What finish is used on the 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue #751142?

This model features a classic Goldtop finish with Ultra Light Aging performed by the Murphy Lab. It utilizes nitrocellulose lacquer to ensure period-correct appearance and aging characteristics.

What is meant by 'Ultra Light Aged'?

Ultra Light Aging is a treatment that simulates decades of very careful use. It includes subtle lacquer checking and lightly aged hardware without the heavy wear or wood exposure found on more aggressive relic jobs.

Which pickups are installed in this guitar?

The guitar is equipped with Custombucker pickups. These are Gibson Custom Shop's high-end humbuckers designed to replicate the sound and response of original 1950s Patent Applied For (PAF) pickups.

What is the neck profile of the 1957 Goldtop Reissue?

It features a rounded 50s neck profile. This is a thicker, more substantial neck shape compared to modern 'slim taper' profiles, offering a traditional feel consistent with 1957 specifications.

Does the guitar come with a case?

Yes, this model is supplied with a Lifton-style hardshell case. These cases are designed to look and feel like the original cases provided by Gibson during the 1950s.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price for this Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Reissue is approximately £5,999. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted instrument from the Murphy Lab series.

How does this compare to a standard Gibson Les Paul 50s?

While both have 50s characteristics, the Custom Shop Reissue uses higher-grade tonewoods, more accurate historical construction, and the Murphy Lab aging process. The Standard 50s is a production-line model, whereas the Reissue is a specialist recreation.

What tonewoods are used in its construction?

The guitar features a solid mahogany body paired with a carved maple top. This combination is the foundation of the classic Les Paul sound, providing a balance of warmth, sustain, and clarity.

Is the hardware period-correct?

Yes, the guitar uses vintage-spec hardware that has been lightly aged. This includes the bridge, tailpiece, and tuning machines, all intended to match the aesthetic of a 1957 original.

Who is the Murphy Lab?

The Murphy Lab is a specialized division within the Gibson Custom Shop led by Tom Murphy. They focus exclusively on aging techniques to make new guitars look and feel like vintage instruments.

Is this guitar suitable for modern high-gain styles?

While it can handle high gain, its Custombucker pickups and 50s neck are optimized for vintage blues, rock, and jazz. Players seeking modern metal specs might prefer something like a Fender Jim Root Telecaster.

How does the aging affect the playability?

The Ultra Light Aging process removes the 'sticky' feel of fresh lacquer, particularly on the neck. This provides a smoother, faster, and more 'broken-in' tactile experience right out of the case.

Gear article

Gibson Custom 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue Ultra Light Aged #751142

The Gibson Custom 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue Ultra Light Aged #751142 is a high-end electric guitar that meticulously recreates the specifications of the original 1957 solidbody model. Featuring a classic Goldtop finish and Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aging, it is designed to provide the aesthetic and tactile experience of a vintage instrument that has been carefully preserved for decades.

See live prices

Overview and Construction

The Gibson Custom 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue is an exacting tribute to a pivotal year in Gibson's history. This specific iteration, serial number #751142, utilizes carefully selected tonewoods and period-correct construction techniques to mirror the late-50s era. The build is centred around a solid mahogany body and a carved maple top, finished in the iconic Goldtop aesthetic.

The hardware is vintage-specification throughout, ensuring that the mechanical response and tuning stability align with historical expectations. The instrument includes a Lifton-style hardshell case, further emphasizing its status as a premium reproduction of a golden-era classic.

The Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aging

A defining feature of this model is the 'Ultra Light Aged' treatment performed by the Murphy Lab. Unlike heavy relicing, which simulates decades of abuse, this process focuses on the subtle effects of time. The nitrocellulose lacquer displays gentle checking and the hardware possesses a light patina. This approach results in a guitar that feels 'broken-in' and responsive, mimicking an instrument that has seen careful, consistent use since 1957.

Electronics and Playability

The guitar is equipped with Gibson Custombucker pickups, which are engineered to deliver the expressive and responsive tone associated with original PAF humbuckers. These pickups are known for their clarity and ability to capture the nuance of a player's attack.

Playability is dictated by the rounded 50s neck profile. This chunkier carve is a hallmark of the 1957 specifications, providing a substantial grip for players who prefer the feel of early Les Pauls over the slimmer profiles introduced in 1960. The combination of historical neck geometry and aged finish creates a tactile experience reminiscent of a vintage heirloom.

Target Audience and Comparison

This instrument is primarily aimed at professional musicians and collectors seeking the performance and aesthetics of a 1950s Les Paul without the prohibitive cost or fragility of a true vintage original. At a price point of £5,999, it occupies a premium tier of the market.

When compared to modern alternatives like the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 or the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster, the 1957 Reissue offers a significantly higher level of historical accuracy and hand-crafted detail. While high-performance models like the Fender Jim Root Telecaster focus on modern utility, this Goldtop focuses on heritage, tone, and the specific 'VOS' or aged feel provided by the Custom Shop.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What finish is used on the 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue #751142?: This model features a classic Goldtop finish with Ultra Light Aging performed by the Murphy Lab. It utilizes nitrocellulose lacquer to ensure period-correct appearance and aging characteristics.
What is meant by 'Ultra Light Aged'?: Ultra Light Aging is a treatment that simulates decades of very careful use. It includes subtle lacquer checking and lightly aged hardware without the heavy wear or wood exposure found on more aggressive relic jobs.
Which pickups are installed in this guitar?: The guitar is equipped with Custombucker pickups. These are Gibson Custom Shop's high-end humbuckers designed to replicate the sound and response of original 1950s Patent Applied For (PAF) pickups.
What is the neck profile of the 1957 Goldtop Reissue?: It features a rounded 50s neck profile. This is a thicker, more substantial neck shape compared to modern 'slim taper' profiles, offering a traditional feel consistent with 1957 specifications.
Does the guitar come with a case?: Yes, this model is supplied with a Lifton-style hardshell case. These cases are designed to look and feel like the original cases provided by Gibson during the 1950s.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price for this Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Reissue is approximately £5,999. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted instrument from the Murphy Lab series.
How does this compare to a standard Gibson Les Paul 50s?: While both have 50s characteristics, the Custom Shop Reissue uses higher-grade tonewoods, more accurate historical construction, and the Murphy Lab aging process. The Standard 50s is a production-line model, whereas the Reissue is a specialist recreation.
What tonewoods are used in its construction?: The guitar features a solid mahogany body paired with a carved maple top. This combination is the foundation of the classic Les Paul sound, providing a balance of warmth, sustain, and clarity.
Is the hardware period-correct?: Yes, the guitar uses vintage-spec hardware that has been lightly aged. This includes the bridge, tailpiece, and tuning machines, all intended to match the aesthetic of a 1957 original.
Who is the Murphy Lab?: The Murphy Lab is a specialized division within the Gibson Custom Shop led by Tom Murphy. They focus exclusively on aging techniques to make new guitars look and feel like vintage instruments.
Is this guitar suitable for modern high-gain styles?: While it can handle high gain, its Custombucker pickups and 50s neck are optimized for vintage blues, rock, and jazz. Players seeking modern metal specs might prefer something like a Fender Jim Root Telecaster.
How does the aging affect the playability?: The Ultra Light Aging process removes the 'sticky' feel of fresh lacquer, particularly on the neck. This provides a smoother, faster, and more 'broken-in' tactile experience right out of the case.