The Gibson Les Paul: A Legendary Icon in Guitar History.

The Gibson Les Paul electric guitar is one of the most revered and influential instruments in rock and roll history. Its rich tone, stunning craftsmanship, and association with legendary musicians have cemented its place as a cornerstone of modern music.

This article delves into the history of Gibson Guitars, the origins of the Les Paul model, the mythical status of the 1959 and 1960 Bursts, and the various models that have shaped its legacy, as well as the modern innovations that continue to keep it relevant in the ever-evolving world of guitar playing.

The History of Gibson Guitars

Gibson Guitars was founded in 1902 by Orville Gibson, initially specializing in mandolins before transitioning to archtop guitars. The company revolutionized guitar manufacturing in the 1930s with the Super 400, an elegant and powerful jazz guitar.

It was also responsible for introducing the ES (Electric Spanish) series, which set the stage for the future of semi-hollow electric guitars. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that Gibson would introduce a solid-body electric guitar that would change the course of music history: the Les Paul.

Acoustic Guitar – Amazon.com
Electric Guitar – Amazon.com
Practice Amplifier – Amazon.com
Guitar Strings – Amazon.com

The Birth of the Les Paul

In the late 1940s, solid-body guitars were gaining popularity, primarily due to Leo Fender’s Telecaster. Gibson, known for its archtop guitars, was initially hesitant to enter the solid-body market. However, guitarist and inventor Les Paul had already experimented with solid-body designs, and in collaboration with Gibson’s president Ted McCarty, the first Gibson Les Paul was introduced in 1952.

Featuring a carved maple top, mahogany body, and a set neck, the Les Paul offered sustain and warmth unmatched by its competitors. The early models came equipped with P-90 pickups, giving them a thick, warm tone that made them ideal for jazz and blues.

The Fabled 1959 and 1960 Les Paul Burst

The 1958–1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard, commonly referred to as the ‘Burst,’ is perhaps the most coveted electric guitar ever made. The 1959 model, in particular, has achieved near-mythical status due to its exceptional tone and aesthetics. Its hand-carved maple top displayed striking flame patterns, while the PAF (Patent Applied For) humbuckers produced a rich, dynamic sound that remains highly sought after today.

Each 1959 and 1960 Burst had a unique finish due to variations in Gibson’s sunburst painting process. The colors would fade differently over time, giving each guitar its own distinct look. The resonance and sustain of these guitars, coupled with the smooth playability of their necks, have made them the Holy Grail for collectors and musicians alike.

In 1960, the Les Paul underwent slight modifications, including a slimmer neck profile. Despite these refinements, poor sales led Gibson to discontinue the model in favor of the SG in 1961. However, the ‘Burst’ later became legendary, thanks to players like Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, and Slash rediscovering and popularizing them in the 1970s and beyond. Today, an original 1959 Les Paul can fetch upwards of $500,000 at auction, with some exceptionally well-preserved examples selling for even more.

Les Paul Models and Variants

Gibson has produced various iterations of the Les Paul, each with unique characteristics that cater to different styles and preferences:

1. Les Paul Junior

Introduced in 1954 as a budget-friendly option, the Les Paul Junior featured a single P-90 pickup, slab mahogany body, and a simple yet powerful design. Despite its affordability, the Junior became a favorite among punk and rock players for its raw tone and punchy sound. Guitarists like Johnny Thunders, Leslie West, and Billie Joe Armstrong have embraced the Junior for its straightforward power and dynamic response.

2. Les Paul Special

A step up from the Junior, the Les Paul Special debuted in 1955. It retained the slab body design but added a second P-90 pickup, making it a more versatile instrument. The Special’s ability to cover a range of tones made it popular among blues and rock players alike.

3. Les Paul Standard

The flagship model of the Les Paul lineup, the Standard, is what most guitarists envision when they think of a Les Paul. Over the decades, it has been reissued in numerous variations, including ‘50s and ‘60s spec models, featuring different neck profiles, tops, and pickup configurations.

The Standard has remained the go-to choice for professional musicians seeking the classic Gibson tone.

4. Les Paul Custom

Originally introduced in 1954 as the “Black Beauty,” the Les Paul Custom was designed as a more luxurious alternative to the Standard. It featured multi-ply binding, gold hardware, and an ebony fretboard. The Custom is favored by players like Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde for its elegant look and smooth playability. Modern versions of the Custom often include rich tonal enhancements, such as multi-voiced pickups and advanced switching options.

5. Gibson SG (Originally a Les Paul)

In 1961, Gibson rebranded the Les Paul design, giving it a thinner, double-cutaway body and renaming it the SG (Solid Guitar). Les Paul himself was initially unhappy with the redesign, leading to the removal of his name in 1963. The SG became one of Gibson’s best-selling guitars, used by legends like Angus Young and Tony Iommi. While it remains distinct from the Les Paul, it is often considered part of the same family due to its origins.

Epiphone Les Paul – Amazon.com
Guitar Picks – Amazon.com
Guitar Cables – Amazon.com
Guitar Effects Pedals – Amazon.com

Custom Shop & Hand-Picked Woods

Gibson’s Custom Shop produces some of the most exquisite Les Pauls, meticulously recreating vintage models and crafting unique, limited-edition guitars. Some high-end retailers and select customers even have the privilege of hand-picking the woods for their instruments, ensuring exceptional aesthetics and tonal qualities. These hand-selected tops, particularly for figured maple, can significantly increase the value and desirability of the guitar.

The Murphy Lab – Aging Masterpieces

The Murphy Lab, led by Tom Murphy, is a division of Gibson’s Custom Shop specializing in aged and relic’d guitars. Murphy, a master luthier, pioneered the art of artificially aging guitars to replicate the wear and patina of vintage models.

Using proprietary techniques, the Murphy Lab creates Les Pauls that look and feel like well-played ‘50s originals, offering players the experience of a broken-in instrument with modern reliability. Many professional musicians swear by these aged guitars for their vintage appeal and exceptional playability.

Conclusion

The Gibson Les Paul remains a symbol of rock and roll excellence. From the hallowed ‘59 Burst to the accessible Les Paul Junior, each model carries a distinct character that appeals to players across genres.

Whether through historic reissues, Custom Shop masterpieces, or modern innovations, Gibson continues to honor the legacy of one of the greatest electric guitars ever made. With new technologies and ongoing advancements, the Les Paul’s legacy is set to thrive for generations to come.

The Author.

Brendon McAliece is a multi lingual expatriate Australian living in Thailand who speaks Thai, a number of its dialects and Lao. He has been playing guitar since he was 12 and continues to do so to this day. He has performing in bands across the Middle East while contracting as a Aircraft Weapons Instructor with his 10 years of RAAF Armament Fitter experience and his maintained his love for playing guitar it continues to thrive today.

Also Visit:
DreamingGuitar.com – DreamingCoffee.com – LetsFlyVFR.com

As an Amazon affiliate I may earnon qualifying sales.