How many Les Paul models are there?

[jens5]

Totally confused by the amount of Les Paul variants there are, with prices all over the map. Went looking for a used "Standard" and find there are, Classics, Traditional,Custom,Re-issue, Historic, Studio, Standard, Standard premium and so on. Whats the deal?

 

[monty]

They having a bet with Stratocasters.

 

[JeffK]

No one knows, not even Gibson. It's nice to have choices, but it can make your head spin trying to figure out all the differences.

 

[C-4]

I would first think about how much you plan to spend for one.
Then go look at the models in your price range as new guitars.
Then go look on reverb or other sites with used LP's and see what may be available to you used for the money you wish to spend.
Check Dave's Guitar Shop. Wildwood Guitars, Willcutt Guitar Shoppe, Mark's Guitar Loft, and other dealers, in addition to the chain stores.

It takes time when you are not informed and first looking, but take your time. Also use the search function here. There are a lot of threads.

Then go to Ebay and look for Edwards, Tokai, and other similar brands of LP alternatives. The two mentioned here are good examples, but there are others. You may get more guitar then you thought. Remember that Gibson has become really high-priced compared to what they used to be, but it's the way it is, unfortunately.
If you absolutely must have a Gibson, at least you will know what you are missing.

Lastly, go to a store and start playing some LP's, but remember that they may not be set up for your personal taste. Just try to get used to how they feel and sound, and how much some of them weigh.

When you have done your homework, then is the time to start possibly reaching for your wallet.

 

[handtrix]

Only three the way I see it...
Standard, Custom, & Deluxe ;-)

 

[27sauce]

Only three the way I see it...
Standard, Custom, & Deluxe ;-)

Gasp! No junior or special?!

 

[27sauce]

Hey, Gibson basically came out of the gate with a full line. It only took one year to add 2 models to the original les paul. Then 3, 4...

 

[PixMix]

How many models are there? All of them.

Seriously though, it is confusing. Too many models and not enough differences between them. I do have a standard and I love it.

Here are a few:

Studio
Tribute
Traditional
Classic
Standard
Custom
Probably more...

And there's custom shop stuff.

 

[LaXu]

Yeah they have gone off the deep end with the models, the various yearly changes, renaming models, stripped down models etc. I agree about setting your budget first and base your choice on that. Go play a few models with the different neck profiles to get an idea which you prefer to be able to rule out some models. Then try to find the best example of your chosen model you can as outside Historics they tend to be all over the place.

 

[cap10kirk]

Junior, Special, Studio, Studio Faded, LP Melody Maker, Tribute, LPJ, LPM, Classic, Standard, Traditional, Deluxe, Deluxe Pro, Custom, and many more. Plus, thanks to Gibson making everything more confusing, for new guitars there are 2 of every model, one traditional spec, and one "high performance" spec with a wider fretboard, titanium nut, robot tuners, etc.
If you want a Standard, just look at Standards, and Traditionals (which are pretty much just Standards built more like they used to be, with fatter necks, no push-pull pots, things like that).

 

[CharAznable]

That's like asking how many grains of sand are in the beach...


If I were Gibson...

Special, Standard and Custom, each in T or HP. That's it.

 

[xzacx]

Don't forget Norlin-era Pros, the current ES line, the K.M., and on and on...

 

[theroan]

Artist Signature models
12 String
25/50 Anniversary
Acoustic
Antique Deluxe
Artisan
Artist
BFG
Centennial
Classic
Classic Antique
Classic Custom
Classic Premium Plus
Custom
Custom CS
Custom Lite
Dark Fire
Deluxe
Double cut
Faded
Firebrand
Flat top models
Florentine/ES-Paul
GEM
Goddess
Gothic
GT
HD.6X Pro
Jumbo
Junior
Junior Special
Menace
Personal
Professional
Push Tone
Raw Power
Recording
Robot
Signature
Signature T
Smartwood
Special
Special Faded
Spotlight Special
Standard
Standard Faded
Standard Lite
Standard Premium Plus
Standard Showcase Edition
Studio
Studio BFG
Studio Deluxe
Studio Lite
Studio LPJ
Studio Premium Plus
Studio Robot
Studio Satin
Studio Standard
Studio Swirl
Supreme
Tenor
The Les Paul
Traditional
Traditional Faded
Traditional Pro
Tribute
Vintage Mahogany
Vixen
Voodoo
VOS/Historic

And there are definitely more. And even within these models there a variations. In 2017 they added the T and HP versions.

In price order of the core models:
Studio
Classic
Traditional
Standard
Custom
Historic

 

[AlanH]

I'l add my Signature 2014 to your list. Quite different from the T.

 

[theroan]

Added

 

[sleep]

Added

don't forget the lp recording & professional

 

[theroan]

Done. That is a ridiculous list.

 

[27sauce]

Acoustic, Jumbo, Artist, Personal, tenor, centennial, gothic, voodoo

 

[theroan]

Added and now in alphabetical order

 

[mschafft]

1. Humbuckers
2. P90s