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Average Price: $49,000

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Step into the spotlight with the Gibson Custom Shop '59 Les Paul Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates" — a masterful tribute to the legendary guitar that defined an era of rock and blues. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this guitar embodies the spirit and sound of Billy Gibbons' iconic 1959 Les Paul. With only 250 pieces available worldwide, this is not just a guitar; it's a piece of music history.

Every aspect of this guitar is designed to capture the rich tonal legacy and striking aesthetics of the original. The Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates humbuckers are the heart of its sound, delivering a blend of sweet, slightly rude tones with exceptional sustain — perfect for making harmonics leap from your fingertips. The figured maple top, meticulously selected for its beauty, pairs beautifully with the carefully matched Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish, ensuring that each instrument is as visually stunning as it is sonically remarkable.

Built to the precise specifications of Billy's original, it features a one-piece mahogany neck with a 1959 rounded profile, nickel hardware, and vintage Kluson-style tuners. With period-correct CTS potentiometers and bumble bee capacitors, this guitar is a true homage to its legendary predecessor, offering players the authentic feel and sound of a rock 'n' roll classic.

Key Features:

  • Limited Edition: Only 250 worldwide
  • Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates humbuckers
  • Figured maple top and Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish
  • One-piece mahogany neck with 1959 rounded profile
  • Vintage Kluson-style tuners and nickel hardware
  • Period-correct CTS potentiometers and bumble bee capacitors

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Custom Shop Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates" '59 Les Paul Standard (Signed, Murphy Aged)
Year 2009
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist Billy Gibbons
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Red
Finish Features Relic
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"
Series Gibson Artist Collection, Gibson Custom Shop
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What makes the Gibson Custom Shop '59 Les Paul Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates" unique?

This guitar is a meticulous replica of Billy Gibbons' legendary "Pearly Gates" Les Paul, featuring a mahogany body with a maple top, aged by Tom Murphy for an authentic vintage look and feel. It's part of the Gibson Custom Shop, ensuring top-notch craftsmanship and attention to detail.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson Custom Shop '59 Les Paul Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates"?

The guitar is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, delivering rich, warm tones with excellent sustain. It's versatile enough for blues, rock, and classic rock genres, capturing the iconic sound of Billy Gibbons.

Is the Gibson Custom Shop '59 Les Paul Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates" suitable for professional use?

Yes, this guitar is crafted for professional musicians, offering exceptional build quality and sound. Its set-neck construction and high-quality materials provide excellent playability and reliability for stage and studio use.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson Custom Shop '59 Les Paul Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates" affect playability?

The guitar features a comfortable '59 neck profile, which is slightly thicker than modern necks, providing a solid grip and facilitating smooth transitions for players who prefer a vintage feel.

What are the standout features of the Gibson Custom Shop '59 Les Paul Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates"?

Key features include its meticulously aged finish, the iconic flamed maple top, and the signature tone of its humbucking pickups, all of which contribute to its status as a tribute to Billy Gibbons' original "Pearly Gates."

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

2009 Gibson Custom Shop Pearly Gates Les Paul | Staff Picks

Video thumbnail for 2009 Gibson Custom Shop Pearly Gates Les Paul | Staff Picks by Carter Vintage Guitars

2009 Gibson Custom Shop Pearly Gates Les Paul | Staff Picks

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Pearly Gates by williesguitars

Pearly Gates

williesguitars

williesguitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates" Les Paul VOS 2009 #071/250 ☆$OLD☆ @Cushmic Sounds by Cushmic Sounds

Gibson Custom Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates" Les Paul VOS 2009 #071/250 ☆$OLD☆ @Cushmic Sounds

Cushmic Sounds

Cushmic Sounds

Video thumbnail for '09 Gibson Custom Shop ’59 Les Paul Billy Gibbons Pearly Gates VOS | Review & Demo! by Guitar Chimp

'09 Gibson Custom Shop ’59 Les Paul Billy Gibbons Pearly Gates VOS | Review & Demo!

Guitar Chimp

Guitar Chimp

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Custom Shop '59 Les Paul Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates".

Setup and maintenance

  • The serial number format is crucial in identifying a Custom Shop reissue; a '59 reissue's serial begins with '9'.

    Source
  • Adjusting pickup height can significantly impact tone; lowering bass side by a centimeter can tighten bass response.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Fralin Pure PAFs are considered comparable in quality to Throbaks, offering a cost-effective alternative with a similar tonal profile.

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  • The 2009 Les Paul "Pearly Gates" model is compared to Murphy Lab R9s, which are noted for their authentic vintage feel.

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User experience

  • Bare Knuckle pickups increase amp distortion earlier and deliver clearer clean tones than Burstbuckers, impacting the acoustic-electric tonal match.

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  • Owners note that the feel of a 2010 Les Paul Standard is substantial and satisfying, despite its regular production status.

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  • Owners of similar models frequently point out that reproductions are reaching peak market prices due to Gibson's limited runs of iconic reissues.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Seymour Duncan JB pickups are frequently chosen for their predictable and consistent performance in Les Paul models.

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  • A Bare Knuckle True Grit bridge pickup replaces Burstbuckers, offering increased output and clarity for a more transparent sound.

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  • Removing pole screws from a neck pickup can improve clarity; some users provide video tutorials for guidance.

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  • Uncovering the bridge pickup can brighten the sound, commonly used for a Jimmy Page aesthetic.

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  • Some suggest installing SD Pearly Gates pickups in an Epiphone or Murphy Lab R9 for a close tonal match at a fraction of the cost.

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  • Installing Pearly Gates pickups in an iced tea burst Les Paul is a popular alternative for achieving a similar sound without the hefty price tag.

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Value and pricing

  • A 2010 Les Paul Standard is valued between $1,800 to $2,100, significantly less than a Custom Shop R9 reissue starting at $5,000.

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  • The price of the "Pearly Gates" model is deemed excessive, with suggestions that similar tone and performance can be achieved with guitars under $10k.

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Features and functionality

  • 2010 Les Paul Standards use Grover chrome tulip tuners, unlike the Custom Shop reissues.

    Source

Build quality

  • The 2010 Les Paul Standard features a thin nitro finish that can darken over time, resembling the aged VOS finish of Custom Shop reissues.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Billy Gibbons uses Gibson Custom Shop '59 Les Paul Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates"

Billy Gibbons

Guitarist

ZZ Top

...
Verified via YouTube

I understand that there is already his original pearly gates is listed under his gear but this one is a modified version of his custom shop reissue from I believe 2009. At about 6:64 you can see Billy Gibbons’s guitar tech mention and show off a modified version of his custom shop reissue of pearly gates. This guitar has been chambered out and the pickups were replaced Seymour Duncan pearly gate pickups.

Genre Usage

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

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