Choose The Right Type Of Les Paul Guitars
Guitar players are particular about the instruments they play and for so many musicians there is nothing that compares with a quality guitar that bears the name of music icon Les Paul. The biggest challenge will be finding the particular type of Les Paul guitars that best fit the player's needs.
This instrument was the result of a design developed by accomplished guitarist and inventor Paul and a designer at Gibson Guitar Company named Ted McCarty. Paul then entered into an endorsement agreement with Gibson to put his name on the finished product.
The Gibson Les Paul hit the market in 1952 as the first solid body electric guitar made by the guitar maker. The body was manufactured out of mahogany and a rosewood fret board graced the front of the mahogany neck. The finish was only available in gold until Paul requested a more elegant version in black. The Black Beauty sported mother of pearl inlays on an ebony fret board and nickel silver plated or gold hardware.
The Custom produced these days has a mahogany body with a maple cap and is available in a number of finishes. In addition to the traditional gold and ebony, Gibson also offers wine red, cherry sunburst and alpine white. The Custom model is noted for its warm tone and bright attack.
The Junior mimics the original in many areas with a single cutaway model and rounded neck profile. The body and neck meet at the 16th fret and the rosewood fingerboard is decorated with acrylic dot inlays. The single coil P-90 pickup delivers the soulful tone that makes it one of the most popular in the industry.
The Melody Maker delivers all the quality that Gibson is famous more in an affordable package that is palatable for the beginning guitarist. This guitar was originally designed as a student guitar but the superior tone, sleek neck and lightweight package quickly made it a favorite of professional musicians. The slim body and rounded neck are both mahogany and it uses a single pickup with a special design. A rosewood fret board and wraparound tailpiece, similar to its vintage namesake, complete the package that offers real value for the money.
Gibson has designed a number of Custom Signature editions over the years and one popular model is the Joe Perry Boneyard. This dramatic looking piece has BurstBucker 2 and 3 pickups and a maple top. Aged nickel hardware complements the Green Tiger finish. The Boneyard logo and Joe Perry engraving on the truss rod cover add to its unique visual cues.
Another distinct piece is the Slash "Appetite for Destruction" limited edition model. The neck profile was designed especially for the Guns 'n Roses guitarist and the body it outfitted with his signature Seymour Duncan pickups and hand chosen capacitors for a vintage sound. Artwork on the headstock features a smoking skull wearing a top hat.
Whether you are an amateur guitar player or a seasoned veteran, there is a Gibson Les Paul model that will suit your needs.