Secrets of a Vintage 1959 Gibson Les Paul

A detailed analysis of the features of the vintage Gibson Les Paul design system of the fifties of the twentieth century. The influence of wood, nitro lacquer, materials, alloys and design features on the sound of a guitar. Comparison with modern reissue Gibson Les Pauls. Principles of Guitar Resonance Formation.
3:50 - A bit of history
5:22 - Sound
7:01 - Wood
8:16 - Conversions
9:13 - Wood resonance
10:40 - Vintage Les Paul construction
11:39 - Top shape
12:35 - Vintage scale
13:49 - Truss rod
14:57 - Neck shape
16:02 - Neck joint
16:42 - Headstock
17:50 - Nut
18:26 - Fretboard
19:21 - Inlays
19:47 - Glue
20:25 - ABR-1 Bridge and Tailpiece
21:47 - Knobs location
22:39 - Tuners
23:23 - Capacitors
24:20 - '50s wiring
24:50 - Vintage wire
25:10 - Pickups
26:35 - Nitro
30:41 - Guitar weight
33:49 - Conclusion
Workshop website: www.8bombcustom.com/
PAF pickups clones can be ordered here: www.8bombcustom.com/pickups
Instagramm: @8bombcustom @doctornitro @ikoniquestudio
You can support me and my workshop on Patreon. / 8bombcustom
There you will find private content, tutorial videos, giveaways of my PAF clones and access to auctions. This will allow me to make more quality videos and more translations into English.
You can also support me through PayPal: [e-mail]
Thank you!

[@collin7229]

3:50 - A bit of history 5:22 - Sound 7:01 - Wood 8:16 - Conversions 9:13 - Wood resonance 10:40 - Vintage Les Paul construction 11:39 - Top shape 12:35 - Vintage scale 13:49 - Truss rod 14:57 - Neck shape 16:02 - Neck joint 16:42 - Headstock 17:50 - Nut 18:26 - Fretboard 19:21 - Inlays 19:47 - Glue 20:25 - ABR-1 Bridge and Tailpiece 21:47 - Knobs location 22:39 - Tuners 23:23 - Capacitors 24:20 - '50s wiring 24:50 - Vintage wire 25:10 - Pickups 26:35 - Nitro 30:41 - Guitar weight 33:49 - Conclusion

[@8BombCustom]

👍👍👍 Thank you!

[@thenut1212]

This is probably the most informative "Holy Grail” video on KZbin.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@philc4520]

💯% without a doubt. World class.

[@nickvankempen]

Absolutely 🙌

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@hkguitar1984]

So amazing, Thank You. I've been researching the secrets of the Gibson Les Paul since I purchased my first one back in 1978. Every detail in this video is spot-on accurate with everything I've found over the past 45 years. This is possibly the very first video I've ever seen that covers every important design detail of this Historic instrument. Again, Thank You Sir.

[@8BombCustom]

Thanks for your comment. It is very important for me to hear this opinion from the owner of the original Burst. Thank you!

[@8BombCustom]

I am making my clones 59 LesPaul, but not to order, but as art projects. This takes much more time, since I select the blanks at the sound intervals and often not all of them fit together. So for now, we select the wood and make the parts so that later there would be more options for the selection. I make LesPools from start to finish, completely according to my preferences and in accordance with the concept of each project. It is up to me to decide what color and degree of aging each guitar will have. Finished projects will be sold through my KZbin channel at impromptu auctions.

[@michaelknight4041]

​@@8BombCustomAwesome! 👌 Are you still building?

[@8BombCustom]

@@michaelknight4041 yes

[@kbanderson7102]

This is science complimenting legend. One of the most informative "luthier" videos on the web. This is what happens when an individual with a high IQ and practical working knowledge gets obsessed with finding answers. Start to finish- brilliant

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@chucklee2995]

Man oh man, I'm blown away, I have never heard a better or closer sounding remake than this, sir you are the best I've ever heard, amazing

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@Skullkingd13]

This is some great knowledge, thank you for taking the time to share it!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@kinnareshpatel256]

Most comprehensive tutorial on any electrical guitar construction. Much appreciated !

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@1355Anthony]

This is probably my most watched video on KZbin, as I’m building my own vintage relic Les Paul this video is priceless in my process. Than you so much for this video!

[@8BombCustom]

Excellent! Thank you! Subscribe to my Patreon Level Maker, there you will find a lot of interesting things on this topic. www.patreon.com/8bombcustom

[@homeguitarplayer9482]

Outstanding. I appreciate you commitment and dedication to this fine instrument. I look forward to more videos.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@retalt]

This is fantastic. Thank you for taking the time to present this wonderful and informative video.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@TheChadPad]

That Paul at the end sounded amazing. Thank you for this

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@BlackDogOriginal]

Thank you for the translation. Great channel and you’re very talented.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@sbrave]

Ha! I was about to say "turn down the TV" : ). Thanks!

[@neelpatkar3446]

Thank you! So much information! Amazing that you have presented years of research in a 30 minute video. Well done! I am a fan of your relic work!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@craigdonovan5068]

Dude your my hero, please please please do this for tele's and strats!!!! I will watch this over and over!

[@jantinucci]

Bravo!!! Well done, sir! Great information on many levels. All guitar geeks would enjoy this history and science lesson.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you.

[@Cygnus56]

Bravo on the most comprehensive explanation that I've seen of what makes a vintage Les Paul different from the modern versions.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@duane8829]

I stumbled upon this video and was amazed by the great information and knowledge. Truly great job. Thank you.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@aipsong]

Excellent video - otlichna!!! Thank you - your passion for detail is very inspiring!!! I will be watching your videos.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@TimatorA]

Outstanding work! Thank you

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@petecoates6410]

Fantastic. Thanks for making this superb resource

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@pagewannabe272]

I have a Vaschenko Les Paul on order, very excited. Again, nice video. Bill

[@John-hi2yi]

How would you go about ordering one?

[@pagewannabe272]

@@John-hi2yi email me at: [e-mail] thanks, Bill

[@contemposuits1983]

This is an amazing video. It has so many details that I never even knew existed about the '59 Les Paul.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@mikevigano1]

Thank you for the information. Amazing

[@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio]

Great, great video!!! Thanks for all the information!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@Sebastian_cello]

Great work man!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@segunricardo]

You are probably the best man making these instruments out there. I am from Latin America, I only wish I could visit your workshop some day! Much respect for your knowledge and artistry!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@delboyoelmundo4718]

I'm still saving for one of these

[@matheusmello8541]

This is insanely good. Thank you.

[@terrancefields4414]

Great Job!!!!! I was a Gibson Dealer in Chicago in the 70's.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@kbkman7742]

Great video. I have experimented a lot on mamy of my guitars over the years, it is amazing how much difference a different saddle material or a new nut, or different trem springs can make. Everything matters, even the mass in things like tuners

[@8BombCustom]

Yes, every detail contributes to the shaping of sound.

[@CodyGleason]

Incredible work.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@mattchurchill]

Love your vids, great work👌

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@67er_matze97]

fantastic video on these wonderful instruments !! 👍. very knowledgeable and informative !! Right after watching this I thought I'd like to ask you for your opinion on the recent relic finishes. ...and then discovered you have already done a dedicated video on that. Thanks for sharing your knowledge my friend !!!

[@vladimirerfan7721]

Ok, it’s time to practice. Awesome video man!

[@8BombCustom]

Thanks

[@chrislee6914]

Impressive! I watch every of your videos. Would love to play one of your masterpieces. Rock on!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@johnpick8336]

This is the most thorough common sense explaination of the Burst that I have ever seen ! Thank you very much for posting !

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@joeldavis1040]

Billy Gibbons says the tone is in the hands. Having a '59 burst doesn't hurt though! Great video! I learned something today.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@lumberlikwidator8863]

This video is so amazing, intelligent. Thank you for sharing it!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@lucagarofalo2443]

Fantastic 👏 Thank you for sharing years of knowledge bro

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@donisys]

Thanks, man. Love your vids.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@mhdz10]

Excellent video! Thanks! 👍🏼

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@robertjones3839]

Thank you for sharing this with us I know it's an unbelievable amount of information and research your hands-On research is most impressive thank you so much peace and respect

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@COLDMKULTRA]

Absolutely excellent ! ... Thank You ... You really understand ... & You are a true Artist.

[@TJjjjjjjjjjj]

Mate your channels going to blow up now that you have translated vids !!! I’m sharing the shit out of this

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@stevevallance6326]

Great job, this is the most important video, it shows the details. Good luck in hard times, you’re friend from California, steve

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@johnwave2827]

Awesome video, thank you!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@andit4454]

Wow, thanks a lot for all this valuable info!! 👌👍💪

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@ams062057]

You have done an amazing job! Thanks you so much!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@Coventry_Kiers_1984]

Great video, love your channel.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@jakubzucha9644]

Excellent job!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@charlesmccannon9280]

Very excellent video, sir!!!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@kjelddalsbaek7285]

God bless your work friend !

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@lukeingram7655]

I think the most interesting thing I heard in this was his thoughts on the best metal for tailpiece, one would think a dense "resonant" metal would of course be best but the point he makes about those metals vibrating and thus cancelling certain frequencies makes a lot of sense.

[@hmesters]

Thx! you're a brilliant man. Very informative

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@dannymoore7751]

Great video!!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank yoy

[@swamification]

Fascinating! Thank you! 👊😎🎸

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@ktrn2b]

amazing! Thank you!

[@philc4520]

Bro this is awesome. A pure Masterclass on the Burst. You’ve cracked the hidden code of the Holy Grail & possess the blueprints👏🏻👏🏻😃👌🏻.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@mass_of_rest]

very interesting and educational

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@rodrossi9749]

You are the KING OF VINTAGE !!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@pperejma]

Awesome video thank you

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@flyonwall360]

Great video. When I was a kid in the 70s, my older brother had a friend who bought a 53 Gold Top for $500. This was my first experience with a Les Paul. That was in 1975 and many guitars ago. I had a Carvin DC150 in the 80s that had a Les Paul feel. But the one guitar I miss the most is a 1988 Hamer Chaparral Custom. It wasn't until 2015 when I came across a like new 2005 Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded T series. I hadn't been paying attention to Les Pauls, but I knew as soon as I picked this one up that there was something special about it. After doing some research, I discovered that it has a mohagany top instead of maple. It may not be a 59 Standard, but for $599 with a hardshell case, it was a good deal. It's like a Standard without the bling. Thank you for making such a comprehensive video on such a legendary guitar. And, just as luck would have it, I left NY 14 years ago and ended up in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the birth place of Les Paul.

[@Musique487]

Unfortunately I have not been able to play one of your guitars, but I can say that they're the best looking replicas I've seen on KZbin.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@lousekoya1803]

You Sir are Awesome !! Greetings from Quebec !!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@glennnortonjr2455]

I learned so much. You are a great teacher her. I will be back.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@fl7210]

This is awesome

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@marcgoyan8455]

Ur awesome...want one of your guitars...explained perfectly

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@asimbashir1237]

This is the best Les Paul technical documentary I have seen, just brilliant. @Dr.Nitro I think Professor Nitro is a more appropriate name for you! 😉

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you! 😅

[@matthewpower3062]

I agree! Professor Nitro!

[@whotendsthefire7234]

The upper mid range is unequalled. Boy do these guitars age beautifully! I love the wide Chevron flame on those older models! The reissues sound young but good too! Amazing specimens man!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@TheSmashngrabcafe]

You are a true Master.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@jamespell8091]

A good complete concise video Not exactly too long per-se The references and anticipation towards further videos ..cool. I was inquiring about neck attachment to body (tennon length fitment etc.) The SG (a pique of interest for me) being such a thin guitar neck fitment and tennon length I imagine really come into play here.But lately I've been looking into a Les Paul (they tend to ring better and have a wider frequency response. Really good video. Jim

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@wulfbak]

I'm sending in my 2006 Les Paul 58 Custom Shop RI to Historic Makeovers. They're going to do most all of the things you noted. I'm excited to see the result.

[@8BombCustom]

This is a great solution. Kim and his team make it amazing!

[@buddybeetle]

Many thanks for posting your knowledge here. The best Les Paul is my goal too. I have a ‘98 R8 which was great when I got it new. I’ve gigged it loads and added a 6|6 nylon nut. Cts pots. Early 60s caps. Correct grade vintage wiring. Correct material tail piece Bridge and thumb wheel. Lastly, OX4 low wind A4 mag pickups. The guitar is outstanding and impresses me each time I pick it up.

[@petecovingtonmusic]

About to do exactly this to a ‘96 R9. OX4 all the way!

[@matthewpower3062]

I am litterally blown away by the detail and craftmanship. I thought Eastman built a better Les Paul than Gibson, now I see that there is a hidden gem from Belarus! Thank you sir for the informative and wonderful video. I would only wish to own one some day,

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@jermanhd5758]

Perfect. I think you are a real profecsionist. Good

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@davidlobo962]

this is amazing

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@brettbrandstatt8589]

One very important detail overlooked that is very important to the feel: vintage Gibson string spacing at the nut is wider.

[@craigusselman546]

You are talented with lots of Burst facts!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you !

[@NormRSSM]

nice job !

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@hardrockrelics2157]

Gibson needs to hire this guy to lead the historic replica part of custom shop.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@jimbeam-ru1my]

gibson doesn't want anyone working there that wants to build les pauls like they did in the 50's. they want people that crank them out at lightspeed.

[@alexandrepalet9601]

Thats great!! Thank you so much for your work👏🏻👏🏻 So the headstock on the vintage is 1mm thinner or wider?

[@KeithDins]

Watching this was a revelation. I had been considering sending my 59' Custom Shop off for a supposed accurate re-create but not now. The information here revealed so much "why" the originals sound like they do. Excellent. Anyone interested in accuracy then this is your go-to

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@dlewtweentorla1210]

Very well done! The time and effort you've put into all that is the "Golden Years" of the Les Paul is obviously a passion. Would be an honour to own one of your Guitars. Thank You very much for the education on your journey so far. Often wondered if you have had hands on one of the newer Heritage H-150's made in Kalamazoo and how you think they compare with the modern Gibson LP's? Thanks for the video.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank. Several years ago I played one Heritage. It was very different in design and knots from the vintage LesPoul. And it was heavy. Sounds good, but not good enough for me.

[@mikedennis6979]

Wonderful video, thanks for posting. On thing to keep in mind when aiming for true vintage tone is to use flat wound strings w/ an unwound G string. As that was the only string available up until 67-68.

[@kgriff1205]

Not true, round wound steel strings go back to the 1890's, flatwound strings were introduced in1946. Up until 1965 all guitar string sets, both round and flat wound used a wound 3rd string.

[@mikedennis6979]

@@kgriff1205 Hey K I was under the impression only flats were made before 65-66, did not know rounds were even available that early. Also you are correct a wound g came with the sets. Many early rockers replaced w/ an unwound G to make bending easier. Cheers

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you! Interesting info!

[@joeyoungs8426]

Ridiculous attention to detail. VERY educational. I too prefer vintage Soviet caps in all my builds. They’re obscenely large but are worth the effort.

[@justinhinson6504]

Very informative video!!! Everything you have said is spot on!!! I just wish I could find a spot on replica like your guitars in left handed!!! Honestly practically impossible, I’ve tried. As a working musician and fellow tone chaser, it’s hard to compare with the old way of building guitars. You sir are a brilliant man!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@thetoneknob4493]

my hard tail stratocaster body was made from reclaimed wood from antique furniture! the back is mahogany that came from a Victorian era vanity. and the flame-quilt maple top was from an antique blanket chest that was 200yrs old. its impossible to find wood of this quality today unless you have a small fortune! it turned out fantastic. its a one of a kind and is the best sounding strat ive ever heard! it was a pretty huge gamble weather or not it was going to turn out well or not, i got lucky!

[@shakealeg88]

Hey awesome video, your Les Paul journey has been amazing... I was wondering which are those books you show that have specifications about the heel joints and construction?? Does anybody know?

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you. Unfortunately, there is very little technical information in these books, only basic principles and beautiful pictures. But it also gives a lot of understanding to start with.

[@MattMartinGuitars]

Really informative video, thanks very much. What books did you use for your research?

[@8BombCustom]

Beauty Of The Burst, Burst Believers, Resonant interactions between waves, Joe Wolfie "Strings, Standing Waves and Harmonics" ... Interviews, forums, meetings with lithiers and my own experience.

[@user-wx2lw2jn1k]

Amazing video. I have learned a lot. Do you have a video that shows how to build one in greater details? I would love to try to build one for my own pleasure.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you. You will find about all the materials that I use and about all the nuances of working with them on my Patreon in the Maker level www.patreon.com/8bombcustom

[@user-wx2lw2jn1k]

@@8BombCustom I visited the patreon site. It looks like the Maker level reveals the secret about the process of painting and aging guitars and parts. I am looking into building the guitar: Choosing, cuting and gluing gluing the woods and the parts. Do you have something on that also. It would be everything you cover in this video but in much greater details.

[@8BombCustom]

@@user-wx2lw2jn1k Now I'm preparing a course on creating LesPaul from start to finish. But it won't be out anytime soon. For this reason, you can study Gil Yaron's thread on the forum. www.tdpri.com/threads/1959-les-paul-build.194271/

[@backspin6698]

This was fun to watch. Great artwork as well. Good craftmanship dont know any borders. I think I want one of your guitars, not a Gibson now.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@alexperez3651]

Wonderful. Could have watched a two hour video on this

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@g405t]

Nice!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you!

[@marions.120]

Brilliant, awesome! ✌️😎🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@jacoblind2091]

Great video. What kind of studs Would you recommend for a 57’ Les Paul junior custom shop?

[@8BombCustom]

Try Pigtail. They have quality replica parts. I am planning to produce my parts in the near future. All alloy tests have already been done and prototypes are being made. The studs will be the first.

[@jacoblind2091]

@@8BombCustom Thanks for the reply. What are your thoughts on Faber studs? Do you have an email? I would like to get in touch

[@Felipe-pb9gu]

Cool!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@brown.dogmcgee]

great video - i think the tops were glued with phenol aldehyd ( radio glue ) anyway - very cool information

[@8BombCustom]

Everything is correct. We call it phenol-formaldehyde glue. It hardens when heated and turns into stone.

[@agcacustoms2852]

Man that is so cool, making an exact replica of the 59 burst. I’ve read that forum many times, do you know were I can get those patterns which were made from a real 59 burst.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank. All of these 59 LesPoul drawings are always in the public domain. Therefore, I had to spend about 3 years to recreate the drawings and technologies. I am currently building only Fifties LesPauls and PAF clones.

[@agcacustoms2852]

@@8BombCustom thanks, I think I remember a forum where a guy took a 59 les Paul custom and converted it into a 59 burst. In the end it was a very beautiful guitar but a bit of a shame taking the most top of the line guitar and turning it into what was essentially a basic guitar.

[@greenmanalishi6963]

I’ll never be able to recreate what you did however I can buy it! Pls sell these amazing guitars.

[@8BombCustom]

Thanks. Write your email and I will notify you before the next auction.

[@floydburney6060]

.....Great stuff here. You should put a link in the above so we can see your shop & perhaps order a guitar from you?

[@8BombCustom]

Done. Thank you. But I dont wirk fir orders))