Trying to find the value of your 1950's Les Paul?

Below are some general values of 1950's Gibson Les Pauls. These values are approximate and like the stock market, they fluctuate. Some guitars will fetch more value or less value than what you see here. The best option to know is to call us at 410-571-9660.

We have found that 1950's Gibson Les Pauls can range in value from $10,000 to $400,000. There are many factors that go into that valuation and we can assist in finding the actual value of your instrument. Consider the following:

Which Les Paul model is your guitar?
Does your guitar have a serial number?
Have there been any modifications to your guitar? (e.g. Refinished)
What year was guitar made? 1952?, 1953?, 1954?, 1955?,1956?, 1957?, 1958?, 1959?
Does the fretboard contain Brazilian rosewood or Indian rosewood?
Does the truss rod work and adjust the neck properly?
Do you have the original case?
Are the pickups original?
What condition is it in?
What finish is your guitar?
What are the pot codes?
What kind of pickguard does it have?
Is the pickguard cracked?
Are there missing parts?
Are the tuner tips original?
Do the tuners work properly?
How is the neck angle?
Has the nut been replaced?
Do you have the original receipt?
Do you have the original paperwork or accessories?
Has the guitar been refretted?
To find out these details, call us: 410-571-9660 or email us: info@gpguitars.com.


Some Les Paul models can fetch more value than others. If you are unsure of the type of Les Paul you have, we can help you find out and also appraise it. Email us: info@gpguitars or call us 410-571-9660.

In 1950 Fender introduced the ancestors of the Telecaster, the Esquire and the Broadcaster. These created a new demand in the market for solid body electric guitars. In response to the sudden demand, Gibson president Ted McCarty brought guitarist Les Paul into the company as a consultant.

Les Paul had approached Gibson in 1946 with a solid-body design nicknamed "The Log", but this design was rejected. In 1951 with Les Paul now on board, McCarty and his team began work on what would be the Les Paul Model. The guitar was to be an expensive and well-made instrument in accordance with Gibson's reputation at the time.

The guitar made its public debut when Paul used it onstage at the Paramount theatre in June of 1952. It would go on to have many different variations and resurgences. The 1958 - 1960 Les Paul Standards are considered the Holy Grail of guitars to this day and are highly sought after by collectors and players alike.

Looking to Sell?

We buy vintage instruments and pay top dollar. We may even come to you and buy your instrument. We regularly travel to Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and the rest of the US and Canada.

We'd be happy to answer any questions and help you determine the value of your instrument. Contact us:

Email: info@gpguitars.com

Phone: 410-571-9660

Looking to buy a 1950's Les Paul?

We currently have a 1959 Les Paul Standard for sale! Check out our listing!

1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard - Sunburst

About Us

Garrett Park Guitars is a vintage guitar authority since 1991 and appraises instruments regularly for individuals as well as insurance companies. To find the value of your vintage 1950's Gibson Les Paul, please use the information below or contact us to get a professional appraisal within 24 hours.

You may also use the chat function on our website to talk live with a person in our store during regular business hours.

Email: info@gpguitars.com

Phone: 410-571-9660

We buy vintage instruments and pay top dollar. We may even come to you and buy your instrument. We regularly travel to Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and the rest of the US and Canada.