1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard: Almost the pinnacle of the Les Paul
While only four years into the run of the Les Paul model, the tweaks Gibson made to the 1956 Les Paul (goldtop) make for a vastly different player experience than that of the first version. Our opinion is that the '56 Goldtop is as great of an electric guitar as the far more expensive late 1950s Les Pauls. With its timeless design, iconic sound, and rich history, this instrument remains a treasure among collectors and musicians alike. Whether you're curious about your guitar's value, interested in its unique features, or looking to sell, this post will guide you through all the details.
Contact us to discuss your guitar and get a fair offer: Sell a Gibson.
You can get professional help with the value of your vintage Gibson Les Paul here: Guitar Appraisal.
The History and Legacy of the 1956 Les Paul Goldtop
The 1956 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Gibson's Les Paul line of solid body electric guitars. Introduced as an upgrade to earlier models, it featured innovations like the Tune-o-Matic bridge, which allowed for greater intonation precision. The Tune-o-matic bridge featured an anchoring stop bar tailpiece separate from the bridge with the ability to customize the intonation of each string. Compared to the former wrap tail bridge which lacked customizable intonation saddles, this was a significant improvement for guitarists venturing outside of the cowboy chord area.
Its distinctive gold finish was not just an aesthetic choice but also a statement of sophistication since the model's introduction in 1952. During this period, the Les Paul cemented its place as a favorite among professional guitarists, known for its warm tones and unmatched sustain.
Key Features and Specifications
The 1956 Les Paul Standard Goldtop is renowned for its meticulous build quality and standout features:
- Body: Solid mahogany with a maple top, finished in an eye-catching gold lacquer.
- Neck: Mahogany with a fat mid-'50s profile, offering a comfortable grip.
- Pickups: Two P-90 single-coil pickups, delivering a rich, punchy tone.
- Bridge: The Tune-o-Matic, providing precise control over intonation.
-
Fingerboard: Rosewood with trapezoid inlays, combining beauty and functionality.
Neck Profile: The neck profile of the 1956 Les Paul Standard is similar to those made from 1952 through 1958: fat! We've had 3 examples of goldtop Les Pauls from this year and all three measure about 0.90" - 0.92" at the first fret and a full inch deep at the 12th fret. This is as fat of a neck as Gibson made in the 1950s.
Pickups: The '56 Les Paul features two single coil P-90 pickups. Our three examples measure about 7.7k - 8.2k ohms.
The combination of these features produces a sound that is as bold as it is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
Determining the Value of a 1956 Les Paul
Valuing a vintage 1956 Les Paul Goldtop requires consideration of several factors, including condition, originality, and provenance. Instruments with all-original parts, minimal wear, and verified histories tend to fetch the highest prices. Current market trends place these guitars in the range of $30,000 to $80,000. You can get professional help with the value of your vintage Gibson Les Paul here: Guitar Appraisal.
You can read more about the value of vintage 1950s Gibson Les Paul guitars here: Les Paul Values.
If you're looking to sell your vintage Les Paul, we at True Vintage Guitar are passionate about acquiring instruments like this. We offer competitive pricing and a seamless selling experience. Contact us to discuss your guitar and get a fair offer: Sell a Gibson.
