Over the past few months we've been working with Frank Pine, Mark Bishop and Dave Johnson to create a perfect replica of the pickguard that was used on the iconic '59 Burst. We found that the the original '59 pickguard is much different from the HIstoric reissues. The real guards are smaller, more narrow along the outer wing and the edges have visible chatter marks left by the router that was used to cut them. They have larger countersinks which causes the screws to be recessed in the material. There's a very noticeable gap at the neck pickup ring and the radius of the corners is more open, so the pickguard has a loose fit all the way around. Dave made a template that is identical to the 1959 original, then incorporated current pickup spacing and screw hole positions.
These are handcrafted in our shop from the correct .09 sheet material in a beautiful shade of cream. We cut them with a router, leaving the chatter marks along the edge, just like the originals. In the image gallery, we've included two photos of real 1959 Bursts so you can compare.
Available with your choice of following options:
Finish:
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NOS - No intentional aging. A few light marks may be present that reflect the handcrafted nature of our parts.
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LIX Patina - LIX is the Roman numeral for 59. These parts are lightly to look and feel like well-loved parts from that era.
Model:
- Custom Shop Historic • 1999-2008
- Custom Shop Historic • 2009-2015
- Custom Shop True Historic • 2016-Present
- Gibson USA • 1993-Present*
Please note that many Custom Shop reissues made since 2016 are built to True Historic specs even though they mat not be specifically labeled as a True Historic model. These guitars have pickguards that are more yellow in color than other Historics.
Fit:
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Authentic - As described above with gap under the neck pickup, loose fit, larger countersinks. An exact recreation of the originals.
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TiteFit - We understand that many of our customers appreciate certain aspects of the original guitars, but don't want to replicate certain details which could be considered flaws. TiteFit models are made with the same outer wing shape as the originals but we've tightened up tolerances to give them a more modern fit without any gaps around the rings or screws.
Please make your selection from the menu at the top of this description.
*Gibson has never made a vintage reissue pickguard that fits production USA Les Pauls. So we also make these guards for your Les Paul Standard, Traditional Classic, Signature T, Studio, or any other production USA Les Paul. We have successfully tested the fit of these guards back to a 1993 Classic.
Shades of cream may not display correctly on every computer monitor. The last photo in the image gallery above shows our cream next to Gibson USA and Gibson Historic plastics for your comparison.
Handcrafted in USA.
