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After Gibson initially rejected his solidbody
guitar prototype, “The Log,” a few years
earlier, Les Paul was brought on in 1951 to
collaborate on a new guitar design that would
mark the company’s entry into the burgeoning
solidbody market. As we all know now, that
guitar would go on to revolutionize the world
of music and leave an indelible impression
on guitarists from that point onward. Aside
from his endorsement and name, Paul’s actual
contributions to the new Les Paul model have
been disputed. He maintained that he had the
final say on the guitar’s design, but Gibson’s
president at the time, Ted McCarty, said
the design was already finalized when they
approached the multi-tracking pioneer for an
endorsement. Although we may never know
which version of the story is true—or whether
it’s a combination of both—both sides agree
that Paul requested a gold finish for the guitar
to maximize its flashiness and highlight its
quality. It was this cosmetic decision that
brought about the nickname for the now-legendary
first Les Paul model: the goldtop.
While most of the first Les Pauls came out
of the Gibson factory in 1952 with the iconic
finish only on top, some—including the one
here—sported gold on the neck, back, and
sides as well. This goldtop also features binding
on the neck and body, and it was never
serialized, either. That sets the production date
solidly in the latter half of 1952. The guitar
has only known a single owner, and it’s in
all-original cosmetic and electronic condition.
Overall, it’s in great shape. It has some beautiful
checking on the top and back finish, and it
has retained its gold color quite nicely.
Thanks to Greg Mayo at Greg’s Guitars for listing
this guitar on Gear Search. Whether you’re
looking for a vintage piece or the latest guitar
on the market, there’s a great chance you’ll find
it at Gear Search. More than 47,000 pieces of
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