1960 Gibson Les Paul Custom – Cherry

It’s not often that a guitar comes through our doors and stops everyone in their tracks, but this one did exactly that. We are extremely honored to present this exceptionally rare 1960 Gibson Les Paul Custom in its stunning factory Cherry finish. Reports state that only six or so examples of these remarkable “Red Beauties” were produced between 1959 and 1960, with most built as export models destined for the Swedish company Hagström. This particular example even retains the faint “Made in the USA” stamp above the serial number, a detail found exclusively on export models before 1970, and a wonderful piece of historical context that further supports its provenance. Among the handful known to survive, this Cherry Custom stands out as one of the finer examples, as the guitar remains completely original, showing no major repairs or modifications. Cosmetically, it presents beautifully for its age, with signs of honest wear, including small nicks, dings, light buckle rash, and fine finish checking throughout. The back of the neck displays some of the more noticeable wear from years of use, though nothing that detracts from the guitar’s feel or playability. Despite being a 1960 Gibson, a year typically associated with slimmer neck profiles, this guitar features a fantastic’ 59-style Medium C neck profile, making it incredibly comfortable in the hand and a joy to play. As if the guitar itself weren’t special enough, this instrument also boasts a remarkable lineage, having once belonged to legendary guitarist Neal Schon. It is accompanied by the official Neal Schon Collection COA from the Heritage Auctions sale in which it was previously offered. For collectors seeking a truly extraordinary Les Paul Custom, one that combines rarity, provenance, originality, and undeniable vibe, this is an opportunity that simply does not come along often. Guitars of this caliber rarely surface, so it is very possible that another example like this may not appear again for years to come!

Overall Condition: 8.5