Gibson Les Paul Standard Gold Top 2001
Gibson Les Paul Standard, gold top, made in USA 2001. It's a classic look and a classic sound, no doubt about it. Gold was the only option on a Les Paul in 1957, before sunburst became the standard offering, and in my books, the gold is very hard to beat for class. This fine example dates to 2001 and was first sold via Gibson's then-Japan distributor Yamano. It's evidently been made with care: the fret and finish work are very accurate, the wood selection is careful, the feel is fantastic. The neck is a moderate '59 style shape, which is comfy and quickly becomes familiar. You have to go all the way to the top end of Custom Shop offerings these days to get a one piece mahogany body, but this one has a terrific slab of prime Central American stuff ready to go. It's not chambered, but at 4.8kg it's nothing too outrageous weight-wise; that mass adds a certain something to the plentiful natural sustain and resonance. The pickups are Classic '57s: my favourite factory option, as they're clear, open, articulate, warm and juicy. The neck pickup has that bell-like shimmer up top paired with a gorgeous weighty bass, while the bridge pickup is equal parts creamy smoothness and teethy growl. This is certainly a cut above what you'd get off the shelf from a new LP Standard, and looks good doing it.
Model: Gibson Les Paul Standard
Made: USA, 2001, Nashville factory
Serial: 01381385
Finish: gold top, natural back, gloss nitro
Body: one piece mahogany back, maple carved top, unchambered
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fretboard, 628mm scale, 300mm radius, moderate '59 style profile
Weight: 4.775kg
Mods: locking tuners installed, strap pins repalced
Pickups: Gibson Classic '57 humbucker x2
Accessories: Gibson hard case, docs
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and minor scuffs on the front around the posts. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and some run wear on the back only. The back has scuffs near the switch cover, dimples on the bottom horn, dimples around the edge from the elbow area, back edge to the bottom edge as well as some surface scratches and rub wear in the middle of the body. The sides have scuffs on the top horn, dimples in the elbow area, scuffs near the rear strap pin, a dent and some scuffs near the jack and some minor surface scratches on the bottom horn. The front has dimples near the knobs and jack, a dent and scratch near the rear strap pin, dimples and rub wear in the elbow area and play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 8/10, minor wear only