Gibson Les Paul - three words that are synonymous with the world of rock. The Gibson Les Paul guitar is one of the best known electric guitars in the world.
First sold in 1952, the Gibson Les Paul was initially released with two P-90 pickups. Gibson eventually updated the Les Paul to use two humbucker pickups instead – this version of the Gibson Les Paul guitar became somewhat of a standard for this legendary instrument.
The Gibson Les Paul does come in some variations from time to time such as the Gibson Les Paul Tribute models, some of which have the original P-90 pickups and some versions of the Les Paul guitar come with three humbuckers to give further tonal options.
It’s hard to think now but there was a time in the early 1960s when the Gibson Les Paul’s sales were underperforming and Gibson discontinued the line. It’s hard to imagine rock without the Les Paul, isn’t it? For a while, the Les Paul was replaced by its younger brother – the Gibson SG, until the original single cutaway Gibson Les Paul was reintroduced to the world and the Gibson SG and Gibson Les Paul coexisted alongside each other – brothers in arms!
One of the first solid-body guitars ever to be mass-produced, Les Pauls suit a multitude of genres from rock, country, pop, soul, blues, punk and even heavy metal.
Some of the most famous guitar players in the world are well known for having played Gibson Les Paul guitars. A short list of famous Les Paul players includes Slash of Guns N’ Roses fame, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society and Ozzy Osbourne fame, Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend of The Who and Joe Perry from Aerosmith.
A great list of guitarists, known for their unique and incredible styles, many of which have released their own Gibson Les Paul Signature models. The Slash Appetite Les Paul Standard, the Peter Frampton Black Beauty Les Paul Custom and the various iterations of the Jimmy Page signature Les Paul have all been wildly popular additions to the Les Paul signature series of guitars.
The Gibson Les Paul is also one of the most imitated guitar models in the history of music – it’s iconic design and incredible sound are some of the most sought after traits in rock music and although many have tried, nobody quite produces a Les Paul guitar in the way Gibson can.
USA made Gibson Les Pauls are seen by many to be the epitome of rock and roll style and they come in various lines with different features and price points to appeal to wider audiences. Guitars such as the Les Paul CM and the Les Paul Junior bring Gibson quality and prestige in a more affordable package.
At the other end of the spectrum there are ranges such as the Gibson Custom Shop guitars, Gibson True Historic Les Paul guitars and Gibson Collector’s Choice Les Paul guitars. All fantastic instruments.
Whichever Gibson Les Paul guitar you play there are a few things that never change; you’ll be handling an absolute icon of popular music, a peerless in build quality instrument and you’ll absolutely love it.
