At Musician’s Friend, we can only imagine what it would be like to play an original ’58 Les Paul. But with only a few in existence, and at a high price point, it's a dream that likely won't be realized. Fortunately, the Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1958 Les Paul Standard provides the exact same thrill. It certainly looks the part. Using techniques honed by Master Artisan Tom Murphy, this Les Paul has an Ultra Light aging, giving it the appearance of a guitar that rarely left its case over the last decades. And with a set of CustomBuckers, we guarantee you won’t crave any other sound for a while, maybe never. If you're looking to reward yourself with a reissue that makes all other suffer in comparison, the Murphy Lab Gibson is the one to get.

Let's Start With the Finish


 Tom Murphy was instrumental in creating the Gibson Custom Shop; he's also a pioneer in the art of aging guitars. This 1958 Les Paul gets an Ultra Light aging from the Murphy Lab. You'll see lacquer checking, but only minimal playing wear. It appears to have spent the majority of its life in a case, tucked under a bed, all but forgotten—until you came along. The hardware displays a matching patina.

Historically Authentic Construction


 The Custom Shop doesn't fool around when it comes to construction. From laser-scanned dimensions to chemically recreated plastics, their attention to detail makes all the difference. This mahogany body has a 2-piece maple top assembled with hot hide glue. The mahogany neck gets ’58 specs with a Chunky C-shaped profile so it’s guaranteed to fit perfectly in your hands. Your fretting hand will find instant comfort in the rosewood fretboard.

A Tone Like No Other

The most alluring aspect of an original 1958 Les Paul is the almighty PAF pickup. The PAF humbucker is sweet and musical, complex and biting, warm and wonderful. Gibson nailed the tone with these Alnico III CustomBuckers.

If you want an absolutely authentic Les Paul, get this Gibson.

The waiting list for a Murphy Lab guitar can take up to two years, so if vintage style and sounds are your game, grab this Gibson while you can. It includes hardware aged to match the finish, a certificate of authenticity, and a brown and pink reissue 5-latch hardshell case.