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
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Recent Sales
Showing 8 verified sales for 1955 Gibson Les Paul. Reissues, replicas, and parts listings are filtered out.
Specifications
| Body Wood | Mahogany (body), Maple (carved top) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic (first year), separate stop tailpiece |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe single-ring |
| Finish Options | Gold Top |
| Est. Production | 920 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two P-90 soap-bar pickups. ABR-1 tune-o-matic bridge introduced this year β a pivotal improvement.
What Changed in 1955
Introduction of the ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge β 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 β look for correct early specs with no retaining wire. These are the last P-90-equipped Les Pauls before humbuckers arrived.
How to Authenticate a 1955 Gibson Les Paul
Gibson serial numbers from this era are ink-stamped on the back of the headstock. Cross-reference with known Gibson serial tables β numbering was not strictly sequential. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1955 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. The finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer showing age-appropriate checking (fine crazing). Under blacklight, original nitro fluoresces a distinctive green-yellow β refinished instruments lack this characteristic. Verify original P-90 soap-bar pickups with correct Alnico magnets and bobbin construction. DC resistance should read approximately 7-9k ohms. The carved maple top over mahogany body is a key construction detail β check body weight (originals are typically 8-10 lbs). Gold top finish should show natural aging to warm brass-yellow. Examine the neck joint tenon β long tenon is correct for this era. Check for headstock repairs (Gibson headstocks are prone to breaking) β repairs reduce value significantly. Original Kluson Deluxe single-ring should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.