1989 Gibson Les Paul Pre-Historic '59 Flame Top Reissue
SN# 9 0755
Weight: 9 lbs 6 oz's
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: 0.82
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: 0.96
Nut Width: 1.66
Upgraded Gibson '57 Classic PAF PU's
& 50's Cloth Wiring w Emerson Bumble Bee Tone Caps (Original Pots)
Original Bill Lawrence Circuit Board PU's & Tone Caps Are included
Comes with Original Hard Case (pictured)
Check Out the Demo Video!
*** It has just been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing. The frets are dressed, leveled and polished and shine like new, it is truly stage or studio ready/worthy. (Including New Strings, Intonation, Truss Rod adjustment and Action)
Read our feedback and rest assured that The Dude Abides.
Step into the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll with this mesmerizing and upgraded 1989 Gibson Pre-Historic ‘59 Flame Top Les Paul – a fiery reissue that captures the soul-shaking essence of the legendary 1959 original, delivering the visual allure and sonic thunder every true Gibson aficionado dreams of chasing. This isn’t just a guitar; it’s a timeless masterpiece of classic perfection, crowned with a KILLER flame top that dances with hypnotic depth and intensity, drawing you in like a siren’s call from the stage lights.
Crafted during the electrifying 1989 run – a banner year marking the 30th Anniversary of the iconic Les Paul lineage – this beauty harks back to pure authenticity by reviving the original ‘59 serial number scheme, before Gibson’s Custom Shop era dawned and formalized the “R9” reissue label. Dubbed the “Les Paul ‘59 Pre-Historic,” it stands as a rare artifact from that pivotal pre-Custom Shop period, produced in tantalizingly limited quantities that make it a holy grail for discerning collectors. Owning one isn’t just possession; it’s preserving a slice of guitar history that’s as elusive as it is exhilarating.
Behold the non-chambered mahogany body, a solid powerhouse that resonates with unbridled warmth and sustain, enveloped in flames so profound and multidimensional they seem to leap off the surface from every vantage point – a visual feast of curling, swirling maple that ignites under the spotlight. The Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish has gracefully aged like a fine vintage wine, its sun-kissed hues fading ever so subtly while retaining a vibrant, ruby-red glow that pulses with life and legacy.
Slide your fingers along the neck, starting with a sleek, slender profile that invites lightning-fast runs, gradually thickening for that reassuring ‘59 chunkiness as you venture higher – a ergonomic dream that’s effortlessly comfortable, begging for endless hours of riffing and soloing. The fretboard, a lush expanse of deep chocolate-brown rosewood, feels like velvet under your touch, while the original factory frets boast ample life left, freshly crowned, dressed, and polished to a mirror-like sheen that glides like silk. And for the perfect playability? It’ll arrive professionally set up with your choice of string gauge, tuned to your personal shredding symphony.
At the heart of this beast roar a pair of Gibson '57 Classics PAF Humbuckers – Gibson’s legendary pickups – dishing out vintage inspired and voiced magic that’s as versatile as your wildest musical whims. Helpig to sweeten the load, We installed two brand new Emmerson "Bumble Bee" Paper in Oil Tone Caps that add all the neccesarry MOJO to take this thing over the top with stage or studio worthy tone. The original little ceramic caps and Bill Lawrence Designed "circuit board" Super Humbuckers are included. Whether you’re channeling bluesy bends, crunchy rock rhythms, or soaring leads across any genre, these coils deliver a kaleidoscope of tones: fat and growling lows, crystalline highs, and a midrange punch that cuts through the mix like a hot knife through butter.
In terms of condition, this battle-tested warrior wears its history with pride – very good pre-owned shape after years of passionate play, complete with the authentic buckle worming and road-worn marks that tell tales of countless gigs and jam sessions. Yet, the top remains a pristine canvas, virtually untouched by time, free from major dings, dents, or scratches, and boasting zero breaks or repairs for uncompromised integrity. It arrived sporting modern Grovers, but we’ve swapped them for vintage-style Kluson Deluxe tuners to restore that golden-age aesthetic, keeping everything else gloriously original with no mods in sight. The back and sides bear the brunt of the adventure, featuring a couple of subtle chips along the rear edge and those classic buckle impressions (more noticeable at an angle than head-on) – badges of honor that add character without stealing the show. Dive into the photos to see this stunner in all its glory.
Don’t let this Pre-Historic powerhouse slip through your fingers – it’s not just an instrument; it’s your ticket to unleashing the raw, unfiltered spirit of ’59 Les Paul magic. Grab it now and make history your own!
A 1989 Gibson Les Paul Pre-Historic Flametop Reissue features a mahogany body with a flame maple top, a mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard, and a 1959-style profile. Specifications include Bill Lawrence-designed humbucker pickups, a Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop tailpiece, nickel hardware, and 22 frets. The finish was commonly a sunburst variant, and the guitar often weighed around 9-10 pounds.
Specs
Body and neck
Body: Solid mahogany with a flame maple top
Neck: Mahogany with a 1959 profile
Fretboard: Rosewood with trapezoid inlays
Scale Length: 24.75 inches
Frets: 22
Neck Construction: Set-neck
Hardware and electronics
Pickups: Have been upgraded to Gibson '57 Classics, the Bill Lawrence-designed humbuckers (often referred to as "circuit board" humbuckers) are in the case
Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way toggle switch
Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with a stop tailpiece
Tuners: Vintage-style Gibson Deluxe
Hardware: Nickel
Nut Width: Approximately 42.22mm (1.66 inches)
Dimensions and weight
Weight: Typically between 9.5 to 10.5 pounds
Neck Depth at 1st Fret: Around 20.75mm or 0.82 inches
Neck Depth at 12th Fret: Around 24.45mm or 0.96 inches
Finish and case
Finish: Heritage Cherry Sunburst
Case: Original Gibson hard case
This guitar is professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing or dead spots and is an absolute joy to play. It has been deep cleaned and detailed. All guitars will arrive looking and playing great. The frets have been leveled / dressed / polished and the fingerboard was cleaned. (Unfinished Rosewood and Ebony boards get treated with Fret Doctor - a proprietary all natural oil that is the best on the market) It has brand new strings, the action was adjusted, the intonation is spot on and it plays excellent. All the electronics work flawlessly.
**** We stand behind every guitar we sell and have consistently delivered quality that beats most people expectations, earning us a reputation for quality that is unrivaled. Simply put “good enough” is not good enough for The Guitar Dude’s standards. We try and make every guitar be at its absolute BEST to deliver on our promise. We take great pride in what we do and we are always trying our best.
* Neck is perfectly straight and the truss rod works with no issues
* Intonation is spot-on
* It has been professionally set up with nice low action & new American made strings.
* If needed, the frets will be dressed leveled & crowned
* All frets are polished prior to shipping when they are set up - They will shine like new!
***Please note that international shipping prices listed are minimum quotes in some cases. Certain countries are more expensive and will require additional shipping costs. Express services such as UPS, DHL & FedEx are also available, Please contact me for a personalized quote.
About Us
The Guitar Dude is a THREE time NAMM Top 100 Dealer in the world who has been selling some of the best guitars on the planet since 2009. Known for the most Killer Flame Top Gibson 1959 Les Pauls Reissues and classic Fender guitars of all eras. I make beautiful guitar porn, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter.
Often copied & imitated, but never duplicated.
Like what you see? Let me go to work for you.
I offer the best consignment sales on the planet! Find me online, just look for The Guitar Dude
For in-hand description, to propose a consignment sale or anything else please contact us
I offer a super relaxed layaway plan on certain guitars, that can be custom built to fit your budget and needs. It can be extended beyond 45 days in certain situations. If you are interested in a layaway plan, please contact me for full details.
Terms For Returns & Re-Stocking Fee’s
We recognize and accept a 7 day return policy as per Reverb guidelines, BUT intentions of the return must be communicated in writing within 3 day of receiving the guitar as indicated by the tracking. Unless the guitar is not as described, ORIGINAL & RETURN SHIPPING COSTS WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. There is a 10% Re-stocking fee for ALL guitars that are returned for ANY reason outside of damage from shipping or it arrives significantly not as described. Please note that we record demo videos to make sure our guitars go out exactly as we describe them with zero issues. We understand that feeling comfortable is vital to the purchase of a guitar/bass so in any case, additional measurements or in hand descriptions are available prior to purchase/shipping. Thats said, guitars travel a great distance some times and in transit things can happen. Also guitars acclimate to new environments and this can cause a need for a new set up or minor adjustment. It is acceptable and normal if there is for instance a tiny bit of buzzing or the need to adjust a truss rod. We are in south Florida and if you are in a colder or less humid environment it is almost to be expected. Please read our feedback and see what our customers say. The guitar MUST BE RETURNED IN THE EXACT CONDITION it was advertised/received or it is subject to additional costs & or repair fees. We are not a big chain shop, I hope you understand. If you are uncomfortable with these terms please do not purchase. There are plenty big chain shops that can absorb free trials and shipping.
Payment - Shipping - International orders - Import Duties
ALL ITEMS CAN BE SHIPPED INTERNATIONALLY. - BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL IMPORT DUTIES.
I accept many forms of payment including PayPal Credit & Affirm. I always pack extremely well and ship within the USA via UPS or Fedex, all packages are fully insured with tracking & signature confirmation.
1989 Gibson Les Paul Pre-Historic '59 Flame Top Reissue
SN# 9 0755
Weight: 9 lbs 6 oz's
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: 0.82
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: 0.96
Nut Width: 1.66
Upgraded Gibson '57 Classic PAF PU's
& 50's Cloth Wiring w Emerson Bumble Bee Tone Caps (Original Pots)
Original Bill Lawrence Circuit Board PU's & Tone Caps Are included
Comes with Original Hard Case (pictured)
Check Out the Demo Video!
*** It has just been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing. The frets are dressed, leveled and polished and shine like new, it is truly stage or studio ready/worthy. (Including New Strings, Intonation, Truss Rod adjustment and Action)
Read our feedback and rest assured that The Dude Abides.
Step into the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll with this mesmerizing and upgraded 1989 Gibson Pre-Historic ‘59 Flame Top Les Paul – a fiery reissue that captures the soul-shaking essence of the legendary 1959 original, delivering the visual allure and sonic thunder every true Gibson aficionado dreams of chasing. This isn’t just a guitar; it’s a timeless masterpiece of classic perfection, crowned with a KILLER flame top that dances with hypnotic depth and intensity, drawing you in like a siren’s call from the stage lights.
Crafted during the electrifying 1989 run – a banner year marking the 30th Anniversary of the iconic Les Paul lineage – this beauty harks back to pure authenticity by reviving the original ‘59 serial number scheme, before Gibson’s Custom Shop era dawned and formalized the “R9” reissue label. Dubbed the “Les Paul ‘59 Pre-Historic,” it stands as a rare artifact from that pivotal pre-Custom Shop period, produced in tantalizingly limited quantities that make it a holy grail for discerning collectors. Owning one isn’t just possession; it’s preserving a slice of guitar history that’s as elusive as it is exhilarating.
Behold the non-chambered mahogany body, a solid powerhouse that resonates with unbridled warmth and sustain, enveloped in flames so profound and multidimensional they seem to leap off the surface from every vantage point – a visual feast of curling, swirling maple that ignites under the spotlight. The Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish has gracefully aged like a fine vintage wine, its sun-kissed hues fading ever so subtly while retaining a vibrant, ruby-red glow that pulses with life and legacy.
Slide your fingers along the neck, starting with a sleek, slender profile that invites lightning-fast runs, gradually thickening for that reassuring ‘59 chunkiness as you venture higher – a ergonomic dream that’s effortlessly comfortable, begging for endless hours of riffing and soloing. The fretboard, a lush expanse of deep chocolate-brown rosewood, feels like velvet under your touch, while the original factory frets boast ample life left, freshly crowned, dressed, and polished to a mirror-like sheen that glides like silk. And for the perfect playability? It’ll arrive professionally set up with your choice of string gauge, tuned to your personal shredding symphony.
At the heart of this beast roar a pair of Gibson '57 Classics PAF Humbuckers – Gibson’s legendary pickups – dishing out vintage inspired and voiced magic that’s as versatile as your wildest musical whims. Helpig to sweeten the load, We installed two brand new Emmerson "Bumble Bee" Paper in Oil Tone Caps that add all the neccesarry MOJO to take this thing over the top with stage or studio worthy tone. The original little ceramic caps and Bill Lawrence Designed "circuit board" Super Humbuckers are included. Whether you’re channeling bluesy bends, crunchy rock rhythms, or soaring leads across any genre, these coils deliver a kaleidoscope of tones: fat and growling lows, crystalline highs, and a midrange punch that cuts through the mix like a hot knife through butter.
In terms of condition, this battle-tested warrior wears its history with pride – very good pre-owned shape after years of passionate play, complete with the authentic buckle worming and road-worn marks that tell tales of countless gigs and jam sessions. Yet, the top remains a pristine canvas, virtually untouched by time, free from major dings, dents, or scratches, and boasting zero breaks or repairs for uncompromised integrity. It arrived sporting modern Grovers, but we’ve swapped them for vintage-style Kluson Deluxe tuners to restore that golden-age aesthetic, keeping everything else gloriously original with no mods in sight. The back and sides bear the brunt of the adventure, featuring a couple of subtle chips along the rear edge and those classic buckle impressions (more noticeable at an angle than head-on) – badges of honor that add character without stealing the show. Dive into the photos to see this stunner in all its glory.
Don’t let this Pre-Historic powerhouse slip through your fingers – it’s not just an instrument; it’s your ticket to unleashing the raw, unfiltered spirit of ’59 Les Paul magic. Grab it now and make history your own!
A 1989 Gibson Les Paul Pre-Historic Flametop Reissue features a mahogany body with a flame maple top, a mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard, and a 1959-style profile. Specifications include Bill Lawrence-designed humbucker pickups, a Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop tailpiece, nickel hardware, and 22 frets. The finish was commonly a sunburst variant, and the guitar often weighed around 9-10 pounds.
Specs
Body and neck
Body: Solid mahogany with a flame maple top
Neck: Mahogany with a 1959 profile
Fretboard: Rosewood with trapezoid inlays
Scale Length: 24.75 inches
Frets: 22
Neck Construction: Set-neck
Hardware and electronics
Pickups: Have been upgraded to Gibson '57 Classics, the Bill Lawrence-designed humbuckers (often referred to as "circuit board" humbuckers) are in the case
Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way toggle switch
Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with a stop tailpiece
Tuners: Vintage-style Gibson Deluxe
Hardware: Nickel
Nut Width: Approximately 42.22mm (1.66 inches)
Dimensions and weight
Weight: Typically between 9.5 to 10.5 pounds
Neck Depth at 1st Fret: Around 20.75mm or 0.82 inches
Neck Depth at 12th Fret: Around 24.45mm or 0.96 inches
Finish and case
Finish: Heritage Cherry Sunburst
Case: Original Gibson hard case
This guitar is professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing or dead spots and is an absolute joy to play. It has been deep cleaned and detailed. All guitars will arrive looking and playing great. The frets have been leveled / dressed / polished and the fingerboard was cleaned. (Unfinished Rosewood and Ebony boards get treated with Fret Doctor - a proprietary all natural oil that is the best on the market) It has brand new strings, the action was adjusted, the intonation is spot on and it plays excellent. All the electronics work flawlessly.
**** We stand behind every guitar we sell and have consistently delivered quality that beats most people expectations, earning us a reputation for quality that is unrivaled. Simply put “good enough” is not good enough for The Guitar Dude’s standards. We try and make every guitar be at its absolute BEST to deliver on our promise. We take great pride in what we do and we are always trying our best.
* Neck is perfectly straight and the truss rod works with no issues
* Intonation is spot-on
* It has been professionally set up with nice low action & new American made strings.
* If needed, the frets will be dressed leveled & crowned
* All frets are polished prior to shipping when they are set up - They will shine like new!
***Please note that international shipping prices listed are minimum quotes in some cases. Certain countries are more expensive and will require additional shipping costs. Express services such as UPS, DHL & FedEx are also available, Please contact me for a personalized quote.
About Us
The Guitar Dude is a THREE time NAMM Top 100 Dealer in the world who has been selling some of the best guitars on the planet since 2009. Known for the most Killer Flame Top Gibson 1959 Les Pauls Reissues and classic Fender guitars of all eras. I make beautiful guitar porn, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter.
Often copied & imitated, but never duplicated.
Like what you see? Let me go to work for you.
I offer the best consignment sales on the planet! Find me online, just look for The Guitar Dude
For in-hand description, to propose a consignment sale or anything else please contact us
I offer a super relaxed layaway plan on certain guitars, that can be custom built to fit your budget and needs. It can be extended beyond 45 days in certain situations. If you are interested in a layaway plan, please contact me for full details.
Terms For Returns & Re-Stocking Fee’s
We recognize and accept a 7 day return policy as per Reverb guidelines, BUT intentions of the return must be communicated in writing within 3 day of receiving the guitar as indicated by the tracking. Unless the guitar is not as described, ORIGINAL & RETURN SHIPPING COSTS WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. There is a 10% Re-stocking fee for ALL guitars that are returned for ANY reason outside of damage from shipping or it arrives significantly not as described. Please note that we record demo videos to make sure our guitars go out exactly as we describe them with zero issues. We understand that feeling comfortable is vital to the purchase of a guitar/bass so in any case, additional measurements or in hand descriptions are available prior to purchase/shipping. Thats said, guitars travel a great distance some times and in transit things can happen. Also guitars acclimate to new environments and this can cause a need for a new set up or minor adjustment. It is acceptable and normal if there is for instance a tiny bit of buzzing or the need to adjust a truss rod. We are in south Florida and if you are in a colder or less humid environment it is almost to be expected. Please read our feedback and see what our customers say. The guitar MUST BE RETURNED IN THE EXACT CONDITION it was advertised/received or it is subject to additional costs & or repair fees. We are not a big chain shop, I hope you understand. If you are uncomfortable with these terms please do not purchase. There are plenty big chain shops that can absorb free trials and shipping.
Payment - Shipping - International orders - Import Duties
ALL ITEMS CAN BE SHIPPED INTERNATIONALLY. - BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL IMPORT DUTIES.
I accept many forms of payment including PayPal Credit & Affirm. I always pack extremely well and ship within the USA via UPS or Fedex, all packages are fully insured with tracking & signature confirmation.
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