'57 heaven

[Xpensive Wino]

​

Guthrie Trapp plays a 1957 Gibson Les Paul that has been refinished.

 

[Blind Lemon Chicken]

No Distortion. Cool!

 

[deytookerjaabs]

That body binding seems thick, maybe it's the angle of the photo but it looks thicker than original to my eyes (edit, could be due to natural finish thus no paint scrap making it look thinner). The neck binding is over modern fretwire so obviously that was replaced. The guitar had to be real clean before the refinish I'd imagine. That veneer looks perfect, dot on I seems kinda tiny but who knows, headstock shape is very clean too. Would like to hear what others think.

 

[Any Name You Wish]

Binding does stand out a bit. Nice clean looking guitar and nice bit of playing. Makes me want to try a set of '57 Classics in my R9.

 

[deytookerjaabs]

Binding does stand out a bit. Nice clean looking guitar and nice bit of playing. Makes me want to try a set of '57 Classics in my R9.

Here's a photo (from Abalone Vintage) of a member's '57:

The binding in this era coupled with the workmanship and the tiny frets make the nibs pretty tiny. Sometimes there's almost no nib left on guitars with original frets. It's not unique to Les Paul's either:

There was a burst posted here a while back that had wide binding w/nibs and IIRC it was sent back to Gibson for work so Gibson just put whatever was around on it.

 

[thin sissy]

The guitar is way cool and Guthrie is a fantastic player!

But man it would be soo much cooler if it was still a goldtop. I wonder if with the increasing prices of goldtops, people will stop refinishing then?

 

[deytookerjaabs]

The guitar is way cool and Guthrie is a fantastic player!

But man it would be soo much cooler if it was still a goldtop. I wonder if with the increasing prices of goldtops, people will stop refinishing then?

Even worse, if that's the actual serial # the goldtops before & after are dark backs with black plastics. Should be able to tell the original back color with cavity shots.

 

[F-Hole]

Well, Carter’s new “head buyer” wouldn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground, as has been demonstrated in this very parish. Those with any knowledge have left the building.

 

[AA00475Bassman]

The playing is fantastic - once again the magic is in the hands - I had the honor of hearing Lou Pallo play a USA standard at The Les Paul Auction , after hour event Lou's sound was amazing on the very run of the mill instrument . Thank you for posting this fabulous playing !

 

[57gold]

'57 heaven would be an un buggered GT, like this one:

 

[AA00475Bassman]

'57 heaven would be an un buggered GT, like this one:

Outstanding a real fine example-Thank you for posting we like original vintage !!

 

[Xpensive Wino]

That body binding seems thick, maybe it's the angle of the photo but it looks thicker than original to my eyes (edit, could be due to natural finish thus no paint scrap making it look thinner). The neck binding is over modern fretwire so obviously that was replaced. The guitar had to be real clean before the refinish I'd imagine. That veneer looks perfect, dot on I seems kinda tiny but who knows, headstock shape is very clean too. Would like to hear what others think.

I think it sold immediately.

 

[sws1]

You wouldn't think a guitar with a near mint headstock would be worn enough to justify a refinish.

And IF that s/n is the original number (which we'll never know), it would have came with pre-sticker PAFs. But with all those other parts being changed out, likely they aren't original pickups. And that shape isn't right for early '57.

Who ever did the refret should probably not have been allowed to touch the guitar? Why a brand new binding? New neck, perhaps?

Hope the new buyer likes it.

 

[jimmi]

You wouldn't think a guitar with a near mint headstock would be worn enough to justify a refinish.

And IF that s/n is the original number (which we'll never know), it would have came with pre-sticker PAFs. But with all those other parts being changed out, likely they aren't original pickups. And that shape isn't right for early '57.

Who ever did the refret should probably not have been allowed to touch the guitar? Why a brand new binding? New neck, perhaps?

Hope the new buyer likes it.

Maybe the refinished the headstock too?

 

[darkwave]

'57 heaven would be an un buggered GT, like this one:

I'm out of my depth here, but would a '57 with buckers have a low logo like that?

- Douglas C.

 

[S. Weiger]

I'm out of my depth here, but would a '57 with buckers have a low logo like that?

- Douglas C.

Oh yes. Buckers came early '57 while low logo only disappeared later in '57 IIRC.

 

[57gold]

I'm out of my depth here, but would a '57 with buckers have a low logo like that?

- Douglas C.

My GT is an early one. Non sticker PAFs with brushed covers and steel screws, dark back.

Documented in the Gibson Electrics: The Classic Years by A.R Duchossoir. Mr Gil Southworth supplied the color photo in the book. When I was offered this instrument by another vintage dealer, I called Gil and he said, "It's the cleanest 1957 I have ever seen, if you can afford it, buy it." So I did, twenty something years ago.

A cluse up:

 

[RJLII]

'57 heaven would be an un buggered GT, like this one:

Yes, but the tone was sublime. A clean Les Paul is second to none.

 

[Standard Magic]

'57 heaven would be an un buggered GT, like this one:

Lets see under the pickguard

 

[57gold]

Nope, not taking it off.

Just as clean under the guard as it has never been removed.