Gibson VINTAGE Les Paul Model '55 1957 Style Conversion Goldtop

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What is a Conversion Les Paul?

Gibson Les Paul models like the one we're introducing here that have been intentionally modified in later years from their original specifications are called "Conversion Les Pauls" and are popular among vintage guitar fans.

The original Les Paul model, released in 1952, underwent numerous specification changes and was produced until it was changed to the SG shape in 1961. Since the original shape was re-released in 1968, various variations and reproduction models have been produced, and as you probably know, it continues to be loved by musicians around the world today.

Les Pauls produced in the 1950s are especially highly prized for their rarity and the quality of their wood. Among these, the humbucking pickup-equipped model from 1958-1960, commonly known as "The Burst," was produced in extremely limited numbers and has skyrocketed in price, making it difficult to obtain.

So, old guitar enthusiasts have discovered a method for pursuing their ideal sound by modifying relatively easily available 1952-1956 Les Pauls (with P-90s and trapeze tailpieces). Because the wood is genuine 1950s wood, it has the potential to produce an extremely appealing sound depending on how it is matched with the pickups and other parts.

This trend, combined with the spread of replacement pickups, the production of replicas by independent workshops, and the emergence of reproduction models, can be said to have been a culture born from the desire for an "authentic sound" since the 1980s.

This time, we have a 1955 guitar with the original Bigsby B-7 unit and P-90 soapbar pickups converted to a Tune-O-Matic with stop tailpiece and humbuckers, giving it a 1957-inspired look.

【body】
The overall weight is approximately 4.0 kg. The body is made of traditional wood materials: a maple top and a one-piece mahogany back. The beautiful, deep gold top color is difficult to reproduce these days. The original P-90 soap bar and Bigsby B-7 specifications have been converted to a humbucking pickup with an ABR-1 and stop tailpiece, resulting in a gold top style with black hardware circa 1957. The pickguard, jack plate, switch ring, and stop tailpiece are aged parts. The pickup rings, control knobs, back plate, and ABR-1 bridge unit are vintage parts. While the guitar exhibits weathering appropriate for its age, including fading marks on the Bigsby unit, paint chipping under the original bridge base, paint chipping on the back of the body, and tarnish on the metal parts, it retains the wonderful vintage feel of a guitar, but is in relatively good condition considering its age.

【neck】
The neck is made of one piece of mahogany. The fingerboard is, of course, made of excellent rosewood. The headstock shows weathering appropriate for its age, but the brand logo and signature remain intact. There is weathering on the back of the neck, paint chipping due to specifications, and tarnish on the metal parts, giving it a wonderful vintage feel, just like the body. The tuners are wound evenly and function properly. The frets and nut have been replaced once, with little wear and excellent playability. The nut width is 43.0mm. The neck features a relatively clean, slightly V-shaped profile.

[Electrical system]
The controls are the familiar Les Paul model: a 3-way pickup selector, 2 volume controls, and 2 tone controls. The tone capacitor has been replaced with an old Bumblebee, but the other controls remain in their original condition. The pickups are currently humbucking, featuring two long-magnet "PAF" pickups. These "Patent Applied For" humbuckers are the core of Gibson's signature sound from 1957 onward. Combined with the 1950s body with a maple top and mahogany back, they produce lustrous, three-dimensional overtones, a thick yet solid midrange, and a sweet, sustained high range. The front position offers a warm, supple tone, while the rear position offers a crisp, edgy, drive sound.

*The volume knob for the rear position is showing signs of wear, so if you plan to use it regularly, it may be a good idea to replace it.

Accessories: Non-original hard case

Weight: 4.0kg
Body Material (Top/Back): Maple/Mahogany 1 piece
Neck Material/Scale Length: Mahogany 1 piece/624mm (24-1/2inch)
Bridge／Tail：Gibson ABR-1 Nickel（replaced）／Stop Tailpiece Nickel（replaced）
Fingerboard/Fret Marker/Radius: Rosewood/Pearloid Trapezoid (Dish)/304.8mm (12inch)
Nut Width/Fret Width: 43.0mm (replaced)/2.7mm (replaced), 22F
Neck Thickness (1F/7F/12F): 22.5mm/22.9mm/24.9mm, soft V
Pickup (Neck/Bridge): Gibson PU-490 “Patent Applied For” Humbucker, 8.4kΩ/8.9kΩ
*The DC resistance of the pickup is measured through the control section.

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