Paying top dollar

for your diamonds since 1980

Vintage & Custom Les Paul Guitars

Posted on March 1st, 2023 by Joe G

1950’s through early 1960’s Les Paul guitars especially are the type we seek to buy.

What’s the difference between the two models of Les Paul guitars? Les Paul Customs were the more expensive than Les Paul Standards. Les Paul Customs featured an all black mahogany body, gold plated parts, rectangular pearl neck inlays on an ebony fingerboard with low fretless wonder frets and more elaborate pearl detail on the headstock. The earlier models had Alnico and P90 pickups then in 1957 changing to three humbucking pickups. A Bigsby vibrato tailpiece was an option that was available and more often found on the custom model. Customs had black alligator pattern cases with gold colored lining.

Les Paul Standards featured a mahogany body with a maple carved top, rosewood versus ebony fingerboard with trapazoid inlays and higher frets, nickel versus gold parts, brown case with pink lining. They were available in gold or sunburst finish. Both models started in the early 1950’s with P90 pickups changing to humbucking pickups in 1957. The Standard featured two humbucking pickups versus three as typically found on the Custom.

#Lespaulcustom,#Lespaulstandard,#Liftoncase,#Geibcase,#Gibsonlespaul,
#Gibsonlespaulcustom,#Gibsonlespaulstandard,#fretlesswonder,#Goldtop,#Sunburst,#Bigsby,

← Back

Customer Testimonial

Had a Great Experience

I have dealt in coins and metals since the 80s. Had dealings with many dealers. Got scammed by a few. Chicago Gold is the only one I would recommend to my family or friends. Have your valuables appraised by them before you sell.


Date: 05/12/2022 • 5 / 5 stars ★★★★★

Awesome place!

What a super knowledgeable gemologist. After all that experience also they are soooo willing to help and answer all the questions I had. Excellent experience. They went above and beyond for me. Highly recommended. Super trustworthy.


Date: 01/20/2022 • 5 / 5 stars ★★★★★

I'll be back

Cashed in some silver coins and received a very fair exchange. Joe and Chris, were very friendly, and comfortable to deal with. Came back with some jewelry, and received a rough appraisal...again no pressure.


Date: 11/15/2021 • 5 / 5 stars ★★★★★

I would do business with them again

I found the Chicago Gold Gallery to be a very honest and reputable shop. I would highly recommend this store to anyone buying and selling their possessions.


Date: 05/01/2021 • 5 / 5 stars ★★★★★

How to Reach Us?

Get Directions

Contact Us

Get the most for your valuables.

1236 W. Devon Avenue
Chicago, IL 60660

Phone: 773-338-7787 Email: chgogoldgallery@aol.com

Hours: Mon- Fri: 10:15am-6pm, & Sat: 10:15am-5:00pm

Especially Wanted

  • Gold & Silver Coins
  • Bullion Gold, Silver, & Platinum
  • Scrap & Old Gold
  • Sterling Silverware
  • Dental Gold
  • Coins & Coin Collections
  • Franklin Mint
  • Collectibles
  • Rare Coins
  • Antique & Modern Jewelry
  • Diamonds
  • Watches - Rolex, Patek Philippe
  • Broken Jewelry
  • Tiffany & Company - Cartier
  • Vintage & Modern Guitars