1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this exceptionally preserved 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop.

The year 1957 stands as one of the most significant milestones in Gibson history. It marked the introduction of Seth Lover's revolutionary humbucking pickup, forever changing the sound of the electric guitar and establishing the tonal blueprint that would define countless recordings in the decades to follow. Produced shortly before the introduction of the Sunburst Les Paul Standard, the 1957 Goldtop combines all of the construction features associated with the legendary Bursts while retaining the iconic metallic gold finish that had become synonymous with the model since its debut in 1952. As a result, original PAF-equipped Goldtops remain among the most sought-after and historically important vintage electric guitars ever produced.

This particular example is an outstanding survivor, retaining its original Gold finish with remarkably little wear for its age. The finish remains vibrant and lustrous throughout, avoiding much of the oxidation and "greening" commonly associated with vintage Goldtops. Cosmetic wear is minimal overall and notably below average for a guitar of this vintage. The most significant wear is confined to the area beneath the player's picking arm, where the finish has mellowed to a darker, more subdued tone through decades of natural use. Otherwise, the instrument presents much as it would have in the late 1950s, with excellent visual appeal and exceptional originality.

The mahogany neck is topped with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard featuring the model's traditional pearl trapezoid inlays. Carved to a comfortable rounded C profile, the neck measures .89" at the first fret and .94" at the twelfth, providing a substantial yet highly playable feel. Original frets remain in place and the guitar has been professionally set up for low action, delivering smooth playability throughout the fingerboard without buzzing or dead spots. Original single-line Kluson Deluxe tuners remain fitted and function as intended.

Electronically, the guitar remains entirely original and retains its coveted pair of PAF humbuckers, along with the original Centralab potentiometers, mesh wiring, and Switchcraft selector switch. The pickups deliver the warm, articulate, and dynamically responsive voice that has made original PAFs legendary among players and collectors alike. Measured outputs read 7.47kΩ in the bridge position and 7.04kΩ in the neck position, providing an exceptionally balanced set with outstanding clarity, harmonic richness, and sustain.

Additional original features include the factory Bigsby B7 vibrato, single-ply pickguard, and original gold bonnet knobs. Structurally, the instrument remains in excellent condition with no cracks, breaks, or repairs. Weighing 10 pounds, it offers the substantial feel often associated with late-1950s Les Pauls while delivering the resonance and sustain expected from Gibson's golden-era construction.

Accompanied by its original Cali-Girl Lifton hardshell case, this 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop represents an exceptional combination of originality, condition, and historical significance. With its factory PAF humbuckers, factory Bigsby, remarkably well-preserved finish, and highly original specification throughout, it stands as a superb example from one of the most celebrated years in Gibson's history.

Specifications

All components original unless specified

Model & Year

• Model: Gibson Les Paul
• Year of manufacture: 1957
• Serial Number: 7 6973

Body

• Material: Carved maple top, mahogany core
• Finish: Gold nitrocellulose lacquer
• Weight: 10lbs

Neck

• Material & Construction: Mahogany, set
• Profile shape: Rounded C
• Radius: 12"
• Nut Width: 1.69"
• Depth: .89" (1st), .94" (12th)
• Inlays: Pearl trapezoids
• Frets: Original
• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe

Hardware

• Bridge / Tailpiece: Bigsby B7
• Pickguard: Single-ply plastic
• Knobs: Gold bonnets

Electronics

• Pickups: Patent Applied For (PAF) humbuckers
• Impedance / DCR readings (measured through output jack)
  • Bridge: 7.47kΩ
  • Neck: 7.04kΩ
• Potentiometers: Centralab
• Wiring: Metal mesh
• Switch: Switchcraft

Condition: Excellent

• Excellent cosmetic condition with minimal wear
• Original gold finish remains mostly vibrant with minimal oxidization
• Excellent structural condition with no cracks, breaks, or repairs
• Professionally set up for low action with no buzzing or dead spots
• Comes with original Cali Girl Lifton case