Gibson Les Paul Models

The Gibson Les Paul model-line originally only included two models, which were the regular model named “Goldtop” and the “Custom” which had better hardware and featured a black finish. The beginner guitar market was saturated with the “Melody Maker” this particular model did not have the Les Paul brand name but the body was basically the same as the other Les Paul Models throughout the years.

Gibson Les Paul – Gold Top (1952 – 1958)

The early Gold Top, released in 1952, featured two single pickup coils (p-90) with a one-piece, trapeze style bridge where the strings where fitted under a steel top bar (instead of over) These early Les Paul models did not have serial numbers, later ’52 models did come with serial numbers and also had bound bodies. Prices for these early Goldtops are steadily increasing and are beginning to compete with Les Paul versions from later years which are high priced, but were much more practical and usable.

Average market prices in 2007
1952 – 1955: $35.000 – $85.000 (Prices vary depending on features)
1957 – 1958: $130.000 – $175.000 – Highest market value

Gibson Les Paul Gold Top

Gibson Les Paul – Custom (1954 – 1960)

This model, which was first released in 1954, was an entirely black guitar and was called “Black Beauty” The Les Paul Custom had a mahogany top instead of the maple top featured on the “Goldtop” From 1957 the custom would be fitted with the new humbucker pickups and later on became available with 3 pickups

Gibson Les Paul – Junior (1954 – 1960) & TV (1955 – 1960)

The “TV” which came out in 1955, was basically a “Junior” with a natural finish. This finish could be described as a mustard-ish yellow, where you could still see the wood grain

 

Gibson Les Paul – Models Currently Available

  • Gibson Les Paul Billie Joe Armstrong
  • Gibson Les Paul Classic
  • Gibson Les Paul Goddess
  • Gibson Les Paul GT
  • Gibson Les Paul Les Paul BFG
  • Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker
  • Gibson Les Paul Slash Signature
  • Gibson Les Paul Menace
  • Gibson Les Paul Special New Century
  • Gibson Les Paul Special with Humbuckers
  • Gibson Les Paul Studio Baritone
  • Gibson Les Paul Supreme
  • Gibson Les Paul Vixen
  • Gibson Les Paul Double Cut
  • Gibson Les Paul Standard
  • Gibson Les Paul Studio
  • Gibson Les Paul Smartwood