Is the body of the Les Paul Standard 50s weight-relieved?

No, this model features a non-weight-relieved mahogany body. This is intended to preserve the traditional resonance, sustain, and physical weight of original 1950s Gibson guitars.

What is the difference between the neck on this model and a 60s Standard?

The 50s model features a '50s Vintage' neck profile, which is thicker and more rounded than the 'SlimTaper' profile found on 60s models. It is designed to provide a more substantial feel in the player's hand.

Which pickups are installed in the Les Paul Standard 50s Gold Top?

The guitar is equipped with a Burstbucker 1 in the neck position and a Burstbucker 2 in the bridge position. These are Alnico II magnet pickups designed to recreate the vintage PAF sound.

What type of capacitors does this guitar use?

The electronics are hand-wired and include Orange Drop capacitors. These are preferred for their reliability and their ability to maintain consistent tone when rolling off the volume or tone knobs.

What is the fingerboard material?

The guitar features a rosewood fingerboard. It is traditionally paired with mahogany necks to provide a warm tonal response and a smooth playing surface.

Is this specific model available for right-handed players?

While this specific listing is for a left-handed version, Gibson produces the Les Paul Standard 50s Gold Top in both orientations. The specifications remain largely identical between the two.

What finish is used on the Les Paul Standard 50s?

It features a nitrocellulose lacquer finish in Gold Top. Nitrocellulose is a traditional finish that is thinner than modern polyester, allowing the wood to breathe and age naturally over time.

How does the sound compare to a Les Paul with P90 pickups?

The humbuckers in this Gold Top offer a thicker, smoother sound with higher output and noise cancellation. P90 models, such as the Tobacco Burst variant, tend to have more 'growl' and a brighter, single-coil-like snap.

What kind of bridge does this guitar have?

It uses a classic ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge. This design allows for precise intonation of individual strings and is paired with an aluminum stopbar tailpiece for maximum vibration transfer.

What artists are associated with the Gibson Les Paul?

Famous users of Les Paul guitars include the inventor himself, Les Paul, as well as legends like Paul McCartney, Duane Allman, and Dave Grohl. Other notable players include Brian May, Eddie Vedder, and Taylor Swift.

What size are the frets on this model?

The guitar is fitted with medium jumbo frets. This size is a popular middle ground, offering enough height for easy string bending while maintaining a comfortable feel for chordal work.

What is the typical price for this model in the UK?

The typical price range for this Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Left Handed model is approximately £2499. Prices may vary slightly based on specific retailer promotions or serial number availability.

Gear article

Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Left Handed Gold Top #235350223

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Left Handed Gold Top is a premium solid-body electric guitar designed to replicate the specifications and feel of the original 1950s models. Featuring a non-weight-relieved mahogany body, a carved maple cap, and vintage-style Burstbucker pickups, it provides the thick resonance and sustain associated with the classic 'Golden Era' of Gibson production.

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Overview

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Left Handed Gold Top (Serial #235350223) is a faithful recreation of the foundational electric guitar that defined rock and blues. Built specifically for left-handed players, this model avoids modern weight-relief techniques to maintain a traditional, heavy mahogany construction. This choice results in a resonant, sustain-heavy voice with a prominent midrange. The instrument is finished in the iconic Gold Top aesthetic, a hallmark of the early Les Paul era.

Construction and Key Features

The guitar is built around a solid mahogany body paired with a carved maple top. The '50s Vintage' neck profile is notably thicker than later '60s designs, offering a substantial grip that fills the hand comfortably. The rosewood fingerboard is adorned with classic acrylic trapezoid inlays and features medium jumbo frets for modern playability. Hardware includes traditional Orange Drop capacitors and wired ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, ensuring the signal path and tuning stability remain authentic to vintage specifications.

Electronics and Sound

The tonal heart of the instrument lies in its Burstbucker 1 and 2 pickups. These are designed to emulate the character of original Patent Applied For (PAF) humbuckers, known for their clarity and airy top end. The Burstbucker 1 in the neck position offers a warmer, smoother output, while the Burstbucker 2 in the bridge provides slightly more gain and bite. Together with the non-weight-relieved body, these electronics produce a thick, harmonic-rich sound suitable for everything from jazz to hard rock.

Target Audience and Comparisons

This guitar is primarily aimed at left-handed purists who demand vintage-spec appointments without the modern modifications found in the 'Standard 60s' or 'Modern' series. While the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster or the Jim Root Telecaster offer different tonal palettes (single-coil vs active humbuckers), the Les Paul Standard 50s is chosen for its specific low-mid punch and physical heft. Compared to the P90-equipped version of the Standard 50s, this Gold Top model provides the hum-cancelling benefits and smoother saturation of traditional humbuckers.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the body of the Les Paul Standard 50s weight-relieved?: No, this model features a non-weight-relieved mahogany body. This is intended to preserve the traditional resonance, sustain, and physical weight of original 1950s Gibson guitars.
What is the difference between the neck on this model and a 60s Standard?: The 50s model features a '50s Vintage' neck profile, which is thicker and more rounded than the 'SlimTaper' profile found on 60s models. It is designed to provide a more substantial feel in the player's hand.
Which pickups are installed in the Les Paul Standard 50s Gold Top?: The guitar is equipped with a Burstbucker 1 in the neck position and a Burstbucker 2 in the bridge position. These are Alnico II magnet pickups designed to recreate the vintage PAF sound.
What type of capacitors does this guitar use?: The electronics are hand-wired and include Orange Drop capacitors. These are preferred for their reliability and their ability to maintain consistent tone when rolling off the volume or tone knobs.
What is the fingerboard material?: The guitar features a rosewood fingerboard. It is traditionally paired with mahogany necks to provide a warm tonal response and a smooth playing surface.
Is this specific model available for right-handed players?: While this specific listing is for a left-handed version, Gibson produces the Les Paul Standard 50s Gold Top in both orientations. The specifications remain largely identical between the two.
What finish is used on the Les Paul Standard 50s?: It features a nitrocellulose lacquer finish in Gold Top. Nitrocellulose is a traditional finish that is thinner than modern polyester, allowing the wood to breathe and age naturally over time.
How does the sound compare to a Les Paul with P90 pickups?: The humbuckers in this Gold Top offer a thicker, smoother sound with higher output and noise cancellation. P90 models, such as the Tobacco Burst variant, tend to have more 'growl' and a brighter, single-coil-like snap.
What kind of bridge does this guitar have?: It uses a classic ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge. This design allows for precise intonation of individual strings and is paired with an aluminum stopbar tailpiece for maximum vibration transfer.
What artists are associated with the Gibson Les Paul?: Famous users of Les Paul guitars include the inventor himself, Les Paul, as well as legends like Paul McCartney, Duane Allman, and Dave Grohl. Other notable players include Brian May, Eddie Vedder, and Taylor Swift.
What size are the frets on this model?: The guitar is fitted with medium jumbo frets. This size is a popular middle ground, offering enough height for easy string bending while maintaining a comfortable feel for chordal work.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The typical price range for this Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Left Handed model is approximately £2499. Prices may vary slightly based on specific retailer promotions or serial number availability.