The Most Popular Gibson Les Paul, Ranked

Choose the Gibson Les Paul you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 17, 2024 07:10
In a small, dimly lit room filled with the hum of amplifiers and the scent of old wood, a budding guitarist picks up a Gibson Les Paul for the first time. The weight of its history and the legacy etched into its body could influence their choice, yet how do they know which one aligns best with their musical journey? This challenge is common among enthusiasts eager to find a model that not only plays beautifully but also resonates with their personal style and genre. This dynamic voting system allows users to cast their votes for the Gibson Les Paul models they adore, creating a continuously updated list of favorites. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a casual listener, your vote helps illuminate the preferences of the community, guiding newcomers towards well-loved choices. By participating, everyone contributes to a clearer picture of which models stand out in the diverse world of music.

What Is the Most Popular Gibson Les Paul?

  1. 1
    85
    votes
    Gibson Les Paul Standard
    DonnyBurger1974 · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The Standard is the flagship model of the Les Paul line, featuring classic Les Paul construction and a versatile sound. It has been played by countless famous musicians from Jimmy Page to Slash.
    The Gibson Les Paul Standard is one of the most iconic electric guitars ever produced by Gibson. Known for its rich tone, elegant design, and versatility, it has become a favorite among professional musicians across a wide range of genres.
    • Body Shape: Single-cutaway solid body
    • Top Wood: Maple
    • Body Wood: Mahogany
    • Neck Wood: Mahogany
    • Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
  2. 2
    35
    votes
    Gibson Les Paul Custom
    Prokopenya Viktor · Public domain
    The Custom is a luxury version of the Les Paul, featuring gold hardware and a distinctive black finish. It has been used by players like Randy Rhoads and Alex Lifeson.
  3. 3
    33
    votes
    The Studio is a more affordable Les Paul option, but still maintains the classic Les Paul sound and look. It has been used by players like Zakk Wylde and Joe Bonamassa.
    The Gibson Les Paul Studio is a popular and versatile electric guitar known for its high-quality construction and affordable price point. It was first introduced in 1983 as a more stripped-down version of the iconic Les Paul Standard, making it a popular choice among professional musicians and hobbyists alike. The Les Paul Studio offers the same classic Les Paul tone and playability, with some modern upgrades and a more streamlined design.
    • Body Material: Mahogany
    • Top Material: Maple
    • Neck Material: Mahogany
    • Fretboard Material: Rosewood
    • Number of Frets: 22
  4. 4
    18
    votes
    The Traditional is a Les Paul model that aims to recreate the classic sound and feel of the original Les Pauls from the 1950s. It has been used by players like Billy Gibbons and Peter Frampton.
    The Gibson Les Paul Traditional is a widely popular model of the classic Les Paul electric guitar line. It embodies the traditional vintage design and craftsmanship that Gibson is renowned for, offering timeless tone and aesthetics. The Les Paul Traditional is often sought after by players looking for a classic Les Paul experience with a few modern enhancements.
    • Body Material: Mahogany
    • Top Material: Maple
    • Neck Material: Mahogany
    • Fretboard Material: Rosewood
    • Number of Frets: 22
  5. 5
    16
    votes
    The Junior is a stripped-down Les Paul model with just one pickup, making it a favorite of punk and garage rock players. It has been used by players like Billie Joe Armstrong and Johnny Thunders.
    The Gibson Les Paul Junior is a popular and iconic electric guitar model known for its simplicity and raw rock sound. It was first introduced by Gibson in 1954 as an affordable option for beginner guitarists. The Les Paul Junior features a single-cutaway solid mahogany body, a glued-in mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard.
    • Body Material: Mahogany
    • Neck Material: Mahogany
    • Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
    • Pickups: One P-90 Single Coil
    • Bridge: Wraparound
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    The Deluxe is a Les Paul model that features mini-humbucker pickups, giving it a unique sound compared to other Les Pauls. It has been used by players like Pete Townshend and Elliot Easton.
    The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe is a model from the iconic Les Paul series of electric guitars. Known for its vintage appeal and versatility, it has remained highly popular among musicians across various genres. The Les Paul Deluxe delivers a rich, warm, and powerful tone, making it a favorite among guitarists around the world.
    • Body Material: Mahogany
    • Top Material: Maple
    • Neck Material: Mahogany
    • Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
    • Scale Length: 24.75 inches
  7. 7
    3
    votes
    Gibson Les Paul Classic
    Patrick Despoix · CC BY-SA 2.5
    The Classic is a Les Paul model that combines vintage styling with modern features like a slim-taper neck profile and coil-tapping pickups. It has been used by players like Billy Idol and Joe Perry.
    The Gibson Les Paul Classic is a solid-body electric guitar known for its vintage-inspired design and rich, warm tone. It pays homage to the iconic Les Paul models of the 1960s while incorporating modern features for improved playability and versatility.
    • Body Material: Solid Mahogany
    • Top Material: Figured Maple
    • Neck Material: Mahogany
    • Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
    • Scale Length: 24.75 inches
  8. 8
    2
    votes
    Gibson Les Paul Special
    A Gibson Man · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The Special is a Les Paul model that features two P-90 pickups, giving it a unique sound compared to other Les Pauls. It has been used by players like Les Paul himself and Mick Jones.
    The Gibson Les Paul Special is a classic electric guitar model known for its simplicity and raw sound. It is a variation of the iconic Les Paul and has been a favorite among musicians for decades.
    • Body Type: Solid body
    • Body Material: Mahogany
    • Top Material: None
    • Neck Material: Mahogany
    • Fretboard Material: Rosewood
  9. 9
    3
    votes
    The Signature is a Les Paul model that features a unique "fretless wonder" fretboard, making it a favorite of jazz players. It has been used by players like Carlos Santana and Al Di Meola.
    The Gibson Les Paul Signature is a highly regarded electric guitar model that offers exceptional craftsmanship, versatility, and tone. Its design combines the classic Les Paul shape with modern features, making it a popular choice among guitarists of various music genres.
    • Body Material: Mahogany
    • Top Material: Figured Maple
    • Neck Material: Mahogany
    • Neck Profile: Slim Taper
    • Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
  10. 10
    3
    votes
    The Florentine is a Les Paul model that features a unique "Florentine" cutaway design, giving it a distinctive look and improved upper fret access. It has been used by players like Steve Howe and John McLaughlin.
    The Gibson Les Paul Florentine is a variation of the classic Les Paul model, featuring a semi-hollow body construction and a Florentine cutaway design. This model offers a unique blend of traditional Les Paul aesthetics and the tonal characteristics of a semi-hollow guitar.
    • Body Construction: Semi-hollow
    • Top Wood: Maple
    • Back Wood: Mahogany
    • Neck Wood: Mahogany
    • Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood

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Ranking factors for popular Gibson Les Paul

  1. Tonewoods and Materials
    Consider the type of wood used for the body, neck, and fretboard of the guitar, as well as the hardware materials. Different tonewoods have different tonal characteristics, affecting the sound and resonance of the instrument.
  2. Pickups and Electronics
    The type and configuration of pickups will have a significant impact on the guitar's sound. Look for popular pickup models and electronics features such as coil splitting or tapping, which allow for greater tonal variety.
  3. Build Quality and Craftsmanship
    The attention to detail and overall build quality of a Les Paul can vary depending on the specific model and price point. Examine factors like fretwork, neck joint stability, and finish quality when assessing a guitar's craftsmanship.
  4. Aesthetics and Finish
    Gibson Les Pauls come in a wide range of colors and finishes, as well as custom models with unique graphics or features. Take into account the visual appeal of a guitar before making a purchase.
  5. Playability and Comfort
    The player's personal preference for neck shape, body weight, and balance can greatly influence their opinion of a particular Les Paul model. Test a variety of models to find one that offers an optimal playing experience.
  6. Price and Value
    Gibson Les Pauls span a wide range of prices, from affordable Studio models to high-end Custom Shop creations. Evaluate the features and materials of a particular model in relation to its price to determine if it offers good value.
  7. Rarity and Collectability
    Limited edition, custom shop, or vintage Les Paul models may have added value based on their rarity or collectibility. Research the production numbers, release dates, and unique features of these guitars to better understand their value in the market.
  8. Reviews and Endorsements
    Popular guitar models are often highly reviewed and endorsed by professional musicians or guitarists. Seek out reviews and opinions from experts or well-known players to help inform your decision.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Gibson Les Paul. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Guitar is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2231 views
  • 209 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Guitar once every 24 hours. The rank of each Guitar is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular gibson les paul

The Gibson Les Paul is a legendary electric guitar that has been cherished by musicians and music enthusiasts for decades. It was first introduced in the early 1950s and has since become one of the most iconic guitars in history. The Les Paul has been played by some of the biggest names in rock music, including Jimmy Page, Slash, and Eric Clapton. Over the years, Gibson has released a wide variety of Les Paul models, each with its unique features and sound. From the classic Les Paul Standard to the modern Les Paul Studio, there is a Les Paul for every type of player. With so many options to choose from, it's no wonder why the Gibson Les Paul is still one of the most popular guitars out there.

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