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Description

The Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop 2012 is a testament to the timeless appeal of one of rock's most iconic guitars. Blending classic craftsmanship with modern enhancements, this guitar is a must-have for musicians seeking both heritage and innovation in their sound arsenal. The asymmetrical neck profile offers a comfortable grip, perfect for long sessions and intricate playing, while the locking tuners ensure your tuning stays rock-solid during intense performances. Crafted with a mahogany body and a maple top, this Les Paul delivers the warm, rich tones that have made it a favorite among legendary players like Jimmy Page and Slash.

Equipped with two humbucker pickups, the Les Paul Standard Goldtop 2012 provides a versatile tonal range, from smooth jazz to screaming rock solos. The trapezoid inlays and bound rosewood fingerboard offer a visual elegance that matches its sonic capabilities. With a three-way pickup selector, four control knobs, and a robust Tune-o-matic bridge, this guitar lets you fine-tune your sound with precision. Whether you're shredding on stage or recording in the studio, this instrument stands as a reliable partner in your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with maple top
  • Rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays
  • Asymmetrical neck profile for comfortable playability
  • Two humbucker pickups for versatile tone
  • Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece
  • Locking tuners and input jack for stability
  • Four control knobs and three-way pickup selector

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Standard
Finish Chicago Blue, Desert Burst, Ebony, Goldtop, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Honeyburst, Iced Tea, Lightburst, Silverburst, Wine Red
Year 2008 - 2012
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 Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Red, Silver, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
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 HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What pickups are featured in the Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop 2012?

The Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop 2012 is equipped with dual Burstbucker Pro humbucking pickups, which offer a powerful, vintage-inspired tone suitable for a wide range of music genres.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop 2012 suitable for heavy music genres?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop 2012's Burstbucker Pro pickups and solid mahogany body provide a thick, resonant sound ideal for heavy music genres like rock and metal.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop 2012?

The Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop 2012 features a slim taper neck profile, which offers a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

How does the Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop 2012 compare to earlier models in terms of playability?

The 2012 model's slim taper neck and modern weight relief make it more comfortable and easier to play for extended periods compared to some earlier, heavier Les Paul models.

What kind of finish does the Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop 2012 have?

The Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop 2012 features a classic Goldtop finish, known for its elegant and iconic look that stands out on stage.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop 2012 good for beginners?

While the Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop 2012 is a high-quality instrument suitable for professional use, its playability and iconic sound make it a worthwhile investment for serious beginners looking to grow with their instrument.

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Gibson Les Paul Shootout - The New 2012 Spec Gibson Les Paul Standard Vs 2008 Les Paul Standard

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Shootout - The New 2012 Spec Gibson Les Paul Standard Vs 2008 Les Paul Standard by Rob Chapman

Gibson Les Paul Shootout - The New 2012 Spec Gibson Les Paul Standard Vs 2008 Les Paul Standard

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for 2012 Gibson Les Paul "Standard" Goldtop by GregsGuitars

2012 Gibson Les Paul "Standard" Goldtop

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Standard Gold Top Electric Guitar 2012 by Ian Harkin

Gibson Les Paul Standard Gold Top Electric Guitar 2012

Ian Harkin

Ian Harkin

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight design at 7.5 lbs, making it comfortable for long playing sessions

  • Slim neck profile offers ease of play and comfort for various hand sizes

  • Asymmetrical neck shape enhances hand comfort during play

  • BurstBucker Pro Pickups with Alnico V Magnets provide a powerful, cutting tone

  • Chambered body offers weight relief without sacrificing classic Les Paul sound

  • Push-pull knobs allow for versatile single-coil splitting

  • Locking Grover tuners enable quick and efficient string changes

  • Nuetrik jack prevents accidental disconnection of the guitar cable

  • Dramatic tonal changes with a full range of volume and tone knob adjustments

  • Pleked frets ensure perfect playability and smooth action

CONS

  • Gold plated volume and tone pots may have less resistance than some players prefer

  • Some players find BurstBucker Pro Pickups to be harsh and overly aggressive

  • Chambered design can lead to feedback issues during live performances

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Standard (2008-2012).

Features and functionality

  • The 2012 Goldtop Les Paul Standard is praised for its aging process, with owners excited about how naturally the finish develops character over time.

    Source
  • The mahogany honey finish on the back and edges is highlighted as a standout feature, with some owners taking extra care to prevent scratching.

    Source
  • The P90s offer excellent clean tones and gritty sounds when pushed, but they are prone to RF interference, especially at higher gain levels.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners often favor the Goldtop for its timeless aesthetic, with some noting it as a standout on stage due to its classic and memorable appearance.

    Source
  • One user advises that while P90s sound amazing, humbuckers may offer more long-term satisfaction due to their versatility and noise reduction.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Goldtop is linked to iconic guitarists like Dickey Betts and Mike Ness, enhancing its desirability among fans of those musicians.

    Source
  • P90 pickups are described as ideal for achieving clean and growly tones, making them suitable for varied musical styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • P90 pickups are frequently mentioned as a preferred choice for Goldtops, contrasting with the standard humbuckers often found in other Les Paul models.

    Source
  • The P90-equipped Goldtop has a 50s neck, which should be considered if preferring a specific neck profile.

    Source
  • It's suggested that if you lack a strong preference for pickup type, humbuckers might be a safer, more versatile choice.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson 2012 Les Paul Standard review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop 2012 is a visually stunning instrument with a well-constructed body and impressive tonal versatility. Its modern features, such as the compound radius fingerboard and coil-split capabilities, enhance playability and expand sound options, catering to both classic and contemporary styles. However, the overly thick fingerboard binding can be a drawback for some players, making it slightly challenging to explore all the new tonal possibilities. Despite this, the overall craftsmanship and sound quality make it a worthy addition to any guitarist's collection.

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