SOLD GIBSON COLLECTOR’S CHOICE 12 # 85

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Gibson Custom’s Collector’s Choice™ series recreates specific vintage Les Pauls held in notable collections to provide players around the world the opportunity to experience the precise look, feel, and tone of some of the rarest guitars in history. All Les Pauls selected for the series are extremely special, but Collector’s Choice™ #12 has a special place in our hearts because the original 1957 Goldtop is owned by none other than Henry Juszkiewicz, CEO of Gibson Brands and the man who rescued perhaps the most beloved American guitar maker from near extinction. Regardless of its owner, however, this sublime ’57 Les Paul is an outstanding example of its breed and a guitar worthy of recreation by any measure. With a sweet, thick, mellow tone–the epitome of the irresistible “gently aged Goldtop” look–and a slightly “cheeky,” rounded neck profile that nails every guitar fan’s dream of the perfect ’50s playing feel, it’s a Les Paul that will take player and collector straight to that hallowed year and most prized rendition of the Les Paul Goldtop.

The Collector’s Choice™ #12 1957 Les Paul Goldtop has been crafted based on unrestricted hands-on analysis of the original guitar, and with the full cooperation of its current owner (…well, his office is just down the hall). The guitar’s two Custom Bucker S pickups have been recreated to the exact specs and materials of the original PAFs in Mr. Juszkiewicz’s guitar, and exhibit a slightly lighter wind than average, resulting in outstanding definition and clarity, yet plenty of thickness and body. Its archetypal Goldtop finish has that characteristic slight greening caste within its bronze and subtle darkening in the lacquer checks and wear patterns, with hand aging by Gibson Custom to precisely match the look of #7-3939 as it stands today. Collector’s Choice™ #12 is offered in a run of up to 300 guitars, with the availability of qualifying materials determining the ultimate number, so reserve yours today at your authorized Gibson Custom dealer.

Gold Rush

One-piece mahogany body and carved maple top to assure legendary Les Paul tone.


Pickups

Two Custom Bucker S pickups recreate the sweet, mellow tone of the low-wind original PAF humbuckers.


Tune up

Nickel-plated Tune-o-matic bridge and lightweight aluminum stopbar for clarity and sustain.


Neck

Slightly “cheeky”, full, rounded profile contributes to the optimum ’50s neck feel.


Ageing Gracefully

Hand aged by Gibson Custom to match every minor ding, scuff, and check of the original.


Case Closed

Protection courtesy of plush-lined hardshell case, with Certificate of Authenticity.


Body

Top Unique Plain Maple
Back Genuine Mahogany
Binding Cream Reissue
Adhesive Franklin Titebond

Body


 

Neck

Species Mahogany Neck/Maple Spline
Truss Rod Reissue Truss Rod
Joint Angle 4° (+/- 15 seconds)

Neck


 Neck Fit

Joint Mortise & Tenon
Adhesive Hot Hide Glue
Joint Angle Tolerance +/- .005″

Neck Fit


 

Fingerboard

Species Indian Rosewood
Radius 12″
Binding Cream Reissue
Inlays Nitrocellulose Trapezoid
Nut/E.O.B 1.687 / 2.062
Adhesive Hot Hide Glue

Fingerboard


 

Nut

Material Nylon
Width 1.687
Slots Gibson PLEK System

Nut


 

Headstock

Inlay Reissue, Holly with Gibson Pearl Inlay
Truss Rod Cover Vintage
Angle 17 Degrees

Headstock


 

Tuners

Model Kluson Deluxe
Tuning Ratio 12:01
Plating Nickel / Aged

Tuners


 

Bridge

Type ABR
Plating Nickel

Bridge


 

Tailpiece

Type Aluminum Stop Bar
Plating Nickel

Bridge


 

Hardware

Pickguard Reissue Cream
Knobs Gold Top Hats
Toggle Switch Washer Cream Toggle Washer
Pickup Mounting Rings Cream
Strings .010 – .046
Strap Buttons Aluminum

Hardware


 

Pickups

Neck Position Custom Bucker
Bridge Position Custom Bucker

Pickups


 

Electronics

Potentiometers 2 Volume Controls
2 Tone Controls
Capacitors Bumble Bee
Toggle Switch Three-Way
Output Jack Traditional ¼”

Electronics


 

Finish

Sealer Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Aged Goldtop


 

Case

Type Custom Shop, Brown with Red Fur

Additional Materials

Certificate of Authenticity Yes
Additional Materials Custom Shop Case, Collector’s Choice Certificate of Authenticity, Extra Brown Plastic Switch Cover