THE motorcycle and the electric guitar both hold a special place in the social subconscious of generations of people, across the entire globe. Both have a rebellious nature about them, and one that in the 40s and 50s, most parents would rather their offspring didn’t explore.
In the modern world, that rebellious spirit has never gone away, it’s just that most of the rebels are older, sometimes wiser, and quite possibly with more disposable income to play with then when they were in their teens! It’s that group that Triumph and Gibson are looking to tap into, as the two giants in their respective fields set about raising money for men’s health through the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR).
Gibson and Triumph 1959 Legends Custom Editions
To help the much-loved charity raise some much-needed cash, the two are making a one-of-a-kind reissue of their most iconic models. Gibson with a special edition 1959 Les Paul Standard, and Triumph with Triumph Bonneville 1959 Legends Custom Edition.
The 1959 Les Paul is widely considered to be a ‘holy grail’ guitar and formed the blueprint for which the Les Paul range has followed almost to the ‘T’ even in the modern age. Like the Les Paul Standard, the Bonneville was a bike that set the standard on two wheels that would be followed for decades to come. It pushed the motorcycle, and the British motorcycle industry forward, to become a leader in innovation and design that would last generations.
The guitar
The 1959 Legends Custom Edition features unique Triumph design detailing, including hand coach-lined pickguard, inspired by the Bonneville’s engine fins, etched pick-up covers, branded truss rod cover, and reissue switch backplate.
Along with the 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue certificate of authenticity, the Legends Edition also comes with its own one-of-a-kind certificate signed by Triumph CEO, Nick Bloor, and Cesar Gueikian, Brand President of Gibson Brands.
The bike
The 1959 Legends Custom Edition features unique Gibson design detailing, including a beautifully unique hand-painted sunburst paint scheme, featuring Jet Black painted guitar neck and headstock shape, edged with hand-painted coach lining, plus a host of branded touches. It is, of course, finished in only colour for such a machine, authentic sunburst, just like the guitar.
Now, you may be wondering how this one-of-a-kind collab is going to help the DGR. Well, one fundraiser is going to be the lucky recipient of the Bonneville and the Les Paul, as they will both be handed over to the best global fundraiser in this year’s DGR event.
