Origins of the Les Paul Model
Gibson introduced the Les Paul guitar in 1952 with a Gold Top finish and P-90 single-coils at the request of guitarist Les Paul. The carved maple top over mahogany body quickly became a signature design that evolved through the decade.
1950s Evolution and the Standard
By the mid-1950s the model received humbucking pickups, and the Standard designation denoted the premium carved-top version. The Gold Top remained in production until 1958 when the sunburst finish took over, making original Gold Tops from 1952-1957 highly sought after.
Modern Reissues
Gibson launched the Standard '50s series in the 2010s to recreate the early specifications, including the rounded neck profile, vintage-style wiring, and nitro finish that players associate with the 1950s Gold Top sound.
