The Gibson Les Paul Standard – A True Classic Guitar

Probably the second most recognizable guitar silhouettes in the world, (first is the Fender Strat) the Gibson Les Paul Standard is a true classic guitar. It produces a wide range of sounds making it possible to play nearly any type of music imaginable. To guitar collectors, it is an essential electric guitar to add to a collection. It is the favorite guitar to countless players and people who don’t play. There are many reasons why.

In the Beginning

The Gibson Les Paul debuted in 1952 with a goldtop finish. It featured 2 P-90 single coil pickups and a trapeze tailpiece and bridge. Goldtops were made until 1957. In 1954, the Les Paul Custom came out featuring a Tune-o-Matic bridge. This was the second version of the Les Paul, and it was a “work of art,” because it looked very sophisticated in an all-black finish. In 1957, the Custom was introduced with special humbucker pickups. The Custom was made until 1960. From 1954 to 1960, Gibson also made more variations of the guitar including the Junior, TV, and Special models.

The first generation of Les Paul Standards was introduced in 1958. Many guitar players consider the Gibson Les Paul Standards made form 1958 to 1960 the best guitars ever made. Because of this, these guitars can cost around $300,000 usually. The finish was changed top a sunburst finish instead of the goldtop. These special guitars held 2 awesome humbucker pickups – BusrtBuckers.

Unfortunately, in 1960, due to falling sales, the Gibson Les Paul line was discontinued. In 1961, Gibson made a second attempt at the Les Paul, the “Solid Guitar” most commonly known as the Gibson SG. Les Paul hated the new SG, and asked Gibson to take his name off the headstock of the guitar, so in 1963 the guitar became know as the SG. However, in 1968, the real Les Paul was introduced for a second time.

Les Paul Standards Today

Since then, thousands of guitarists have turned to the Les Paul Standard for the sound they want and need. Every time a new generation of the standard is introduced, Gibson has improved on the electronics, finish, feel, and production [everything except price, which is going up as you read this I’m sure ;)] The 2008 models were the first one with the necks made with a special Plek setup system that gives the guitar action that is far superior to guitars without it. The paint that is used is specially designed to let the wood body of the guitar vibrate more freely, giving it a more natural tone than being coated in a thick coat of gloss. The tuners are specially designed to keep the guitar in tune better, the input jack is improved so the cable won’t fly out of you accidentally step on it, the frets are even, smooth and finished by professionals. The BusrtBucker pickups keep improving with better magnets and build quality too.

If you are lucky enough to be able to shell out a huge chunk of cash on a guitar, don’t waste any time, because it will only turn into an even bigger chunk of cash. Most people think it is worth it to spend a lot of money on it because it is truly a classic guitar and a real collector’s item. It is one of the most sought after guitars in the world and always will be.

Jimmy Page, Billy Gibbons, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Ace Frehley, Mike Bloomfield, Jeff Beck, Paul McCartney, Neil Young, and dozens more guitar slinging heroes have strapped on the Gibson Les Paul Standard and made history.

Thanks,

Parker

www.theparkinggarage.webs.com