Up for sale is an incredibly rare, historically fascinating, and resonant 1971 Gibson Les Paul '58 ('54) Standard Goldtop, previously owned and modified by musician John Maus (John Walker of The Walker Brothers)—the same iconic guitarist who owned and modified the famous "Yardbirds' Esquire" before selling it to Jeff Beck in the 1960s.

This instrument is an absolute joy to play and represents a unique crossover between a prime vintage player-grade Gibson and a genuine slice of rock history. Please watch the included demo video to hear this Goldtop in action, see detailed close-ups, and learn more about its rich past.

Overview & Provenance

• Former Owner: John Maus / Walker (The Walker Brothers / Ex-Yardbirds Esquire owner)
• Model: Gibson Les Paul '58 Standard Reissue P90
• Year of Manufacture: 1971
• Factory Finish: Original Nitrocellulose Goldtop with natural back and sides
• Origin: USA (Kalamazoo, MI)
• Serial Number: 678457
• Weight: 8 lbs 13 oz
• Nut Width: 1.68"
• Neck Thickness 1st Fret: .84"
• Neck Thickness 12th Fret: .97"
• Nut Slots: 6th-.012", 5th-.013", 4th-.010", 3rd-.019", 2nd-.015", 1st-.016"

Electronics & Hardware

• Neck Pickup: Original 1970s "Milky" Bobbin P-90
• Bridge Pickup: Original Golden Era "Clear Bobbin" P-90
• Pots: Original CTS 500k pots (Part No. 70-027, Date Code 137-71xx)
• Switch: Original 3-Way toggle
• Pickup Bezels: Factory original cream "goof hider" / "boo-boo" surround rings with pins
• Bridge: Non-original modified Lightning Bar Wraparound
• Tuners: Non-original Sperzel Locking Tuners

Professional Workshop Setup

This Goldtop has been fully bench-tested and setup for maximum playability:

• Frets and fretboard thoroughly cleaned, leveled, recrowned, polished, and conditioned.
• Restrung with DR Blues (.010–.046).
• Truss rod adjusted.
• Action: Set at 5/64" (bass side) and 3.5/64" (treble side) at the 12th fret.
• Intonation set.

John Maus Modifications & Player Notes

• Bridge: Custom string notches cut at each saddle position; modified brass string eyelets installed to act as a custom roller-style bridge interface (see photos).
• Body: The original nitro goldtop finish was historically sanded to a smooth matte/satin sheen. Ghosting/mounting marks behind the wraparound bridge indicate a Bigsby or vibrato tailpiece was previously installed and later removed.
• Headstock / Neck: Received an old, structural, and extremely clean professional headstock repair reinforced with internal dowels. The break seam is very subtle. The surrounding neck area was sanded smooth and refinished for a seamless feel. The original serial number was re-documented inside the control cavity during this work.
• Neck Pickup: Pickup cover removed; top face of the milky bobbin was painted black. Magnets may have been upgraded by a previous owner (please inspect photos for magnet bars. Crack in one. Neither may be original).
• Bridge Pickup: Pickup cover removed; top face of bobbin painted black. Metal baseplate added and lead wires swapped.
• Electronics / Wiring: Custom player wiring harness. Both pickups are currently routed directly through the Neck Volume pot. The Bridge Volume pot and both Tone pots are currently bypassed in the circuit. A .05µF 200WVDC capacitor is installed.
• 3-Way Switch Function:
• • Up Position: Bridge Pickup
  • Middle Position: Neck + Bridge
  • Down Position: Neck + Bridge (again, but different sounding. Listen in video)

Condition & What’s Included

• Condition Grade: Physical structure lands in the Good range, but due to player modifications, it is conservatively listed in Poor Condition and sold As-Is for full transparency. Please review all detailed photos and the video clip prior to purchase. I have done my best to indicate measurements and originality of components. Though I am happy to help in this manner by honestly answering any questions that you have and providing any additional pictures or measurements.
• Case: Includes the original 1971 Gibson hardshell case (fair/rough cosmetic condition; all latches open and close, but the carrying handle is broken and missing).

Shipping & Handling

• Ships fully insured via UPS with direct signature required upon delivery.
• Professionally packed in heavy-duty guitar shipping materials.
• Local pickup options available in the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti, MI area upon request.

Ypsi Guitars is a top-rated seller committed to accurate descriptions and fast shipping. Reach out with any questions prior to buying!