Sunburst

Is the sunburst Gibson Les Paul Standard really the greatest electric guitar ever made? This books aims to answer that question, even if so many players and collectors have already sounded a loud “Yes!” Famously played by Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, this fabulous instrument, known simply as the Burst, has become a legend.

Through a series of interviews with players, collectors, guitar-makers, dealers, and more, Sunburst unravels a myth and puts into sharp focus how 1,400 or so guitars produced at the end of the 50s became the most desirable electrics of all time.

This guitar – a solidbody electric with mahogany body, twin humbuckers, and a two-color sunburst maple top – was first made from 1958 to 1960. The book examines those originals, the various reissues over the years, and the latest efforts by Gibson to re-create the hallowed guitars made more than 50 years ago in its original factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Sunburst is the latest book in Tony Bacons bestselling guitar series, with a thoroughly researched story partnered by a gallery of full-color pictures of great guitars, rare memorabilia, and famous Burst players – from Keith Richards to Joe Bonamassa and Jeff Beck to Billy Gibbons. Its reference section reveals production details and dating clues for this most enigmatic and revered instrument.