The Gibson 'Burst: 1958-1960 (Guitar) [Paperback]

Jay Scott (Author), Vic DaPra (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2007

A musical instrument or a cultural icon? Certainly, the Gibson Les Paul "Sunburst" Standard has become the single most desirable and collectable electric guitar ever made. The late '50s middle-of-the-road guitar emerges as the turn-of-the-century Holy Grail. With over 300 'Bursts shown and 16 pages of full color photos, this is the book for all collectors. Also includes a 1958, '59, and '60 Sunburst Les Paul serial number list. "Since the first publication of this book til today, the Sunburst has continued to inspire me and new generations of musicians. Thank you, Les." - Jimmy Page

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Centerstream Publications (January 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574242032
• ISBN-13: 978-1574242034
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 8.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,375,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars nice cover-disappointing contents, February 15, 2007

By 

Steven H. Dymond "sdymondpc" (Englewood, CO USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Gibson 'Burst: 1958-1960 (Hardcover)

Having Beauty of the Burst and the Bacon books on Gibson, as well as The Gibson, and a variety of other guitar related books, all of which deliver substantive, if not always dead accurate or entirely complete information, this is not the best book on Les Pauls. While the glossy hardback cover seems to give the promise of quality and nice LP eye candy inside -the contents are in my opinion, poor. The retail price of $50.00 would have made me even more angry, as there are many books on the topic IMHO which offer much more for half the price. Admittedly, this is weighted on aesthetics a bit more than copy-but that too is lacking.

Mostly general short comments/sections scattered magazine style rather than in depth detail. Mostly black and white pictures, grainy and of poor quality-lesser quality than many high school yearbooks. There are a few pages of color photos, for the voyeurs of LPs. While seemingly shallow, it is the examination of vintage LP's by photo that allows those of us who dont have access to better understand the nuances and details of the instrument. Not happeingin here, pics or copy. The book reads in bits and pieces about attributes and notables who have the guitar. The authors are great Les Paul lovers, and acknowledged as authorities on the guitar, but the book is not a work reflecting this expertise or passion IMHO. If you want to have it all, and collect LP info this might be part of your bookshelf.

The LP is an area of great interest for me, so I thought I should have this book. It has certainly been mentioned in many guitar forums. I am disappointed in the substance and quality and would suggest a hands on examination before purchase. Had I done so I would have passed on this book. You can learn from almost any book, but IMHO this is not the place to start.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Stay away from this book!, March 14, 2007

By 

Rupert Gruebl - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Gibson 'Burst: 1958-1960 (Hardcover)

Sorry to say this, but 'The Gibson 'Burst 1958-1960 by Jay Scott and Vic daPra is the worst book that I've read on the subject. The huge amount of spelling mistakes is absolutely unacceptable. Shame on the authors and on the publishing company. About 90% of the pictures in the book are black- and-white: So describing the wonderful colors of the guitars sounds almost cynical. Those who are interested in real good pictures of vintage Gibson Les Pauls, buy Iasuhiko Iwanade's "Beauty of the Burst". This guy seems to know what he is talking about.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Gibson Burst 58-60, December 13, 2010

By 

Eunice K. Rebello - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Gibson 'Burst: 1958-1960 (Guitar) (Paperback)

The book is a photo survey of the Gibson Les Paul Guitars (bursts) made between 1958 and 1960. Easy to read, anecdotal, it contains pictures of the bursts played by very famous guitarists and now in the possession of devout Burst collectors. It also has a very accurate description on how the Cherry Sunburst finish was applied and this recipe really works. It would be a lot more enjoyable if the pictures were in color. This book is well worth the money and definitely a keeper in your Burst library.