Gibson Les Paul 59 Dirty Lemon VOS

Gibson Les Paul 59 Dirty Lemon VOS review

The Gibson Les Paul 59 Dirty Lemon VOS is a Custom Shop take on the 1959 Les Paul, with a solid mahogany body, a maple top, and two unpotted Custombucker Alnico III humbuckers. Its specification stays close to the classic Les Paul formula, while details such as hide glue construction, vintage-style hardware, and a one-piece mahogany neck give the build a distinctly period-inspired focus.

This model was released as a limited run in 2019 and has been available since March 2020. The listed price is 5,333. It is made in the USA and ships with a Lifton case and certificate. For buyers weighing it as a playing instrument, a collectible, or both, the core questions are practical: how the neck feels, what the construction includes, and whether the Dirty Lemon finish matches expectations.

Construction and finish

The body is solid mahogany, topped with maple. Hide glue is specified for the top and rosewood fingerboard. The neck is a single piece of mahogany, with an Authentic '59 Medium C profile. That profile description points to a neck shaped around a familiar vintage-style feel, rather than a slim modern design. One owner described the neck feel as excellent, while noting that the guitar felt like a different instrument from a 1960s Les Paul they had owned.

The Dirty Lemon finish gives the guitar its sunburst appearance. The specification also lists an aniline-dyed back. The top's visual character may vary from the images used in product listings: one buyer specifically cautioned against expecting the same top shown in the photographs. That is worth keeping in mind when buying remotely, particularly if a specific flame or grain pattern is part of the appeal. The available feedback does not describe a defect, only a difference between the pictured example and the guitar received.

The rosewood fingerboard has aged cellulose nitrate trapezoid inlays and 22 historic medium-jumbo frets. These details support the model's vintage-oriented presentation, though the actual playing experience will depend on setup and personal preference. The scale length is 628 mm. Gibson lists no tremolo, which is consistent with the fixed-bridge layout.

Pickups and hardware

Two unpotted Custombucker Alnico III humbuckers provide the pickup system. The controls use CTS 500k potentiometers and paper-in-oil capacitors. The product information specifies the components, but does not provide measured output levels or a detailed tonal description. Buyers should therefore treat claims about exact sound as something to assess in person or through a reliable demonstration, rather than infer from the pickup name alone.

The bridge is a no-wire ABR-1, paired with an aluminum stopbar. Kluson single-ring vintage tuners and nickel hardware continue the traditional specification. Plastic parts are made from cellulose acetate butyrate. There is no tremolo system, so players looking for pitch effects will need to use a separate pedal or choose another instrument.

Playing impressions and ownership

Customer comments are strongly positive about the instrument's quality and workmanship. One owner called it an exceptionally good guitar and praised its feel, while another recommended it both for playing and as an investment. Those comments are individual impressions, not a guarantee of future resale value. The purchase case is clearest for players who want a carefully specified Custom Shop Les Paul and appreciate its vintage details.

The guitar includes a Lifton case and certificate, but no gig bag. Its 22 frets and fixed bridge make the layout straightforward for players already familiar with a traditional Les Paul. The listed information does not provide a weight, neck measurements, or setup details, so it is worth asking the seller for those before ordering if they are important to fit or comfort.

Verdict

The Gibson Les Paul 59 Dirty Lemon VOS combines a mahogany body and neck with a hide-glued maple top, rosewood fingerboard, and vintage-focused hardware. Its specification is unusually detailed, and owner feedback points to strong build quality and a comfortable neck. The main caveat is visual consistency: the top may not look exactly like the example in listing photos. At a listed price of 5,333, buyers should confirm the specific instrument's appearance and setup before purchase. For someone seeking a U.S.-made Custom Shop '59-style Les Paul with a case and certificate, the package is compelling on its stated merits.