The Gibson Les Paul Standard stands as one of the most widely played and universally recognizable guitars ever. First marketed as the Les Paul model in 1952, the Les Paul evolved throughout the '50s until the design was replaced by the SG in late 1960. Up until 1958, the Les Paul sported a gold finish, and guitars from this era are collectively referred to as Goldtops. Goldtop Les Pauls are extremely prized by collectors, and each year showcases the major innovations made by Gibson throughout the decade. 

Unique to this Year:  Deficient trapeze tailpiece of 1952 is replaced by combination stud bridge/tailpiece by end of 1953. This Price Guide reflects examples with the stud tailpiece. Those with a trapeze tailpiece are less desirable to collectors. 

Body Style: Single cutaway solidbody

Wood Composition: Mahogany body, Maple top, Mahogany neck, Rosewood fingerboard

Design Elements:  Two single-coil P90 pickups, trapezoid inlays, Kluson deluxe tuners, four control knobs, three-way pickup selector, white pickguard, bound fingerboard, stud bridge/tailpiece 

Finish Specifications: All standard Les Pauls from before 1958 have a gold finish. 

Notable Les Paul Players: Jimmy Page, Slash, Neil Young, Alex Lifeson, Pete Townshend