Guides
Editorial guides to help you research, identify and choose Gibson guitars — from understanding the difference between model eras to decoding pickups and neck profiles.
Gibson Models by Year: A Production Timeline
A decade-by-decade timeline of Gibson electric models — from the 1950s Les Paul and ES-335 to the 1970s T-Top era and the modern reissue line — with the key models introduced and how specs changed over time.
2026-08-11
Les PaulGibson Les Paul Models Explained
A reference to every major Les Paul model in the database — Standard, Classic, Studio, Tribute, Modern, Custom, Junior and Special — with specs, pickups, neck profiles and how they differ.
2026-08-11
Les PaulGibson Les Paul Weight: What to Expect
How much a Les Paul weighs, why it is heavy, how weight varies by model and year, and the difference between chambered, weight-relieved and solid bodies — with typical weights for every model in the database.
2026-08-11
IdentificationHow to Identify a Gibson Guitar
A practical reference for identifying a Gibson electric — serial number locations, the Made in USA stamp, headstock shape, truss rod cover and factory serial formats, with how these markers changed over the decades.
2026-08-11
Buying GuidesThe Best Gibson Guitars for Small Hands
If you have small hands, the neck profile, scale length and nut width matter most. This guide explains what to look for and recommends the Gibson models that are easiest to play — SG, Les Paul '60s, ES-335 and Firebird.
2026-08-11
Neck ProfilesGibson Neck Profiles: A Complete Guide
How Gibson's neck profiles compare — 50s Rounded, 60s SlimTaper, Rounded C, Modern and Asymmetrical — with thickness, feel, era and which guitars use each.
2026-08-11
PickupsGibson Pickups Explained
A reference to Gibson's pickup families — PAF humbuckers, modern humbuckers, P-90s and mini-humbuckers — with magnets, output, tone and which guitars use each.
2026-08-11
ComparisonsLes Paul Standard '50s vs '60s: Which Is Right for You?
The Les Paul Standard '50s and '60s are the same guitar apart from neck and pickups. This guide compares the 50s Rounded vs 60s SlimTaper neck and Burstbucker vs '57 Classic pickups so you can choose.
2026-08-11
Neck ProfilesUnderstanding Gibson Neck Profiles
The neck is where the player meets the instrument. Here's how to think about Gibson's neck profiles and choose the right one.
2026-08-05
IdentificationHow to Identify a Gibson Les Paul Model
A practical guide to telling Les Paul variants apart — from the Standard and Studio to reissues and historic models.
2026-08-01