What does 'VOS' stand for in this Gibson model?

VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It refers to a specific finishing process used by the Gibson Custom Shop that applies a light patina to the nitrocellulose lacquer and hardware to give the guitar a gently aged, non-glossy appearance.

Does the 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue have weight relief?

No, this model features a solid mahogany body with no weight relief. This is intended to preserve the traditional density and sustain characteristics found in original 1950s Les Paul guitars.

What pickups are installed in this guitar?

The guitar is equipped with Gibson Custombucker Alnico III pickups. These are designed to be historically accurate recreations of original PAF humbuckers, offering warm and articulate tones.

What is the neck shape of the 1957 Reissue?

The neck features a 50s Rounded Medium C profile. This provides a historically accurate feel that is substantial and comfortable for players who prefer a thicker vintage neck compared to modern slim tapers.

What materials are used for the guitar's top?

The guitar features a 2-piece plain maple top. Unlike 'Burst' reissues that use figured maple, the Goldtop uses plain maple because the wood grain is obscured by the metallic gold paint.

What is the significance of the long tenon neck construction?

The long tenon joint means the neck wood extends further into the body's pickup cavity. This design is widely considered to increase the structural integrity of the joint and improve the transfer of vibrations for better sustain.

How does the price of this model compare to a standard Les Paul?

At approximately GBP 3777, the Custom Shop Reissue is significantly more expensive than a standard production Gibson Les Paul. This reflects the higher grade of woods, historical accuracy, and hand-finishing performed at the Gibson Custom Shop.

Is the finish nitrocellulose or polyurethane?

The guitar is finished in nitrocellulose lacquer. This is a period-correct finish that is thinner than modern polyurethane, allowing the wood to breathe and age naturally over time.

How does this guitar differ from a 1956 Reissue Goldtop?

The primary difference is the pickups. A 1956 Reissue typically features P90 single-coil pickups, whereas the 1957 Reissue features humbuckers, marking the first year Gibson introduced humbucking technology to the Les Paul.

What kind of inlays are used on the fretboard?

The guitar uses aged cellulose nitrate trapezoid inlays. These are designed to look like the inlays found on original 1950s models, including a slight yellowing or patina.

What is the typical weight of a non-weight-relieved 1957 Reissue?

Due to the solid mahogany construction, these guitars typically weigh between 8.5 and 9.5 pounds. Each piece of mahogany varies, so individual serial numbers like #75820 will have specific unique weights.

What genre of music is this guitar best suited for?

While versatile, it is best suited for blues, classic rock, and jazz. The Custombucker pickups provide a clarity and warmth that excels in these genres, especially when paired with a tube amplifier.

Gear article

Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue VOS

The Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue VOS is a high-end electric guitar meticulously crafted to replicate the specifications of the original 1957 model. It features a solid mahogany body without weight relief, a double gold VOS nitrocellulose finish, and Custombucker Alnico III pickups to deliver authentic vintage tone and feel.

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Overview

The Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue VOS represents a dedicated effort to recreate one of the most significant years in Gibson's history. This model, specifically exemplified by serials such as #75820, adheres to the construction methods of the 'Golden Era.' It is built with a solid, non-weight-relieved mahogany body and a two-piece plain maple top, finished in the iconic 'Double Gold' hue. The VOS (Vintage Original Spec) treatment provides a slight patina to the nitrocellulose lacquer and hardware, simulating the appearance of a well-cared-for vintage instrument rather than a brand-new, high-gloss guitar.

Construction and Playability

The physical build of the 1957 Reissue is centred on historical accuracy. Key structural features include:

Long Tenon Neck: The neck joint extends deep into the body cavity, a design choice intended to enhance sustain and resonance.
Neck Profile: The guitar utilizes a 50s Rounded Medium C profile, which offers a substantial feel in the hand without being as oversized as some earlier 1954 or 1956 iterations.
Hardware: The guitar is fitted with historically accurate hardware, including aged trapezoid inlays and vintage-style tuners that complement the period-correct aesthetic.

Electronics and Sound

The sonic character of the 1957 Reissue is driven by a pair of Custombucker Alnico III pickups. These humbuckers are designed to replicate the warm, articulate, and harmonically rich tones of original PAF pickups. The use of Alnico III magnets typically results in a lower output with a focus on clarity and mid-range warmth. Because the body lacks weight relief, the guitar tends to offer the heavy, singing sustain characteristic of 1950s Les Pauls, making it highly responsive to touch and amplifier gain settings.

Market Position and Comparisons

At a typical price point of GBP 3777, this instrument sits in the premium tier of electric guitars, aimed at collectors and professional musicians. While the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 offers a similar aesthetic at a lower price point, it lacks the Custom Shop's specific material selection and long tenon construction. Compared to contemporary alternatives like the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster or the Jim Root Telecaster, the '57 Reissue offers a significantly more vintage-oriented, traditional playing experience focused on historical fidelity rather than modern utility.

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Frequently asked questions

What does 'VOS' stand for in this Gibson model?: VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It refers to a specific finishing process used by the Gibson Custom Shop that applies a light patina to the nitrocellulose lacquer and hardware to give the guitar a gently aged, non-glossy appearance.
Does the 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue have weight relief?: No, this model features a solid mahogany body with no weight relief. This is intended to preserve the traditional density and sustain characteristics found in original 1950s Les Paul guitars.
What pickups are installed in this guitar?: The guitar is equipped with Gibson Custombucker Alnico III pickups. These are designed to be historically accurate recreations of original PAF humbuckers, offering warm and articulate tones.
What is the neck shape of the 1957 Reissue?: The neck features a 50s Rounded Medium C profile. This provides a historically accurate feel that is substantial and comfortable for players who prefer a thicker vintage neck compared to modern slim tapers.
What materials are used for the guitar's top?: The guitar features a 2-piece plain maple top. Unlike 'Burst' reissues that use figured maple, the Goldtop uses plain maple because the wood grain is obscured by the metallic gold paint.
What is the significance of the long tenon neck construction?: The long tenon joint means the neck wood extends further into the body's pickup cavity. This design is widely considered to increase the structural integrity of the joint and improve the transfer of vibrations for better sustain.
How does the price of this model compare to a standard Les Paul?: At approximately GBP 3777, the Custom Shop Reissue is significantly more expensive than a standard production Gibson Les Paul. This reflects the higher grade of woods, historical accuracy, and hand-finishing performed at the Gibson Custom Shop.
Is the finish nitrocellulose or polyurethane?: The guitar is finished in nitrocellulose lacquer. This is a period-correct finish that is thinner than modern polyurethane, allowing the wood to breathe and age naturally over time.
How does this guitar differ from a 1956 Reissue Goldtop?: The primary difference is the pickups. A 1956 Reissue typically features P90 single-coil pickups, whereas the 1957 Reissue features humbuckers, marking the first year Gibson introduced humbucking technology to the Les Paul.
What kind of inlays are used on the fretboard?: The guitar uses aged cellulose nitrate trapezoid inlays. These are designed to look like the inlays found on original 1950s models, including a slight yellowing or patina.
What is the typical weight of a non-weight-relieved 1957 Reissue?: Due to the solid mahogany construction, these guitars typically weigh between 8.5 and 9.5 pounds. Each piece of mahogany varies, so individual serial numbers like #75820 will have specific unique weights.
What genre of music is this guitar best suited for?: While versatile, it is best suited for blues, classic rock, and jazz. The Custombucker pickups provide a clarity and warmth that excels in these genres, especially when paired with a tube amplifier.