Gibson Les Paul 57 Dickey Betts "Goldie" Tom Murphy Ultra-Aged (2001)

Forrest Richard “Dickey” Betts, co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band and master of Country, Jazz, Blues and Rock fusion, is one of the musical cornerstones of what has become known as Southern Rock. Over the years he played a variety of Gibson models, but when it came to Les Pauls Betts had a great fondness for his 1957 Paula. He acquired it in 1971 and in later years it was briefly loaned to the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame". When it was on display there its finish was affected by a chemical reaction, whereupon Dickey had the paintwork completely sanded off and the Paula painted red. This replica is therefore based on the original look of the original with an extremely attractive gold finish, which was aged in his characteristic style by Tom Murphy himself. In addition, the instrument was made historically correct with “True Historic” plastic parts, hide-glue etc. The playability is first-class thanks to the familiar, extremely comfortable “C” neck profile, 12'' fingerboard radius and rolled fingerboard binding. Furthermore, two specially manufactured '57 Customwounds are used, which are of course very closely based on the original PAFs. Wonderfully airy and transparent with the characteristic mids and highs. Whether Jazz, Blues or Hardrock, these pickups can handle any style of music at its very best. Fat, assertive and differentiated with a dynamic tone that is convincing clean as well as distorted and with singing lead sounds all along the line. As a special treat the Les Paul not only comes with a certificate signed by Dickey Betts and Custom Shop cable, but the guitar itself also bears Dickey's signature and the signature of his son Duane. As this is unlikely to be the case with any of the other 113 “Goldies” the collector's value of this exclusive top player is only further enhanced. The previous owner had the pickups professionally replaced at short notice, but the original ones have now been reinstalled. Of course the solder joints had to be touched. But if you can live with this negligible shortcoming, you get an absolute icon of music history in top condition, as well as the characteristic “Dickey Betts Goldie” imprint on the original case and all kinds of case candy.

• Includes original case, certificate, hangtags, signed concert card, Dickey Betts strings, cable, cleaning cloth, tool
• Weight: 4350 grams