Experience a Unique Collaboration Between Gibson and Chuck Levin’s – The Gibson Murphy Lab Chuck Levin’s Spec 1956 Les Paul Standard In Ultra Light Aged Bourbon Burst
Tom Murphy, Master Artisan and namesake of the Gibson Murphy Lab, has been replicating the vibe and character of vintage instruments for decades. With a huge depth of knowledge, passion for the instrument, and of course creativity, Tom and his team have developed the tools and techniques to recreate guitars from the Gibson Golden Era.
Everything from reverse-engineering the original formula of nitrocellulose lacquer used during the 50s and 60s, to 3D-scanning original instruments from the era, to identifying where and how these iconic guitars acquire wear and tear. The Murphy Lab team has thought through every element of these instruments so that when you open the case, your Murphy Lab will look, feel, and sound like an heirloom.
1956 was the only full year in which the Les Paul™ model featured the powerful P-90 pickups and the adjustable ABR-1 bridge setup, a combination that allowed the Les Paul model to intonate, sustain, and thrill like never before. This Gibson Custom Shop ’56 Reissue captures the look, feel, and searing sound of an original 1956 Les Paul Goldtop in exhaustive detail. Featuring all solid woods, vintage-accurate gold paint, authentic replica parts, Historic narrow/tall frets, and hot hide glue construction. It also features Ultra Light Aging by the skilled artisans of the Murphy Lab. The Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged finish treatment, paired with lightly aged hardware, simulates decades of light play wear, giving it the unique character, vibe, and feel of an original example from the Gibson Golden Era.
Chuck Levin’s was founded in 1958 and saw its early successes while the original versions of these Murphy Lab Les Pauls were leaving Gibson’s shop. Like the Gibson Les Paul, Chuck Levin’s has endured and thrived for decades since and become a legend to many musicians. To celebrate our 65th Anniversary and our shared history with Gibson Guitars, Chuck Levin’s has partnered with the Gibson Murphy Lab to bring you a collection of amazing instruments, built just like they were back when Chuck Levin’s was just a small music shop in the middle of DC.
Ultra Light Aging
The Murphy Lab’s Ultra Light aging produces a guitar that looks and feels like an heirloom instrument that has been well cared for, while still having that unmistakable patina that only comes with age. Murphy Lab artisans go in with a subtle touch, introducing minimal lacquer checking along with Vintage Original Sheen (VOS) hardware and hand-rolled fingerboard binding.
SPECIFICATIONS
Body
- Body Material: Mahogany
- Top Material: Plain Maple 2pc
Neck
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Fingerboard Material: 1pc Indian Rosewood
- Scale Length: 24.75″
- Profile: Standard
- Radius: 12″
- Nut: Nylon
- Nut Width: 1.687″
- End of Board Width: 2.24″
- Inlays: Reissue Mother of Pearl Trapezoid
- Fretwire: Jescar FW50078
Binding
- Body Top: .09 Cream
- Fingerboard: .04 Cream
Hardware
- Hardware Material: Nickel Aged
- Tuning Machine Heads: Kluson Reissue
- Bridge: ABR-1 Non Wire
- Tailpiece: Light Weight w/Long Stud Anchor
- Jackplate: True Historic Reissue
- Truss Rod Cover: True Historic From Advanced
- Pickguard: True Historic R9-Routed for P90
- Knobs: True Historic Gold Top Hats
- Switch Tip: True Historic Amber
- Switch Washer: True Historic Cream
- Backplates: 2019 Reissue + CS Medallion
Electronics
- Bridge Pickup: Custom Shop 90 Soapbar with Historic Cream Cover
- Neck Pickup: Custom Shop 90 Soapbar with Historic Cream Cover
- Controls:
- 2 Volume
- 2 Tone
- 3-Way Switch
- Paper-in-Oil Capacitors
- Vintage Taper Potentiometers
Miscellaneous
- Finish: Bourbon Burst
- Serial: #62186
- Case: VOS-GWW Aged Case
- Extra Backplate in Case
- Exclusive COA for Chuck Levin’s
Manufacturer: Gibson
Model: LPR56PSL18418
SKU: I699456-N-62186-0-WHXD
UPC: 711106095721
We are Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center
Since 1958, Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center has been the trusted destination for musicians and audio professionals across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Family-owned and operated, our legendary music store delivers Everything in Music®—from instruments and recording gear to pro audio, rentals, and repair services.
Our team of musicians and industry experts lives and breathes gear, helping you build the perfect setup for your next performance, studio session, or installation. As an authorized dealer for top brands, we also offer our award-winning CHUCKSCLUSIVE line—exclusive, limited-edition instruments and collaborations recognized with the NAMM Top 100 Dealer Innovation Award for redefining what a music retail experience can be.
Chuck Levin’s isn’t just a store—it’s a community built by players, engineers, and creators who share a lifelong passion for sound. Stop by our legendary Wheaton, MD showroom or contact us anytime for expert advice, product questions, or the best possible deal on your next piece of gear.












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