Les Paul Custom vs Standard...?

[SylvanGoodWood]

Whats the difference between the two? Other than the obvious body appointments...?

Is one better than the other?

 

[zplapplap]

Welcome to MLP! Your questions have inspired a number of threads. I'm sure you'll get some good responses, but here are some earlier threads to look at in the meantime.

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gib...om-vs-standard.html?highlight=standard+custom

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gib...-paul-standard.html?highlight=standard+custom

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gib...om-vs-standard.html?highlight=standard+custom

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gib...om-vs-standard.html?highlight=standard+custom

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gib...om-vs-standard.html?highlight=standard+custom

 

[Tim Plains]

...and don't forget gibson.com.

 

[Miked667]

Depending on the year there can be a great difference. traditionally the custom has been solid mahogany with no maple cap. However, recently the custom has gotten a maple cap. The custom has also at various times had a maple neck as apposed to the mahogany but that also depends on the year. The custom also often times has a ebony fret board. The real consistent difference in the custom and and the standard is that the custom has tiny frets leading to it being referred to as the fretless wonder. Just to be clear I am referring to the Les Paul custom model and not a custom shop Les Paul. Other than these things most of the differences are cosmetic, such as gold hardware, more intricate binding, and the inlay on the head stock. The pick ups can also very forinstance the origional Les Paul had p-90s while the original custom had one p-90 and one P-480 in the neck.

 

[John Vasco]

Miked667,

1. Depends on what you mean by 'recently'. My 1991 LP Custom has a maple top. A friend of mine has a 1969 LP Custom with a maple cap...

2. The original LP Custom had rather flat frets, resulting in it being called the 'Fretless Wonder'. However that is not the case anywhere near 100%. My '91 Custom has large, original frets (pic can be posted if you wish to see it proven).

I think you should check facts before posting what appears to be definitive information.

 

[zontar]

traditionally the custom has been solid mahogany with no maple cap. However, recently the custom has gotten a maple cap.

Recently, as in 1968 when the Custom was re-issued.
My early 70's LP Custom has a maple top for example.
There were ones made with mahogany tops back then & since, but in general--other than re-issues and special orders, limited edition type stuff, the run of the mill LP Custom has had a maple top since they were brought back.

Of course due to exceptions, you should check that out when comparing.

 

[LOSTVENTURE]

I have never heard of the original neck pick-up ever referred to as anything other than the Alnico. Where does P-480 come from?

 

[HOT-BRIT]

I have never heard of the original neck pick-up ever referred to as anything other than the Alnico. Where does P-480 come from?

the original LP Custom had single coil P-90's

 

[zontar]

the original LP Custom had single coil P-90's

Not the neck pickup--it had a different pickup-the Alnico V--it was similar in appearance to a P-90 with rectangular poles--but it was in fact a different pickup.
The bridge was a P-90.

 

[Mr Insane]

All Standards are complete crap, you should give them to me so I can properly dispose of them.

 

[acstorfer]

Miked667,

1. Depends on what you mean by 'recently'. My 1991 LP Custom has a maple top. A friend of mine has a 1969 LP Custom with a maple cap...

2. The original LP Custom had rather flat frets, resulting in it being called the 'Fretless Wonder'. However that is not the case anywhere near 100%. My '91 Custom has large, original frets (pic can be posted if you wish to see it proven).

I think you should check facts before posting what appears to be definitive information.

Ha! Why not add on to the defense of misinformation? At the same time the Custom had maple necks, the Deluxe/Standard models also had maple necks.

A kinda big deal to some, not so much to me is as modern day Standards and Customs would be the electronics. The Standard now have Burstbuckers of some sort, pros I think? And I do believe the Customs have 490/498's. I think they do anyway? Doesn't matter too much for me, I like to swap pups anyway. Not sure about which are chambered, weight relieved and solid, something might be up with that.

The biggest difference to me is, I'm just a Standard kinda guy. No rationale behind that, I just always loved Standards!

 

[tazzboy]

They pretty much the same guitar with a bit of difference cosmic.

 

[guitarfish]

The Customs always catch my eye, with all that fancy binding. Heck, I'd love to have one. But every time I look at the price I'm like ummmm, NO. I'll stick with my Standard.

 

[fiveightandten]

They sound different. They feel different.

Most customs have smaller frets and an ebony fingerboard. Most standards, in comparison, have taller frets and rosewood fingerboard. They also have different pickups.

The Custom is a darker smoother tone. When overdriven, it has a very distinct 'krrrrraaaang'....a cool roar to it. Clean tones are a little murky and not as clear or bell-like as the Standard. It's also less harsh, and fatter sounding. It's a rock solid hunk of wood with some very attractive appointments that make it a serious looker, low frets for super playability (though, you'll be replacing them sooner than a Standard), and a great full bodied tone.

The Standard is brighter, it's more aggressive. The overdriven tone is more grinding, more raunchy. They're more clear in a way, but also a little harsher and less smooth. Clean tones sparkle more and have a bell-like quality to them that the Custom lacks a bit in comparison. Low end isn't as prominent. New standards have coil tapping and different pickups than what they had traditionally for a while. New standards are mostly chambered, so they're lighter with a more airy sound and feel to them.

 

[HOT-BRIT]

Not the neck pickup--it had a different pickup-the Alnico V--it was similar in appearance to a P-90 with rectangular poles--but it was in fact a different pickup.
The bridge was a P-90.

I stand corrected, I forgot the neck pickup was a different version single coil

 

[Cassp0nk]

I don't know if this is true for all, but my 81 custom has a much narrower fingerboard than my two 59 reissues. The neck is also thinner.

 

[zontar]

I don't know if this is true for all, but my 81 custom has a much narrower fingerboard than my two 59 reissues. The neck is also thinner.

Yeah, that seems to change all the time.

But seriously, they have changed the necks in different years and different models.
I prefer a chunky neck on my Les Pauls.

 

[Joeydego]

custom. Thats it.

 

[allbusinessjoe]

I'd go with the Standard. Better price, similar guitar, but you don't have to put up with gold hardware.

 

[sunnysunny]

I'd go with the Standard. Better price, similar guitar, but you don't have to put up with gold hardware.

Standard is better choice for me, at least.