I was Les Paul curious and a sucker for the gold top. I found it used in a Guitar Center and bought on the spot. I didn't think I was buying a guitar that day.

Yes, I love gold tops! I have three

How did you like it?

It was a nice guitar.  Two different luthiers looked it over for me after I bought it.
I can hardly play but I loved the sound. I sold it after owning it a couple of years.

I love Les Pauls but it is so damn hard to find a good one.

How so? I have heard qc issue stories but I have never experienced it first hand with Gibson. Epiphone yes. I’ve probably just been really lucky I suppose.

I have not had QC issues, but I have seen/ordered plenty that just didn't sound or play well. I'm fussy. Nothing serious,  just was a bit off.

My old Custom was great. Played well, sounded great and felt just right. My Supreme I bought with a headstock repair and a sanded neck with tung oil is far beyond what my Custom was. I know its not stock or pure
But it feels good and plays great. No issues with the repair for the seven years I have had it.

I love a Gibson, but you need to play them to find one that is what you are looking for. There is plenty of just ok out there.

I’ve been pretty lucky. Out of the six I currently have they all sound and play good. My Traditional is my clear favorite with my Tribute probably being my least favorite but still not bad. Then again my ear just might not be developed enough to pick up on a bad one, or I’m not developed enough as a player to know any  better.

My Chibson didn't have any issues.