2012 Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Les Paul Standard R9 VOS~ Honey Burst~ Case & COA

✨ 2012 Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue R9 VOS – Honey Burst – Original Case & COA ✨

 

Few electric guitars carry the reputation of the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, and this outstanding 2012 Custom Shop Reissue captures much of what has made the original so desirable.

 

Finished in a beautiful Honey Burst VOS, this R9 features a highly figured flame maple top, traditional Historic Reissue construction and the substantial rounded neck profile associated with Gibson’s celebrated 1959 specification.

 

We’re particularly pleased to be offering this guitar at Chordplay Guitars. It has come to us directly from a longstanding customer who purchased it new in 2012 and has owned it ever since. Used exclusively at home and never gigged, it has enjoyed an exceptionally easy life.

 

The condition is outstanding for a guitar of this age, and it comes complete with its original Gibson Custom Shop case, Certificate of Authenticity and an excellent collection of original paperwork and case candy.

 

Gibson Custom Shop – The 1959 Reissue

 

The original 1959 Les Paul Standard occupies an extraordinary position in electric guitar history. Produced in relatively small numbers, these instruments have become some of the world’s most valuable and sought-after electric guitars.

 

Their reputation goes far beyond collectability. The combination of mahogany and maple construction, powerful yet articulate humbuckers and the distinctive playing characteristics of the late-1950s Les Paul helped establish a sound that has influenced generations of guitarists.

 

Gibson’s Custom Shop Historic Reissue programme was created to recreate these instruments with a level of detail and craftsmanship worthy of the originals.

 

The R9 is one of the most desirable models in that collection, combining carefully selected tonewoods, traditional construction techniques and vintage-inspired components to reproduce the experience of playing a late-1950s Les Paul Standard.

 

This 2012 example is a particularly attractive illustration of that approach.

 

Beautiful Honey Burst Flame Maple Top

 

The first thing that draws your attention is the top.

 

The carved figured maple displays beautifully defined flame across the body, with a rich golden centre and warmer amber shading towards the edges.

 

It’s a wonderfully elegant interpretation of the classic late-1950s sunburst, allowing the natural figuring of the maple to take centre stage.

 

The flame changes character depending on the viewing angle and lighting, giving the top a remarkable sense of depth. Our photographs capture this particularly well, although it is even more impressive in person.

 

Cream binding, vintage-style pickup surrounds, gold top-hat control knobs and aged nickel hardware complete the appearance.

 

Traditional Historic Construction

 

Beneath the beautiful maple top is a solid mahogany body, paired with a set mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard.

 

The substantial 1959-style rounded neck profile is an important part of the R9 experience. It offers a reassuring, full feel in the hand without sacrificing playability, particularly for players who appreciate the neck dimensions associated with Gibson’s original late-1950s instruments.

 

The traditional 24.75-inch scale length, 22 historic-style frets and trapezoid fingerboard inlays remain faithful to the classic Les Paul design.

 

An ABR-1-style Tune-o-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece provide the familiar playing response and resonance that have become central to the Les Paul sound.

 

This is a guitar built around the established qualities of the original design, rather than unnecessary modern additions.

 

Pickups, Electronics & Tone

 

One of the defining characteristics of a great Les Paul is the relationship between its pickups, tonewoods and traditional control layout.

 

The 2012 R9 specification is associated with Gibson Burstbucker humbuckers, designed to reproduce the expressive response of vintage PAF-style pickups.

 

The period-correct electronics specification also includes traditional-style controls and Bumblebee capacitors, reflecting Gibson Custom’s attention to the details of the original instruments.

 

The result is an exceptionally versatile tonal platform.

 

The neck position offers warmth, depth and a wonderfully rounded response, while the bridge delivers the articulation, bite and authority that make these guitars so effective for classic rock and blues.

 

The middle position provides another distinctive voice, allowing the two pickups to be blended using their individual volume controls.

 

Clean or driven, the appeal lies in the guitar’s dynamic response, natural sustain and ability to move from smooth, expressive lead tones to powerful rhythm sounds.

 

The exact fitted pickup and electronic components have not been independently inspected, so the above describes the 2012 model specification rather than a verified internal component inventory.

 

VOS – Vintage Original Spec

 

This guitar features Gibson’s factory VOS (Vintage Original Spec) treatment.

 

Rather than applying heavy artificial wear, the VOS process gives the finish and hardware a subtly aged appearance, intended to resemble an original vintage instrument that has been carefully preserved over time.

 

The slightly softened appearance of the finish and the patina visible on the hardware are deliberate elements of the factory specification.

 

This is an important distinction when assessing the condition of a VOS guitar, as the vintage appearance is part of its original character.

 

On this example, the VOS treatment works beautifully alongside the Honey Burst colouring and figured maple top.

 

Weight – 8lb 11.6oz

 

Another appealing feature of this particular instrument is its weight.

 

Approximately 8lb 11.6oz, measured on our digital scales and shown in the photographs.

 

For a traditionally constructed, solid-body Les Paul Reissue, this is a very attractive weight, retaining the reassuring feel of the instrument without becoming excessively heavy.

 

Exceptional Condition & One-Owner History

 

This is where our particular example becomes especially interesting.

 

We purchased the guitar directly from a longstanding Chordplay Guitars customer who has owned it since new in 2012.

 

During that time it has been played exclusively at home, has never been gigged and has clearly received considerable care and attention.

 

The overall condition is exceptional for a 14-year-old instrument.

 

There are very minor signs of use, including occasional light surface marks and normal handling wear. There may be the odd small ding or cosmetic imperfection that we have not individually identified, but nothing that significantly detracts from its presentation.

 

As explained above, the ageing and patina associated with the VOS finish are intentional factory features and should not be mistaken for excessive playwear.

 

The top remains beautiful, the guitar presents extremely well and it is a pleasure to have an example with such a straightforward ownership history.

 

Please study our detailed photographs, which show the actual instrument being offered and form part of our condition description.

 

Original Gibson Custom Shop Case, COA & Case Candy

 

The guitar is accompanied by its original brown Gibson Custom Shop Historic-style hardshell case, with the distinctive deep pink/plum plush interior.

 

Also included is its original Gibson Custom Shop Certificate of Authenticity, identifying it as an LP 59 Reissue with serial number 9 2701.

 

The accompanying paperwork and accessories are particularly pleasing, including the Gibson Gold Warranty booklet, Historic Collection material and original Gibson Custom Shop hang tags.

 

The vintage-style presentation of the case and accessories adds considerably to the ownership experience, especially for buyers seeking a well-preserved Historic Reissue with its original accompanying material.

 

Specification

 

* Manufacturer: Gibson Custom Shop

* Model: 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue

* Historic Designation: R9

* Year: 2012

* Serial Number: 9 2701

* Country of Manufacture: USA

* Finish: Honey Burst-Style Sunburst

* Factory Finish Treatment: VOS – Vintage Original Spec

* Body: Solid Mahogany

* Top: Carved Figured Flame Maple

* Neck: Set Mahogany

* Neck Profile: 1959-Style Rounded

* Fingerboard: Rosewood

* Fingerboard Radius: 12”

* Inlays: Trapezoid

* Frets: 22 Historic-Style

* Scale Length: 24.75”

* Pickups: Dual Gibson Humbuckers; Burstbuckers associated with 2012 R9 specification

* Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone

* Pickup Selector: 3-Way Toggle

* Bridge: ABR-1-Style Tune-o-Matic

* Tailpiece: Stopbar

* Machine Heads: Vintage-Style

* Hardware: Aged Nickel

* Binding: Cream

* Weight: Approximately 8lb 11oz

* Case: Original Gibson Custom Shop Brown Historic-Style Hardshell Case

* Certificate: Original Gibson Custom Shop Certificate of Authenticity

* Condition: Exceptional Used Condition

* Ownership History: One Owner From New – Home Use Only, Never Gigged

 

What’s Included

 

* 2012 Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue R9 VOS

* Original brown Gibson Custom Shop hardshell case with pink/plum plush interior

* Original Gibson Custom Shop Certificate of Authenticity – LP 59 Reissue, serial 9 2701

* Gibson Gold Warranty booklet

* Gibson Historic Collection documentation and hang tags

* Gibson Custom Shop hang tag

* Gibson Vintage Reissue Strings hang tag

* Bumblebee Equipped hang tag

* Gibson Historic Collection wooden guitar-shaped tag

* Additional original Gibson paperwork and case candy shown in the photographs

 

Why Buy From Chordplay Guitars?

 

We’re an independent, family-run guitar shop in Darwen, open 7 days a week and specialising in carefully selected new and used guitars.

 

Every used instrument is checked and cleaned before sale, with setup work carried out where appropriate. We aim to give honest, detailed condition descriptions so you know exactly what you’re buying.

 

Free next-working-day UK mainland delivery is available on orders over £470.

 

£50 secures it, and part exchange is always welcome.

 

Friendly support is available before, during and after your purchase.

 

We Buy Guitars

 

Looking to sell or part exchange something? We’re always interested in quality used guitars and collections. Get in touch with details and photographs and we’ll be happy to take a look.

 

International Buyers

 

Worldwide shipping is available. We have plenty of experience packing guitars securely for international transport. Any import duties, VAT, taxes, customs charges or other local fees are not included in the purchase price or shipping charge and remain the buyer’s responsibility. Please check with your local customs authority before purchasing.