The 1959 Gold Top Les Paul is a legendary guitar that has captured the attention of musicians and collectors worldwide. This guitar has a unique history, sound, and look that have made it one of the most coveted instruments of all time. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating story behind the 1959 Gold Top Les Paul, including its original price, its rarity, and why it’s so valuable today. We will also delve into some of the famous musicians who have played this guitar and who owns the most 1959 Les Pauls. So sit back, relax, and let’s take a journey through the world of the 1959 Gold Top Les Paul.
The Legend of the 1959 Gold Top Les Paul
You can’t talk about legendary guitars without mentioning the 1959 Gold Top Les Paul. It’s the kind of guitar that will make you weep tears of joy when you hear it played. And believe it or not, it has a whole backstory that’s just as interesting as its sound.
From Prototype to Perfection
Back in the day, the Les Paul wasn’t the popular guitar that it is now. In fact, the sales were so low that Gibson was considering discontinuing it altogether. But all that changed when they made the 1959 Gold Top Les Paul.
This guitar was a prototype, and it had some funky features that most players didn’t like at first. It had a thicker neck than previous models, which made it harder to play, and it had a glowing gold finish that wasn’t exactly subtle.
But somehow, the musicians who did get their hands on it couldn’t get enough. They loved the way it sounded, and they found that playing on the thicker neck made their playing more accurate and controlled. All of these factors combined to create a guitar that was truly unique.
The Magic of the PAF Humbuckers
One of the biggest reasons why the 1959 Gold Top Les Paul is so highly regarded is because it had PAF humbuckers. These pickups were a game-changer for the guitar industry because they reduced unwanted noise and gave the guitar a cleaner, clearer sound.
The PAF humbuckers on the 1959 Gold Top Les Paul were hand-wound, which means that each one was slightly different. This gave the guitar an even more unique sound, and it’s one of the reasons why people are still trying to emulate it to this day.
A Rare and Coveted Guitar
If you happen to own a 1959 Gold Top Les Paul, you’re sitting on a gold mine. These guitars are incredibly rare, and they’re worth a lot of money. In fact, some models have sold for over a million dollars at auction!
But even if you don’t own one of these guitars, you can still appreciate the legacy that they’ve left behind. The 1959 Gold Top Les Paul changed the game for guitar players everywhere, and it’s still inspiring musicians to this day.
Oh, 1958 Les Paul – The One That Got Away
Ah, the 1958 Les Paul. A guitar so iconic, so sought after, that people still talk about it in hushed tones. It’s like the cool kid in high school that you always wanted to be friends with but never quite managed to pull off.
But Wait, Wasn’t It the 1959 Gold Top Les Paul That Was the Real Star
Sure, the 1959 Gold Top Les Paul is the most famous of the Les Pauls – it’s the one that makes guitar enthusiasts salivate. But the 1958 model has its own devotees, people who insist that it’s even better than the 1959. And honestly, who are we to argue with them? They’re the ones with the guitars, after all.
Specs, Specs, and More Specs
If you’re into specs, then the 1958 Les Paul won’t disappoint. It featured a mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard, a maple top, and a chunky ’58 neck profile that some players swear by. But it’s not just about the specs – there’s something about the sound of a ’58 Les Paul that just speaks to people. It’s like the guitar has a soul.
Was the 1958 Les Paul Really That Good
Look, we’re not going to lie – there are plenty of people who will tell you that the 1958 Les Paul is the best guitar ever made. But as with anything, it’s all subjective. What we can tell you is that the ’58 Les Paul has a unique sound and feel that is hard to replicate with any other guitar. So if you ever come across one, give it a try. You just might fall in love.
Wrapping Up: The Legend Lives On
In the end, whether you’re a die-hard fan of the 1958 Les Paul or you think it’s overrated, there’s no denying that it’s a legendary instrument. It’s been used on some of the most iconic recordings of all time, and it’s inspired countless guitar players to pick up the instrument and start playing. We may never know why the 1958 Les Paul is so special, but we can enjoy the magic it brings to our lives.
What is a 1959 Les Paul worth
So, you’ve got your eye on a 1959 gold top Les Paul. Great choice! But before you go emptying your bank account, let’s talk about how much one of these beauties is worth.
The Holy Grail of Guitars
Let’s get one thing straight: the 1959 Les Paul is widely considered to be the holy grail of guitars. Built by the Gibson company in the late 1950s, these guitars are coveted by guitarists worldwide for their rich, warm tone and impeccable craftsmanship.
Rarity Factors
There are a few different factors that contribute to the value of a 1959 Les Paul. First and foremost, these guitars are extremely rare. Gibson only produced around 1,700 of them, which means they’re incredibly difficult to come by.
Condition is Key
Another important factor in determining the value of a 1959 Les Paul is its condition. If the guitar is in pristine shape with all of its original parts, it could fetch a pretty penny at auction. However, if the guitar has been heavily modified or damaged over the years, its value will be significantly lower.
Recent Sales
So, how much can you expect to pay for a 1959 Les Paul? Recent sales have ranged anywhere from $250,000 to over $1 million, depending on the guitar’s condition and other factors.
In the end, the value of a 1959 Les Paul is ultimately determined by how much someone is willing to pay for it. But if you’re on the hunt for one of these legendary guitars, be prepared to shell out a pretty penny – and make sure you’re buying from a reputable dealer who can verify the guitar’s authenticity.
Who Owns the Most 1959 Les Pauls
If you’re a guitar enthusiast, you may be wondering, who owns the most 1959 Les Pauls? Well, wonder no more! We’ve done our research, and we’ve got the answers you’re looking for.
The Famous Five
First up, we’ve got the famous five. These guitar gods have each acquired multiple 1959 Les Pauls over the years.
Joe Bonamassa
Joe Bonamassa is a blues rock guitar legend who owns not one, not two, but four 1959 Les Pauls! He famously owns the “Skinnerburst” and “Carmelita” Les Pauls, among others.
Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin, is another proud owner of multiple 1959 Les Pauls. He has been known to play his “Number Two” Les Paul on stage, and owns several others as well.
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton is often cited as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He owns several 1959 Les Pauls, including a “Beano Burst” and “The Fool” Les Paul.
Billy Gibbons
Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top is known for his love of guitars, and he owns several 1959 Les Pauls. His most famous one is the “Pearly Gates” Les Paul, which he purchased from Duane Allman.
Slash
Slash, the iconic guitarist from Guns N’ Roses, has also accumulated quite the collection of 1959 Les Pauls. He has several signature models, including the “Appetite for Destruction” Les Paul.
The Private Collectors
In addition to these famous guitarists, there are also private collectors who have amassed impressive collections of 1959 Les Pauls.
One such collector is Tom Wittrock, who has over 65 vintage Les Pauls in his collection, including several 1959 models. Another collector, Ron Ossa, is rumored to have over 40 1959 Les Pauls in his collection.
So, who owns the most 1959 Les Pauls? It’s hard to say for sure, but it’s safe to say that these guitar gods and private collectors have definitely accumulated some impressive collections over the years. Whether you’re a fan of blues, rock, or just great guitar playing, a 1959 Les Paul is truly a work of art that anyone can appreciate.
Why are 1959 Les Pauls so valuable
If you’re a guitar enthusiast, you probably know that a 1959 Gold Top Les Paul is one of the most sought-after guitars in the world. But what makes this guitar so special? Why are they so rare and expensive? Here are a few reasons why:
Historical Significance
The 1959 Gold Top Les Paul was the first model to feature the now-iconic thin neck profile, which was a departure from the thicker necks found on earlier models. This design change was a response to the growing popularity of faster playing styles, and it had a significant impact on the development of rock music.
Quality of Craftsmanship
Guitar players and collectors alike have lauded 1959 Gold Top Les Pauls for their exceptional craftsmanship. These guitars were built by skilled artisans who used the highest quality materials available at the time. The result was an instrument that sounded amazing and played like a dream.
Scarcity
Only around 650 1959 Gold Top Les Pauls were manufactured, and many of them were heavily played and modified over the years. As a result, there are only a few hundred examples of these guitars in original, unmodified condition. The combination of their limited production and rarity makes them highly valuable on the collector’s market.
Celebrity Ownership
Several famous musicians have owned 1959 Gold Top Les Pauls throughout the years, including Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and Billy Gibbons. The fact that these legendary guitarists have played and recorded with these guitars has only added to their allure and mystique.
In conclusion, the 1959 Gold Top Les Paul remains one of the most coveted guitars in the world for a variety of reasons. From their iconic design to their exceptional quality and limited availability, it’s easy to see why they command such a high price. So, if you ever come across one of these rare beauties, be prepared to pay a pretty penny for the privilege of owning one.
1959 Gibson Les Paul Original Price
Do you have a spare $300,000 lying around and don’t know what to do with it? Consider purchasing a 1959 Gibson Les Paul! But have you ever wondered what the original price was back in the day? Well, let’s jump into our time machine and find out!
The Good Old Days
Back in 1959, the original price for a brand new Gibson Les Paul would set you back around $350. That may not seem like a lot of money nowadays, but let’s put it into context. The average annual salary in the US was around $5,000, which means that a Gibson Les Paul would cost roughly 7% of the average person’s yearly income.
Adjusting for Inflation
Now, let’s fast forward to today, 62 years later. If we adjust for inflation, that $350 price tag would be equal to around $3,100 in today’s money. That may still seem like a bargain compared to the price of a 1959 Gibson Les Paul today, but let’s not forget that guitars were not as popular or collectible back then as they are now.
Supply and Demand
So why is the price of a 1959 Gibson Les Paul so high? It all comes down to supply and demand. Only around 650 of these guitars were made in 1959, and it’s estimated that only around 300 of them still exist. Combine that with the fact that some of the most famous guitarists in history, such as Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton, have played and owned these guitars, and you can see why the demand is so high.
In conclusion, the original price for a 1959 Gibson Les Paul may have been a bargain back in the day, but times have certainly changed. Nowadays, these guitars are some of the most sought-after and valuable instruments in the world. So if you happen to stumble upon one of these guitars at a garage sale or flea market, don’t pass it up! You never know, it could be worth more than your house!
How Many 1959 Les Pauls Are Accounted For
Are you curious about how many 1959 Les Pauls are out there? Join the club! It’s a question that’s been asked by guitar enthusiasts and collectors all around the world. Unfortunately, the answer is a bit complicated, and not as straightforward as we would like it to be. However, let’s take a closer look at this topic and see what we can find out.
The Elusive Number
According to the Gibson company, only 643 original 1959 Les Pauls were ever made. However, this number is not entirely accurate. First of all, Gibson kept messy records, and there are inconsistencies in their documentation. Secondly, many Les Pauls were refinished, repaired, or altered, which makes it hard to identify them as authentic. Finally, some guitars were lost, stolen, or destroyed, which makes them impossible to account for.
The Hunt for the Les Paul
Like any great treasure hunt, guitar enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the legendary 1959 Les Paul. Some obsessively track down every possible lead and scour guitar stores, online marketplaces, and vintage auctions. Others worship the instrument from a distance, admiring it as a thing of beauty and rarity. Regardless of how they approach it, the search for the Les Paul is a never-ending story.
The Richest Rewards
The value of a 1959 Les Paul today is skyrocketing. In 2015, a pristine, untouched, and never played ‘burst’ Les Paul was sold for a record-breaking $2.1 million at a private auction. Such sales not only highlight the rarity and significance of the guitar but also the passion and dedication of its collectors.
In conclusion, the number of 1959 Les Pauls out there is a mystery that continues to fascinate and intrigue. While we may never know the exact number, we can be sure of one thing: the 1959 Les Paul is one of the most iconic guitars of all time, cherished and coveted by many. So keep on hunting, and who knows, maybe you’ll uncover the treasure of a lifetime.
