Hidden treasure! Tale of the ‘72/‘58/‘53’ Les Paul Goldtop, Burst conversion..

[rifle]

3 camps, some of us like to se them heavily modified so they can tell a story.

 

[Phatfrank]

Personally I’d never convert an all original ol’ LP, but as we all know many of the 50’s guitars have already been refin’ed or damaged back when they didn’t have the value they have today. I’ve yet to see a convincing Goldtop refin, as it seems to be a very difficult finish to get right - «it’s only original once» is a fairly valid point here. I have a 56’ LP that’s been through hell and back, and luckily she is now in the OPs very, very capable workshop (Not the guitar in this thread, btw). It already had a conversion done in the 70s, and for me to refit P90s and have it converted bak to gold (which would look rather crap next to my original 54’ Goldtop) just doesn’t make sense. It will always be a conversion, and for me the «Budget Burst» route was the only sensible option.

 

[TM1]

Well, when you own something you can do whatever you want with it.. Look at all the furniture restorers that strip stuff down to bare wood and finish it with French polish or tung oil or..? Then charge 10x the price they paid for it or the Violin/Viola folks.

 

[Jumping@Shadows]

Here’s the latest update:

https://imgur.com/3MhjV9G

I use vintage correct analine dyes which fade like the ‘50s originals, so this rich cherry sunburst will shift towards honey/green over the next few weeks.

 

[dwagar]

Looks fantastic man. Well done!

 

[S. Weiger]

Can't wait to see the final result.

 

[Jumping@Shadows]

Can't wait to see the final result.

Thanks! Will be something like this

https://imgur.com/4T6rRVg

 

[Bob Womack]

Lovely. Just lovely. Being that red is my favorite color I've never understood the love for unbursts. Were that my guitar, I'd want the colors to freeze in time.

However, it's no my guitar, bro! Enjoy!

Bob

 

[S. Weiger]

Thanks! Will be something like this

https://imgur.com/4T6rRVg

Holy Camoly! Gorgeous.

In this pic from this angle, I also see what might be a seam at far left, so, is it a 2 pcs. top or 3?

 

[Jumping@Shadows]

Holy Camoly! Gorgeous.

In this pic from this angle, I also see what might be a seam at far left, so, is it a 2 pcs. top or 3?

Thanks mate!
Yes there is a third piece under the forearm area, but blends very well from most angles

 

[Jumping@Shadows]

Today’s update, with about as far as I want to deliberately fade if I think:

https://imgur.com/lUIghyn

 

[Bob Womack]

Lovely.

Bob

 

[charliechitlins]

Nice work, for sure.
But I guess the new owner can't be the type to obsess about details.
A 3-piece top, off-center seam, plugs peeking out from under the bridge and bridge pickup...
I still think a goldtop with a wraptail would be way sexier.
And that's why they make vanilla AND....imitation vanilla

 

[Jumping@Shadows]

Here’s the mostly finished guitar for those still curious:

https://imgur.com/WJxG8NZ

Now it’s all assembled it weighs a remarkable 7.86lbs! I believe that’s the lightest ‘50s humbucker Les Paul I’ve had to date.

 

[jb_abides]

Congrats! What a lightweight...

 

[S. Weiger]

Here’s the mostly finished guitar for those still curious:

https://imgur.com/WJxG8NZ

Now it’s all assembled it weighs a remarkable 7.86lbs! I believe that’s the lightest ‘50s humbucker Les Paul I’ve had to date.

That's simply AWEsome, J@S.

Are you planning to keep the 70's look of the headstock & inlays, or convert to match the (stunning) look of the body?

 

[Jumping@Shadows]

That's simply AWEsome, J@S.

Are you planning to keep the 70's look of the headstock & inlays, or convert to match the (stunning) look of the body?

Thanks man!
The logo was suitably corrected with a salvaged ‘50s logo inlayed in the correct late ‘50s location.
I’m now getting into fretwork and nut tweaks, but it already rings like the proverbial bell!

 

[S. Weiger]

Thanks man!
The logo was suitably corrected with a salvaged ‘50s logo inlayed in the correct late ‘50s location.
I’m now getting into fretwork and nut tweaks, but it already rings like the proverbial bell!

Great. Whatever you do, in the end please DON'T sell it to Gareth Ayers! He will most likely flip it as a 1959 Burst for £ 150K to someone..
( I know you are aware of that, just kidding )

 

[akstrat61]

Will this be for sale?