Gibson Custom 1957 Les Paul Standard Light Aged - Goldtop Darkback

The Gibson Custom 1957 Les Paul Standard Light Aged in Goldtop Darkback captures a pivotal moment in Les Paul history, pairing the unmistakable look of a late 1950s Goldtop with the feel and character of a guitar that has already lived a life. Part of the Gibson Custom Limited Edition Collection, this '57-inspired build combines historically rooted construction with Murphy Lab Light Aging, making it an especially compelling choice for players who want vintage character without the heavier wear of more extensively aged models.

At its core is the classic combination of a solid mahogany body and maple top with no weight relief. The Light Aged nitrocellulose lacquer finish gives the Goldtop Darkback presentation subtle checking, softened edges, and natural-looking wear intended to evoke a carefully played vintage instrument. Underneath that aged exterior is the substantial construction that made late 1950s Les Pauls so enduring, including a set mahogany neck with a long neck tenon.

A pair of Alnico 3 Custombuckers handles the electronics, with a Custombucker in the neck and Custombucker Plus in the bridge. The neck pickup brings warmth and clarity to clean passages and rounded lead tones, while the hotter bridge position adds presence and drive for blues, classic rock, and heavier overdriven sounds. Both pickups feature uncovered zebra bobbins, giving this Goldtop a slightly tougher visual personality than the traditional covered humbucker arrangement. Two volume controls, two tone controls, and a 3-way toggle retain the straightforward flexibility of a classic Les Paul.

The 1950s Chunky D neck profile provides a substantial grip that should immediately appeal to players who prefer the fuller neck shapes associated with Gibson's Golden Age. Its rosewood fingerboard has a comfortable 12-inch radius, 22 medium jumbo frets, and traditional trapezoid inlays. A 24.75-inch scale and nylon nut round out a familiar playing platform for expressive bends, strong vibrato, and authoritative chord work.

Nickel hardware keeps the appointments appropriately understated, with an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece providing the traditional Les Paul foundation for intonation and sustain. Kluson Deluxe tuners, gold Top Hat knobs, and black plastics complement the Goldtop Darkback finish without distracting from its aged character.

For players drawn to the sound, construction, and substantial feel of a late 1950s Les Paul, this Gibson Custom '57 offers an especially appealing combination. The Goldtop Darkback finish, exposed zebra Custombuckers, chunky neck, and restrained Murphy Lab aging give it an identity all its own. Cream City Music loves instruments that capture vintage inspiration while still feeling ready to be played, and this limited edition Les Paul does exactly that.

Specifications:

- Body Material: Mahogany
- Body Shape: Les Paul
- Top Material: Maple
- Weight Relief: None
- Finish: Light Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
- Color: Goldtop Darkback
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Neck Profile: 1950s Chunky D
- Neck Joint: Long Neck Tenon
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Fingerboard Radius: 12"
- Scale Length: 24.75"
- Nut Material: Nylon
- Number of Frets: 22
- Frets: Medium Jumbo
- Inlays: Trapezoid
- Tuners: Kluson Deluxe
- Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic
- Tailpiece: Stop Bar
- Hardware Finish: Nickel
- Pickup Covers: Uncovered Zebra Bobbins
- Plastics: Black
- Control Knobs: Gold Top Hats
- Neck Pickup: Custombucker Alnico 3
- Bridge Pickup: Custombucker Plus Alnico 3
- Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone
- Switching: 3-Way Toggle
- Output Jack: 1/4"
- String Gauge: .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
- Accessories: Certificate of Authenticity Booklet, Historic Reissue Hang Tags
- Case Included: Custom Shop Hardshell Case

Sku: LPR5726LE23263