Gibson Custom 1956 Les Paul Standard Reissue Electric Guitar - Light Aged, All Gold

Dressed in shimmering all Double Gold and meticulously crafted with period-correct details, the Gibson Custom 1956 Les Paul Standard Reissue is a stunning homage to the P-90-era Les Paul—a design revered for its aggressive single-coil growl and touch-sensitive response. Part of Gibson Custom’s Limited-Edition Collection, it offers a breathtaking display of heritage craftsmanship and boutique artistry, pairing a solid mahogany body with a carved maple top for classic Les Paul warmth, sustain and articulation. A Chunky D mahogany neck feels substantial in hand, complemented by a smooth rosewood fingerboard that invites fluid lead playing. Murphy Lab’s Light Aged nitro finish adds subtle checking and gentle wear for an authentic, played-in experience, while dual P-90s housed in cream soapbar covers complete the vintage aesthetic. Finished with elegant gold hardware for a head-turning monochrome look, this Custom Shop Les Paul Standard stands as a bold, luxurious expression of the mid-’50s design.

Mahogany Body and Maple Top With Light Aged Nitro Finish for Warmth and Resonance

True to the original, this ’56 reissue features a solid mahogany body topped with carved maple, a combination that delivers a balanced voice with strong sustain, clear attack and a rich midrange. The Light Aged nitrocellulose lacquer finish from the Murphy Lab introduces gentle checking and wear, softening the feel of the instrument while allowing the wood to resonate freely. This treatment gives the guitar the character of a well-preserved vintage example without sacrificing structural integrity, resulting in a tone that feels open, responsive and grounded.

Chunky ’50s Mahogany Neck and Rosewood Fingerboard for Classic Feel and Control

The mahogany neck is carved to a 1950s Chunky D profile, offering a substantial grip that supports confident fretting and expressive playing. A long neck tenon reinforces the connection between neck and body, contributing to improved resonance and sustain. The rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth, responsive playing surface, while a 12" radius and narrow-tall frets allow for precise articulation and controlled bends. A nylon nut rounds out the feel, adding a subtle softness to the attack that complements the guitar’s vintage character.

Dual P-90 Pickups for Dynamic, Expressive Tone

At the core of the 1956 Les Paul’s identity are its P-90 pickups, known for their dynamic response and midrange presence. This reissue stays true to that formula, delivering a tone that reacts immediately to picking intensity and volume changes. Clean settings reveal clarity and articulation with a slightly gritty edge, while pushed tones develop into rich, harmonically complex overdrive. The straightforward control layout—two volume knobs, two tone knobs and a three-way toggle—allows for intuitive shaping without getting in the way of the playing experience.

All-Gold Hardware and Appointments for a Distinctive Visual Identity

The defining visual element of this limited-edition Les Paul is its all-Double Gold finish, carried across the top, body and hardware for a cohesive, unified look. A gold-plated ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece provide stable intonation and long-lasting sustain, while Kluson Deluxe tuners maintain reliable tuning stability with a period-correct aesthetic. Cream soapbar pickup covers, matching plastics and gold top hat knobs create contrast and balance, reinforcing the instrument’s vintage styling while setting it apart from traditional ’56 reissues.

A Refined Expression of a Classic Les Paul Standard

As part of Gibson Custom’s Limited-Edition Collection, this 1956 Les Paul Standard Reissue reflects a focused approach to design—combining time-honored construction with a distinctive visual execution. Limited to just 100 instruments worldwide, it captures the feel and voice of an original ’56 while offering a unique take on its presentation. It’s a model that highlights the enduring appeal of the Les Paul Standard, shaped with the precision and artistry of the Gibson Custom Shop.