Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s VS '60s: What's difference about them?
Figured Maple top, Grover tuners, and slightly different takes on the Burstbucker pickups.
The AA figured Maple top impacts visuals and aesthetics, but has little to do with tone quality. Both of these models sound great, with two different takes on the Gibson Burstbucker humbuckers (see the details below), slightly different neck shapes, and Grover tuners in the '60s version. While the tweaks are meant to pay homage to the decades each model represents, the practical differences between these guitars are minimal, including the price.
Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s
Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s
| Specification | Les Paul Standard 50s | Les Paul Standard 60s |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Mahogany body, Maple top | Mahogany body, AA Figured Maple top |
| Neck Material | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Vintage 50's | Slim Taper |
| Fingerboard Material | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Pickups | Neck: Burstbucker 1 Humbucker, Bridge: Burstbucker 2 Humbucker | 60s Burstbucker Humbuckers |
| Controls | 2 x volume, 2 x tone | 2 x volume, 2 x tone |
| Hardware | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar, Vintage Deluxe tuners | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar, Grover Rotomatic tuners |
| Finish | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Nut | 1.695" Graph Tech nut | 1.695" Graph Tech nut |
| Fret Treatment | Plek Pro | Plek Pro |
| Scale Length | 24.75" | 24.75" |
| Fret Count | 22, Medium Jumbo | 22, Medium Jumbo |
| Color | Tobacco Burst | Bourbon Burst |
| Electronics Assembly | Handwired with Orange Drop capacitors | Handwired with Orange Drop capacitors |
| Truss Rod | Single-action | Single-action |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case | Hardshell Case |
Differences between the '50s and '60s Les Paul Standards
- Neck Profile: The 50s has a Vintage 50's profile, while the 60s features a Slim Taper profile.
- Top Material: The 50s uses a standard Maple top, whereas the 60s uses an AA Figured Maple top (AA figured Maple improves visual appearance but not necessarily tone quality).
- Pickups: The 50s model is equipped with Burstbucker 1 and 2 humbuckers, while the 60s has the Gibson 60s Burstbucker humbuckers.
- Tuners: The 50s model comes with Vintage Deluxe tuners, and the 60s model has Grover Rotomatic tuners.
Differences in Design and Sound
60s Burstbuckers (Les Paul Standard 60s):
- These are designed to emulate the sound of the Gibson humbuckers from the 1960s.
- They generally produce a brighter and more aggressive tone.
- Construction can involve slightly different winding techniques or materials to match the specific tonal characteristics of the 60s-era pickups.
Burstbucker 1 and 2 (Les Paul Standard 50s)
- The Burstbucker 1 and 2 aim to replicate the sound of the original PAF (Patent Applied For) pickups from the 1950s.
- The Burstbucker 1, often used in the neck position, is slightly underwound, giving it a softer, mellower tone.
- The Burstbucker 2, typically found in the bridge position, is wound slightly more than the Burstbucker 1, offering a bit more output and bite, suitable for lead playing.
- These pickups are known for delivering a classic tone with a smooth low-end, rich and complex midrange, and crisp highs.
Overall Tonal Character
60s Burstbuckers
They tend to be a bit brighter and more articulate, ideal for players who want a clear, distinct sound that can cut through a mix, especially in overdriven or distorted settings.
Burstbucker 1 and 2
These are warmer than the '60s, closer to the classic Gibson sounds of the 1950s. They're well-suited for a wide range of styles, especially where warmth and richness are needed.
Similarities between the '50s and '60s Models
- Both have Mahogany bodies and necks.
- Rosewood fingerboard with a 12" radius and acrylic trapezoid inlays.
- Scale length of 24.75" with 22 medium jumbo frets.
- Both have an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece.
- Equipped with a 1.695" Graph Tech nut.
- Feature handwired electronics with Orange Drop capacitors.
- Both have a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish.
- Each comes with a hardshell case.
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