Best and Worst Years for Gibson Les Paul

[Alex]

Best Years for Gibson Les Paul

Looking to buy a used Gibson Les Paul and want to know which years to go for and avoid? Learn the difference in quality between the past and the present.

www.geartalk.com

Are you in the market for a Gibson Les Paul but don't know where to start?

With so many years and models to choose from, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are the best and which ones to avoid.

But fear not, because we'll be breaking down the best and worst years for Gibson Les Pauls. From vintage Les Paul models to the newer releases, we'll help you navigate the guitar market with ease.

Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner looking to invest in your first Les Paul, this guide will give you the knowledge and confidence to make an informed decision.

Click here to read more.

 

[Gfunk_Minor]

My GOD that hideous...!

 

[JPA67]

I would like to discuss Gibson QC and I haven't any idea of how to start a thread/post

 

[ESchmidt]

Every year there are good ones, every year there are dogs. It’s foolish to think otherwise.

 

[LPMarshall Hack]

The old adage:

Try before you buy.

Play before you pay.

 

[Peter M]

Wait... we have a buyer:

 

[rjwilson37]

Wow, great read, but it still tells me nothing that I already didn't know. You buy/sell Gibson Les Paul's until you find the one(s) that feel/play/sound best to you. One person's Ferrari may be another person's Gremlin, it is really up to you personally to decide. There are great guitars every year as well as some dogs every year, again, it's all up to you to find what floats your boat.

Good Luck, I have found 7 Les Paul's that float my boat, it took 12 years playing a lot of different guitars to find I really love a Les Paul in my hands best. It also took purchasing 11 Gibson Les Paul's to find my #1.

 

[gball]

Every year there are good ones, every year there are dogs. It’s foolish to think otherwise.

This, 100%. There are lousy guitars from the '50s just as there are trancendent ones from this year.

View attachment 689535

Wait... we have a buyer:

I'm likely (certainly?) in the minority, but I kind of like this a lot. I'd be into it for the right price, and put gold hardware on it.

 

[Mr French]

Same guitar, just different shade of color

 

[Mr French]

View attachment 689535

Wait... we have a buyer:

I think they called that sea green or something like that. It might be the one from early 2000s.

 

[afjungemann]

It's funny because I remember these hanging on the wall in some shops when I was shopping for my first gibson. I always thought they were kind of cool and still don't mind them but the general consensus is that no one likes the gecko burst.

 

[Ed Blue]

Add robot tuners and I’m there!!!

 

[JPA67]

Wow, great read, but it still tells me nothing that I already didn't know. You buy/sell Gibson Les Paul's until you find the one(s) that feel/play/sound best to you. One person's Ferrari may be another person's Gremlin, it is really up to you personally to decide. There are great guitars every year as well as some dogs every year, again, it's all up to you to find what floats your boat.

Good Luck, I have found 7 Les Paul's that float my boat, it took 12 years playing a lot of different guitars to find I really love a Les Paul in my hands best. It also took purchasing 11 Gibson Les Paul's to find my #1.

View attachment 689543
View attachment 689544

I was at GC, yesterday and a customer was playing a tribute. Great instrument!

 

[theresstrange]

Totally omitted the all important True Historic years (2015-2016) and their contribution to the accuracy of materials and carve. Written by another "self proclaimed" authority of Les Pauls. "Take it with a grain of salt!"

 

[reelman955]

Owned a few over the years. My favorite which I still have is a 1992 Wine red standard. It’s completely stock except for the Grover’s I swapped out. If you don’t mind the weight and prefer a narrow 60’s neck it’s a good place to start and affordable.

 

[DBDM]

My favorite LP I have EVER played was a 58 Black Beauty. I have been lucky enought to play many 50s LPs and that was my favorite. My favorite LP that I could actually buy was a 2019 '59 Reissue. My 20 year old's favorite ever is a 2016 LP HP (USA shop). That model is on some lists as "not a good year" but it is a fantastic guitar

 

[JPA67]

My favorite LP I have EVER played was a 58 Black Beauty. I have been lucky enought to play many 50s LPs and that was my favorite. My favorite LP that I could actually buy was a 2019 '59 Reissue. My 20 year old's favorite ever is a 2016 LP HP (USA shop). That model is on some lists as "not a good year" but it is a fantastic guitar

As memory serves, I really liked my 79 Custom. 35+ years ago. Last Year I Bought a 2018 Classic and with 57's and nines it was real nice, as well. Now I have a 2023 Classic being replaced by Gibson. Hoping for the same.

 

[hmesters]

Best Years for Gibson Les Paul

Looking to buy a used Gibson Les Paul and want to know which years to go for and avoid? Learn the difference in quality between the past and the present.

www.geartalk.com

Are you in the market for a Gibson Les Paul but don't know where to start?

With so many years and models to choose from, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are the best and which ones to avoid.

But fear not, because we'll be breaking down the best and worst years for Gibson Les Pauls. From vintage Les Paul models to the newer releases, we'll help you navigate the guitar market with ease.

Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner looking to invest in your first Les Paul, this guide will give you the knowledge and confidence to make an informed decision.

Click here to read more.

I would definitely aboid the Les Paul standards build in 59 and 60. So in case you want to get rid of these, I have this friend that will buy em from you

 

[LesPaul667]

I’ve owned Les Pauls made from 1968 to present. I’ve played original bursts. There’s good and bad in every year.

Norlin is bad??? Really??? I’ve had late 70’s customs 8 lbs with paper thin necks that smoke everything else. Those big frets rule.

The necks didn’t break either. The stage did.

 

[80smetalhead]

I’ve owned a lot of Gibson Les Pauls. I have a Standard, Zakk Wylde, Ace Frehley and a ‘68 Historic Les Paul Custom.

I knew what I wanted more or less, did the research and played a lot of guitars. The only one I ordered was the Custom Shop and I was lucky enough to get a really great one that I didn’t have to send back to Sweetwater.

My approach works for me.

IMO The best Les Paul is a vintage’59 and the worst are the printed circuit board, robot tuner Henry J Les Pauls,