The 1957 Epiphone Les Paul Goldtop Reissue DG is Epiphone's tribute to a true guitar classic. This golden beauty brings the first generation of Les Pauls with humbuckers back to the stage – a milestone in guitar history. Developed and built in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop, this reissue combines vintage-accurate specs with the precision of modern manufacturing. From the "Patent Applied For" sound of the Custombuckers to the "Luxe Bumblebee Paper-in-Oil" capacitors, the 50s Rounded Medium C neck profile, and the accurately positioned side dots – no detail has been left to chance. And all of this comes at a price far below that of vintage originals or Custom Shop models.
What can the Epiphone 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue DG do? In short: Rock! Its two AlNiCo 3 humbuckers deliver everything from bluesy crunch to creamy, dynamic lead tones. The 50s Medium C neck profile combined with the long-tenon neck joint offers an authentic yet comfortable playing experience, and the hardware also hits the right notes: ABR-1 Tune-o-Matic bridge, aluminium stopbar tailpiece, CTS pots, Switchcraft three-way toggle switch, Black Beauty caps – it reads like a parts list from Gibson's 1950s warehouse. The craftsmanship is impressively refined, and the new Vintage Gloss finish looks classy without assuming an artificially aged appearance. And then there's that iconic open-book headstock shape – typically Gibson and now found on this Epiphone.
The Epiphone Goldtop is designed for players who seek classic looks, rich tones, and high-quality craftsmanship without the need for a Gibson Custom Shop budget. It is perfect for Les Paul fans who appreciate the transition from P-90s to humbuckers, as well as for vintage newcomers looking to explore that 1950s tone without sacrificing modern playability, good craftsmanship, or accurate intonation. The neck feels great in the hand, the pickup response is organic, and the dynamics reward nuanced playing. However, players looking for extreme versatility or high-gain performance may find better options elsewhere. This Goldtop stays deliberately close to the original, with all its strengths and flaws.
Today, Epiphone is known only as the Asian budget offshoot of Gibson. Yet both companies were once independent, equal, and also bitter rivals. The roots of Epiphone go back to the 1870s and to Anastasios Stathopoulo, a Greek instrument maker, who emigrated to America in 1903 with his son Epaminondas (“Epi” for short). Epi changed the name of the firm to the "Epiphone Banjo Company" after taking over the family business in 1928. During this year, Epiphone also began to manufacture guitars, which rapidly came to dominate their sales. In 1957, Epiphone was taken over by C.M.I., which already included Gibson, but continued as a separate brand until 1970, when manufacturing was outsourced to Asia. Well-known Epiphone models include the Casino, played by the Beatles, and the Sheraton, John Lee Hooker's instrument of choice.
Whether it’s Blues, Classic Rock, Indie, or Hard Rock, the 1957 Epiphone Les Paul Goldtop Reissue DG delivers dynamic and organic tones across a wide stylistic range. Its ideal companions: A good tube amp, a quality cable, and maybe a subtle boost in the signal chain. In the studio, it shines with an immediate response, smooth compression, and a well-defined attack. In rehearsal or on stage, on the other hand, it will impress with powerful sustain, strong presence, and that unmistakable vintage character. Visually, too, it makes a statement, adding a stylish and refined element to videos, acoustic sets, and small club stages. Whether played clean or with a few select effects, its tone will always remain distinctive and characterful. A classic Les Paul!
Custombuckers with AlNiCo 3 magnets
The installed Gibson Custombuckers are modelled after the original late-50s pickups and are the very same used in Gibson’s highest-end Custom Shop guitars. That's not just marketing – it's something players can hear and feel. The AlNiCo 3 magnets deliver a balanced blend of warmth, clarity, and bite - no muddiness, no harsh, honky mids. Paired with hand-wired electronics – CTS pots, Switchcraft switch, and Black Beauty caps – the result is a tone that walks the line between clarity and vintage-style compression. Players looking for that legendary "Burst Tone" are therefore sure to find it here. This combination of components ensures an open, touch-sensitive sound that captures every nuance of the music.