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Average Price: $40,601

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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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.

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop 00853

Video thumbnail for 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop 00853 by frettedamericana

1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop 00853

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Video thumbnail for 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop ALL GOLD!!! | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop ALL GOLD!!! | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for A close encounter with one of the first 100 Gibson Les Pauls ever made | Guitar.com by Guitar

A close encounter with one of the first 100 Gibson Les Pauls ever made | Guitar.com

Guitar

Guitar

Video thumbnail for 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop | CME Vintage Talks | Daniel Escauriza by Chicago Music Exchange

1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop | CME Vintage Talks | Daniel Escauriza

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop by The Studio Rats

Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop

The Studio Rats

The Studio Rats

Video thumbnail for 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop | The Music Emporium by The Music Emporium

1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop | The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Video thumbnail for 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

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

  • Early 1952 models lack neck binding and have diagonal screws in the bridge pickup, indicating a unique historical build.

    Source
  • The original goldtop finish was often covered in layers of spray paint during poor refinishes, impacting the guitar’s aesthetic until properly restored.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the original bridge with a Mojoaxe bridge significantly improves playability and intonation.

    Source
  • Owners report that replacing the trapeze bridge with a Mojoaxe compensated top-wrap bridge significantly enhances playability and intonation.

    Source

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

Value and pricing

  • A heavily modified 1952 Goldtop with major restoration sold for $8,000, showcasing the potential value recovery after proper repairs.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how J Mascis uses Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop

J Mascis

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

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.

See how Lee Malia uses Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop

Lee Malia

Guitarist

Bring Me The Horizon

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:40 we see Lee using this guitar.

See how Keith Urban uses Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop

Keith Urban

Guitarist, Bassist

Artists of Then, Now & Forever

...
Verified via Archive

"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."

See how Les Paul uses Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop

Les Paul

Guitarist

Les Paul & Mary Ford

...
Verified via Gibson

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."

See how Jared James Nichols uses Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop

Jared James Nichols

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Rig Rundown video (at 20:30) J.J. shows his "Dorothy" 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop

See how Jan Akkerman uses Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop

Jan Akkerman

Guitarist

Focus

...
Verified via Photo

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

See how Karl Hyde uses Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop

Karl Hyde

Singer, Guitarist

Freur

...
Verified via Photo

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)

See how Roy Clark uses Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop

Roy Clark

Guitarist

The Hee Haw Gospel Quartet

...
Verified via Photo

Roy purchased a 1952 Gibson Les Paul gold top, which he never sold. Here it is at a live perfomance.

See how Chris Tapp uses Gibson 1952 Les Paul Goldtop

Chris Tapp

Guitarist

The Cold Stares

...
Verified via Facebook

In this video Chris Tapp grabbed his real-deal ’52 Gibson goldtop...

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.

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