The Gibson Les Paul was first introduced in 1952 and was the result of collaboration between innovative jazz guitarist Les Paul and the Gibson Guitar Company who had been producing high quality guitars for many years. The Les Paul is a combination of the traditional luthier’s art and the innovative Humbucking pickup which was invented by Les Paul himself.

The single cutaway construction is a ‘neck through body design’ rather than a ‘bolt on’. Each of the two Humbucking pickups has it’s own volume and tone control and a three position switch selects bridge, neck or both. . The TunOMatic bridge has individual saddles for intonation. Two screws on either side of the bridge permit the action to be raised or lowered. The Kluson ‘tulip style’ machine heads are accurate and positive and the tobacco sunburst finish is a testament to Gibson’s guitar making heritage

This guitar has a low action as shipped and is smoothe and comfortable to play although access to the upper registers is a little limited. One of it’s main features is it’s sustain which is the result of the pickups and the mahogany body but beware, the downside is that this guitar is heavy and can be uncomfortable so try a wide strap. The sound can be clean and jazzy but this guitar offers it’s rock credentials when plugged into a ‘cranked up’ valve amp such as a Marshall or Mesa Boogie at which point power chords and soaring sustained lead lines become the order of the day.

This is a classic guitar in every sense of the word that delivers the kind of sounds that have dominated rock music for over 30 years. You’ll be able to play the licks that you’ve developed on other guitars just that little bit more fluently. The Gibson Les Paul Standard has a street price of around £1200 and is a thing of great beauty that would be a real pleasure to own and would undoubtably increase in value over a number of years. If you’re on a budget take a look at the Epiphone LP Standard.