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Gibson Les Paul Classic Vs Standard (Comparison)Our pick: The Gibson Les Paul ClassicThe Classic has everything I want to see in a Les Paul (Burstbucker pickups, Grover tuners, the fancy body carving), all for $500 less than the Standard. Given the relative similarities of the two models, I'd recommend taking the Classic and the built-in discount.
When comparing the Les Paul Classic and Les Paul Standard, it's important to note that there are multiple versions of the Les Paul Standard. Primarily you have the '50s, '60s, and Slash signature versions of the Standard. All of them are more expensive than the Les Paul Classic. There's really only one Gibson Les Paul Classic, with varying color and finish options. So for our Gibson Les Paul Classic VS Standard comparison, we'll be focusing on the Les Paul Standard '50s version, which is one of the most popular models. We'll also mention some features in the Standard '60s version, which differ slightly from the '50s model. Just to recap, we have three "players" in this comparison:
The Gibson Les Paul classic comes with uncovered pickups, which is one of the few features that give away its identity. Flickr Commons image via Soundingblue Though I think prospective buyers will find little difference between these two guitars. We can start with our comparison tool for a quick look at each model: As you can probably tell, the differences between the two on the spec sheet are fairly minimal. At the same time, we have a $500 price difference tilting towards the '50s Standard. So what exactly accounts for this price difference? Why is the Les Paul Standard more expensive? One might look at the 61R and 61T Burstbuckers in the Classic and suppose those pickups are cheaper. However, the 61R and 61T are in the '60s Standard as well, which is also $2500.
An artistic shot of the Gibson Les Paul Standard with covered Burstbucker pickups. Flickr Commons via Shixart1985 One of the only things we can surmise is that the Standard series gets more "by-hand" work than the Classic series. The product description specifically mentions hand-wired electronics for the '50s Standard, but not the classic. Any time you have work done by hand on a guitar, it tends to significantly run up the price. That's probably what we're seeing with the Les Paul Standard being more expensive than the Classic, because it's not an issue of pickups, tonewood, electronics, or a Plek'd fretboard, all of which are nearly mirroring each other in the two guitars. Gibson Les Paul ClassicWith 9-hole weight relief, the Les Paul Classic is a bit lighter than the Standard, which might also account for some of the price difference. The Classic, being cheaper, also throws in Grover brand tuners and the 61R and 61T Burstbuckers we mentioned earlier. For being cheaper than the Standard, it definitely seems to provide some higher-end features that makes us feel really good about saving the $500 and going with the Classic over the '50s Standard. Gibson Les Paul Standard ('50s version)The '50s Standard ships with Gibson stock tuners (which are still quite good), and the Burstbucker 1 and 2 humbuckers instead of the 61R and 61T. It's not necessarily a downgrade, but disappointing considering the '60s version of the Les Paul Standard adds these back in while maintaining the $2500 price tag. With these guitars, you're just not going to find a lot of distinction in the specs sheets, which is why we're fairly certain the price difference accounts for more care in production and hands-on work.
The Gibson Les Paul Standard. Flickr Commons image via JBoylan67 Summary of ComparisonIf you've narrowed your decision down to these two guitars, I'd strongly recommend going with the Les Paul Classic, since you get the Grover tuners, Burstbucker pickups and everything else that comes in the Standard models, yet for $500 cheaper. When you're looking at guitars in this price range, differences in quality become very subtle and hard to pin-down. That's when you can go with just the best value/price option, or even pick based on the color you like or which one you think looks better. From a sound quality and feature perspective, there just isn't much difference. Both are excellent guitars. Your Questions and CommentsIf you still have questions about these two guitars, feel free to drop those in the comments section down below. I'll jump in and help out as much as I can. Related ArticlesWritten by GC Editorial onElectrics and Comparisons Written by GC Editorial onElectrics and Comparisons
How can you tell a Les Paul Standard from a traditional?The Les Paul standard has a compound neck radius, whereas the traditional does not. The Les Paul traditional has a thicker neck profile, whereas the Standard has a slimmer neck profile. The Les Paul Standard features the new Ultra-Modern Weight Relief, whereas the traditional has no weight relief.
What pickups are in a Gibson Les Paul Classic?The 2019 Les Paul Classic is fitted with a pair of Burstbucker 61 rhythm and treble pickups. These are modern representations of the later era of the PAF pickup that helped create that iconic Gibson sound we all know and love.
When did Gibson start making Les Paul Classic?The Gibson Les Paul Classic Custom is a Les Paul electric guitar. Gibson Guitar first launched the model at the Winter NAMM Show in January, 2007.
What genres are Les Pauls best for?Due to their versatility, Les Paul electric guitars have been used in a wide range of music genres, including rock, country, pop, soul, rhythm and blues, blues, jazz, reggae, punk, and heavy metal.
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Whats the difference between a Les Paul Classic and Standard?
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