RARE Gibson USA Anniversary Nashville Flood Les Paul Studio 2011 - Blue Swirl Burst

This is a 2011 Gibson Anniversary Flood Les Paul Studio in Marbelized Blue Swirl Burst, one of the coolest limited-run Les Paul Studios Gibson has ever produced and a model with a genuinely interesting story behind it. Gibson released these to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the devastating 2010 Nashville flood that heavily impacted both the city and the Gibson USA factory. When the floodwaters receded, they left a distinctive swirling pattern across the floor of Gibson’s finishing department. Gibson recreated that exact idea in the high-gloss nitro finish of the Anniversary Flood Les Paul Studio, making these far more than just another limited-edition color.

And this finish is absolutely wild in person. The Blue Swirl Burst moves through electric blue, turquoise, black and almost silver-looking highlights depending on the angle and lighting. There are sweeping, almost water-like patterns running across the entire carved maple top, and Gibson carried the treatment onto the face of the headstock as well. It looks completely different from virtually every other Les Paul out there, while still retaining the unmistakable silhouette and construction of a traditional Gibson.

Underneath the unusual finish is a very legitimate Les Paul. It uses a carved maple top over a chambered mahogany body, which is a big reason this particular guitar comes in at an exceptionally comfortable 7.37 lbs on my scale. The set mahogany neck has Gibson’s rounded profile from the period, paired with a rosewood fingerboard, trapezoid inlays and 22 frets. It has the substantial feel you expect from a Les Paul neck without the weight that normally comes along with the body.

The original electronics are still intact, with a Gibson 490R humbucker in the neck and hotter 498T in the bridge. The neck position is honestly what surprised me most about this guitar. It has an unusually lively, percussive response with a ton of resonance behind the note—it almost “spanks” in a way I rarely associate with a Les Paul. There is clarity and bounce to the attack while still having the fullness you want from a neck humbucker. The 498T bridge gives you the other side of the equation with considerably more push, bite and output when you want heavier rhythm or lead tones.

Hardware is the traditional Gibson combination of a Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, with chrome Grover tuners at the headstock. Between the chambered construction, light weight and how resonant this particular guitar feels, it is incredibly comfortable to sit or stand with. The current setup passed inspection, intonation is spot on, and the guitar plays extremely well with comfortable medium action. The frets are also in excellent condition.

Condition is exceptional for a 2011 guitar and very close to new overall. The body, neck and backside all inspected as excellent, with no significant damage or wear distracting from the finish. Considering how visually unforgiving a high-gloss patterned finish can be, this one has clearly been kept extremely well. Electronics have been fully tested and are functioning properly, and the pickups are original.

It also comes with the original Gibson USA hardshell case and an unusually complete set of original paperwork, including the factory inspection card, Gibson owner’s manual and warranty materials. For one of these limited Anniversary Flood models, having the guitar this clean with its original case and paperwork makes it an especially nice example.

What stood out to me

• Rare 2011 Gibson Anniversary Flood Les Paul Studio
• Marbelized Blue Swirl Burst finish
• Finish inspired by the actual swirl pattern left on Gibson’s factory floor after the 2010 Nashville flood
• Matching swirl-finished headstock face
• One of the most visually unique factory Les Paul finishes Gibson has produced
• Chambered mahogany body with carved maple top
• Extremely light 7.37 lbs on my scale
• Rounded mahogany neck profile
• Rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays
• Original Gibson 490R neck humbucker
• Original Gibson 498T bridge humbucker
• Exceptionally lively and resonant neck-pickup response
• Chrome Grover tuners
• Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece
• Excellent fret condition
• Spot-on intonation
• Comfortable setup and very easy playability
• Excellent condition and remarkably clean for a 2011 guitar
• Original Gibson USA hardshell case
• Original inspection card, warranty material and owner’s manual 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 3–7 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the window!