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Average Price: $40,601
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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
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What makes the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece unique compared to other Les Paul models?
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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.
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What kind of tone can I expect from the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece?
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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.
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Is the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece suitable for beginners?
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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.
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How does the trapeze tailpiece affect the playability of the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop?
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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.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with a Trapeze Tailpiece?
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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.
Videos
frettedamericana
1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop 00853
Reviews
PROS
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Iconic vintage Gibson woody growl and killer tone
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Offers great value in the vintage market
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Historic piece, being one of the first solid body Gibsons
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P-90 pickups provide rich sound and natural overdrive
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Handmade craftsmanship ensures unique and perfect adjustments
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Comfortable neck shape with no "baseball bat" feel
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Increasingly collectible with rising market value
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Easily adaptable trapeze tailpiece with compensated bridge
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Resonant aged wood enhances sound quality
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Unique vintage charm with genuine playability
CONS
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Trapeze tailpiece can limit palm muting
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Shallow neck angle may require setup adjustments
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Original bridge design may need replacement for optimal playability
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Pickup height is non-adjustable on some models
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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
Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
Comparisons
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The 1953 and later Les Paul models, which removed the trapeze and increased neck angle, are noted for better playability.
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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.
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Value and pricing
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1953 Les Paul Goldtops with trapeze tailpieces sell for $10k-$16k, whereas those with wraparound stop tailpieces can reach up to $50k.
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User experience
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Some owners express a reluctance to sell due to sentimental value, despite the guitar's high market price and historical significance.
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Use cases and applications
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A 1953 Goldtop was used for country/western and flamenco, highlighting its versatility despite its playability issues.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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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.
Genre Usage
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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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