What is special about a Gibson Les Paul Gold Top?

Aside from the obvious beauty of the gold finish, Gold Tops hold a special place in the hearts of guitar fans because this was the very first finish applied to the very first Les Paul models when they debuted in 1952. It is an iconic colour for the Les Paul.

Do other Gibson guitars ever get the same Gold Top finish?

Occassionally yes, though these are generally limited run guitars, available only in small numbers. We have seen wonderful Gold Top finishes on SGs, ES-335s and Explorers. One fantastic Gibson from the past which always had a Gold Top was the stunning ES-295, a large hollow-body guitar from the fifties made iconic by Scotty Moore, Elvis' guitarist. It is played today by Killing Joke's Geordie Walker, who owns two and refuses to play anything else.

Are Gibson's Goldtop guitars still finished in nitrocellulose?

Yes. All of Gibson's guitars are treated to a lacquer of nitrocellulose, including all Gold Top models.

Which artists play a Gibson Les Paul Gold Top guitar?

Les Paul himself can be seen playing a Gibson Gold Top, it has also been used by artists such as Duane Allman, The Edge, Slash, and many more.

What is a Les Paul Gold Top?

A metallic gold finish covers the top of the guitar as opposed to the usual transparent finish we see on most Les Pauls. The Gold Top is still built with the same materials using a mahogany body and maple top.