Citation:
1953 to Early 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Model specs:
serial number on back of peghead, stud wrap-around tailpiece/bridge with strings looping over bridge (the trapeze tailpiece/bridge is abandoned). The conversion from trapeze tailpiece to wrap-around on the 1953 Les Paul started at earliest around serial number "3 13xx" (so early 1953 models still use the older trapeze tailpiece). Neck set increased to compensate for the new tailpiece in early 1953, but as 1954 approach the neck set increased slightly. This allowed for greatly downward adjustment of the stopbar bridge. The gold barrel-shaped knobs on 1953 stopbar Les Pauls are shorter than the knobs used on the earlier trapeze models. In 1954 the case for the Les Paul Standard now had a curved top, echoing the carved maple top of the guitar. Note there were a handful of 1954 Goldtops made with the serial number starting with "7". This is confusing as the "7" would otherwise mean 1957 (and a 1957 Goldtop would have a Tunematic bridge). This was no doubt a mistake by Gibson, and the pot source/code can be checked to verify the correct year. I would estimate less than ten of these 1954 Goldtops with a 1957 serial number exist. The rear control route was change in 1953 around serial number "3 2000". This trapeze tailpiece ground channel route was discontinued. This route was used for the ground wire running to the claw of the trapeze tailpiece.
Citation:
1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard specs:
Frets increase in width in the serial number range "9 0300" to "9 06xx". For example, low "9 0300" range serial number Les Paul sunbursts have been seen with original large frets. Yet some low "9 06xx" range serial number sunbursts have been seen with original small frets. In mid-1959 the jack plate changed. From 1952 to 1959 the jack plate had rounded corners. By mid-1959 this changed to more squared corners (a small detail but worth mentioning). Also around the 9 06xx period the Rhytm/Treble ring plastic switch plate changed too, becoming thinner and the font slightly different than the earlier 1953 to 1959 style. In regards to the color of the sunburst on 1959 Les Pauls, the red especially is extremely photo reactive. This means the red in the finish fades quite easily (typically fades more than the 1958 models and mid to late 1960 models). The color can completely disappear to a "honey color" or even to a yellowish green hue, with no hint of the guitar ever being cherry sunburst (unless the pickguard is removed, exposing that area of the guitar's top that is not readily exposed to light). Interestingly, a few 1959 Les Pauls have a "tobacco" sunburst finish (this color is not as desirable as the regular 1959 sunburst finish, and can have either a red or brown back). Neck dimensions of the 1959 Les Paul are considered by most as "perfect"; slightly less clubby than the 1958 models, but still "big". Also around serial number "9 06xx" another very subtle change happened; the plastic humbucker pickup bobbins changed from black to a white color. Not all pickups had this coloring, and some pickups were "zebra" (one bobbin white, one black, with the black bobbin *always* being the bobbin with the adjustable poles). This change is really subtle, as the color of the pickup bobbins can not be seen unless the pickup covers are removed (or the bobbin mounting screws are removed from the back side of the pickup). By serial number "9 1000", most 1959 Les Paul will have at least one pickup with white bobbin(s). Note sunburst Les Paul serial numbers seem to stop around "9 25xx" in 1959.
