Mike Burn ( mikeburn.com ) from Frankfurt/Germany presents a fantastic and rare piece of vintage wood played through a 50W Tube Marshall. Drum Tracks played by Benno Bruschke (it's not a drum computer :)).
This video brought to me great joy! The incredible beauty of this guitar, really excellent playing, happiness and enthusiasm flowing from Mike, a very good recording, and most important is the singing voice and tones this instrument produces. I have been playing guitar for 48 years and did not know just how great a 1954 Les Paul Goldtop sounds. L'est we not forget, a large part was the great playing by Mike.
The guitars are always of the highest quality Mike but it's you that makes them come alive, your playing is exquisite and I have been playing 50 years, you're on an other level my friend.
What a great demo! You really pull all the most beautiful sounds out of that beauty, great job showing it off. I'd love to see and hear more of your demos man, cheers!
IMO the ’54 Goldtop is the ultimate electric guitar, To me, P-90s are the best sounding pickups ever made. They are not as thin or brittle sounding as are many single coil pickups and are more articulate and immediate than most humbuckers. They are full and bright while never sounding tubby or muddy. P-90s really scream and roar when overdriven and yet retain a beautiful and delicate tone when played clean. The Les Paul body-wood formula of maple-capped solid mahogany is tonally brilliant and balanced, complimenting the pickups to perfection. It is well to remember that the Les Paul was designed with and for P-90s. The simple one-piece, wraparound, solid metal bridge connects string vibration to the body completely and efficiently. One might think that the lack of movable saddles is a drawback for intonation, however, these guitars play in excellent tune without any noticeable problem on that score. Also, this bridge eases string tension, promotes greater harmonic response and sustain, virtually eliminates string breakage at the bridge and facilitates palm muting. The original 1952 LP Goldtop had a different and far less efficient bridge. Also, the neck on the ’52s was notoriously mounted at the wrong angle. This neck angle problem was carried over to the 1953 Goldtops which at least has the much better solid metal wraparound bridge. The neck angle was corrected for the 1954 Goldtops. !955 Goldtops and all Les Pauls thereafter have stopbar tailpieces and tune-o-matic bridges which, IMO, are overly complicated, suck tone and are not nearly as efficient as the wraparound bridge. In 1957 the P-90s were replaced with humbuckers making the Les Paul a completely different guitar from that point on. Accordingly, the 1954 Goldtop is the only Les Paul with all of the best features making it, IMO, the ultimate electric guitar.
I agree, but I have a 1953 all-gold Les Paul with the exact features, so the late 1953 are just the same. Incredible guitar all around, and also there are better-sounding demos of these models on TH-cam, I think...
thank you for the demo, it's so nice to see someone enjoying themselves so much and appreciating the awesome tone of a beautifully aged finely crafted instrument. Again thanks!
Thanks Mike, that was the best 5 minutes of my month so far. Your joy and love of this old lady really comes over in your video. Great playing and demonstration of the tone variety. Danke! Greetins from Schotland.
That sir, is my dream guitar, they can keep all the bursts! I have drooled over the 54-55 gold tops since I was 12. I watched a 80 yr + no-name bluesman rock one, in a small club in Montreal in 1976, he was magical. We talked for hours afterwards, the next day I bought a guitar. But I have never forgot that 54, the sound, the style. It all came back watching you play, thank you so much Mike.
Great job! Incredible guitar, wonderful playing and such a friendly personality! Video couldn't be better just like the guitar couldn't be any better; and a happy new year 2015!
Your friend did a great thing when he lent you this guitar, not just for you but we all can enjoy the sounds of your demo! Thanks for posting and great playing...
It is the guitar man! I wrote this at least twice here in the comment section, but this specific guitar belongs to the best electric guitars I ever had in my hands. Just magical!
your right what a great sounding guitar through the Marshall,, they where made for each other,, you got so many good tones out of it,, the intonation is great,,
finally a guitar demo of a vintage guitar thats not trying to sound like eric claptons bluesbreaker. i have been watching guitar videos to go to sleep for 3 months and you are the first.
Yeah, I have to admit, this guitar sounds really good. I am not usually so impressed my vintage instruments, I think most of it is hype but there is no denying this instrument just sounds wonderful. Well it does need to be played well and he certainly delivers that.
Mike I know I have commented before on your "1954 Les Paul Gold Top Guitar Demo Series" but each time I watch this I have a very big smile on my face - you are just in 7th heaven without any doubt. Right at the end 08:30 on you are, as we say "ON IT!" Maybe I'll ship my 1984 Yamaha SG2100S over to you to demo - we'll see. All the best Mike and keep up the great playing and reviews. Love & best wishes from the UK
Great video on a great guitar. I,too, was someone who would say a wrap around tail piece would not play well but everyone I've ever tried has played great. Thanks for the video.
Thank you Benno! Wonderfully informative video! You have given me the confidence to try a Gibson wrap-around bridge on my Epiphone Gold Top. All the very best.
Awesome demo - it's impossible to ignore your talent even with the killer tones you wring from this guitar. Sean Costello is looking down on you and smiling. Vielen Dank.
Mike, That Was AN AWESOME DISPLAY OF THAT GUITAR, I LIKE HOW YOU WENT THROUGH THE MANY DIFFERENT SOUNDS THAT YOU CAN GET, I LIKE THAT YOU PLAY WITH YOUR FINGERS, AS THEY SAY, GET THE MEAT ON THE STRING, MORE CONTROL,, , COUSIN FIGEL
Great demo by a talented player who loves the instrument
Your playing is some of the best I've listened to.
I'll have to agree.. He has a very unique beautiful style
Mike I just love this video so much. Forget about listening to you rather than the guitar...YOU ARE AMAZING!
This video brought to me great joy! The incredible beauty of this guitar, really excellent playing, happiness and enthusiasm flowing from Mike, a very good recording, and most important is the singing voice and tones this instrument produces. I have been playing guitar for 48 years and did not know just how great a 1954 Les Paul Goldtop sounds. L'est we not forget, a large part was the great playing by Mike.
It's 2023 and I still come back here for some Les Paul goodness. Thanks Mike!
My pleasure! :) ;)
This is the best sounding Les Paul I've heard. Those first few chords sound like heaven.
you literally cannot demo this guitar better than this man has just done. you deserve one of these guitars, good sir!
I know this video for 10 years now and I am still love hearing his playing and sound. Never gets old
The guitars are always of the highest quality Mike but it's you that makes them come alive, your playing is exquisite and I have been playing 50 years, you're on an other level my friend.
I'm a 1954 model too...this left me grinning ear to ear :)
Dude! thats one hell of a guitar...you've got a gorgeous tone. Lovely playing...man I'm so jealous!
This guitar sounds ridiculously good. Excellent playing Mike!
Mike-- your joy and enthusiasm bring me up, pardner. Sunshine on a cloudy day.
It doesn't get any better than this. The guitar and the playing.
No no no I want it, that 54 sounds bloody awesome
Very beatiful, my ears are in the sky for it les paul
Have to love how you jumped right into rocking' that beauty. Thanks Mike - nice video. Fantastic to hear this amazing guitar.
What a great demo! You really pull all the most beautiful sounds out of that beauty, great job showing it off. I'd love to see and hear more of your demos man, cheers!
IMO the ’54 Goldtop is the ultimate electric guitar, To me, P-90s are the best sounding pickups ever made. They are not as thin or brittle sounding as are many single coil pickups and are more articulate and immediate than most humbuckers. They are full and bright while never sounding tubby or muddy. P-90s really scream and roar when overdriven and yet retain a beautiful and delicate tone when played clean.
The Les Paul body-wood formula of maple-capped solid mahogany is tonally brilliant and balanced, complimenting the pickups to perfection. It is well to remember that the Les Paul was designed with and for P-90s.
The simple one-piece, wraparound, solid metal bridge connects string vibration to the body completely and efficiently. One might think that the lack of movable saddles is a drawback for intonation, however, these guitars play in excellent tune without any noticeable problem on that score. Also, this bridge eases string tension, promotes greater harmonic response and sustain, virtually eliminates string breakage at the bridge and facilitates palm muting.
The original 1952 LP Goldtop had a different and far less efficient bridge. Also, the neck on the ’52s was notoriously mounted at the wrong angle. This neck angle problem was carried over to the 1953 Goldtops which at least has the much better solid metal wraparound bridge. The neck angle was corrected for the 1954 Goldtops. !955 Goldtops and all Les Pauls thereafter have stopbar tailpieces and tune-o-matic bridges which, IMO, are overly complicated, suck tone and are not nearly as efficient as the wraparound bridge. In 1957 the P-90s were replaced with humbuckers making the Les Paul a completely different guitar from that point on.
Accordingly, the 1954 Goldtop is the only Les Paul with all of the best features making it, IMO, the ultimate electric guitar.
I agree, but I have a 1953 all-gold Les Paul with the exact features, so the late 1953 are just the same. Incredible guitar all around, and also there are better-sounding demos of these models on TH-cam, I think...
Thanks for the review, the close-ups and the great playing!
thank you for the demo, it's so nice to see someone enjoying themselves so much and appreciating the awesome tone of a beautifully aged finely crafted instrument. Again thanks!
Thanks Mike, that was the best 5 minutes of my month so far. Your joy and love of this old lady really comes over in your video. Great playing and demonstration of the tone variety. Danke! Greetins from Schotland.
It looks like your friend will never see that guitar again! : )
seattwa Unfortunately (for me) he DID see it again! LOL ;)
Mike Burn : (
I love your demos. Great instruments, tasty tones and playing!
What an old beauty! Lovely tone too! I really like your videos and playing. Thanks for uploading!
Your vibrato is awesome ! Love when you get into the hard crunchy bluesy stuff. Thank you, Mike !
You are a creative player. I always enjoy your guitar demonstrations.
That is the most beautiful gold top I think I've ever seen; it's perfect. The checking and sound is quite wonderful.
My favourite ever guitar review.
John Greenwood . I totally agree. I've watched it dozens of times. The P90's sound great. I may get a 2018 Les Paul classic with P90's in.
That sir, is my dream guitar, they can keep all the bursts! I have drooled over the 54-55 gold tops since I was 12. I watched a 80 yr + no-name bluesman rock one, in a small club in Montreal in 1976, he was magical. We talked for hours afterwards, the next day I bought a guitar. But I have never forgot that 54, the sound, the style. It all came back watching you play, thank you so much Mike.
That sound :O i have no words...............
Lucky man, and lucky guitar to be played so well ;)
I've watched this numerous times. My favourite guitar demo. Great recording and playing plus Mike's lovely personality.
.... die Chords sind ja ein Traum....
klingt überirdisch.... ✨
Great tone, great playing, great respect for the instrument! Thank-you so much for posting!
excellent video, and fantastic playing Mike..great job
Great demo, great playing, great recording and, oh yeah, a great guitar. Thanks so much for this.
Great job! Incredible guitar, wonderful playing and such a friendly personality! Video couldn't be better just like the guitar couldn't be any better; and a happy new year 2015!
Your friend did a great thing when he lent you this guitar, not just for you but we all can enjoy the sounds of your demo! Thanks for posting and great playing...
Wow. What a guitar and awesome playing. Congrats.
It is the guitar man! I wrote this at least twice here in the comment section, but this specific guitar belongs to the best electric guitars I ever had in my hands. Just magical!
your right what a great sounding guitar through the Marshall,, they where made for each other,, you got so many good tones out of it,, the intonation is great,,
I enjoyed that! Good playing and fantastic sounding guitar.
I love how you're not afraid to turn up the gain!! Great demo !
finally a guitar demo of a vintage guitar thats not trying to sound like eric claptons bluesbreaker. i have been watching guitar videos to go to sleep for 3 months and you are the first.
8:20 aww man how u gonna do that to me
Absolutely superb guitar sound Mike! What a beautiful guitar.... wish one like it could be mine. Keep up with the great demos!!!!
Wonderful guitar Demo. I loved the enthusiasm and that you let the guitar do the talking for itself cleanly. We saw it from the TrueFire forum.
Yeah, I have to admit, this guitar sounds really good. I am not usually so impressed my vintage instruments, I think most of it is hype but there is no denying this instrument just sounds wonderful. Well it does need to be played well and he certainly delivers that.
Thanks so much for the demo Mike, i've got a 53' on the way so am very excited!
I was lucky enough to get one of these yesterday. What a guitar! Nice playing and demo.
fantastic demo, covers all the bases perfectly. & your tasteful playing is very well matched to the instrument
Very nice playing, guitar sounds great. Thank you for sharing this video!
hi, mike I love your demos !! i love your playing , soloing BUT when you go through rythm with big riffs this is the best !!! cheers
Great guitar demo. WOW. It just sounds fantastic
It IS a fantastic guitar, the best P90's Gold Top I ever had my hands on, just a magic guitar.
Mike Burn I played an original 58 burst and an original 54, I'd have had the 54, what a great guitar
Love your playing too
Damn THOSE GUITARS FROM THE 50S WILL NEVER EVER BE BEATEN NOR FORGOTTEN!!!!!!! amazing work sir!!!!!!
Mike I know I have commented before on your "1954 Les Paul Gold Top Guitar Demo Series" but each time I watch this I have a very big smile on my face - you are just in 7th heaven without any doubt. Right at the end 08:30 on you are, as we say "ON IT!"
Maybe I'll ship my 1984 Yamaha SG2100S over to you to demo - we'll see.
All the best Mike and keep up the great playing and reviews.
Love & best wishes from the UK
Mike is wonderfully infused with a youthful enthusiasm - like a man forever newly in love. It's a gift we're lucky he shares...
Yuuuummmmmm. I can't believe how good that sounds. Even clean, through a Marshall! Dang
Wow, what fantastic playing. You said to not listen to your playing (just listen to the guitar), but I can't help it -- you're a great guitarist!
NICELY DONE!! Great guitar and taken through its paces beautifully. Great playing - THANKS!
Sweet guitar, and great playing as always, sweet sounds. Keep the great videos coming. Cheers.
That guitar is simply special. Thanks for sharing ;)
It has such a variety of tones......
great playing, great demo of how versatile the wraptail p90s are. THANK YOU!
Sounds so good and look at that Top Carve. They can't get that top carve like that anymore! Thanks!
Yes - great demo. Totally enjoyed the evaluation of the bridge - I completely agree, it's perfectly set up, you can just hear it.
One of the best guitar tones I've ever heard, truly amazing!!
Always a pleasure to watch Mike, nice to see a professional enjoy playing a guitar he loves...
Cool...as ice!
That thing sounds AMAZING!
Very nice playing.
As always Mike your demo's are excellent
That's the sound right there. Congratulations, stunning guitar!
Those P90s... beautiful
WOW! Wonderful playing with great guitar ! Love watching this video !
Excellent body carve! Great demo of a wonderful sounding P90 Goldtop.
Thank you! Loved your playing and down to earth demo!
vielen Dank
Great playing and great demo! Fantastisch!
Beautiful Guitar! I also love the P 90's.
Thanks
Great video on a great guitar. I,too, was someone who would say a wrap around tail piece would not play well but everyone I've ever tried has played great. Thanks for the video.
Great playing and spectacular sounding les paul!!!!
Thank you Benno! Wonderfully informative video!
You have given me the confidence to try a Gibson wrap-around
bridge on my Epiphone Gold Top. All the very best.
Possibly my favorite guitar for pure sound. This must have been such a treat to play.
the clean tone on this guitar is heavenly..nice playing
A great demonstration of a great guitar!
You make me laugh and smile during the whole demo Mike. What a great playing and Guitar of course too.
Beautiful guitar with tone to match, and you sir are no slouch yourself. thanks for sharing.
Beautiful guitar and great playing
This vid always makes me happy!
Awesome demo - it's impossible to ignore your talent even with the killer tones you wring from this guitar. Sean Costello is looking down on you and smiling. Vielen Dank.
"IT'S CREAM! IT'S SIMPLY CREAM!!!"
Superb demo! Thanks
You're reviews are excellent and fun to watch and listen to. You say to listen to the tone and not the playing, but the playing is very entertaining.
Very good demonstration of the tonal character of the guitar and pickups. Nice to hear a Les Paul clean for once!
Beautiful... Well played sir!
Yes Sir... That guitar has probably not seen many if any smokey bars... What a beauty! Thanks for sharing.
I m getting one of these this year can’t wait , il run mine through an original 1978 2 by 12 watt valve Marshall combo, I love the p 90 pick ups
Incredible sound, assisted by incredible playing. Also helped by the Marshall as well methinks.
Awesome guitar ! great sound and playing !!!
6.27
Ok you convinced me now :-D was looking for ages for a guitar to play chords on.. good to know it can be done on this beauty
Very well done . Thank you !
Holly crap man! You groove on that thing man u groove thats awesome
awesome. excellent playing too.
Mike, That Was AN AWESOME DISPLAY OF THAT GUITAR, I LIKE HOW YOU WENT THROUGH THE MANY DIFFERENT SOUNDS THAT YOU CAN GET, I LIKE THAT YOU PLAY WITH YOUR FINGERS, AS THEY SAY, GET THE MEAT ON THE STRING, MORE CONTROL,, , COUSIN FIGEL
Awesome demo,and a tone to die for ! XD
Wow, excellent job. Thanks for making this video!