First introduced in 1952, the Gibson Les Paul is arguably the most recognisable guitar in recorded music history. With countless model variations and a legacy spanning a wide range of genres, it has remained the go-to electric guitar for nearly 75 years. The earliest versions of the 'Gold Top' Les Paul Standard models are particularly prized by players and collectors alike, offering a tone, feel, and style that are second to none. This 1956 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top is one of only around 920 to leave the factory that year. It is a exceptional example of a solid-body Gibson from this era, and features early examples of some features that would become the standard for ever Les Paul to follow.
Built with a slab Mahogany body finished in a beautifully aged and checked Gold lacquer, this guitar remains in excellent condition, showing just the right amount of lacquer checking and patina accrued over the years, with only minor signs of play wear beyond the natural ageing of the finish. The neck sports a chunky, rounded mid '50s Gibson profile, providing a comfortable playing experience with plenty of wood to dig in to. By 1956, Gibson had replaced both the trapeze tailpiece and later wraparound stop bar tailpiece found on the first four or so years of Les Paul Standard production with the ABR1 Tune-O-Matic adjustable bridge and stud tailpiece combination that would become the standard for Les Paul guitars right up to the current day. Combined with an increased neck set angle introduced around 1954, the playability of vintage Les Pauls from this period was greatly improved.
The original soapbar P90 pickups are mellow and full, with some serious bite when you dig in with a pick. Internally, all solder joints are untampered with, with the original pots dating to the 23rd week of 1956 (304 623), and the original Sprague 'Bumblebee' caps also being present and correct. The single line Kluson tuning machines appear original to the guitar and are correct for the period. This guitar is internally and externally original with the exception of a period correct re-fret, and a newer plastic jack input surround, with the original included in the case. This guitar is also free from any repair work of any kind, with the exception of the re-fret as mentioned.
This guitar also includes its original Lifton 'Cali Girl' case in equally good condition.
As with all our vintage instruments, this guitar has been given a thorough service by the Vintage Instrument Workshop and is guaranteed for 2 years in line with our vintage instrument warranty. Get an additional 3 years workshop warranty cover with the No.Tom Guitars Extended Warranty.
