Yesterday, a remarkable piece of guitar history went under the hammer: Snowy White’s 1957 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop. This iconic instrument, played by a guitarist known for his work with Thin Lizzy, Pink Floyd, and Roger Waters, fetched an impressive $93,750.00, including buyer’s premium. While not a White Les Paul Guitar in the traditional sense of a custom color finish, this goldtop represents the same era and legendary status that collectors often associate with highly sought-after Les Pauls, including those rare white finishes.
This particular Les Paul, serial number 7 2916, boasts a unique and well-documented history of modifications, adding to its character and story. Snowy White acquired this guitar in 1969 from its original owner in Sweden, trading a 50’s Stratocaster and £120 for it. Over the years, this guitar has seen several changes, reflecting Snowy White’s personal preferences and the practical needs of a touring musician.
The modifications began in 1970 when the tuners were replaced with Grovers. A significant upgrade came in 1972 when Peter Green gifted White a wire ABR-1 bridge, which was installed to prevent saddle loss during string breaks – a common concern for players. Around 1978, a metal jack plate replaced the original, and a phase switch was briefly installed on the pickup switch cover, though later removed, leaving a visible square hole and screw holes. Interestingly, tape inside the cover bears markings from Roger Waters’ crew, a testament to its touring life.
Further modifications in the late 70s and early 80s included a push/pull pot on the bridge tone control and replaced pots and ground plate by Chandler Guitars. Copper shield tape was also added to the control plate cover. The headstock suffered two breaks, both repaired by Chandler Guitars, first in 1990 after a fall from a guitar stand and again in the mid-2000s while on tour with Roger Waters in Holland. The pickup covers have been removed and reinstalled at some point, and the guitar has been refretted multiple times, a necessity for a well-played instrument.
Despite these numerous modifications and repairs, the auction listing described the condition as “Good,” highlighting the “considerable checking” on this “incredibly iconic instrument.” The original hard case was included in the sale. The fact that this Les Paul, far from being a pristine, untouched example, still commanded such a high price underscores the allure of vintage instruments with a rich history and connection to notable musicians. While perhaps not the ‘holy grail’ white Les Paul guitar some collectors dream of, Snowy White’s goldtop Les Paul represents a tangible link to rock and blues history, proving that player-grade guitars with stories to tell hold significant value in the vintage market. The sale of this guitar sparks the question: what truly defines the value of a vintage instrument – pristine condition or a life well-played in the hands of a legend?
