Gibson Les Paul 59 STB ULA

Overview and Build Quality

The Gibson Les Paul 59 STB ULA, produced by Gibson's Murphy Lab Custom Shop, targets players and collectors seeking high authenticity in a 1959 Les Paul reissue. Offered at a premium price point, this version delivers period-correct design, components, and construction techniques. The body is made from solid mahogany, paired with a maple top using traditional hide glue.

The one-piece mahogany neck is also attached with hide glue, and the fingerboard is rosewood, aged for appearance and feel. Trapezoid inlays are made from aged cellulose nitrate, providing both historical accuracy and subtle visual relicing to match the Ultra Light Aged finish. The model's look is completed with nickel hardware, Kluson vintage-style tuners, and an aluminum stop bar. The single cutaway body shape, sunrise teaburst finish, and visible lacquer cracks reinforce its old-school appeal.

Neck and Playability

This reissue uses the authentic 1959 medium "C" neck profile, staying true to original Les Paul specifications. The shape offers a medium contour that sits in line with late '50s designs, meaning it will feel substantial but not excessively chunky for most hands. With a 628 mm scale length (approximately 24.75 inches) and 22 historic medium jumbo frets, the instrument favors players who appreciate that classic Les Paul response and playability.

Fingerboard authenticity extends further: the rosewood is attached with hide glue, and inlays in aged cellulose nitrate combine vintage looks with a smooth playing surface. Gibson's fretwork, especially at the Custom Shop level, is precise, medium jumbo frets offer both note presence and easy bending without creating excessive finger drag.

Electronics and Hardware

The pickup configuration uses two Custombucker humbuckers, replicating the tonal formula of original late '50s Gibsons. These are controlled by CTS 500k potentiometers and oil-in-paper capacitors, which together produce a smooth taper and a focused, traditional character to the tone circuits. This hardware setup allows for the classic Les Paul tonal palette, rich sustain, articulate highs, and a robust midrange. The instrument does not feature a vibrato bridge (tremolo system), sticking with the period-accurate fixed design for maximum resonance and stability.

The bridge is a no-wire ABR-1 model, another authentic touch. Along with an aluminum stop bar, this helps with transfer of vibration to the solid mahogany body and maple top, contributing to the signature sustain and resonance. Nickel hardware and cellulose acetate butyrate plastics finish out the appointments with a period-correct look.

Finish and Presentation

The Murphy Lab's Ultra Light Aged process aims to mimic decades of careful use, featuring controlled lacquer cracking and subtle wear. The sunrise teaburst burst coloration captures the visual style of desirable late '50s Les Pauls and differentiates this guitar from standard factory finishes. The guitar ships with a Lifton hard case and certificate of authenticity, underlining both its collectible and utilitarian values.

Additional presentation notes: the use of aniline dye on the neck and back is a return to vintage coloring and aging methods. There is no gigbag included, only the premium hard case, which suits the guitar's status and purpose.

Key Technical Features

• Solid mahogany body and one-piece neck for resonance
• Maple top and rosewood fingerboard, both hide-glued for vintage construction fidelity
• Authentic 1959 medium "C" neck profile, 22 medium jumbo frets
• Two Custombucker humbuckers, CTS pots, oil-in-paper capacitors
• No-wire ABR-1 bridge and aluminum stop bar for accuracy and sustain
• Kluson single ring vintage tuners, nickel hardware, ultralight aged lacquer
• No tremolo system
• Includes Lifton hard case and certificate

Conclusion

The Gibson Les Paul 59 STB ULA Murphy Lab Custom Shop edition stands as a highly detailed reissue that applies historically informed woodworking, electronics, and finishing processes. Emphasis on period-correct details such as hide glue joins, aniline dye, paper-in-oil capacitors, and carefully reliced components produces not merely an homage, but a tool built to deliver the authentic late '50s Les Paul experience. This places the instrument firmly for serious players and collectors who value faithful reproduction of vintage instruments, with a price point that reflects the premium components and craftsmanship involved.