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Looking to buy this 1953 Goldtop, would really appreciate some insights

JPP-1

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 11, 2006
Messages
1,336
I am about to pull the trigger on what is supposed to be an original 1953
Does anything in particular standout as odd. The finish doesn’t appear to be checked, is that indicative of a refin.
I will have a short approval period for a more extensive inspection but I’d like to get some insights from the highly knowledgeable folks here on the LPF

Thank you in advance


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au_rick

Active member
Joined
Mar 18, 2010
Messages
871
Looks nice.
I believe a simple black light test would identify a refinish ?
 

Maxmc

Active member
Joined
Mar 15, 2015
Messages
652
Original frets? Not much wear up the neck. What's it like down the cowboy end?
 

Tarcisioo

Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2014
Messages
385
I don't think checking is a sign of age, but a sign of temperature variations and the wood contracting and expanding below the nitro finish.

A one-day old guitar can check, while a 60 year old guitar can be checking free. It's all due to exposure to the right elements, in this case temperature variations

I live in a place where temperatures are 95-75F all year, no guitar will ever check in those conditions, just impossible.
 

JPP-1

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 11, 2006
Messages
1,336
I appreciate the comments. Here are some additional photos.


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VamboRool

Active member
Joined
Nov 25, 2015
Messages
424
Looks like it had a coiled cord in the case where the head stock would be located. Agree with doing a black light check. Get one of the wrap over replacement tailpieces and you'll be good to go.
 

JPP-1

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 11, 2006
Messages
1,336
Thank you kindly to everyone who has responded.
Thank you Charlie, I doubt there are too many people who know more bout vintage Les Pauls than you

A few more photos. I think they look ok. I just hope the fretboard doesn’t need any serious attention.


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deytookerjaabs

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 6, 2016
Messages
1,592
This is a two step process I'm recommending:

1. Get out your credit card.

2. Post your own pics when it's at home.
 

JIMI55LP

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 28, 2005
Messages
1,588
It does seem odd that the headstock would be checked but not the goldtop? All the other parts look correct to me as far as these photos show. I'm thinking the top was refinished?
 

samsdad

New member
Joined
Aug 21, 2015
Messages
406
It does seem odd that the headstock would be checked but not the goldtop? All the other parts look correct to me as far as these photos show. I'm thinking the top was refinished?
Looks like one Changed Tuner 5 No Lines 1 Single Line ?
Top right From Rear is the serial number crooked or is it the picture?
 

cjp54

Member
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
496
Other than what’s already been said, the jack plate looks replaced. All else looks right.
 

Rich R

In the Zone/Backstage Pass
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
4,999
Looks pretty damn jake to me. Plus, it's still got the poker chip--they tend to go missing on a a lot of '53s...
 

VamboRool

Active member
Joined
Nov 25, 2015
Messages
424
Is there anything on the label plate on the outside of the case? Don't remember ever seeing anything like that before. Very cool feature.
 

Bruce R

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2007
Messages
1,029
Looks really nice. Post pics if you get it, but please reduce the size of your images before you insert them. They don't have to be huge to show details.
 

Aloha_Ark

Active member
Joined
Apr 2, 2020
Messages
154
Assuming it's not too late, ask the seller to strip the strings off and send you a photograph of the frets. The nibs look intact for the most part, and I would hate to have the OP pay for leveling or replacing all the frets. Then ask for the string heights off the 12th fret. There are workarounds (Mojoaxe) to get the action lower, but this would be an added cost. At this stage of history (do I sound like Plutarch?), the going price for a VG+ 1953 LP Goldtop is around $20K. Try not to overpay for anything. Just because this is vintage does not mean it sounds so much better than a historic GT. I have a 2003 1956 RI LP Braz board Goldtop that sounds nearly as good as a vintage 1956 LP GT, at 1/5th the price.
 
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