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Average Price: $40,601

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Step into the legacy of rock and roll with the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop featuring the distinctive Trapeze Tailpiece. This iconic solid body electric guitar is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of music history. Revered by collectors and players alike, the Goldtop's signature design has been a staple in legendary performances since its introduction in 1952.

Crafted with a mahogany body and topped with maple, this Les Paul offers the perfect balance of warmth and clarity, making it ideal for a wide range of playing styles. The trapeze tailpiece, a unique feature of early models, adds a vintage charm while maintaining the guitar's classic aesthetic. Two single-coil P90 pickups provide a dynamic range of tones, from smooth and mellow to biting and aggressive, ensuring that your sound is as versatile as your playing.

Whether you're channeling the spirit of guitar greats like Jimmy Page and Slash or carving out your own path, the Les Paul Goldtop is your trusted companion. With its bound rosewood fingerboard and trapezoid inlays, this guitar not only sounds great but looks stunning on stage. The vintage-inspired Kluson deluxe tuners and four control knobs offer precision and ease, allowing you to fine-tune your sound with confidence.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with a maple top
  • Rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays
  • Two single-coil P90 pickups
  • Trapeze tailpiece
  • Kluson deluxe tuners
  • Four control knobs for tonal variety

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 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece unique compared to other Les Paul models?

The Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece features a distinctive metallic gold finish and a unique trapeze tailpiece, which affects string tension and contributes to its vintage tone and aesthetic. This model is particularly sought after for its historical significance and classic 1950s design.

What kind of tone can I expect from the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece?

The Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece delivers a warm, rich tone thanks to its mahogany body and maple top. The single-coil pickups provide a clear, articulate sound ideal for classic rock, blues, and jazz.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop is a high-quality instrument with a rich history, its unique features and vintage design may be more appealing to experienced players or collectors. Beginners might prefer a more modern Les Paul model with updated features and playability.

How does the trapeze tailpiece affect the playability of the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop?

The trapeze tailpiece on the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop affects the string tension and feel, offering a different playing experience compared to modern stop-bar tailpieces. It provides a vintage vibe and can influence sustain and resonance.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece?

The neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece is typically a rounded '50s style, providing a comfortable grip for players who prefer a thicker neck. This profile is well-suited for players with larger hands or those seeking a vintage feel.

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 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 1952 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top by Dusty Strings Music Store & School

1952 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top

Dusty Strings Music Store & School

Dusty Strings Music Store & School

Video thumbnail for First Year and all tagged up: 1952 Gibson Les Paul "Goldtop" by True Vintage Guitar

First Year and all tagged up: 1952 Gibson Les Paul "Goldtop"

True Vintage Guitar

True Vintage Guitar

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

1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for Two 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtops! by Imperial Vintage Guitars

Two 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtops!

Imperial Vintage Guitars

Imperial Vintage Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Iconic vintage Gibson woody growl and killer tone

  • Offers great value in the vintage market

  • Historic piece, being one of the first solid body Gibsons

  • P-90 pickups provide rich sound and natural overdrive

  • Handmade craftsmanship ensures unique and perfect adjustments

  • Comfortable neck shape with no "baseball bat" feel

  • Increasingly collectible with rising market value

  • Easily adaptable trapeze tailpiece with compensated bridge

  • Resonant aged wood enhances sound quality

  • Unique vintage charm with genuine playability

CONS

  • Trapeze tailpiece can limit palm muting

  • Shallow neck angle may require setup adjustments

  • Original bridge design may need replacement for optimal playability

  • Pickup height is non-adjustable on some models

  • Market prices for unmodified versions can be high

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece.

Features and functionality

  • The 1952 Les Paul Goldtop's trapeze tailpiece design prevents palm muting and lacks intonation adjustment, affecting playability.

    Source
  • The guitar's low neck angle requires the strings to pass under the trapeze, contributing to tuning instability and limited sustain.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Strings passing under the bridge can slide out of place, causing tuning issues, especially when not using consistent string gauges.

    Source
  • Off-gassing celluloid picks can damage nitro lacquer; it's advised to remove them from the strings to prevent harm.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners looking to improve playability should consider a drop-in retrofit bridge to address the trapeze tailpiece limitations.

    Source
  • Owners recommend a Mojoaxe or Glaser bridge to improve tone and playability by allowing strings to wrap over rather than under.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 1953 and later Les Paul models, which removed the trapeze and increased neck angle, are noted for better playability.

    Source
  • The 1952 model's value is primarily historical, unlike the highly sought-after '58 and '59 models, which are worth significantly more due to their playability and artist usage.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • 1953 Les Paul Goldtops with trapeze tailpieces sell for $10k-$16k, whereas those with wraparound stop tailpieces can reach up to $50k.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners express a reluctance to sell due to sentimental value, despite the guitar's high market price and historical significance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A 1953 Goldtop was used for country/western and flamenco, highlighting its versatility despite its playability issues.

    Source

Build quality

  • The four-latch interior of the original case matches well with pink velour fabric for a cohesive aesthetic.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sister Rosetta Tharpe uses Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a pioneering figure in gospel and rock music since 1938, is known for her dynamic performances and diverse guitar collection. Among the instruments she played is the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece. A photo from Wegow clearly shows her with this iconic guitar, highlighting its role in her influential career.

See how Kid Rock uses Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece

Kid Rock

Guitarist, Rapper

The Twisted Brown Trucker

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo taken at his Dixie Ridge Studio in Whites Creek, TN, you can see a Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece on his wall.

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 with a Trapeze Tailpiece, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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