Technical differences in Gibson L.P.'s

[Voodooman]

All right guys, being somewhat wet behind the ears when it comes to L.P.'s, I thought starting this thread would be a benefit to all new comers to the L.P. family. There is obviously many different types of Gibson (American made) Les Pauls. If you go on their website right now and click on Les Paul you get a-lot of choices. I would like to know what are the technical differences. They are all beautiful and unique in my eyes, but there are those that don't suit me, even if I still appreciate them. Lets start with basics. What are the differences between the Standard, Studio, Custom, Classic, and Supreme models. And lets try not to be biased and overly opinionated, as I'm sure that there's a player that Loves what you hate, and so fourth. I'm hoping that we can place the variations like the Vixen and Menace in their families as well. Oh yeah, and can we stick to the subject here, as I find that many threads start going off on tangents that don't necessarily pertain to the threads original premise. Rock on!

[ArchEtech]

Basics:

Studio:
Generally no binding on body or fingerboard.
Generally solid not top, though there are configurations, special editions, premium editions that do have figured tops.
Generally rosewood fingerboard, some ebony.
I think they come chambered and unchambered, not sure exactly which ones and why.


Standard:
Body and neck bindings.
Generally what is considered more expensive pickups.
Mahogony body, maple top.
Tops vary from plain to extremely figures depeding on model.
I'd probably put the Supreme on the upper end of standards, as well as the classic customs.
Generally rosewood fingerboard, some have ebony.
Generally chambered late 2006+ model year.

Custom:
Standard features plus binding on the back.
Binding is usually two ply.
Ebony fingerboard
larger block inlay.
Inlay at first fret.
Long neck tenon.
Not chambered for the most part.


Then you get into Cloud 9, VOS, Resissues, megabuck guitars with endless options.

Its a start, there are so many variation of Les Pauls, it would be one huge ass chart. If you are looking to buy, I would just list what you're looking for in a Les Paul, and we can all narrow it down.

[Voodooman]

Originally Posted by ArchEtech

Basics:

Studio:
Generally no binding on body or fingerboard.
Generally solid not top, though there are configurations, special editions, premium editions that do have figured tops.
Generally rosewood fingerboard, some ebony.
I think they come chambered and unchambered, not sure exactly which ones and why.


Standard:
Body and neck bindings.
Generally what is considered more expensive pickups.
Mahogony body, maple top.
Tops vary from plain to extremely figures depeding on model.
I'd probably put the Supreme on the upper end of standards, as well as the classic customs.
Generally rosewood fingerboard, some have ebony.
Generally chambered late 2006+ model year.

Custom:
Standard features plus binding on the back.
Binding is usually two ply.
Ebony fingerboard
larger block inlay.
Inlay at first fret.
Long neck tenon.
Not chambered for the most part.


Then you get into Cloud 9, VOS, Resissues, megabuck guitars with endless options.

Its a start, there are so many variation of Les Pauls, it would be one huge ass chart. If you are looking to buy, I would just list what you're looking for in a Les Paul, and we can all narrow it down.

This is a great start! I just bought a new Standard in ebony. So i'm not looking to buy a new one any time soon, but it was challenging to make up my mind when the price differences are significant, and the technical differences seem somewhat small. Lets keep this rolling!

[lp59aholicDon]

Some Notes here, The very first Les Paul Studios had binding,and dotted necks and were usually reddish sunburst
First Chamberings I know of, started with Les Paul Studio Lights, When the chambered holes were filled with Chromite, light metal mixture that was very dense in nature to help retain sustain qualites, some of these guitars were wired M3 H/S/H with a five way Fender style switch single volume and tone controls , unbound mutli piece flame tops in various colors pickups were 496R/500T combos

Originally Posted by ArchEtech

Basics:



Studio:
Generally no binding on body or fingerboard.
Generally solid not top, though there are configurations, special editions, premium editions that do have figured tops.
Generally rosewood fingerboard, some ebony.
I think they come chambered and unchambered, not sure exactly which ones and why.


Standard:
Body and neck bindings.
Generally what is considered more expensive pickups.
Mahogony body, maple top.
Tops vary from plain to extremely figures depeding on model.
I'd probably put the Supreme on the upper end of standards, as well as the classic customs.
Generally rosewood fingerboard, some have ebony.
Generally chambered late 2006+ model year.

Custom:
Standard features plus binding on the back.
Binding is usually two ply.
Ebony fingerboard
larger block inlay.
Inlay at first fret.
Long neck tenon.
Not chambered for the most part.


Then you get into Cloud 9, VOS, Resissues, megabuck guitars with endless options.

Its a start, there are so many variation of Les Pauls, it would be one huge ass chart. If you are looking to buy, I would just list what you're looking for in a Les Paul, and we can all narrow it down.