Gibson Les Paul Model ( 1952- present )
Also Known As The Gibson Les Paul GoldTop
Gibson les paul goldtop guitars were introduced In 1952 , they were gibsons' first les paul models and solid body electric guitars , these guitars were named the "les paul model" but they are better known as the "les paul goldtop" due to the goldtop finish .Although the gibson les paul model guitar is collectable and is a significant part gibsons' les paul history , in 1952 to 53 they had an intonation problem due to the trapeze tailpiece ( strings wrapped under the bar ) this made it dificult to keep the guitar in tune .
In other words the guitar can be well cherished by collectors and is an historic gibson guitar but not very playable for the guitarist . However , in mid 1953 gibson replaced the trapeze tailpiece with a stop tailpiece ( the strings wrapped over the tailpiece making the tuning problem better but not stable) .
As the years went by , gibson improved the goldtop les paul models and their flaws by replacing the tailpiece bridges with a tune o matic bridge in mid 1955 and amongst other parts . From then on, gibson les paul guitars famoused the world over as an icon for rock and roll , and contemporay rock music .
1952-53 lespaul goldtop models had a 3 piece carved top , goldtop finish , trapeze tailpiece bridge , 2 soapbar p-90 pickups with cream covers , kluson tuners , nickel plated parts , 5/8" knobs , bound top and fingerboard ( very early models had unbound fingerboards ) ,"Les Paul Model" silkscreened on peghead in gold , mahogany back and neck .
mid 1953 to 55 gibson replaced the trapeze tailpiece to a stop tailpiece and also replaced the 5/8"knobs to 1/2" knobs .In mid 1955 a tune o matic bridge was added and the four knobs change from barrel shape to a top-hat shape .
In 1957 humbuckers (PAF) replace the 2 p-90 pickups . In mid 1958 the gibson les paul goldtop model was renamed the gibson les paul standard which branched out to other guitars such as the gibson sg les paul standard and the gibson les paul deluxe .
In 1968 gibson introduced the les paul standard goldtop model with a tune o matic bridge , goldtop finish and p-90 pickups , this guitar is also considered by many as the first reissue of the 56 goldtop model with few minor changes . ( renamed the gibson deluxe in 1969 ) .
In 1971 gibson introduced the gibson les paul standard 58 , but was set up like a 1954 goldtop model with goldtop finish , 2 soapbar pickups and a stop tailpiece . Discontinued in 1975 .
In 1882-83 gibson introduced the 30th anniversary les paul which had the features of a 58 les paul goldtop (2 humbuckers) with a thirtieth anniversary inlay on the 19th fret .
In 1983 gibson introduced the " official les paul goldtop reissue " with two p 100 pickups and renamed it the "'56 gibson les paul goldtop" in 1991 with 2 p-90 pickups . In 1993 they also reissued the "'57 gibson les paul goldtop which featured the 2 humbuckers . ( Now all part of Gibsons' Historic Collection) .
Vintage Price Value For 2007 :
1952 - 1955 > $35 000 to $85 000 ( prices vary depending on features )
1955 - 1957 > $65 000 to $100 000 ( tune o matic bridge, p-90s .....)
1957 - 1958 > $$55 000 to $95 000 ( p-90 pickups )
1957 - 1958 > $130 000 to $175 000 ( PAF humbuckers ,bigsby... )
1968 - 1969 > $8 000 to $11 000 ( first goldtop les paul reissue )
1971 - 1975 > $3 500 to $4 500 ( goldtop les paul standard 58' )
1982 - 1983 > $2 500 to $2 700 ( 30th anniversary les paul goldtop )
1983 - 1991 > $1 400 to $1 900 ( Official Reissue with 2 p-100 pickups )
1991 - 1997 > $1 700 to $2 000 ( Les paul goldtop 56' - 2 p90s )
1993 - 1998 > $1 700 to $2 200 ( Goldtop 57' reissue with 2 humbuckers)
1952-1955 > Avg Upward Trend Of 39% a Year since 20001955-1957> 36% 1957-1958> 46% 1968-1969> 25% 1971-1975> 16%
If your seeking to buy gibson goldtop guitars , you can find used or vintage Gibson les paul goldtop guitars for sale on ebay on several occasions . If your lucky you can fall on a great deal ... I also recommend you read descriptions carefully ... Domenic
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Carleton
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i have a freind who has an original 56 goldtop. the serial numbe reflects 1957 (probably mad very early in the year before adding the humbuckers) my friend is the original owner, they took lessons for about 2 years and never played it again... they are interested in selling it and asked for my help... How do put a price on that?
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When I was a kid (about 16) I got an interest in electric guitars (who didn't). My Dad had an old Les Paul, and so he gave it to me.
It is a Goldtop, and according to the serial number cross referenced in the Bluebook I downloaded from this site, it is a 1955 model. It has the Tune-O-Matic bridge and the p-90 pickups. It has barrell knobs (not top hats).
I notice that only halfway thru 1955 did they begin using the Tune-O-Matic. How rare is the Tune-O-Matic on 1955 models?
Anyway, I love the guitar - even though I never learned to play it very well. If anyone is interested, I'll upload some pics.
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GJB
I have a Les Paul Deluxe goldtop which I purchased in 1970. It is in mint condition with only a couple very minor dings. I haven't seen references in this forum to the serial number that I have. The serial is 631843 and it says Made in USA directly below the serial. Does this make it a 1969 or a 1970 model? I remember it was produced before Gibson sold the company in the early 70's. How much should I be looking for in a sale? Thanks for any help.
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I have a 1989 standard goldtop with p-100s. Gibson told me this was a 1 year only combination. Mine has a "standard" truss rod cover and speed knobs. I have seen several 1989's with blank truss rod covers and top hat knobs with pointers that claimed to be reissues with p-90's. On top of that there is a "showcase edition". Any info greatly appreciated.
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I have a 1952 LesPaul with the trapese Bridge. This guitar has been in the family since June of 1951. Was purchased out of Kalamazoo Mi. My father bought it for an anniversary present for my mom. Beautiful piece and plays wonderful. Never have had problems with it staying in Tune. I use 52/10 gauge strings, any lighter strings then I would say yes. 52/10's only. The sound is awesome. I am interested in selling for reasonable price. My e-mail address,
Drag-on@hughes.net
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My gold top deluxe has it all to show it is a 68 or 69, but it has the Made in USA stamped in also. Does this make it a 70's?. Also the clear finish has marble like cracks all over. Previous owner said it happened after it was left in a car over night in -35 weather. Should I get it re finished or leave it all original. It plays great and has it's own sound. I would sell it but it would have to be alot of moolah!
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I have a goldtop deluxe, and as far as i can figure it's a '68 or '69. bought it 15yrs ago as a '69. does not have Made in USA which is great. Totally original with mini humbuckers. has original case also. if anyone out there is interested in purchasing this guitar, please contact me. gecko.69@hotmail.com can provide photos for viewing.
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AndysGuitars
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My mom received a Gibson Les Paul Goldtop on her 13th birthday in 1956 and was told it was a year old. Since it has the original trapeze bridge and is not serialized I believe it to be a 53’ or earlier It is also completely gold instead of just the top It is all original with the Gibson leather case and the pinkish velour interior. Original pickups,tuners,etc and has never needed repair of any kind. I’m afraid to pull the cover to look at the electronics because I don’t want to strip any screws or wood. I know you’d really need to see it to appraise it but it will not leave my sight. Ill try to get some pics for you. I was just wondering if you could give me a ballpark figure as to it’s value? THANX Kevin
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I have a cherry original finish goldtop '53 Les Paul that was retrofitted with a tune o matic bridge and a bixby whammy bar in '55 or so. This guitar as perfect and sings. I checked the pan pots and they were made in Feb '53. The guitar does not have a serial number so I figure it was originally sold in late 1953. Guitar stays perfectly in tune all the time. I will consider serious offers.
barry@wineaccessory.com
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Brenda
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Mason
I am a very serious buyer of mostly any vintage guitar and pay top prices. We deal at the high end of the market and like to see guitar owners realize the value of their guitar. Please give me a shout 416-222-8222 or simply email me EpiCenter@TundraMusic.com , we ship and deal worldwide.
Cheers to all!
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DATED 9/30/2007 - I have seen recent prices on 1968 goldtops from $5,500 to $21,000. While the lower end ones are worn, the prices asked for top quality seem driven by greed rather than the market. A friend who knows vintage guitars said Gruhn over-appraises. That's nice for insurance purposes, but not necessarily reflects relative sensability in the asking price of vintage guitars.
MD - Boston, MA