Learning the History of the Gibson Les Paul with Oda

The Gibson Les Paul. It exudes a
powerful presence among electric guitars and remains beloved by many musicians today as the very epitome of the electric guitar. Its history is long, and it’s no exaggeration to say that modern music would not have emerged without this instrument.

While Les Paul models may look similar at first glance, their specifications and design philosophies actually vary significantly depending on the model and era. Standard, Custom, Junior, Special, etc.—each has its own distinct role and character.

Delving deeper into its history reveals the evolution of Gibson as a manufacturer, with the changing music scenes and production systems of each era strongly reflected in the guitars. The maturation of the 1950s, the transition of the 1960s, and the streamlining of the 1970s—the Les Paul has always been in a state of flux.

These guitars share the same name but possess entirely different personalities. By understanding these differences, you’ll be able to more clearly identify the one that’s right for you.

Gibson’s Founder


Orville H. Gibson

1856: Born in New York State as the son of John Gibson, a British immigrant

1902: Founded The Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Manufacturing Company, Limited in Kalamazoo

　Orville, a mandolin maker, Recruit a carved top and back structure similar to that of a violin rather than the bowl-back (lute-style) design that was mainstream at the time; this is said to have become the foundation of Gibson’s guitar design philosophy.

1918: Died (aged 62)

　After his death, Gibson began producing archtop guitars, laying the foundation for the company’s current status as a guitar manufacturer.

His name was Les Paul

Les Paul (Lester Williams Polfus)

1915: Born in Wisconsin
1930s: Active as a jazz andcountry guitarist 1937
: A photo of Les holding a Super 400 appeared in the Gibson
catalog 1941: Created an experimental solid-body guitar—commonly known as “The
Log”—by mounting pickups on a 4×4-inch square timber 1951: Signed an endorsement contract with Gibson.Agreed
to “never play a guitar other than a Gibson in public” and “serve as a consultant for Gibson.” 1952: The Les Paul Gold Top was introduced
. 1963: His contract with Gibson ended.For a time, the name “Les Paul” disappeared
. 1980s–1990s: His relationship with Gibson was restored. Models supervised by him and signature models were released
. 2009: He passed away (aged 94).

The Background of the Les Paul Guitar’s Creation

In the 1930s and 1940s, fully acoustic and archtop guitars were the mainstream. The tide began to turn in the 1950s.
As the 1950s began, 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, leading to the debut of the Les Paul Model—the beginning of a legend.

Les Paul Standard

The quintessential Les Paul. This model is considered the classic Les Paul design.

Key Specifications
: Maple top + mahogany back, 2
humbuckers, rosewood
fingerboard

The flame maple burst finish is iconic. It combines the crisp attack of maple with the rich, resonant mid-to-low frequencies of mahogany. It is the quintessential example of the so-called “Les Paul sound,” balancing richness and sustain.

1952

Birth of the Original Les Paul

Body: Maple top / Mahogany back; Neck
: One-piece mahogany;
Pickups: P-90

Gibson’s first solid-body guitar.
It was released in 1952 as Les Paul’s signature model.
Originally known as the Goldtop

Photo shows a replaced tailpiece

Fun Fact♪ “Why was it gold?”

It originates from a gold-finished hollow-body guitar that Gibson built in a single copy in 1951. This guitar was commissioned by Les himself; reportedly, it was intended as a gift for a friend who was bedridden in the hospital.

1954

The ’54 model, featuring a bar bridge

1956

The ’56 model, featuring the Tun-O-Matic saddle and equipped with P-90 pickups, is often considered the definitive Les Paul design

1957

Body: Maple top / Mahogany back and neck
; 1-piece mahogany
. Pickups: P-490 (=P.A.F.)

Equipped with a humbucking pickup (P-490) developed by Seth Lover. The P-490 is commonly referred to as “PAF” because it bears a “PATENT APPLIED FOR” sticker, indicating that a patent was pending.

Fun Fact♪ “Seth Lover”

He joined Gibson in 1945. The humbucker was developed to reduce noise in the P-90. For more details
on Seth Lover, click here

That covers the Goldtop.
For detailed information on the Les Paul models from 1954 to 1958, see this article!
Column: “Vintage Guitar, Chapter 2: Gibson Les Paul”

1958–1960

During the Goldtop era, the model was often listed in catalogs as “Les Paul Guitar,” but starting with the Sunburst model released in 1958, the model name “Les Paul Standard” began to be used. The term “Burst” commonly refers to the Les Paul Standard models manufactured from 1958 to 1960; these guitars were produced in very limited numbers and are highly sought after.

Fun Fact♪ “The Guitar Heroes Who Sparked the Les Paul Craze”

When discussing the Les Paul, one cannot overlook the guitar heroes who defined their eras. Take Eric Clapton, for example, who created the “Burst” legend in the 1960s. The exquisite tone he produced when pairing it with a Marshall amp left a lasting impression on guitarists of that time. And let’s not forget Jimmy Page, who was known for playing his beloved “No. 1” and “No. 2” Bursts.Fast forward to the late 1980s. At a time when flashy component guitars were at their peak, it was Slash of Guns N’ Roses who reignited the Les Paul’s popularity by playing it with a low-slung stance.

Without them, the Les Paul’s standing today might have been completely different.

1961

Body: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Pickups: Humbuckers Changed
to SG shape.

Encouraged by strong sales of the Les Paul Junior and solid-body guitars from other manufacturers, Gibson decided to make bold changes to the Les Paul model. Production of the single-cut Les Paul Standard was temporarily discontinued at this point.

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

Fun Fact♪ “Model Names”

The model name “SG” stands for “Solid Guitar.” Incidentally, the “ES” in models like the ES-335 stands for “Electric Spanish,” and the “EB” in models like the EB-2 stands for “Electric Bass.”

1968

The Les Paul Standard makes a comeback.

Body: Maple top / Mahogany back and neck
: Mahogany
Pickups:
P-90 This was the first reissue model to recreate the ’56–’57 Goldtop.

Fun Fact♪ “The Inspiration Behind the Les Paul Revival”

In 1967, Keith Richards and Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones, who had gone to see Les’s solo concert, visited his dressing room and reportedly told Les himself, “Many guitarists deeply admire you and are buying up the legendary 1950s Les Pauls.”

This prompted Les to contact Gibson, and Les and Gibson ended up signing a new contract.

Early
1970s

With the introduction of the Les Paul Deluxe (discussed later), it disappeared from the regular lineup, though it continued to be manufactured as a custom order.

 *Only 25 units of the '71 model were shipped

1976

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

Models equipped with humbuckers—which had been produced as custom orders since around 1974—were officially listed in the catalog as the Les Paul Standard.

The Sunburst finish was also revived, and starting in 1978, color variations such as Natural and Wine Red were Recruit.

Fun Fact♪ “The ‘Norlin Era’ That Tugs at the Hearts of Enthusiasts”

We guitar enthusiasts affectionately refer to the period from around 1969 to 1986—when Gibson’s parent company was “Norlin”—as the “Norlin Era.” Features such as the “pancake” body, the volute designed to reinforce the back of the neck, and the three-piece maple neck are hallmarks of this era. Although it was a time of streamlining aimed at mass production and improved durability, the hard, tight sound unique to this period remains deeply popular today as an indispensable characteristic of ’70s rock!

1979

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

With the rising popularity of vintage guitars during this period, a succession of reissue models began to appear.

This model was produced in limited quantities at the Kalamazoo factory and Recruit a curly maple top.

Fun Fact♪ “Kalamazoo”

Kalamazoo is the name of a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It served as 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. As part of efforts to modernize production methods, the Kalamazoo factory was closed in 1984, and the company completed its relocation to Nashville. Incidentally, the skilled craftsmen who remained at the Kalamazoo factory and left Gibson continued to build guitars under the Heritage Guitars brand.

1980

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

A Standard model bearing the “Heritage” name, designed to return to the brand’s roots.

1982

Les Paul Standard 82
Body: Flamed maple top / 1-piece mahogany back
Neck: 1-piece mahogany

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

This “back-to-basics” series would later evolve into the Custom Shop and Historic Collection, discussed below.

The photo shows the left-handed model

1987

Les Paul Standard ‘59 Reissue
: A reissue that was revived as a model faithful to the ’59 style.

1993

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

The photo shows a 1993 model

2000s

Les Paul Standard Plus:
Recruit a chambered body design. It was transformed into a model incorporating the latest technology, such as advanced hardware.

The photo shows a 2007 model

Fun Fact♪ “The Never-Ending Battle Between the Les Paul and ‘Weight’ (Weight Relief)”

When you think of a Les Paul, the first thing that comes to mind is “heavy!” (lol). Actually, Gibson has been battling this weight issue for many years.

In the early 1980s, they introduced “Traditional Weight Relief” (commonly known as “Swiss Cheese”), which involved hollowing out the wood inside the body in a circular pattern.Since then, various innovations have been introduced over the years, such as the “chambered structure,” which creates large hollow spaces, and “Modern Weight Relief,” which involves cutting slits in the wood based on acoustic calculations. The fact that weight and natural resonance vary by model year is one of the fun aspects of choosing a Les Paul.

2015

The G-Force auto-tuner is now standard equipment.

2019–

The lineup has been reorganized into the Original Collection and Modern Collection, with models available in specifications tailored to specific eras, such as the ’50s and ’60s.

Les Paul Custom

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

Key Specifications
: Ebony fingerboard,
block inlays, binding

; most models are black (Black Beauty)

Known affectionately as “Black Beauty” due to its luxurious finish and ebony fingerboard. The ebony fingerboard gives the attack a slightly sharper edge. Compared to the Standard model with its rosewood fingerboard, it has a more defined tonal contour. Not only does it exude a sense of luxury, but its tonal character also leans slightly toward the modern side.

Fun Fact♪ “Black Beauty”

The drum manufacturer Ludwig also has a product with the same name!
For more details, visit tcgakki.com/blogs/news/%E7%89%B9%E9%9B%86%E3%83%89%E3%83%A9%E3%83%A0%E3%83%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AB%E3%83%BC-ludwig%E7%B7%A8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here

1954

The Les Paul Custom is born
Body: 1-piece mahogany
Neck: 1-piece mahogany
Pickups: P-480/P-90

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

1956

No changes to the exterior specifications other than the top hat knobs.

Fun Fact♪

Here’s an article introducing a 1956 Les Paul Custom that arrived at TCGAKKI.
tcgakki.com/pages/1956-les-paul-custom" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Column: “1956 Gibson Les Paul Custom”

1961

Like the Standard, the model was redesigned with an SG shape. While features such as the three pickups, position marks, headstock inlays, and gold hardware were carried over, the color underwent a major transformation, changing from black to white. The model name was also changed to “SG Custom” in 1963, just like the Standard.

Fun Fact♪ “Why the Shift from Les Paul to SG?”

In 1963, following the termination of the endorsement contract with Les Paul, the model name was changed from “Les Paul” to “SG.” Since this was a transitional period, some instruments from this era still feature the “Les Paul” inscription on the truss rod cover.

1968

Les Paul Custom Revival
Body: 2-piece maple top / 1-piece mahogany back
Neck: 1-piece mahogany
Pickups: Humbuckers (sticker-numbered)

As the popularity of the Les Paul model grew, 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

Specifications were revised, similar to other models. Changes included a larger headstock, a revised Gibson logo, and the addition of a neck volute. Since the ‘68 and ‘69 models were produced during a transitional period, individual guitars with mixed specifications are occasionally found.

Fun Fact♪ “Pancake Body”

A body with a laminated structure—where thin sheets of maple are sandwiched between layers of mahogany—is commonly referred to as a “pancake body.” This design was Recruit until around 1976.

1972

The Les Paul Custom ’54
, a 1954 reissue model, was released. It featured a one-piece mahogany body, and the P-480 pickups were also reissued.

1974

Colors other than black became standard options even for the Custom model.

1975
Body: Pancake;
Neck: 3-piece maple;
Pickups: Stamped numbered

Following the move to the Nashville factory, specifications were revised as part of a review of each production process. The major change was the maple neck. Additionally, the pickups transitioned from sticker-numbered to “engraved-numbered”—where the patent number was stamped directly onto Bassplate.

1984

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

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

The photo shows the Pearl White color

1986

Riding the wave of the vintage boom, Gibson began reviving traditional specifications. While the mahogany neck made a comeback, the body top remained maple, closely resembling the specifications from around 1968.

1990

A clear distinction was established between the premium line, which pursued a vintage aesthetic, and the regular line, which prioritized modern playability.

From the 1990s onward

Les Paul Custom models crafted by the Gibson Custom Shop became commercially available, and the Custom models in the regular line were gradually replaced by those from the Custom Shop.

 The photo shows a 1998 Historic Collection 1957 Les Paul Custom 

2004

Production of the regular line was discontinued after 2004.

 Pictured is a 2003 model 

Fun Fact♪ “The Shortage of Ebony and ‘Richlite’”

The ebony fingerboard is synonymous with the Les Paul Custom, but for several years starting around 2012, securing high-quality wood became difficult due to environmental protection regulations (such as the Washington Convention), leading to a period when an artificial material called “Richlite” was Recruit. It’s an eco-friendly material made by bonding paper fibers with resin, and it actually has a smooth playing feel and a hard, crisp tone very similar to ebony.This is a specification you’ll often encounter when searching for recent-year Custom models on the used market, so be sure to keep it in mind!

Les Paul Deluxe

The Les Paul Deluxe debuted shortly after the Les Paul body style was revived in 1968.

With a maple top and mahogany back, its specs are similar to the Standard model, but its most distinctive feature is the mini humbucker. Smaller than a standard humbucker, it offers slightly lower output but excellent clarity and well-defined tone. It excels at separation in clean and crunch tones, pairs perfectly with ’70s rock, and gained immense popularity.

1969

Les Paul Deluxe Released Body: 3-piece maple top / pancake body (mahogany-maple-mahogany) Back
Neck: 3-piece mahogany
Pickups: PU-120 (mini humbucker)

The Deluxe model debuted as a replacement for the Standard. It was equipped with a mini humbucker, which is smaller than a standard humbucker.

 The photo shows a 1972 model 

Fun Fact♪

The mini humbucker, which fits into a P-90 cavity, was originally developed for Epiphone.

1975

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

Like other models, it transitioned to a maple neck.

 The photo shows a model with replaced pickups

1977

As with other models, the pancake body was discontinued and replaced with a 1-piece mahogany back.

 The photo shows a 1978 model

From the 1980s onward

Production ceased
in 1985.

In
1992, a reissue model of the Les Paul Deluxe was released. Production ended in 1997.

A 30th-anniversary
model was released in 1999.

 The photo shows a 1999 model

Les Paul Junior

The Les Paul Junior, introduced in 1954, was originally designed as an affordable version of the Standard model. Its most distinctive feature is that it is equipped with only a single P-90 pickup. Its rich yet crisp sound was beloved by some of rock ’n’ roll’s most iconic guitarists.

1954

Body:
Mahogany; Neck: Mahogany;
Pickup: P-90
single-coil. Recruit a simple stopbar bridge. The straightforward controls are another feature that makes it easy for beginners to handle.

 The photo shows a 1955 model

 Pictured is a 1955 model

Fun Fact♪

In 1955,
the pale yellow “TV Finish” was introduced.

This color was designed to look good on the black-and-white televisions of the time. The Junior in this color was given the model name “Les Paul TV” to distinguish it from the Les Paul Junior, though the main specifications are the same.

1958

The design was updated to a double cutaway. The finish changed from the previous sunburst to cherry red. The P-90 pickups and bar bridge were retained.

 The photo shows a 1959 model

1961

Like the SG Junior and
other models, the body was changed to the SG shape.

 Pictured is a 1965 model

Fun Fact♪

The name “SG” began to be used in 1960, with the “Special” and “Junior” models having come first. What
makes it a bit confusing is that while the body shape evolved from single cutaway → double cutaway → SG shape, the timing of the model name changes didn’t always align. There are even some 1960 double cutaway models listed in the catalog as “SG Special.”

Les Paul Special

The Les Paul Junior, introduced in 1954, was originally designed as a more affordable version of the Standard. Its most distinctive feature is that it is equipped with just a single P-90 pickup. Its thick yet crisp sound was beloved by guitarists who came to represent rock ’n’ roll.

1955

Body: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Pickups: 2
x P-90 Positioned as the mid-range model in the Les Paul series. TV Yellow debuted as the standard color.

 The photo shows a 1955 model modified with a Bigsby.

 Pictured is a 1956 model

Fun Fact♪

The name “SG” began to be used in 1960, with the “Special” and “Junior” models preceding it. What makes things
a bit confusing is that while the body shape evolved from single cutaway → double cutaway → SG shape, the timing of the model name changes didn’t always align. There are even some 1960 models with a double cutaway shape that are listed in the catalog as “SG Special.”

1959

About half a year after the Junior, the double cutaway model was introduced. The Cherry Red color was added around the same time as the Junior. There was also a minor change in which the pickup selector switch was mounted to the lower-left side of the front volume knob. (Later, perhaps for ease of use, it was moved back near the bridge.)

1961

Like the SG Special and other
models, it adopted the SG shape.

 The photo shows a 1964 model

1974

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

It is not a complete replica; instead, it Recruit a Tune-O-Matic-style bridge and modern specifications.

Production ended in 1981.

1976

Les Paul Special Double Cutaway

A reissue of the double cutaway era. Unlike the aforementioned single cutaway reissue, this model has a straightforward name.

 The photo shows a 1977 model

tcgakki.com/collections/electric-guitar?pf_v_meka=Fender" target="_blank"> Gibson Les Paul inventory

And much more! Models bearing the Les Paul name

Les Paul Studio

Introduced in 1983, the “Les Paul Studio” is another iconic model. Many of you might say, “This was my first Les Paul!” While it cuts costs by omitting decorative elements like body binding, it faithfully retains the Standard’s basic construction of a maple top and mahogany back. True to its name, it’s a no-nonsense, practical guitar focused on “studio recording work.”

Les Paul Personal/Professional/Recording

The Lineage of Experimental Les Pauls

In 1969, Gibson introduced the “Les Paul Personal,” a model that stood apart from conventional Les Pauls.

Equipped with low-impedance pickups, this series featured controls—such as an EQ and a decade switch—that differed significantly from standard Les Pauls. The Professional model was released in 1970, followed by the Recording model in 1971.

Characterized by a design that heavily incorporated Les Paul’s experimental elements and prioritized studio use and sonic versatility, these models were introduced.

Les Paul Signature

While the Les Paul itself was originally released as a signature model for Lester William Polsfas, a guitar bearing the “Les Paul Signature” name was released in 1973.

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 production, and it was developed Bass the ES-335.

It’s a model that combines the best of both the ES-335 and the Les Paul in terms of both looks and sound!

 1973–1975 Les Paul Signature

Fun Fact♪ “Bill Lawrence”

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

Column: tcgakki.com/pages/pickups-bill-lawrence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Bill Lawrence: Unbound by Conventional Wisdom”

A Quick Note:
Even though we simply call them “Les Pauls,” the range of models is vast. I’ve put together a rough summary of the evolution each model has undergone. Almost all of the photos featured here are of instruments that have been in stock at TCGAKKI. I know this might sound like I’m tooting my own horn, but I feel this is an article I could only write now, after building up over 35 years of history.

Author: Oda (TCGAKKI Bass Specialist)

In charge of the electric Bass section TCGAKKI. Having played in major-label bands, he draws on his extensive experience to offer insights and promotions specifically tailored from a musician’s perspective. Bass main Bass is a Fender CS Jazz Bass.

Qualifications and Achievements: 3 years as a musical instrument appraiser; has appeared in numerous videos

▶︎Read more articles here
: tcgakki.com/pages/music-man" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The
 History of Musicman tcgakki.com/pages/magazine-bass-maker" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn the History of Bass Gibson Les Paul with
Oda Recommended Classic Bass

If you found this article helpful, please show your support!