1959 Gibson Les Paul Special Red

It seems that all things Gibson from 1959 are in demand (and with good reason). But if you're looking for a 59 Les Paul Special, you need to be aware of the various incarnations of 59. They are absolutely not created equal. The first version has the neck pickup right up against the fingerboard where it belongs. The three way switch was between the neck pickups controls. First they moved the three way. It didn't mke much difference-just perhaps an easier place to reach on the fly. But, then Gibson started getting complaints about the neck join so they moved the neck pickup down toward the bridge and, if you ask me, ruined the neck pickup tone. Most 59's have the earlier neck pickup location but not all. So, pay attention. This is the early version (there is an even earlier version of the double cut with a sharper body edge but those are nearly all 58's). Look for the version with the neck pickup up against the fingerboard/ This one is that configuration (and with the earlier three way position). It is all original except for the tuners (originals are in the case and they work but they are kind of loose). There is an Ilitch noise cancellation mod in the control cavity. It works great and it is easily removed if you want the usual P90 pickup noise. It's also worth noting that many 59's lost the Les Paul designation on the headstock. This one still says Les Paul for what that's worth. It is an aggressive, snarly guitar. Just what I look for in a P90 guitar. Frets have been replaced and probably the nut as well. There is a missing dot marker that will be replaced. It has an added strap button on the cutaway. Case is modern.