Vince Gill Discusses His Cherished 1959 Les Paul ‘Burst Guitar]

Over the course of his long career, Vince Gill has been a session artist, a member of Pure Prairie League, a solo giant and, today, a member of the Eagles.

And he’s done it largely with a range of Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster electric guitars, as well as a nice selection of Gibson and Martin acoustics.

Given his somewhat infrequent use of a Les Paul, Gill never felt a need to add a vintage ‘Burst to his collection. But a sad and deeply personal twist of events brought one into his life.

“I bought a ’59 Les Paul from my brother-in-law from my first marriage [to country singer Janis Oliver],” Gill told Guitar Aficionado in 2017. “We were great friends, and he owned this great ’59 sunburst since 1959.

“He’d played it his whole life but got sick a couple of years ago. He called me and said, ‘There’s not much they can do for me. I’m probably not gonna make it. You’ve always been my favorite guitar player. Will you buy my Les Paul?’

“I didn’t have a sunburst Les Paul in my collection, and I previously couldn’t justify the expense because I don’t play a Les Paul that much, But this one came along and I said, ‘There you go,’” Gill continued. “I got the one I was supposed to have. My friend played it for 40 years, and now it gets to live on and still make music.”

The ‘Burst occupies pride of place in Gill’s collection, which is largely housed in his home studio. Of his collecting habit, Gill, with a chuckle, told Guitar Player in 2022, “I’m sure I’ve got a couple of hundred guitars, but I don’t have a boat or multiple houses or cars. I wouldn’t say it’s out of control, but it’s borderline.”

Gill performs onstage at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, April 1, 2007 (Image credit: Kyle Hoelzel/Getty Images)

Gill — who has earned more CMA Awards than any other artist — will take home a once-in-a-lifetime honor on November 19 when the CMA presents him with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The country legend will join past recipients like Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, in recognition of having “attained the highest degree of recognition in Country Music,” as well as for his humanitarian efforts and philanthropy.

“Vince embodies the very best of what country music stands for,” Sarah Trahern, CMA’s chief executive officer, said in a statement. “He’s a true trailblazer, one who gives back to the community, honors the roots of our genre, and even now, continues to share his talent with fans across the globe.”

Gill is currently casting a long glance over his 50-year music career by curating a series of EPS, titled 50 Years From Home. The first disc, I Gave You Everything I Had, was issued October 17, with others scheduled for release over the coming year.

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