Les Paul
Gibson 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.
The Les Paul is Gibson's flagship solid-body electric, and the range spans from the stripped-down single-pickup student guitar of the 1950s to fully featured modern instruments with coil-splitting and weight relief. This guide maps the Les Paul models in our database, what distinguishes each one, and how they connect to the pickups and neck profiles that define how they sound and feel.
Specifications vary by production year and run — the figures below describe the current or documented configuration of each model, not a guarantee for every individual guitar. Confirm the exact specs of any instrument with the seller or manufacturer before buying.
Les Paul models at a glance
| Model | Neck profile | Neck pickup | Bridge pickup | Typical weight | Era |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Les Paul Standard '50s | 50s Rounded | Burstbucker 1 | Burstbucker 2 | ~9 lbs | 2019–present |
| Les Paul Standard '60s | 60s SlimTaper | '57 Classic | Burstbucker 2 | ~8.5 lbs | 2019–present |
| Les Paul Classic | 60s SlimTaper | 496R | 500T | ~8.5 lbs | 1990–present |
| Les Paul Studio | 60s SlimTaper | 490R | 498T | ~8.5 lbs | 1983–present |
| Les Paul Tribute | 60s SlimTaper | 490R | 498T | ~8 lbs | current |
| Les Paul Modern | Modern | Burstbucker 1 | Burstbucker 2 | ~8 lbs | 2019–present |
| Les Paul Custom | 60s SlimTaper | 490R | 498T | ~9 lbs | 1954–present |
| Les Paul Junior | 50s Rounded | — | P-90 | ~7 lbs | 1954–present |
| Les Paul Special | 60s SlimTaper | P-90 | P-90 | ~7.5 lbs | 1955–present |
The Standard: '50s and '60s
The Les Paul Standard '50s and Les Paul Standard '60s are the two reference points for the line. Both are carved-top mahogany/maple Les Pauls, but they recreate different eras. The '50s has a chunky 50s Rounded neck and a pair of Burstbucker humbuckers; the '60s has a slimmer 60s SlimTaper neck and an '57 Classic in the neck. The neck profile is the biggest difference in feel; the pickups shift the tone slightly. See our dedicated comparison: Les Paul Standard '50s vs '60s.
Classic, Studio and Tribute: the mid-tier
The Les Paul Classic is a hot-rodded option with ceramic 496R/500T pickups and a slim neck for rock. The Les Paul Studio and Les Paul Tribute use the versatile 490R/498T set and trim cosmetics to reach a lower price. The Studio and Standard '60s are a common comparison — see Les Paul Standard vs Studio and Les Paul Standard vs Classic.
Modern: contemporary features
The Les Paul Modern adds an asymmetric Modern maple neck, push-pull coil-splitting on its Burstbucker pickups, and a weight-relieved body. It is the choice for players who want Les Paul tone with faster playability and single-coil sounds.
Custom: the luxury tier
The Les Paul Custom is the dressed-up Les Paul — binding, block inlays and a gloss finish, with 490R/498T electronics. Historically it has also shipped with different pickups and finishes across decades.
Junior and Special: slab-body P-90s
The Les Paul Junior is a single-P-90 slab mahogany guitar — the original student Les Paul. The Les Paul Special adds a second P-90 and a double-cut body. Both are raw, resonant and lighter than the carved-top models.
How to choose
If you want vintage feel and chunk, the Standard '50s. If you want speed and versatility, the Standard '60s or Modern. If you want hot rock tone on a budget, the Classic. If you want P-90 grit, the Junior or Special. Cross-reference the pickup database and neck profile guide to understand the components before you decide.