Gibson 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard
| Posted in Guitar
The Gibson 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard is probably the least surprising announcement from Gibson at NAMM, and its release will be a chance for guitarists to rediscover the model and to understand why it’s different to a ’58 or ’59.
On the originals, as with the reissues or ‘R0s’ as they’re known, the biggest difference was the neck size. Whereas the Sunburst Les Pauls from the previous two years had large necks, the neck on the ’60 was made considerably thinner in an attempt to rekindle sales. At the time, the Les Paul was none too popular with guitarists who associated Gibson with jazz guitars and were switching to Fenders in their droves. Unfortunately, it proved too late and the guitar was discontinued halfway through the year then redesigned as the SG. The other differences were in the finish, which by 1960 used a red dye in the sunburst that didn’t fade so easily, and double ring Kluson machine heads.
Playing wise, the feel of the guitar is totally different to a ’59 and opinion and taste on the model is, as ever, polarised amongst players. There may be a lot of guitarists who simply can’t get on with big necks and who have been waiting for 2010 to roll around to finally treat themselves to an anniversary model.
While we’re on the subject of 1960 Les Paul Standards, Eric Clapton’s ‘Beano’ ‘burst was a ’60. This was the Les Paul he bought in London in 1965 and used on the John Mayall Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton album. It was stolen from a rehersal room the following year and has never resurfaced, becoming the subject of much speculation over its whereabouts and rumour as to its current ownership. This year must present a not to be missed opportunity for the team at Gibson Custom to produce it as an ‘Inspired By’ model. Yes please.
Gibson is unveiling new models thick and fast at the moment, and the release of the 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard will also be the subject of much speculation and discussion among aficionados as to what exactly the differences will be to the already available ’60 model, apart that is from the anniversary certificate and other paraphernalia. Gibson Custom is forever tweaking the Les Paul reissues to bring them even closer to the originals, and every tiny change in detail will be scrutinised and discussed at length on the forums. Unfortunately, at time of writing, there is no information available as to the specifications, but rest assured that as soon as they become available, we will be on the case.
In the meantime, The NAMM show is underway and companies are releasing details and updating websites by the minute, so watch this space for news on the Gibson 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard.
Tags: 1960 les paul, 50th anniversary 1960 les paul standard, gibson les paul