1957 Gibson Les Paul
The 1957 Les Paul introduced the legendary PAF humbucker, fundamentally changing electric guitar tone. Gold-top models with original PAFs are among the most important electric guitars ever made.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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, stop tailpiece |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe single-ring |
| Finish Options | Gold Top |
| Est. Production | 598 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucking pickups — Seth Lover's invention that eliminated 60-cycle hum while delivering a richer, warmer tone. Early PAFs have no sticker or blank sticker.
What Changed in 1957
Introduction of the PAF humbucker — one of the most significant events in electric guitar history. The 1957 gold-top with PAFs is a foundational instrument, though still not the celebrated 'Burst' — the flame-top sunburst would arrive in 1958.
Collector's Notes
Original PAFs are the holy grail — look for correct bobbin colors (early: two-tone black and cream, later: both black or both cream), correct wire gauge, and matching potentiometer date codes from 1956-1957.