Few guitars are as revered and collectible as the Burst Era Gibson Les Paul, which includes those manufactured in 1958, 1959 and 1960. The instrument is steeped in mystique and music history. If you own a 1959 or 1960 Les Paul, Chicago Gold Gallery is actively buying. We’re passionate about vintage guitars and offer top cash payouts for instruments of this caliber.
What Makes the Burst Era Les Paul So Special?
The “Burst Era” Les Paul marked a significant turning point in guitar collectability. In this era, Gibson introduced the now-iconic sunburst finish for the Les Paul Standard transitioning from the Goldtop of earlier models. While the Les Paul Goldtop Standard is essentially as good as far as the sound and construction, the Sunburst models that reveal the carved curly maple tops are among the most sought-after guitars in the world.
The Burst Era Gibson Les Paul featured:
- Figured maple tops
- Mahogany body and neck, delivering deep resonance and sustain
- “Patent Applied For” (PAF) humbucking pickups, which produced a warm, fat tone that helped define rock and blues
- The famous sunburst finish that featured a variation of sunburst finishes like ice tea, tobacco and cherry sunburst
What Makes the 1958,1959 & 1960 Les Paul Stand Out in Particular?
The 1960 Gibson Les Paul stands out for its blend of classic and transitional features. It still featured the coveted “Patent Applied For” humbucking pickups, which could be found in visually striking double cream or zebra (mismatched coil) configurations. 1960 also brought three evolving neck profiles and a shift to a brighter, redder “tomato soup” sunburst finish, marking a noticeable visual departure from the ’59 models.
A Slow Start That Became Legendary
When the Les Paul Burst was released, it wasn’t immediately popular. Most guitarists still preferred Fender’s lighter Stratocasters and Telecasters. Sales were modest. However, what happened next turned the Burst Era Les Paul into a legend.
Guitarists like Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Mike Bloomfield began using Les Pauls in the 1960s and ’70s, showcasing their power, sustain, and expressive tone. Suddenly, everyone wanted one.
Today, the Burst Era Les Paul is more than a guitar. It’s a piece of music history.
Do You Own a 1958, 1959 or 1960 Les Paul Burst?
If you have a 1958,1959 or 1960 Les Paul Burst in your possession, you may be holding one of the most collectible electric guitars ever made. Some of these guitars have sold in the high six figures at auction.
We understand that parting with such an instrument is not just a financial decision, but an emotional one. That’s why we treat every guitar with the respect it deserves, offering fair, professional appraisals and confidential consultations.
Whether your guitar is a pristine collector’s piece or a well-played road warrior, we want to hear about it.
Sell Your 1958, 1959 or 1960 Gibson Les Paul to Chicago Gold Gallery
At Chicago Gold Gallery, we’ve been collecting and appraising guitars since the 1960s. Our team has deep expertise in vintage Gibsons, and we’re especially interested in Burst Era Gibson Les Pauls, as well as Les Paul Custom and Goldtop Standard models
If you’re considering selling, we make the process easy by offering:
- No obligation appraisals
- In-person evaluations at our secure Chicago location
- Immediate cash offers if we’re interested in the piece
- A trusted team that understands your instrument’s history and value
Contact Us Today
If you’re ready to explore the value of your Burst Era Les Paul or just want to speak with a fellow guitar enthusiast who understands what you have, contact Chicago Gold Gallery today. Let us help you preserve your guitar’s legacy and give it the appreciation it deserves.