Identification
How 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.
Why Identification Matters
The Les Paul family spans decades and dozens of variants. Knowing what you're looking at helps you value a guitar, understand its tone, and avoid mislabeled listings.
Start With the Headstock
The headstock face typically carries the model name (e.g., "Standard" or "Studio") and the Gibson logo. The logo style — silkscreened, pearl inlay, or painted — can hint at the era and tier.
Check the Body Binding
Binding is a strong tier indicator. Standards feature cream binding on the top (and sometimes back); Studios typically have no binding. Historic and Custom Shop models often feature more elaborate binding.
Decode the Pickups
Pickup model numbers are stamped on the underside, but you can often infer them from the guitar's spec sheet. Burstbuckers signal vintage-voiced models; 490R/498T pairs signal modern-vintage models like the Studio.
Read the Serial Number
Gibson serial numbers encode the year and sometimes the production rank. Cross-reference the serial with Gibson's dating system to confirm the year of manufacture.
When in Doubt
Compare the guitar's features against a trusted database like this one. If the specs don't match a known model, it may be a parts guitar or a modified instrument.