Gibson Mary Ford Les Paul Standard (Gold Top) inc Hard Shell Case

The groundbreaking musical partnership between Mary Ford and Les Paul revolutionised popular music in the early 1950s, with their innovative multi-track recording techniques and genre-blending sound selling over six million records in 1951 alone. Born Iris Colleen Summers on July 7, 1924, Mary Ford was a gifted guitarist, vocalist, and actress whose rich, smooth voice and complex harmonies helped create 16 top-ten hits between 1950 and 1954. Her versatile guitar playing seamlessly combined country, jazz, and pop influences, establishing her as one of the most accomplished recording artists of her era.

Mary Ford's influence extended beyond her recordings to guitar design itself. In 1951, she and Les Paul contributed to the development of the ES-295 hollowbody through a custom order, an instrument Mary frequently played. Seven years later, a unique Les Paul™ Goldtop model was crafted specifically for Mary Ford, featuring an ES-295-style floral pickguard and matching armrest that set it apart from standard production models.

Gibson now honours this legendary artist with the Mary Ford Les Paul Standard, faithfully recreating that one-of-a-kind original. The guitar features the distinctive Goldtop finish complemented by a rare Vintage Cherry back, along with the signature cream and gold floral pickguard and armrest. Built with a mahogany body and maple cap, mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard and SlimTaper™ profile, the instrument is powered by Burstbucker™ pickups - a Burstbucker 2 in the neck position and Burstbucker 3 in the bridge position. This exceptional tribute to one of the 20th century's most beloved and innovative artists comes complete with a hard-shell case.