1972 Gibson Les Paul Standard ’58 Gold Top Goldtop, Very Good, Original Hard, $8,500.00

Summary: Although Gibson dubbed this model a ’58, it is in fact a reissue of the Les Paul from 1954, and an impressively accurate one at that. With a solid (no pancake) body, a long tenon neck and no volute, this guitar erases the more egregious sins of 70s Gibsons, offering the buyer an instrument that compares favorably to its original at a much more accessible price.

Body: Single sharp cutaway solid mahogany body. Bound carved maple top with gold finish.

Neck: Solid mahogany neck with no volute. Long tenon set neck joint. 22-fret bound rosewood fingerboard with pearl trapezoid inlay. 24.75” scale length. 1 11/16” nut width.

Pickups/Hardware: 2 single coil P-90 pickups with “Gibson”-embossed cream plastic covers. Two volume/two tone controls with gold speed knobs, 3-position switch. Nickel hardware. Compensated wraparound bridge. Three-per-side Kluson tuners with plastic double ring buttons. Raised cream pickguard.

Cosmetics: This guitar is in very good condition, with some areas of wear that do not affect its integrity. An approximately inch-long sliver has chipped off the top left corner of the headstock; this does not impact stability or playability and is not noticeable from the front as the headstock overlay is intact. There is the general cosmetic wear one expects on a well-played vintage instrument: small nicks in the finish, some crazing on the neck, some buckle wear on back. There is one spot on the back where the finish has chipped and exposed the wood; this is purely cosmetic. The gold top has developed the greenish hue and darkened spots that this finish is known for as it ages, and has tons of character. There is some minor pitting of the gold finish and two spots where the wood has been exposed by wear. The nickel hardware has age-appropriate patina.

Playability: The neck on this guitar has a tapered carve that is not quite as slim as a 60s style neck; it has a comfortable bit of chunk up towards the higher frets and is very pleasing to play. There is wear to the frets, which sit fairly low, but even with nice low action, the board plays smoothly without buzz or dead spots. The two P-90s are strong with plenty of growl and love to make a pushed tube amp sing. All around, a great-playing, iconic-looking rock and roll machine.

Weight: 9 lbs, 6 oz.

Case: Original hard shell.