Gibson Custom is releasing a limited-edition recreation of Billy Gibbons’ famed 1959 Les Paul Standard, nicknamed “Pearly Gates,” with only 30 units to be made worldwide. According to the announcement, the guitars were built using 3D scans and detailed measurements of Gibbons’ original instrument, with Gibson’s Murphy Lab aging each guitar to match the vintage original and each unit signed by Gibbons himself.
The release is tied to an invitation-only event called the Billy Gibbons Pearly Gates Experience, set for October 16 at Gibson Garage Nashville. Gibson says the evening will include a live performance by Gibbons, a moderated Q&A, a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity, and hospitality, with access limited exclusively to the 30 guitar purchasers and one guest each.
The guitar’s name traces back to a 1939 Packard that Gibbons and friends once loaned out for a cross-country trip; when the car sold, Gibbons used his share of the proceeds to buy the Les Paul that inherited the “Pearly Gates” name. Reservations for the Collector’s Edition and accompanying event are being taken by phone through Gibson Garage Nashville.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Libby Coffey, primeprgroup.com.