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Average Price: $27,500

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$1001+

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Description

Meet the 1953 Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED," a vintage masterpiece that sings with historical significance and timeless appeal. Revered by guitar enthusiasts and collectors alike, this model represents a pivotal chapter in the evolution of the iconic Les Paul lineage. Originally introduced as a Goldtop in the early '50s, the 1953 edition showcases a notable transition in its architecture: the problematic trapeze tailpiece from 1952 was swapped for a more reliable combination stud bridge/tailpiece, enhancing both playability and sustain.

Crafted with a mahogany body topped with maple, and a mahogany neck crowned with a rosewood fingerboard, "OLE RED" delivers a warm, rich tone that reverberates through its history. The dual P90 single-coil pickups add a layer of versatility, offering everything from smooth, jazzy cleans to gritty, rock-ready growls. With its signature trapezoid inlays, Kluson deluxe tuners, and a classic white pickguard, this guitar is a visual and auditory standout.

For those who seek more than just an instrument, "OLE RED" is a piece of music history, akin to the guitars wielded by legends like Jimmy Page and Neil Young. Step into the shoes of the greats and let your music echo their legacy.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with Maple top
  • Mahogany neck with Rosewood fingerboard
  • Combination stud bridge/tailpiece for improved sustain
  • Two single-coil P90 pickups
  • Trapezoid inlays and Kluson deluxe tuners
  • Classic white pickguard
  • Four control knobs and three-way pickup selector

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul with Wraparound Tailpiece
Finish Goldtop
Year 1953
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Wrap-Around
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 type of pickups does the 1953 Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" have?

The 1953 Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" is equipped with P-90 single-coil pickups, known for their bright, punchy sound that works well for blues and rock genres.

How does the wraparound tailpiece on the 1953 Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" affect playability?

The wraparound tailpiece on the 1953 Les Paul "OLE RED" offers increased sustain and a more straightforward setup compared to other bridge types, providing a vintage playing experience.

Is the 1953 Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" suitable for modern rock music?

While the 1953 Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" is primarily known for its vintage tone, its P-90 pickups can deliver the grit and punch needed for certain styles of modern rock.

What is the neck profile like on the 1953 Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED"?

The 1953 Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" features a chunky neck profile typical of early '50s models, offering a substantial feel that appeals to players who prefer a thicker neck.

How does the Goldtop finish on the 1953 Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" affect its appeal?

The Goldtop finish on the 1953 Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" is iconic and adds to its vintage aesthetic, making it highly desirable for collectors and players seeking authentic '50s style.

Play and Trade Guitars

Play and Trade Guitars

Jared James Nichols' No.1 OLE RED 1953 Gibson Les Paul

Video thumbnail for Jared James Nichols' No.1 OLE RED 1953 Gibson Les Paul by Play and Trade Guitars

Jared James Nichols' No.1 OLE RED 1953 Gibson Les Paul

Play and Trade Guitars

Play and Trade Guitars

Video thumbnail for Jared James Nichols with his 1953 Gibson Les Paul Standard "Ole Red" | TNAG Session by Carter Vintage Backstage

Jared James Nichols with his 1953 Gibson Les Paul Standard "Ole Red" | TNAG Session

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" 1953.

Features and functionality

  • The 1953 Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" is noted for its distinctive Cardinal Red overspray, making it visually unique among Les Pauls from the era.

    Source
  • The 1953 Les Paul "OLE RED" is often compared to a Telecaster on steroids due to its robust tonal qualities and versatility.

    Source
  • The 1953 Les Paul "OLE RED" features non-wax potted pickups, providing an open, organic sound with more overtones and controlled feedback.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • P90 pickups in these guitars can bark when cranked and shimmer when the volume is rolled back, offering versatile tonal options that inspire different playing styles.

    Source
  • Players often swap the wraptail bridge for a more adjustable option to improve intonation, while maintaining the guitar's original tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • "OLE RED" is highly valued for live performances, particularly at big festivals, as its tonal qualities shine when riffing in high-energy environments.

    Source
  • The guitar's simple controls encourage players to be creative with their playing, making it suitable for various genres beyond blues and rock.

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User experience

  • Owners often mention the emotional attachment to "OLE RED," highlighting its special place in collections due to its age, finish, and personal significance to players.

    Source
  • The guitar's resonance and acoustic properties are notable, as great Les Pauls are described as sounding like small acoustic guitars when unplugged.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The P90 pickups can make the guitar sound excessively bright, prompting players to roll back the tone knob to around 9 o'clock for a warmer sound.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Jared James Nichols: The Story of Blues Power - Blues Rock Review

bluesrockreview.com

“I don’t even have a tuner!” Jared James Nichols on his stripped-down approach to rocking the blues

guitar.com

​ A Triple Shot of Jared James Nichols - Whiskey Network

whiskeynetwork.net

Jared James Nichols: “I’m super-proud of Easy Come, Easy Go... if you listen to that solo, it almost feels like the amp’s about to explode!” | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Jared James Nichols uses Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" 1953

Jared James Nichols

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

The instagram was posted on the August 25, 2019.

I feel incredibly grateful, honored and beyond excited to share this post. Meet OLE RED, the 1953 Gibson Les Paul ‘Goldtop’ refinished in RED over the GOLD many many moons ago. I feel it is THE BEST GUITAR I have ever played. At 66 years old, she is ALIVE. The sound and feel is otherworldly, I can’t even believe it. I feel closer to the music and sound that I love. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to sling a real-deal 50s Les Paul over my shoulder. I cannot thank @lespaulforum enough for giving me the opportunity to do just that! It means the world to me and I have a feeling this axe will take BLUESPOWER to new heights never before imagined! ???? I’m freaking out!!!!

Used on the self-titled album, according to 2022 guitarguitar interview. The guitar was a gift from Charles Daughtry, one of the key people behind the Les Paul Forum.

See how Drake Bell uses Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" 1953

Drake Bell

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Drake Bell is observed playing a 1953 Gibson Les Paul, known as "OLE RED," in a provided photograph, confirming his use of this specific guitar model.

See how Keith Alexander uses Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" 1953

Keith Alexander

Singer, Guitarist

Carnivore

...
Verified via Photo

Keith Alexander used the 1953 Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" or similar Les Paul during a Carnivore live show, as evidenced by the image provided.

See how Rob McNelley uses Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" 1953

Rob McNelley

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Rob McNelley Rig Rundown: Guitar Gear Tour from Sound Stage Studios in Nashville," produced by Premier Guitar, Rob McNelley is seen playing a 1953 Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" at the 0:15 mark.

Album Usage

The Gibson Les Paul "OLE RED" 1953 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 "OLE RED" 1953, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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