53 Goldtop

[Green Manalishi]

There is a '53 is being advertised on eBay with no description: item 155432947469. Any observations?

 

[brandtkronholm]

That item doesn't seem to exist on eBay.
Observations:
Refinished
Replaced tuners
Refretted
Replaced toggle cap
Replaced strap pin (near neck)
Poker chip and pick guard are missing
Wrong tailpiece (looks like a Jr. tailpiece)
The angle of the tailpiece looks incorrect - but this one is up for debate, it could simply look this way due to the photograph

Assessment: Until an in-hand inspection is available, nope.

 

[Green Manalishi]

Gibson Les Paul Goldtop 1953 | eBay

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www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Green Manalishi]

Great info thank you. Can you access the other photos?

 

[brandtkronholm]

Great info thank you. Can you access the other photos?

Yes, I can see the other pictures via the link.

Among many other concerns, I have one that stands out above the others: There is evidence that this is an early "trapeze-style" 1953 Les Paul - the three holes at the butt of the guitar (what did he say? ). Since it now has a "wrap-around" tailpiece I would be very concerned about the guitar having a re-set neck. Some trapeze '53s can play great without a neck re-set, others will not.

It does appear to be a 1953 Les Paul, pretty much as described by the eBay listing. I cannot comment on the price, I have no idea what's reasonable.
It REALLY needs an in-hand inspection.

 

[Green Manalishi]

Yes, that makes complete sense. There's a '53 on Reveb in the Uk with a trapeze tailpiece for £35k, though it looks a more original guitar with an OHSC. Like you I'm not sure about price. I appreciate your time and expertise!

 

[zhivago]

This one also popped up in the UK market about 30 mins ago on Reverb...

Another '53...

 

[zhivago]

Looks like we posted at the same time

 

[Green Manalishi]

Well-spotted!

 

[Green Manalishi]

There's more detail on the Reverb listing. Shame the work was done. https://reverb.com/uk/item/66284453-gibson-les-paul-goldtop-1953

 

[brandtkronholm]

I see two things of interest in this invoice:
1) The word "rebuild" is mentioned. Is this the neck re-set?
2) Peter North? (Hey now!)

 

[Green Manalishi]

I see two things of interest in this invoice:
1) The word "rebuild" is mentioned. Is this the neck re-set?
2) Peter North? (Hey now!)

View attachment 21353

 

[Green Manalishi]

It could well be. I guess it is Peter North who is selling. Do you know him?

 

[zhivago]

I think the reason a couple of us in the thread are giggling is because a guy called Peter North was also a famous American adult film actor.

 

[Green Manalishi]

Forgive my innocence!

 

[MikeSlub]

Can't even say "nice case" on this one....

 

[Green Manalishi]

Certainly not a nice respray!