Wow!!! We’ve had quite a few Aged & Signed models over the years, many of them, in fact,  Knopfler, Gibbons, Slash, Bonamassa, Walsh, Nielsen, Don Felder, and I’m surely forgetting some. But one thing is clear: the 2016 production, the Knopflers, the Nielsens, and the McCready, is the best production of these ’59 Reissues. The guitars from that year are absolute bombs!! And this McCready only confirms what I’ve always thought about 2016…

This very rare 2016 Gibson Custom Shop Standard Historic Mike McCready ’59 Les Paul Aged and Signed, delivered with its original hard-shell case and certificate of authenticity, offers the perfect combination of collector value and exceptional playability, faithfully recreating the magic of Mike McCready’s legendary 1959 Les Paul Standard. The McCready Aged & Signed has become one of the most sought-after collector’s models; limited to just 50 pieces, it is highly coveted. The aging is absolutely magnificent, and every minute detail of the original has been meticulously reproduced by the artisans of the Gibson Custom Shop.

In terms of sound, the guitar fully lives up to its reputation: a tone typical of old Les Pauls, more open, more direct, but without the sharp attack often found on new instruments. This guitar is, of course, ideal for rock. The 1959 medium neck profile is extremely comfortable, and with its ideal weight of 3.86 kg, the overall balance is perfect.

That covers rarity and specifications, but there’s more: our guitar features a truly splendid maple top, with beautiful, regular figuring typical of what you see on originals. Mike McCready’s original ’59 isn’t heavily flamed, and depending on the viewing angle you’ll notice discreet, subtle flames. Ours, however, reveals much stronger figuring depending on the angle, giving the guitar a real “stage beast” look!! And to bring it even closer visually to the original, a set of original late-1950s Grover Pat. Pend. tuners has been installed — without any modification, of course. The original repro tuners are included in the case. This guitar truly has the look of a real Burst.

And speaking of the case: 2016 was also the best year for Gibson cases, they were extremely well-built and received a Relic treatment that gave them an authenticity and vibe Gibson has since lost. So, that killer 2016 McCready Aged & Signed comes with its original case, COA, original hangtags, and the factory repro Grovers, since a set of original late-50s Grover Pat. Pend. tuners is installed on the guitar.