Gibson 1973 Les Paul Goldtop

CRAIG'S POV
This 1973 Les Paul Goldtop has an interesting history. At some point, the neck was damaged, and Gibson re-necked the guitar in 1978. Gibson did the work, and they did it well. The replacement neck has a slim, wide profile that feels comfortable and natural in the hand — one of those necks that just works.

The pickups are P-90s, almost certainly original Gibson units, though it's genuinely hard to confirm whether they shipped with this specific guitar. What's not hard to confirm is how they sound. The tone is thick and punchy with that characteristic P-90 bark, and the guitar responds well when you push it.

This isn't a pristine collector's piece, and the re-neck history is reflected honestly in the price. The finish shows the checking, dents, and dings you'd expect from a guitar that's been lived in — it has that authentic vintage look that's impossible to fake. Check the photos, and you'll see what I mean. For someone who wants a real vintage Les Paul they can actually play, this Goldtop makes a lot of sense. The pancake body construction, the Goldtop finish, the P-90s — it's all there, and it plays great.

YEAR 1973
CONDITION very good — assorted checking, dents and dings consistent with age and use; see photos for detail
BODY mahogany, pancake construction
FINISH Goldtop
NECK replacement neck by Gibson, 1978
NECK PROFILE slim, wide
NECK DIMENSIONS .80" at 1st fret / .97" at 12th fret
FINGERBOARD rosewood
PICKUPS Gibson P-90s (original Gibson units; not confirmed original to guitar)
TUNERS Kluson
BRIDGE Tune-o-matic
HARDWARE chrome
WEIGHT 10 lbs
CASE hardshell case