Gibson USA Custom Shop Les Paul 1959 R9 VOS 60th Diamond Anniversary "Lemon Fade + Rosewood" (2020)
Specifications
Model: 1959 R9 Les Paul 60th Anniversary
Year: 2020
Finish: Lemon Fade (VOS Nitrocellulose Lacquer)
Top: Figured Maple (Gorgeous Flame with Slight Green Hue)
Body: Lightweight Solid Mahogany (Hide Glue Fit)
Neck: Mahogany (Long Tenon, Hide Glue Fit)
Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood with Trapezoid Inlays
Neck Profile: '59 Medium C
Scale Length: 24.75"
Radius: 12"
Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo
Nut: Nylon
Truss Rod: '50s Tubeless
Hardware & Electronics
Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece: Lightweight Aluminum Stopbar
Hardware Finish: Nickel
Pickups:
Neck: Custombucker Alnico III (Unpotted)
Bridge: Custombucker Alnico III (Unpotted)
Electronics:
2x 500K Volume Pots
2x 500K Tone Pots
Hand-Wired with Bumblebee Capacitors
Switchcraft Toggle Switch
Personal Thoughts
This 60th Anniversary R9 Les Paul in Lemon Fade is an absolute stunner. The flame maple top is particularly striking, with that gorgeous grain pattern and subtle green hue that gives it a beautifully aged look. The Lemon Fade finish has that perfect balance of brightness and warmth, looking almost like a well-preserved vintage burst.
The '59 Medium C neck profile is spot on, feeling full but not oversized, making it comfortable for both chording and lead work. The Custombucker Alnico III pickups really deliver that authentic vintage PAF tone, with a woody, open character, great articulation, and plenty of sustain.
As a 60th Anniversary model, this R9 has all the premium details, from the True Historic plastics and diamond studded back plate to the hide glue construction, making it one of the best Les Paul reissues Gibson has put out.
Condition Report
This guitar is in mint condition, with no visible signs of wear. The VOS finish gives it a naturally aged feel without any actual playwear. The frets, hardware, and electronics are all in perfect shape, and it plays beautifully.
Final Thoughts
An incredible example of a 1959 Les Paul reissue, this Lemon Fade 60th Anniversary R9 is as close as it gets to vintage spec. The gorgeous flame top, slight green hue, and fantastic resonance make this a top-tier Custom Shop piece. If you’re after an R9 with serious visual appeal and that classic '59 tone, this is a real standout.