Gibson Les Paul Standard 2014 - Root Beer Burst Perimeter

This 2014 Gibson Les Paul Standard in Root Beer Burst Perimeter is one of those guitars where the top completely sells it for me. The Root Beer finish was already one of Gibson’s best colors from this era, but the figuring on this particular one is exceptional. There’s a ton of movement across the maple, especially through the center and upper bout, and the darker perimeter gives it a really deep, almost glowing look under light. This is probably the best Root Beer top I’ve had come through so far.

2014 was Gibson’s 120th Anniversary year, which is why this Standard has the commemorative 120th Anniversary inlay at the 12th fret. It was also a pretty interesting year for the Standard because Gibson combined a very traditional-looking Les Paul with some genuinely useful modern features.

The neck is an asymmetrical ’60s SlimTaper with a compound-radius rosewood fretboard. It feels noticeably more streamlined than a traditional ’50s neck without getting into that overly thin territory. The setup on this one passed inspection exactly as it came in, with comfortable medium action, spot-on intonation and excellent frets.

One of the coolest things about this guitar is that the original Min-ETune system is still installed and fully working. A lot of these were removed over the years, so finding a 2014 Standard that has stayed together like this is getting harder. I tested the system and it works exactly as it should. You can tune normally by hand or use the automated system for standard and alternate tunings.

The electronics are also much more versatile than they first appear. Gibson used BurstBucker Pro 1 and 2 humbuckers in this model, along with push/pull controls for coil splitting, phase switching and pure bypass. Everything passed my complete electronics inspection with no issues, and the pickups and electronics are original.

What stood out to me:

• Root Beer Burst Perimeter finish
• Exceptional AAA figured maple top
• Easily one of the nicest Root Beer tops I’ve seen
• 2014 Gibson 120th Anniversary model year
• 120th Anniversary fretboard inlay
• Asymmetrical ’60s SlimTaper neck
• Compound-radius rosewood fretboard
• BurstBucker Pro 1 and 2 humbuckers
• Push/pull coil splitting
• Phase switching
• Pure-bypass switching
• Original Min-ETune automated tuning system
• Min-ETune tested and working properly
• TonePros locking bridge and stopbar
• Excellent original frets
• Spot-on intonation
• Comfortable setup
• Original Gibson hardshell case
• Complete case candy

Condition is Excellent, and what really surprised me is how little evidence there is that this guitar was actually played. For a guitar that is now more than a decade old, it looks like someone bought it, enjoyed looking at it, and kept it tucked away in the case. The body, neck and backside all came through inspection in excellent condition, and there are no notable condition issues that take away from how clean it presents.

The fretboard is excellent, the frets have plenty of life, the strings are in excellent condition, and the current setup passed inspection without needing correction. The original electronics passed completely as well.

The Root Beer Burst Perimeter finish deserves another mention because it is really what makes this guitar special in person. The perimeter gets considerably darker toward the edges while the center lets all of that flame show through. Depending on the angle, sections of the top almost disappear and then jump back out again. It has much more depth than a straight-on photo can really capture.

It also includes the original vintage-style brown Gibson hardshell case and complete case candy, which is another big plus on a 2014 that has remained this original.

I like this era of Standard because it sits in an interesting spot in Gibson history. You still get the figured maple, mahogany construction and familiar Les Paul layout, but Gibson was experimenting with things like the asymmetrical neck, compound radius, expanded switching and automatic tuning. Fifteen or twenty years from now, I think surviving examples that still have all of that original equipment intact are going to be much more interesting than the ones that were immediately converted back to conventional tuners.

And even setting all of that aside, this one is just an exceptionally good-looking Les Paul.

The photos shown are real photographs of this exact guitar. I do not use AI-generated imagery, replacement backgrounds, or image manipulation to misrepresent the condition of my guitars. What you see is the instrument you’ll receive.

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 time.