Gibson Dark Fire Les Paul 2009 - 2010 - Dark Fire

This is a seriously cool 2009 Gibson Les Paul Dark Fire Limited Edition First Run—one of Gibson’s most ambitious and unique Les Paul releases ever made. The Dark Fire took the familiar Les Paul platform and pushed it into completely different territory with robot tuning, the Master Control Knob system, Chameleon Tone technology, piezo-equipped bridge, and a pickup combination that gives it a much wider tonal range than a normal Les Paul.

The Dark Fire finish is absolutely wild in person. It has a deep transparent red gloss top over an aggressively figured maple cap, with black binding and dark edges that make the flame jump out even harder. This one has especially strong figuring, with a ton of movement across the top depending on the light. It is one of those finishes that makes you stop and stare at it for a minute—the red is rich, the flame is dramatic, and the carbon-fiber-look pickup covers and pickguard give it a look that is unmistakably Dark Fire.

Gibson paired a P-90H in the neck with a Burstbucker 3 in the bridge, both with the matching carbon-fiber-look covers. The neck pickup has the warmth and character you want from a P-90-style pickup, but with a more controlled and refined response, while the Burstbucker 3 has plenty of punch, bite, and sustain for higher-gain playing. It sounds fantastic as a straight-up Les Paul before you even get into the advanced electronics.

Where this guitar really separates itself is the onboard technology. The Master Control Knob controls the robot tuning system and opens up alternate tunings and additional tonal options, while the piezo bridge adds acoustic-style sounds and gives the guitar a huge amount of versatility. The Chameleon Tone system lets you access different pickup and tonal combinations that go well beyond a traditional two-pickup Les Paul setup. It is the kind of guitar that can cover a lot of ground without needing to bring multiple guitars to a session or gig.

This particular example has all of the original electronics, pickups, and hardware intact. The original factory battery has been replaced with a modern lithium-ion battery, which is a major practical upgrade over the notoriously problematic original robot battery setup. The original battery is still included with the guitar as well.

It plays and sounds amazing, with spot-on intonation, excellent frets, and a comfortable setup. The guitar weighs 8.82 pounds on my scale, which is a great weight for a Les Paul. The neck feels excellent, the action is right where it should be, and it has that smooth, easy-playing feel that makes this one much more than just a novelty or collector piece.

Condition-wise, this guitar is in truly amazing shape. The gloss top, hardware, neck, fretboard, and electronics all present extremely well, with no chips, dings, or major scratches to note. The only real cosmetic wear is some light rub wear on the satin back, which is visible in certain lighting but does not take away from how clean this guitar is overall. It includes the original white Gibson Dark Fire Limited Edition First Run hardshell case, complete original case candy, manuals, and documentation.

What stood out to me

• Rare 2009 Gibson Les Paul Dark Fire Limited Edition First Run
• One of Gibson’s most innovative and unique Les Paul releases
• Incredible transparent red Dark Fire finish
• Aggressively figured maple top with dramatic flame
• Chambered mahogany body
• Black binding and dark edge treatment
• Carbon-fiber-look pickup covers
• Matching carbon-fiber-look pickguard
• P-90H neck pickup
• Burstbucker 3 bridge pickup
• Piezo-equipped bridge for acoustic-style tones
• Master Control Knob system
• Robot tuning system
• Chameleon Tone technology
• Huge tonal range compared to a normal Les Paul
• Original pickups, electronics, and hardware
• Modern lithium-ion battery upgrade installed
• Original robot battery included
• Excellent fret condition
• Spot-on intonation
• Comfortable setup and great action
• 8.82 pounds on my scale
• Excellent overall condition
• Only minor rub wear on the satin back
• No chips, dings, or major scratches to note
• Original white Gibson Dark Fire Limited Edition First Run hardshell case included
• Complete original case candy and documentation included

Like all my guitars, this one’s been cared for and dialed in—no guesswork, no surprises, just a great instrument that’s ready to play. I personally inspect and test every guitar before it ships, making sure it’s in the exact condition I’d want to receive myself. These guitars come from me, not a shop—each one gets the kind of attention and care only a real guitar lover gives. Ships fast and insured.

⏳ Quick note: These guitars don’t usually sit. Most are purchased within 1–5 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the window!