Product Description

This is an early Gibson Les Paul model solid body electric guitar from 1952. This guitar sounds absolutely fantastic and is a joy to play. It's one of the nicer sounding '50s guitars we've handled.

The guitar is quite original, though it sustained a top crack between the volume and tone controls for the bridge pickup. It appears the face of the guitar took a hit and pushed the pots inward slightly. The crack appears to be glued up and is quite stable. Additionally the tuners were changed to Grovers at some point, but the original Kluson tuners are back on it. Conversion collars were used as the peg holes were widened for the Grover set, and one screw is a replacement. There were no additional screw holes added on the back of the headstock. Most of the Kluson tuners are bent slightly, but all are functional.

This guitar has been updated with a Mojoaxe trapeze tailpiece and bridge. The original trapeze unit is included with the guitar. The jack plate has been replaced and a cracked vintage black one is included. The electronics appear original and function correctly, though the tone pot for the neck pickup spins 180 degrees past 10 and 1. It works, but spins freely. One knob is a replacement, and the back plate has a prior owner's name and address written and engraved on the inside. The guitar has had a partial refret from seven on down it appears. The frets are low and have been dressed before. There are some light divots but it plays well.

The crack between the knobs keeps this one player grade, but there are no other breaks or issues. The finish is original with plenty of checking, dings, and honest wear over its surface. The plastic parts have a great patina, like a toasted marshmallow. It weighs 8lbs 4oz. The neck measures .935 at the 1st and .995 at the 12th. It's a full c shape neck, not too much shoulder, with a hint of an apex down low. 

We were pleasantly surprised with the tone of this guitar. It really has that "it" factor that folks search for in a vintage Les Paul. It's woody, clear, articulate, resonant and full of life. It really sings, sustains, and responds well. It's dynamic under the picking hand, and slinky to navigate. The pickups are strong and rich as you'd expect.

  Ships in a non-original '70s Gibson case.

1952 Gibson Les Paul Specs

• Mahogany Body
• Mahogany Neck
• Maple Top
• Rosewood Fingerboard
• Trapezoid Mother of Pearl Inlays
• Vintage Fret Wire
• Kluson Deluxe Tuners
• Dual P-90 Pickups
• Two Volume Controls
• Two Tone Controls
• 3-Way Toggle Switch
• Tall Gold Speed Knobs
• Trapeze Wrap-Over Tailpiece
• 24 3/4" Scale Length
• 12" Fingerboard Radius
• 1 11/16" Nut Width

Product Details