Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $40,601
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop is more than just a guitar—it's a piece of history that embodies the spirit of rock and roll. As the inaugural model of what would become an iconic series, this instrument boasts a distinctive gold finish that captures the essence of the early 1950s. Crafted with a mahogany body and maple top, the Goldtop offers a rich, resonant tone that has captivated musicians for decades.
Equipped with two single-coil P90 pickups, this guitar delivers a raw and dynamic sound that's perfect for blues, rock, and jazz. The trapezoid inlays and white pickguard add a vintage flair that complements its classic aesthetic. Although early models like the '52 feature a trapeze tailpiece and shallow neck angle that present unique playing challenges, they are cherished by collectors and musicians alike for their authentic sound and historical significance.
For players seeking a guitar with both character and legacy, the 1952 Les Paul Goldtop remains an alluring choice. Its allure is not just in its appearance, but in its ability to transport you back to the golden era of electric guitar innovation. Whether you're a collector or a musician, this guitar offers a unique blend of style, sound, and heritage.
Key Features:
- Mahogany body with a maple top
- Rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays
- Two P90 single-coil pickups
- Trapeze tailpiece
- Single cutaway solid body design
- Kluson deluxe tuners
- Four control knobs
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Les Paul |
| Finish | Goldtop |
| Year | 1952 - 1953 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Gold |
| Finish Style | Metallic |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson Les Paul |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Les Paul Standard |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Top Material | Maple |
FAQs
-
What makes the 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop unique compared to other Les Paul models?
-
The 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop is the original Les Paul model, featuring a solid mahogany body with a maple top, a metallic gold finish, and a pair of single-coil P-90 pickups, which give it a distinctive, vintage tone.
-
How does the neck profile of the 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop affect playability?
-
The 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop features a chunky neck profile typical of early Les Pauls, providing a substantial feel that some players find comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing.
-
Are the P-90 pickups on the 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop suitable for blues and rock music?
-
Yes, the P-90 pickups on the 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop are known for their clear, punchy sound, making them ideal for blues and rock genres, offering a raw and dynamic tone.
-
Is the 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop a good choice for collectors?
-
Absolutely, the 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop is highly sought after by collectors due to its historical significance as the first Les Paul model and its iconic design and tone.
-
How does the bridge design of the 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop impact its tuning stability?
-
The 1952 model features a unique trapeze-style bridge, which can be less stable compared to modern designs but is part of its vintage charm and historical authenticity.
Videos
frettedamericana
1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop 00853
Reviews
PROS
-
Iconic vintage Gibson woody growl and rich tone
-
Killer P-90 pickups offer impressive sound without a distortion pedal
-
Handmade craftsmanship provides a unique and personal feel
-
Comfortable neck with subtle shape differences enhances playability
-
Increasing value makes it a wise investment
-
Resonates beautifully with aged wood
-
Offers a piece of music history with collectible value
-
Available compensated bridge improves playability and palm muting
-
Unique trapeze tailpiece adds charm to playing experience
CONS
-
Trapeze tailpiece can hinder palm muting for some players
-
Shallow neck angle may pose challenges without setup adjustments
-
Pickup height is not adjustable, though pole pieces can be tweaked
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop.
Build quality
Mods and upgrades
User experience
-
The guitar's finish is unusually well-preserved, potentially due to its storage in a cold, dry climate.
Source -
The guitar's sustain is highlighted as exceptional, even when achieving a clean chord can be challenging due to setup.
Source -
Despite poor initial condition, restoration by skilled luthiers can revive even heavily modified 1952 Goldtops, making them playable and valuable historical pieces.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Owners should regularly wipe down the finish after playing to prevent greening, a common issue with old goldtops.
Source -
Owners recommend avoiding neck resets to maintain value; instead, use non-invasive bridge fixes to improve playability without permanent modifications.
Source -
Proper string wrapping is crucial to addressing bridge height issues and ensuring smoother playability.
Source -
Original trapeze bridges required stringing under the bar due to the shallow neck angle, creating playability challenges that are often resolved with modern bridge replacements.
Source
Comparisons
-
The 1952 Goldtop is less valuable than later models due to bridge issues but remains a significant historic piece.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In a May 2021 interview with Vintage Guitar magazine, J Mascis talks about purchasing the Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop for $1000 in 1990. This guitar is visually documented in the liner notes of Green Mind (1991), the music video for "Start Choppin'", and a live performance of the song on The Word in 1993. Additionally, J Mascis discussed this guitar in a Maximum Guitar interview in 1997, detailing his collection.
"Other Gibsons that Urban has played, or is currently playing, include a 1961 SG Junior in near-pristine condition that he picked up about a year ago, an ES-345 from the 1970s, a ’63 Melody Maker, a 1952 Gibson J-55 and a 1952 Les Paul Standard."
Les Paul owned and used the Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop, as highlighted in the Gibson article "Les Paul’s Guitars and Gear Hit the Auction Block."
In this Rig Rundown video (at 20:30) J.J. shows his "Dorothy" 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop
In this pic you can see Jan playing a Gibson Les Paul modelled after a 1952 Les Paul
On Facebook Jan wrote (4 okt 2019): Having a great day doing press release for "Close Beauty" at the Gibson Netherlands headquaters in A'DAM toren. They gave me this beautifull 'Gibson tribute to Les Paul" guitar
This image, posted to the band's Instagram account, shows Justin Adams recording guitar parts on what appears to be a vintage Gibson Les Paul with P90 pickups and a trapeze tailpiece. (EDIT: Submitted this listing for removal because it depicts Adams, and not Karl Hyde)
Album Usage
The Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
nick_solomonGear IQ 327
-