Whether you’re a beginner learning to play, or a professional looking to improve their tone, the choice of a Les Paul can be a challenge. There are about 127 models that have been published under the name of the Les Paul since 1952. To make your decision easier which helps to remember that they are all derived from 3 basic models? There are around 13 or so variations on the basic Les Paul design today. All models feature a ’Tune-o-matic’ bridge and stop bar tailpiece, and may be with or without a scratch guard. Apart from reissues, all Les Paul now feature humbuckers. Most are mahogany, but there’s a series called ’SmartWood Exotics, which have a number of exotic woods. There are a number of variations and reisues on the basis of the above but slightly different, and all have the signature Les Paul in the hull.

Gibson Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar

List Price: $3,018 – $3,320
Online Price: $1,999 – $2,199

This is the contemporary version of the model that was introduced in ’58-’59. It was reintroduced in 1976. This model has a smaller peg head, green push keys, and in bushing. The body and neck are solid mahogany while the fret board is made of maple and rosewood. All hardware is nickel. Thanks to the Burst bucker Pro pickups, the tone is tight and balanced with increased midrange. Up until 1957 they featured single coil soap bar pickups, after which they switched to Humbuckers. The hardware is chrome. In the 1960s Gibson introduced the ’slim-taper’ neck, which changes in thickness only about a tenth of an inch from the first fret to the twelfth and maintains a precisely controlled width to thickness ratio, designed to promote speed while reducing player fatigue. The Standard is now available with or without the slim-taper neck.

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Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar
List Price: $1,649 – $2,018
Online Price: $1,199

Introduced in 1983. A more refined version of the guitar, with a thinner body and more advanced electronics designed by Les Paul himself. Low impedance electronics were used for an improved signal to noise ratio and a very clean tone. The thinner body changed the tonal qualities of the instrument somewhat, but the improved electrics allowed higher quality in recording situations. The same woods are used but there is no binding. This model is a watered down version of the Standard. It comes in a wide choice of finishes and has a sleek minimal look and features an optional plus top. The Les Paul Studio is intended to be played in a recording studio and is the favorite of guitarists who want a guitar that combines the Les Paul’s classic performance with a modern edge.

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Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric guitar
List Price: $5,245
Online Price: $3,399

This is something of a piece de resistance in the Les Paul stable, and is the most expensive model. Introduced in 1954, the Custom is perhaps the most beautiful Les Paul with its elegant colourings and gold hardware. It features multi-ply binding on a maple neck and mahogany back and top. Essentially it is the same as a Standard, but with slicker aesthetics. It’s designed with a single piece mahogany neck and a carved maple top. Aesthetics include a warm mahogany finish and gold hardware. The 2 hum buckers ensure a warm quality to the tone, making this the perfect lead guitar. Other features include a tune-o-matic bridge and a stop bar tail piece.

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