Les Paul's #1 Gibson Goldtop

[Mak2525]

Les Paul's Les Paul going up for auction. Really surprised by the estimate from Christies. For the historical value alone, I think it would sell for much more!

https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainm...edgdhp&pc=U531

[Dru Edwards]

Hey Mike, I had read about it a couple of weeks ago. The first prototype Gibson Les Paul owned by Les Paul and being sold by his son. $100,000-150,000 estimate on it which does seem low. Les liked to tinker with his guitars, as can be seen. I like the checking on the top.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainm...edgdhp&pc=U531

[Mak2525]

Definitely a cool piece of music history. Based on what many historical guitars of note have sold for in the past, and the provenance of this one, really thought this would be a mid six figure to seven figure piece. I guess we will find out once it hits the block! I'll start the bidding at $1000 - think that will take it?

[Street Glider]

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

Hey Mike, I had read about it a couple of weeks ago. The first prototype Gibson Les Paul owned by Les Paul and being sold by his son. $100,000-150,000 estimate on it which does seem low. Les liked to tinker with his guitars, as can be seen. I like the checking on the top.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainm...edgdhp&pc=U531

The crazy thing about it is that, had he not have done all of those modifications, it would be an easy $750K...

[Rudy4]

Here is the feature story from CBS Sunday Morning:

[Glennwillow]

I remember watching videos of Les Paul playing that guitar. It looked ancient then; it looks even older now. The thing belongs in a museum, I think!

- Glenn

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by Glennwillow

I remember watching videos of Les Paul playing that guitar. It looked ancient then; it looks even older now. The thing belongs in a museum, I think!

- Glenn

Glenn, it's a shame it doesn't go to a museum so that it can be shared. Not sure where... the MET in NYC? The Smithsonian? A traveling exhibit.

[Gitfiddlemann]

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

Glenn, it's a shame it doesn't go to a museum so that it can be shared. Not sure where... the MET in NYC? The Smithsonian? A traveling exhibit.

My vote would be the R&R Hall of Fame. He was inducted many years ago, and just think of the guitar’s influence on the R&R scene.
The Smithsonian is a good choice too

[BoneDigger]

So, this sold for $930,000?

[Mak2525]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

So, this sold for $930,000?

Looks like that's what it went for:

https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-63...ssummary&lid=1

Guess my estimate above was pretty good

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

So, this sold for $930,000?

Yep, I read it earlier today. Not sure why the initial estimate was only $100,000-150,000.

[GoPappy]

The interesting thing is that the high bid was $750,000, but the $180,000 Buyer's Premium (!!!!!!!!!) pushed the total to $930,000.

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by GoPappy

The interesting thing is that the high bid was $750,000, but the $180,000 Buyer's Premium (!!!!!!!!!) pushed the total to $930,000.

Wow, the privilege one pays for a buyer's premium.

Many of you know I love Les Pauls... I can confirm I am not the new owner. That darn buyer's premium

[TiffanyGuitar]

Pretty sure, but could be wrong, that the buyer's premium is the fee to Christie's.

[GoPappy]

Originally Posted by TiffanyGuitar

Pretty sure, but could be wrong, that the buyer's premium is the fee to Christie's.

That is correct. $180,000 on $750,000 is 24% That is so outrageous it seems almost impossible. But that's the number I saw.

And, consider that the SELLER also paid some sort of listing or brokerage fee to Christie's. So, it seems to me that Christie's made out like a bandit.