What body construction does this model use?

It uses a solid mahogany body with a carved figured maple top. Unlike some modern variations, it does not feature weight relief, adhering to traditional 1950s specifications.

What are the specific pickups in this Les Paul?

The guitar is equipped with a Burstbucker 1 in the neck and a Burstbucker 2 in the bridge. These humbuckers are designed to replicate the vintage PAF sound.

What is the neck profile like on the 50s Standard?

It features a 50s Vintage neck profile. This is a thicker, more rounded profile compared to the thinner 60s SlimTaper necks, providing a substantial feel in the hand.

What kind of bridge and tailpiece are installed?

The guitar uses an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and an aluminium Stop Bar tailpiece. These components are chosen for their vintage accuracy and their ability to improve sustain.

What are the internal electronics?

The electronics are hand-wired and include Orange Drop capacitors. These high-quality components ensure a smooth and responsive roll-off for the volume and tone controls.

What is the wood used for the fretboard?

It features an Indian rosewood fretboard. The fretboard is bound for a smooth playing surface and a classic aesthetic appearance.

What is the price of this guitar?

This specific model is typically priced at £2,499. This reflects its position as a high-end, USA-made professional instrument.

How does this compare to a Fender Stratocaster?

Unlike the Eric Clapton or American Professional II Stratocasters, which feature single-coil pickups and bolt-on necks, this Les Paul has humbuckers and a set-neck construction for a warmer, thicker sound.

What style of tuners are used?

The instrument is fitted with Vintage Deluxe tuners. These offer a classic look while providing reliable tuning stability for professional use.

What aesthetic features are unique to this model?

It features a 'Dirty Lemon Burst' finish on a figured maple top. It also includes gold Top Hat knobs and traditional cream binding on the body and neck.

Is this guitar suitable for modern rock?

Yes, while it is a vintage tribute, the Burstbucker pickups and solid mahogany construction make it highly suitable for everything from blues to high-gain modern rock.

Does this model have a serial number?

Yes, this specific instrument is identified by serial number #217850092. This ensures the uniqueness and traceability of the individual guitar.

Gear article

Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Figured Top Dirty Lemon Burst #217850092

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Figured Top is a premium electric guitar designed to replicate the specifications and feel of the 1950s 'Golden Era' models. Featuring a solid mahogany body, a carved maple top, and Burstbucker pickups, this specific iteration is finished in a Dirty Lemon Burst and carries the serial number #217850092.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Figured Top serves as a timeless tribute to the original solid-body electric guitar design that defined the 1950s. This model prioritises traditional construction methods, eschewing modern weight relief in favour of a solid mahogany body. The aesthetic is defined by its 'Dirty Lemon Burst' finish, applied over a carved figured maple top, which provides both visual depth and the bright snap associated with the maple/mahogany combination.

Construction and Playability

The instrument features a 50s Vintage neck profile, which offers a more substantial, 'chunky' feel compared to the SlimTaper necks found on later 60s models. This is paired with an Indian rosewood fretboard that includes traditional binding. For hardware, the guitar utilises an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and an aluminium Stop Bar tailpiece, components selected specifically to enhance the instrument's natural resonance and sustain. Tuning stability is managed by Vintage Deluxe tuners with keystone buttons.

Electronics and Sound

The sonic character of the guitar is driven by a pair of Gibson Burstbucker pickups. A Burstbucker 1 in the neck position and a Burstbucker 2 in the bridge position are designed to capture the nuanced, airy, and dynamic tones of original 'Patent Applied For' (PAF) humbuckers. The internal electronics are hand-wired and include Orange Drop capacitors, allowing for precise and responsive tone shaping through the traditional four-knob layout featuring gold Top Hat knobs.

Artist Context

The Les Paul platform has been utilized by a vast array of influential musicians across various genres. While this specific 50s-spec model targets enthusiasts of the original design, the lineage of the Les Paul is associated with legendary figures such as Duane Allman, Paul McCartney, and the instrument's namesake, Les Paul. Other notable users of Gibson electrics include Dave Grohl, Brian May, and blues icon John Lee Hooker, demonstrating the design's versatility from rock to folk and jazz.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Gibson catalogue, this model differs from the Les Paul Standard 50s P90 (Tobacco Burst) primarily in its pickup configuration, swapping the single-coil P90 growl for humbucker clarity and output. When compared to Fender alternatives, such as the Eric Clapton Stratocaster or the American Professional II Stratocaster, the Les Paul offers a significantly thicker body, a shorter scale length, and a fixed bridge system, resulting in more sustain and a warmer, mid-forward tonal profile.

Artists who play it

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What body construction does this model use?: It uses a solid mahogany body with a carved figured maple top. Unlike some modern variations, it does not feature weight relief, adhering to traditional 1950s specifications.
What are the specific pickups in this Les Paul?: The guitar is equipped with a Burstbucker 1 in the neck and a Burstbucker 2 in the bridge. These humbuckers are designed to replicate the vintage PAF sound.
What is the neck profile like on the 50s Standard?: It features a 50s Vintage neck profile. This is a thicker, more rounded profile compared to the thinner 60s SlimTaper necks, providing a substantial feel in the hand.
What kind of bridge and tailpiece are installed?: The guitar uses an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and an aluminium Stop Bar tailpiece. These components are chosen for their vintage accuracy and their ability to improve sustain.
What are the internal electronics?: The electronics are hand-wired and include Orange Drop capacitors. These high-quality components ensure a smooth and responsive roll-off for the volume and tone controls.
What is the wood used for the fretboard?: It features an Indian rosewood fretboard. The fretboard is bound for a smooth playing surface and a classic aesthetic appearance.
What is the price of this guitar?: This specific model is typically priced at £2,499. This reflects its position as a high-end, USA-made professional instrument.
How does this compare to a Fender Stratocaster?: Unlike the Eric Clapton or American Professional II Stratocasters, which feature single-coil pickups and bolt-on necks, this Les Paul has humbuckers and a set-neck construction for a warmer, thicker sound.
What style of tuners are used?: The instrument is fitted with Vintage Deluxe tuners. These offer a classic look while providing reliable tuning stability for professional use.
What aesthetic features are unique to this model?: It features a 'Dirty Lemon Burst' finish on a figured maple top. It also includes gold Top Hat knobs and traditional cream binding on the body and neck.
Is this guitar suitable for modern rock?: Yes, while it is a vintage tribute, the Burstbucker pickups and solid mahogany construction make it highly suitable for everything from blues to high-gain modern rock.
Does this model have a serial number?: Yes, this specific instrument is identified by serial number #217850092. This ensures the uniqueness and traceability of the individual guitar.