Demetrius from the guitar department at Sounds Great and has known the owner for many years. He was delighted when he agreed to bring the priceless instrument to the store and excited to be given the chance to play it, following in the footsteps of the rock’n’roll A-Lister’s who have gone before.

The guitar, a Les Paul Standard was made by Gibson Guitars in America in 1959 and in any circumstances would be considered a rare and valuable instrument in its own right. But the unique patterns in the maple top three tone sunburst finish has made it easily identifiable when researching its photographic history when in the hands of Mick Taylor and Keith Richards in early Rolling Stones photographic archives.

This model was only manufactured between 1958 and 1961 but is still considered amongst the most desirable of Gibson’s instruments ever made. The instrument grew in popularity amongst the rock and blues players in the 60’s and 70’s and Gibson returned to making them in 1975 – the model is still available today. Sounds Great Music have recently been awarded the Gibson Custom Shop reseller accreditation, which includes the modern equivalent of this classic 59. “The modern custom shop Gibson’s are fantastic’” said Demetrius, “but this one in special, completely unique and incredibly valuable.”

Sadly the instrument is not for sale, and the current owner is happy to hold on to this piece of history for the foreseeable future, but who knows when and where the next priceless guitar will appear from? Maybe it’s in the hands of an as yet undiscovered artist who bought their current Gibson from Sounds Great Music in 2012.