2006 Gibson Custom Shop '57 Les Paul Reissue (R7) - Historic Collection

Widely regarded by collectors as a "Golden Era" for the Gibson Custom Shop, this 2006 R7 Goldtop is a meticulous recreation of the legendary 1957 Les Paul. As part of the Historic Collection, this instrument was built to the highest standards of accuracy, capturing the exact look, feel, and "thump" of a vintage 50s Goldtop.

Artist Provenance & History

This particular instrument carries a unique connection to reggae history, having been owned and played by Al Anderson (lead guitarist for Bob Marley and the Wailers). It was played by Anderson during the last time he visited New Zealand, specifically during his performance at the Powerstation in Auckland. This adds a great layer of real-world stage history and artist pedigree to an already exceptional Custom Shop piece.

Period-Correct Specifications

• Finish: Iconic Antique Goldtop nitrocellulose finish, known for aging beautifully and allowing the wood to breathe.

• Neck Profile: The classic "Baseball Bat" chunky '50s neck profile. This substantial carve is the secret to the R7's legendary sustain and "woody" resonance.

• Body: Solid, non-weight relieved Mahogany back with a carved Maple top.

• Pickups: Loaded with period-correct humbuckers designed to replicate the "bloom" and bite of original PAFs.

Why the 2006 Year Matters

Collectors often seek out mid-2000s (2003–2009) Custom Shop Reissues. During this period, Gibson was particularly consistent with wood selection and craftsmanship, and many feel the rosewood fingerboards and build quality from the Nashville plant during this time are among the best the Custom Shop has ever produced.

Condition & Highlights

• Provenance: Owned and played by Al Anderson (Bob Marley and the Wailers) during his last visit to New Zealand.

• Performance Location: Played live at The Powerstation, Auckland.

• Era: Historic Reissue Series (Pre-VOS era consistency).

• Tone: Deep, resonant, and punchy—perfect for everything from authentic blues to heavy classic rock.

• Hardware: Period-correct ABR-1 bridge and lightweight aluminum stopbar tailpiece for maximum vibration transfer.

Specifications at a Glance