A Golden Oldie in the Workshop: A Gibson Custom Shop 57 Heavy Aged 60th Anniversary Goldtop Les Paul.

It’s always a thrill when a truly special instrument graces the workbench, and recently I had the pleasure of working on a real beauty: a Gibson Custom Shop 57 Heavy Aged 60th Anniversary Goldtop Les Paul. This guitar, a faithful recreation of the iconic ’57 Goldtop, embodies everything that makes these instruments so sought after. It’s a piece of history, a player’s dream, and a testament to Gibson’s legacy.

This particular model, a 60th Anniversary edition, celebrates the milestone of this legendary guitar. The “Heavy Aged” finish gives it the look and feel of a well-loved and much-played instrument, a road-worn warrior that has clearly seen some action. It’s a convincing relic job, and while some prefer pristine instruments, there’s an undeniable charm to the aged aesthetic. It tells a story, even before you play a note.

The specs of this Les Paul are pure vintage. The mahogany body resonates with warmth and depth, providing the foundation for that classic Les Paul tone. The mahogany neck, with its comfortable “Medium Chunky” profile, fills the hand nicely, making it a joy to play. It’s a substantial neck, reminiscent of the era, but not overly cumbersome. The rosewood fingerboard, with its 12″ radius, offers a smooth and responsive playing surface, perfect for both rhythm and lead work.

Of course, the heart of any Les Paul is its pickups. This Goldtop sports a pair of Custom Burstbucker humbuckers, designed to capture the essence of the original PAF pickups from the late 50s. These pickups deliver a rich, articulate tone with plenty of bite and sustain. From warm, bluesy cleans to searing rock tones, they cover a wide range of musical styles.

The classic Goldtop finish, a shimmering gold that has become synonymous with the Les Paul, is simply stunning. Combined with the nickel hardware and the heavy aging, it creates a visually striking instrument that oozes vintage vibe.

This particular guitar came into the shop for a gentle level and fret-dress. Over time, frets can wear down and develop grooves, affecting playability and intonation. A careful level and fret-dress involves precisely leveling the frets to ensure they are all the same height, followed by shaping and polishing them to a smooth, comfortable finish. This process restores the playability of the instrument, ensuring accurate intonation and effortless bending.

Working on this Gibson Custom Shop 57 Heavy Aged 60th Anniversary Goldtop Les Paul was a real privilege. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the Les Paul design, and a reminder of why these guitars continue to be so highly prized by players and collectors alike. It’s a true classic, and it was an honour to play a small part in its ongoing story.