Bernie Marsden - Gibson Gold Top conversion Les Paul model e...

Hammer

£6,200

Bernie Marsden - Gibson Gold Top conversion Les Paul model electric guitar, made in USA, later stamped ser. no. 43508; Body: mahogany, possibly a converted 1950s wraparound or later reissue, original stop bar holes filled and painted gold, pickup cavities enlarged to house the now installed humbuckers, blemishes, checking and scratches throughout, pickguard fade to treble side of top; Neck: replacement neck, lacquer checking and dings, impressed serial number 43508, 'Les Paul Model' decal to face of head; Fretboard: Indian rosewood; Frets: generally good, refret; Electrics: working, fitted with Area 59 Bernie Marsden Signature humbucker pickups, replacement potentiometers and wiring; Hardware: missing pickguard, tuners, stop bar and Tune-o-Matic later replacements, replacement control knobs, later jack plate and control plates; Case: vintage Gretsch hard case bearing a 'Bernie Marsden' stencil to the lid; Weight: 3.96kg; Overall condition: good for age

*Acquired by Bernie during the recording of his 'Big Boy Blue' album after seeing the guitar advertised on eBay. Bernie replaced the then fitted T top Gibson humbucker pickups with his own Signature Beast Buckers. When Bernie bought the guitar, he was told by the seller that it was a 1954-1955 Gold Top conversion that had the neck replaced at the Gibson factory, however, these are not facts that can be verified

This is a guitar that has been used in the studio ever since and appears on page 151 of Bernie's book 'Tales of Tone and Volume'

More Information

Larger 50s type neck profile. Converted from wrap around to stopbar. Original Wrap holes filled and refinished over. Pickup cavities enlarged to allow for humbuckers. Body with many dings and marks. All hardware and electronics later. Please note that it is up to the buyer to determine and make their own mind up regarding the possible age of the guitar. Anything stated in the catalogue has been ascertained through conversation with Bernies knowledge of its history and what we can see.