In 2009, the Gibson Custom Shop meticulously recreated the 'Pearly Gates' 1959 Les Paul Standard, an exact replica of ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons' iconic 'Burst'. Originally owned by Gibbons since 1968, this legendary guitar graced every ZZ Top track since. The limited edition run comprised of 350 guitars - 250 with the Gibson Custom Shop V.O.S. finish, 50 aged by Tom Murphy, and 50 aged and personally signed by Gibbons himself.
This 2009 Gibson Custom Shop Billy Gibbons 'Pearly Gates' 1959 Les Paul VOS is #201 of the 250 VOS models produced. Gibson had unparalleled access to the original instrument, scrutinizing every detail from the figured maple top to the faded sunburst finish. The body is fitted with a set of Seymour Duncan Custom Shop Pearly Gates PAF replicas, identical to those used on stage by Gibbons himself.
The Pearly Gates 1959 Les Paul Standard is one of Gibson Custom's most sought-after artist instruments, featuring a non-weight relieved mahogany back and hand-carved, highly figured maple top, akin to the original, with the same subtle darkening around the edges of the finish and the striking grain of the maple top. The Pearly Gates Limited Edition is as close as it gets to owning the real thing, embodying the essence of Gibson's legendary Les Pauls from the late 1950s.
A rare gem that seldom hits the market, the Billy Gibbons Pearly Gates '59 Les Paul stands as a testament to Gibson Custom Shop's dedication to precision and authenticity in recreating iconic artist guitars. This guitar retains its original case, case candy, tags and Custom Shop certificate of authenticity.
This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
