Gibson Les Paul: history and which model to pick

What makes the Gibson Les Paul special

The Gibson Les Paul is a solid-body electric guitar that Gibson introduced in 1952. You recognise it at a glance: a single cutaway, an arched top and two humbuckers. It sounds thicker and warmer than electric guitars of the Fender type and has long sustain. That is exactly why it became the heart of rock, blues and metal.

Together with the Fender Telecaster it forms the pair of instruments that laid the foundations of the modern electric guitar.

How was the Les Paul born?

The Les Paul was born as the answer of Gibson to the success of Fender. When Fender showed the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar in 1950, Gibson approached the well-known guitarist and inventor Les Paul and launched a model with his name in 1952. The first units had a gold top and P-90 pickups. In 1957 it got humbuckers, which define its sound to this day. The models from 1958 to 1960 with a sunburst top are among the most prized guitars in the world.

What does the Les Paul look and sound like?

The Les Paul has a mahogany body with a maple top and a neck glued to the body, not bolted on. The 24.75-inch scale is shorter than on a Fender, so the strings feel softer and bends are easier. Two humbuckers and a fixed tune-o-matic bridge give a full, dense tone with long decay. The guitar is heavier, which explains part of that sustain.

Les Paul vs Stratocaster and Telecaster: what is the difference?

The difference is in the sound and the build. The Les Paul sounds darker, thicker and with more sustain, while the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster sound brighter and sharper. The Les Paul has a glued neck and a single cutaway, Fenders have a bolt-on neck. The Les Paul is heavier, yet many people love exactly its dense character. If you are torn between types, how to choose an electric guitar will help.

Who played the Les Paul?

The list reads like a history book of rock. Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin turned the Les Paul into a symbol of hard rock. Slash of Guns N’ Roses is inseparable from it. Gary Moore, Zakk Wylde, Joe Perry and Peter Green all played it. Bob Marley owned a Les Paul Special. Each of them got a slightly different sound out of it, which proves how versatile it is.

Gibson or Epiphone?

This is the most common question when buying. Gibson builds the Les Paul in the USA from premium materials and at a higher price. Epiphone is the sister brand of Gibson and builds the Les Paul in the same shape, but more affordably. For a beginner and intermediate player Epiphone is a great entry into the world of the Les Paul. Whoever wants an instrument for life or the exact tone of the original reaches for Gibson.

Which Les Paul model to choose?

The Les Paul comes in several lines, from cheap to collectible. Here are the main ones, with examples on our website.

Gibson Les Paul Standard

The flagship. The Gibson Les Paul Standard has everything the model is famous for: a maple top, two humbuckers and full appointments. It is the classic choice for anyone who wants the real Gibson sound.

Gibson Les Paul Studio and Tribute

Studio and Tribute are the more affordable Gibsons. They skip cosmetic touches like binding, but keep the sound and the heart of the Les Paul. You will find them in the Gibson Les Paul category. They are ideal if you want a real Gibson at a more reasonable price.

Gibson Les Paul Custom and Classic

The Gibson Les Paul Classic follows the spirit of the 1960s models with a lighter body. The Custom, nicknamed the „Black Beauty", is the luxury version with rich binding. Both target players who want a premium instrument.

Epiphone Les Paul: Standard, Custom and Special

The Epiphone Les Paul is the best way to start. The Standard offers the classic look and sound for a fraction of the price, the Custom adds a more luxurious look and the Special is a simple, light model for beginners. A great first guitar of this type.

Frequently asked questions about the Gibson Les Paul

What is the Gibson Les Paul?

The Gibson Les Paul is a solid-body electric guitar from 1952. It has a single cutaway, a mahogany body with a maple top and two humbuckers. It is known for a thick, warm tone and long sustain.

What is the difference between a Gibson and an Epiphone Les Paul?

Gibson is made in the USA from premium materials and costs more. Epiphone is the more affordable sister brand with the same shape. The shape and basic character are similar; the materials, hardware, origin and price differ.

Why is the Les Paul so heavy?

The weight comes from the mahogany body with a maple top. This very combination gives the Les Paul its dense tone and long sustain. Some models have a weight-relieved body that lowers the weight.

Is the Les Paul good for beginners?

Yes. For a beginner the Epiphone Les Paul is ideal, offering the real shape and sound at an affordable price. A guitar amp and useful accessories go well with it.

What genres suit the Les Paul?

Almost any. It shone most in rock, blues, hard rock and metal, but you can hear it in jazz or pop too. Its thick tone fits anywhere you want a full and warm sound.

Choose your Les Paul

The Les Paul is a guitar with soul and history. Whether you choose your first Epiphone Les Paul or a premium Gibson, you get an instrument that shaped the sound of whole generations. Browse all electric guitars and do not forget strings and a guitar amp. If you are just starting out, check out how to learn guitar.