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Average Price: $50,502
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$400
$1001+
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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
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What is the neck profile of the 1956 Gibson Les Paul like?
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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.
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What type of pickups are used in the 1956 Gibson Les Paul?
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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.
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Is the 1956 Gibson Les Paul suitable for beginners?
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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.
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How does the 1956 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop differ from later models?
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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.
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What is the body shape of the 1956 Gibson Les Paul?
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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.
Videos
frettedamericana
GOLD TOP TUESDAY! NEW PHIL X!! 1956 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top 01127
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
Features and functionality
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It's noted that P90 pickups often remain brighter in color than other plastics on vintage models.
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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.
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A unique feature is the removable headstock pillow in the guitar case, adding convenience and protection.
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User experience
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
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A user plays the guitar through a Fender Quad Reverb, highlighting its suitability for blues music.
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Mods and upgrades
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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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.
Genre Usage
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Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1956 Gibson Les Paul, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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