Jason Isbell "Red Eye" 1959 Les Paul Standard

Owned and played by southern rock royalty, this iconic burst has been reproduced in unprecedented detail for a limited run of only 59 collector’s edition instruments

The famous sidekick of two notable guitarists

“Red Eye” is a 1959 Les Paul Standard that was the longtime sidekick of Lynyrd Skynyrd legend Ed King, who purchased it in 1982. After Ed passed away in 2018, six-time GRAMMY® Award-winning Americana artist Jason Isbell became Red Eye’s new owner and it has become a fixture of his stage and studio performances.

The origin of The Red Eye

Much of the red color on the top of this now-famous 1959 Les Paul Standard faded while the guitar was displayed in a store window, except for a patch below the toggle switch that was covered by a hangtag. When Ed King purchased it in 1982, he nicknamed it “Red Eye” after its distinctive appearance.

Brazilian Rosewood and handpicked tops

Using 3D scanning technology and ultra-precise Murphy Lab aging techniques, Gibson Custom has handcrafted 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.

The original serial number

Each of the 59 guitars in this Collector’s Edition release features Red Eye’s original serial number, 9 0891, ink-stamped on the rear of its headstock. Alongside this, the Collector’s Edition guitars are individually numbered from 01 through 59 to give each instrument its own unique identification.

Unique case candy

The case candy includes a blue Les Paul Protector Series hardshell case with a gray interior, a Jason Isbell Strap made by Savas from midnight blue wild alligator leather with a chain stitched and inlaid Red Eye emblem, two rubber “beer bottle” style strap locks, a certificate of authenticity booklet, and custom and reproduction hangtags.