Electric guitars

Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS LH

The Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS LH pairs Custom Shop construction with two Alnico III Custombucker humbuckers in a left-handed format. Its premium price and traditional, non-tremolo setup make it a focused choice for players seeking this specific specification.

★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 5 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker

Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS LH: technical review

The Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS LH is a left-handed, U.S.-made Custom Shop electric guitar based on the 1957 Les Paul design. Its specification centers on a mahogany body, an arched maple top, a one-piece mahogany neck, and a one-piece rosewood fingerboard. The Double Gold finish gives the model its defining appearance, while the VOS designation identifies its Vintage Original Specifications treatment. These details make it a historically styled instrument with a clearly specified traditional layout.

The model has six strings, 22 frets, and a 628 mm scale. That scale is commonly described as short scale. The neck profile is a Chunky C, and the frets are described as Historic tall and narrow. Those are concrete indicators of the neck's intended shape and fret format, though they do not establish how the instrument will feel in an individual player's hands. Gibson lists the item as available since May 2023, with item number 549965.

Construction and playing layout

The body combines mahogany with an arched maple top. The neck is made from one piece of mahogany, matched with a one-piece rosewood fingerboard. Aged cellulose nitrate trapezoid inlays provide the fingerboard markers. Together, these materials and details follow the model's vintage-oriented brief without requiring any assumption about tone or comfort.

The left-handed configuration is central to this model's identity. Players should confirm that the guitar's controls, bridge arrangement, and overall orientation suit their setup before ordering. The supplied specifications identify it as a left-handed model but do not list the control layout or provide measurements for the neck's thickness. The Chunky C profile indicates a substantial shape by name, but a hands-on assessment would be needed to judge its fit for a particular player.

The 22 frets give the instrument two more positions than a 20-fret layout, while the 628 mm scale is shorter than many common electric-guitar scales. The specification does not state fretboard radius, nut width, string gauge, or factory setup. Those omissions matter to buyers comparing neck dimensions closely, especially when purchasing a left-handed instrument without first handling it.

Pickups and hardware

Gibson equips the guitar with two unpotted Custombucker AlNiCo III humbuckers in an HH arrangement. The description specifies the pickup type and magnet material, but does not give output readings, coil-wiring options, or switching details. It would therefore be inaccurate to claim particular tonal results from the supplied information alone. The unpotted construction is a notable specification for buyers comparing pickup designs, but the data does not include a test result or customer feedback.

The bridge is an ABR-1 design, paired with an aluminum stopbar tailpiece. Kluson single-ring tuners and nickel hardware complete the listed hardware package. No tremolo is fitted. This fixed-bridge arrangement keeps the hardware specification straightforward, although details such as bridge adjustment range and tuner ratio are not provided.

Finish, case, and value considerations

The Double Gold color is specified alongside the VOS finish designation. The product description does not explain the exact aging treatment or provide finish photographs here, so buyers should consult current images or a dealer for a precise view of the individual instrument. The model is not listed as a limited run, which distinguishes it from a formally limited production release, though availability can still vary by retailer.

A custom case is included. A gig bag is not. For a guitar in this category, the supplied case is useful to know when comparing package contents, but the specifications do not describe its construction or interior features. The listed price is 4222, with no currency specified in the supplied data, so it should not be treated as a confirmed amount in any particular currency.

What the specifications establish

The Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS LH is a left-handed, six-string Custom Shop guitar with a defined vintage-inspired construction: mahogany body and neck, arched maple top, rosewood fingerboard, two unpotted AlNiCo III humbuckers, and fixed ABR-1 bridge hardware. It includes a custom case and is made in the United States. Buyers can assess those features against their preferences and budget.

No customer reviews are available for this product. This review is therefore limited to the supplied specifications, rather than reported playing impressions or long-term ownership feedback. Before purchase, confirm the current price and availability, and check any missing setup details with the seller. For players seeking this exact left-handed configuration, the listed construction and hardware provide a useful basis for comparison, while hands-on evaluation remains the best way to judge the neck profile, finish, and overall fit.

Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS LH, front view
7.8/ 10 overall score
$4,222current price at the retailer
Check today's price price and delivery time at the retailer

Shipping and duties

The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.

Scores by area

Where it shines, where it stumbles

What convinced me

  • Left-handed Custom Shop construction with a one-piece mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard.
  • Two unpotted Alnico III Custombucker humbuckers and an arched maple top.
  • Includes a custom case and vintage-style hardware, including an ABR-1 bridge and aluminum stopbar.

What bugged me

  • Premium listed price of 4222, with no currency specified.
  • No tremolo and no gig bag included.

Is it the right one for you?

Good pick if

A strong fit for left-handed players seeking a Custom Shop Les Paul with a 1957-style specification. Also suited to players who prefer a chunky C neck, humbuckers, and a traditional bridge setup.

Look elsewhere if

Not a match for right-handed players or anyone who requires a tremolo. Buyers seeking a lower-priced model or a gig bag in the package may want to look elsewhere.
RockBluesJazz

Suggested level: Intermediate

Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS LH, $4,222Check today's price →

Specifications

Shape, design
LP-Style
Color
Gold
Body
Mahogany
Neck
Mahogany
Fretboard
Rosewood
Number of strings
6
Frets
22
Scale
628 mm
Pickup system
HH
Tremolo
No
Including case
Yes
Incl. gigbag
No
Limited run
No
Model
1957

Up close

Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS LH, detail 2Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS LH, detail 3Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS LH, detail 4Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS LH, detail 5

Watch and listen

Watch the video demo on YouTube →

Before you decide

Questions players ask

Is this guitar left-handed?

Yes. The product is specified as a left-handed model.

What pickups does it use?

It has two unpotted Custombucker humbuckers with Alnico III magnets.

What is included with the guitar?

A custom case is included. A gig bag is not.

Does it have a tremolo?

No. The listed hardware includes an ABR-1 bridge and an aluminum stopbar, with no tremolo.

What neck profile and scale does it have?

It has a chunky C neck profile and a 628 mm scale.

The last word from the bench

This left-handed 1957-style Les Paul combines a mahogany body and neck, an arched maple top, and a rosewood fingerboard. Its two unpotted Alnico III Custombuckers, ABR-1 bridge, and aluminum stopbar reflect a traditional specification, while the included custom case adds practical value. The chunky C neck profile and tall, narrow frets will suit players who prefer that feel, but not everyone will. Consider it if you want a left-handed Custom Shop model with these details and are comfortable with the listed price.

Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS LH, $4,222Check today's price →

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Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop VOS LH

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