Page 105 - Guitar Classics Magazine - The Les Paul Bible 2019

REVIEWS

such as skinnier fingerboard binding on the Les Paul
Standard ’50s and ’60s.
“We went for thinner binding generally in
everything we’re doing in the Original Collection,
including the SGs,” reveals the CMO. “It’s closer to
what the classic models were, it’s more authentic,
it’s what we did back then. There was no science to
what we were doing in the 50s, you see variations on
original models – the thin binding is definitely more
consistent in terms of what we did in the late 50s and
so we’ve gone there.”
The specification changes aren’t just aesthetic,
though: “Everything we’re doing in the Original
Collection is hand-wired with Orange Drop
capacitors. We particularly focused on the audio
taper, to not bring output down when it cleans
up the sound.” With weight relief off the table for
the Original Collection instruments, we wonder if
sourcing lightweight mahogany for the range has been
a challenge. Cesar says no: “We have a long term,
steady source of mahogany. A couple of years ago, we
did a deal with the government of Fiji, so we’re in a
really good position today, as we have several years of
what I would consider to be lightweight mahogany.”

ON THE RANGE
If the Original Collection is about delivering
instruments that don’t force innovation down THIS SPREAD Les Pauls in
people’s throats, the Modern Collection gives various stages of undress
Gibson licence to experiment. However, alongside on the Gibson factory floor
more tricked-out models such as the Les Paul in Nashville
Modern, you’ll also find the most accessibly
priced LPs in the new catalogue.
Upgraded from the recent Les Paul Studio Tribute,
the new Les Paul Tribute model features crowns
rather than dots and covered rather than uncovered
humbuckers, while you also get the chunkier strap
buttons that Gibson has used extensively of late.
The mahogany body is also weight relieved.
The exposed edges of the plain maple top create
a faux-bound effect that complements the golden-
brown tone of the maple neck, while the Satin
Tobacco Burst is joined in the range by three other
satin options that ape the various stages of Burst fade:
Iced Tea, Honeyburst and Cherry Sunburst.
The Standard – which has much in common with
the previous Traditional model – has a hard brown
case rather than a deluxe gigbag, with a handle that’s
considerably more comfortable than they were in the
1950s, with more reliable clasps and plush red lining.
When it comes to the guitar inside, you get gloss
lacquer, real binding and a striking figured top instead

THE LES PAUL BIBLE 105