• From: The Gates of Delerium
  • Registered: 2008-05-07
  • Posts: 1,412

Topic: Antiques Roadshow - 1953 Gibson Les Paul

I was surfing cable yesterday and came into this segment about halfway through.  The show was shot in Wichita.
They valued the guitar at $20,000. It looked to be in pretty good condition. I would think that a 55 year old Les Paul should go for more than $20K.

Comments?

Major Tom to ground control...
  • Registered: 2009-02-10
  • Posts: 470

Re: Antiques Roadshow - 1953 Gibson Les Paul

The goldtops dont go for the same amount as the bursts.
I seen an antiques roadshow clip on youtube, someone took in a 52 goldtop
I think because of the bridge they're not that easy to play so nobody cares for them so much.
Reach 56 and they'll start really climbing. 59 of course being the highest value.

3 Reply by ross (edited by ross 2009-02-23 23:46:26)

  • ross
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  • Registered: 2007-01-12
  • Posts: 4

Re: Antiques Roadshow - 1953 Gibson Les Paul

Jimi_lp wrote:

The goldtops dont go for the same amount as the bursts.
I seen an antiques roadshow clip on youtube, someone took in a 52 goldtop
I think because of the bridge they're not that easy to play so nobody cares for them so much.
Reach 56 and they'll start really climbing. 59 of course being the highest value.

These Goldtops had p-90 pickups that sounded great but they are not nearly as desirable as that later PAF LP's that were introduced in 1957. Some of the Les Pauls in early 53 also had a different (shallow) neck angle and the strings needed to be wrapped under the bridge that was part of a trapeze (?Spell) type set up.  These usually got a neck reset and a stud held bridge added mod to make them more playable.

  • Registered: 2009-02-10
  • Posts: 470

Re: Antiques Roadshow - 1953 Gibson Les Paul

I didn't know that about the neck angle.
I wouldnt have thought the P90s would have affected the price so much. I mean the old black beauties do ok do they not?