Comparisons
Les 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.
The Les Paul Standard '50s and Les Paul Standard '60s are the two reference points of the modern Les Paul line. They share the same body, scale length and construction — the differences are the neck profile and the neck pickup. This guide breaks down those differences and links to the components and the full side-by-side comparison.
Both are modern reissues that recreate different eras, so their specs describe the era they honour rather than a single production year. Individual guitars vary.
At a glance
| Les Paul Standard '50s | Les Paul Standard '60s | |
|---|---|---|
| Neck profile | 50s Rounded (thick) | 60s SlimTaper (slim) |
| Neck pickup | Burstbucker 1 | '57 Classic |
| Bridge pickup | Burstbucker 2 | Burstbucker 2 |
| Typical weight | ~9 lbs | ~8.5 lbs |
| Body | Carved mahogany/maple | Carved mahogany/maple |
| Scale length | 24.75 in | 24.75 in |
The neck: 50s Rounded vs 60s SlimTaper
This is the biggest difference in feel. The 50s Rounded is a thick, full carve that fills the hand and rewards players who dig in. The 60s SlimTaper is slimmer and faster, easier for lead work and smaller hands. If you want vintage chunk, choose the '50s; if you want speed and comfort, choose the '60s. Read the full neck profile guide for dimensions and variance.
The pickups: Burstbucker vs '57 Classic
Both guitars share a Burstbucker 2 in the bridge. The neck position is where they differ: the '50s has a Burstbucker 1 (lower output, rawer), the '60s has an '57 Classic (smoother, more balanced). Both are Alnico II PAF-style humbuckers. See '57 Classic vs Burstbucker for how those two voices compare.
Weight
The '50s runs slightly heavier (~9 lbs typical) than the '60s (~8.5 lbs), though both vary by individual guitar and wood. See the Les Paul weight guide for the full picture.
Which suits you
- Choose the '50s if you like a substantial, vintage neck and a rawer neck pickup.
- Choose the '60s if you want a slim, fast neck and a smoother neck pickup.
For the full spec-by-spec breakdown, see Les Paul Standard '50s vs '60s. For how the Standard compares to other tiers, see Les Paul Standard vs Classic and Les Paul Standard vs Studio.