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Average Price: $11,800

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Rick Nielsen's 1959 Les Paul is more than just a guitar; it's a slice of rock 'n' roll history brought to life by Gibson Custom. Inspired by the legendary Cheap Trick guitarist's cherished original, this limited reissue captures every detail of that iconic instrument, including its well-loved character and vintage aesthetic. Crafted with precision, the guitar boasts Custom Bucker humbucking pickups that perfectly emulate the vintage PAF sound, ensuring your riffs resonate with the same energy that defines Nielsen's performances.

The solid mahogany body provides a rich tonal foundation, while the hand-rolled fretboard edges offer a comfortable, broken-in feel right from the start. Gibson's attention to detail extends to the aged nitrocellulose finish, meticulously replicating the wear and fading that only decades of passionate play could produce. This careful aging process ensures that whether you're on stage or in the studio, your guitar carries the same authentic vibe as Nielsen's original 1959 Les Paul.

This is not merely a collector’s piece; it's an instrument ready to deliver the powerful, articulate tones that have become synonymous with Rick Nielsen's sound. With only 100 available worldwide, each guitar is a rare tribute to a musical legacy, crafted for those who appreciate both historical significance and exceptional craftsmanship.

Key Features:

  • Built to the exact specs of Rick Nielsen's original 1959 Les Paul
  • Authentic aging for a vintage look and feel
  • Custom Bucker humbucking pickups replicate vintage PAFs
  • Solid one-piece mahogany back
  • Hand-rolled fretboard edges for enhanced playability
  • Limited to 100 pieces worldwide

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Custom Shop Rick Nielsen '59 Les Paul Standard (Aged)
Finish Aged Nielsen Burst
Year 2016
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist Rick Nielsen
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Yellow
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 Rick Nielsen's 1959 Les Paul unique compared to other Les Paul models?

Rick Nielsen's 1959 Les Paul is part of the Gibson Custom Shop Artist Collection, featuring an aged Nielsen Burst finish and relic features that replicate the vintage look and feel. It also includes a flamed maple top and a mahogany body, offering a distinct aesthetic and sound.

What type of pickups does Rick Nielsen's 1959 Les Paul have?

This guitar features a humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing a rich and powerful tone suitable for a wide range of music genres, particularly rock and blues.

Is Rick Nielsen's 1959 Les Paul suitable for professional musicians?

Yes, this guitar is designed with professional musicians in mind, offering high-quality materials and craftsmanship from the Gibson Custom Shop, making it ideal for both studio recording and live performances.

How does the neck profile of Rick Nielsen's 1959 Les Paul affect playability?

The set-neck construction made from mahogany provides excellent sustain and a comfortable playing experience, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What is the scale length of Rick Nielsen's 1959 Les Paul and how does it impact tone?

The scale length is 24.75", which is standard for Les Paul guitars, contributing to a warm, full-bodied tone with easy playability, especially for bending notes and playing chords.

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

GIbson Custom Shop Rick Nielsen 1959 Les Paul • SN: RN017

Video thumbnail for GIbson Custom Shop Rick Nielsen 1959 Les Paul  •  SN: RN017 by Wildwood Guitars

GIbson Custom Shop Rick Nielsen 1959 Les Paul • SN: RN017

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Secret Stash: Gibson Custom Rick Nielsen 1959 Les Paul Standard  | CME Gear Demo by Chicago Music Exchange

Secret Stash: Gibson Custom Rick Nielsen 1959 Les Paul Standard | CME Gear Demo

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Rick Nielsen 1959 Les Paul Standard Aged #9-0655 Electric Guitar - Nielsen Burst by Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom Rick Nielsen 1959 Les Paul Standard Aged #9-0655 Electric Guitar - Nielsen Burst

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for GIbson Custom Shop Rick Nielsen 1959 Les Paul  •  SN: RN045 by Wildwood Guitars

GIbson Custom Shop Rick Nielsen 1959 Les Paul • SN: RN045

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Rick Nielsen 1959 Les Paul Standard #9-0655 Electric Guitar - Nielsen Burst by Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom Rick Nielsen 1959 Les Paul Standard #9-0655 Electric Guitar - Nielsen Burst

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Rick Nielsen’s 1959 Les Paul Standard Recreated by | Reverb News

reverb.com

Gibson's recreation of Rick Nielsen's 1959 Les Paul Standard is a meticulous homage to a legendary instrument, boasting hand-crafted precision and historical accuracy. While its craftsmanship is undeniable, the limited availability and high price point may deter potential buyers. This collector's piece is a dream for avid fans and serious collectors, but its appeal might be more niche due to its exclusivity and cost.

Gibson Launches Rick Nielsen 1959 Les Paul Guitar - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Gibson Custom Launches Limited Edition Rick Nielsen1959 LesPaul | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

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Artist usage

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See how Vivian Campbell uses Gibson Custom Rick Nielsen's 1959 Les Paul

Vivian Campbell

Guitarist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via YouTube

Vivian Campbell owns a Gibson Custom Rick Nielsen's 1959 Les Paul, which he has named "Ricky." This information is confirmed in the video titled "DEF LEPPARD - This Guitar: Gear Breakdown with Vivian Campbell," available on the DEF LEPPARD YouTube channel.

See how Tracii Guns uses Gibson Custom Rick Nielsen's 1959 Les Paul

Tracii Guns

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:03 he talks about this guitar and why he uses it for the current tour.

See how Brian Ray uses Gibson Custom Rick Nielsen's 1959 Les Paul

Brian Ray

Singer, Guitarist

Paul McCartney (Live Band)

...
Verified via Photo

Ray posts on instagram, "Opening night with Paul and the guys on my new Rick Nielsen 59 Les Paul from @gibsoncustom Thanks Rick, I love this guitar! Cc @cheaptrickrick"

Genre Usage

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