For Sale: 1996 Gibson Les Paul Classic Gold Top w/ OHSC

Up for sale is a 1996 Gibson Les Paul Classic Gold Top, complete with its original hard-shell case.

These early Les Paul Classics have become increasingly hard to find, and clean examples like this are especially sought after. This one has all the right features that players tend to look for, including a slim ’60s neck profile, ABR-1 bridge, rosewood fingerboard, and the original high-output 496R / 500T pickup set. It is a great example of why these mid-’90s Classics have developed such a strong following over the years.

Condition

This guitar is in excellent condition and I would rate it a solid 9/10. It shows only light scratches, but nothing major. Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

There are no cracks, breaks, or repairs. The neck is straight, the frets are in excellent shape, and the guitar plays cleanly up and down the neck with no issues. It has also been recently professionally set up and is ready to go.

The original hard-shell case is included.

Specifications

Serial Number: 6 1150
Weight: 9 lbs 14 oz
Nut Width: 1.69"
Neck Depth: .82" at the 1st fret, .90" at the 12th fret
Neck Profile: Slim ’60s
Body: Mahogany Back with Maple Top
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece: Stopbar
Pickups: Original Gibson 496R (Neck) and 500T (Bridge)
Tuners: Gibson Deluxe Tulip
Hardware: Nickel
Finish: Gold Top
Case: Original Hard-Shell Case

Tone & Feel

The mid-’90s Les Paul Classics have a feel all their own. This one has the fast, comfortable slim ’60s neck that made the model so popular, along with the strong attack and output of the original 496R / 500T pickup set. It has the sustain, punch, and weighty feel you would expect from a good Les Paul, with a little more edge than a more vintage-voiced Standard.

At 9 lbs 14 oz, it has the kind of substantial feel many players want from a Les Paul of this era.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the actual instrument. At the end of the photo set, you’ll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to highlight any wear. We don’t just describe the condition — we show it in detail so there are no surprises. Many customers tell us our guitars often arrive in better condition than expected.

Why Buy From Guitar Chimp?

With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide for high-quality, player-ready instruments. Every guitar is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier.

We are experts at shipping and have safely shipped thousands of guitars all over the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation, so there is no risk to you as the buyer. We know how to pack and ship guitars so it arrives safely.

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This 1996 Gibson Les Paul Classic Gold Top is a clean, increasingly hard-to-find early Classic with the original case, desirable specs, and the kind of feel that has made these mid-’90s examples so sought after.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp
Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006