The Gibson Les Paul Standard stands as one of the most widely played and universally recognizable guitars ever. First marketed as the Les Paul model in 1952, the Les Paul evolved throughout the ’50s until the design was replaced by the SG in late 1960. Up until 1958, the Les Paul sported a gold finish, and guitars from this era are collectively referred to as Goldtops. Goldtop Les Pauls are extremely prized by collectors, and each year showcases the major innovations made by Gibson throughout the decade.
