What is the difference between gibson les paul traditional and standard

However, shortly after, they started to produce the Standard models again, which has gained more popularity with Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and other famous artists using it. So, this article will focus on unraveling the differences between the two and, which is perfect for you. The Traditional Les Paul or Trad, for short models are the closest to the first few Les Pauls that were released during the s to s.

If you want to achieve the classic Les Paul vibe, this is the guitar you need. The design, together with the mahogany body and maple top, give you the classic looks. Not many bells and whistles, but it can guarantee you the fuller and beefier sound of Les Paul, like the late 50s. The Les Paul Standard, on the other hand, offers more modern stuff like the split-coil pickups for a wider range of sounds.

It has more modern appointments and seems to have evolved through the years, conforming to the needs of new musicians.

Now, the Standard models have higher output pickups than the Trad. This is just one side of the story. To get started, check out this table. Treble tone control: in single coil mode toggles between the inner and outer coils 3-way pickup switch Hand-wired with Orange Drop Capacitors ; 2 volume and 2 tone controls Hardware Nashville bridge with aluminum tailpiece; Locking Grover tuning machines ABR-1 fixed bridge with stopbar tailpiece and Grover Rotomatic tuning machines Neck Profile The Trad Les Paul has a thicker neck profile, while the Standard has compound neck radius.

Comprised of Mahogany bodies as you'd expect, the Tribute DC models do however sport Maple necks; breaking the all-Mahogany blueprint.

Pumping out more vibrant highs, the bright-sounding quality of Maple ensures that notes and chords have lots of clarity and a fast, snappy response. This traditional touch yields girthy lows and a substantial feel, something that old-school rockers will adore. Unlike the other Les Pauls in Gibson's catalogue, these models feature simple 'Compensated Wraparound' bridges.

Although basic, this reliable tried-and-trusted design feels solid and smooth under the right hand when palm-muting, with no jagged saddles digging into your picking hand. The courier will contact you to arrange payment of these fees. Read more. This item has been successfully added to your list. Continue Shopping. Track Your Order Help Centre. Making Musicians Since Andertons Loyalty Points Scheme Earn loyalty points whenever you shop at Andertons Redeem points for discounts on your next purchase Online, in store or over the phone, earn and use points however you choose to shop No need to sign up - points are added automatically when you make a purchase!

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Boxes Acoustic Guitar Accessories. Laminate Tops Acoustic Piezo vs. Soundhole Pickups Dreadnought vs. View all Guides. Should I buy a Shell pack or drum kit? Beginners guide to cymbals More Buyer's Guides. Do I want an electric or acoustic kit? Messages 5, Standards have the most radical weight relief, Trads have none, and I believe the Classics have the 5-hole swiss cheese wr could be wrong on that one.

The Trad is what used to be called the Standard till a few years ago. FennRx said:. But then last year Gibson put p90s in them which seemed weird to an old fart like me that remembers the snot green inlays and terrible ceramic pickups and cheesy pickguard.

Thanks for the response. From what I know there is also the issue of some models being weight relieved while others are not. Also I think Standards tend to hold their resale value a little better than the others? John C Gold Supporting Member. Messages 6, And of course to compound this discussion Gibson has changed the specs on all their models every year starting I think in - so the s were different than the s, etc.

I think they were stable in specs from late through But those "annual changes" could have started in Of course all the "normal production" s had those features but Gibson did short "Sprint Runs" of several traditional-spec models , but by the HPs were reduced to one LP and one SG. Lest we forget the Studios and the Tributes or even the Studio Tributes as of late.

Rich Dickerson Member. Messages 2. Do any of the newer ones have decently crowned frets? My nephew got a LP and he was so excited to show me that he'd finally gotten a "real" Les Paul. I couldn't stand the railroad ties they used for frets and handed it back to him rather quickly. I've been playing 35 years and have owned "real" ones in the past, although I'm much happier with the two Epis I have now.

I have a cherry burst standard and a '56 gold top reissue. Both have beautifully crowned frets. Omega Member. A LOT heavier. I play seated so I don't have mine hanging on my shoulder. Even still, seated, it wants to slide off my lap to the right.

I'm good with it, but it really is different. Bottom line, not only play them, but take your time playing them. If you're going to play standing, strap them on and see. Oh yeah, and you can't really go wrong with this choice. Weight relief makes absolutely no audible difference what so ever.

Tex is the first person I have ever heard claim the contrary outright. That includes all the true experts on this board and others as well as several highly respected luthier and numerous expert gibson dealers, not to mention highly respected professional guitarists that you will have heard of.

Frankly you can't beat it for the price its a no brainer. I imagine they will be discontinued and probably are only a few left around. Studios go for that. Standards, least when I owned one in 05 had one-piece mahogany back. I don't believe this changed. The Traditional may have two or one. I played a few Traditional LPs that came by here. Also the 57 classic neck combined with the BB-3 bridge is an amazing combination. The electronics is a personal issue. I have heard complaints about coil-taps etc.

I haven't had any issue at all. I also have an EE degree. IMHO the Gibson's tricked out with electronic options should definitely be considered. This is an area where Gibson has finally expanded and doing an impressive job if you ask me. Well Farns. Maybe so. I can assure you however, that when you strum these unplugged there is a difference. I would assume that the acoustic properties would translate into something audible when plugged in. But, ok. I'm not an expert by any means.

Don't claim to be. So, perhaps my assumption is erroneous. I'm sure that the pickup difference accounts for the bulk of the sonic difference plugged in. Maybe the pickups account for the entirety of the sonic difference, as it seems you're suggesting.