Used 1995 Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Standard Goldtop – Gloss

Condition Report

This '95 '57 reissue LP looks fantastic! It shows hardly any signs of use. The frets have very little wear, the hardware has tarnished slightly, and the knobs have some mild cracks, but that's all there is to report. We think the pickups are '57 Classics, but they're unmarked, and they measure 7.75k in the neck and 7.82k in the bridge. Most importantly, they sound fantastic. It's worth noting that at the time the Custom Shop built this guitar, they did not include Certificate of Authenticity, so that is not present, and it comes with a brown Gibson hardshell case.

Sonic Evaluation

BEASTMODE is how I'd describe this Les Paul, and you know we don't compare things to Marshawn Lynch around here lightly! The attack is Tele-like, with a strong percussive pick click that you feel in your chest. That's not to say it's strident--far from it!--as it's like someone sanded all the harsh edges off the attack. Basically, it's powerful and articulate!

However, once the note blooms, this guitar's richness and fullness really shine through, so much so that I was tempted to attempt the November Rain solo despite the fact that I don't know the November Rain solo. The bridge has a beautiful snarly rasp to it, and it sounds wonderfully punchy and open. The neck pickup is the sonic equivalent of a porterhouse: meaty and juicy, with a perfect ratio of muscle to gristle.

If you're looking for a monster Les Paul, check this '95 goldtop out!