Gibson Custom Commemorates Guitarist, Jeff Beck, with Sunburst Les Paul

As it celebrates 130 years of music history, Gibson, a global instrument brand, is introducing the Jeff Beck “Yardburst” 1959 Les Paul Standard from Gibson Custom. In honor of Gibson’s 130th anniversary, only 130 of these exceptional guitars handmade by the expert luthiers of the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, are a part of this limited run, artfully aged to match the original by the Murphy Lab in the highly coveted Dark Cherry Sunburst finish.

“Jeff was enormously proud to have owned the original of this guitar,” says Sandra Beck, Beck’s widow. “He was aware and fully supportive of the amazing job and love that Gibson Custom provided to create this instrument and would have hoped that this guitar will give hours of pleasure to those who play it.”

Beck is considered one of the best guitarists in history, capable of playing virtually anything in his own unique, soulful style. Beck got his start playing in the Yardbirds, making groundbreaking music on a ’59 Les Paul Standard. The “YardBurst” is a faithful recreation of this legendary guitar, complete with its unique and identifying traits, such as the classic white bobbin humbuckers and black single-ply pickguard. An aged Lifton hardshell guitar case and a selection of case candy commemorating the life of the legend that is Jeff Beck are also included. 

“Jeff was a trailblazer, the guitar hero of our guitar heroes and admired by his contemporaries,” says Cesar Gueikian, chief executive officer, Gibson. “Jeff played an instrumental role in the cultural significance of the Gibson Les Paul early in his career during the Yardbursts’ era. Just like Jeff was influenced by Les Paul, he influenced many iconic musicians to create their art with a Gibson Les Paul. We are proud to pay tribute to Jeff.”

“Working on this project has been an absolute honor and we are thankful for the trust and support shown by Jeff Beck, as well as his friends and family,” says Lee Bartram, head, commercial and marketing EMEA, Gibson. “The original guitar is very special, full of history and stories from a pivotal era in British music. As always, Gibson Custom has done an exceptional job in capturing the essence of the original, creating a wonderfully accurate tribute to one of the true guitar pioneers.”

Playing alongside some of the greatest artists in rock, blues and jazz, over the course of Beck’s distinguished 50-plus-year music career, he earned an impressive eight Grammy Awards, was ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time,” and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, twice – once as a member of the Yardbirds, and again as a solo artist.

A trailblazing guitarist, Beck recorded with everyone from Stevie Wonder and Buddy Guy to Tina Turner and Mick Jagger, and many more. Beck will forever be regarded by his peers and worldwide by his multitude of fans as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, thanks to his ability to make impossible sounds effortless.

For more information, visit Gibson.com.