Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $220,850
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Budget
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
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What type of neck profile does the 1960 Les Paul have?
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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.
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What kind of pickups are used in the 1960 Les Paul, and what tones do they produce?
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The 1960 Les Paul is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, known for delivering a rich, warm tone ideal for rock, blues, and jazz.
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Is the 1960 Les Paul suitable for modern music styles?
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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.
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How does the 1960 Les Paul's body material affect its sound?
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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.
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What is the significance of the Cherry Sunburst finish on the 1960 Les Paul?
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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.
Videos
frettedamericana
1960 Gibson Les Paul 01013 Phil X
Reviews
PROS
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Praised for exceptional tone, regarded as a legendary guitar
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Considered an objet d'art, blending history and playability
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Highly sought-after for its rarity and distinct sound
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Offers a unique, unmatched playing experience
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Known for its aesthetic beauty, often described as the most beautiful guitar
CONS
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Extremely high price, often accessible only to wealthy collectors
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Concerns over "investment" mentality overshadowing the instrument's musical purpose
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Some claim hype and mystique inflate its perceived value
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Rarity and value make it impractical for regular use or gigging
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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
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The 'Vintage Sunburst' finish on early 2000s Les Paul Classics features solid black on the edges, creating a unique aesthetic compared to other bursts.
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Unlike some models, the 2006 Classic is not chambered for weight relief, impacting its overall weight.
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The 2006 Classic includes ceramic pickups, offering a different tonal character compared to Alnico V's.
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The plain maple cap on the 2006 Classic contrasts with the AA Flame maple cap found on Standard models.
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The 1960 on the pickguard indicates a slim neck shape/profile, not the year of manufacture.
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These guitars often come with higher output pickups, specifically the 500T and 496R models.
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Early 1990s Les Paul Classics have a "Les Paul Model" silk screen on the headstock, differing from later models.
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Value and pricing
Build quality
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Lower quality pots and caps are noted in the 2006 Classic, potentially affecting tonal precision and control.
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The 2006 Les Paul Classic features "snot green" aged tuners, binding, and inlays, which are often disliked by players.
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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.
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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.
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The early 1990s models typically feature plain tops, contrasting with more figured options in later years.
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Use cases and applications
User experience
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 9 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
At 56:38 Kirk shows his 1960 Les Paul named “Sunny.”
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.
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."
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.
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).
Marcus King plays a 1960 Les Paul Standard in this video from Carter Vintage Guitars.
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.
Album Usage
The Les Paul 1960 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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