1957 Gibson Les Paul Model Goldtop, Excellent, Hard, $135,000.00

1957 Les Paul Gold Top - formerly owned by Cesar Diaz

We are offering a rare opportunity to own a very special collectable Gibson Les Paul guitar owned and played by one of the most well-respected tone experts in the world…who was also a superb player.

In addition to having many of the most-desirable Les Paul features, the guitar was owned and played regularly by the late tone guru, Cesar Diaz. In addition to being an in-demand player, Cesar was one of the highest-profile guitar and amplifier technicians on earth, having worked with countless professional musicians - Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Keith Richards, Bob Dylan, G.E. Smith (who he replaced as guitarist is Dylan’s band) and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Known worldwide as “The Amp Doctor”, Cesar was a highly respected technician and advisor to players and consultant to manufacturers, having also worked with Fender in the development of their 1964 Vibroverb Custom hand-wired tube amplifier. He also designed and built his own line of tube amplifiers and effects pedals.

Sadly, Cesar passed away in 2002.

Cesar’s 1957 Les Paul Goldtop is a special instrument in many ways. It is from the first year of Gibson’s humbucking pickups - both are pre-PAF sticker, Seth Lover designed models with correct cream pickup rings (the neck pickup measures 7.44k ohms; bridge 7.4k ohms). It is the most desirable type of Goldtop, with a maple top over the mahogany body instead of mahogany only, with flamed maple showing through the gold finish. The guitar is in excellent condition, with the gold finish retaining its brilliant color without “greening” or arm wear. The finish on the back of the body is also in excellent condition. Finishes have been tested with a black light and show no evidence of overspray or touchup.

The jack plate is original with a slight dent; switch, pots and wiring are original with untouched solder joints. One small 1” long section of binding is missing near the 4th fret, and slight wear spots show on the back of the neck. It has been professionally refretted with 1957-correct fret wire. The nut still has clear lacquer on the edges, but may have been temporarily removed for refretting.

The tailpiece and ABR-1 bridge are original and in very good condition. The tuning machines are the original single-ring Klusons in excellent condition, with original lacquer remaining in the tuner holes. The cream pickguard and hardware are original and in excellent condition. The guitar weighs 9 lbs. 2 oz. and is extremely responsive and resonant, with a rich, full tone. It comes with the original brown Gibson case.

Overall this a very special Les Paul - pre-sticker PAF humbucking pickups, “see-through gold” flamed maple top and outstanding setup & tone. Cesar asked Drew Berlin to purchase the guitar from his wife, Maggie, if he passed away; his wife received many offers after his death but she honored his wishes and sold it to Drew. It was later sold by Drew to a friend who also knew Cesar and the guitar’s history, and has owned it since then. It is a well-known Les Paul and has been highly sought after - it is only now being consigned for open sale for the first time since Cesar purchased it.

Payment by wire transfer, cash (for local pickup, zip code 90505) or business check - checks must clear before shipping. Sorry, no personal checks.

Shipping is normally via UPS Overnight Red Label; we charge exact shipping only; no extra handling charges. International purchases may require different payment methods, shipment methods and costs. Pease inquire.

Please feel free to call or email for additional information. or to purchase this fine renowned instrument.