Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Guitar: A Comprehensive Guide
The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s is one of the most iconic and revered guitars ever produced by the legendary guitar manufacturer. From its distinctive shape and tone to its rich history, this guitar holds a special place in the hearts of musicians and guitar enthusiasts worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the details of the 50s version of this classic instrument.
The Iconic Les Paul Shape
The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s is immediately recognizable by its distinctive Les Paul shape, featuring a maple cap atop a solid mahogany body. This combination creates a balanced and powerful sound that has become synonymous with rock and blues music. The body is complemented by trapezoidal fret markers, making it easy for players to navigate the neck.
Key Features of the 50s Version
The 50s Gibson Les Paul Standard embodies the golden era of guitar design. Among the many distinguishing features, the neck profile and body construction stand out:
Mucha Effort in Design
The workmanship in the neck and body of the 50s Les Paul is evident in its meticulous design. The neck profiles were intentionally made larger, providing a comfortable and reliable grip for players. The tenon joint connecting the neck to the body is noticeably longer, enhancing both playability and durability.
Visual Artistry
The finishing touches on the 50s Les Paul are equally impressive. For example, gold tops were coated with a nitrocellulose finish containing bronze powder, which would subtly change to a greenish hue over time. Sunburst finishes featured aniline dye, which displayed vibrant colors but also faded quickly under UV light. This natural aging process contributed to the retro charm of the instrument.
Bridge and Tailpiece
The 50s Les Paul was equipped with a wrap tail design, combining the tailpiece and bridge in one unit. This was a unique feature that enhanced both the aesthetics and playability of the guitar. After 1957, the custom models transitioned to the tunomatic bridge, a design popularized by the Les Paul Custom. The tailpiece's orientation changed in 1960, with an extended line bisecting the volume knobs, providing enhanced functionality and balance.
Cutaway and Binding
The cutaway on the 50s Les Paul exposes a portion of the maple cap, offering a glimpse into the construction of the guitar. Another distinctive feature is the 17-degree headstock angle, which is slightly different from later models, making it unique in its own right. The logo is also positioned in a slightly different spot, adding to the overall vintage feel of the instrument.
Electronics
Under the hood, the 50s Les Paul Standard featured either P-90 or PAF (Patent Applied For) pickups. These pickups are known for their rich, warm tone and have become an integral part of the guitar's signature sound, capable of delivering both crisp lead lines and soulful rhythm playing.
Conclusion
The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s is more than just a guitar; it is a living piece of music history. Its distinctive shape, meticulous craftsmanship, and legendary sound make it a true icon in the world of guitars. Whether you are a seasoned musician or a guitar enthusiast, the 50s Les Paul offers unparalleled playability and a timeless appeal that transcends generations.
Key Features: Maple cap, trapezoidal fret markers, larger neck profile, gold tops with bronze powder, sunburst finish with aniline dye, wrap tailpiece/bridge combo, tunomatic bridge on custom models, 17-degree headstock angle, P-90 or PAF pickups.