Nachobursts: A New Chapter for Les Pauls
Nacho Guitars, renowned for their meticulous recreations of early 1950s Telecasters—dubbed “Nachocasters”—have now expanded to include Gibson Les Pauls, known as “Nachobursts.” First hinted at in a 2023 Instagram post, this evolution reflects founder Nacho Baños’s dedication to authentically reproducing iconic vintage guitars.
Baños’s passion and expertise are well-documented through his publications, The Blackguard Book and The Pinecaster Book, which explore the history and construction of early solid-body electric guitars. His commitment to detail ensures that each guitar he recreates captures the essence of the original instruments, appealing to enthusiasts seeking vintage aesthetics and sound.
To achieve this level of authenticity for the Burst series, Nacho Guitars has developed custom pickguards, pickup rings, nickel-plated brass hardware parts (saddles, thumbwheels, posts), NAF pickups (Nacho Applied For), vintage-spec 500k Nacho-pots, lacquer formulas, and more. Every detail is crafted using their original Gibson collection as a reference, with guidance and support from a board of Gibson Les Paul experts.
Nacho Guitars has attracted fans ranging from Julian Lange to Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, both of whom have publicly praised their craftsmanship. Gibbons’s endorsement of the Burst series underscores the quality and authenticity of these instruments. In interviews, Gibbons has shared his appreciation for Nacho Guitars and their faithful reproductions of vintage classics.
I can only hope to experience one of these masterpieces in person someday.
