GIBSON USA Custom Shop 56 Les Paul Standard Reissue "Gold + Rosewood" (2013)
Specs
- Model: '56 Les Paul Standard Reissue
- Finish: Goldtop
- Body: Mahogany with Carved Maple Top
- Neck: Mahogany, Chunky '50s Rounded Profile
- Fingerboard: Rosewood, 22 Medium Jumbo Frets
- Inlays: Aged Acrylic Trapezoid
- Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with Lightweight Aluminum Stopbar
- Pickups: Custom Shop P-90s
- Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Toggle Switch
- Nut Width: 1.6875”
- Scale Length: 24.75”
- Tuners: Vintage-Style Kluson
- Case: Gibson Custom Shop Hardshell Case
Personal Reflection
This Goldtop '56 Les Paul Standard Reissue from Gibson’s Custom Shop is a stunning tribute to one of the most iconic guitars of all time. The Goldtop finish pairs beautifully with the warm mahogany body and carved maple top, creating a guitar that exudes vintage elegance. The chunky '50s neck profile and rosewood fingerboard provide a classic, substantial feel, while the P-90 pickups deliver the unmistakable tonal blend of clarity, warmth, and bite, perfect for anything from smooth jazz to overdriven rock tones.
The ABR-1 bridge and lightweight aluminum stopbar tailpiece ensure impeccable sustain and resonance, while the vintage-style Kluson tuners add both functionality and vintage aesthetic charm. The Goldtop finish is timeless and makes this guitar a centerpiece in both tone and style.
Ben noted that the Custom Shop P-90s are “superb, offering vintage warmth with a dynamic response to picking style,” and praised the chunky neck profile for its “authentic vintage feel and exceptional playability.” This Les Paul is a beautifully crafted guitar that delivers both stunning looks and an iconic tone.
Condition Report
This guitar is in excellent condition, with only minor lacquer checking near the control knobs, which adds a touch of vintage character. The Goldtop finish is otherwise clean and well-preserved, and the frets and fingerboard show minimal signs of wear, ensuring smooth playability. The hardware and electronics function perfectly, delivering the rich, articulate tones characteristic of this era of Les Paul reissues. This is a beautifully maintained guitar, ready for both stage and studio, and an excellent choice for players and collectors alike.