Learn about the history of the Gibson Les Paul with Oda

Gibson Les Paul.
Among electric guitars, it stands out with its strong presence and remains a beloved instrument among many musicians, considered synonymous with the electric guitar. Its history is long, and it's no exaggeration to say that without this instrument, modern music wouldn't exist.

Although Les Paul guitars may look similar at first glance, their specifications and design philosophies actually differ greatly depending on the model and era. Standard, Custom, Junior, Special, etc... Each has a distinct role and character.

Tracing its history further, the Les Paul's evolution is rooted in the transformation of the Gibson brand, reflecting the changing music scene and production systems of each era. From its peak in the 1950s, to its transformation in the 1960s, and then to rationalization in the 1970s, the Les Paul has always been in a state of change.

These guitars, sharing the same name, possess completely different personalities. Understanding these differences will help you more clearly identify the perfect guitar for you.

Gibson's founder

Orville H. Gibson

Born in 1856 in New York State, the son of British immigrant John Gibson.

In 1902, The Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Manufacturing Company, Limited was established in Kalamazoo.

Orville, a mandolin maker, used a carved top/back structure similar to a violin, rather than the bowl back (lute type) that was prevalent at the time.RecruitAnd it is said that this became the origin of the design philosophy behind later Gibson guitars.

Died in 1918 (age 62)

After his death, Gibson began developing archtop guitars, laying the foundation for its current status as a guitar manufacturer.

Its name is Les Paul

Les Paul, also known as Lester Williams Polfus

Born in Wisconsin in 1915.
Active as a jazz/country guitarist in the 1930s.
In 1937, a photo of Les holding a Super 400 appeared in Gibson's catalog.
In 1941, he created an experimental solid-body guitar, commonly known as "The Log," which featured a pickup mounted on a 4x4 piece of lumber.
In 1951, he signed an endorsement contract with Gibson. The agreement stipulated that he would "not play any guitars other than Gibson in public" and "become a consultant for Gibson."
In 1952, the Les Paul Gold Top was released.
In 1963, the contract with Gibson ended, and for a time, the "Les Paul" name disappeared.
Relationship with Gibson was restored in the 1980s and 90s. His supervision and signature models were released.
Passed away in 2009 (age 94)

The background of the birth of the Les Paul guitar

In the 1930s and 40s, full-acoustic and archtop guitars were the dominant styles. The tide turned in the 1950s.
In the 1950s, influenced by the success of Fender's Telecaster, Gibson also planned to enter the solid-body electric guitar market.
They signed a contract with Les Paul, who was both a musician and an engineer, and this led to the creation of the legendary Les Paul Model.

Gibson Les Paul in stock

Les Paul Standard

The most classic Les Paul. A model that can be considered the fundamental form of the Les Paul.

Main specifications
Maple top + mahogany back
・Humbucker x 2
• Rosewood fingerboard

The flame maple burst finish is its defining feature. It combines the hard attack of maple with the sustained mid-low frequencies of mahogany, creating a sound that is both full and resonant—a quintessential example of the "Les Paul sound."

1952

Birth of the Original Les Paul

Body: Maple top/Mahogany back
Neck: 1P Mahogany
Pickup: P-90

Gibson's first solid-body guitar.
It was released in 1952 as a signature model for Les Paul.
Originally Gold Top

The photo shows the tailpiece being replaced.

Fun facts♪"Why gold?"

It originates from a gold-finished hollow-body guitar that Gibson produced in 1951, of which only one was made. This guitar was commissioned by Les and was intended as a gift for a friend who was bedridden in a hospital.

1954

A 1954 model featuring a bar bridge.

1956

This 1956 model, featuring a Tune-O-Matic saddle and equipped with P-90 pickups, can be considered the ultimate Les Paul.

1957

Body: Maple top/Mahogany back
Neck: 1P Mahogany
Pickup: P-490 (=PAF)

It is equipped with a humbucking pickup (P-490) developed by Seth Lover. The P-490 has a "PATENT APPLIED FOR" sticker indicating that a patent application is pending, and is therefore called "PAF".

Fun facts♪"Seth Lover"

He joined Gibson in 1945. The humbucker was developed to reduce noise in the P-90 pickup.
Learn more about Seth Lover here.

This is the end of the Gold Top.
You can find more details about Les Pauls from 1954 to 1958 in this article!
Column "Vintage Guitar Chapter 2: Gibson Les Paul"

1958~1960

During the goldtop era, the guitars were often listed as "Les Paul Guitar" in catalogs, but the model name "Les Paul Standard" began to be used with the release of the sunburst model in 1958. The guitars commonly known as "Burst" are Les Paul Standards manufactured between 1958 and 1960, and because only a very small number were produced, they are highly valuable and rare.

Fun facts♪"The Guitar Heroes Who Ignited the Les Paul Popularity"

When discussing the Les Paul, it's absolutely essential to mention the guitar heroes who have graced its era. For example, Eric Clapton, who created the legend of the "Burst" in the 1960s. The exquisite tone he produced when combined with a Marshall amplifier shocked guitarists of the time. And we can't forget Jimmy Page, who also used the Burst, known as the No. 1 and No. 2. Moving on to the late 1980s, in an era when flashy component guitars were all the rage, it was Slash of Guns N' Roses who reignited the popularity of the Les Paul by playing it low to the ground.

Without them, the Les Paul's position today might be completely different.

1961

Body: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Pickup: Humbucker
Changed to an SG shape.

Following strong sales of the Les Paul Junior and other solid-body guitars, Gibson decided to make a bold overhaul of its Les Paul models. The single-cut Les Paul Standard was discontinued at this point.

In 1963, following the termination of their contract with Les Paul, the model name was changed to SG.

Fun facts♪"Model name"

The "SG" in the model name stands for Solid Guitar. Incidentally, "ES" in ES-335, etc., stands for Electric Spanish, and "EB" in EB-2, etc., stands for Electric Bass.

1968

Les Paul Standard is back.

Body: Maple top / Mahogany back
Neck: Mahogany
Pickup: P-90
This is the first reissue model to recreate the Goldtop guitars from 1956-1957.

Fun facts♪"The catalyst for the Les Paul's revival"

In 1967, Keith Richards and Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones went to see Les Paul's solo concert and visited him backstage, telling him that "many guitarists admire you and are collecting your legendary 1950s Les Pauls."

That led Les to contact Gibson, and Les and Gibson signed another contract.

Early 1970s

With the introduction of the Les Paul Deluxe (discussed later), it disappeared from the regular lineup, but it was still manufactured as a custom order.

*Only 25 units of the 1971 model were produced.

1976

Body: Maple top/Mahogany-Maple laminate (=pancake body) Neck: 3-piece maple

Models equipped with humbuckers, which had been custom-made since around 1974, were officially listed in the catalog as the Les Paul Standard.

The sunburst finish also made a comeback, and from 1978 onwards, color variations such as natural and wine red were also introduced.RecruitIt has come to be done.

Fun facts♪"The 'Norlin era' that appeals to enthusiasts"

From around 1969 to 1986, when Gibson's parent company was Norlin, we guitar enthusiasts affectionately refer to this period as the "Norlin era." Pancake bodies, volutes to increase the strength of the neck back, and three-piece maple necks are all characteristic features of this period. It was an era of rationalization aimed at mass production and improved strength, but the hard, tight sound unique to this period remains incredibly popular as an essential characteristic of 70s rock!

1979

Les Paul Standard CMT
Body: Curly maple top / 1-piece mahogany back
Neck: 3-piece maple

This period marked a surge in the popularity of vintage guitars, leading to a proliferation of reissue models.

This model is produced in limited quantities at the Kalamazoo factory and features a curly maple top.RecruitIt was done.

Fun facts♪"Kalamazoo"

Kalamazoo is the name of a town in Michigan, USA. It was Gibson's headquarters from the 1890s, when the company was founded, until the mid-1980s. In the early 1980s, a new factory began operations in Nashville, Tennessee. In an effort to modernize production methods, the Kalamazoo factory was closed in 1984, and the relocation to Nashville was completed. Incidentally, the skilled craftsmen who remained at the Kalamazoo factory and left Gibson continued making guitars under the brand name Heritage Guitars.

1980

Les Paul Heritage 80 Standard
Body: 2-piece maple top / 1-piece mahogany back
Neck: 3-piece mahogany

Aiming to return to its roots, this standard bears the name Heritage.

1982

Les Paul Standard '82
Body: Flame maple top / 1-piece mahogany back
Neck: 1P Mahogany

The Standard 82 was released following in the footsteps of the Heritage series. The Heritage series was discontinued around 1983, and the Kalamazoo factory closed down around 1984.

This series, which returns to its roots, will later be followed by the Custom Shop/Historic Collection, which will be discussed later.

The photo shows a lefty model.

1987

Les Paul Standard '59 Reissue
This reissue model has been revived, faithfully recreating the 1959 style.

1993

The Gibson Custom Shop was established, and the "Historic Collection" series was launched. Consequently, the Les Paul Standard was positioned as the basic model.

The photo was taken in 1993.

2000s

Les Paul Standard Plus
Chambered structureRecruitIt has been transformed into a model that incorporates the latest technologies, including advanced hardware.

The photo was taken in 2007.

Fun facts♪"The Les Paul and the Endless Battle Against 'Weight' (Weight Relief)"

When you think of a Les Paul, you probably picture it being "heavy!" (laughs). Actually, Gibson has been battling this weight issue for many years.

In the early 1980s, the "traditional weight relief" (commonly known as "Swiss cheese"), which involves hollowing out a circular section of wood inside the body, began. Since then, various innovations have been developed over time, such as the "chambered construction" which creates a large cavity, and the "modern weight relief" which involves cutting out slit-shaped sections of wood based on calculated acoustic properties. The fact that the weight and acoustic resonance differ depending on the year of manufacture is one of the interesting aspects of choosing a Les Paul.

2015

Equipped with G-Force auto tuner as standard.

From 2019

The collection is organized into Original Collection and Modern Collection, and is offered in specifications based on different eras, such as the 50s and 60s.

Gibson Les Paul in stock

Les Paul Custom

The Les Paul Custom was introduced as a higher-end model than the Les Paul Standard.

Main specifications
・Ebony fingerboard
Block inlay
·binding
Most are black (Black Beauty)

Known affectionately as the "Black Beauty" due to its luxurious decorations and ebony fretboard, the ebony fretboard gives the sound a slightly sharper attack. Compared to the rosewood fretboard Standard model, it has a more defined tone. Not only does it look luxurious, but its sound character is also somewhat more modern.

Fun facts♪"Black Beauty"

Ludwig, a drum manufacturerLudiwgThere's something with the same name in ) as well!
For more detailsHere

1954

Birth of Les Paul Custom
Body: 1P Mahogany
Neck: 1P Mahogany
Pickup: P-480/P-90

In contrast to the standard model with a gold top, this model featured a premium specification with a black finish and gold hardware. It was equipped with a P-480 (Alnico V) pickup in the neck position and a P-90 in the bridge position, and featured a solid mahogany body, a one-piece mahogany neck, and an ebony fingerboard.

1956

There are no external changes other than the top hat knob.

Fun facts♪

TCGAKKIThis article introduces a 1956 Les Piano Custom that has just arrived in our store.
Column: "1956 Gibson Les Paul Custom"

1961

Like the Standard, it underwent a model change to the SG shape. Specifications such as the three pickups, position markers, headstock inlay, and gold hardware were retained, but the color underwent a major transformation, changing from black to white. The model name was also changed to SG Custom in 1963, the same year as the Standard.

Fun facts♪"Why? From Les Paul to SG?"

In 1963, following the termination of the endorsement contract with Les Paul, the Les Paul model was renamed "SG." Because this was a transitional period, some guitars still have the "Les Paul" lettering on the truss rod cover.

1968

Les Paul Custom revival
Body: 2-piece maple top / 1-piece mahogany back
Neck: 1P Mahogany
Pickup: Humbucker (=sticker numbered)

With the rise in popularity of the Les Paul model, it was equipped with two humbuckers, just like the Standard. Unlike the 1950s models, the body featured a maple top and mahogany back.

1969

Body: Maple top/Mahogany-Maple laminate (=pancake body)
Neck: 3-piece mahogany

Like other models, the specifications were changed. These included a larger headstock, a change in the Gibson logo, and the addition of a neck volute. Because the '68 and '69 models were a transitional period, a mix of specifications can be found in some examples.

Fun facts♪"Pancake body"

A body with a laminated structure, where thin sheets of maple are sandwiched between mahogany, is commonly called a "pancake body." (Until around 1976)RecruitIt was done.

1972

Les Paul Custom '54
A reissue model was released in 1954. It features a one-piece mahogany body, and the P-480 pickups were also reproduced.

1974

Custom options now also come with colors other than black as the default.

1975
Body: Pancake
Neck: 3-piece maple
Pickup: Stamped numbered

With the move to the Nashville factory, each process was reviewed and specifications were changed. The biggest difference is the maple neck. Also, the pickups changed from sticker numbering to patent numbering.BassThis is a plate with a number stamped directly onto it, commonly known as an "engraved numbered plate."

1984

Body: 3-piece maple top / 1-piece mahogany back
Neck: 1P Mahogany

In the 1980s, luxurious specifications such as custom colors and flame tops began to be released in the regular line.

The photo shows the pearl white color.

1986

Riding the vintage boom, Gibson has revived traditional specifications. The mahogany neck has returned, but the body top is maple, making it closer to the specifications of around 1968.

1990

A clear distinction has been established between the premium line, which pursues a vintage aesthetic, and the regular line, which pursues modern playability.

Since the 1990s

As Gibson Custom Shop-made Les Paul Customs became available commercially, the regular line of Custom guitars gradually began to be replaced by Custom Shop models.

The photo shows a 1998 Historic Collection 1957 Les Paul Custom.

2004

The regular line was discontinued after 2004.

The photo was taken in 2003.

Fun facts♪"The depletion of ebony wood and 'Richlight'"

The ebony fretboard is practically synonymous with the Les Paul Custom, but for several years starting around 2012, it became difficult to secure high-quality wood due to environmental protection concerns (such as the Washington Convention), and an artificial material called "Richlite" was introduced.RecruitThere was a time when this was used. It's an eco-friendly material made by hardening paper fibers with resin, and it actually has a smooth playing feel and a hard sound that's very similar to ebony. It's a specification you often encounter when looking for a used Custom from recent years, so be sure to keep it in mind!

Gibson Les Paul in stock

Les Paul Deluxe

The Les Paul Deluxe appeared shortly after the Les Paul shape was revived in 1968.

With a maple top and mahogany back, it has specifications similar to the Standard model, but its most distinctive feature is the inclusion of mini-humbuckers. Smaller than regular humbuckers, they have a slightly lower output but offer excellent clarity and definition. They excel in clean and crunch tones, making them well-suited to 70s rock and contributing to their popularity.

1969

Les Paul Deluxe Release Body: 3-piece maple top / Pancake body (mahogany, maple, mahogany) back
Neck: 3-piece mahogany
Pickup: PU-120 (mini humbucker)

The Deluxe model replaced the Standard model. It features mini-humbuckers, which are smaller than regular humbuckers.

The photo was taken in 1972.

Fun facts♪

The mini-humbucker, which is small enough to fit into the cavity of a P-90, was originally developed for Epiphone.

1975

Body: 3-piece maple top / pancake body back
Neck: 3-piece maple neck

Like other models, it has transitioned to a maple neck.

The photo shows a unit with a replaced pickup.

1977

Like other models, the pancake body has been discontinued and replaced with a 1-piece mahogany back.

The photo was taken in 1978.

Since the 1980s

1985
Production discontinued.

1992
A reissue model of the Les Paul Deluxe has been released. Production of the original model ended in 1997.

1999
A 30th-anniversary model has been released.

The photo was taken in 1999.

Gibson Les Paul in stock

Les Paul Junior

The Les Paul Junior, introduced in 1954, was initially designed as a more affordable version of the Standard. Its most distinctive feature is the single P-90 pickup. Its bold yet crisp sound was beloved by many iconic rock and roll guitarists.

1954

Body: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Pickup: P-90
Single cutaway. Simple stopbar bridge.RecruitThe simple controls are one of the reasons why it's easy for beginners to use.

The photo was taken in 1955.

Fun facts♪

1955
A pale yellow "TV Finish" is now available.

This color scheme was intended to mimic how it would look on a black and white television at the time. This particular color version of the Junior is called "Les Paul TV" to distinguish it from the Les Paul Junior, although the main specifications are the same.

1958

The design has been changed to a double cutaway. The finish has been changed from sunburst to cherry red. The P-90 pickups and bar bridge remain unchanged.RecruitIt is being done.

The photo was taken in 1959.

1961

SG Junior
Like other models, it features the SG shape.

The photo was taken in 1965.

Fun facts♪

The SG designation began to be used in 1960, preceded by the Special and Junior models.
What makes it complicated is that while the body shape changed from single cutaway to double cutaway to SG shape, the timing of the model name changes didn't necessarily coincide. There are even some 1960 double cutaway models whose catalog name is "SG Special."

Les Paul Special

1955

Body: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Pickups: P-90 x2
Positioned as a mid-range model in the Les Paul series, it debuted in TV Yellow as its standard color.

The photo shows a 1955 model with a Bigsby modification.

The photo was taken in 1956.

Fun facts♪

1959

It became a double-cutaway model about six months after the Junior. The cherry red color was added around the same time as the Junior. There was also a minor change: the pickup selector switch was moved to the lower left of the front volume control. (Later, presumably for ease of use, it was moved back closer to the bridge.)

1961

SG Special
Like other models, it features an SG shape.

The photo was taken in 1964.

1974

Les Paul '55
Released as a reissue from the single-cutaway era.

It's not a complete replica, but it has a Tune-o-matic type bridge.RecruitAnd it has been updated to a more modern specification.

Production ended in 1981.

1976

Les Paul Special Double Cutaway

This is a reissue from the double-cutaway era. Unlike the single-cutaway reissue mentioned earlier, it has a more straightforward model name.

The photo was taken in 1977.

Gibson Les Paul in stock

There are many other models as well! Models named Les Paul

Les Paul Studio

Introduced in 1983, the "Les Paul Studio" is another classic model. Many people probably say, "This was my first Les Paul!" While cost reduction was achieved by omitting decorative elements such as body binding, it firmly retains the basic structure of the Standard, with a maple top and mahogany back. As the name suggests, it is a practical and stoic instrument focused on "studio recording work."

Les Paul Personal/Professional/Recording

The lineage of experimental Les Pauls

In 1969, Gibson released the "Les Paul Personal," a model that set it apart from the traditional Les Paul.

This series featured models equipped with low-impedance pickups and controls that differed significantly from standard Les Pauls, including EQ and a decade switch. The Professional model was released in 1970, followed by the Recording model in 1971.

It features a design that incorporates many of Les Paul's experimental elements and emphasizes studio use and sonic expandability.

Les Paul Signature

The Les Paul itself was released as a signature model for Lester William Polsfuss, but in 1973, a guitar bearing the name "Les Paul Signature" was released.

This is a hollow-body version equipped with low-impedance pickups. Bill Lawrence, who is also famous as a pickup maker, was involved in its creation, and it is an ES-335.BassIt was developed in [year].

This model combines the looks and sound of the ES-335 and Les Paul, offering the best of both worlds!

73-75 Les Paul Signature

Fun facts♪"Bill Lawrence"

Bill Lawrence, whose name is also used for the brand, actually worked for Gibson from 1968 to 1972.

column"Bill Lawrence, unbound by conventional thinking"

one thing:
Even though we refer to it simply as "Les Paul," the range of models is quite diverse. We've put together a brief overview of the evolution of each model. Almost all of the photos shown are...TCGAKKIThese are individuals that we have received in the past. If I may say so myself, I think this is an article I could only write now, after building a history of over 35 years.

Author of this article:Oda (TCGAKKI Bassin charge)

TCGAKKIElectricBassShe is in charge of the corner segment. Having previously been active in a major band, she leverages her extensive experience to offer insights and promotions specifically from a musician's perspective. MainBassThis is a Fender Custom Shop Jazz Bass.

Qualifications and experience: Three years of experience as a musical instrument appraiser, numerous video appearances.

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