Gibson Les Paul Gold Top 1952

The Les Paul revolutionised the guitar world and is an absolute icon. This Les Paul from its introductory year is a legendary part of Gibson's history and a once-in-a-lifetime musical showpiece.

At The Fellowship of Acoustics, we have often seen rare, unique, and iconic guitars pass through our doors, and this 1952 Gibson Les Paul definitely joins that list. In response to the solid-body guitars of competitor Leo Fender, Gibson decided to design their own solid-body model. To promote the model, they approached Les Paul, whose name would also appear on the headstock. The rest is history!

It is fascinating to see how the Les Paul is still largely based on this introductory model today. The mahogany body with maple top, mahogany neck with a 12" radius rosewood fingerboard (on this model still Brazilian rosewood) and four “speed knobs” for the volume and tone of the two pickups. Never change a winning team!

Over the years, the Les Paul has undergone a number of developments, which makes this model distinctive. The most striking feature is the trapeze bridge and tailpiece, with the strings running under the bridge. There is also no serial number on the back of the headstock. This is because the models from the introductory year did not yet have a serial number. It also has two P90 pickups that produce a very nice sound. The original tailpiece has “Pat Pending” engraved on the side. This marking can also be found on the original tuning machines. These are currently in the case because newer Kluson ones have been put on the guitar. The date is difficult to see on the potentiometers, but on three of them we can see that they are IRC ones.

Its marks show that it has been well used and has aged beautifully. Note, for example, the typical green discolouration on the Gold Top cap. Many guitarist and collectors will be amazed at the sight of this guitar. This Les Paul is not only a great instrument, but also an extremely valuable collector's item and an even more impressive piece of music history.

Comes in a hardshell case with TFOA passport.