GIBSON LES PAUl

DESCRIPTION OF GIBSON LES PAUL: The design of this instrument is due to Lester William Polfus, who became famous as Les Paul. The project's origins date back to 1940 when Les Paul, making two cuts on the chest of his Epiphone Les laid the groundwork for the creation of The Log ("trunk"), the first prototype of the guitar the Epiphone factory built in, of Saturday, when there was no staff, so that the machines were at his disposal. Following the exact continuation of the keyboard, cut the body so as to divide it into three parts: 2 at the hole to "F", and the central one, which subsequently covered with a plank of pine wood and attached to the body with screws showy and metal sheets. In this way, the center was transformed into a rigid support for the pick-up (which is designed and manufactured by the same Les Paul). The result was interesting: an increase in tonal response and sustain. A 1946 Les Paul Epiphone Les PaulNel decided to take the trunk to Maurice H. Berlin, head of the Chicago Musical Instruments Company, the administration of Gibson. But the project of Les Paul and his creature were too far ahead of its time, then The Log was discarded.

THE GOLDTOP Since its first appearance in 1952, with the Goldtop, because of the color, chosen by the Les Paul to give a more luxurious appearance to the instrument. This guitar was the first to benefit from technical and aesthetic modifications. We use it to divide it into several series: , , , , , In them we can always observe an evolution, such as the trapezoidal bridge was replaced first by the system then from today's wrap-around bridge saddles 6 "tune o 'matic", with the "tailpiece" rear is another example of pick-up passed out of the first three series with the "soap" P-90 (single-coil) to the fourth Humbucker. The decision to adopt the Humbucker in place of the single-coil gave birth to the "Standard" series.

Standard The Standard is characterized by a rosewood fingerboard and mother of pearl trapezoid inlays typical; mounted Kluson, then replaced those Schaller but many guitarists since the early sixties preferred the Grover much more precise and cast steel; keys "Jumbo". It was available in several colors, especially shades in 3 shades to highlight the striped maple (flame top), including the '"Heritage Cherry Sunburst", or even "Brown Sunburst." I pick up, unlike the first Gold Top that rode the P-90 Soap Bar, become the humbuckers (combination of two coils wound) and many times, due to lack of metal cover were left uncovered showing the color of the modules that could be black or white, a name still used today and much appreciation among guitarists is that of humbuckers "zebra" with a coil that is white and the other black. The Standard Series officially began in 1958, to "replace" the Gold Top which were produced since 1952 with several modifications later and ended in 1960 with the introduction next year of the SG model. (op. cit. The Ultimate Guitar Book-Tony Bacon & Paul Day-Dorling/Kinersley Publishers)

Classic The first classic was produced by the late 80s to 2007, only to be resumed in 2011 with a version different, however. This is a reinterpretation of the latest model of the Les Paul series: that of 1960 (from 61 became the les paul SG), characterized by a slender handle more than 50 years. It is wrongly considered a more "economical" than the standard, it until the end of the nineties it was instead a more expensive version because he had some superior features as the top flamed series. In the United States until the early 2000s had to list a higher price, while in Italy it was the same price range of the Standard, a 1750 euro or so. Finally, the Standard climbed the classic in the list (perhaps for marketing reasons) and it was even offered with superior characteristics. Soon the classic series was given as "discontinued" (2007). Except for the ceramic and the pick handle "slim", the classic first version (up to 2007) can be considered to all intents and purposes a standard (always pre 2007), with regard to the quality of the finishes, the choice of woods and mechanical properties.

Custom The Custom was designed as the luxury version of the Les Paul line. At first glance, compared to other models stood out to finish, mother of pearl inserts (diamond on the headstock), black plastics and golden metal parts. The first models, in black became known with the nickname Black Beauty, is still used today to indicate this coloration. In 1956, the P-90 mounted in an unusual black. In 1957, following the patent PAF, got the "Humbucker", 2 or 3 depending on the version chosen, and could also mount a lever vibrato "Master". Another peculiarity compared to other Les Paul were all gold-plated metal parts (although there are exceptions with Custom parts nickel). The body was constructed with Honduras mahogany, also used for the handle and with a keyboard in precious ebony, enriched with inlays rectangular mother of pearl (starting with the first key, unlike the series Standard). The model also has a thicker body of the standard model that features a more sustain on guitar, given the greater breadth of tone chambers. The weight of 4.9 kg and the finish of the handle and the body work on this model by representing the pinnacle of the U.S. House. Because of his work, partly by hand, the Les Paul Custom is a factory built by the Custom Shop departed from the production of other Gibson. Produced mainly in black, with finishes (binding) with triple strand white-black-white for the whole body, was also conducted in colors "Alpine White" (white snow, which becomes aging cream or sometimes almost banana!) shaded in various shades (tobacco or cherry sunburst), in "Wine Red" (grape), natural (shown in natural maple top) and its rarer variant of the mid-70s, known as "The Natural" (with top handle and keyboard both in natural maple).

Gibson SG The production of the Les Paul, in its original form to single cutaway, due to a decrease in sales due also to a higher production cost that was reflected in the price of sale to the public much higher than the models produced by the competition, was interrupted at the beginning of In its place was introduced a model with a more modern design with a body made entirely of mahogany thinner than the original guitar, without the maple wood panel and characterized by the presence of two missing back in the form of "horn". This new Les Paul but not fully convinced the guitarist who had linked his name to the previous model that broke the relationship with Gibson, forcing a change in the name of the model that became simply SG (solid guitar). In subsequent years, the leaders of the Gibson Les Paul realized that produced in the years 1958 and 1959 were becoming much sought after by musicians and fans, so they decided to return in 1968, the production of the original model of the '50s.

DeLuxe In 1968 he resumed the production Les Paul original, model Custom (for the Standard it was not until 1975), and are flanked by new models such as the "Studio" of 1983 and the "De Luxe" in The De Luxe was a model different from the traditional Standard series for various aspects such as pickup trucks, mini-humbucker here, the handle in 3 pieces and then the body "pancake", maple neck, and mahogany. The most "famous" is the one with the top in gold, the same gold Goldtop, in fact, his full name was: Les Paul Standard Goldtop Deluxe.

Studio The Studio line was introduced in 1983 with the intent of providing musicians who work mainly in the recording studio (hence the model name), an instrument that had the same technical features and timbre of a standard at a lower cost, due essentially to the lack of some embellishments purely aesthetic as the binding (the band of light color) around the chest and on the sides of the keyboard. Most of the line models are provided with the table in maple, exactly as the Standard, even if the timber used does not have the drawing flamed or marbled of Les Paul more expensive. Other models have the case made entirely of mahogany. There is also a version with the tuning fork of greater length, called Baritone. In the variants most sought Studio has features and components of the Les Paul Custom, and even as gold hardware ebony fingerboard. Even on this line version is available robot, equipped with an electromechanical system that allows the automatic tuning and switching from a rapid automated tuning to another. In the "Studio" there is a cheaper model, with table in mahogany instead of maple and matte painting, called "Worn".

EPIPHONE The reproductions or copies are very similar to the Les Paul in terms of aesthetic and constructive. If until the 70s many brands, mostly Japanese (Burny, Tokai), produced almost identical copies of the Les Paul, now, even after several legal disputes, the "reproductions" are authorized in practice, only the guitars produced by Epiphone, a company owned by Gibson since "Copies" are similar guitars that do not violate the rights of "copyright" are changed slightly in the line. In recent years, copies of the most amazing quality and sound are the Vintage guitars produced by Trevor Wilkinson, with the initials V100 (Les Paul) and VS6 (Devil) "plagiarize" the Gibson at an affordable price, with good quality standards often best of Epiphone. Epiphone currently produces in China and Indonesia as well as copies of the classic economic models "Standard", "Custom" and "Studio" also experimental models, or other "special" of the Les Paul, which are produced under supervision Gibson to test the market about solutions or innovative designs.

Differences between "Standard", "Custom" and "Studio" The diagram below shows the differences between the models "Standard", "Studio" and "Custom", ie the best sellers, to help distinguish them. Gibson has recently released a conversion kit (Dress Up Dress Up Standard or Custom, which contains specific pieces of metal and plastic, as well as the mechanics, all to look like a guitar to another), but still can not to "mask" the differences of woods, colors and quality (which is treated in the Custom). That said, it is useful to remember that contrary to what logic might suggest models of Les Paul the most collectible are the "Standard" that can reach prices up to $ 450,000 USD for some models of the late '50s Les Paul CustomLes Paul Standard Les Paul Studio TastieraEbanoPalissandroEbano o Palissandro Segnatasti Rettangolari MadrePerla Trapezoidali MadrePerla ManicoMogano CassaMogano HondurasMogano TopAcero ScolpitoAcero Fiammato Acero o Mogano nelle "Worn" Stile Manico'50's style'50's o '60's style'50's style MeccanicheGrover DorateVintage Kluson Pick-Up 498T + 490R w/Alnico V magnets BurstBucker Pro w/Alnico V magnets BurstBucker Pro w/Alnico V magnets (raro) o 498T + 490R

THE FENDER STRATOCASTER Designed and built by Leo Fender in 1953, the Fender Stratocaster is still marketed without substantial differences from the original model. The result is a revolutionary project: thanks to the innovative shape, the lightness of the instrument, easier access to the higher notes of the keyboard due to the particular shape of the excavated shoulder, the Stratocaster is considered among the most advanced electric guitars of the time. The first Stratocaster on a commercial basis was produced May 15, Among the Fender Stratocaster of 1954 is important to remember the "Hard-Tail" which is the first prototype of the Stratocaster bridge fixed, without tremolo, designed in about 20 pieces that became standard in limited production by the end of March To date, the Fender Stratocaster is due to its peculiarities a reference point in the sound of electric guitars thanks to the choice of Leo Fender all oriented to promote a shrill sound, like the single-coil pick-up and use of wood emphasizing the high sounds, in contrast to the lower sounds deep and typical of Gibson guitars. This orientation towards sound brighter still born years ago when Leo Fender in 1948 created the first electric guitar "solid body" of industrial production (some experiments were carried out by other makers, but never put up for sale), or the Fender Broadcaster, subsequently evolved models Esquire, single pickup and Telecaster two-pickup.

FENDER MUSTANG The Fender Mustang was founded in 1964, to complement the production line Fender Student Model, which also included the Fender Musicmaster and Duo-Sonic. In 1982, out of the market, to reappear in 1994 as a '69 Mustang Reissue, and in 2006 as a '65 Mustang Reissue, both built by Fender Japan. The Fender Mustang is known to the public mainly due to musician Kurt Cobain, who made ​​it his favorite guitar, mostly for economic reasons, since the Mustang had a more attractive price certainly the "big sister" Fender Stratocaster. This allowed to Cobain buy many handles left- handed parts, to replace those who broke concerts. However, the guitar was appreciated by the leader of Nirvana, for its short-scale (61 cm), which is well suited to his small hands. The famous guitarist John Frusciante used a '65 Mustang, a period of his long militancy in the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The models produced in the early sixties, known as pre- CBS, if they are stored in good condition, can achieve high market prices. In 2012, Fender has released a version of the signature Mustang: the Kurt Cobain Mustang, dedicated to the homonymous musician.

JAGUAR The Fender Jaguar is an electric guitar made ​​by Fender since 1962, based on the Fender Jazzmaster. In the years before the introduction of the Jaguar, Fender was often accused of producing instruments too spartan compared to other manufacturers who were ushering in the new market for electric guitars. The Jazzmaster guitar did not get the expected success because the community of jazz musicians did not seem to appreciate the solid-body electric guitar as the traditional semi-acoustic archtop electrified, and then to introduce the thought Fender Jaguar as an evolution of the ameliorative Jazzmaster. Originally touted as guitar surf music, became quite popular in the sixties. In the nineties, he found a new youth in the alternative and grunge music: among others, was used by Kurt Cobain and Sonic Youth. Compared to previous models boasted a greater shielding to interference, due to various metal plates, as well as a greater quantity of controls that allow to obtain a wide variety of sounds. The special equipment controls derived from circuits that Freddie Tavares, for many years to come leading designer at Fender had designed and mounted on his guitars private. A unique feature that differentiates still the Fender Jaguar from the rest of the production is the reduced length of the tuning fork, the vibrating portion of the string: the Jaguar is shorter, 610 mm instead of 648 mm of traditional Telecaster and Stratocaster, thanks to the fork more short, the Jaguar allows a more comfortable fingering on the more extended intervals, with a lower tension of the strings with respect to instruments from the tuning fork longer.

FENDER SWINGER The Fender Swinger (also known as Fender and Fender Musiclander Arrow - as the emblem of "Swinger" are often missing from the headstock) was a model of electric guitar made ​​in small numbers by Fender, designed by Leo Fender in The Fender Swinger was an attempt by CBS (which had bought the company in 1965) to extract cash from unused inventory by combining the bodies of the Fender V bass marred with parts from Fender Musicmaster.

FENDER TELECASTER The Telecaster produced in the early fifties, today replicated in the model American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue, is distinguishable from the successive models for the big handle section with "U", for the grommet on the scoop-shaped button, for slotted screws used to join the various components, for the three saddles screwed on the bridge-shaped ashtray and to the particular circuitry of the pickups now known as vintage wiring. In particular, the three- position pickup selector allows for the following sounds: bridge pickup with the tone control (position 1), neck pickup with the tone control (position 2), neck pickup tone control without a frequency high cut The Telecaster guitar is a versatile: it can switch between the sounds of a steel guitar to the warm tones of blues guitar, while maintaining a sound of its own, recognizable, which distinguishes it in every situation. Even today, the simplicity of the instrument makes many musicians prefer to country, blues and rock.

Telecaster Thinline The Fender Telecaster Thinline is a semi-acoustic version of the Fender Telecaster with an ash body, two pick-up Fender Wide Range humbucking bridge and normally used in the classic Fender Stratocaster. At the end of the sixties Fender was facing a shortage of supply of light ash compensated by the supply of heavy ash. The task of producing a Telecaster with the lighter body was entrusted to the famous German luthier Roger Rossmeisl who took charge of digging the body design and traditional cuts to "f". The first version of the Thinline was born in July 1968 with a list price of $ At that time it was produced with the traditional single-coil, only in 1971 were replaced with two Fender Wide Range humbuckers designed by Seth Lover, so the pickguard was changed to accommodate the new pick-up.

Telecaster Custom The Telecaster Custom mounts a humbucker pickup to the handle and is equipped with a double-tone control and volume. This model has become very popular since it is used by Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones and Luciano Ligabue during his concerts with the sticker "ALL AREAS".

Telecaster Deluxe Such as the Telecaster Thinline, Fender Telecaster Deluxe features two humbucker pickups. From the first, however, is distinguished by the body Solid body solid wood and for the presence of 2 volume controls and 2 of tone. The body has softened edges as the Fender Stratocaster, this guitar also comes from the handle with the traditional blade produced in the 70's

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