A-0001 Stamped Prototype

The Heritage Series Standard 80 was Gibson’s first true attempt at reproducing the legendary 1959 Les Paul™ Standard, and, as such, it largely remains faithful to vintage specifications, with some subtle variations.

Offered for sale as part of Gibson’s world-first Certified Vintage program, this guitar’s low serial number indicates that it was the earliest Standard 80 prototype, and therefore it can be considered the first genuine ’59 reissue ever produced. Having resided for more than 40 years in the Gibson Vault, this is a unique opportunity to purchase an instrument of historic importance in the evolution of Gibson’s vintage reissue models.

With its gorgeous flame maple top finished in Heritage Cherry Sunburst, it certainly looks the part, while patent-number-stamped humbuckers and a ’59-style neck profile tick all the right boxes in terms of sound and feel. The guitar’s original brown hardshell case lost its handle somewhere in storage, so it will also ship with a brand-new Lifton™ hard case. The guitar is missing its original pickguard.

Availability Date: The purchased instrument will be available for pickup at the Gibson Garage in Nashville, or shipment to an address in the US, starting April 27, 2023.

A NEW WARRANTY, PLUS TWO CASES — OLD AND NEW

Alongside a certificate of authenticity and limited lifetime warranty, enclosed will be a detailed letter of appraisal confirming the provenance and history of the instrument, signed by both Gibson’s Senior Director of Product Development Mat Koehler and Director of Brand Experience Mark Agnesi. A new brown Lifton case will be included alongside the original case, which, although missing a handle, comes with the original owner’s manual and case keys.