Billy Gibbons Tells the Story Behind His 1959 Les Paul, "Pearly Gates" GuitarPlayer

The Ultimate ZZ Top Gear: Billy Gibbons' Les Paul Pearly Gates Uncovered

Billy Gibbons Tells the Story Behind His 1959 Les Paul, "Pearly Gates" GuitarPlayer

What is "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates"? It's a signature guitar model created by Gibson Brands in collaboration with Billy Gibbons, the guitarist of the legendary rock band ZZ Top.

The "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" is a recreation of Gibbons' own 1959 Les Paul Standard, nicknamed "Pearly Gates" due to its distinctive pearlescent white finish. The guitar features a mahogany body with a carved maple top, a mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard, and two P-90 pickups. It is known for its warm, rich tone and its exceptional playability.

The "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" is a highly sought-after guitar by collectors and players alike. It is considered to be one of the best Les Paul models ever produced. The guitar has been used by Gibbons on numerous ZZ Top recordings and live performances, and it has been featured in several music videos and magazine articles.

billy gibbons les paul pearly gates

The "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" is a signature guitar model created by Gibson Brands in collaboration with Billy Gibbons, the guitarist of the legendary rock band ZZ Top. It is a recreation of Gibbons' own 1959 Les Paul Standard, nicknamed "Pearly Gates" due to its distinctive pearlescent white finish.

  • Signature model: A guitar designed to the specifications of a particular musician.
  • 1959 Les Paul Standard: The original model of guitar that the "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" is based on.
  • Pearlescent white finish: The distinctive finish that gives the guitar its nickname.
  • Mahogany body: The type of wood used for the body of the guitar.
  • P-90 pickups: The type of pickups used in the guitar.
  • Warm, rich tone: The characteristic sound of the guitar.

The "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" is a highly sought-after guitar by collectors and players alike. It is considered to be one of the best Les Paul models ever produced. The guitar has been used by Gibbons on numerous ZZ Top recordings and live performances, and it has been featured in several music videos and magazine articles.

Signature model

A signature model guitar is designed to the exact specifications of a particular musician, taking into account their playing style, preferences, and sound. This can include the body shape, neck profile, pickup configuration, and even the finish. Signature models are often created in collaboration with the musician, who provides input on every aspect of the design.

  • Billy Gibbons Les Paul Pearly Gates: This guitar is a signature model designed to Gibbons' exact specifications. It features a mahogany body with a carved maple top, a mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard, and two P-90 pickups. The guitar is finished in a pearlescent white, which is why it is nicknamed "Pearly Gates."
  • Eric Clapton Stratocaster: This guitar is a signature model designed to Clapton's exact specifications. It features an alder body with a maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard. The guitar is finished in a sunburst finish and features three single-coil pickups.
  • Jimmy Page Les Paul: This guitar is a signature model designed to Page's exact specifications. It features a mahogany body with a maple top, a mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard, and two humbucking pickups. The guitar is finished in a black finish and features a dragon inlay on the fretboard.

Signature model guitars are often highly sought-after by collectors and players alike. They offer a unique opportunity to own a guitar that is designed to the exact specifications of a legendary musician.

1959 Les Paul Standard

The 1959 Les Paul Standard is widely considered to be one of the greatest electric guitars ever made. It is known for its beautiful design, exceptional craftsmanship, and legendary tone. The "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" is a signature model guitar that is based on Gibbons' own 1959 Les Paul Standard. As such, it shares many of the same features and characteristics that make the original so special.

  • Body and neck: The "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" has a mahogany body with a carved maple top, just like the original 1959 Les Paul Standard. The mahogany body gives the guitar a warm, resonant tone, while the maple top adds brightness and clarity. The neck is made of mahogany and has a rosewood fingerboard. The neck is carved to Gibbons' preferred profile, which is slightly thicker than the original 1959 Les Paul Standard neck.
  • Pickups: The "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" is equipped with two P-90 pickups, which are the same type of pickups that were used in the original 1959 Les Paul Standard. P-90 pickups are known for their warm, fat tone, which is perfect for blues and rock music.
  • Finish: The "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" is finished in a pearlescent white finish, which is what gives the guitar its nickname, "Pearly Gates." The pearlescent white finish is a nod to the original 1959 Les Paul Standard, which was also available in a white finish.

The "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" is a faithful recreation of the original 1959 Les Paul Standard. It has the same body, neck, pickups, and finish as the original, and it sounds and plays just like the original. As such, it is a great choice for players who are looking for a guitar that has the classic Les Paul sound and feel.

Pearlescent white finish

The pearlescent white finish is one of the most distinctive features of the "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates." It is a nod to the original 1959 Les Paul Standard, which was also available in a white finish. However, the "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" features a unique pearlescent finish that gives the guitar a shimmering, iridescent look.

  • Origin: The pearlescent white finish was first used on the "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" in 1996. Gibbons wanted to create a guitar that had the classic Les Paul look and feel, but with a unique twist. He chose a pearlescent white finish because it is both beautiful and eye-catching.
  • Process: The pearlescent white finish is created by applying a special paint to the guitar body. The paint is made with tiny flakes of mica, which give the finish its shimmering, iridescent look. The paint is applied in several layers, and each layer is sanded and buffed to create a smooth, even finish.
  • Impact: The pearlescent white finish has become one of the most iconic features of the "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates." It is a beautiful and unique finish that sets the guitar apart from other Les Paul models. The pearlescent white finish also makes the guitar more visible on stage, which is important for a guitarist who is known for his flamboyant playing style.

The pearlescent white finish is an important part of the "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" identity. It is a beautiful and unique finish that sets the guitar apart from other Les Paul models. The pearlescent white finish also makes the guitar more visible on stage, which is important for a guitarist who is known for his flamboyant playing style.

Mahogany body

The type of wood used for the body of a guitar has a significant impact on the sound of the instrument. Mahogany is a popular choice for guitar bodies because it produces a warm, resonant tone with plenty of sustain. The "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" features a mahogany body, which contributes to its signature sound.

  • Tonal characteristics: Mahogany is known for its warm, resonant tone with plenty of sustain. This makes it a popular choice for guitars that are used for blues, rock, and other genres that require a full, rich sound.
  • Weight and density: Mahogany is a relatively heavy and dense wood, which contributes to the guitar's overall weight and sustain.
  • Appearance: Mahogany has a beautiful reddish-brown color with a distinctive grain pattern. This makes it a popular choice for guitars that are both visually appealing and sonically pleasing.

The mahogany body of the "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" contributes to its warm, resonant tone and its overall weight and sustain. This makes it a great choice for players who are looking for a guitar with a classic Les Paul sound and feel.

P-90 pickups

The "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" is equipped with two P-90 pickups, which are the same type of pickups that were used in the original 1959 Les Paul Standard. P-90 pickups are known for their warm, fat tone, which is perfect for blues and rock music. They are also known for their high output, which gives them a slightly more aggressive sound than single-coil pickups.

Billy Gibbons has used P-90 pickups in his guitars for most of his career. He loves the warm, fat tone that they produce, and he also appreciates their high output. Gibbons has said that P-90 pickups are "the perfect pickups for rock and roll."

The P-90 pickups are a key component of the "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" sound. They give the guitar its warm, fat tone and its high output. This makes the guitar ideal for blues and rock music.

Warm, rich tone

The "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" is known for its warm, rich tone, which is perfect for blues and rock music. This tone is the result of several factors, including the guitar's mahogany body, P-90 pickups, and pearlescent white finish.

  • Mahogany body: Mahogany is a dense wood that produces a warm, resonant tone with plenty of sustain. This makes it an ideal choice for guitars that are used for blues and rock music.
  • P-90 pickups: P-90 pickups are known for their warm, fat tone, which is perfect for blues and rock music. They are also known for their high output, which gives them a slightly more aggressive sound than single-coil pickups.
  • Pearlescent white finish: The pearlescent white finish on the "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" helps to reflect the sound waves, which contributes to the guitar's warm, rich tone.

The combination of these factors gives the "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" its characteristic warm, rich tone. This tone is perfect for blues and rock music, and it is one of the reasons why the guitar is so popular among musicians.

FAQs about the "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates"

This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates."

Question 1: What is the difference between the "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" and the original 1959 Les Paul Standard?


Answer: The "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" is a signature model guitar that is based on Gibbons' own 1959 Les Paul Standard. It has the same body, neck, and pickups as the original, but it features a unique pearlescent white finish.


Question 2: What is the best way to care for a "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" guitar?


Answer: The best way to care for a "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" guitar is to wipe it down with a clean, soft cloth after each use. You should also avoid exposing the guitar to extreme temperatures or humidity. If the guitar does get wet, dry it off immediately with a clean, soft cloth.


These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates." If you have any other questions, please consult the guitar's manual or contact Gibson Customer Service.

Conclusion

The "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" is a signature model guitar that is based on Gibbons' own 1959 Les Paul Standard. It has the same body, neck, and pickups as the original, but it features a unique pearlescent white finish. The guitar is known for its warm, rich tone, which is perfect for blues and rock music.

The "billy gibbons les paul pearly gates" is a great choice for players who are looking for a guitar with the classic Les Paul sound and feel. It is also a great choice for collectors, as it is a limited edition model that is no longer in production.

You Might Also Like

Announcing Billy Gibbons' Electrifying 2025 Tour: Get Your Tickets Now!
The Tragic Loss: John Travolta's Son Ben
The Evolution Of Lisa Bonet: A Journey Through Time
The Ultimate Guide To Connecting With Billy Gibbons: Essential Contact Methods
70s Fever: The Iconic Era Of John Travolta

Article Recommendations

Billy Gibbons Tells the Story Behind His 1959 Les Paul, "Pearly Gates" GuitarPlayer
Billy Gibbons Tells the Story Behind His 1959 Les Paul, "Pearly Gates" GuitarPlayer

Details

Gibson Custom Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates" 1959 Les Paul Aged by Tom Murphy Number 028
Gibson Custom Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates" 1959 Les Paul Aged by Tom Murphy Number 028

Details

The Story of Billy Gibbons' 'Pearly Gates' Les Paul Ultimate Guitar
The Story of Billy Gibbons' 'Pearly Gates' Les Paul Ultimate Guitar

Details