Videos (1)

View Allarrow icon
Gibson Custom Shop | Introducing the Murphy Labplay button

Gibson Custom Shop | Introducing the Murphy Lab

collapse expand iconDescription

The Gibson Custom 1957 Murphy Lab Les Paul Goldtop Darkback recreates a legendary guitar that kickstarted the rock revolution. For the first five years of its existence, the Les Paul was equipped with P90 single-coil pickups. 1957 saw the release of the mighty PAF humbucker. This ’50s Les Paul captures all of that vintage swagger with dual CustomBuckers; an impeccable Ultra Light aged finish is icing on the cake. Available now at Guitar Center, the ’57 Les Paul Goldtop will become the centerpiece of your collection.

1957 Les Paul Goldtop Darkback Reissue Main Features

  • Solid mahogany body, 2-piece maple top
  • Mahogany neck with Chunky C-profile, Indian rosewood fretboard
  • Dual CustomBucker alnico III pickups, 3-way switch
  • ABR-1 tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece, Kluson single line, single ring tuners

Historic Construction

Gibson spec’d solid mahogany for the body, a warm and mellow tonewood. The two-piece maple top adds snap; it’s affixed with hide glue. Tom Murphy was instrumental in setting up the Gibson Custom Shop. For the last 25 years, he’s perfected the art and science of aging instruments. Murphy’s team puts this guitar through its Ultra Light aging process—slight lacquer checking, but few signs of real play wear.

Period-Correct Neck

Fans of ‘50s neck profiles will dig the Murphy Lab Les Paul. The mahogany neck sports a Chunky C shape for a fat—but not baseball bat—feel. The Indian rosewood fretboard has rolled, comfortable edges. The inlays incorporate reverse-engineered cellulose nitrate shaped into trapezoids; looking like aged crowns, the vibe is appropriately regal.

Pickups From the Past

Gibson saves its best pickups for Custom Shop instruments. This Les Paul is loaded with dual CustomBuckers. They’re made with alnico III magnets and are unpotted for historical accuracy.

Historic Hardware

This ’57 Goldtop locks in the tone with a lightweight aluminum stopbar tailpiece and ABR-1 bridge with nickel-plated brass saddles. The Kluson single-line, single-ring tuners are period-correct. The hardware displays a VOS patina.

The Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Darkback comes with a certificate of authenticity and an aged brown and pink Lifton reissue 5-latch hard case.
Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue Ultra Light Aged Electric Guitar Double Gold
Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue Ultra Light Aged Electric Guitar Double Gold
Gibson Custom Murphy Lab 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue Ultra Light Aged Electric Guitar Double Gold

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Solid mahogany body, 2-piece maple top, Ultra Light aging
  • Chunky C profile mahogany neck, Indian rosewood fingerboard
  • Dual alnico III CustomBucker pickups, unpotted for dynamic range
  • ABR-1 bridge, aluminum stopbar tailpiece, Kluson tuners
warning

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Body Type: Single Cutaway Solid Body
  • Top wood: Maple
  • Body wood: Mahogany
  • Body finish: Gloss
Neck
  • Neck shape: Chunky C 
  • Neck wood: Solid Mahogany
  • Scale length: 24.75"
  • Truss rod: Standard
Fingerboard
  • Material: Rosewood
  • Radius: 12"
  • Number of frets: 22
  • Inlays: Trapezoid
  • Nut width/material: 1.687"/Nylon
Electronics
  • Configuration: HH
  • Neck: Proprietary Humbucker
  • Bridge: Proprietary Humbucker
Hardware
  • Bridge type: Fixed Bridge
  • Tailpiece: Stopbar
  • Tuning machines: Vintage-style
  • Color: Nickel
Other
  • Number of strings: 6 String
  • Case: Hardshell Case
  • Orientation: Right handed
  • Country of Origin: United States

Featured Articles