Product: Gibson '56 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue
Price Paid: US $2300 including tax and historic case used
Submitted
12/21/2000
at
12:09pm
by
Joe
Email: jschaeffer at irr<dot>com
Features
:
8
This goldtop is absolutely beautiful with a light finish on the back of the neck and body. Features inlcude two P-90 pickups with standard LP volume, tone, and stoptail bridge. I walked into Guitar Center looking for an amp and actually came across this axe which someone traded for a custom telecaster. I have been searching for one of these for over 18 months, and i have to say, this one will stay with me forever.
Sound
:
10
There is no matching this sound. I play it through an original 1965 blackfaced Fender Twin and recently through a Marchall Triple Super Lead 100 watt combo amp. I have been playing a PRS McCarty for several years, and I have to say, this one might replace it as my first choice axe. It has a creamy bridge tone, the middle position is very much like my former ONS custom telecaster with more character, and a classic neck tone with a bite when you need it. I actually traded in a 1959 historic plaintop LP for this one as I was able to reproduce the '59 sound with my McCarty very well which played better. The P-90 pickups do feed back some which is fantastic in certain situations, but mine are not as noisy as other reviews I've come across. I play two-thirds rythem and one-third lead with a rock/blues and modern rock rock band. With my two amplifiers, I can obtain most any sound. This is definately a 10!!!!!
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
I've been in search of a goldtop for a while now. I have not modified the original factory setup, unless the prior owner did which I don't know. This guitar is virtually flawless in appearance. The action is set more on the high side, but I enjoy the room to dig into a lead and sustain it for hours. The neck is a typical LP wide/fat, which I demand in a guitar.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
This axe is built like a brick-****house. I agree with another review that the strap buttons are lame, so I've put on strap locks which work fantastic. The finish, with proper care, should last a lifetime. I always carry a spare guitar for playing, but I can't imagine actually requiring a backup.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I never had to contact Gibson for anything and I've owned several Les Pauls over the years.
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been playing guitar for 20+ years. This goldtop is in good company with my honeyburst PRS McCarty and 1988 Custom Shop Fender Strat which is black with a b/w/b 3-ply pickguard with a maple neck. I installed huge frets on this one which were well worth the $300. The goldtop is very versitile with a variety of tones obtainable. Like I said, I've been in search for one of these guitars for a long time and I can't imagine not having one in my mix.
