The Gibson Les Paul, a musical marvel with a history spanning over seven decades, stands as one of the most iconic electric guitars ever made. Its rich, warm tones and legendary sustain have not only shaped music but also woven a story as vibrant as the music it helped create. Let's embark on a journey through the complete history of the Gibson Les Paul, from its birth in the 1950s to its enduring legacy in the present day.
Origins and the 1950s: The Birth of the Les Paul
In the early 1950s, Gibson president Ted McCarty sought to compete with Fender's newly introduced solid-body guitar, the Telecaster. Gibson contacted musician, inventor, and recording pioneer Les Paul to help design a new solid-body model. Les Paul was already experimenting with a solid-body prototype, famously known as "The Log," (first seen in the laste 30s/early 40s) a guitar with a piece of wood down the centre for added sustain.
In 1952, Gibson unveiled the first Les Paul model, a unique creation featuring a single-cutaway mahogany body, maple top, P-90 pickups, and a gold finish. These early models, affectionately known as 'Goldtops,' set the stage for the Les Paul's distinctive features and its journey through the decades.
One of the First 1952 Gibson Les Pauls to be made.
Key Features:
- Body: Mahogany with a maple cap
- Pickups: P-90 single-coils
- Finish: Goldtop
- The Late 1950s: The Golden Era of the Les Paul
The late '50s saw Gibson's most influential innovations for the Les Paul. In 1957, Gibson replaced the P-90 pickups with humbuckers, designed by Seth Lover, which reduced hum and added a fuller tone. This change paved the way for the legendary Les Paul Standard.
In 1958, Gibson introduced a sunburst finish, moving away from the Goldtop. These "Bursts," especially the 1959 model, are some of the most revered guitars in history due to their build quality, tonal characteristics, and association with rock icons.
This Gibson Les Paul 1958 was owned by two bona-fide members of the Southern-rock royal family in the shape of former Allman Brothers Band guitarists Dickey Betts and Dan Toler.
Notable Models:
1958-1960 Les Paul Standard "Bursts": Known for their incredible sustain, the highly figured maple tops, and vibrant sunburst finishes.
The 1960s: Discontinuation and the Rise of Popularity
By 1960, the Les Paul was facing competition from the more modern-looking Gibson SG. The original Les Paul Standard ceased production, and the SG body style became the new Les Paul model for a time, despite Les Paul's disapproval. However, the Les Paul's reputation continued to grow, buoyed by its popularity among influential guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Mike Bloomfield, who were captivated by its sustain and power.
Jimmy Page rocking out with this 1959 Gibson Les Paul
The 1970s: The Les Paul Reissue and a New Era
In 1968, Gibson responded to player and collector demand by reissuing the Les Paul Standard with the original body shape. Throughout the 1970s, the Les Paul saw various model adjustments and additions, such as the Deluxe model with mini-humbucker pickups. This decade saw the Les Paul's widespread use in rock, with players like Duane Allman and Pete Townshend embracing its powerful tone, cementing its status as a rock music staple.
Gibson Les Paul Deluxe with Mini Humbuckers
The 1980s: Expanding the Lineup
The 1980s brought about Gibson's "Heritage Series," reissues of vintage Les Pauls from the late '50s, and the Custom Shop was established, offering high-end recreations. New models like the Les Paul Studio, made for professional musicians with stripped-back aesthetics and more affordable pricing, entered the market.
Gibson Les Paul Studio Custom Mid 80s
The 1990s: Reissues and Custom Shop Innovations
During the 1990s, Gibson expanded its Custom Shop and began creating more accurate vintage reissues of '58, '59, and '60 Les Pauls. Collectors and players alike celebrated these reissues, appreciating their attention to detail in replicating the originals.
2000s-Present: Modernization and New Models
In recent decades, Gibson has experimented with various innovations while respecting the Les Paul's roots. They introduced features like weight-relief chambers to reduce the guitar's notorious heft, new pickup models, and innovations like the robot tuners (auto-tuning machines, possibly the worst invention ever), although they weren't universally popular.
Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop 1957 Reissue Black Beauty
Gibson's Custom Shop still produces faithful recreations of classic models, and they continue to push forward with models like the Les Paul Modern, which offers an updated feel and technology for contemporary players. The Les Paul, with its versatility and impact, remains one of the most celebrated and influential guitars, used by musicians across genres, from rock to jazz, blues, and beyond.
From the early Goldtops to the iconic Bursts and beyond, the Gibson Les Paul has etched an indelible mark on the annals of music history. Its rich sound, sustain, and solid feel have not just made it a beloved choice for musicians, but also a symbol of rock and roll, shaping the very essence of the music we love.
