1981 Gibson Pre-Historic 1959 Reissue Les Paul Standard - Cherry Burst

1981 Gibson Les Paul Standard – Heritage Series Flame Top with Tim Shaw Pickups

The Altitude Summary

Crafted during Gibson’s early efforts to revive the magic of the original Bursts, this 1981 Heritage Series Les Paul Standard represents a pivotal moment in the brand’s history. Built at the then-new Nashville factory, these guitars were among Gibson’s first serious attempts at recreating the golden-era Les Pauls of the late '50s. This particular example is a standout, featuring an unusually figured flame top, a near-mint finish, and a factory-matched set of highly desirable Tim Shaw designed humbuckers.

This guitar is incredibly special - part of the first guitars built in the Nashville factory and maintains its "Reg." plate on the back of the headstock - which, according to our research, indicates it was a limited run that Gibson offered to its high-performing dealers.  These first year, pre-historic 1959 Reissue guitars are very rare and hard to find in this condition.  This guitar plays and sounds wonderfully, has some light fret wear along with some surface scratches.  The highly-figured top is a testament to bursts - absolutely gorgeous.

A Gorgeous and Resonant Flametop

Unlike many Heritage Series models that featured plainer tops, this one showcases a vividly figured flame maple top with rich, dynamic character—one of the best we've seen from this period. The one-piece mahogany body adds warmth and sustain, while the narrow binding in the cutaway nods to vintage-correct detailing.

Immaculate Condition Throughout

This guitar has clearly lived a well-cared-for life. The three-piece mahogany neck sports a chunky ‘59-style profile and is topped with a dark rosewood fretboard and trapezoid mother-of-pearl inlays. Frets are in excellent condition, showing virtually no wear. The plastics are unmarked, and the hardware shows only minor surface patina—likely from case storage rather than use.

Original Electronics with Tim Shaw Pickups

Loaded with a factory set of early ’80s Tim Shaw-designed humbuckers and original CTS pots, the wiring appears untouched and all components are fully functional. These pickups are revered for their clarity, balance, and PAF-inspired voicing—smooth and articulate in the neck, bold and biting in the bridge, with exceptional note separation and tonal range when combined.

Tone and Feel

Weighing in at 9.8lbs, this Les Paul delivers the punch and resonance you’d expect from a solid mahogany body and maple top combo. The bridge pickup cuts with authority, while the neck is rich and clear, offering warmth without muddiness. Combined, the tone is expressive and focused, without the heavy midrange congestion found in some modern Les Pauls.

Key Features

• One-piece mahogany body with carved flame maple top

• Three-piece mahogany neck with ‘59-style chunky profile

• Rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays

• Factory-original Tim Shaw humbuckers
  

• Grover kidney tuners

• Near mint condition with minimal signs of wear

• Weight: 9.8lbs

• Includes original case

Vintage Vibe, Collector Appeal

While not as spec-accurate as later reissues, early '80s Heritage Series Les Pauls have a charm all their own, and this example is among the best. From its rare flametop to its exceptional condition and tone, this guitar is a top-tier piece for both collectors and serious players chasing vintage Les Paul tone with historical provenance.