Phil Hurley's Gibson Les Paul Goldtops | 1952, 1977, 2000

Guitarist, singer & songwriter Phil Hurley of The South Austin Moonlighters shows us his three Les Paul Goldtops. He shares the history of each guitar and what makes each one special. Toward the end of the piece Phil showcases each guitar by playing them through a 1965 Fender Vibrolux.
- 1952 Les Paul (0:32)
- 1977 Les Paul (3:52)
- 2000 Les Paul (8:17)
- Rhythm Pickups (11:11)
- Middle Position (13:03)
- Lead Pickups (14:40)
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Visit www.thesouthaustinmoonlighters... to learn more about The South Austin Moonlighters.

[@MH3GL]

This is a happy man - because he understands and appreciates the value of what he has.

[@jcsk8]

That 52 deserves an hour solo video.

[@edacheb]

"play authentic" that phrase gives me anxiety now!

[@oe542]

edacheb what do you mean when you say that? Serious question.

[@edacheb]

@@oe542 it refers back to the recent issues Gibson had when they released a KZbin vid with Mark Agnesi entitled "play authentic"

[@oe542]

edacheb is that the dude from Norms? I saw a vid a while back with him in it. I guess he works for Gibson now?... I dunno. TBH I love guitars and music but I don’t keep up with the scene. But I do know in the vid I saw people were banging in the guy pretty hard in the comments, but like I said since I don’t keep up with that scene I’m not why, but I guess I don’t care enough to investigate very much. Thanks though.

[@edacheb]

@@oe542 yea that's the guy he's with Gibson now. It was just a power play from Gibson threatening to sue smaller companies who use the Gibson les Paul shape when making guitars. Not very reasonable. Sadly Agnesi got caught in the middle of it all as he had just taken a job being like a brand ambassador. Dust has mostly settled now but the lawsuits did happen

[@MrGibsn1960]

Lol

[@martinroach608]

Love the way this guys talks about guitars. So cool to hear the passion. Never heard a note he ever played before the last part of the video. He made me wanna listen

[@neanderthalsnavel7411]

I could listen to that '52 all night

[@LarsUelf]

2:04 *Agnesi Intensifies*

[@edacheb]

nailed it

[@craigusselman546]

2900 for a 1952 wow Just bought my 2006 Gibson for 2800 I sheepishly asked if i could play it so they took it down for me- I loved it one week later its mine it was meant for me its right beside me on the bed if a 13 year old LP makes me feel that way well... you are lucky Mr Hurley

[@larrocovarry9027]

WoW !!! This is one of the best sales tools for goldtop gibsons I've ever seen !!! Sold me ....

[@Factory_Muff]

In 92 or 93 I was in Junior High School and had a cool music teacher who made me play Tears in Heaven with him at the talent show and we had to practice a lot. I remember he was crazy excited about a Gibson semi hollow from the 50’s he had just gotten for a good price. I don’t remember the model but it was single cutaway single pickup tobacco burst jazz box. That was my introduction to vintage guitars.

[@philtron1969]

Thank god for cool teachers!

[@yourdrummer2034]

I love listening to Phil's stories about his gear. The 3 guitars are priceless BECAUSE of the stories they hold!

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for the kind words Scott.

[@yourdrummer2034]

@@MythvsCraft thank you for sharing!

[@titi314]

The 77 got something that makes this "vintage" tone,. A a real balance between clarity, resonnance and punchy response. Thanks for sharing!

[@ferromiami]

That 52 rocks love the P90’s

[@GlennJimenez]

The 50 something is the treasure But the 70s model is the players guitar

[@philtron1969]

Agreed!

[@JimBob-oy9bs]

70s no doubt

[@wiseguy9202]

They're all players to me. I have a mid-50's conversion Standard and I play the shit out of it.

[@johnladdsmusic]

What a testament to the fact that great players can make any era guitar sound musical! Love this...

[@philtron1969]

Thank you!

[@garyeckel8876]

Whoa man..."you have great hands" Ive watched a lot of players and heard a lot of bands but your rhythm and tone just POP, Great Sound, not just the guitar its your playing.

[@anvil777]

omg, all 3 are ridiculously fantastic guitars...that 52 in the middle position with gain, that was heavenly

[@MJPGuitar]

Awesome stories and great tones to be had

[@philtron1969]

Thanks for watching!

[@mrjekyll6]

That '77 is both a smack in the face and a caress to the heart. Totally in love.

[@JohnGaray]

Wow, this dude's enthusiasm is great!

[@philtron1969]

Thanks, John!

[@baroqueguitarist5673]

I'm a fender guy mainly. Love the necks on pre cbs fenders. Had a slab board jazzmaster I loved. Those necks were heaven to me. Therefor I never could connect with the mahogany necks on expensive vintage les Pauls... UNTIL... I found a 1976 goldtop just like his guitar... That maple neck was worn to hell and felt like heaven. To me it feels even better than a pre cbs fender comfort wise. Now it's my number one. Stuck some real vintage PAFs and electronics in it and honestly the difference in tone from a pancake body and maple neck with vintage electronics and a real vintage les paul is very small. Only true guitar snobs could probably notice if they listen carefully. Remember now live or on a recording you hear it in a mix. Plus there is something about aged wood. There's a magic to mine or mojo that gives it a different sound from other les pauls. It's one of the lucky ones with good wood and good construction. It sings. To me it's heaven for a les paul. Definitely superior in my opinion in sound to expensive reissues. I also wouldn't trade it for a 59 honestly. Maybe trade it for the money but not because I wanted to play a better guitar. For me it's better for what I like. That neck is where it's at for me. I play a million times better on that maple neck. Just because everybody else wants a 59 les paul dosnt mean you will if your honest about what you like in an instrument.

[@jgdroptop1]

Great “show and tell” Phil. It’s always a pleasure to hear the stories, see the instrument and then experience the tones from the musicians hammering on these Gibson work horses! Keep Rocking Buddy..👍🏻😎

[@slashingbison2503]

I love when people loves their guitars. Vintage Tokai owner here!

[@Zoso7227]

Great player who actually uses these gems and appreciates playing them. They all sounded great in their own way. Great video!

[@sepultubob]

The dude can play ! I'm a high gain guy but every time I listen to a LesPaul in one these fender amps it's fantastic !! Dirty, raunchy, bright and clear and never gets muddy like it can be in marshalls and other stuffs like that.

[@philtron1969]

Thank you!

[@sepultubob]

Your welcome ! thanks for taking time to reply @@philtron1969

[@vadenk4433]

I saw Giggalo aunts a few times playing with Counting Crows. Really liked the album that was purple. Had a Giggalo aunts poster back in the day too. My ex girlfriend asked for it when we broke up. Haven’t seen it since lol

[@anthonyrichard461]

Still enjoy watching your video. Still think my original assessment 4 years back is still valid.

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you Anthony!

[@conanbarbarian3797]

i used to play with this guy all the time,in a bar in los angeles..,i played harp in 29 mules,,,he was in a band called stonehoney,,he was fucking great back then ..still is,,

[@philtron1969]

Great to hear from you, Dave!

[@7775Kevin]

Enjoyed this. Good stories and cool guitars

[@jonbergeron7681]

that 52 gave me shivers! that guitar has some serious soul

[@mattrogers1946]

That neck P-90 is to die for!

[@nfijef]

Great stories, thanks Mr. Phil!

[@lanthaniated1]

The best gold top rundown on the tube...

[@philtron1969]

Many thanks!

[@JarickL]

Tracy Bonham...there's a blast from the past! Three really fun guitars and love his passion for them. That 52 is just wonderful.

[@frontbum420]

Very nice of you to do this video. I have heard 52' serial #777 almost every summer and those guitars do "give it up"

[@Magik1369]

Gold tops always my fave. Great video...fantastic playing and tone!

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

What a bloody great video! Fantastic job all involved :)

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you very much! We shot a similar video shortly after this one, this time comparing his four semi-hollow and hollowbody guitars. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIXVkHp5fp17mNU

[@sandbiker]

They all sound great in his hands. Nice video/interview.

[@eddalbey2731]

Always loved your playing, Phil. Glad to see that gold top found the right hands.

[@jeffkenny9448]

I just love that 52' and the 77'. They sound and look amazing!

[@icenesiswayons9962]

I had a 79 Ibanez Artist that was exactly like you describe that one, so I completely understand the sole match, wood to bone, mind to string. Omg. It's the most comfortable feeling. It makes you a musician and you make it an instrument!

[@oldmanofcotati]

Hey Phil! Thanks for taking the time to make and post this Video. I enjoyed it immensely.

[@philtron1969]

Thanks for watching!

[@loopmasta5104]

"Older than Rock'n'Roll". I dig that quote

[@goswo]

Great sound great tasteful playing

[@JP-jy7sk]

So good!

[@SmokeRises]

Thank you for taking the time to let us into you your world of Les Paul's and personal life history. One of the treats on KZbin

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for watching and the kind words. We're about to publish a new video, this time looking at four of Phil's hollow body / semi-hollow body guitars: 1967 Gretsch Country Gentleman, 1967 Guild Starfire III, 1980 Epiphone Casino and 2014 Gibson "Rich Robinson" ES-335. Keep an eye out for it!

[@philtron1969]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrissensel6658]

all of them are so awesome but there is just something about the sound of that 52. Awesome video.

[@4Gunzo]

That 52 is incredible. I love the way it looks

[@lexzbuddy]

Thanks for sharing

[@marktoken6052]

Never heard of Phil but I enjoyed his demos. I have a 2018 Gold top that I enjoy as well.

[@WadeJohnsonEBOY]

Phil, Your tones on your guitars are incredible! Add to that your excellent musicality and it's pre greatness! Of course you know how much I love The South Austin Moonlighters!!!

[@philtron1969]

Thanks for watching, Wade!

[@davidgrove661]

I love hearing how people come by their guitars reinforcing the idea that the guitar finds the person.

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you David. It's a treat to listen to Phil talk about and play guitars. If you enjoyed that video you might also enjoy watching this video about four of his other guitars: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIXVkHp5fp17mNU

[@wiseguy9202]

I scored a pre-CBS Strat for $200 back in the late 90's from a guy string out on coke. Apparently coke is a hell of a drug.

[@cyrus1357]

@@wiseguy9202 that was a good day for you

[@sl.is.google]

Lovely stuff

[@renodavid]

Great playing! Also, the video is so beautifully photographed. Not to mention the great sound. Quality production all the way around.

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for the kind words David!

[@reacteur84]

just love the way you talk about your guitars

[@philtron1969]

I do love guitars!

[@thebuzztone]

Just a fantastic video of tone and technique.

[@Burtronic]

I’ve watched this several times and it always comes back around, great bloke and great story’s

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for watching and the kind words. Phil is indeed a great guy and his love for music and his instruments really comes through.

[@Burtronic]

Myth vs. Craft very much so, the sheer enthusiasm is infectious. Thanks for putting out a great video!

[@MythvsCraft]

@@Burtronic You are so welcome. If you haven't watched them already, I have three other videos with Phil on my channel.

[@steve10358]

Such a fun watch.

[@robbertredert]

Phil should get more video’s up! Doin great! Love the Pauls. Lovely stories

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for the kind words Robbert. Phil is a great storyteller and musician.

[@guitarmemoir]

My brother owns a 2000 Murphy aged R-7 and it is an amazing guitar. He bought it used. They are out there.

[@dizzyrider3883]

I’ve got the same bigsby and never had a problem either in 30 years of playing. 👍

[@PlayListAyesha]

Wow. This is amazing.. 👍

[@GunnerWoodMusic]

Awesome, awesome video. Thanks for sharing!

[@doukdouk2550]

They all sound good but wow..that 77 sounds amazing!

[@WindsOfNeptune]

Super cool. Back in the late 90s I acquired a '79 LP Standard. I used to feel like it wasn't "one of the good ones" because of the 3-piece maple neck and other oddities of that era, but now I've come to appreciate that it truly is a beautiful guitar that plays great and sounds amazing. And I got it for a great price back then.

[@EdoardoMorelli]

great playing...but man, there's something about the p90 that always wins for me...so much character.

[@HaraldEngels]

I wish there would be more such personal and soulful guitar videos on KZbin. I really enjoyed watching it :-)

[@philtron1969]

Very kind of you!

[@geraldhills41]

Great sound

[@MythvsCraft]

Which one's your favorite?

[@74dartman13]

What great stories! I could listen to them all night. The '52 is just incredible! So is the 77 and even the 2000. Three awesome guitars. I know the same guilt...really not worthy telling amongst 3 awesome guitars, but I will. I've always been a Fender guy. I just bought a quality older Les Paul copy. First Gibson style guitar I've had. Bought for $75 and figured I'd make a few dollars on it. It is beautiful...a gold top too. Surprisingly, I played it and fell in love immediately! I never thought I would like a Les Paul, but I don't think I can part with this guitar. It's only $75, but is was bought to be sold and now I can't. I want the real deal now...I'm hooked! They're awesome! Would probably take more than twenty good credit cards for an old one now! I better fill out some applications...lol.😂👍🎸🎶

[@staffansvahn]

Great playing! You have the touch> Best wishes

[@lippymuff1871]

That 52 was just AMAZING....Dammit thats a nice sounding guitar

[@philtron1969]

And now I've got the lead pick up squared away.

[@lippymuff1871]

Phil Hurley Ahhh dude i bet it sounds insane now, I went out and bought a $600 Epi LP Custom 2016 model, and I've got to say I'm really impressed so far, it's no Gibson but it's still a beast of a guitar, it's got the coil splitting tech and out of phase when you pull up on the knobs, it really has a never ending variety of tone and sounds. Well you've got sone tasty guitars there Phil have fun bro, keep jammin brother!!

[@michaelheller8841]

That 52' with the P-90's hits it home for me. The quack is unique to its sound and tone for days. Possibly change the bridge pickup out? get it rewound with someone you trust that can do it. That guitar is special and it's a sound that most players are lusting over lol to try and get that sound. You have it and it's your own.

[@Jason-wo5rr]

you hear a lot of people getting down on gibson but honestly I have a 2015 les paul studio with 57 classic and 57 classic plus pickups and it plays like an absolute champ and sounds amazing. I got rid of the robo-tuners because i just didn't care for it but there's absolutely nothing wrong with gibson guitars. Complainers just like to complain sometimes. I'm sure there's an occasional bad guitar but not the vast majority of them. These goldtops sound great and at those prices you got a steal

[@Lensman864]

Very interesting and nice playing. Thanks.

[@philtron1969]

Thank you!

[@10INCHCRUSHER]

That 52 is amazing. Great score man. Wow.

[@montyderhak]

Vibrolux one of my dream amps...

[@tidepoolbay]

Phil The Guitars all sound great!

[@JeffKeel]

I’ve got Goldtop Fever right now and this does not help. Love the passion and playing

[@lp59pete]

Great sounding guitars being played by a great guitarist. Nice ~

[@philtron1969]

Cheers!

[@ricklogan3328]

Great guitars... Love them, the 52 sounds sweet!

[@SuperLitherland]

loved it

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

The 77 gets my vote. A lot of 70s Gibsons are great despite what the know it alls say.

[@acegibson9533]

I had both. I had a tobacco Les Paul that was a '77 and it was the biggest piece of shit I've ever owned. I had a '79 silverburst and it was an absolute gem. One of the best Lester's I've ever owned.

[@luckycharm4623]

@@acegibson9533 I had a '79 Black Standard that had Tim Shaw pickups....best Les Paul I've ever owned, and I've owned several custom shop LP's from the 90's and 2000's. That '79 had tone to the bone!!

[@ryanfulldark2775]

I have a few Les Pauls as well, I’ve always wanted a 70s tobacco burst custom despite what people say. I’ve heard a bunch, I like the bright attack, yet deep tone they all seem to have. This guy’s goldtop is no exception! More maple involved in construction maybe

[@svtcobra666]

What a cool video!! Great stuff.

[@nilspeterson4970]

Way cool! Stumbled on this. As a Cantonite, I know Potsdam and enjoyed the Gigolo Ants live in the local bars.

[@Juliang61]

Very enjoyable and interesting video

[@MythvsCraft]

Thank you for the kind words Julian.

[@dustnspace]

I was given a '76 "pancake" Les when I was maybe 15. It honestly made me who I am today. It just made me want to play it because it sounded so good, and made me sound good. It may even have influenced my posture with its heavy weight. It wasn't all stock as it had better pickups, tuners, and maybe more. I don't know or care about the opinions because it's the only gold top baby I've ever known, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Great passionate video! I feel it.

[@jonv5489]

The neck pickup on my 53 is the business for sure.

[@Kushalien51_nv]

All great just love the 52' where it pretty much began only reason why everyone need to love the very first thing Good stuff Hurley rock on God bless

[@davidwalker106]

I have an early 53 with the trapeze tailpiece. I grew up playing it so it doesn't bother me but you have to be careful not to bump it sideways. It is the best neck I've ever played on a guitar. Wouldn't trade it for the world.

[@zororosario]

It only took 5 years for me to get this video demo,? Really good guitar playing❤ Thanks for sharing your treasure stash, Cheers 😊

[@philtron1969]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. We sure had fun making it.

[@richardbinder9662]

I started taking lessons @ 1974 at Ax in Hand in Decatur Illinois and my instructor Chris had a Gold top deluxe. I loved that guitar and have always wanted one. The sunburst is cool but the gold top has that extra class.

[@gorgecoach]

This such a true viewing. I feel exactly this about my 61 Strat

[@gorgecoach]

LOve the end tune on this

[@diamondbreak]

LP’s have made such a perfect match with the Vibrolux.

[@trajtemberg]

That 77 sings perfectly. ps: best KZbin video I've seen in a while.

[@philtron1969]

Thank you!

[@imlacsina]

that 2000 does sound modern-ish. Gotta love the 52. So raw.

[@rodrigoantunesguimaraes9587]

Damn...the 52s sounds amazingly beautifull

[@fluxerflixer1]

I just bought a 2022 68 LP standard reissue gold top 70th anniversary. I was shocked at how great it plays. It’s the first batch reissue with the crown on the headstock, 1 piece mahogany body/ 2 piece maple cap, 1 piece mahogany neck. Highly recommend this guitar if you can find one! The did every last detail to replicate this guitar.

[@ianhughes100]

I have a 1980 Les Paul Custom. I love the 3 piece maple neck on it. Maple is more dense than mahogany, so you don't have to adjust the truss rod nearly as much. I basically never have to adjust my truss rod. The neck moves a tiny bit during winter and goes back when its warmer, but its never enough to warrant adjustment.

[@eternalme6077]

That "52" is a BEAUTY! I'm a sucker for P - 90s....❤

[@philtron1969]

Now that I've gotten the lead pickup squared away, that guitar is worth its weight in gold!

[@johnpike5836]

OMG...great guitars, great stories I like Phil's "fire side chat" demeanor. He inadvertently seems to "Invite" his audience "To Join Him in this Celebration"?? Whereas, many you tube guitar "experts" make u feel like they are Talking AT YOU. Yeah...I always felt that the Bridge Pick Up on Humbucker Les Paul's, were a little To Close to the bridge creating a "choked sound". I've dreamed about getting another LP and "Spinning the actual pick up Around" which would place the magnetic posts a little further forward towards the neck. For me, not even having a bridge PU, would be fine. I think the Volume of string vibration and "Ring Out value", takes place where the neck (fret board) meets the body. There are dozens of affects pedals that can simulate that plucky choked twang at the bridge. Loving All your stuff

[@tacoconch7678]

@2:04 So that's where Gibson got that slogan. SUE THEM !!!