2011 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe "GOLDTOP" + OHSC

2011 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Electric Guitar + Original Gibson Hardshell Case.
Classic Gibson Goldtop Finish

Dual Mini-Humbuckers
Made in USA (Bozeman Plant, MT, July 8th, 2011)

8.2 LBS

Production #: 35

Adult owned only. Children-free, Pet-free. Smoke-free household.

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Up for sale is a gorgeous Gibson Les Paul Deluxe in classic Goldtop finish.

Near mint-excellent condition overall. Very little playing time at home. No outdoor playing or gigging. Kept inside original Gibson hardshell case when not played. This guitar is ALL ORIGINAL. NO MODIFICATIONS. FACTORY STOCK.

Some standard surface scratches, marks on front/back body/headstock pickguard swirls. NO HEADSTOCK CRACK.

VERY STURDY and well made Gibson guitar. One of the best Gibson Les Paul guitars I've played in recent years. There have been some quality issues from Gibson guitars starting Post-2015+... The build quality on this 2011 is solid including neck carve feel and overall balance starting from the headstock to body.

Dual Mini-Humbucker pickups provides a very balanced sound from Neck/Bridge/Middle pickup selectors. Sounds like a combination of classic Gibson humbuckers with a little bit of single coil twang on the bridge pickup. Mix it up with some pedals and a quality tube amp - you can get a variety of very unique tones that a traditional standard Humbucker cannot make.

Great guitar to play genres like rock, metal, blues and very clean channel straight through a tube amp (Fender Princeton Reverb / Deluxe Reverb sounds excellent playing it raw).

Neck carve is very well rounded. Not too slim and not too thick. It has a great neck carve for standard chord grips as well as playing faster on the upper registers.

Goldtop LPs are one of my favorite models/colorways in the Gibson lineup. Goldtops age very nicely when played for years with natural vintage relicing and finish checking. Make your own unique relic on this near mint Goldtop for the years to come...

Comes with:
- 2011 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe "GOLDTOP"
- Original Gibson Hardshell Case
- MISC (Picks, KORG Chromatic Tuner)

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Payment must be completed 24 hours upon purchase.

Mandatory signature confirmation delivery.

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The Gibson Les Paul Goldtop is one of the most iconic and historic models in Gibson's lineup. First introduced in 1952, it was the original version of the Les Paul before the brand began offering more colorful finishes. The Goldtop name comes from its distinctive gold-painted top, which was designed to appeal to musicians looking for a more refined and professional-looking guitar. This model has since become a classic and is revered for its rich tone, solid build, and timeless design.

Key Features of the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop

1. Body and Construction

• Body Style: The Les Paul Goldtop features the classic single-cutaway shape that is synonymous with the Les Paul design, offering excellent sustain and tonal depth.
• Body Material: The body is constructed from mahogany for the back and sides, and maple for the top. This combination provides a warm, resonant tone with a bright top-end and excellent sustain.
• Finish: The Goldtop finish is one of the defining characteristics of this guitar, with its distinctive gold lacquer covering the maple top. The finish has a vintage appeal and offers a glossy sheen that has become synonymous with classic rock and blues.

2. Neck and Fingerboard

• Neck Material: The neck is made from mahogany, contributing to the guitar’s warm, rich tone.
• Neck Profile: The original Les Paul Goldtop featured a '50s-style chunky neck profile, which is thicker and more rounded. Modern versions of the Goldtop may feature a '60s slim taper neck for faster playability, but the original chunky neck is still favored by some players for its vintage feel.
• Fingerboard: The fingerboard is typically made from rosewood, offering a smooth playing surface. It features 22 frets with dot inlays.
• Scale Length: The scale length is 24.75 inches, which is standard for Les Paul guitars and contributes to their warm, full-bodied tone.

3. Electronics

• Pickups:
  • The Les Paul Goldtop is traditionally equipped with P-90 single-coil pickups in the neck and bridge positions. These pickups are known for their bright, clear tone with a bit of bite and warmth, making them perfect for blues, rock, and jazz.
  • Later versions of the Goldtop, particularly reissues and modern models, may feature humbucking pickups (such as Burstbucker or 57 Classic humbuckers), which provide a thicker, more powerful sound with less noise.
• Controls:
  • The Les Paul Goldtop features 2 Volume Knobs, 2 Tone Knobs, and a 3-way toggle switch for selecting between the neck, bridge, or both pickups.
  • The tone controls allow for fine adjustments, from smooth, mellow sounds to more aggressive, biting tones.

4. Hardware

• Bridge: The Goldtop features a Tune-O-Matic bridge paired with a stopbar tailpiece, which provides excellent sustain, stability, and intonation.
• Tuners: Kluson-style tuners are typically used, providing a vintage look and reliable tuning stability.
• Hardware: The hardware is usually finished in nickel or chrome, which complements the gold top and adds to the guitar’s vintage aesthetic.

Sound and Tonal Characteristics

The Les Paul Goldtop is known for its versatile sound, offering a range of tones suitable for various musical styles:

• P-90 Pickups: The single-coil P-90 pickups deliver a bright, punchy tone with a bit of edge. They have more bite and clarity than traditional humbuckers, making them ideal for blues, classic rock, and vintage-style music.
• Warm and Full: The mahogany body and maple top contribute to a warm, full-bodied tone with plenty of sustain and resonance.
• Crisp and Articulate: When using the neck pickup, the guitar produces a smooth, articulate sound with a bit of warmth, while the bridge pickup delivers a sharper, more cutting tone with a slight midrange growl.
• Rich Overdrive: The P-90s can break up nicely when driven with overdrive or distortion, giving players a smooth, vintage rock sound with plenty of character.

Playability

• Neck Profile: The Les Paul Goldtop's neck is comfortable and smooth, especially with the '60s slim taper neck found on some modern models. However, the '50s-style neck is chunkier and better suited for players who prefer a more substantial grip.
• Ergonomics: The Les Paul body is solid and slightly heavy, but the contoured design makes it comfortable to play, especially for seated positions.
• Weight: The Goldtop, like most Les Paul guitars, is relatively heavy, but this contributes to its sustain and tonal richness.
• Access to Higher Frets: The cutaway design allows for easier access to the higher frets, though the Les Paul body shape is not as ergonomically accessible as other models like the SG.

Who Is the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop For?

• Vintage Tone Seekers: The Les Paul Goldtop is ideal for players looking for a vintage-inspired sound, especially those who favor P-90 pickups for their bright, cutting tone.
• Blues and Rock Players: The Goldtop's combination of warmth, clarity, and bite makes it a perfect choice for blues, classic rock, and early rock ‘n’ roll.
• Collectors: As a classic model in Gibson's lineup, the Goldtop is highly collectible, particularly vintage and reissue models.
• Versatile Guitarists: Whether you're into rhythm guitar, lead solos, or heavy riffing, the Les Paul Goldtop can handle a wide range of musical styles and playing techniques.

Conclusion

The Gibson Les Paul Goldtop is a legendary guitar with a rich history and a distinctive sound. Whether you're drawn to its vintage charm, its tonal versatility, or its iconic gold finish, the Goldtop remains one of the most revered Les Paul models in Gibson’s lineup. Its unique combination of P-90 pickups and mahogany/maple construction delivers a sound that is both vintage and powerful, making it a great choice for players who want a guitar that can handle everything from smooth blues to crunchy rock. Whether you’re a collector, a player, or a fan of vintage guitars, the Les Paul Goldtop is a must-have instrument.