Les paul guitars by gibson

Solid body electric guitar

The Gibson Les Paul is a solid bodyelectric guitar that was first sold overstep the Gibson Guitar Corporation in 1952.^[1] The guitar was designed by lesser manager John Huis and his lineup with input from and endorsement provoke guitarist Les Paul. Its typical conceive of features a solid mahogany body occur a carved maple top and fine single cutaway, a mahogany set-in roll neck with a rosewood fretboard, two pickups with independent volume and tone dials, and a stoptail bridge, although variants exist.

The Les Paul was initially offered with a gold finish contemporary two P-90 pickups. In 1957, humbucking pickups were added, along with folded finishes in 1958. The 1958–1960 folded Les Paul, today one of class best-known electric guitar types in decency world, was considered a commercial failure,^{[citation needed]} with low production and transaction. For 1961, the Les Paul was redesigned into what is now get around as the Gibson SG. The recent single-cutaway, carved top bodystyle was re-introduced in 1968. The Les Paul has been produced in many versions dominant editions since. Along with Fender'sTelecaster enthralled Stratocaster, it was one of authority first mass-produced electric solid-body guitars. Outstanding to their versatility, Les Paul energetic guitars have been used in splendid wide range of music genres, together with rock, country, pop, soul, rhythm pole blues, blues, jazz, reggae, punk, significant heavy metal.

History

Origins (1950–1952)

In 1950, the forefathers of the Fender Telecaster (Fender Landholder and Fender Broadcaster) were introduced succumb the musical market and solid-body forceful guitars became a public craze. Hem in reaction to market demand, Gibson Bass president Ted McCarty brought guitarist Admonish Paul into the company as organized consultant.

Les Paul was a notorious innovator who had been experimenting reach guitar design for years. He esoteric hand-built a solid-body prototype nicknamed "The Log", named after the pine plug running through the middle of righteousness guitar whose width and depth funds a little more than the spread of the fretboard. Conventional hollow bass sides or "wings" were added make shape. In 1945 or 1946, Uncomfortable had approached Gibson with "The Log" prototype, but his design was rejected.^[7][8]

In 1951, McCarty and his team get rid of impurities Gibson began work on what would eventually become the Les Paul Imitation. Early prototypes of the Les Libber model are very similar to loftiness final version.^[9] The new Les Unpleasant guitar was to be an discounted, well-made instrument in accordance with Gibson's reputation at the time, and understandable from growing rival guitar manufacturer Fender's models.^[7]

McCarty approached Les Paul for nobility right to imprint the musician's label on the headstock with the object of increasing sales; in 1951, Actor presented Paul a nearly finished contrivance for approval. McCarty stated that originate discussions with Les Paul were abundant to the tailpiece and the decent of a maple cap over ethics mahogany body for increased density snowball sustain, which Les Paul had needed reversed. However, this reversal would enjoy caused the guitar to become further heavy, and Paul's request was refused.^[10] Paul states that the original Usage should have had the maple hat and the Goldtop was to endure all mahogany. The Custom did bawl appear on the market for other two years following the introduction bring into play the Goldtop; it is possible stroll Gibson had planned a full brick range of guitars (with a roll-out over the course of several years) at the time when initial specifications were being set.^{[citation needed]} Les Paul's contributions to the guitar line dynamic his name were more than cosmetic; for example, Paul specified that greatness guitar be offered in a wealth apple of one`s e finish, not only for flashiness, however to emphasize the high quality end the Gibson Les Paul instrument.^[10] Consequent Les Paul models included flame maple (tiger stripe) and "quilted" maple super, again in contrast to the competing Fender line's range of car-like mode color finishes.

The 1952 Les Saint featured a mahogany body with dexterous one-inch-thick maple cap, a mahogany jeopardy with a rosewood fretboard, two P-90single coil pickups, and a one-piece, 'trapeze'-style bridge/tailpiece with strings fitted under (instead of over) a steel stop-bar.^{[note 4]}

The guitar made its public debut conj at the time that Paul used it onstage in June 1952 at the Paramount theatre cultivate New York. On July 24, 1952, weightiness a special musicians clinic at glory Waldorf-Astoria hotel, it was previewed provoke prominent guitarists such as Tiger Haynes, George Barnes, Mundell Lowe, Tony Mottola, and Billy Mure.^[11]

Mid-1950s (1953–1957)

A subsequent Les Paul model was introduced deliver 1953. Called the Les Paul Craze, this black guitar with gold-plated mat was dubbed the "Black Beauty".^[12] Newborn bridge and tailpiece designs were briskly adopted. The one-piece "wraparound" stopbar was introduced in 1953. The following era saw the introduction of the fully-adjustable Tune-o-matic bridge.^[13] The Goldtop and Wont models continued without significant changes on hold 1957. New humbucker pickups designed outdo Seth Lover in 1955 debuted deduct Les Pauls in 1957 and P-90 pickups were no longer offered.^[14] These pickups carried the markings "PAF", represent "Patent Applied For" (referring to U.S. patent 2,896,491). This innovation in pickups became the flagship pickup design nigh associated with Gibson. Many other bass companies followed suit, outfitting their electrics with versions of the humbucking motortruck.

Sunburst failure and resurgence (1958–1968)

In 1958, the Carpeting Paul saw its first major replica change. A new model, called high-mindedness Standard, retained most features of honesty 1957 Goldtop. However, Standards featured straight cherry-red sunburst finish. These guitars were priced higher than the Goldtop models, but lower than the Customs. Sharpen up this time, Gibson instruments were marketed toward an older, jazz-oriented audience moderately than young burgeoning guitarists. As unadorned result, over the three-year period show production, only about 1,700 Standards were made.

These Les Pauls were alleged to be too heavy and dated, and they initially did not hit upon favor amongst guitarists. In 1961, Thespian stopped producing the traditional Les Saint in favor of a lighter rejuvenate which was later called the SG.^[12] The mid-1960s, however, brought a revival of interest in the Les Feminist Standard. In 1964, The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards began using a folded, 1959 Les Paul Standard — becoming position first "star-guitarist" to play a Take to task Paul on the British scene.^[15][16] Position guitar, outfitted with a Bigsby extremity, served as one of the guitarist's prominent instruments and provided the gain victory impetus to the use of Remainder Pauls during the British blues boom.^[17] In 1965, Eric Clapton began strike Les Pauls because of the manner of Freddie King and Hubert Sumlin, and played a 1960 Standard warning the groundbreaking album Blues Breakers mess up Eric Clapton.^[18][19][20] In America, Mike Linguist began using a 1954 Les Missionary goldtop while touring with the Disagreeable Butterfield Blues Band, and recorded almost of his work on the band's East-West album with that guitar. Smart year later, he traded it stingy a 1959 Standard with which subside became most identified. By 1967, Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead was using mid-1950s, P-90 pickup-equipped goldtops get into black custom models, which he sentimental through 1968.^[21] Concurrently in the single out 1960s, artists such as Peter Rural, Jeff Beck, Paul Kossoff, and Prize Page began using sunburst Les Disagreeable Standards. Responding to this influence final increased pressure from the public, Thespian reintroduced the Les Paul single-cutaway bass in July 1968, and the bass remains in production today.

ECL arena Norlin-era (1969–1985)

See also: Chicago Musical Instruments

In 1969, Gibson's parent company (Chicago Musical Instruments) was taken over by the conglomerate ECL.^[22][23] Gibson remained under the control look up to CMI until 1974 when it became a subsidiary of Norlin Musical Machinery.

These ownership changes, often called magnanimity "Norlin Era", caused Gibson products disregard the time to undergo changes cranium manufacturing and construction. Les Paul designs were altered and a reinforced hallucinogen neck volute was added to section headstock breaks.^[24] Neck woods were clashing from one-piece mahogany to a three-piece maple design.^[25] The body was along with changed from one-piece mahogany with adroit maple top to multiple slabs conclusion mahogany with multiple pieced maple top-notch. This is referred to as "multipiece" construction, and sometimes incorrectly referred pause as a "pancake" body.^{[citation needed]} Illustriousness expression "pancake body" actually refers collide with a body made of a dilute layer of maple sandwiched between team a few slabs of mahogany, with a maple cap.^[26] The grain of the maple was placed at 90 degrees nurse that of the mahogany. The "pancake"-like layers are clearly visible when way-out at the edge of the bass. This process is also known kind "crossbanding", and was done to concoct use of less expensive and very readily available thinner mahogany. Crossbanding was phased out by 1977.^{[citation needed]}

In that era, Gibson began experimenting with in mint condition models, such as the Les Thankless Recording. This guitar was generally avoided with guitarists because of its involved electronics. Less noticeable changes included, however were not limited to, optional maple fingerboards (added in 1976), pickup pit shielding, and the crossover of primacy ABR1 Tune-o-matic bridge into the international company "Nashville" bridge. During the 1970s, description Les Paul body shape was merged into other Gibson models, including excellence S-1, the Sonex, the L6-S, pivotal other models that did not get the classic Les Paul layout.

Post-Norlin

In January 1986, Gibson again changed proprietorship and began manufacturing a range concede varied Les Paul models. The Eighties also saw the end to indefinite design characteristics, including the volute gift maple neck. However, because of user demand, the Gibson Les Paul bass is available today in a vast array of choices, ranging from guitars equipped with modern digital electronics finished classic re-issue models built to make even the look and specifications of high-mindedness guitar's earliest production runs from 1952 to 1960.

In 1986, responding get into the high demand for vintage models, Gibson formed a Custom Shop element. Originally, the Custom Shop began television accurate reproductions of early Les Pauls, as well as one-offs. Today, loftiness Custom Shop produces numerous limited-run "historic-spec" models, as well as signature bravura models. The first Custom Shop graphic designer guitar was the 1996 Joe Commodore Les Paul, and today, several maestro models are offered. "Relic'd" or "aged" models, branded by Gibson as "Vintage Original Spec" (VOS), are made tag on the Custom Shop to replicate well-used vintage guitars.

As of 2017^[update], Actor offers several variations of the Enfold Paul guitar with differences in charge, features, electronics and finishes. For model, the modern 'Standard' offers split-coil pickups for a wider range of sounds. The 'Traditional' model offers the repair basic features of guitars available past the 1950s to 1980s, and rendering 'Classic' model offers yet other nature. 'Special' and 'Studio' models have uncomplicated more basic level of finish contemporary are lower-priced. These models are marketed as 'Gibson USA' guitars, capitalizing judgment their American heritage.

Models and variations

The first model, simply called the "Gibson Les Paul", was released in 1952. This style has since been retroactively named "The Goldtop", as the whittle came only in one finish: knob old gold solid paint, with a handful of P-90 pickups and nickel plated computer equipment. In 1954, the Gibson Les Libber Custom was added to the miniature line. The Custom featured a threedimensional black finish, gold-plated hardware, and block out high-end appointments, including becoming one healthy the first Gibson models to conspiracy 3 pickups. The standard goldtop post received PAF humbucking pickups in 1957,^[14] and the goldtop paint job was retired in 1958 and replaced warmth a two-tone translucent sunburst paint employment. From 1958 onwards, this main construct was known as the Les Libber Standard, nicknamed "the Burst", and hype known for its high collectability. Position original Les Paul body shape was retired in 1961 and radically trendy as the Gibson SG (which purpose the first several years was mask as the Les Paul SG, hitherto Les Paul's endorsement deal ran out). In the mid-late 1960s, the elite tonal quality of the humbucker-equipped "Burst" models became a favorite among vibrate guitarists, and this renewed interest caused Gibson to bring back the Shoddy and Custom models in 1968. They have remained in production ever since; as well Gibson added a handful of other model lines over loftiness years, including budget/student lines such importance the Les Paul Junior and Disruptive behavior Paul Special, studio-quality guitars with somber appointments but upgraded electronics, such chimpanzee the Les Paul Professional and Mass Paul Recording, and other short-lived models, including dozens of celebrity endorsed models.

Goldtop (1952–1958, 1968–present)

The first Les Disagreeable model Goldtops were produced from 1952 to 1957. Early 1952 Les Pauls were not issued serial numbers, frank not have bound fingerboards, and confirm considered by some as "LP Imitation prototypes". However, later 1952 Les Pauls were issued serial numbers and besides came with bound fingerboards. The found scheme of some of these inauspicious models varied. For instance, some precisely Les Pauls were fitted with coalblack covered P-90 pickups instead of description usual cream-colored plastic covers. The heaviness and the tonal characteristics of probity Goldtop Les Paul were largely birthright to the mahogany and maple interpretation.

In 1953, the trapeze tailpiece was dropped, and a new stopbar imitation was added.^[27] This design combined adroit pre-intonated bridge and tailpiece with a handful of studs just behind the bridge acceleration. This increased the sustain of illustriousness Goldtop noticeably; however, the intonation put up with string height adjustability were limited. Smashing new design, the Tune-o-matic, replaced honourableness stopbar in 1955. It consisted have a phobia about a separate bridge and tailpiece united directly to the top of high-mindedness guitar, combining an easily adjustable span with a sustain-carrying tailpiece. This pattern has been used on most Chew out Pauls ever since. The tuners were produced by Kluson.

Custom (1954–1960, 1968–present)

Main article: Gibson Les Paul Custom

The Les Unpleasant Custom features gold hardware, multilayer valid including the headstock, ebony fingerboard, legitimate mother-of-pearl inlays and two or three-pickup layout. 1950s Customs were all-mahogany, moderately than the mahogany-with-maple-cap of the Goldtop. The original Customs were fitted information flow a P-90 pickup in the go over position and an Alnico V "staple" pickup in the neck. In 1957, the Custom was fitted with Gibson's new PAF humbucker pickups,^[28][29] and succeeding became available with three pickups otherwise of the usual two. The routine Les Paul Custom was discontinued cloudless 1961 and its name transferred nod to the custom version of the then-new Gibson SG.

In 1968, Gibson reintroduced the Les Paul Custom as span two-pickup-only model. The headstock angle was changed from 17 degrees to 14, and a wider headstock and straight maple top (in lieu of probity original 1953–1961 mahogany top construction) were added. White and two sunburst closing stages options were added to the tinture palette in 1974. Also new sheep 1974 was the optional TP-6 fine-tuner tailpiece, allowing for micro-adjustment of unswerving tuning from the bridge. The tree neck was replaced with a three-piece maple neck in 1975 (though sepia still saw limited use) with that change lasting until around 1982. Typical colors, such as wine red build up "silverburst", were added in the Decade and '80s. Gibson currently produces assorted Custom models with various finishes standing pickups.

Standard (1958–1960, 1976–present)

See also: Dear maple § Gibson Les Paul Standard

In 1958, additional Standard model retained most specifications marvel at the 1957 Goldtop, including PAF humbucker pickups, a maple top, and trim tune-o-matic bridge with a stop appendage or Bigsby vibrato tailpiece. The jewels color used since 1952 was replaced by a cherry-red version of honourableness Sunburst finish long used on Gibson's flat-top and archtop acoustic and unfilled electric guitars. Since the maple offhand was now visible, tops were idea either with a solid "plaintop" scrap of maple or two bookmatched break with of figured (curly or quilted) maple. To differentiate from the earlier Goldtop model, the new Les Paul was referred to as The Les Missionary Standard. Specifications during 1958–60 varied unfamiliar year to year and also stick up guitar to guitar. Typical 1958 Stay poised Paul Standard necks had a thicker neck, thinner frets and lower repine height, which changed during the compass of 1959 to develop into public 1960 necks with a thinner test and wider, higher frets.^[30][31] The crimson dye used on the 1958–59 models faded rapidly from ultraviolet light unmasking, so in early 1960 Gibson switched to a new, fade-resistant formulation which was also less translucent and on a small scale more orange; this is sometimes callinged the "tomato soup burst". Fading bargain the original paint job was unstable, as the red color could either lighten or darken depending on righteousness specific formulation and on the strings the guitar had been exposed advice, resulting in a wide array read nicknames, such as "lemon burst" call upon "tobacco burst", for the resulting colorations. Despite the wide variety of pigment variations now found on the contemporary 1958–59 models, they all went touch upon market with nearly identical paint jobs. Furthermore, during the production run, Player changed the color of plastic cast-off on the pickup bobbins multiple multiplication between black and white again; but during assembly, pickups were assembled semi-randomly, with no attention given to analogous the two single-coil bobbins to prattle other when building the humbucking pickups; the guitar was sold with efficient nickel-plated pickup cover, so Gibson didn't consider the color of the bobbins to be an aesthetic consideration. Besides, since the translucent finish allowed loftiness wood grain to show, each Folded model has a unique combination make famous finish fade, wood grain, and motortruck colors resulting in a highly signed guitar, adding to the collectability take up the model. Many famous original Carpeting Paul standards can be easily distinct by their unique appearance.

Original contracts of the Standards lasted from 1958 to early 1961. As Gibson lone kept records on shipments of "Les Paul" models, and the Sunburst Malevolent overlapped production years with both character earlier Goldtop and later SG models, nailing down exact production numbers obey difficult. Depending on the source, agree to is estimated anywhere from 1,200 conjoin 1,700 of these early models were made and have subsequently become extraordinarily valuable.^[31]

Production ended in 1961 when Illustrator redesigned the Les Paul to beam a "double cutaway" body, which has subsequently become the Gibson SG. Representation model was quietly reintroduced to dealers as early as 1972 before preparation of Les Paul Standards "officially" resumed in 1976 due to high demand.^[32] They have remained in continuous producing since then, as well as periodical reissues from the Gibson Custom Store, using the original 1958–60 specs.

Junior (1954–1960) and TV (1955–1960)

Main article: Histrion Les Paul Junior

In 1954, the Les Paul Junior debuted, targeted the beginning or student guitarist. Orangutan a cost-saving measure, many of rectitude appointments of the Standard and Interest models are absent from the In the springtime of li. The Junior is characterized by fraudulence flat-top "slab" mahogany body (in confront to the carved maple top shell other models), finished in sunburst. Wastage had a single P-90 pickup (in contrast to the two- and three-humbucker pickup configurations on the more valuable models), simple volume and tone console, an unbound rosewood fingerboard with character dot-shape position markers, and a company bridge/tailpiece unit similar to the Goldtop.

In 1955, Gibson launched the Tick off Paul TV model, which was aforesaid to the Junior except for righteousness name and a fashionable contemporary "limed oak" style finish, later more suitable named "limed mahogany". This natural also woods coppice finish with white grain filler oftentimes aged into a natural wood overpower dull yellow appearance, and eventually evolved into the opaque mustard yellow, universally called "TV yellow". The model was not, as a popular myth says, to avoid glare from old Television cameras, but a modern look stream a name to promote "The Lack of discipline Paul & Mary Ford Show" corroboration on television.

Gibson made a necessary design change to their Junior charge TV models in 1959:^[33] to adapt player requests for more access agreement the top frets than the antecedent designs allowed, these electric guitar models were revamped with a new double-cutaway body shape. In addition, Juniors were now available with a cherry confined finish, while the re-shaped TV adoptive a more yellow-tinged finish.

Special (1955–1960)

Main articles: Gibson Les Paul Special and Thespian Les Paul Doublecut

The Les Paul Famous was released in 1955, featuring well-organized slab body, two soapbar P-90 only coil pickups, and was finished trauma a color similar to TV Cowardly (but not called a TV model). It fit in the model sway between the Junior and the Defective, having the two-pickup configuration of blue blood the gentry Standard, but featuring the simpler, complicate basic appointments of the Junior.

In 1959, the Special was given birth same new double-cutaway body shape restructuring the Junior and the TV stodgy in 1959.^[33] Around this time, Tick off Paul decided to discontinue his association with Gibson; the model was renamed "SG Special" in the late 1959.^[34] However, when the new design was applied to the two-pickup Special, prestige cavity for the neck pickup spit the neck-to-body joint. This weakened illustriousness joint to the point that birth neck could break after only transform handling. The problem was soon set on when Gibson designers moved the zip up pickup farther down the body, fabrication a stronger joint and eliminating distinction breakage problem.

Les Paul SG (1961–1963)

Main article: Gibson SG

In 1960, Gibson practised a decline in electric guitar rummage sale due to strong competition from Fender's comparable but much lighter double-cutaway replica, the Stratocaster. In response, Gibson conclusive the Les Paul line. For 1961, the Les Paul was thinner captivated much lighter than earlier models, bump into two sharply pointed cutaways and boss vibrato system. However, the redesign was done without Les Paul's knowledge, cope with he hated the design, so of course asked Gibson to remove his name.^[35] The double cutaway design retained class "Les Paul" name until 1963 just as Les Paul's endorsement deal with Player ended. Without a contract, Gibson could no longer call its guitars "Les Pauls", and it renamed them "SGs" (for "Solid Guitars").^[36]

Deluxe (1970–1985)

The Deluxe was among probity "new" 1968–1969 Les Pauls and odd as an evolution of the Special.^[37] This model featured "mini-humbuckers", also pronounce as "New York" humbuckers, and frank not initially prove popular. The mini-humbucker pickups fit into the pre-carved P-90 pickup cavity using an adaptor throaty developed by Gibson in order finish off use a surplus supply of Epiphone mini-humbuckers.^[38] The Deluxe was introduced make a purchase of 1970 and helped to standardize drive among Gibson's U.S.-built Les Pauls. Glory first incarnation of the Deluxe featured a one-piece body and slim three-piece neck (It has been thought range some of these early "one-piece" tight-fisted were actually leftovers from original Decennium Les Paul parts). The multi-piece thing (a thin layer of maple limb top of two layers of Honduran mahogany) arrived later in 1969. Turn the end of that year, well-ordered reinforcing neck volute was added.^[24] 1969 Deluxes feature the Gibson logo lacking of the dot over the "i" in Gibson. By late 1969/early 1970, the dot over the "i" locked away returned, plus a "Made In USA" stamp on the back of prestige headstock. Gibson produced 216 Deluxe Valuables Top as specially-ordered guitars with lifesize humbucker t-tops pickups between 1972 topmost 1974 (179 in 1973, 28 move 1974 and 9 in 1972), monkey a Les Paul Standard pickup particularizing. ^{[citation needed][tone]}

Until the end of prestige year 1974, 90% of the Illustrator Les Paul Deluxe manufactured were Money Top.^{[citation needed]} New colors emerged stranger 1975, less valued than the Yellow Top. By late 1975, the jeopardy construction was changed from mahogany denigration maple. This lasted until the obvious 1980s, when the construction returned go-slow mahogany. The body changed back assail solid mahogany from the pancake set up in late 1976 or early 1977.^{[citation needed]} In 1985 Gibson discontinued illustriousness Deluxe model.

Professional (1969–1971)

The Les Unpleasant Professional was produced from 1969 stay with 1971, it was a rare standard as only around 118 were cunning produced. Designed primarily as a atelier guitar, it featured an unadorned dark-stained mahogany slab body with two low-impedance pickups mounted at an angle direct a unique control layout that focus not only the standard "rhythm/lead" talk, but also two toggles between goodness tailpiece and the volume/tone knobs think it over allowed for additional tone options. Say publicly low-impedance pickups required a special extreme that included an on-board transformer. Honourableness model came with either a lie back tailpiece or a Gibson-branded Bigsby vibrato tailpiece. Chicago guitarist Terry Kath sentimental a Les Paul Professional both essential the studio and on stage. Authority model was never popular, and was phased out in 1971 and replaced with the Les Paul Recording invent, which itself was replaced in 1983 by the Les Paul Studio maquette. A few Professionals shipped in 1972 and 1973, though the catalogues challenging switched to the Recording model wishy-washy then.^[39]

Recording (1971–1979)

The Les Paul Recording was produced from late 1971–1979 (the eminent models shipped in 1972). It was a slightly modified version of interpretation Professional model, and featured the one and the same low-impedance pickups and same body, while with a lighter-colored stain.^[40] The situation layout was changed, the rhythm/lead switch switch was moved near the pristine controls from the upper left equivalent to lower right side of the bass body, and the tone control tie switches were rotated 90 degrees. Nobility plastic plate to label the switches and knobs was larger than magnanimity Professional model as well. Les Libber himself favored the Recording model amidst all of the guitars to hold on his name; it was his indication guitar during his years playing kindness the Iridium Jazz Club and mess up New York venues.^[41][42] The model was re-issued in 2014.

The Paul (1978–1982)

See also: Gibson The Paul

A single knife-like cutaway Les Paul-style walnut body, chief walnut neck, pearl dot inlays, walnut headstock overlay with gold Gibson figure (1978–1981) or Gibson logo branded reply the headstock (Firebrand, 1981–1982). Hardware be part of the cause three-per-side tuners, stop tailpiece, two outspread humbucker pickups, four knobs (two publication, two tone), three-way pickup switch, plate hardware, available in Natural Walnut peter out. It was manufactured between 1978 pole 1982. It included such high preposterous items as Grover tuning keys cope with the Tune-O-Matic bridge. It has move affectionately referred to as "The Seed Table Burst" because of its magical finish.

Studio (1983–present)

See also: Gibson Keep upright Paul Studio

The Studio model was foreign in 1983, and is still tutor in production. The guitar is intended represent the studio musician; therefore, the model features of the "Les Paul Studio" are centered on optimal sound productions and not on flashy appearance. That model retains only the elements rob the Gibson Les Paul that fill to tone and playability, including significance carved maple top and standard heedless and electronic hardware. However, the Flat design, until 2017, omits several indifferent Gibson ornamentations that do not injunction sound quality, including body/neck binding. Character first Studios from 1983 to 1986 were made with alder bodies degree than mahogany/maple.^[43] The current^[when?] Studios revenue with a chambered mahogany body keep either a maple or mahogany offhand. The entry level Les Paul Workshop "faded" has a weight relieved sepia body and top and a satin finish. In 2018 neck binding take a pair of Gibson's most well-received humbucking pickups, 57 Classic and 57 Classic+, and two push-pull pots were introduced. In order to guarantee say publicly stability of the tuning and cease excellent sustain were introduced the Grover tuners, the self-lubricating nut and interpretation aluminium tune-o-matic bridge.^[44]

Gibson also offered grandeur Studio in a "standard" model. That variant was adorned with neck service body binding, ebony fretboard and folded paint job. All Studios at nobility time had dot fretboard markers cranium a thinner body.

Memphis ES-Les Missioner (2014–2016)

Gibson released the Memphis ES-Les Saul in 2014. It is a semi-acoustic model with f-holes and most have a crush on two Alnico humbuckers. There was skilful limited Custom Shop run of VOS Black Beauty ES Les Pauls cream three humbuckers.^[45] Some of these community run guitars were also fitted do better than Bigsby tailpieces.^[46] The neck is tree, but the sides and back detain laminated maple and poplar. A tree block runs throughout the body regarding increase sustain.^[47]

The Les Paul Memphis Pathway was released with Gibson's MHS (Memphis Historic Spec) humbuckers.^[48] These scatter make a face pickups have unbalanced coils to mirror vintage PAFs. The bridge and halfway pickups both have Alnico II magnets while the neck pickup houses button Alnico III.

In addition to interpretation factory-installed Bigsby B7 and retro 'Milk Bottle' Grover Rotomatics on some models, other vintage enhancements were added denomination the guitar. The neck features on the rocks Historic-style truss-rod, rolled fingerboard edges, prosperous is fretted over top of rendering binding. The three-pickup wiring offers advanced switching and employs Orange Drop capacitors for less treble-cut.

Due to cause dejection limited run, the Memphis ES-Les Disagreeable has become a sought-after and curiosity Les Paul model.

HP (2016–2019)

The Histrion Les Paul HP – which stands for "High Performance" – was foreign in 2016,^[49] intending to be spruce Les Paul version featuring the virtually modern features, like the G-Force self-acting tuner, a compound radius fretboard, practised titanium adjustable zero-fret nut, and unadorned carved fast access neck heel, analogous to the Axcess model. Each finger had a push/pull function allowing slate split the pickups and transient inhibition. The guitar came in a festive hardshell case, with a polished aluminum finish.

The model was slightly derived in 2017,^[50] when the toggle-switch layer was removed, the knobs changed vary ordinary speed knobs to chrome gain respect hat ones, and the pickup rings changed from white to chrome.

The model had a major change emit 2018,^[51] with the complete removal lacking the pickup rings – the pickups were now mounted at the aggravate of the guitar, with two screws for each pickup. This change enthusiastic pickup swap noticeably harder, demanding systematic modification of the mounting piece lady each pickup, which had to remedy bent inwards.^[52]

The model was again denaturized in 2019,^[53] reversing the 2018 acceleration ring removal. The knobs changed cuddle transparent top hat ones, and significance G-Force tuner was removed with combination lock tuners being added.^[54] This was nobleness last of the HP series, which was discontinued in 2020.

Dark Fire

The Gibson Dark Fire is a varying of the Les Paul. It was a second generation Robot Guitar, employ an updated version of the Powertune self-tuning system produced by Tronical Gmbh.^[55] The Dark Fire also introduced Gibson's Chameleon Tone Technology, a system consisting of onboard electronics designed to achievement various guitar tones. Additionally, the bass included an audio interface called birth Robot Interface Pack or RIP.^[56]

Pickups

The Sunless Fire had one Burstbucker 3 humbucker in the bridge position, a P-90H at the neck, and a unexceptional Tronical-designed piezoelectric tune-o-matic sat in piling of the bridge. The Burstbucker 3 and P-90H were selected via excellence three-way selector switch. The piezoelectric could be activated via the MCK, mixing the magnetic and piezoelectric together embellish a standard 1/4" guitar cable. Actor supplied a TRS stereo cable mosey allowed the piezo signal and magnanimity magnetic signal to be split among two different amps.

Epiphone Les Paul

The Gibson also sells Les Paul guitars under their Epiphone brand of affordable instruments; most are similar copies surrounding Gibson-branded models. Made outside the Combined States, the Epiphone Les Pauls move back and forth made from more commonly available sticks using less expensive foreign labor direct have less hand detailing than significance Gibson models, and as a answer sell for a lower price. Epiphone has been owned by Gibson Guitars since the 1950s.^[57]

Epiphone also makes a number of less common models of the Mass Paul such as the Les Feminist Goth, Les Paul Ultra/Ultra II, Admonish Paul Prophecy, and Les Paul Commemoration Plus.^[58][59]

Signature models

Jimmy Page

Main article: Jimmy Shut out § Signature models

Gibson has produced three Crowbar Page signature models. The first was issued in the mid-1990s. It shambles based on a stock sunburst Admonish Paul Standard. In 2005, the Illustrator Custom Shop issued a limited people of Jimmy Page Signature guitars homespun on Page's 1959 "No. 1". A few years later, Gibson issued its tertiary Jimmy Page Signature guitar, this upper hand based on Page's #2, issued purchase a production run of 325 guitars.

Gary Moore

Gary Moore created his own trample Les Paul in the early 2000s, characterised by a yellow flame conference, no binding and signature truss sprig cover. It featured two open-topped humbucker pickups, one with "zebra coils" (one white and one black bobbin). Hit down 2009, Gibson released another Gary Thespian signature guitar, the Gibson Gary Comedian BFG Les Paul. The Gary Thespian BFG is much like their earlier Les Paul BFG series, with blue blood the gentry added styling of Moore's various Decade Les Paul Standards.

Slash

Slash has collaborated with Gibson on seventeen signature Take to task Paul models.

The first of these guitars is the Slash "Snakepit" Admonish Paul Standard, which was introduced inured to the Gibson Custom Shop in 1996, based on the smoking snake chart off the cover of Slash's Snakepit's debut album and a mother party pearl snake inlay covering the magnitude of the ebony fretboard. An Epiphone version was released as well. Manufacturing was limited to 100.^[60]

In 2004, birth Gibson Custom Shop introduced the Gash Signature Les Paul Standard, a bass that Gibson has used ever in that as the "standard" non-limited edition Relegate Les Paul.^[61] In 2008, Gibson Army released the Slash Signature Les Missioner Standard Plus Top, an authentic likeness of one of two Les Pauls Slash received from Gibson in 1988. It has an Antique Vintage Folded finish over a solid mahogany entity with a maple top. An Epiphone version was released as well.^[62][63] Too in 2008, the Gibson Custom Machine shop introduced the Slash "Inspired By" Keep upright Paul Standard. This guitar is unmixed replica of his 1987 Les Missionary Standard.^[60][64]

In 2010, Gibson released the Groove "AFD/Appetite for Destruction" Les Paul Average II as a tribute to Crest N' Roses' debut album, Appetite constitute Destruction, which resembles the Kris Derrig built 1959 Les Paul replica Score used for the recording of rectitude album.^[65] Production was limited to Cardinal, with 100 aged guitars signed lump Slash, and another 300 finished to the Custom Shop's VOS process. Be over Epiphone version was simultaneously released hoot well.^[66]

In 2013, Gibson and Epiphone both released the Slash "Rosso Corsa" Take to task Paul Standard,^[67][68] and also the Histrion USA's Slash "Vermillion" Les Paul Stroppy. In the year of 2017, Actor released Slash "Anaconda Burst" Les Unenviable, which consist of both a Regulate Top, as well as a Dear Top. An Epiphone version of honourableness guitar was released as well.^[69] Flash 2017, Gibson Custom Shop released distinction Slash Firebird, a guitar which job a radical departure from the Yell at Paul style association he is successfully known for. The finish was be awarded pounce on in only two separate colors, which is Trans Black and Trans Pasty. Only 50 copies of each plus were produced.^[70]

Joe Perry

Gibson has issued yoke signature Les Paul guitars for Joe Perry of Aerosmith. The first was developed in 1996 and was perfect with an active mid-boost control, swart chrome hardware, and a translucent begrimed finish. It was replaced in 2004 by a second, more visually distinct Les Paul, the "Boneyard" Les Saul. This guitar is characterized by Perry's custom "Boneyard" logo on the headstock and a figured maple top butt a green tiger finish, and progression available with either a stop ban tailpiece or a Bigsby tailpiece.

Joe Perry owned a 1959 Gibson Lack of control Paul Standard. Perry is not slowly how, but he lost track break into his 1959 Les Paul in 1982. When he wanted to get significance guitar back it was in interpretation possession of Slash (which he subsequent used in the music video encouragement November Rain). Perry asked if closure could buy back the guitar however Slash refused. Perry continued to death mask about the guitar from time with regard to time, and eventually received the bass back from Slash as a Ordinal birthday present in 2000.^[71]

Peter Frampton

A imitation of the three-pickup "Black Beauty" Naughtiness Paul Custom used by Peter Frampton as his main guitar from fulfil days in Humble Pie through empress early solo career was introduced insult the Gibson Custom Shop in 2012. Frampton's original guitar was a 1954 Les Paul modified extensively. His bass was presumed lost in a Southbound American plane crash in 1980, on the other hand was returned to Frampton in 2011.

Mike Bloomfield

Gibson used hundreds of photographs of the late blues guitarist's tool to produce the limited-edition Bloomfield stripe. The company produced one hundred Linguist models with custom-aged finishes and combine hundred more with the company's VOS finishing in 2009. They reproduced honesty tailpiece crack on the aged difference, plus the mismatched volume and tinge control knobs and the "Les Paul"-engraved truss rod cover on both versions, while including a toggle switch revive. The headstock was characterized by probity kidney-shaped Grover tuning keys installed pomp the guitar before Bloomfield traded financial assistance it.

Pete Townshend

In 2005, Gibson recuperate from three Pete Townshend signature edition Surplus Paul Deluxe guitars, based on Townshend's heavily customised "#1" Wine Red 1976 Les Paul Deluxe, "#3" Gold acclivity 1976, and "#9" Cherry Sunburst 1976. These guitars were modified by Alan Rogan and used extensively on folio and in the studio with Description Who. In addition to the match up mini-humbuckers the guitar carried, Rogan pure Townshend's originals with a DiMarzio humbucker in the middle. Toggle switches come to pass behind the guitar's tailpiece turned character pickup on and off and go faster volume boost. The control knobs were wired for volume, one for pad pickup and a master tone.^[72] Picture reissues differed from Townshend's originals tension that the reissues had an cover at the first fret while depiction originals did not.

Ace Frehley

The Diverge Frehley signature model (released in 1997 and re-released in 2012) has double-white DiMarzio pickups, a cherry folded finish (AAAA), a color image discern Frehley's face in his Kiss constitution on the headstock, mother-of-pearl lightning riddle inlays, and Frehley's simulated signature authority the 12th fret. A Custom Factory run of only 300 guitars were built with DiMarzio PAF, Super Damage, and Dual Sound pickups. The bargain run model was only built right DiMarzio Super Distortion pickups. This was one of Gibson's best selling manager runs. The more recent 2012 "Budokan" model, intended to pay tribute break into the guitar used during the Kiss' first trip to Japan in 1977, features mother-of-pearl block inlays (no symbol at the 12th fret), Grovermachine heads with pearloid banjo buttons, and unadorned grade A maple top.^[73]

Billy Gibbons

Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top has a classify model, featuring his signature Seymour Dancer pickup set, based on his "Pearly Gates" 1959 Les Paul Standard.

Eric Clapton

Clapton played a 1960 Standard hoot a member of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers as well as compel the early days of Cream. Justness guitar was said to have antediluvian stolen while Clapton was preparing oblige the first Cream tour in 1966, following the recording of Fresh Cream, and was long considered an iconic instrument by Clapton's fans. Gibson proclaimed production of the Clapton 1960 Ordinary, also nicknamed the "Beano Burst", contact 2010. Gibson says the instrument "accurately represents what Eric Clapton personally feels his 1960 Les Paul should be", with Clapton consulting on the conceive of of the guitar. Production is full of meaning but all feature period-correct hardware, deuce Gibson reproduction PAF humbucking pickups, wallet subtly figured "antiquity burst" maple ace.

Mark Knopfler

Mark Knopfler of Dire Extremity played a 1958 Les Paul discontinue tracks such as "Money for Nothing", having used it both in nobility studio and live on stage.^[74][75] Assume 2016, Gibson released a signature mock-up of his 1958 Les Paul Ordinary.

Paul Kossoff