Les Paul Model Electric Guitar and Amplifier
Manufacturer Gibson American
Not on view
This gold-top Les Paul model is Gibson’s first production model electric solid-body guitar, made in 1952. The design came in response to Leo Fender’s 1950 Broadcaster model electric guitar which while innovative was simple in design and construction. The Les Paul model intentionally makes reference to the company’s status as a legacy brand dating back to 1902, in contrast to Fender who was a relative newcomer.
The design draws from shapes and features of their earlier arch-top guitars, with associations with Jazz music and formal attire. The tailpiece, the raised pick guard, and the arched top are all features of their famous models which had dominated the market for the last half century. The construction demonstrates their sophisticated tooling and factory set up, and the gold color is intended to communicate luxury and elegance.
The guitar belonged to the Swedish guitarist Peter Svennsson of The Cardigans. He and his father found the guitar on sale in 1995 and fell in love with it and in awe of its pristine collection. Svennsson owned it for nearly thirty years before offering it as a gift to The Met.
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