A Les Paul that celebrates Tak Matsumoto’s musical legacy with modern and vintage design elements
The latest Epiphone release is a must-have for Goldtop fans: the Tak Matsumoto 1955 Les Paul™ Standard in Antique Gold. Crafted in collaboration with the celebrated Japanese superstar guitarist Takahiro “Tak” Matsumoto, this Inspired by Gibson Custom model is a tribute to his own vintage 1955 Les Paul, embodying a storied legacy and a stunning level of craftsmanship.
For players inspired by Tak Matsumoto’s chops, this Epiphone model is a rare opportunity to own a guitar that pays homage to his career and one of the most influential guitar designs ever created. Like the Matsumoto signature Gibson Custom version that preceded it, this Epiphone Les Paul delivers the sound you expect with its mahogany body, carved maple cap, and faithful 50s-era wiring setup.
Available in Japan, on Epiphone.com, and at the Gibson Garage locations, this tone machine is poised to delight any lover of the classic Les Paul design.
A signature instrument from a legendary artist
Takahiro “Tak” Matsumoto, the renowned guitarist for the rock duo B’z and an accomplished solo artist, carved a name in music history as part of Japan’s best-selling musical act. The prolific B’z brings Tak’s guitar prowess to countless fans, and his talent earned him a GRAMMY® Award and a place in the pantheon of iconic guitarists. Now, with the Epiphone Tak Matsumoto 1955 Les Paul Standard, players can experience a guitar inspired by one of Tak’s personal favorites.
Image: Gibson Burstbucker™ PRO pickups with 50s-era wiring and CTS® potentiometers form the tonal engine of this Les Paul
Regarding B’z’s continued success and his motivation to stay relevant, Tak told Guitar World, “We just keep creating and doing what we do best. Being a member of B’z motivates me to work hard and keep on going.” His supergroup with bassist Ruben Blades and singer Eric Martin, Tak Matsumoto Group (TMG), released their long-anticipated second album, TMGII, in September 2024, continuing his quest to break into the English-speaking market.
Body and neck—built for comfort, tone, and playability
The mahogany body with a carved maple cap provides vintage warmth and sustain, and the Goldtop finish adds classic 50s style. A one-piece mahogany neck is glued in with a vintage-style long tenon, and features a custom Tak ’59 Rounded C profile that’s slightly slimmer than traditional ’59 neck profile.
The laurel fretboard, complete with mother-of-pearl trapezoid inlays, boasts a 12-inch radius that feels comfortable for chording and soloing alike. The Gibson-style “open book” headstock, meanwhile, features an Epiphone logo shifted down just as in 1955— a touch of authenticity that vintage aficionados will enjoy. .
Authentic Les Paul sound
Under the hood, this guitar houses Gibson Burstbucker™ Pro Alnico 5 pickups, known for their vintage warmth and clarity. Complementing these pickups is a 50s wiring setup with Luxe Grey Tiger paper-in-oil capacitors, 50s taper CTS® potentiometers, and a Switchcraft® three-way toggle switch. Together, these components provide the rich tones and dynamics that have defined the Les Paul sound for generations.
Image: The Gibson-style “open book” headstock has its logo shifted down slightly, just as they were in 1955
Built to last
The Tak Matsumoto 1955 Les Paul Goldtop features nickel-finished hardware, including a Gibson Historic Wraparound Bridge with intonation set screws for precise tuning and intonation. Additional details include a 1959-style cream pickguard, gold Speed knobs, and Epiphone Deluxe tuning machines, ensuring stability during even the most intense performances.
The guitar ships in a vintage-style brown and pink hardshell case featuring the Inspired by Gibson Custom logo and Tak’s signature.
Explore the Epiphone Tak Matsumoto 1955 Les Paul Standard Goldtop today.
