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
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Recent Sales
Showing 7 verified sales for 1957 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, 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.
How to Authenticate a 1957 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 — numbering was not strictly sequential. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1957 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 — refinished instruments lack this characteristic. Verify original PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucker pickups — check for the distinctive sticker on the baseplate. PAF bobbins, wire routing, and Alnico magnets should be consistent with 1957 production. PAFs are the most frequently counterfeited Gibson component — DC resistance should read approximately 7.5-9k ohms. The carved maple top over mahogany body is a key construction detail — 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 — long tenon is correct for this era. Check for headstock repairs (Gibson headstocks are prone to breaking) — 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.