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Average Price: $122,520
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$1001+
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Description
The 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history that has graced the hands of legendary guitarists across genres. Revered for its timeless design and rich tonal palette, this classic guitar continues to captivate musicians and collectors alike. The Goldtop finish is not just visually stunning but also a symbol of the era when Gibson was setting the groundwork for what would become one of the most iconic guitar designs ever.
What sets the 1955 edition apart is its unique blend of vintage craftsmanship and innovative features. The solid mahogany body provides a resonant foundation, while the carved maple top enhances clarity and sustain. The P-90 pickups deliver a warm, creamy sound that defined rock and blues from the era, yet remain versatile enough for modern music styles. The neck is crafted with exceptional attention to detail, offering a comfortable playing experience that encourages exploration across the fretboard.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or an avid collector, the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop offers a chance to own a piece of rock 'n' roll history, with a sound and feel that is as relevant today as it was in its heyday.
Key Features:
- Solid mahogany body with carved maple top
- Iconic Goldtop finish
- P-90 single-coil pickups for warm, vintage tones
- Comfortable neck profile for easy playability
- Historically significant and collectible model
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Les Paul with Tune-O-Matic Bridge |
| Finish | Goldtop |
| Year | 1955 |
| 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 |
| 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
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What makes the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop unique compared to other Les Paul models?
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The 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop is distinctive for its Tune-O-Matic bridge, which was a new feature at the time, offering better intonation and sustain. Its combination of a mahogany body and maple top provides a rich, warm tone with excellent resonance.
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Is the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop suitable for blues and rock music?
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Yes, the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop is highly suitable for blues and rock genres. Its solid body construction and dual single-coil pickups deliver a versatile range of tones, from warm, smooth sounds to gritty, overdriven tones ideal for these styles.
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What type of neck profile does the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop have?
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The 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop features a chunky neck profile typical of mid-50s Les Pauls, offering a substantial feel that many players find comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing.
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How does the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop handle high-gain amplification?
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The 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop handles high-gain amplification well, thanks to its solid mahogany body and maple top, which provide a balanced tone. The single-coil pickups can deliver clear, articulate sounds even at higher gain settings.
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What kind of maintenance does a 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop require?
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Regular maintenance for a 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop includes cleaning the fretboard, checking the tuning stability, and ensuring the electronics are in good condition. Due to its vintage status, professional servicing is recommended to preserve its value and playability.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop | Guitar of the Day
1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop | Guitar of the Day
Normans Rare Guitars
1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop guitar demo
MountainCatGuitars
Reviews
Artist usage
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"It has a stop tailpiece. For the last album, I wanted one with a Bigsby vibrato, but I didn’t want to change the old one I’d used to play, for example, the solo on “Another Brick In the Wall Part 2,” so I found another one. I suppose you could say that they are a little raunchier than Fenders."
"The goldtop. When Mike Pearce brought that to me, I fell in love because of the way it sounded. But I also loved its look; it’s exactly my kind of guitar – totally beat-up look. Mike said, “I think this belonged to Steve Hunter,” which that added to its caché.It looked right and came in a case that had “Steve Hunter” on it. We were just psyched, because Steve Hunter is part of our rock-and-roll DNA. I was gonna get the guitar, anyway, just because it was a beautiful piece."
1968 - Gold-top Les Paul with P-90 single coil p/u's. 3 Twin Reverbs, 2 Fender 4x12 cabinets, JBL D120 speakers
In this Vintage Guitar Magazine article, Robben Ford says this about his 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop: Q: "And you’ve got a couple of Les Pauls." A:"I have a ’55 that I’ve used a bit, like on “In The Beginning” and “I Can’t Stand The Rain” [Tiger Walk]. The variety of tones that come out of that guitar on that song is amazing. Really colorful instrument. I also have a ’57 goldtop that Larry Carlton gave me on long-term loan. It’s an amazing guitar."
At 13:07, Julian starts talking about his 1955 Les Paul goldtop, P90s, and wraparound tailpiece
"That was the first big-dollar purchase that I made, the first truly collectable guitar that I purchased. I got that straight from Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, and I got lucky on that one. It hadn’t even hit the showroom floor yet. It had just come in. It is the quintessential, wrap-around tail piece, early ’50s Gold Top sound." Quoted from a discussion with Aaron Lewis in a Gibson article.
"I've got the Gold Top, 1955, completely original with the soap bar pickups. A lot of people have put humbuckers in and I said I don't want to do that because the value of the guitar goes down, plus there's something about the soap bar, even though it's a bit raunchy and noisy, that I like. I like that sound. It's a very characteristic sound and I said I didn't want to change it."
Juan José González (“Jonaz”) identified this guitar in an Instagram post as his Gibson Les Paul Goldtop 1955, writing that he had “always dreamed of a guitar like this” and describing it as a 1955 Les Paul with an original Brazilian rosewood fretboard, original P-90 pickups, original electronics, and original finish; he also refers to it as “La Polilla.”
Album Usage
The Gibson Les Paul Goldtop 1955 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 Les Paul Goldtop 1955, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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