Well it's only January 2021 but already we have here a strong candidate for 'Coolest Guitar of the Year' in our clutches...

Eve, as she has been named by its former owner of some 30 odd years, is a very rare, very early 1952 Les Paul Standard with unbound fingerboard. It is one of the first 100 or so ever made and exhibits some very unique features only seen of the first few Les Paul's ever made.

It has, as mentioned, the unbound fingerboard with white side dots. It has a slightly thicker body which hopefully you can see by looking at the side pics and neck joint, the 'i' on the logo is attached to the 'G'. The neck has a very soft V shape to it and the control cavity routing is very different to what later Les Pauls look like, it is almost as if Gibson were still figuring out how to do this.

It is completely original down to the last screw and is superb condition. Have a look at the pics and you will see what we mean, it is bordering on near MINT but not quite. It includes the original, flat top brown case with pink lining that these early ones came in, together with some case candy - advertising and such.

How does it play? Well it plays really quite well actually and if you do not have a need to palm mute then you will very much enjoy this. If palm muting is required then the installation of a MoJo Ax tailpiece section will give you that flexibility while keeping the originality intact. The frets are generally in great shape, there is a bit of wear at the root positions but nothing that gets in the way and in our opinion, it is not in need of a refret.

The pickups are vintage soap bar P-90's and both of them sound as good as any we have had here. They have original windings with no solder disturbed on the pots and help make the entire guitar sing really well.

There is very little wear on it anywhere, a bit of wear is just above the neck pickup and a few minor dings here and there but just have a look at the pics, we think it is probably one of the finest 1st edition Goldtops around.

So there you have it. One uber cool guitar and the only unbound '52 we have ever had here. A rare sight and in collectable condition that also happens to play superbly well too. What more could you surely ask for...