<P> Additionally , Gibson 's president Ted McCarty stated that the Gibson Guitar Corporation approached Les Paul for the right to imprint the musician 's name on the headstock with the intention of increasing sales ; in 1951 , Gibson presented Paul a nearly finished instrument for approval . Subsequently , McCarty claimed that design discussions with Les Paul were limited to the tailpiece and the fitting of a maple cap over the mahogany body for increased density and sustain , which Les Paul had requested reversed . However , this reversal would have caused the guitar to become too heavy , and Paul 's request was refused . Paul states that the original Custom should have had the maple cap and the Goldtop was to be all mahogany . The Custom did not appear on the market for another two years following the introduction of the Goldtop ; it is possible that Gibson had planned a full model range of guitars ( with a roll - out over the course of several years ) at the time when initial specifications were being set . Les Paul 's contributions to the guitar line bearing his name were more than cosmetic , but certainly included them . For example , Paul specified that the guitar be offered in a gold finish , not only for flashiness , but to emphasize the high quality of the Gibson Les Paul instrument . The later - issue Les Paul models included flame maple ( tiger stripe ) and `` quilted '' maple tops , again in contrast to the competing Fender line 's range of car - like custom color finishes . </P>
<P> Additionally , Gibson 's president Ted McCarty stated that the Gibson Guitar Corporation approached Les Paul for the right to imprint the musician 's name on the headstock with the intention of increasing sales ; in 1951 , Gibson presented Paul a nearly finished instrument for approval . Subsequently , McCarty claimed that design discussions with Les Paul were limited to the tailpiece and the fitting of a maple cap over the mahogany body for increased density and sustain , which Les Paul had requested reversed . However , this reversal would have caused the guitar to become too heavy , and Paul 's request was refused . Paul states that the original Custom should have had the maple cap and the Goldtop was to be all mahogany . The Custom did not appear on the market for another two years following the introduction of the Goldtop ; it is possible that Gibson had planned a full model range of guitars ( with a roll - out over the course of several years ) at the time when initial specifications were being set . Les Paul 's contributions to the guitar line bearing his name were more than cosmetic , but certainly included them . For example , Paul specified that the guitar be offered in a gold finish , not only for flashiness , but to emphasize the high quality of the Gibson Les Paul instrument . The later - issue Les Paul models included flame maple ( tiger stripe ) and `` quilted '' maple tops , again in contrast to the competing Fender line 's range of car - like custom color finishes . </P>
when was the first gibson les paul made
when was the first gibson les paul made
1951
1951