Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $440
Standard/Professional
$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
Step into the golden era of rock with the Epiphone Les Paul ’56 Goldtop. This remarkable electric guitar is a tribute to one of the most iconic designs in music history, capturing the essence of its Gibson ancestor without the hefty price tag. Crafted from a blend of mahogany and alder, the Epiphone Les Paul ’56 Goldtop offers a full-bodied, resonant tone that’s perfect for both stage and studio.
Equipped with dual Alnico V P-90 single-coil pickups, this guitar delivers a dynamic range of sounds—from warm, rich lows to crisp, cutting highs. Whether you're digging into bluesy riffs or soaring solos, the Les Paul '56 Goldtop responds with precision and character. Its LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece ensure enhanced sustain and effortless string changes, keeping you in tune and ready to rock.
The mahogany neck is adorned with a rosewood fingerboard, marked by classic trapezoid inlays, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience. The chrome hardware adds a touch of elegance, while the body and neck binding reflect the meticulous craftsmanship. This guitar is more than a musical instrument; it's a piece of history with a modern twist, designed for players who crave both vintage authenticity and contemporary reliability.
Key Features:
- Dual Alnico V P-90 single-coil pickups
- Mahogany and alder body for rich, resonant tone
- LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece
- Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
- Classic trapezoid inlays
- Chrome hardware and body/neck binding
- 24.75" scale length
Product specs
| Brand | Epiphone |
| Model | '56 Les Paul Standard |
| Finish | Ebony, Metallic Gold |
| Year | 1998 - 2008 |
| Made In | Korea, Republic of |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, Gold |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 12" |
| Model Family | Epiphone Les Paul |
| Model Sub-Family | Epiphone Les Paul Standard |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
-
What type of pickups does the Epiphone Les Paul ’56 Goldtop use?
-
The Epiphone Les Paul ’56 Goldtop is equipped with two Alnico V P-90 single-coil pickups, known for their warm, punchy tones and vintage sound, suitable for a variety of music genres.
-
Is the Epiphone Les Paul ’56 Goldtop suitable for beginners?
-
Yes, the Epiphone Les Paul ’56 Goldtop is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable playability and classic design, making it an excellent choice for those starting to explore electric guitar.
-
What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Les Paul ’56 Goldtop?
-
The neck of the Epiphone Les Paul ’56 Goldtop features a set-neck construction made from mahogany, offering a comfortable grip and smooth playability, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.
-
How does the Epiphone Les Paul ’56 Goldtop compare to a Gibson Les Paul?
-
While the Epiphone Les Paul ’56 Goldtop offers a similar aesthetic and design to a Gibson Les Paul, it is generally more affordable due to being manufactured overseas, providing great value with quality components.
-
Can the Epiphone Les Paul ’56 Goldtop handle live performances?
-
Yes, the Epiphone Les Paul ’56 Goldtop is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its durable construction, reliable hardware, and versatile P-90 pickups that deliver strong, clear tones on stage.
Reviews
PROS
-
Exceptional P90 pickups offer distinctive tones, converting even humbucker fans.
-
Resonates deeply with a sound comparable to high-end vintage guitars.
-
Comfortable neck, suitable for players with larger hands.
-
Outstanding playability, surpassing expectations for its price point.
-
Beautiful Goldtop finish with minor cosmetic imperfections.
-
Versatile sound, suitable for various genres from metal to blues.
-
Great sustain and tone, praised by seasoned musicians.
-
Ideal for travel without compromising on sound quality.
-
Plays like a premium guitar, despite Epiphone branding.
-
Fatter neck design appeals to players seeking a classic feel.
CONS
-
Pickup adjustment requires removal, inconvenient for quick tweaks.
-
Minor finish imperfections, although not affecting performance.
-
Initial setup issues like a poorly-cut nut can occur.
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Les Paul ’56 Goldtop.
Build quality
-
Owners note that black pickguard and pickup covers may indicate aftermarket modifications, suggesting a check on originality before purchase.
Source
Features and functionality
-
Some owners favor black hardware on Goldtops, believing it enhances the visual appeal compared to standard cream.
Source -
The neck is noted as fat and chunky, contributing to the guitar's substantial weight, which some players appreciate for its feel and balance.
Source -
Combining a P90 with a 90s Gibson minihumbucker can create a versatile tonal palette, enhancing the guitar's adaptability across various music styles.
Source -
The middle position on stock P90s offers a hum-canceling effect, mimicking the neck pickup's sound, although volume discrepancies between positions may occur.
Source
Mods and upgrades
-
The guitar might have upgraded pickups, potentially offering improved performance over stock P90s.
Source -
Several users suggest replacing the stock P90 pickups with Lollar, Seymour Duncan, or Fralin pickups for improved sound quality and reduced buzzing.
Source -
Installing a Bigsby B700 on an Epiphone ’56 Goldtop may require direct screwing, as it doesn't support Vibramate brackets, making it a cost-effective modification.
Source -
Replacing the neck P-90 with a minihumbucker for a tone reminiscent of Neil Young's "Old Black" guitar provides a unique sound blend, highly appreciated by some players.
Source
User experience
-
A previous owner expressed regret over selling an early Korean-made model, indicating long-term satisfaction with craftsmanship and sound.
Source -
It’s pointed out that the stock switch and pots are mediocre, suggesting these may need upgrading for better reliability and performance.
Source -
Owners who modify their Goldtops with all-gold hardware report satisfaction with both the aesthetics and tonal outcomes, indicating a successful personal customization.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Owners recommend setting up the guitar with .011 gauge strings for optimal sound, particularly when paired with a Peavey Classic 30 amp.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 20 Ratings
.jpg?v=1762278961)
186
Bonnie (My main guitar)
This is my main guitar, Bonnie. I got it second hand in 2020 as it's a 2003 model. I knew I loved it from the minute I picked it up, It's everything I want in a Les Paul, great neck, not too heavy and it has DiMarzio Soapbar P90's! It is also fitted with a Duesenberg Les Trem II Tailpiece
224
I have one in Chicago Blue
I was in the market for a Les Paul with P90 pickups and this was the one for me. It's a 56 Standard Pro reissue, with P90 pickups, and it comes in Chicago Blue. Plays like a dream! Everything from metal, punk, classic rock, rock, and the blues you can get a myriad of tones out of this bad boy!
136
Good, but needed nut work
I bought mine new and the nut was atrocious, but the guitar sounds pretty great considering the price.
Artist usage
Add artist
Dave 1 of Chromeo is seen performing live with an Epiphone Les Paul '56 Goldtop guitar, as noted on their Twitter account.
Peter Green is seen playing an Epiphone Les Paul '56 Goldtop on YouTube footage of 'Peter Green - The Canvey Island Sessions' (July 2008) on the song 'Need Your Love So Bad'
It is speculated that it is not Peter's own guitar but a borrowed instrument for the session. He swaps instruments with Mike Dodd to a Squier Stratocaster to play 'The Thrill Is Gone'.
In this interview, Wayne Sermon mentions buying this guitar.
In this image, Malone can be seen playing an Epiphone Les Paul Goldtop.
In this video, Micah does a rundown of the gear he's used, including this guitar.
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 Epiphone Les Paul ’56 Goldtop, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
-s.webp?v=1783177452)
Community setups
Show yoursMore Epiphone Solid Body Electric Guitars
$689.00 - $799.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
-m.webp?v=1783177043)
$549.00 - $842.03
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$399.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
.jpg?v=1783110491)
$219.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$460.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$199.00 - $415.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
.jpg?v=1783065634)
$369.00 - $479.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$579.00 - $997.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
.jpeg?v=1782978863)
$739.00 - $2,899.00
$519.00 - $1,087.15
-m.webp?v=1783177074)
$638.00 - $799.00
$349.00 - $3,395.00
$269.00 - $279.00
$447.77 - $549.00
$399.00 - $668.03
$933.00 - $2,048.16
$373.00 - $549.00
$451.00 - $599.00
$389.00 - $499.00
$798.38 - $1,299.00
$589.00 - $649.00
$522.00 - $977.16
.png?v=1782928266)
$749.00 - $799.00
$545.00 - $555.00
-m.webp?v=1783176814)
$460.00 - $1,299.00
$199.00 - $206.01
$250.00 - $799.00
$369.00 - $479.00
Accessories & Related Items
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-
