1959 Les Paul 3/4 Special

[snickerdoodle]

Hi ~

We have been trying to track down the model of Les Paul that my father purchased from a gentleman in 1959/60. Purchased for $100. back then.

This is what we believe we have. Can anyone confirm. Also, we would like to insure it but have no idea of even a rough value.

1959 Les Paul Special 3/4 - 19 fret - double cut - toggle switch is in the upper horn. The condition is almost perfect, only used a few times. It has been stored in the case for all these years.

Any information would be great. I will answer any other questions also.
I tried attaching a picture, hope it worked.
Thanks.

[jimi55lp]

Originally Posted by snickerdoodle

Hi ~

We have been trying to track down the model of Les Paul that my father purchased from a gentleman in 1959/60. Purchased for $100. back then.

This is what we believe we have. Can anyone confirm. Also, we would like to insure it but have no idea of even a rough value.

1959 Les Paul Special 3/4 - 19 fret - double cut - toggle switch is in the upper horn. The condition is almost perfect, only used a few times. It has been stored in the case for all these years.

Any information would be great. I will answer any other questions also.
I tried attaching a picture, hope it worked.
Thanks.

A man just sold one in great condition with a custom alterred Lifton 3/4 size case for about 4500.00 a month ago on ebay. My guess on insured value would be something less than 6000.00 since no one has very much interest in this model and they seem very hard to market even though only 12 were made.

[Mike60]

Originally Posted by jimi55lp

A man just sold one in great condition with a custom alterred Lifton 3/4 size case for about 4500.00 a month ago on ebay. My guess on insured value would be something less than 6000.00 since no one has very much interest in this model and they seem very hard to market even though only 12 were made.

...CONGRATS JIMI... on your 3/4 score...I was tempted on the ebay one,but I'm looking for a '60 3/4 in TV...

[diceman]

Originally Posted by jimi55lp

Very Hard To Market Even Though Only 12 Were Made.

Wow!!!

[snickerdoodle]

Originally Posted by jimi55lp

A man just sold one in great condition with a custom alterred Lifton 3/4 size case for about 4500.00 a month ago on ebay. My guess on insured value would be something less than 6000.00 since no one has very much interest in this model and they seem very hard to market even though only 12 were made.

Is there any information that can be found for a 3/4 special? Also, is there a reason that this model has such low interest, especially if there were only 12 made? Can you track this model with the serial number?

[dwagar]

well, I think the low interest is due to the short neck.

I've never tried one, but they are supposed to be one heck of a player.

[Mike60]

Originally Posted by dwagar

well, I think the low interest is due to the short neck.

I've never tried one, but they are supposed to be one heck of a player.

...I got a 35 year old Harmony 3/4 acoustic that was given to me last year.Probably worth $19.99 back then.Still has the original strings on it.It's actually a lot of fun to noodle on.

[SHILOH]

Uuuuewww, you know that thing rocks with those vintage P-90's. I'd give up a body organ for that guitar.

[jimi55lp]

Originally Posted by Mike60

...CONGRATS JIMI... on your 3/4 score...I was tempted on the ebay one,but I'm looking for a '60 3/4 in TV...

Hi Mike, I would also love to buy one, but I also did not for fear of one day needing to sell it. I have always been drawn to their low production# but very unsure of the value and marketability. The seller was a nice guy,but I did have to pass, and didn't know the buyer.

[jimi55lp]

Originally Posted by snickerdoodle

Is there any information that can be found for a 3/4 special? Also, is there a reason that this model has such low interest, especially if there were only 12 made? Can you track this model with the serial number?

I really think the low interest is based on the short neck/scale and the fact that the shorter neck sets so deep in the body, which makes it very stable and solid compared to regular 59' Specials but very awkward to play. I saw the shipping total of the 1959 3/4 Specials was only 12, printed in "The Gibson Les Paul Book" by Tony Bacon & Paul Day, which said it included some SG models. I don't understand what SG models could have been produced in 1959 in 3/4 style, and I've never seen one in an SG shaped body. The serial# will tell you what point in the year it was produced. I also read an EBAY listing a few years back that said the 3/4 Special was a screaming guitar, but I've never seen one in person and can't say if that is true.

[dennistruckdriver]

Vintage Guitar Magazine has an article this month on the IDENTICAL model of guitar you have pictured there.

[Mike60]

Originally Posted by jimi55lp

I really think the low interest is based on the short neck/scale and the fact that the shorter neck sets so deep in the body, which makes it very stable and solid compared to regular 59' Specials but very awkward to play. I saw the shipping total of the 1959 3/4 Specials was only 12, printed in "The Gibson Les Paul Book" by Tony Bacon & Paul Day, which said it included some SG models. I don't understand what SG models could have been produced in 1959 in 3/4 style, and I've never seen one in an SG shaped body. The serial# will tell you what point in the year it was produced. I also read an EBAY listing a few years back that said the 3/4 Special was a screaming guitar, but I've never seen one in person and can't say if that is true.

...Les Paul Specials were renamed SG Specials in '59...

I've seen a few 3/4 Jrs from '59 and '60.
I've seen a couple of SG body styles in a jr.(post 1960)
I've seen two 1960 3/4 Specials in TV...

I have no idea of how many were produced...

The way I look at is they are old wood and when you can buy old wood for the price of a new or used R9,guess where I am going...

[snickerdoodle]

Originally Posted by dennistruckdriver

Vintage Guitar Magazine has an article this month on the IDENTICAL model of guitar you have pictured there.

Does anyone have a copy of that article about the '59 3/4 special in the Vintage Guitar Magazine? Anyway I can get a copy emailed to me?

Thanks,
Tim

[Mike60]

I believe this one is a late '60 3/4...very cool...

[dennistruckdriver]

Originally Posted by snickerdoodle

Does anyone have a copy of that article about the '59 3/4 special in the Vintage Guitar Magazine? Anyway I can get a copy emailed to me?

Thanks,
Tim

Go here:
Vintage Guitar® magazine :
You might be able to get a copy from them.
Subscribe! It is the best guitar magazine out there! I can't even really play but I find the articles on technique, artists, instruments, amps and effects just FASSINATIN'!