1955 Gibson Les Paul

The 1955 Les Paul introduced the ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, a lasting innovation still used on Gibson guitars today. Last year before the revolutionary humbucker pickups, making this a transitional and historically significant model.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$35,000$55,000
Very Good
$22,000$35,000
Good
$14,000$22,000
Fair
$7,000$14,000

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

Specifications

Body WoodMahogany (body), Maple (carved top)
Neck WoodMahogany
FingerboardRosewood
Scale Length24.750"
Frets22
Pickup ConfigHH
BridgeABR-1 Tune-O-Matic (first year), separate stop tailpiece
TunersKluson Deluxe single-ring
Finish OptionsGold Top
Est. Production920

Pickups & Electronics

Two P-90 soap-bar pickups. ABR-1 tune-o-matic bridge introduced this year — a pivotal improvement.

What Changed in 1955

Introduction of the ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge — one of the most important developments in Les Paul history, allowing individual string intonation adjustment for the first time. Also the last year before humbuckers.

Collector's Notes

ABR-1 bridge should be original — look for correct early specs with no retaining wire. These are the last P-90-equipped Les Pauls before humbuckers arrived.