Gibson les paul goldtop guitars were introduced In 1952 , they were gibsons’ first les paul models and solid body electric guitars , these guitars were named the "les paul model" but they are better known as the "les paul goldtop" due to the goldtop finish .

Although the gibson les paul model guitar is collectable and is a significant part gibsons’ les paul history , in 1952 to 53 they had an intonation problem due to the trapeze tailpiece ( strings wrapped under the bar ) this made it dificult to keep the guitar in tune .

In other words the guitar can be well cherished by collectors and is an historic gibson guitar but not very playable for the guitarist . However , in mid 1953 gibson replaced the trapeze tailpiece with a stop tailpiece ( the strings wrapped over the tailpiece making the tuning problem better but not stable) .

As the years went by , gibson improved the goldtop les paul models and their flaws by replacing the tailpiece bridges with a tune o matic bridge in mid 1955 and amongst other parts . From then on, gibson les paul guitars famoused the world over as an icon for rock and roll , and contemporay rock music .

1952-53 lespaul goldtop models had a 3 piece carved top , goldtop finish , trapeze tailpiece bridge , 2 soapbar p-90 pickups with cream covers , kluson tuners , nickel plated parts , 5/8" knobs , bound top and fingerboard ( very early models had unbound fingerboards ) ,"Les Paul Model" silkscreened on peghead in gold , mahogany back and neck .

mid 1953 to 55 gibson replaced the trapeze tailpiece to a stop tailpiece and also replaced the 5/8"knobs to 1/2" knobs .

In mid 1955 a tune o matic bridge was added and the four knobs change from barrel shape to a top-hat shape .

In 1957 humbuckers (PAF) replace the 2 p-90 pickups . In mid 1958 the gibson les paul goldtop model was renamed the gibson les paul standard which branched out to other guitars such as the gibson sg les paul standard and the gibson les paul deluxe .

In 1968 gibson introduced the les paul standard goldtop model with a tune o matic bridge , goldtop finish and p-90 pickups , this guitar is also considered by many as the first reissue of the 56 goldtop model with few minor changes . ( renamed the gibson deluxe in 1969 ) .

In 1971 gibson introduced the gibson les paul standard 58 , but was set up like a 1954 goldtop model with goldtop finish , 2 soapbar pickups and a stop tailpiece . Discontinued in 1975 .

In 1882-83 gibson introduced the 30th anniversary les paul which had the features of a 58 les paul goldtop (2 humbuckers) with a thirtieth anniversary inlay on the 19th fret .