Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$4,999.00 $4,699.00 $300.00 · All time low
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$96,305.90 2 available Used

Average Price: $50,502

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "1956 Gibson Les Paul". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 30, 2026.

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Description

For the discerning guitarist seeking authentic vintage tone and a piece of music history, the 1956 Gibson Les Paul stands as an iconic choice. Revered as one of the most influential electric guitars ever crafted, this instrument combines classic design with groundbreaking features that have captivated musicians for decades. The 1956 Les Paul is celebrated for its unique blend of P-90 pickups and a robust, chunky neck profile, delivering a warm, creamy sound that is both versatile and powerful.

Crafted with a mahogany body topped with maple, this guitar offers incredible sustain and a resonance that underscores its legendary status. The rosewood fingerboard is adorned with aged trapezoid inlays, providing not just a visual treat but also a smooth playing experience. The inclusion of a stopbar tailpiece and Tune-o-matic bridge ensures stable tuning and precise intonation, hallmarks of the Les Paul's enduring appeal.

Whether you're diving into rich jazz tones or unleashing gritty rock anthems, the 1956 Les Paul's P-90 pickups deliver a broad spectrum of tones, from liquid smoothness to raw power. Its Vintage Original Sheen finish adds the perfect touch of elegance, echoing the spirit of an era when rock 'n' roll was in its infancy but already profoundly influential.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with a maple top
  • Rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays
  • Two single-coil P-90 pickups
  • Chunky C neck profile
  • Stopbar tailpiece and Tune-o-matic bridge
  • Vintage Original Sheen finish

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul
Finish Goldtop
Year 1956
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Gold
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Standard
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the 1956 Gibson Les Paul like?

The 1956 Gibson Les Paul features a chunky neck profile typical of the 1950s models, providing a substantial feel that many players find comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing.

What type of pickups are used in the 1956 Gibson Les Paul?

The 1956 Gibson Les Paul is equipped with P-90 single-coil pickups, known for their bright and punchy tone, making them suitable for a wide range of genres from blues to rock.

Is the 1956 Gibson Les Paul suitable for beginners?

While the 1956 Gibson Les Paul is a classic instrument with a rich tonal palette, its vintage nature and unique feel may be better suited to experienced players familiar with the characteristics of vintage guitars.

How does the 1956 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop differ from later models?

The 1956 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop features P-90 pickups and a wraparound tailpiece, differing from later models that often have humbucking pickups and tune-o-matic bridges, which offer a different tonal and playing experience.

What is the body shape of the 1956 Gibson Les Paul?

The 1956 Gibson Les Paul has a single cutaway solid body shape, which is a classic design that offers excellent access to the upper frets and a distinctive aesthetic.

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

GOLD TOP TUESDAY! NEW PHIL X!! 1956 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top 01127

Video thumbnail for GOLD TOP TUESDAY! NEW PHIL X!! 1956 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top 01127 by frettedamericana

GOLD TOP TUESDAY! NEW PHIL X!! 1956 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top 01127

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Video thumbnail for 1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1956 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop by Dream Guitars

1956 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Goldtop from 1956 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Les Paul Goldtop from 1956 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard played by JD Simo by Carter Vintage Guitars

1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard played by JD Simo

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1956 Gibson Les Paul.

Build quality

  • The guitar weighs 9.43 lbs, which is lighter than expected for its age and build.

    Source
  • The neck has been professionally shaved to an early 60s slim taper profile, measuring .8 inch at fret 1 and 1 inch at fret 12.

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Features and functionality

  • It's noted that P90 pickups often remain brighter in color than other plastics on vintage models.

    Source
  • The capacitors inside the guitar are noted to be the correct type for the period, adding authenticity to the guitar's electronics.

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  • The tortoiseshell pickguard can be enhanced by spraying the underside with white, cream, or gold paint for better visual contrast.

    Source
  • A unique feature is the removable headstock pillow in the guitar case, adding convenience and protection.

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User experience

  • Despite its age, the guitar reportedly stays in tune perfectly, countering common assumptions about vintage instruments.

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  • It's been remarked that despite modifications, the guitar still retains its rich, original sound, particularly in the pickups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners believe vintage Gibsons, like this 1956 model, offer a playing experience unmatched by newer custom shop models.

    Source
  • The guitar's aesthetics are compared to Neil Young's "Old Black," enhanced by a tortoiseshell pickguard and potential firebird pickups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A user plays the guitar through a Fender Quad Reverb, highlighting its suitability for blues music.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The addition of a Bigsby tailpiece is a common modification, but it's often viewed as devaluing the guitar due to non-originality.

    Source
  • Owners often consider chrome pickguards, but some find they scratch easily, impacting aesthetic appeal.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A modded, refinished 1956 Les Paul, especially with an unreadable serial number, generally sees a significant drop in value, potentially making it worth $20K-$30K.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vintage Vault: 1956 Gibson Les Paul - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Pat Martino uses 1956 Gibson Les Paul

Pat Martino

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

How did you begin playing guitar? When I was about 11 my father helped a favorite cousin, Joey Azzara, get a guitar. He wanted to be a guitar player. I was envious and got on a campaign to have my father buy me a guitar. He bought me a $10 guitar from a pawn shop when I was 12. It was really a little wooden item that resembled a guitar, a children’s toy. He said, “If you can play something on this, I might get you a guitar.” And I did. Within six weeks, he took me to Wurlitzer’s music store on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. It no longer exists. My father bought me a Gibson Les Paul Standard, the gold painted model. This was in 1956. This was a gold top Les Paul with white soap-bar pickups? That’s right.

See how Danny Kirwan uses 1956 Gibson Les Paul

Danny Kirwan

Guitarist

Fleetwood Mac

...
Verified via Photo

Danny Kirwan used a 1956 Gibson Les Paul goldtop throughout his career with Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac. He had taken the pick guard off. It was later (1968-1970?) refinished to a red top.

See how Ken Yokoyama uses 1956 Gibson Les Paul

Ken Yokoyama

Guitarist

Hi‐STANDARD

...
Verified via YouTube

In this youtube video, Ken Yokoyama can be seen using this guitar. According to the video, the guitar is a 1956 Gibson Les Paul. It seems to have been slightly modified with maybe humbuckers. It can be seen at 16:18

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 1956 Gibson Les Paul, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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