1952 Gibson Les Paul Model
The addition of the Les Paul signature model guitar to the Gibson lineup in 1952 marked a major turning point for the company. With the success of Leo Fender's Broadcaster (soon rebranded Telecaster) in the very early 1950s, Gibson took note of the shift that was occurring in the guitar market and bet on the inevitability of success for the solid body electric guitar. Led by Gibson's president Ted McCarty, the company began developing their first solidbody guitar in 1951. McCarty felt that enlisting a notable guitarist to endorse this new type of guitar was the best way to market the instrument and, guitar virtuoso Les Paul was chosen as the right person for the role. Les Paul’s now familiar signature graced its first headstocks in 1952, the year this particular Gold Top was built.
First year Les Paul Models do not bear any serial numbers; however, one can deduce a rough time frame of when the guitar was built on specs alone, as the model the was evolving rapidly throughout its first months in production. The earliest Les Paul guitars feature an unbound fingerboard, offset pickup mounting screws on the corners of the covers, and a body that is about and eighth of an inch deeper than what is typical of a '50s Les Paul. Additionally, many of the earliest '52s feature an inlayed Gibson logo with the dot over the "i" attached to the "G." With it's bound fingerboard, pickup mounting screws that run parallel with the pole pieces, standard body depth, and detached "i" and "G" on the inlay, it is safe to assume that this Les Paul was built in mid to late 1952.
Brought to us by the family of the original owner, this first year Les Paul Model is an incredible example of Gibson's first solidbody Electric Spanish guitar. Purchased new in 1952 from a guitar shop in Alberta, this one-family guitar has strong ties to Western Canada. It was gigged extensively on the Western side of the country for decades, developing a beautiful one-owner patina along the way. The original gold finish has aged attractively with crazing throughout. Much of the finish on the back of the guitar's neck has been worn away, and there are several divots of the back of the neck caused by a capo that was missing its cork.
A well cared for instrument, this guitar remains in largely original condition apart from a single tuning machine and a '60s switch tip. A refret with vintage-style wire was completed by our repair shop and a Music City Bridge was installed to allow for proper string action and intonation. The original bridge and thumb wheels are included in the case pocket. The guitar has an ancient, very well executed and nearly undetectable headstock repair that has been obscured by the natural aging of the localized overspray on the back of the headstock. This repair is completely stable and poses no structural concerns.
The pair of original P-90 pickups sound heavenly, offering tones that are powerful, full-bodied, and warm with excellent note separation and rich harmonic content. The soft V neck carve is wonderfully comfortable making for a great playing experience.
An incredible piece of Gibson history that offers excellent playability and iconic P90 Les Paul tone, this first year Gibson Les Paul is a total winner. Its package is made complete by its original hardshell case and strap.
First fret depth of 0.882”, twelfth fret depth of 1.009", 1-11/16" nut width. Pickup DC values of are 7.3K (neck) and 7.4K (bridge). Weight of 8lbs 12oz.
With original hardshell case.
First year Les Paul Models do not bear any serial numbers; however, one can deduce a rough time frame of when the guitar was built on specs alone, as the model the was evolving rapidly throughout its first months in production. The earliest Les Paul guitars feature an unbound fingerboard, offset pickup mounting screws on the corners of the covers, and a body that is about and eighth of an inch deeper than what is typical of a '50s Les Paul. Additionally, many of the earliest '52s feature an inlayed Gibson logo with the dot over the "i" attached to the "G." With it's bound fingerboard, pickup mounting screws that run parallel with the pole pieces, standard body depth, and detached "i" and "G" on the inlay, it is safe to assume that this Les Paul was built in mid to late 1952.
Brought to us by the family of the original owner, this first year Les Paul Model is an incredible example of Gibson's first solidbody Electric Spanish guitar. Purchased new in 1952 from a guitar shop in Alberta, this one-family guitar has strong ties to Western Canada. It was gigged extensively on the Western side of the country for decades, developing a beautiful one-owner patina along the way. The original gold finish has aged attractively with crazing throughout. Much of the finish on the back of the guitar's neck has been worn away, and there are several divots of the back of the neck caused by a capo that was missing its cork.
A well cared for instrument, this guitar remains in largely original condition apart from a single tuning machine and a '60s switch tip. A refret with vintage-style wire was completed by our repair shop and a Music City Bridge was installed to allow for proper string action and intonation. The original bridge and thumb wheels are included in the case pocket. The guitar has an ancient, very well executed and nearly undetectable headstock repair that has been obscured by the natural aging of the localized overspray on the back of the headstock. This repair is completely stable and poses no structural concerns.
The pair of original P-90 pickups sound heavenly, offering tones that are powerful, full-bodied, and warm with excellent note separation and rich harmonic content. The soft V neck carve is wonderfully comfortable making for a great playing experience.
An incredible piece of Gibson history that offers excellent playability and iconic P90 Les Paul tone, this first year Gibson Les Paul is a total winner. Its package is made complete by its original hardshell case and strap.
First fret depth of 0.882”, twelfth fret depth of 1.009", 1-11/16" nut width. Pickup DC values of are 7.3K (neck) and 7.4K (bridge). Weight of 8lbs 12oz.
With original hardshell case.