Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 Gold Top: (2021)
The Les Paul Standard '50s Gold Top model has been designed with the intention of grouping together the features that typify this period for Gibson. Without being a specific vintage reissue, this model delivers the definitive Les Paul experience. The mahogany body of this model has zero weight relief, and comes in at just shy of 10 lbs, so while it's not the heaviest Les Paul it will require a wide guitar strap if standing with it for long periods of time.
Somewhat more substantial than Gibson's 'Slim Taper' neck profile, the 'Vintage '50s' neck feels very comfortable in the hands and is equally at home for both rhythm and lead playing. In regard to the pick-ups, P-90s are great! You get all the bark and aggression of a humbucker with all the snap of a single coil. I really do like this type of pick-up, particularly for blues / rock.
Some quick specifications are a rosewood neck, scale length 24.75", with a 12" Radius, 22 medium jumbo frets, Graph Tech nut, ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic Stop-bar, Vintage Deluxe Keystone Buttons, 2 Volumes and 2 Tones & Toggle Switch, Hand-Wired with Orange Drop Capacitors. Finish is a gloss nitro-cellulose lacquer. As with most of the Standard series the guitar comes with a hard shell case.
Personal Comment:
This was another one of those purchases based on memories of days gone bye and seeing the classic Gold Top finish in catalogues as a young boy. Sadly this purchase was marred by a number of cosmetic defects to the lacquer finish and even a nasty nick out of the scratch plate. While the shop was very good and offered a return, due to the time of purchase (lock down) these guitars were scarce and in fact despite the small blemishes the guitar played beautifully and I decided to keep it. After all, it was going to get used and would soon pick up a few dings here and there. I have to say, this is just such an enjoyable guitar to play and has its own vibe. As for the blemishes, I was able to buff some of them out and Gibson sent me a new scratch plate. If you want to know more about this guitar drop me an email.