Is the LP or SG Gibson's "flagship" model?

[WhatDoIKnow]

Discussion from another forearm. I would guess that when most people think "Gibson" they think "Les Paul". I could be wrong, and have no true dog in the fight as I want one of each.

I don't want this to be a "which is better" thread. Or maybe some think the 335 is the "flagship" model. I don't know, but thought I would ask on a LP forum.

 

[dspelman]

The LP in its various guises is the largest seller at Gibson by a considerable margin.

 

[michaelinokc]

Just talked to Henry. It's the Firebird X.

 

[JMV]

Just talked to Henry. It's the Firebird X.

 

[X–Ray]

Les Paul

/thread


Now the rest of the thread should be for shits and giggles

 

[Dr. Arkam]

LP, I don't the think the SG could even remotely be considered the "flagship" of the Gibson brand. Don't get me wrong i love SG's but when an SG standard is cheaper than an LP Studio I think that's a hint.

 

[WhatDoIKnow]

The LP in its various guises is the largest seller at Gibson by a considerable margin.

There is a Gibson article from 2009 stating that the SG "Standard" was the highest selling model. I countered with all LPs vs all SGs.

 

[voggin]

I always though of things like the big jazz boxes as "flagships" whereas les pauls and SG's are Gibsons bread and butter.

 

[Flying_Milkman]

There is a Gibson article from 2009 stating that the SG "Standard" was the highest selling model. I countered with all LPs vs all SGs.

I guess I could believe that, but only because there's the LP Standard, LP Standard Plus, LP Traditional 50s neck, LP Traditional Plus. All those would trounce the SG Standard in sales is my guess.

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

"Flagship" is more about the image of the company, rather than the plurality of sales.

It's a Les Paul, hands down.

 

[michaelinokc]

There is a Gibson article from 2009 stating that the SG "Standard" was the highest selling model. I countered with all LPs vs all SGs.

The SG Standard is the best selling Gibson model of all time, according to Gibson.

The Best-Selling Gibson of All Time: The SG Standard

However, a flagship model is rarely the best seller. A flagship product is usually the one that is more expensive and harder to obtain. So I stand by my previous post. It must be the Firebird X.

 

[The Archer]

Les Paul.


No doubt about it.

 

[cybermgk]

The SG Standard is the best selling Gibson model of all time, according to Gibson.

The Best-Selling Gibson of All Time: The SG Standard

However, a flagship model is rarely the best seller. A flagship product is usually the one that is more expensive and harder to obtain. So I stand by my previous post. It must be the Firebird X.

Maybe I missed something. But, only the title of that article mentions anything about all time. The text of the article only ever mentions how it's first 3 years of sales more than tripled the original LPs first 3 years. Thats the only sales numbers in the entire article. Never mentions any other numbers or comparisons, like sales numbers to date.

 

[michaelinokc]

Maybe I missed something. But, only the title of that article mentions anything about all time. The text of the article only ever mentions how it's first 3 years of sales more than tripled the original LPs first 3 years. Thats the only sales numbers in the entire article. Never mentions any other numbers or comparisons, like sales numbers to date.

I'm thinking the writer missed something, but you'd have to talk to him or her about not backing up the title with statistical data. Doesn't make the title false, though.

 

[cybermgk]

I'm thinking the writer missed something, but you'd have to talk to him or her about not backing up the title with statistical data. Doesn't make the title false, though.

True. Also introduces doubt that it's true as well.

 

[michaelinokc]

True. Also introduces doubt that it's true as well.

Yeah, especially if Henry was helping...

 

[KenG]

Well I'd first say it's Ok to differentiate between solid bodies and hollow bodies which would then remove the hollow bodied models from the equation.
So for solid bodies, I'd still say the Les Paul. Originals are worth more, it's more iconic (at least in my mind) than the SG and last, the 1st years of the SG it was called a les Paul.

 

[acstorfer]

Don't get me wrong, I love Les Pauls. I kinda wish that Gibson would put more into structuring themselves by focusing more on acoustics. Gibson makes some wonderful electrics, but IMHO, their true elegance is in their acoustic guitars.

 

[JM2112]

Depends on how you want to rate it.

As I recall Gibson stating that the SG is their number one all time selling model. However, the Les Paul has more of a legendary reputation than the SG.

I think they are both great, and I'm happy to own both guitars. I would not want to be without either one.

 

[rockstar232007]

What's the FIRST guitar that comes to mind, when you hear the name "Gibson"?

If it's any thing other than a "Les Paul", then maybe you should be playing Fenders?