Gibson Les Paul User manual

Les Paul – The world’s most famous electric guitar.
The all-time classic rock and roll “axe,” used by
numerous influential rockers, from Jimmy Page
(Led Zeppelin) to Slash (Guns ’N Roses), plus
Neil Young, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Duane Allman,
Clapton (early years) and Jeff Beck.
SG – Bolder look and lighter weight than the Les Paul.
Favored by rockers who venture out to the edge. Used
by Pete Townshend (The Who), Angus Young (AC/DC),
Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Clapton (Cream years).
X-Factor (Flying V, X-plorer, Firebird) – Angular,
non-traditional body shapes. Embraced by rebellious,
in-your-face guitarists, especially heavy metal. Used
by Jimi Hendrix (Flying V), bluesman Johnny Winter
(Firebird), the Scorpions (Flying V and Explorer),
Lenny Kravitz (Flying V).
ES-335 – A “semi-hollowbody,” invented by Gibson
in 1958 to combine traditional styling with modern
solidbody performance. Preferred by blues-rockers
and players who need versatility. Used by Chuck Berry,
B.B. King, Larry Carlton (top session guitarist).
SJ-200 – Gibson’s most famous acoustic guitar,
the “King of the Flat-Tops.” The favorite of the Everly
Brothers and Johnny Cash in their early years, featured
on album covers by Emmylou Harris and Bob Dylan,
played onstage today by Pete Townshend.
Gibson Model Families
www.gibson.com
1-800-4GIBSON

A Gibson guitar creates an emotional
connection to music, to culture, to life –
future as well as past – that no other
gift can offer. It will undoubtedly
be one of the most important gifts
you will ever give.
For any guitar buyer – from the
first-time beginner to the experienced
professional – there are many issues to
consider and questions to be answered.
We’ve provided answers to some of
the most frequently asked questions.
Should you have additional
concerns, please do not
hesitate to call Gibson
Customer Service at
1-800-4GIBSON
(available 24/7)
or e-mail
ser[email protected].
Is Gibson a popular brand? Gibson has had a reputation for
the highest quality instruments for over 100 years, and
the Gibson name is known and respected around the
world. Gibsons are played by the most influential musi-
cians in every genre of popular music. Gibson is the only
company that has made industry-standard models in
every type of fretted instrument (guitar, banjo, mandolin,
etc.). A Gibson is the instrument that everyone aspires
to own.
What are the differences between the lower- and higher-priced
models? The higher models typically have more expensive
aesthetic features (such as fancier inlays or highly figured
wood grains) and more complicated manufacturing
processes (such as the contoured top of the Les Paul
Standard). The basic elements that define Gibson quality
and performance – pickups, neck design, etc. – are
present in every Gibson, regardless of price.
What about value? Is a Gibson really worth it? Every Gibson
comes with a lifetime guarantee, and with proper care,
it will outlive several owners. And it will never go out of
style or become obsolete. Most of today’s Gibson models
originated in the 1950s and 1960s, and they are more
popular today than ever.
Which Gibson is the right one? Most Gibson models have
a strong association with specific artists and musical
genres. If you can answer the questions “Who is his
favorite guitarist?” or “What is his favorite kind of
music?” then finding the “right” Gibson will be easy.
What is the price range for a Gibson? List prices for
Gibson’s regular production models are in the
general range of $1,000-4,000.
What else will I need to buy? An acoustic Gibson is ready
to play right out of the case. An electric guitar needs
an amplifier and a cord. Amplifiers come in all sizes
and prices, starting with lightweight, portable, inex-
pensive “practice” amps. A case is included in the
price of the guitar. Additional enhancements to a gift
package might include picks, strap, guitar stand,
tuner, extra set of strings and polish.
To register for giveaways, or to learn more about
Gibson guitars, please visit www.gibson.com.
ONLY A GIBSON IS GOOD ENOUGH