SOLD GIBSON CUSTOM BONAMASSA 59 “SKINNERBURST” MURPHY AGED

Of all of today’s Les Paul-wielding artists Joe Bonamassa is among the most revered, and the astounding 1959 model that he affectionately calls “Principal Skinner” is the most beloved guitar in his extensive collection. Now, following a long-coming collaboration between Joe and Gibson Custom, we are delighted to present “Skinnerburst,” a detail-perfect recreation of what is possibly the hardest working 1959 Les Paul in the world today. Through unrestricted access to the original and Joe’s generous cooperation, Gibson Custom has scanned, studied and measured every spec, curve and parameter of this guitar to bring you an instrument that reproduces this prized ‘burst in every possible way, exactly as it looks, feels, and sounds today.

From its delectably faded Dirty Lemon finish, to its custom-wound humbucking pickups, to its precise top carve and neck profile, the Joe Bonamassa “Skinnerburst” 1959 Les Paul gets you as close as is humanly possible to a priceless artist’s guitar. Historically accurate binding colors, aged cellulose trapezoid inlays, hot-hide glue neck construction, and period-correct hardware all complement a breathtaking rendition of Joe’s constant stage and studio companion. Of 150 guitars hand-aged by unparalleled ageing artist Tom Murphy, 50 will be played and signed by Joe himself; a further 150 will be treated to Gibson Custom’s VOS process, making a Limited Edition of 300 guitars in total.

Body Language
The maple top’s figuring and carved arch are precisely matched to Joe’s original “Skinnerburst.”
Pickup Lines
Gibson’s CustomBucker and Burstbucker pickups are made to the precise specs of the original PAFs in Joe’s favored original ’59 Les Paul.
Precision Tune-up
Nickel-plated Tune-o-matic bridge and lightweight aluminum stopbar deliver burst-certified sustain.
Precise Neck Profile
The precise profile and feel of Joe’s guitar are recreated in a stunningly accurate ’59 neck shape.
The Beauty of a Time Faded Burst
Skinnerburst—an accurate recreation of the luscious fade of a ’59 sunburst Les Paul’s top to a shade commonly referred to as “Dirty Lemon”.
Aging Gracefully
Authentic hand-aging by Tom Murphy (150 guitars) to match the playing wear of Joe’s own ’59 Les Paul.

Body

Top 2 Piece, Figured Maple
Back Genuine Mahogany
Binding Reissue Cream, Single Ply
Adhesive Franklin Titebond

Body

Neck

Species Mahogany Neck with a Maple Spline
Truss Rod Reissue Truss Rod Assembly
Joint Angle 4° (+/- 15 seconds)

Neck

Neck Fit

Joint Mortise & Tenon
Adhesive Hot Hide Glue
Joint Angle Tolerance +/- .005″

Neck Fit

Fingerboard

Species Rosewood
Radius 12″
Binding Cream
Inlays Nitrocellulose Reissue Trapezoid
Nut/E.O.B 1.687/2.062
Adhesive Hot Hide Glue

Fingerboard

Nut

Material Nylon
Width 1.687
Slots Gibson PLEK System

Nut

Headstock

Inlay Reissue with Gibson Pearl Inlay
Truss Rod Cover Vintage
Angle 17 Degrees

Headstock

Tuners

Model Kluson Deluxe Green Key Single Band
Tuning Ratio 12:01
Plating Nickel

Tuners

Bridge

Type ABR-1 Thumbwheel
Plating Nickel

Bridge

Tailpiece

Type Aluminum Stopbar
Plating Nickel

Bridge

Hardware

Knobs Gold Top Hats
Pickguard Reissue Cream
Toggle Switch Washer Reissue Cream
Pickup Mounting Rings Cream
Strings .011 – .050
Strap Buttons Aluminum

Hardware

Pickups

Neck Position Burstbucker #3
Bridge Position Custombucker

Pickups

Electronics

Potentiometers 2 Volume Controls
2 Tone Controls
Capacitors Bumble Bee
Toggle Switch Three-Way
Output Jack Traditional ¼”

Electronics

Finish

Sealer Nitrocellulose Lacquer

“Skinnerburst” Dirty Lemon “Skinnerburst” Dirty Lemon Aged

Case

Type Custom Shop

Case

Additional Materials

Certificate of Authenticity Yes
Additional Materials Hardshell Custom Shop Case / Certificate of Authenticity Engraved & Leather-bound / Extra Switch Plate in Case