Les Paul: Early Mfg. & Standard Models

Originally, bridge tailpieces were used with the strings traveling under the bar of the bridge. During 1952 and through most of 1953, the strings were changed to travel over the bridge bar. Special order instruments have Dark Brown back finish. In 1952, these models were not serialized. In 1953, ink stamped serial numbers on back of peghead were introduced, wrapover bridge/tailpiece replaced original part/design. In 1955, tune-o-matic bridge/stop tailpiece replaced previous part/design. In 1957, humbucker PAF pickups replaced original part/design - these humbucker supplied Gold Tops came standard with cream colored pickup rings. Since they are the same color style as the most common ones used on the LP Standard Sunburst instruments, many Gold Top cream pickup rings have been taken off and used on the Standard Sunburst model.

There are three major considerations when determining value of 1958-1960 'Bursts - they are: original condition, amount of flame, and how much the color on top has faded. Original 'Bursts in average (60%-80%) original condition without much flame or color start around $150,000. 80%-90% original condition guitars with some flame and color are currently selling in the $200,000-$300,000 range. Recent original Sunburst flametop sales/asking prices on strong instruments with nice flame are selling between $300,000 and $400,000, depending on the amount of color remaining and degree of flame. Subtract approx. 10%-20% if Bigsby has been removed. 1959 mfg. is the most desirable.
Double black exposed humbucker pickups (circa 1958-59) are the most common, Zebra (black and white humbuckers) are less common (1959-1960 mfg.), and the double cream colored pickups (circa 1959-1960) are the most desirable.
In 1959, large frets replaced original part/design. In 1960, thin neck, double ring tuner buttons replaced original part/design.
It is estimated that Gibson built 1,700 of these beauties between 1958 and 1960; and perhaps only 1,500 have still survived to today. In 1959, they retailed for $279 - the value of a flame top Gibson Les Paul Standard today depends on three factors: the degree of flame (figuring) in the maple top, amount of fading on the Sunburst finish, and original condition. Originality is especially important on this model - if a stop tailpiece has replaced an original Bigsby or other substantial alterations have been performed, values can be off as much as 50%.
This particular model has achieved legendary status among guitar collectors, players, and investors throughout the world. The original LP 'Burst, more than any other electric guitar, proves what turbo-charged desirability can do to an instrument's price tag. Needless to say, the Blue Book of Electric Guitars fully recommends that several professional appraisals be secured before purchasing a collectible guitar of this magnitude. After Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and Mike Bloomfield made the 'Burst popular back in the late 1960s, some musicians were having their gold-tops stripped and refinished to join the craze! Given the magnitude of this particular portion of this niche market place, some fakes and re-topped or refinished guitars have surfaced.

In late 1960, the body style was changed to what is now known as the SG (solid guitar) body style. The Les Paul logo was still applied on the peghead (see submodel description directly below). In 1961, the Les Paul name was put on truss rod cover, and did not have a model name on the peghead. Pearl crown peghead inlay. In 1962, some models were produced with ebony tailblock and pearl inlay. In 1963, the Les Paul was renamed SG Standard. See SG Series later in text.

This was Gibson´s first Gold Top reissue.

This model did not have a neck volute. This model was a reissue of the 1954 Les Paul.

Between 1970-74, the Les Paul Standard was not offered as a model. However, the Les Paul Deluxe was also available with regular size humbucker pickups between 1972-74. Even though this is a Les Paul Standard model, it is only noted as a Les Paul Deluxe with regular size humbuckers.
In 1974, neck volute was introduced, slab cut body replaced original part/design. In the mid- to late 1970s, "Les Paul-Deluxe" may appear on the back of the headstock of Les Paul Standard models. In 1978, one-piece body replaced original part/design. In 1981, carved top replaced previous part/design, neck volute was discontinued. Gibson´s Les Paul Standards made between 1974 and 1981 often have maple necks and three-piece maple tops. These models are viewed as less desirable in the vintage guitar market. In 1990, TV Yellow finish became standard. In 1994, Cherry Sunburst, Dark Sunburst, Gold Top, Heritage Sunburst, Natural, Tobacco Sunburst and TV Yellow finishes were discontinued. In 1998, the Les Paul Standard was redesignated the LPS8, and reduced to only 4 finishes (choice of chrome or gold hardware). See listing below.
Gibson has offered a twelve-string version of the Les Paul in the past. However, these instruments have either been very, very low production batches, specialty productions, or custom shop orders.
Current Specialty versions of classic Les Paul configurations (Les Paul '56 Gold Top Reissue, Les Paul '59 Flametop Reissue, Les Paul '60 Flametop Reissue) are part of the Historic Collection Series, and can be found at the end of this section.

In 1998, the Les Paul Standard was redesignated LPS-8, and was introduced in three finishes, and a choice of chrome or gold (disc. 1999) hardware. This was discontinued during 2003, and the prefix was changed to LPS. Base price was for Faded 50s/60s

Updated features of the 2008 Les Paul Standard include an asymmetrical neck profile with an enlarged neck tenon, locking Grover tuners with 18:1 gear ratios, newly designed controls, gold-plated potentiometers by Bourns, TonePros bridge and tailpiece, strap lock buttons, and these guitars are set-up by the Plek system, which is a computer-controlled machine that measures and dresses each fret.