Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s vs 60s

As part of Gibson’s recent revamp of their entire range, and headlining their newly named Original Series, the Gibson Les Paul Standard is now available in two subtle variations - ‘50s and ‘60s. 

Moving away from their annual revamp of this most iconic of guitars, Gibson have stripped the Les Paul Standard of some of the bells and whistles of recent years and are delivering a purer, more authentic take on this most revered of instruments.

Of the two variants, the ‘50s model is the more traditional. Based roughly on the ‘Paul as it was between 1957-59. Features include a vintage ‘50s profile neck, Burstbucker 1 & 2 humbuckers featuring Alnico II magnets, Gold top-hat control knobs, and Gibson Vintage Deluxe tuners with keystone buttons. 

The ‘60s model, based loosely on the Standard as it was in 1960 is a slightly more powerful guitar. Featuring a pair of Alnico V equipped Burstbuckers (61R and 61T), the ‘60s Standard packs a slightly bigger punch than it’s sibling. It also features a slim taper neck profile for a slightly more compact feel and a AA Flamed Maple top. Other features specific to the ‘60s Standard are gold top hat control knobs with silver reflectors and Grover Rotomatic tuners. 

Both guitars feature the tried and tested mahogany back/ maple top body construction that defines a Les Paul, however, both are now without any weight relief in a bid to deliver a more authentic tone rich in power and sustain.

The mahogany neck of each guitar is capped with a bound rosewood fretboard that is home to 22 medium jumbo frets and inlaid with classic trapezoid position markers.

Both versions of the Les Paul Standard come fitted with 10-46 gauge strings, a change from the 9-46 strings of recent years, and a Gibson hard shell case.