The Gibson Custom Shop Made 2 Measure ’59 Les Paul Standard Reissue VOS in Tangerine Burst is a masterfully aged recreation of one of the most revered electric guitars in history, combining period-correct craftsmanship with a visually striking custom finish. Built to embody the tone, feel, and aesthetic of an original 1959 Les Paul, this instrument features Gibson’s VOS (Vintage Original Spec) treatment—a lightly aged nitrocellulose lacquer that imparts a soft patina, subtly dulled hardware, and the broken-in look and feel of a well-preserved vintage original.

At the heart of the guitar is a one-piece lightweight mahogany back, paired with a beautifully carved 2-piece AAA figured maple top, joined using traditional hide glue for maximum resonance and tonal integrity. The Tangerine Burst finish, enhanced by the VOS patina, brings out the depth and character of the figured maple while maintaining a warm, vintage-inspired aesthetic. With no weight relief, the guitar delivers the full-bodied sustain, harmonic richness, and dynamic response that define the legendary late-’50s Les Pauls. The single-cut body is bound in single-ply Royalite, faithfully replicating the materials and construction methods of the era.

The solid mahogany neck features a long tenon joint, also hide glue fit, ensuring superior sustain and structural stability. Its 50s Rounded Medium C profile—measuring .860" at the first fret and .975" at the twelfth—offers a comfortable, substantial grip that feels authentic in the hands, striking a perfect balance between fullness and playability. The Indian rosewood fingerboard is crafted with a 12-inch radius and outfitted with 22 historic medium-jumbo frets, providing smooth, effortless play across the entire 24.75-inch scale. Classic cellulose nitrate trapezoid inlays and a nylon nut further reinforce the guitar’s vintage pedigree.

Sonically, this reissue is powered by a pair of Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups, designed to replicate the nuanced character of original PAF humbuckers. These pickups deliver a wide tonal palette—from warm, articulate neck tones to rich, harmonically complex bridge sounds—responding dynamically to picking intensity and volume adjustments. The electronics are equally faithful, featuring CTS 500K audio taper potentiometers, paper-in-oil capacitors, and a traditional 2-volume, 2-tone control layout. A Switchcraft 3-way selector and output jack ensure reliable, noise-free performance.

Hardware appointments are meticulously chosen for both tone and historical accuracy. The ABR-1 bridge and lightweight aluminum stop bar tailpiece maximize sustain and resonance, while nickel-plated brass saddles add clarity and definition. Kluson single-line, single-ring tuning machines provide smooth, stable tuning with a vintage-correct appearance. Additional details such as gold butyrate top hat knobs, an amber Catalin switch tip, black Royalite control covers, and M69 mounting rings complete the instrument’s classic look.

Every element, from the laminated cellulose acetate butyrate pickguard and jack plate to the replica switch washer and authentic 1950s no-tube truss rod, reflects the Gibson Custom Shop’s dedication to historical precision. The guitar includes a Certificate of Authenticity and ships in a brown and pink 5-latch reissue case, further emphasizing its status as a premium collector-grade instrument.

The Made 2 Measure ’59 Les Paul Standard Reissue VOS in Tangerine Burst is more than a faithful reproduction—it’s a living piece of guitar history, offering vintage tone, refined playability, and an aged aesthetic that feels as inspiring as it looks.