The Gibson Les Paul
Guitar
Find out the unique features of a Les Paul
Guitar
One of the most recognized solid-body electric guitar
designs, the Gibson Les Paul was developed in the early 1950s. Since then, the guitar has become one of the most
popular and enduring musical instrument models in the world and its design has been virtually unmodified in fifty
years.
Les Paul Guitar Models and Variations
Two models were going to be included in the Les Paul guitar line: the regular model and the Custom model, which
offered upgraded hardware and a more formal black finish. However, advancements in pickup, body, and hardware
designs allowed the Les Paul Gibson to become a long-term series of electric solid-body guitars that targeted every
price-point and market level except for the guitar novice.
This beginner guitar market was filled by the Melody Maker model, and though the more affordable Melody Maker did
not bear the Les Paul name, its body followed the design of true Les Paul guitars throughout each era.
There are a number of characteristics that distinguish the Gibson Les Paul line from other electrics beyond shaping
and body design. For instance, in a design method similar to Gibson's hollow-body instruments, the strings of Les
Paul guitars are always mounted on the top of the guitar body rather than through the guitar body as seen in
Fender's designs. In addition, the Les Paul models offered a variety of finishes and decorative levels, a diversity
of hardware options, and an innovative array of pick-up options, some of which significantly impacted the sound of
electric music. An example of this would be the "humbucking pickup" which revolutionized the sound of the electric
guitar, and solved the problem of the 60-cycle noise which had previously plagued amplified guitars.
Origins
The Les Paul model was created when Gibson Guitar Corporation and pop star, electronics inventor, and accomplished
jazz guitarist Les Paul decided to collaborate on a design for a guitar. After the introduction of the Fender
Telecaster to the musical market, electric guitars became a public craze. Gibson Guitar president Ted McCarty
brought guitarist Les Paul into the company as a consultant in reaction to this craze. However, the significance of
Les Paul's contributions to his Gibson guitar design remains a point of controversy. Paul's contributions are
mainly limited now to two design innovations: advice on the trapeze tailpiece, and a preference for color.
Additionally, Gibson's president Ted McCarty states that the Gibson Guitar Corporation merely approached Les Paul
for the right to use the musician’s name to promote guitar sales through brand recognition. McCarty also claims
that design discussions with Les Paul were limited to the tailpiece and the fitting of a maple cap over the
mahogany body for increased density and sustain.
Gibson Les Paul Standard Premium top
GIBSON 1991 LES PAUL STUDIO GUITAR - CREAM COLORED
Epiphone Les Paul Standard Sparkle Electric Guitar Case
Left Handed Epiphone Les Paul w/ Hard Case Lefty
2009 GIBSON LES PAUL HISTORIC 1956 REISSUE GOLDTOP VOS
GIBSON LES PAUL HISTORIC 1957 REISSUE GOLDTOP DARKBACK
EPIPHONE ACE FREHELY LES PAUL RARE BLACKBURST
2000 Gibson SG 61 SG/Les Paul White
Epiphone Les Paul Collection Electric Guitar,
1976 Vintage Gibson Les Paul sunburst with case
Gibson Epiphone Les Paul Japan
GIBSON LES PAUL 57RI GOLD TOP STINGER! SUPER RARE!
EPIPHONE Custom Shop LE Les Paul Special GUITAR
Gibson Les Paul SG 61 Reissue 1961 Custom Shop Historic
2000 Gibson Les Paul Classic
1981 GIBSON LES PAUL CUSTOM VINTAGE GUITAR
Gibson Les Paul Menace
RARE 1991 Gibson 30th Anniversary Les Paul/SG Custom!
Epiphone les paul studio/white/ with white cakset case
The timeless Les Paul Guitar, appreciated by professional guitarists world-wide.
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