Gibson USA Custom Shop Murphy Lab '56 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue Ultra Light Aged "Gold + Rosewood" (2023)
Specifications
Model: '56 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue (Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged)
Year: 2023
Finish: Gold (Ultra Light Aged Nitrocellulose)
Top: Carved Maple
Body: Lightweight Solid Mahogany (Hide Glue Fit)
Neck: Mahogany (Long Tenon, Hide Glue Fit)
Fingerboard: Rosewood with Trapezoid Inlays
Neck Profile: Chunky '50s Rounded
Scale Length: 24.75"
Radius: 12"
Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo
Nut: Nylon
Truss Rod: '50s Tubeless
Hardware & Electronics
Bridge: Wraparound Tailpiece
Hardware Finish: Nickel (Aged)
Pickups:
Neck: Custom Dogear P-90
Bridge: Custom Dogear P-90
Electronics:
2x 500K Volume Pots
2x 500K Tone Pots
Hand-Wired with Bumblebee Capacitors
Switchcraft Toggle Switch
Personal Thoughts
This 2023 Murphy Lab '56 Goldtop has aged beautifully, and while the Ultra Light Aged relicing is subtle now, being a Goldtop, the nitro finish will continue to check naturally over time, developing even more character. Goldtops age like fine wine, and this one already has a nice bit of wear that gives it a classic, well-loved look without going over the top.
The '50s rounded neck profile is properly chunky, giving that authentic vintage feel. The P-90s deliver everything you’d want from a '50s Goldtop—fat, raw, and dynamic with tons of midrange bite and touch sensitivity. Whether you’re after smooth, warm cleans or gritty, aggressive overdrive, this thing handles it all effortlessly.
Condition Report
This guitar is in near mint condition, with no additional wear beyond the Murphy Lab relicing. The frets, hardware, and electronics are all in pristine shape, and it plays flawlessly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a '56 Goldtop with a lightly aged, vintage-inspired look, this one is as good as it gets. The subtle relic work will only improve over time, making this a properly special piece. A killer P-90 Les Paul that will age just like the originals did.