1968 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop
1968 marked the return of the iconic single-cut Les Paul Standard — a model Gibson had not produced since the last original “Burst” left the factory in 1960
Very cool player-grade 1968 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop.
The previous owner bought this guitar in 1994 and kept it ever since. It’s an honest and great-sounding early ’68 with that unmistakable late-’60s Les Paul tone and feel.
This is a true player-grade example with a fantastic neck and strong, open tone. It had an old refret done in the past, and the frets are still in excellent condition.
At some point in its life, the body received a very thick poly finish on the top, back and sides, while the neck remained untouched. In September 2020, the poly was carefully removed and the guitar was professionally refinished in nitrocellulose by Mathias Schindehütte, including light aging. The neck finish remains original. Inside the control cavity, you can see evidence of a previously installed mini switch, neatly closed with a dowel many years ago — most likely the reason for the old poly overspray.
The guitar was previously fitted with Schaller mini tuners (without any additional holes). The original tuners were preserved in the case and have since been correctly reinstalled. There is some light touch-up visible around the tuner holes upon close inspection.
Two of the volume pots were replaced in the 1970s (DiMarzio’s). The original 1968 pots were fortunately still in the case, have been cleaned, and are now back in the guitar. The solder joints have been redone over time.
It’s a great early ’68 Goldtop with strong tone, desirable early features, and decades of honest history — offered at a more accessible price point. Comes in a 1970s Gibson case.
More details:
- Serial number: 529022
- One-piece mahogany body with maple top
- One-piece mahogany neck, small headstock, no volute
- Long neck tenon
- Rosewood fretboard
- Original chrome ABR-1 with patent number & forge stamp
- Original aluminum tailpiece
- Original tuners reinstalled (no extra holes)
- Pot codes 1376833 (original pots back in guitar)
- Professional nitro refinish on body (2020), original neck finish
- Old refret, frets in excellent condition
- 1970s Gibson case
- Weight 4,35 kg