2011 Gibson Custom Shop '55 Hot-Mod Les Paul Goldtop Exclusive Series
 
Specifications:
Model: Gibson Custom Shop '55 Hot-Mod Les Paul Goldtop Exclusive Series
Year: 2011
Finish: Goldtop (Vintage Nitrocellulose Lacquer)
Top: Maple (Off-Center Seam)
Body: One-Piece Mahogany (Non-Weight Relieved)
Neck: Long Tenon Mahogany
Neck Profile: Unique Soft-Shouldered '55 Profile (Deep but with a gentler slope for added comfort)
Fingerboard: Rosewood with Trapezoid Inlays
Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo
Scale Length: 24.75”
Nut Width: 1.687” (Nylon Nut)
Pickups:
Neck: Gibson Custom BurstBucker
Bridge: Gibson Custom BurstBucker
Electronics:
Hand-Wired with CTS 500K Pots & Bumblebee Capacitors
2 x Volume, 2 x Tone
3-Way Toggle Switch
Bridge: Wraparound Tailpiece (Vintage-Correct Aluminum)
Tuners: Kluson Deluxe Single Line (Nickel VOS Aged)
Hardware: Nickel (VOS Aged)
 
Personal Thoughts:
The '55 Hot-Mod Les Paul Goldtop Exclusive Series is a seriously cool take on a “what-if” Gibson concept, bringing together features from different parts of Gibson’s golden era to create a vintage-inspired yet uniquely modified Les Paul. This limited-run model was designed to celebrate Gibson’s "Year of Innovation," and they absolutely nailed it with this one.
 
The first thing you’ll notice is the stunning Goldtop finish, which has a deep, rich glow under the nitrocellulose lacquer, making it look and feel authentically vintage. The off-center seam maple top adds a nice touch of uniqueness, giving it that true old-school vibe.
 
What really sets this guitar apart is the neck profile—Gibson modeled it after a particularly special ‘50s neck, and the result is magical. It’s deep and substantial like a typical ‘55 neck, but with gentler shoulders, making it super comfortable in the hands while still offering that classic vintage feel. Whether you're playing big open chords or intricate lead runs, this neck just feels right.
 
Tonally, this thing absolutely rips. The Custom Shop BurstBuckers deliver fat, dynamic PAF-inspired tones, with rich harmonic overtones, tight low-end, and just the right amount of bite. The neck pickup is warm, smooth, and thick, while the bridge pickup gives you all the clarity, cut, and growl you need for blues, rock, and beyond. The wraparound bridge keeps things simple, resonant, and full of sustain, making this a truly vintage-voiced Les Paul with a killer playing experience.
 
This is one of those guitars that blends vintage authenticity with hot-rodded inspiration, making it perfect for players who love classic Les Paul tones but want something just a little different from the norm.
 
Condition Report:
This 2011 Gibson Custom Shop '55 Hot-Mod Les Paul Goldtop is in mint condition, with zero signs of wear, dings, or play marks. The Goldtop finish remains flawless, and the nitro lacquer has developed a beautiful, rich glow. The rosewood fretboard is dark and smooth, and the frets are in factory-fresh condition, ensuring effortless playability.
 
The hardware is immaculate, with no tarnishing on the aged nickel parts. All electronics function perfectly, with smooth volume/tone controls, a crisp 3-way toggle switch, and zero static or noise.
 
This guitar comes complete with its original Gibson Custom Shop hardshell case, COA, and all original paperwork, making it a highly collectible and incredibly fun player’s guitar. If you’re after a Les Paul that combines vintage vibes with a unique modified twist, this '55 Hot-Mod Exclusive is an absolute gem.