The Gibson Les Paul guitar is an iconic instrument that has been played by some of the most legendary musicians in history. Named after its creator, guitarist and inventor Les Paul, the guitar has been in production since the 1950s and has undergone many changes and iterations over the years. Despite these changes, the Les Paul remains one of the most recognizable and sought-after guitars on the market.
Gibson is a company that has been making guitars for over a century, and the Les Paul is one of their most famous and enduring creations. The Les Paul is known for its thick, warm tone and its ability to sustain notes for a long time. It has been used in a variety of different genres of music, from blues and jazz to rock and heavy metal. Gibson Les Paul guitars are known for their high quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, and they are highly prized by musicians and collectors alike.
History and Evolution
The Gibson Les Paul guitar is one of the most iconic electric guitar models of all time. It was first introduced in the early 1950s and has since undergone several transformations and variations. The Les Paul guitar was designed by Ted McCarty, Gibson’s president at the time, and Les Paul, a renowned guitarist and inventor.
The first Les Paul guitar was introduced in 1952 and was called the Gibson Les Paul Standard. It featured a single cutaway design, a mahogany body with a maple top, a rosewood fingerboard, and a scale length of 24.75 inches. The Les Paul Standard was initially equipped with P-90 pickups, but later versions featured the now-famous humbucker pickups.
Over the years, Gibson has released several variants and versions of the Les Paul guitar, including the Les Paul Studio, Les Paul Custom, Les Paul Classic, Les Paul Junior, and Les Paul Standard ’60s. The Les Paul Custom features an ebony fingerboard, gold hardware, and multiple binding, while the Les Paul Junior has a single P-90 pickup and a simpler design. The Les Paul Standard ’60s has a slim taper neck and a vintage-style finish, while the Les Paul Classic has a 1960s-style slim taper neck and a modern finish.
The Les Paul guitar has been used by countless guitarists over the years, including Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, Gary Moore, Billy Gibbons, and Slash. The guitar has been used in a variety of genres, including blues, rock, and heavy metal.
In the 1960s, Gibson also released the SG guitar, which was a redesign of the Les Paul guitar. The SG features a double cutaway design, a mahogany body, and a slim taper neck. The SG has been used by guitarists such as Angus Young, Tony Iommi, and Robby Krieger.
Today, the Les Paul guitar is still in production and is available in several variations, including the Les Paul Standard ’50s P-90, the Les Paul Special Tribute Humbucker, and the Les Paul Modern. The Les Paul guitar is still considered one of the best electric guitar models on the market and is a favorite among guitarists worldwide.
Design and Construction
The Gibson Les Paul is a solid body electric guitar that features a carved maple top on a mahogany body, a set-in mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard, and a single cutaway design. The Les Paul has a distinctive look and sound that has made it one of the most iconic and recognizable electric guitars in history.
The Les Paul’s body is typically made of mahogany, a dense and durable wood that provides a warm, rich tone. The top of the body is carved from maple, which adds brightness and clarity to the sound. The Les Paul is available in a variety of finishes, including wine red, unburst, and ebony.
The neck of the Les Paul is also made of mahogany and features a variety of different profiles, including slim, medium, and chunky. The fretboard is typically made of rosewood, which is known for its smooth feel and warm tone.
The Les Paul is equipped with either P-90 or humbucking pickups, which are responsible for capturing the guitar’s sound and sending it to an amplifier. P-90 pickups produce a single-coil sound that is bright and punchy, while humbucking pickups provide a thicker, more powerful sound that is ideal for heavy rock and metal.
The Les Paul features a tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, which provide excellent tuning stability and sustain. The hardware on the Les Paul is typically made of chrome or gold, depending on the finish of the guitar.
In summary, the Gibson Les Paul is a well-designed and expertly crafted guitar that has stood the test of time. Its combination of a mahogany body, maple top, and rosewood fretboard, along with its P-90 or humbucking pickups, tune-o-matic bridge, and stopbar tailpiece, make it a versatile and reliable instrument that is suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
Models and Variations
The Gibson Les Paul guitar has been produced in countless variations over the years, with the core design spinning off into a vast constellation of Les Paul sub-models and families. Here are some of the most popular models and variations:
- Les Paul Standard ’50s and ’60s: These models are based on the original Les Paul design and feature a mahogany body with a maple top, a mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard, and two humbucker pickups. The ’50s version has a chunkier neck and a vintage-style wiring harness, while the ’60s version has a slimmer neck and a modern wiring harness.
- Les Paul Studio: This model is a stripped-down version of the Les Paul Standard, with no binding on the body or neck, and simpler finishes. It’s a great option for players who want the Les Paul sound and feel without the frills.
- Les Paul Junior: This model has a single-cutaway mahogany body, a single P-90 pickup, and a wraparound bridge. It’s a great option for players who want a no-nonsense rock machine.
- Les Paul Custom: This model features a mahogany body with a maple top, a mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard, and gold hardware. It’s a more upscale version of the Les Paul Standard, with a more elegant look and feel.
- Les Paul Classic: This model is based on the Les Paul Standard but features a slim-taper neck profile, a ’60s-style headstock, and a vintage-style wiring harness. It’s a great option for players who want a vintage Les Paul feel with modern playability.
- Les Paul Modern: This model features a weight-relieved mahogany body with a maple top, a slim-taper neck profile, and a versatile pickup configuration that includes a Burstbucker Pro humbucker and a P-90 single-coil. It’s a great option for players who want a Les Paul that can handle a wide range of styles.
- Les Paul Special Tribute Humbucker: This model is a more affordable version of the Les Paul Special, with a mahogany body, a maple neck, and a pair of humbucker pickups. It’s a great option for players who want the Les Paul sound and feel on a budget.
Gibson also offers numerous other variants and versions of the Les Paul, including the Les Paul Custom Shop, the SG, and the Slash signature models. Epiphone, Gibson’s budget brand, also produces a range of Les Paul models at more affordable price points. Whether you’re looking for a classic Les Paul sound or a modern take on the electric guitar, there’s a Les Paul model out there for you.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a Gibson Les Paul guitar, there are a few things to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Condition
The condition of the guitar is an important consideration. If you are buying a used Gibson Les Paul, make sure to inspect it thoroughly for any signs of damage or wear. Check the frets, neck, and body for any cracks, scratches, or dents. If you are buying a new guitar, make sure to inspect it for any manufacturing defects.
Value
Consider the value of the guitar. Look at the features and specifications of the guitar to determine if it is worth the price. Consider the materials used to make the guitar, the quality of the craftsmanship, and the reputation of the brand.
Price Range
Gibson Les Paul guitars come in a wide range of prices. Determine your budget before you start shopping and look for guitars that fall within your price range. Keep in mind that higher-priced guitars may have better features and higher quality materials.
Reverb
Reverb is an important feature to consider when buying a Gibson Les Paul. Reverb is the sound that is created when sound waves bounce off surfaces in a room. Some Gibson Les Paul guitars have built-in reverb, while others require external reverb pedals.
Demand
Consider the demand for the guitar. If a particular model of Gibson Les Paul is in high demand, it may be more difficult to find and may be more expensive. On the other hand, if a model is not in high demand, it may be easier to find and may be less expensive.
Sweetwater
Sweetwater is a popular retailer of Gibson Les Paul guitars. Consider purchasing your guitar from Sweetwater, as they offer a wide selection of guitars and have knowledgeable staff who can help you find the best guitar for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between a Gibson Les Paul and an Epiphone Les Paul?
Gibson Les Paul guitars are made in the USA, while Epiphone Les Paul guitars are made in Asia. Gibson Les Pauls are generally considered to be of higher quality and come with a higher price tag, while Epiphone Les Pauls are more affordable and cater to beginners or players on a budget. Gibson Les Pauls feature more premium materials and hardware, while Epiphone Les Pauls use cheaper materials and hardware.
What is the weight of a Gibson Les Paul guitar?
The weight of a Gibson Les Paul guitar can vary depending on the model, but they generally weigh between 8 and 10 pounds. The weight can also vary depending on the type of wood used in the body of the guitar.
What is the difference between a Gibson Les Paul Standard and a Gibson Les Paul Traditional?
The Gibson Les Paul Standard and Gibson Les Paul Traditional are both classic models of the Les Paul guitar. The main difference between the two is the neck profile. The Gibson Les Paul Traditional has a thicker neck profile, while the Gibson Les Paul Standard has a slimmer neck profile. The Gibson Les Paul Standard also has more modern features, such as coil tapping and a weight relief system.
What is the history of the Gibson Les Paul guitar?
The Gibson Les Paul guitar was first introduced in 1952 and was designed by guitarist Les Paul and Gibson president Ted McCarty. The Les Paul guitar was a revolutionary design at the time, featuring a solid body and a set neck, which provided sustain and tone that was not possible with hollow-body guitars. The Les Paul guitar quickly became popular with guitarists in a variety of genres, from jazz to rock and roll.
What is the difference between a Gibson Les Paul and a Gibson SG?
The Gibson Les Paul and Gibson SG are both iconic Gibson guitar models, but they have some key differences. The Gibson Les Paul has a thicker body and a set neck, while the Gibson SG has a thinner body and a bolt-on neck. The Gibson Les Paul also has a more rounded shape, while the Gibson SG has a more angular shape. Additionally, the Gibson Les Paul has a warmer, fuller tone, while the Gibson SG has a brighter, more aggressive tone.
What are the best pickups for a Gibson Les Paul guitar?
The best pickups for a Gibson Les Paul guitar depend on the player’s personal preference and playing style. Some popular pickup options for Gibson Les Paul guitars include the Gibson Burstbucker pickups, Seymour Duncan pickups, and Bare Knuckle pickups. These pickups offer a range of tones, from vintage to modern, and can be customized to suit the player’s needs.
