Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $18,661
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Vintage 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the rich legacy of rock 'n' roll with the Vintage 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Electric Guitar. Revered amongst musicians and collectors alike, this iconic instrument embodies a profound blend of history and craftsmanship. First taking the stage in the 1950s, the Goldtop's timeless elegance and robust sound have made it a staple in the music world. The 1957 model is especially cherished for introducing the powerful PAF humbucker pickups, a groundbreaking innovation that defined a new era in guitar sound.
Crafted with a solid mahogany body and topped with gleaming maple, this Les Paul delivers a resonant, sustained tone that is both warm and articulate. Its mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard offer a smooth playing experience, while trapezoid inlays add a touch of vintage flair. The two PAF humbucker pickups are renowned for their vibrant, full-bodied sound, providing a versatile sonic palette suitable for any genre.
The guitar's aesthetic is completed by classic design elements such as Kluson deluxe tuners, a white pickguard, and a finely bound fingerboard. This instrument is not just a piece of history; it’s a testament to Gibson’s dedication to quality and innovation, cherished by legendary artists such as Jimmy Page and Slash.
Key Features:
- Solid body with mahogany construction and maple top
- Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
- Two PAF humbucker pickups for a rich, dynamic sound
- Trapezoid inlays and Kluson deluxe tuners
- Gold finish with a white pickguard
- Stopbar tailpiece and Tune-o-matic bridge for enhanced sustain and tuning stability
Product specs
| Available since | March 2021 |
| Colour | Gold |
| Body | Mahogany |
| Top | Maple |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Frets | 22 |
| Scale | 628 mm |
| Pickups | HH |
| Tremolo | None |
| Incl. Case | Yes |
| Incl. Gigbag | No |
| Model | Les Paul 1957 |
| Shape | Single Cut |
| Pickup System | HH |
FAQs
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What are the tonal characteristics of the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop?
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The 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop is renowned for its warm, rich tones with a strong midrange presence, thanks to its mahogany body and maple top. The dual humbucker pickups provide a thick, creamy sound perfect for rock, blues, and jazz.
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Is the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop suitable for beginners?
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While the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop is a legendary instrument known for its quality and sound, it is typically more suited for experienced players due to its high value and historical significance.
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What is the neck profile of the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop?
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The 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop features a chunky neck profile, often referred to as a "baseball bat" shape, which provides a solid and substantial feel, preferred by many players for its comfort and playability.
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Does the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop come with a tremolo system?
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No, the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop does not include a tremolo system. It is designed with a fixed bridge, which contributes to its sustain and tuning stability.
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How does the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop compare to other Les Paul models?
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The 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop is highly prized for its historical significance and tonal quality, featuring early humbucker pickups that deliver a classic sound. It is often compared to later models for its unique neck profile and vintage aesthetics.
Videos
Chicago Music Exchange
1957 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman
Reviews
PROS
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Iconic tone reminiscent of classic rock legends like Clapton and Page
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Solid, expert vintage craftsmanship that stands the test of time
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Distinctive gold finish that changes color at different angles, adding visual appeal
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Beefy neck offers exceptional playability and comfort for seasoned players
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Sustains notes impressively long, making it perfect for expressive solos
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Versatile sound suitable for multiple genres: rock, blues, and country
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Effortless playability; any challenges are likely user-related
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High value for money as a historical Gibson model
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Known as the "Cadillac" of guitars for its unmatched quality
CONS
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Manufacturer support for parts and service can be lacking
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Some players may find the neck too thick if used to slimmer models
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Added piece of wood at neck-body joint may concern detail-oriented users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vintage 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Electric Guitar.
Setup and maintenance
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The neck on the '57 reissue is described as the thickest one user has played, providing a substantial feel and excellent for string bends and big vibratos.
Source
Features and functionality
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The 1957 Les Paul Goldtop features a humbucker pickup configuration, which was first introduced in the year 1957.
Source
User experience
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Owners of the '57 Goldtop reissue mention a preference for removing the pickguard, citing issues with the screws vibrating loose and aesthetic preferences.
Source
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
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The thick neck of the '57 reissue is praised for its ability to accommodate string bends and vibratos, making it suitable for expressive playing styles.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 9 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this photo, we can see Van Halen preforming live with a '57 Les Paul Goldtop. This Guitar appears to have the neck pickup gutted with only the bridge humbucker left in the body and aspite the neck pickup being removed the controls seem to be unaltered, however Van Halen might have disconnected some of the knobs (with a single volume pot being the bare minimum) and left them in for looks.
Johnny Marr used the Vintage 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Electric Guitar on the Healers' "Boomslang" album. This guitar was also played by Ed O’Brien on Radiohead’s "In Rainbows." A photo of the guitar is available on Johnny Marr's official website.
In the video titled "Foo Fighters' Chris Shiflett Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour 2024" by Premier Guitar, Chris Shiflett is seen using a Vintage 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Electric Guitar at the 23:54 mark.
This was Duane’s main guitar during the first year of the Allman Brothers Band, and he also used it on the recording sessions of “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs” with Eric Clapton. He eventually traded it for the 1959 Les Paul, but kept both PAF pickups from this one. After Duane’s death, the guitar changed a couple of hands before ending up with Scot LaMar who often borrows it to Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Vince Gill and others for live performances.
In this Vintage Guitar Magazine article, Robben Ford says this about his 1957 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."
Robin Finck is documented using a Vintage 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Electric Guitar in his 2014 Nine Inch Nails gear setup, as featured on Guitargeek.
In this post Richie says he's now the proud owner of a '57 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top. It's unclear whether it's a vintage original or a Custom Shop reissue model.
In the photo provided by Mirror, Richey Edwards is seen playing a Vintage 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Electric Guitar. This model is distinct from the 1956 version due to its different humbucker configuration.
Album Usage
The Vintage 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Electric Guitar has been featured on the following albums:
Jump Blues Live 1972
Robben Ford & Jimmy Witherspoon (2025)
Middle Finger Pt. 2 Remix EP
Dog Blood (2014)
Middle Finger Pt. 2
Dog Blood (2013)
Boomslang (2024 Deluxe Edition)
Johnny Marr + the Healers & Johnny Marr (2003)
Tiger Walk
Robben Ford (1997)
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs (Remastered 2010)
Derek and the Dominos (1970)
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 Vintage 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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