The Best Les Paul For Every Budget. Explore a range of Les Paul models, from affordable options to high-end masterpieces. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, we’ll help you find a Les Paul that matches your desired features, tone, and price range. Make an informed decision and unleash your musical potential with the best Les Paul that suits your budget.
There are several differences between the Standard and the Special. Here are some tips for selecting the best one for your needs and budget.
The neck profile of a Les Paul is another thing to consider when buying one. You should also consider the size and weight of the guitar. Moreover, the type of finish is also essential.
Table of Contents
A Buyer’s Guide to the Gibson Les Paul
What is the Best Gibson Les Paul for the Money?
The Gibson Les Paul has two distinct neck styles: classic ’50s and modern ’60s. ’50s-style necks tend to be chunkier, while the ’60s-style necks tend to be thinner and have a D-shape profile. If you’re unsure about the neck style of a Gibson guitar, contact the seller before placing an offer.
Gibson Les Paul Classics
The Gibson LP Classic is a modern version of the world-famous electric guitar, the Les Paul. It still has the same great sound as the original but is now lighter, thanks to an excellent new design. The guitar also has a fancy fingerboard and pickups made by skilled people in America. Gibson updates the guitar every year to keep it fresh and current.
Inspired by the classic guitars of the ’60s, the Gibson Les Paul Classic has a timeless appearance. The mahogany body and maple top make the Classic an essential guitar for rockers and acoustic players. The guitar’s classic design features Gibson’s famous ‘9-hole chambering process and Gibson’s unique slim taper neck profile. Its gold top hat knobs and gold hardware add a touch of class to this classic model.
Gibson Les Paul Studio
This is one of the best-selling electric guitars. The Studio is an excellent choice for the player who wants a comfortable guitar and is quick to change the sound. It has ultra-modern weight relief, with a contoured heel joint that allows access to higher frets. The guitar’s compound radius ebony fingerboard provides a slinky feel for players who like to play fast and hard.
A guitar with all-Mahogany construction will produce a wide range of rich tones. The high-output pickups in the Studio are well-suited to raunchy overdrive and feature push-pull coil tap functions. These guitars also boast an aluminum stop bar, allowing players to adjust the action and intonation easily. The tone is clean and clear, even when distorted, with the suitable amplifier settings.
The Les Paul Standard model has the exact specifications as the LesPaul Studio but has a more premium finish. The Les Paul Standard has an AA maple top with more pronounced flame maple grain and cream binding. Both guitars are lightweight and feature unmounted pickup selectors and speed knobs, which can help switch between tones. The Les Paul Studio also features a black pickguard and chrome hardware.
Les Paul Special tribute
The Gibson Les Paul tribute has a maple body and a mahogany neck. The neck wood is crucial in determining the tone due to its acoustic qualities and different densities. The Tribute has a rounded “C” shape, while the Classic features a slim tapered body.
There are several differences in the guitar neck shape, however. To determine the best option, it’s essential to consider the overall body shape of the guitar.
A Gibson Les Paul tribute can be intimidating for a beginner guitarist. Still, its slim maple neck and mahogany body can be a great practice instrument and a gigging ax. Its dual hum pickups, Alnico II magnets, and lightweight mahogany body offer excellent playability and versatile tones. The Gibson Les Paul tribute can also double as a practice or gigging ax, thanks to its low price.
If you’re looking for a great guitar that won’t break the bank, check out the Gibson Les Paul Tribute. This guitar has all the classic features of the Les Paul guitar but with some modern upgrades that make it even better.
The body is made of Mahogany, and the neck is made of maple, giving it a nice feel when playing it. The neck is also rounded, which makes it easier to play. And the control layout is the same as the traditional Les Paul, which means it’s easy to use.
The guitar has four classic finishes and features a Tune-o-mattic bridge, two volume controls, and a high-quality EQ.
Gibson Les Paul tribute
If you’re a classic Gibson Les Paul fan, you might be interested in the Les Paul Tribute guitar. It has the same body shape and weight as the classic Les Pauls but with a 5-mm shallower body.
This guitar has a solid and powerful sound, especially using bridge pickups. However, it’s not as complicated or overwhelming as other guitars with more features. If you’re looking for a good quality Gibson Les Paul guitar that doesn’t break the bank, the Gibson LP Tribute is a great choice.
This Gibson LP tribute is designed with the player in mind, delivering an authentic tone and feel. The Ultra-Modern Weight Relief technology provides a solid core through the center of the guitar. This means that the guitar plays well and doesn’t put as much strain on your back as a fully chambered LP. However, this guitar isn’t for beginners – it’s designed to be played by musicians of all skill levels and abilities.
Gibson Les Paul Custom
Gibson Les Pauls is one of the most famous electric guitars in the world. In 1953, the Custom Shop developed the Les Paul Custom model.
It features a mother-of-pearl block inlay, split diamond headstock inlay, and multi-ply binding. It is available in a black finish with gold hardware. The guitar travels in a hardshell case with a certificate of authenticity.
The Les Paul Custom can be ordered in many different configurations. You can choose from a 1950s model with Bigsby, a three-pickup 1957 VOS, or an Ace Frehley Budokan replica. A 1968 Custom reissue guitar with a beautiful 5-A quilted maple top is also available.
And if that’s not enough, there are also Limited Edition finishes. Master luthiers feature high-end appointments, including multi-ply binding, elegant headstock inlays, and handcrafted customized Gibson guitars.
Gibson Les Paul Deluxe ’70s
The Gibson LP guitar is a legendary instrument with different types available. One of them is called the Deluxe Gold Top, which has a body of Mahogany with a maple top. It has a classic design and a neck that is comfortable to play with.
The ’70s models have traditional gold hardware, like a gold tuner and bridge pieces. This model is also made in the USA. You can find it for under one thousand dollars.
The Les Paul guitar is a classic instrument that has remained popular since its inception. There are affordable guitar versions today, but if you’re on a budget, you might want to stick to the classic model. The iconic instrument has many reissues, including the Les Paul Deluxe model.
The Deluxe model is the most popular of all the Gibson guitars. A Gibson Les Paul Deluxe model can be found at any music store for under a grand.
You can find a good-quality replica if you can’t afford a Gibson LP. You can find an Epiphone Les Paul Standard PlusTop Pro cheaper than a Gibson Les Paul Deluxe.
The Epiphone Les Paul Standard PlusTop Pro is a good guitar for the price, but it doesn’t have a Gibson logo. The Epiphone Les Paul Standard PlusTop Pro has a great tone but doesn’t have the Gibson logo.
Gibson Les Paul Modern
If you’re looking for a quality guitar on a tight budget, several options with varying price tags are available. The Gibson Les Paul is one of the most iconic guitar models and has evolved. Gibson produces thousands of variations of the guitar and is known for changing the specifications of specific models from year to year. Below, we have outlined the main differences between Gibson Les Paul guitars and other models.
The Gibson Les Paul Standard is the company’s flagship model and comes in two versions as part of the Core Collection. The Standard features essential construction elements as the original ’50s models, making it a good choice for purist LP players. A Les Paul Studio might be a better option for those with a tight budget. Gibson also offers a Les Paul Tribute that’s more affordable than the Studio.
Gibson Les Paul Standard
The 1958 Gibson Les Paul Standard mostly retained the Goldtop specifications. It had PAF humbucker pickups, a three-piece maple neck, a maple top, and a stop/Bigsby vibrato tailpiece. However, it was the first Les Paul model to feature a Sunburst finish.
For years, Gibson had used the popular finish for its hollow electric and flat-top guitars. The instrument also had solid maple tops.
The modern editions of the Gibson LP have contemporary styling and technology to supercharge the guitar’s classic design.
The guitar’s slim taper neck profile and Modern Contoured Heel create a light body that enhances the guitar’s resonance and harmonic content. Its body has no binding, and the two humbuckers are coil-tapped and 490R/498T. The guitars come with adjustable bridges and tremolo tuners and are available in many finishes.
Les Paul neck profiles
Gibson offers a variety of Les Paul neck profiles, ranging from a slim taper ’60s neck to a chunky 50s profile. The choice largely depends on personal preference.
For the SG and HP models, the neck profiles are suitable for the era they represent. For instance, the SG model comes with a slim-tapered neck. Besides, Gibson produces Les Pauls with asymmetrical necks that give players a comfortable grip and make playing easier.
Gibson offers an LP guitar with a ‘SlimTaper neck profile. This type of neck is thin and slightly asymmetrical, which allows bass-string access while maintaining treble-side access.
The neck is lighter and more comfortable than a standard Les Paul neck. It features a white pickguard. The Les Paul body also has a low cutaway, allowing full access to every fret.
Gibson Les Paul specs and prices
Gibson Les Paul Price Table
Keep in mind that these specifications may vary between different years and editions. To get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, I recommend checking official Gibson dealers or reputable musical instrument retailers:
Model – Pickups – Price
Les Paul Studio – 490R, 498T – $1,000 – $1,500
Les Paul Tribute – 490R, 498T – $1,200 – $1,800
Les Paul Junior – P-90 Dog Ear – $1,599.00
Les Paul Standard – Burstbucker Pro – $2,500 – $3,500
Les Paul Classic – ’57 Classic, ’57 Classic Plus – $2,000 – $2,800
Les Paul Traditional – Burstbucker 1, Burstbucker 2 – $2,500 – $3,500
Les Paul Custom – ’57 Classic, ’57 Classic Plus – $3,500 – $6,000
Les Paul Standard ’50s – Burstbucker 1, Burstbucker 2 – $2,500 – $3,500
Les Paul Standard ’60s – Burstbucker 61R, Burstbucker 61T – $2,500 – $3,500
Les Paul Modern – Burstbucker Pro Rhythm, Burstbucker Pro+ Lead – $2,500 – $3,500
Please note that the prices provided above are approximate ranges and can vary based on the factors mentioned earlier. We recommend researching and verifying the current prices from authorized Gibson dealers or reputable musical instrument retailers.
Gibson Les Paul Special
The Les Paul Special was one of the last models in the original “family” of LP guitars. While it was the first model to go by the “special” name, its popularity as a guitar hasn’t diminished over the years. As a result, it is now one of the most sought-after models among guitar players and collectors.
The Les Paul Special was first introduced in the 1950s and was marketed as a step-up model from the LesPaul Junior. Over 60 years later, it has become an icon for many guitarists. Originally a student model, the Special was a logical step from the LesPaul Junior.
Today, you can get one with humbuckers or P-90 pickups. Gibson has released half a dozen single-cutaway models worthy of this guitar’s legendary name.
Pickup options
There are many different pickup options available for Les Pauls. For instance, the EMG 85 pickup is made from Alnico V magnets rather than the traditional ceramic ones.
It is the neck pickup, which is the most commonly used, and it’s perfect for rock, metal, and blues guitarists. This pickup set is also great for tube amplifiers, so that you won’t be disappointed. You can get an EMG 81/85 pickup set for your Les Paul.
The EMG Pearly Gates is a tribute to the 1959 Les Pauls used by legendary rocker Dave Mustaine. These pickups sound warm and creamy and blend nicely with delays and reverbs.
A compressor pedal may not be necessary, but it may be helpful for guitars with inconsistent dynamics. A compressor pedal, such as a Telecaster, can also benefit guitars with high-output makeup.
Comparing Models and Prices, what is the cheapest Gibson Les Paul?
One of the most popular models, Gibson, is Les Paul. This guitar is available in many colors, and prices vary widely.
Depending on the model and features, the Gibson LP can cost anywhere from $1,000 to around $2,500. Custom shop models can exceed these prices and even reach tens of thousands of dollars. Here’s a breakdown of the differences in price and features among the standard Les Paul models.
The price of Gibson Les Pauls depends on many factors, including the wood used. Typically, the best models cost at least seven hundred dollars, and you can get a comparable Epiphone Les Paul for a lot less.
Purchasing a used Gibson will increase the price, as will the company’s marketing campaigns. However, it’s well worth the money to buy a used Gibson.
Those looking for a vintage LP will have a few options. The Gibson Custom Shop offers more idiosyncrasies and variations of the classic model than the Les Pauls. In addition to that, it has a much slimmer neck.
The price for a Les Paul Modern is around $650. However, this guitar does not have a maple cap and costs about the same as the Les Paul Standard.
If you are wondering how much a Gibson guitar costs, remember that they differ significantly in construction and materials. For instance, the Gibson Les Paul is heavier than the Epiphone Les Paul, but all Les Pauls have heft.
The necks of all Gibson guitars are hand-finished and sanded. While rosewood was once the preferred wood for guitar makers, limiting its use has made rosewood less widely available and more expensive.
Find your cheapest Les Paul Gibson or the best Les Paul guitar for your budget.
Epiphone Les Paul
best Les Paul alternatives
It would be best if you also considered the price range for the Epiphone Les Paul Modern. These models have similar features and construction, but their prices differ significantly. The Les Paul Modern is a mid-priced model, while the Epiphone Les Paul Standard costs between $200 and four hundred.
The Epiphone Les Paul Standard is one of the most popular models and holds its value. You can find one for under $400 if it is in good condition.
What is the best or cheapest Les Paul Guitar?
Best budget Les Paul
While the Gibson Les Paul is still the gold Standard in terms of quality, the Epiphone LesPaul is a worthy contender in the budget-friendly market (cheap Les Paul). While its tone and sustain aren’t as impressive as a Gibson Les Paul, it’s a solid start.
The hardware on Epiphone LesPaul guitars is far from authentic, but the guitars are cheap and probably the best-budget Les Paul. They also lack the distinctive look and feel of a real Gibson.
A Les Paul ’60s guitar is more traditional than a modern model. Its body is carved maple with a mahogany top. Les Paul aficionados highly prize the flame of the guitar.
Guitars labeled “Plus” or “AAAA” are better than cheaper models. Usually, Les Paul guitars have darker finishes, while those tagged “Studio” have a satin finish.
Is Epiphone Les Paul good?
Regarding Les Paul guitars, Gibson is often thought of first. However, Epiphone guitars are an excellent alternative to expensive brands with similar specs and features.
Epiphone even produces popular models such as the SG. If you want to start playing guitar and are on a budget, the Epiphone Les Paul is a great choice. Here are some of the benefits of Epiphone Les Pauls.
Playability – When playing a Les Paul guitar, you’ll want to pay special attention to its neck profile. The epiphone models feature a slim-taper profile, which tapers gradually and reduces hand strain.
The necks of the Epiphone Les Paul are also D-shaped, which looks like the letter D. A C-shaped neck is better for fast playing and smaller hands.
The Les Paul was revived in the 1960s when the guitar’s girthy, thick tone made it an excellent choice for a riff-driven sound. The guitar’s distinctive tone made it the driving force behind numerous bands, from blues to rock.
Jeff Beck, Duane Allman, and Keith Richards all embraced the guitar. Later, in the ’70s, they switched to Stratocasters.