NASHVILLE, TN —Gibson, the iconic American-made, and leading instrument brand–has a legacy of making world-class instruments since 1894 when Orville Gibson was crafting archtop mandolins. As a natural extension of Gibson’s passion for its unique instruments and the stories they tell, the history-making Gibson Certified Vintage program–offers collectible vintage guitars authenticated, and certified directly by Gibson, with a new limited lifetime warranty and a certificate of vintage authenticity. All Gibson Certified Vintage guitars are sold via the Gibson Garage in Nashville, TN, call (615)933-6000; select models will available for purchase via https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Certified-Vintage.
The Gibson Les Paul Standard is quite simply the most iconic guitar ever built.
Today, the Gibson Certified Vintage program offers a rare Gibson 1960 Les Paul Standard burst guitar in Cherry Sunburst finish, an authentic vintage Gibson instrument made and shipped in the year 1960, with the serial #0 1490. The guitar was sold by its original owner’s widow to a prominent collector in the 1980’s. The guitar was photographed and featured in the legendary 1996 book on vintage Les Paul Standards titled, The Beauty of the Burst. Eventually, the guitar changed hands and was bought by Kirk Hammett, guitarist of Metallica, who used it extensively until 2022. One of his beloved guitars, Kirk nicknamed this Les Paul Standard 1960 guitar “Sunny.”
“Sunny is special because not only is she in immaculate condition, but her tone is so present and bright, it’s like the sun cutting through clouds on an overcast day,” says Kirk Hammett. “Hence the name ‘Sunny.’ That’s the truth. The name came because she was so full and bright sounding. The reason I chose Gibson Certified Vintage for the worldwide offering is because having a mint vintage Gibson guitar can sometimes feel like having a brand-new Gibson guitar. They’re made that well. And this is what’s really special; the fact Gibson recognizes this and is willing and ready to re-warranty these beautiful instruments. I think this is just a great reflection of Gibson’s integrity towards the past, present, and future.”
This guitar, which sports the serial number 0 1490 shipped in 1960 and features transitional specifications, with 1959 parts and cosmetics joined by a typical 1960 SlimTaper™ neck profile–a desert island combination for many players.
Even among Bursts, this is a special guitar indeed. The maple top’s extensive side-to-side figuring is a rare and desirable trait that significantly increases its value compared to more plain vintage examples, while the original Cherry Sunburst finish retains a rich red color around the perimeter. With original fret wire and no major modifications, this guitar is presented in the kind of condition collectors dream of.
A world-first, the Gibson Certified Vintage features one-of-a-kind Golden Era blue-chip guitars, to unique, one-of-a-kind prototypes, celebrity-owned guitars, as well as 70s and 80s models directly from the Gibson Vault. All Gibson Certified Vintage guitars sold will come with a detailed letter of appraisal confirming the provenance and history of the instrument, a certificate of authenticity, and exclusive case candy. In an industry first, all guitars will receive a new lifetime limited warranty.
Explore Gibson Certified Vintage guitars below and check back for refreshed vintage offerings as each guitar is sold; for details, visit: https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Certified-Vintage.
Purchase inquires/bids for the Gibson 1960 Les Paul Standard are only available directly from the Gibson Garage in Nashville, TN, call (615) 933-6000. Upon purchase, this Gibson 1960 Les Paul Standard, aka “Sunny,” previously owned by Kirk Hammett of Metallica will be available for pickup at the Gibson Garage, or shipment to an address in the U.S., starting on May 18, 2023.
