The Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s. More than just a guitar, it’s a symbol of authenticity, innovation, and rock ‘n’ roll history. With over six decades of legacy, this iconic instrument continues to captivate players. Let’s see why!
Table of contents
Features and specifications for the Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s
The Gibson Les Paul has a rich and storied history that dates back to the early 1950s. It was named after its creator, renowned guitarist and inventor Lester William Polsfuss, better known as Les Paul. Les Paul’s vision was to create a solid-body electric guitar that would revolutionize the music industry, and he succeeded beyond his wildest dreams.
Introduced in 1952, the Gibson Les Paul quickly gained popularity among professional guitarists. Its innovative design, featuring a solid mahogany body and a maple top. It provides a warm and resonant tone unlike anything else on the market. This Gibson Les Paul’s unique sound and playability made it a favorite among players from blues and rock to jazz and country.
Over the years, the Gibson Les Paul has been played by some of the most influential guitarists in history. From Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin to Slash of Guns N’ Roses, Gibson Les Paul’s distinctive sound has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Its timeless design and craftsmanship have made it an enduring rock ‘n’ roll culture symbol.
Today, the original Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s continues to be one of the most sought-after guitars in the world. Its legacy lives on through countless musicians who use it to create their own unique sound. With each new generation of players, the legend of the Gibson Les Paul grows stronger.
The craftsmanship behind the Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s
The Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s is a faithful recreation of the original Les Paul from the 1950s. It captures the essence of that era with its vintage-inspired design and meticulous attention to detail. One of the standout features of the Les Paul Standard ’50s is its solid mahogany body and maple top. This combination of tonewoods produces a rich and resonant tone that is warm and full-bodied.
The Les Paul Standard ’50s is equipped with two Alnico V Burstbucker pickups designed to recreate the classic PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucker sound of the original Les Paul. These pickups deliver a powerful and versatile range of tones, from smooth and creamy blues to biting and aggressive rock.
The neck of the Les Paul Standard ’50s is made from solid mahogany and features a slim-profile design for enhanced playability. The rosewood fretboard is adorned with vintage-style acrylic trapezoid inlays, giving it a timeless and elegant look.
Other notable features of the Les Paul Standard ’50s include vintage-style tuners, a Tune-O-Matic bridge, and a stop bar tailpiece. These components are all meticulously crafted to ensure optimal tuning stability and intonation.
The Pickups
The Alnico V Burstbucker pickups on the Les Paul Standard ’50s are designed to capture the classic PAF humbucker sound of the original Les Paul. These pickups deliver a smooth, creamy tone with clarity and definition. They can be dialed in to produce everything from warm and mellow jazz tones to searing and aggressive rock sounds.
When played clean, the Les Paul Standard ’50s has a beautiful, articulate tone perfect for rhythm playing or intricate fingerpicking. The notes have a sweet and singing quality to them. They have a touch of warmth and roundness that is instantly recognizable.
When pushed into overdrive, the Les Paul Standard ’50s comes alive with a thick and juicy tone that is full of harmonics and sustain. The pickups respond well to picking dynamics. They allow you to easily go from a gentle whisper to a roaring scream with just a flick of the wrist. The list of famous Les Paul players goes on and on. Artists from all genres of music choose a Les Paul for its versatility, playability, and legendary tone.
One of the most famous Les Paul players is Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. Page’s use of a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard on classic songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Whole Lotta Love” helped to establish the guitar’s reputation as a rock ‘n’ roll icon. Another legendary guitarist who is closely associated with Les Paul is Slash of Guns N’ Roses. Slash’s signature Les Paul, known as the “Appetite for Destruction” model, features a distinctive sunburst finish and has become synonymous with his iconic sound.
Other players
Other notable Les Paul players include Eric Clapton, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. These guitarists have all contributed to Les Paul’s legendary status and have helped to shape the sound of rock music. In addition to rock guitarists, Les Paul has also been embraced by jazz musicians. Jazz guitarists like Joe Pass and Pat Metheny have used the Les Paul to create unique and distinctive sounds.
The Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s also compares favorably to other Gibson models, such as the Les Paul Custom and the Les Paul Junior. The Les Paul Custom features a more luxurious design with gold hardware and multiple bindings. The Les Paul Junior is a stripped-down, no-frills version of the Les Paul.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s and other guitar models comes down to personal preference and playing style. Furthermore, each guitar has its own unique sound and feel, and what works for one guitarist may not work for another.
Conclusion
The enduring appeal of the Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s
The Les Paul Standard ’50s price can vary depending on the specific model and any additional customizations. On average, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $3,500 for a new Les Paul Standard ’50s.
If you’re on a tighter budget, you may also consider purchasing a used Les Paul Standard ’50s. Used guitars can often be found at a lower price, but it’s important to thoroughly inspect the guitar and ensure it’s in good condition before purchasing.
When buying a Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s, it’s important to consider the value that you’re getting for your money. The Les Paul Standard ’50s is a professional-grade instrument that is built to last a lifetime.
