“Stripe? Oh, my God, was that something else!” Steve Clarke chuckles, referring to Gary’s well-played and honey-toned ’59 Les Paul Standard, which does not form part of the Bonhams auction of Gary’s gear per se but is being offered for private sale POA via Bonhams instead, at the behest of the estate.
The origins of its nickname ‘Stripe’ remain obscure, but, thankfully, the rest of its particulars were easier to pin down.
“Well, firstly I can give you some pickup measurements,” Steve says. “The bridge is 7.74k and the neck is 7.36k. That’s what they come out at,” he observes, agreeing that this is incidentally similar to how manufacturers would balance the windings of a pickup set today; typically, if you have a neck and bridge pickup of equal output, the neck will sound louder due to the greater stridency of string vibration near the end of the fretboard as opposed to closer in to the bridge.
“Thus, modern balanced sets of pickups often feature a bridge pickup that’s wound slightly hotter to compensate and avoid a volume mismatch with the neck.
Steve’s measurements also shed light on a lesser known feature of some ’Bursts of the era. The headstocks often taper longitudinally, being slightly thicker at the nut than at the ‘logo’ end to add a little extra strength to the notorious weak spot where the neck transitions into the headstock.
“I took a measurement from the headstock thickness on the low E tuner side, and it was 16.56mm, tapering to around 15.9mm by the D tuner on the same side,” Steve explains.
“It’s got Grovers on it, obviously, and it’s got a later-type ABR-1 bridge on it [post-1962], the one with the retaining wire over the saddles. So that had been changed from the original. But it’s clearly been a long time [since the update] as it’s quite worn out.”
Steve adds that, like many guitars that have been played hard in a professional context, some of the electronics have been swapped out for replacement parts, presumably due to component failure on the road or in the studio.
“The neck volume and tone [pots] have been replaced. But the bridge volume and tone are original; they’re the ones.”
Steve adds that preparing such historic and valuable guitars for auction often involves sympathetically (and very carefully) attending to minor faults that prevent the guitar being used and enjoyed – always providing its provenance or originality isn’t adversely affected by any remedial work.
Such was the case with Stripe’s neck pickup. But while completing minor repairs, he does get the chance to further record subtle idiosyncrasies of the guitar’s construction.
“When I picked it up, the neck pickup wasn’t working – very intermittent, it just wouldn’t come on. So I took it apart and looked, checked all the parts. There was a lot of gunk in there, the usual thing. But I got it working in the end, after cleaning it up.
“But in the process I made a note that the neck pickup has got the early brass bobbin attachment screws, whereas the bridge pickup has got the steel screws on the plate at the bottom. So two different [screw types] and, again, that was a transitional thing.”
Meet Stripe – Gary Moore’s Other go-To ’59 Les Paul Guitar with Incalculable Vibe
Beyond Greeny, the legendary ’59 Les paul once owned by Peter Green and famously played by Gary Moore, there’s another iconic guitar in Moore’s arsenal deserving the spotlight – Stripe. While the origins of Stripe’s nickname remain a bit of a mystery, the rest of its tantalizing particulars have been easier to pin down. This Les Paul carries a vibe that is just as powerful and incalculable as its better-known sibling, making it an essential piece of guitar lore.
The Origins of Stripe’s Nickname: A Mystery Wrapped in Melody
The nickname Stripe hasn’t been clearly explained in public records or interviews, and fans and collectors alike have speculated about its meaning for years. Unlike Greeny – named after Peter Green himself – Stripe’s moniker might be linked to physical markings or a unique aesthetic feature on the guitar, but nothing has been definitively confirmed.
- Possibility 1: It may refer to aesthetic stripes or grain patterns on the guitar’s body.
- Possibility 2: It could be a personal nickname bestowed by Moore reflecting the guitar’s distinct tonal ‘stripes’ or voice.
- Possibility 3: Simply an affectionate tag from Moore’s inner circle.
Whatever the story behind the name,Stripe undoubtedly shares the same aura of legend and emotional connection that typifies Moore’s passion for vintage Les Paul guitars.
Stripe’s Provenance and Key Specifications
Stripe is a classic 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, a holy grail among electric guitar enthusiasts. here’s a breakdown of what makes this guitar special:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1959 |
| Model | Gibson Les Paul Standard |
| Body | Mahogany with maple top |
| Neck | Mahogany, rounded profile |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood with trapezoid inlays |
| Pickups | Original PAF humbuckers |
| Finish | Sunburst with distinct grain |
The guitar boasts all the hallmark characteristics of a ’59 Les Paul, which is widely considered by many players and collectors as the pinnacle of electric guitar design and sound.
the Incalculable Vibe of Stripe: what Makes It Unique?
Guitars like Stripe aren’t just about specs; they’re about an intangible vibe, a certain character that can’t be measured with strings alone. Here’s what sets stripe apart:
1. Tonal Richness & Warmth
Equipped with the original PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucking pickups that Gibson introduced in 1957, Stripe delivers a rich, creamy tone with a complex harmonic layering. Gary Moore exploited these pickups’ capabilities to cover genres from blues to rock with unmatched emotional intensity.
2. Playability & Comfort
Moore favored a smooth, rounded neck profile for cozy playability, and Stripe’s neck fits the bill perfectly.It’s a guitar built for hours on end in the studio or on tour.
3. Visual Appeal
While not dramatically flashy, Stripe’s sunburst finish and wood grain present subtle visual cues of its unique soul and years’ worth of musical journeys.
Stripe vs. Greeny: A Comparative Look
Fans of gary moore and vintage guitars often ask how Stripe stacks up against Greeny. Below is a concise comparison focused on key features and musical application:
| Aspect | Greeny | Stripe |
|---|---|---|
| Owner Lineage | Originally Peter Green, then Gary Moore | Primarily associated with Gary moore |
| Pickup Configuration | Original pickups, known for unique “out-of-phase” sound | Original PAFs, warm and smooth tone |
| Tonal Characteristics | Distinctive growl, biting attack | More mellow, balanced warmth |
| Visual Look | Sunburst with slight relic wear | Sunburst with subtle grain “stripes” |
| Signature Tracks | “Black Magic Woman,” “Oh Well” | Many of Moore’s solo works and live performances |
Practical Tips for Owners and Collectors of 1959 Les Pauls like Stripe
- Maintenance: Keep pickups clean and avoid moisture to preserve original tone and feel.
- Setup: A proper action setup can maximize playability tailored to yoru style-Moore preferred a medium-low action.
- Pickups: If preserving originality, avoid radical pickup modifications to retain that inimitable PAF magic.
- Storage: Store in a stable, humidity-controlled habitat to protect the wood and finish.
Firsthand Experience: What Playing Stripe Feels Like
Many guitarists who have had the chance to play Stripe describe the experience as almost spiritual. The response beneath the fingers, the intrinsic balance of bass and treble, and the seamless transition from gentle blues to soaring rock solos make it a dream guitar.
One particular guitarist noted:
“Playing Stripe felt like having a conversation with the guitar. You don’t just play it-you feel it, and it sings back to you with warmth and presence that’s almost human.”
For Gary Moore, Stripe wasn’t just a backup guitar; it was an acoustic partner that helped craft some of his most memorable performances.
Conclusion: Why Stripe Remains a Legendary ’59 Les Paul
even though the origins of its nickname remain elusive, Stripe stands as a monument of tone, feel, and musical history. Sharing the stage with the better-known Greeny, Stripe’s timeless construction, stunning vibe, and association with Gary Moore make it a guitar of incalculable value-both emotionally and artistically.
