"Isbell's 'Red Eye'" Brazilian Murphy Lab released - $22k

[jb_abides]

Like Greeny, the current possessor's name is prepended...

At least they mention brother Ed (RIP) straightaway in the description!

Salient details:

- 3D scanned, including 'Red Eye' neck profile​

- Hand-picked top, personally handpicked by Jason Isbell​

- Lightweight wood spec'd​

- No special pickup changes, just unpotted CustomBuckers​

- Unique 'Isbell Red Eye' candy: Protector case in blue, strap, COA, hangtags​

- Limited to 59 i.e. Collector's Run, using the serial number and a lower position stamped run number​

Also please perused the 'Hardware' section of the specs: they are either evolving, or getting more descriptive, regarding plastics...?

- Switch washer: Replica Cellulose Acetate Butyrate​

- Control Knobs: Gold Butyrate Top Hat​

- Pickguard: Laminated Cellulose Acetate Butyrate​

- Mounting Rings: M69 Cellulose Acetate Butyrate​

- Control Covers: Black Royalite;​

- Switch Tip: Amber Catalin​

- ... etc.​

I'll wager there are enough fans to cover this run... perhaps with price negotiations.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

From Gibson:

Jason Isbell “Red Eye” 1959 Les Paul Standard, Collector's Edition, Red Eye Burst​

Collector’s Edition model with a mahogany body, figured maple top hand selected by Jason Isbell, Brazilian rosewood fretboard, and Murphy Lab-aged to match the famous original guitar

...

A Collector’s Edition Clone of Jason Isbell's Famous '59 Les Paul​

“Red Eye,” a 1959 Les Paul Standard, was the long-time sidekick of Ed King of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Much of the red color on the top faded while displayed in a store window, except for a patch below the toggle switch that was covered by a hangtag. Ed purchased it in 1982 and nicknamed it “Red Eye” after its distinctive appearance. After Ed passed away in 2018, Jason Isbell purchased Red Eye and often features it in his stage and studio performances. This special Collector’s Edition limited run of replications uses new 3D scanning technology and ultra-precise Murphy Lab aging techniques to aid in handcrafting an effective clone of Red Eye. Every detail has been thoughtfully replicated, from the exact playing wear to the sonic character and solid Brazilian rosewood fretboard. The figured maple tops were even personally handpicked by Jason Isbell. Only 59 of these exceptional instruments have been handmade by the expert luthiers of the Gibson Custom Shop and Murphy Lab in Nashville, Tennessee, as part of this extraordinary Collector’s Edition run.

https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Jason-Isbell-Red-Eye-1959-Les-Paul-Standard-Collectors-Edition/Red-Eye-Burst

-

 

[jb_abides]

 

[mikeslub]

Yikes! $22k for a guitar that was already a special run once before when Ed was still with us (Collector’s Choice #16).

 

[jb_abides]

Yikes! $22k for a guitar that was already a special run once before when Ed was still with us (Collector’s Choice #16).

Quite a punch to the wallet, right?

Somehow, Gibson has convinced buyer's that restricting Brazilian boards to limited runs justifies the price markup. I love my factor Braz... OK, fine. I'd rather a full makeover by Kim/Historic or even Jaeger/Bavarian, if I am spending that amount of dosh!

Then again, everything old is new again. At the new price!

I do tend to believe their marketing research related to the artist's fanbase and correlated with admirers of the 'named guitar' is fairly accurate, to cover recoup for those runs in the end.

Word is many collector's / limited runs even Murphy Labs have ample room to negotiate price -- so long as it's done so in quiet.

Luckily for me, as a southpaw, there's effectively NONE for me. As was the case for the CC runs, no bueno, Lefty. And I am not even really jazzed by the prospects. Plus, I still prefer VOS over ML.

Right now, my thoughts turn more toward M2M of reissues or wishlist models missing from my stable, than a 'named' CC-type guitar anyway. So I am an interested observer on the sidelines. We'll see if they ever do a Macca Burst or Goldtop... if I am a sucker!

I would like to know more background on what they are doing with the plastics these days... hmm.

 

[troyad]

I mean......the case is kind of neat I guess....

 

[AA00475Bassman]

Yikes! $22k for a guitar that was already a special run once before when Ed was still with us (Collector’s Choice #16).

When the Slub goes Yikes its a danger Will Robinson - Mike Knows !

 

[ppgf]

price is competitive with the top end of the burst replica makers. if it’s as tight as my 2024 braz “59, it’s a fair price.

 

[ppgf]

Quite a punch to the wallet, right?

Somehow, Gibson has convinced buyer's that restricting Brazilian boards to limited runs justifies the price markup. I love my factor Braz... OK, fine. I'd rather a full makeover by Kim/Historic or even Jaeger/Bavarian, if I am spending that amount of dosh!

Then again, everything old is new again. At the new price!

I do tend to believe their marketing research related to the artist's fanbase and correlated with admirers of the 'named guitar' is fairly accurate, to cover recoup for those runs in the end.

Word is many collector's / limited runs even Murphy Labs have ample room to negotiate price -- so long as it's done so in quiet.

Luckily for me, as a southpaw, there's effectively NONE for me. As was the case for the CC runs, no bueno, Lefty. And I am not even really jazzed by the prospects. Plus, I still prefer VOS over ML.

Right now, my thoughts turn more toward M2M of reissues or wishlist models missing from my stable, than a 'named' CC-type guitar anyway. So I am an interested observer on the sidelines. We'll see if they ever do a Macca Burst or Goldtop... if I am a sucker!

I would like to know more background on what they are doing with the plastics these days... hmm.

the plastics…

 

[Musicman]

When the Slub goes Yikes its a danger Will Robinson - Mike Knows !

More like "that does not compute"!

 

[mikeslub]

My CC#16 “RedEye” from 2013:

 

[Any Name You Wish]

Collectors are a strange bunch man. This whole thing is getting out there. Freaky man. Freaky.

 

[El Gringo]

Like Greeny, the current possessor's name is prepended...

At least they mention brother Ed (RIP) straightaway in the description!

Salient details:

- 3D scanned, including 'Red Eye' neck profile​

- Hand-picked top, personally handpicked by Jason Isbell​

- Lightweight wood spec'd​

- No special pickup changes, just unpotted CustomBuckers​

- Unique 'Isbell Red Eye' candy: Protector case in blue, strap, COA, hangtags​

- Limited to 59 i.e. Collector's Run, using the serial number and a lower position stamped run number​

Also please perused the 'Hardware' section of the specs: they are either evolving, or getting more descriptive, regarding plastics...?

- Switch washer: Replica Cellulose Acetate Butyrate​

- Control Knobs: Gold Butyrate Top Hat​

- Pickguard: Laminated Cellulose Acetate Butyrate​

- Mounting Rings: M69 Cellulose Acetate Butyrate​

- Control Covers: Black Royalite;​

- Switch Tip: Amber Catalin​

- ... etc.​

I'll wager there are enough fans to cover this run... perhaps with price negotiations.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

From Gibson:

Jason Isbell “Red Eye” 1959 Les Paul Standard, Collector's Edition, Red Eye Burst​

Collector’s Edition model with a mahogany body, figured maple top hand selected by Jason Isbell, Brazilian rosewood fretboard, and Murphy Lab-aged to match the famous original guitar

...

A Collector’s Edition Clone of Jason Isbell's Famous '59 Les Paul​

“Red Eye,” a 1959 Les Paul Standard, was the long-time sidekick of Ed King of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Much of the red color on the top faded while displayed in a store window, except for a patch below the toggle switch that was covered by a hangtag. Ed purchased it in 1982 and nicknamed it “Red Eye” after its distinctive appearance. After Ed passed away in 2018, Jason Isbell purchased Red Eye and often features it in his stage and studio performances. This special Collector’s Edition limited run of replications uses new 3D scanning technology and ultra-precise Murphy Lab aging techniques to aid in handcrafting an effective clone of Red Eye. Every detail has been thoughtfully replicated, from the exact playing wear to the sonic character and solid Brazilian rosewood fretboard. The figured maple tops were even personally handpicked by Jason Isbell. Only 59 of these exceptional instruments have been handmade by the expert luthiers of the Gibson Custom Shop and Murphy Lab in Nashville, Tennessee, as part of this extraordinary Collector’s Edition run.

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I always appreciate your kindness in providing these updates for us . Thank You Kindly !

 

[charliechitlins]

There is no price too high if you're getting a REAL cellulose acetate butyrate poker chip.

 

[matkoehler]

Quite a punch to the wallet, right?

Somehow, Gibson has convinced buyer's that restricting Brazilian boards to limited runs justifies the price markup. I love my factor Braz... OK, fine. I'd rather a full makeover by Kim/Historic or even Jaeger/Bavarian, if I am spending that amount of dosh!

Then again, everything old is new again. At the new price!

I do tend to believe their marketing research related to the artist's fanbase and correlated with admirers of the 'named guitar' is fairly accurate, to cover recoup for those runs in the end.

Word is many collector's / limited runs even Murphy Labs have ample room to negotiate price -- so long as it's done so in quiet.

Luckily for me, as a southpaw, there's effectively NONE for me. As was the case for the CC runs, no bueno, Lefty. And I am not even really jazzed by the prospects. Plus, I still prefer VOS over ML.

Right now, my thoughts turn more toward M2M of reissues or wishlist models missing from my stable, than a 'named' CC-type guitar anyway. So I am an interested observer on the sidelines. We'll see if they ever do a Macca Burst or Goldtop... if I am a sucker!

I would like to know more background on what they are doing with the plastics these days... hmm.

At Jason's request, there were four lefties made as part of this run...shown on the website as well.

FYI the pickups are indeed unique to this guitar, recreated from the originals, but I think it got updated on the web page after your post.

The price of this follows the structure of the 300-piece Brazilian Rosewood R9 run. Everybody forgets labor and overhead, and there is significantly more time wrapped up in doing a replica or anything completely unique to a core model. But I'm not here to justify the price or the work involved...go to the Gibson Garage and try one out alongside any of our other Les Pauls at every price point. There is something for everyone. The model in question is not for everyone but it's selling well and there is clearly an audience for it.

The Collector's Choice Redeye run was fantastic. Yours truly owned one for a long time. We at Gibson wanted to do a guitar with Jason...Jason's #1 is Redeye, and a run made sense to us with the addition of the Murphy Lab, the countless accuracy advancements and improvements, the Brazilian boards, and most of all the new chapter of this guitar's life in the hands of Jason.

 

[jb_abides]

At Jason's request, there were four lefties made as part of this run...shown on the website as well.

FYI the pickups are indeed unique to this guitar, recreated from the originals, but I think it got updated on the web page after your post.

The price of this follows the structure of the 300-piece Brazilian Rosewood R9 run. Everybody forgets labor and overhead, and there is significantly more time wrapped up in doing a replica or anything completely unique to a core model. But I'm not here to justify the price or the work involved...go to the Gibson Garage and try one out alongside any of our other Les Pauls at every price point. There is something for everyone. The model in question is not for everyone but it's selling well and there is clearly an audience for it.

The Collector's Choice Redeye run was fantastic. Yours truly owned one for a long time. We at Gibson wanted to do a guitar with Jason...Jason's #1 is Redeye, and a run made sense to us with the addition of the Murphy Lab, the countless accuracy advancements and improvements, the Brazilian boards, and most of all the new chapter of this guitar's life in the hands of Jason.

That's good to hear, big thanks to Jason for making that happen! These must've hit the web later, good to know. Agree, limited runs with particular specs, there's certainly a place for them in the market.

Not sure if you've seen comment about plastics..? [and might apply other hardware, electronics for that matter]

Essentially, when one sees these descriptors on the Red Eye page:
-- Pickguard: Laminated Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
-- Control Knobs: Gold Butyrate Top Hat
-- Switch Tip: Amber Catalin
-- Switch washer: Replica Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
-- Jack Plate Cover: Laminated Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
-- Control Covers: Black Royalite
-- Mounting Rings: M69 Cellulose Acetate Butyrate

... are these just accurate descriptions for the 2015/6-forward True Historic parts finally hitting webpage specs, OR have there been upgrades?

Perhaps this is just an update to the website, as the 1959 Standard has them too, now. I recall things were less descriptive just a while back.

So, thanks much for being more detailed regarding the specs on the webpage.

ALSO: I'll just throw another plug for having a complete and comprehensive set of Historic Parts available on Accessories website. I seen some, not all. And perhaps segregate them under a Historic section. And BTW there's wackiness there. Tuning Machines under a 'KeyChain' filter, Studio Pickguard under a 'Studio Monitor' filter. I know it's not your area but I am sure you bump into those folks.

Thanks and take care,

PS > Looking at the new avatar... Did they let you in the spray booth?

 

[F-Hole]

Tragi-comedic for so many reasons

 

[ourmaninthenorth]

Too many quick witted people here to be fooled by this slow talking silliness.

It's almost parody.

 

[asapmaz]

Fine print: I t i s j u s t a n o t h e r R 9

 

[corpse]

S a m e w o o d s a m e g l u e e q u a l s s a m e g u i t a r

 

[HDA71]

The Emperor's New Clothes !​