Gibson US Les Paul Standard Traditional Desert Burst

A Les Paul for the People, Honoring the Decade of Rock and Roll



One of the key ingredients in both the sound and feel of the Les Paul Traditional is its rounded-’50s profile neck. Carved from solid quarter-sawn Grade-A mahogany, this neck transfers more string resonance to the body than thin necks, while offering the ergonomic, palm-filling grip that countless players have come to love. Taking all this sweet tone from wood to wire is a 57 Classic humbucker in the neck position and an overwound 57 Classic Plus in the bridge, two of Gibson’s most popular pickups. They are designed along the lines of great vintage PAF-style humbuckers, but rounded off with some added versatility for the contemporary player, thanks to coils that are evenly wound and wax potted, giving the 57s a smooth overdriven tone and outstanding resistance to microphone feedback squeal. Keeping it all tight and singing at the body end is the classic pairing of Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece; while a dense Corian nut and Kluson-style Tone Pros tuners do their thing at the headstock. Put it all together, and it just could be the Les Paul of your dreams. Each Les Paul Traditional comes protected in a plush-lined hardshell case with black exterior, and includes adjustment and warranty literature.

Body and Finish

Crafted from a highly figured Grade-AA maple “plus top” and weight relieved Grade-A mahogany back in the image of the classic Les Paul Standard, these guitars are finished in traditional nitrocellulose lacquer in your choice of Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Desert Burst, Honey Burst, Ice Tea Burst, and Light Burst. For the player who wants a simpler look, Ebony and Gold Top finishes are also available. The guitar’s classic looks are further enhanced by vintage cream binding and transparent gold Speed Knobs.

Pickups and Electronics

The Les Paul Traditional carries a complement of pickups and electronics designed to enhance its tonal splendor while retaining the characteristics of the classic Les Paul Standard. A 57 Classic and 57 Classic Plus offer all the tonal depth and versatility required to maximize the potential of this model’s exalted tonewoods, while the traditional control array of two volume and two tone pots and three-way selector switch offer outstanding versatility to the player.

Neck and Headstock

The guitars neck and headstock are made in the classic tradition of the original 1959 Les Paul. Carved from a single piece of quarter-sawn Grade-A mahogany, and topped with a rosewood fingerboard, the design incorporates a 17-degree back-angled headstock, which contributes greatly to the instrument’s resonance and sustain and has long been recognized as one of the building blocks of the legendary Les Paul Standard tone.

Hardware

The Les Paul Traditional is equipped with Kluson-style Tone Pros tuners, a Tune-o-matic bridge, and a stop-bar tailpiece, plus the traditional aluminum strap buttons. This hardware set provides a traditional look, while also maximizing tone and performance.