1953 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Bigsby

This 1953 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with gold Bigsby has just come from the son of its second owner and sole owner since the 1970s. It was modified in the late 1950s with gold anodized Bigsby B5 tailpiece.

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Make and Model: Gibson Les Paul Model

Year: 1953. Serial "3_2xxx". Check out How to date a Gibson Les Paul guitar.

Measurements: Total weight = 9lbs 5oz, neck depth at the first fret = .90", depth at the 12th = 1.00". 

Originality: All parts appear to be original to the guitar except for the gold anodized Bigsby B5 (late 1950s) and the switch ring. The ring is a vintage ring but I'm not able to narrow down when it was made. 

Playability: Very good! The current Bigsby set up is remarkably stable, but is not intonated for an unwound third string. The frets show little wear, the neck is dead straight, and the truss rod allows for any adjustment desired. The neck pitch is that of the late 1953 Les Pauls which allows for low action and plenty of room for adjustment. I've cleaned the potentiometers and output jack so they function like new. This one is a blast to play!

 Notes: This is a fabulous playing example of a Bigsby Goldtop that will please any player. The finish shows typical checking, but has ambered more significantly than many I've encountered. It doesn't show as much wear as the amber color might imply, but also doesn't smell musty or smokey.