paul is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, known for delivering a rich, warm tone ideal for rock, blues, and jazz.

Is the 1960 Les Paul suitable for modern music styles?

Yes, the 1960 Les Paul's humbuckers provide a high-output tone that can suit modern music styles, including heavier genres, thanks to its powerful and versatile sound.

How does the 1960 Les Paul's body material affect its sound?

The mahogany body with a maple top on the 1960 Les Paul contributes to its warm, resonant tone, with the maple adding brightness and clarity to the overall sound.

What is the significance of the Cherry Sunburst finish on the 1960 Les Paul?

The Cherry Sunburst finish is iconic for the 1960 Les Paul, offering a visually striking appearance that enhances the guitar's vintage aesthetic and appeal.

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

1960 Gibson Les Paul 01013 Phil X

Video thumbnail for 1960 Gibson Les Paul 01013 Phil X by frettedamericana

1960 Gibson Les Paul 01013 Phil X

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Video thumbnail for Joe Bonamassa's 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard "Cousin Jethro" at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Joe Bonamassa's 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard "Cousin Jethro" at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Original 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard Sunburst at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Original 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard Sunburst at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for WE DISCOVERED A BURST | 1960 Gibson Les Paul Reveal | ATB Guitars by ATB Guitars

WE DISCOVERED A BURST | 1960 Gibson Les Paul Reveal | ATB Guitars

ATB Guitars

ATB Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1960 Gibson Les Paul played by Joe Robinson by Carter Vintage Guitars

1960 Gibson Les Paul played by Joe Robinson

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Las Vegas Jackpot - 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard 'Burst' Featuring Aaron Hiebert! by Emerald City Guitars

Las Vegas Jackpot - 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard 'Burst' Featuring Aaron Hiebert!

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard by Carter Vintage Guitars

1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard [Burst] Guitar Hunter's Story of "Rosie" by Guitar Hunter

1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard [Burst] Guitar Hunter's Story of "Rosie"

Guitar Hunter

Guitar Hunter

Video thumbnail for What Is A Vintage 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard REALLY Like??? by Peach Guitars

What Is A Vintage 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard REALLY Like???

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Praised for exceptional tone, regarded as a legendary guitar

  • Considered an objet d'art, blending history and playability

  • Highly sought-after for its rarity and distinct sound

  • Offers a unique, unmatched playing experience

  • Known for its aesthetic beauty, often described as the most beautiful guitar

CONS

  • Extremely high price, often accessible only to wealthy collectors

  • Concerns over "investment" mentality overshadowing the instrument's musical purpose

  • Some claim hype and mystique inflate its perceived value

  • Rarity and value make it impractical for regular use or gigging

  • Criticism of refretting and doubts about original components

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Les Paul 1960.

Features and functionality

  • The 'Vintage Sunburst' finish on early 2000s Les Paul Classics features solid black on the edges, creating a unique aesthetic compared to other bursts.

    Source
  • Unlike some models, the 2006 Classic is not chambered for weight relief, impacting its overall weight.

    Source
  • The 2006 Classic includes ceramic pickups, offering a different tonal character compared to Alnico V's.

    Source
  • The plain maple cap on the 2006 Classic contrasts with the AA Flame maple cap found on Standard models.

    Source
  • The 1960 on the pickguard indicates a slim neck shape/profile, not the year of manufacture.

    Source
  • These guitars often come with higher output pickups, specifically the 500T and 496R models.

    Source
  • Early 1990s Les Paul Classics have a "Les Paul Model" silk screen on the headstock, differing from later models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Since its discontinuation in 2008, the Classic's price has increased, now nearing that of a Standard from a similar year.

    Source
  • These models, despite potential weight concerns, are considered a good deal, with pricing making them hard to pass up for enthusiasts.

    Source

Build quality

  • Lower quality pots and caps are noted in the 2006 Classic, potentially affecting tonal precision and control.

    Source
  • The 2006 Les Paul Classic features "snot green" aged tuners, binding, and inlays, which are often disliked by players.

    Source
  • Some owners noted that Gibson's promotional materials at the time poorly represented the actual finish colors, leading to confusion about Vintage vs. Tobacco Burst.

    Source
  • The 2000s Les Paul '1960' Classic's finishes vary, with some Vintage Sunburst models appearing as Tobacco Burst due to darker variations in the finish process.

    Source
  • The early 1990s models typically feature plain tops, contrasting with more figured options in later years.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Players find the 60s neck profile on these Classics offers smoother playability on higher frets, enhancing performance for soloing and intricate play.

    Source
  • Owners recommend retaining these guitars as heirlooms due to their exceptional sound and playing quality.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the Les Paul '1960' Classic from the early 2000s can weigh over 11 lbs, which may impact comfort during extended play sessions.

    Source
  • Owners report excitement from professionals, with some stating these guitars play and sound better than the average Les Paul Standard.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Early 1990s Les Paul Classics are said to replicate the slim taper neck of the 1960s and are considered among the best since the late '50s.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vintage Bench Test: 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard

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Based on 3 Reviews and 9 Ratings

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tmaxxuk

mine is a different colour and more flamed :)

fitted with Bare Knuckle Pickups "Emeralds"... for a Gary Moore like tone. mine is a different colour and more flamed :)

S

every guitarist must have one of this

in my les paul i have a jb on the bridge and on the neck a 59

S

Gorgeous

Most beautiful guitar ever

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kirk Hammett uses Les Paul 1960

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Burst Year: 1960

At 56:38 Kirk shows his 1960 Les Paul named “Sunny.”

See how Noel Gallagher uses Les Paul 1960

Noel Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via YouTube

Noel’s first Gibson Les Paul was a 1960 spec sunburst model which he borrowed from Johnny Marr (Originally a 1952 Gibson Les Paul standard Goldtop converted to 60 spec) – ex-guitarist of The Smiths. Noel wrote and recorded “Slide Away” and “Live Forever” on this guitar. Unfortunately he broke the guitar’s neck at the heel in 1994 in Newcastle when a fan climbed on the stage and Noel smacked the fan with the guitar.

According to Johnny Marr, he definitely recorded Live Forever with one.

As Marr said, this guitar is visible in the music video for Live Forever.

See how Joe Walsh uses Les Paul 1960

Joe Walsh

Guitarist, Singer

Eagles

...
Verified via YouTube

In this youtube video of "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert", Joe can be seen playing this guitar starting at 34:18. Gibson actually created a replica of this guitar that was inspired by Joe himself.

"Working closely with Joe Walsh, the guitar’s current owner, and the guitar itself, Gibson Custom has analyzed this rare original ’Burst in exacting detail, reproducing it with unprecedented precision in a Limited Run totaling 250 guitars: 50 hand-aged by Tom Murphy and signed by the artist, a further 75 Murphy aged, and 125 treated to Gibson’s proprietary VOS processes."

See how Robby Krieger uses Les Paul 1960

Robby Krieger

Singer, Guitarist

The Doors

...
Verified via Groundguitar

This is perhaps the most collectable guitar in Robby’s collection. He bought it just couple of years back persuaded by his friend Al Jackson.

The guitar is rarely played live.

See how Kenny Wayne Shepherd uses Les Paul 1960

Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Guitarist

The G3 Jam

...
Verified via YouTube

Used this guitar for “Woman Like You”.

See how George Benson uses Les Paul 1960

George Benson

Singer, Guitarist

The George Benson Quartet

...
Verified via YouTube

His first break was in the Jack McDuff Quartet. He performed with them in Antibes in 1964 using a 1960 Les Paul with a Bigsby through some form of a Fender amp (probably a Bassman).

See how Marcus King uses Les Paul 1960

Marcus King

Guitarist

The Marcus King Band

...
Verified via Instagram

Marcus King plays a 1960 Les Paul Standard in this video from Carter Vintage Guitars.

See how Tim Smith uses Les Paul 1960

Tim Smith

Guitarist

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

...
Verified via Photo

Tim Smith is seen using a 1960 Gibson Les Paul extensively during his performances with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. This guitar is notably featured in several music videos, including "Ballad Of The Mighty I" at the 3:36 mark. The image from Flickr captures Tim with this guitar, supporting its role as his main instrument during this period.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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