We all must surely love goldtop Gibsons so why not gawp at this genuine and full spec 1968 Gibson Les Paul Standard.

Following the resurgence of the Les Paul in the late 60s, thanks to the popularity of artists such as Eric Clapton, Gibson reintroduced the single cut shape in 1968 using the 1956 guitar as a model.

This guitar looks fantastic. The one piece mahogany body has survived so well. The top has survived well with only a few minor knocks and the lacquer still retains its lustre. The back shows signs of buckle rash although this has only gone through to the wood on the top edge. The neck too has retained its sheen and remained damage free. The fretboard shows no sign of wear with plenty of life left in the frets.

Plastics are in fantastic shape. The pickup cover show no sign of cracking with only a little discolouration under the strings. The pick guard and binding are in brilliant condition. Hardware is still vibrant with the only vaguest hint of corrosion.

It has all the desirable 1st year features such as one piece neck, one piece bod, small headstock, early style cavity route and long neck tenon. It even has a proper late 1968 serial number. Electronically this guitar is all correct with all the solder joint untouched.

The guitar comes with its correct rectangular case with yellow lining which is also in great condition and even has the internal ‘Gibson’ ribbon intact as well as the fragile handle.

This guitar sounds as good as it look, both pickups being well balanced and toneful. The neck has the expected smoothness without being too bass heavy whilst the bridge pickup has plenty of bite.

The only mods are it once had different tuners but original types are now back on and the small screw holes of the others used to be on the back of the headstock have been extremely expertly touched up (see pics). Other than that, everything is very straight.

This is another stunning example and won’t be here for long so don’t let it get away.