Gibson Les Paul Gold-top, 1952
overall1 (body overall): 100 in. (254.001 cm)
overall2 (neck): 38 1/8 in. (96.774 cm)
overall3 (overall): 100 3/8 × 82 13/16 × 33 × 7 in. (255.017 × 210.312 × 83.82 × 17.78 cm)
The Les Paul Goldtop was Gibson’s first solidbody electric guitar, and it responded to the modular practicality of Fender’s Broadcaster guitar with its own efficient design, while retaining the traditional hand-crafted elegance that Gibson was known for. Its carved, violin-influenced top and blend of heavy mahogany and light maple woods were striking in appearance, and the rock-solid guitar produced a beautiful tone with notes that hung on forever—the legendary Les Paul “sustain.”
Groundbreaking guitarist Les Paul (1915-2009) collaborated with Gibson in designing this guitar. He suggested the gold color because it gave the impression of being “rich, expensive, the best, and superb.” Later, he improved the design of the Goldtop models by replacing Gibson’s “trapeze” bridge/tailpiece (featured on this instrument) with his own “stud” design.
Les Paul and Gibson both benefited from this model; his fame as a guitarist helped sell the guitar for Gibson, and for the use of his name, Les Paul received a cut from all the Goldtops that were sold.
