Gibson.com has been featuring guitars of the week. Here is their pick for week number eight:

Week 8 - Les Paul Antique Deluxe Gold Top

The Les Paul Antique Deluxe recreates the look, the crunch, and the bite of the original Les Paul Deluxe, introduced nearly 40 years ago. Features a mahogany back and neck, bookmatched maple top, vintage style tuners, and famous mini-humbucker pickups. With the coveted Goldtop’s trademark antique gold finish.

Limited run of 400

See all of the Guitars of the Week Limited run of 400

BODY
Body Species:     Mahogany
Top Species:     Maple
Back Species:     Mahogany
Binding:     Antique top binding

NECK
Species:     Mahogany
Profile:     1960s slim taper
Peghead Pitch:     17°
Nut Width:     1.695″

FINGERBOARD
Species:     Rosewood
Scale Length:     243/4″
Number of Frets:     22
Inlays:     Antique Trapezoid on neck
Fingerboard Binding:     Antique

HARDWARE
Plating Finish:     Chrome
Tailpiece:     Stopbar
Bridge:     Tune-o-matic
Knobs:     Gold Speed
Machine Heads (Tuners):     Green key

ELECTRONICS
Neck Pickup:     Mini Humbucker
Bridge Pickup:     Mini Humbucker
Controls:     2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way switch

OTHER
Strings:     Brite Wires .010-.046

CASE
Case Interior:     White plush
Case Exterior:     Hardshell with black reptile pattern
Case Silkscreen:     Silver Gibson USA logo

By 1952 Les Paul was not only the most popular guitar player in America, he was also a leading innovator in guitar and electronics design. He had been experimenting with electric guitars for as long as there had been electric guitars. He had once mounted a guitar string on a railroad tie to confirm his belief that a solidbody guitar would maximize sustain, and he had incorporated a mini-railroad rail-a 4″x4″ piece of pine-into the body of a homemade solidbody electric guitar he nicknamed “TheLog.”

Les had approached Gibson in the ’40s with his ideas for a solidbody electric guitar, but Gibson was already leading the industry with archtop electric guitars. Furthermore, Gibson had always been very conservative when it came to aligning with artists. In 50 years, only two players had their names on Gibson models: Nick Lucas, an early guitar star and crooner whose “Tip Toe Through the Tulips” was the biggest record of 1929, and Roy Smeck, a multi-instrumentalist so talented he was nicknamed “The Wizard of the Strings.”

In the early ’50s, when the solidbody guitar first became commercially viable, Gibson designed an instrument that would change the image of the solidbody electric from a simple plank of wood to an elegant, stylish piece of art. Such a guitar would be a radical move for a traditional company like Gibson, but Gibson had been founded on the radical mandolin and guitar designs of Orville Gibson back in the 1890s. This new model would have the same carved-top contours that had set Orville’s instruments apart from all others.

With the new model almost ready for market, Gibson approached Les Paul, the obvious choice to help launch it. Les was already intimately familiar with the unique characteristics of a solidbody electric guitar. And he was at the top of his career. His 1948 hit, “Brazil,” featured six guitar parts, all played by Les in a virtuoso demonstration that would eventually earn him recognition as the father of multi-track recording. When he combined his guitar and electronic talents with the vocals of his wife Mary Ford, the result was gold-two million-selling records in 1951, “Mockin’ Bird Hill” and “How High the Moon.”

The Les Paul Model, as it was originally called, has changed little since its debut in 1952. Except for an updated bridge and humbucking pickups, the Les Paul Standard of today is still the same guitar. The Les Paul has been the driving force behind many changes in popular music. It powered the blues rock sound of the late ’60s and the southern rock of the late ’70s. By the ’90s the Les Paul was providing signature sounds for every genre of rock, from alternative to metal.

* Duane Allman (The Allman Brothers Band)- used a 1957 Les Paul Goldtop with PAF pickups, a 1959 cherry sunburst Les Paul, a 1958 tobacco sunburst Les Paul and a 1968 cherry SG. A Les Paul was also his primary guitar when using a slide
* Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) - Uses several vintage 1950s single and double cutaway Les Paul Junior models, SGs, ES 335s, and a J-45. He also used a Les Paul Standard for recording the lead guitar parts on the album “American Idiot.” Gibson has produced a Billie Joe Armstrong Signature Les Paul Junior model.
* Chet Atkins - Switched from Gretsch to Gibson in the mid 1980s and brought with him the popular Country Gentlemen and Tennessean model designs. Atkins also helped to design several innovative acoustic/electric models including the SST.
* Jan Akkerman - Used a Les Paul almost exclusively throughout his career.

B
Jeff Beck with his Gibson Les Paul
Jeff Beck with his Gibson Les Paul

* Martin Barre (Jethro Tull) has used numerous Gibson models over the course of his career including: a sunburst ES-330, a 1958 Les Paul Special and a 1959 Les Paul Standard.
* Jeff Beck - used a Les Paul Standard while a member of The Yardbirds. A different Les Paul Standard, purchased from Rick Neilson, was used while with the Jeff Beck Group. And an “Oxblood” coloured 1954 Les Paul Standard, with PAF pickups, from 1972-1976.
* Chuck Berry - used an ES-350T early in his career later switching to ES-345s and ES-355s.
* Dickey Betts (The Allman Brothers Band) - uses a variety of Gibson models including a 1961 SG and a 1957 Les Paul.
* Marc Bolan (T. Rex) - used Les Paul Customs and Flying Vs and a Hummingbird. His main Les Paul model was refinished in a translucent amber finish to resemble the Gibson guitars played by his idol Duane Eddy.
* Mick Box (Uriah Heep) - uses a Les Paul Custom. Also used a 1958 Les Paul Junior Double Cut, a Flying V and a 1968 SG with a Maestro tailpiece.
* Michelle Branch - uses a Hummingbird.
* Creed Bratton (The Grass Roots) - has used various Gibsons including recordings with a Black Beauty on early Grass Roots albums.
* Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown - has used various Gibsons including: ES-335s and L-5s. His main guitar was a late-60s non-reverse Firebird.
* Jack Bruce (Cream) - used several EB-3 basses during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Used a 1950s-vintage EB bass during the 2005 Cream reunion concerts.
* Buckethead - uses 2 white customized Les Pauls and an SG.

C

* Larry Carlton - uses a sunburst 1968 ES-335 along with occasional use of a 1956 Les Paul Special and a 1963 L5.[7] A Larry Carlton Signature Model has been produced by Gibson for the man they call “Mr ES-335″.
* Eric Clapton - used a Les Paul while with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers.[9] While with Cream, Clapton used a 1965 SG[10] painted by Dutch artists collectively known as The Fool. Also, while with Cream, Clapton used a cherry 1964 ES-355,[11] a Les Paul Black Beauty and a Firebird I. A 1958 Explorer[12] was used during recording for his 461 Ocean Boulevard and EC Was Here albums. Clapton still makes occasional use of an ES-335 model during live performances.
* Steve Clark (Def Leppard) - used a Les Paul and a Firebird.
* Dennis Coffey (Motown Session guitarist) the veteran session guitarist owns several vintage Gibson models including an ES-335, an ES-345 and a Byrdland. Coffey, who appeared on virtually every Motown recording in the 1960s and 1970s, played a Firebird model which he purchased used in 1964.
* Allen Collins (Lynyrd Skynyrd) - used a Firebird, and later switched to the Explorer. Starting in late 1977, he would also use a Gibson Les Paul occasionally.
* Graham Coxon - uses a ES-335. Also uses an 1962 SG with P-90 pickups and 1970 Les Paul Custom
* Sheryl Crow - uses a Country Western model, Hummingbird, L-00 Blues King, J-200 Western Classic, 96 Advanced Jumbo, 96 Southern Jumbo, J45, ES-120, ES-125, ES-335 and various Les Pauls.
* Rivers Cuomo (Weezer) - used a Les Paul Special for the majority of guitar work on early Weezer albums, and uses a Les Paul, an SG, a Flying V and an Explorer onstage in late 2001 and throughout parts of 2002.

D
K.K. Downing playing a Gibson Flying V
K.K. Downing playing a Gibson Flying V

* Dave Davies (The Kinks) - has used numerous Gibson models over the years including: a 1958 Flying V (prototype model), a 1960 Goldtop Les Paul and a 1978 Artisan.[16]
* Tom DeLonge (Angels and Airwaves, Blink 182) - has a Signature model ES-335.
* Buck Dharma (Blue Öyster Cult) - uses a 1974 Les Paul Deluxe and a 1969 SG.
* K.K. Downing (Judas Priest) - used a Flying V and an SG.
* Bob Dylan - uses a variety of Gibson models including: a J-50, a J-200, a J-180 and a J-45.

E

* Duane Eddy - “The King of Twang Guitar” has used many different Gibson models throughout his career. Gibson produces a Duane Eddy Signature Model.[17]
* Elliot Easton (The Cars) - used several Gibson SG models and a Les Paul Custom in the “Since You’re Gone” video. Gibson currently produces an Elliot Easton signature model SG as part of their “Inspired By” series manufactured by the custom shop
* The Edge (U2) - uses several Gibson models including an Explorer,[18] a Les Paul[19] and an SG.
* John Entwistle (The Who) - used several Thunderbird IV basses during the early 1970s and later used custom-made Thunderbird models with Fender Precision Bass necks. Entwistle also used an EB-2 bass during the early days of The Who.
* Everly Brothers - J-200, Everly Brothers Model.

F
Ace Frehley
Ace Frehley

* Don Felder (Eagles) - uses a Les Paul and an EDS-1275.
* Robin Finck (Nine Inch Nails/Guns N’ Roses) - uses a variety of Les Paul models.
* John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival and a solo artist) - uses a variety of Les Paul models.
* Peter Frampton (Humble Pie and a solo artist) - uses a 3 pickup Les Paul Custom. Gibson has produced 2 completely different Signature models for him.
* Lars Frederiksen (Rancid, Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards) - uses cherry sunburst SG Specials and a polaris white 1965 SG Special.
* Ace Frehley (Kiss) - used a 3 pickup Les Paul Custom as well as an Ace Frehley Signature Model[20] and an EDS-1275.[21] He also used a Les Paul Standard.
* John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers) - uses an SG for some songs, and has recently been seen live with a vintage black Les Paul Custom.[22]

G

* Steve Gaines (Lynyrd Skynyrd) - used a Les Paul.
* Noel Gallagher (Oasis) - uses a variety of Les Paul models, a cherry ES-355, a Firebird and a J-200.
* Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead) - used a Les Paul Custom and an SG early in his career.
* Hank Garland (Nashville guitarist who worked with Elvis Presley among others) - used a “Byrdland” guitar

Scott Gorham with his Les Paul
Scott Gorham with his Les Paul

* Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) - has used several different Gibson models over the course of his career including Goldtop Les Pauls, Flying Vs, Explorers, ES-5 Switchmasters and Les Paul Juniors. His main guitar is a 1959 Les Paul Standard nicknamed “Pearly Gates”. “Pearly has such an unmistakable character that we felt it was necessary to find another instrument with a similar sound to use as a spare guitar. We accumulated dozens of guitars, but nothing quite matched her. But instead of tossing these other acquisitions away, they kept accumulating. It’s an ongoing saga that never ends.”
* David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) - known for playing Fender Stratocaster, but used a 1956 Les Paul Goldtop with a Bigsby tailpiece on his solo albums and some later Pink Floyd work, including The Wall tour of 1980-81.
* Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy) - used a Les Paul Standard and a Les Paul Deluxe with mini humbuckers.
* Barry Goudreau (Boston) - uses an SG
* Peter Green - most notable for his 1959 Les Paul that had the pick-ups accidentally wired out of phase. The guitar used to be owned by Gary Moore, but it was sold to a private owner in 2006.
* Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana) - uses many different Gibson models including: Explorers, SGs, ES-335s, Firebirds, and a 1970s Trini Lopez Standard.

H
Warren Haynes playing his Les Paul
Warren Haynes playing his Les Paul

* Steve Hackett (Genesis,GTR) - uses numerous Les Paul models. His main guitar for many years was a 1957 Goldtop. He had other Les Paul models fitted with a Fernandes Sustainer.
* Kirk Hammett (Metallica) uses a Flying V and a variety of Les Paul models.[25]
* Emmylou Harris - uses a Dove, a variety of J-200s and a J-200 Western Classic.
* George Harrison - used a Les Paul Standard, SG Standard, ES-345-TD, J-160E and a J-200.
* Warren Haynes (Gov’t Mule) - uses a Les Paul Custom, Les Paul Standard, an ES-335 and a non-reverse Firebird.
* Justin Hayward (The Moody Blues) - has used an ES-335 for his entire career.
* Jimi Hendrix (The Jimi Hendrix Experience) - while generally regarded as an iconic Stratocaster player, Jimi used several Gibson models including an SG Custom, Flying V, Les Paul Special and a Les Paul Custom. Gibson also gave him two guitars in 1970, a custom Flying V and an ES-345. Both of these guitars were left handed models. Gibson has released a Flying V model replicating his 1967 Flying V including the psychedelic floral design which Hendrix himself had hand painted on the original.
* James Hetfield (Metallica) - used a white Explorer and also a Les Paul Custom.[26]
* Joshua Homme (Kyuss), (Queens of the Stone Age) - used a cream coloured SG and a Les Paul on the Blues for the Red Sun tour. Also used the SG on tour with the Screaming Trees.[28]
* Steve Howe (Yes, Asia, GTR) - uses an ES-175.[29] and the EDS-1275.

I

* James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins) - used Gibson guitars throughout the Pumpkins’ history. Billy Corgan primarily used Fenders, and liked the contrast between the two tones.
* Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)- has used an SG throughout most of his career but also owns other Gibson models. Currently his collection includes: a rare “Barney Kessel” left-handed model, a red SG nicknamed “monkey”, a red Gibson Custom Shop SG, a black Gibson Custom Shop SG and a black SG Standard Gibson has produced a Tony Iommi Signature SG.

J

* Matthias Jabs (Scorpions) - uses over 20 different Explorers including 7 Korina models and several Explorer 90s. A signature model made for him by Gibson which is 90% the size of a regular Explorer. Also owns several Les Pauls as well as a Moderne.
* Eric Johnson - used an ES-335 for the recorded version of “Cliffs of Dover”. Also uses the ES-335 during live performances.
* Robert Johnson used an L-1 acoustic. A Robert Johnson Signature Model is also available.
* Adam Jones (Tool) - uses a Les Paul Custom with a “Silverburst” finish.
* Brian Jones (The Rolling Stones) - used an ES-330, a 1956 Les Paul Goldtop and various Firebirds both reverse and non-reverse.
* Mick Jones (The Clash, Big Audio Dynamite, Carbon/Silicon)) - used Les Paul, now mostly uses Les Paul Junior Double Cut
* Steve Jones (Sex Pistols) - uses a Les Paul.

K

* Albert King - a left-handed “upside-down/backwards” guitarist: he was left-handed but usually played a Flying V flipped over upside-down so the low E string was on the bottom.

Paul Kossoff of Free with his Les Paul
Paul Kossoff of Free with his Les Paul

* B. B. King - has used many different Gibson models including: an ES-5 and an ES-175 early in his career. Later he would use several thinline semi-acoustic models such as: an ES-330, ES-335, ES-345. King’s Signature ES-355, nicknamed Lucille, has been his main guitar for many years.
* Freddie King* - used a Goldtop Les Paul with P-90 pickups. Also used an ES-355 in some live performances.
* Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits and solo) - uses original 1958 and 1959 Les Paul models. He also uses ES-335 and Super 400s.
* Erkin Koray - uses a 1961 Les Paul Custom.
* Paul Kossoff (Free) - “Kossoff was a passionate Les Paul player able to say in a few notes what many would dozens attempting.” Kossoff used several late-50s Les Paul models as well as an ES-335 for occasional studio use.
* Robby Krieger (The Doors) - uses an SG, an ES-335 and a Melody Maker.
* Lenny Kravitz - uses a Flying V, a Les Paul and a white SG Custom.

L

* Albert Lee - uses a Les Paul Custom, a J-200 and Everly Brothers Model.
* Alvin Lee (Ten Years After) - used a customized ES-335 nicknamed “Big Red”. The Gibson Custom shop now produces a reissue of Lee’s guitar.
* John Lennon - used a J-160E extensively while with the Beatles. Lennon also used a Les Paul Special and a modified Les Paul Junior.[41][42]
* Alex Lifeson (Rush) - Has used many different Gibson models over the course of his career including: a sunburst ES-335, a black ES-345, a white ES-355, a white EDS-1275, a cherry SG, a sunburst Howard Roberts Fusion III, a variety of Les Paul models and a J-150 acoustic.
* Steve Lukather - owns many guitar models; has an original 1959 Les Paul. Seen in many videos/interviews.
M

* Daron Malakian (System of a Down) - Used to play a black Les Paul Standard, now uses a cherry red SG standard (can be seen in the video for B.Y.O.B.), a cherry red vintage SG (played live on numerous occasions), and a cream white vintage SG (which can be seen in the video for Hypnotize).
* Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music) used a Firebird VII.
* Bob Marley (Bob Marley and The Wailers) - used a Les Paul Custom. The guitar is buried with him in his mausoleum.
* Johnny Marr (The Smiths/solo) - uses a large variety of Gibson guitars including the famous cherry red ES-335, various Les Pauls, and, recently, the SG standard.
* Jeff Martin (The Tea Party/solo) - uses a 1964 J-50, a Les Paul Classic 1960 reissue, an EDS-1275 and an Explorer.
* Pat Martino - uses a Signature Model.[46]
* Dave Mason - used a Firebird throughout the 1970s.

Paul McCartney playing a 1960 left handed sunburst Les Paul
Paul McCartney playing a 1960 left handed sunburst Les Paul

* Paul McCartney - owns a rare left-handed 1957 Les Paul Goldtop[47] Like many players, McCartney has replaced the fragile original tuning machines with a more modern sturdy set.[48] and uses a left handed 1960 Les Paul Standard (1 of 3 known examples) as his main stage guitar.[49][50] McCartney also uses a C-5 in the studio.
* Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) - uses a Les Paul, an SG, an ES-335 and a Flying V.
* Jimmy McCulloch (Wings) - used an SG,a Les Paul and EDS 1275.
* John McLaughlin - has used many different models over the years, including:Les Pauls, an EDS-1275, ES-335s, Byrdlands, a sunburst dual-pickup Johnny Smith model, an ES-345 as well as Hummingbird acoustics.
* Ralph McTell - uses a J-45 acoustic.
* Pat Metheny - uses a humbucker-equipped ES-175, both live and on many of his mainstream jazz recordings. Has used a Les Paul on occasion, notably on Zero Tolerance for Silence.
* Gary Moore (Thin Lizzy/Skid Row/solo) - uses a Les Paul Standard. Previously had a Les Paul Signature Model. Regularly uses a 1959 Les Paul Standard once owned by Peter Green.[51] Also used a white Explorer in the 2003 DVD release “Gary Moore: Live at Monsters of Rock”.
* Scotty Moore (Elvis Presley’s original lead guitarist) - While with Presley, Moore initially played an ES-295, before switching to an L5 and subsequently a Super 400.
* Wes Montgomery - used an ES-175 early in his career as well as an L-5CESs.[52]Gibson currently produces a Wes Montgomery Signature Model L-5CES.
* Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine/Audioslave) - Uses a number of new Les Paul standards. The latest album “Revelations” was recorded with a Les Paul emblazoned with the Budwieser logo, which Morello removed with lighter fluid and wire wool while on Audioslave’s 2005 tour. Fitted with DiMarzio pickups, this has now become his main guitar. Also uses a EDS-1275 in live performances of the Ghost of Tom Joad while with Rage Against the Machine

N

* Mike Ness (Social Distortion) - uses a 1975 Les Paul Gold Top Deluxe with P-90 pickups[53]
* Jimmy Nolen (The J.B.’s) - used various Gibson models.
* Ted Nugent - uses a Byrdland and a Les Paul. Gibson has developed a Signature Byrdland model.

O

* Mike Oldfield - used a L-6S around 1978, various Les Paul models and a SG Junior, which featured on many of his albums in the seventies and eighties.[55]
* Roy Orbison - used an ES-335. Also used a Les Paul (with a Bigsby tailpiece).
* Buzz Osborne (The Melvins/Fantômas/Venomous Concept) - used various Les Paul models throughout his career.[56]
* Ed O’Brien (Radiohead) - uses an ES-330 TD and an ES-335. Also uses a Les Paul.[57]

P
Les Paul playing a custom Les Paul
Les Paul playing a custom Les Paul

* Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin/solo) - uses a 1958 Les Paul Standard (”Number 1″), a 1959 Les Paul Standard (”Number 2″, a gift from Joe Walsh),[58] a 1973 Les Paul Standard, an EDS-1275, a 1977 RD Artist, an ES5 Switchmaster, a Goldtop Premium Les Paul and a 1991 Custom Shop Les Paul (built to be an exact replica of “Number 1″ and re-nicknamed “Number 3″). Page also owned a modified 1960 Les Paul Custom “Black Beauty” with a Bigsby Tailpiece and a 3-pickup configuration, a gift from Keith Richards.[59] This guitar was stolen in 1970 and never recovered.[60] For acoustics Page used a Hummingbird, a J-200 and an A-2 mandolin. Gibson has released a Jimmy Page Signature Model Les Paul Les Paul replicating the features of “Number 2″.[61][62][63]
* Joe Pass - used a sunburst ES-175; Epiphone currently produces a Joe Pass signature Emperor model.
* Les Paul (Lester William Polfus) - helped design the guitar named after him, uses a custom model.[64]
* Joe Perry (Aerosmith) - has used many Gibson models over the years, including ES-335s, Les Pauls, Flying Vs, and Firebirds; has signature Gibson[65]and Epiphone Les Paul models nicknamed Boneyard.[66]
* Al Pitrelli (Megadeth, Savatage) uses Les Paul and Explorer models, with Seymour Duncan JB Jr. pickups.
* Andy Powell (Wishbone Ash) - used a Flying V for his entire career. Powell also occasionally used an SG while touring.
* John Prine uses a J-200.

Q

R
Mick Ralphs playing his Les Paul
Mick Ralphs playing his Les Paul

* Mick Ralphs(Bad Company/Mott the Hoople) - used a Les Paul Junior, a Firebird and a Les Paul during his Mott the Hoople tenure. Used a Les Paul Standard and a Flying V during his years with Bad Company. Currently uses Les Paul Custom Shop ‘58 & ‘59 Re-issue models.
* Randy Rhoads (Quiet Riot/Ozzy Osbourne) - used a Les Paul Custom.
* Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones) - used Les Pauls, Flying Vs and Firebirds in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Currently uses ES-355s, Les Paul Juniors and a Les Paul Standard. Also uses Hummingbird and J-200.
* Howard Roberts - used several Gibson models over the course of his career including: an ES-175, an L-10[67] and a heavily modified ES-150 simply known as “The Black Guitar”.[68] Gibson produces a signature model Howard Roberts Fusion III which is a variation of an ES-165.
* Brian Robertson (Thin Lizzy/Motörhead) - has used a Les Paul throughout his entire career.
* Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes) - uses several different Gibson electric models including: a 1968 Les Paul Goldtop, a 1964 ES-335, a Customshop Flametop Les Paul and a Dove.[69]
* Mick Ronson (David Bowie) - used a Les Paul Custom, with the finish stripped, for his guitar work on Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane, among others.
* Gary Rossington (Lynyrd Skynyrd) - uses Les Pauls and SGs. Previously had a Signature Model Les Paul and SG released by Gibson.

S
Slash playing a black Les Paul live in concert, 2005
Slash playing a black Les Paul live in concert, 2005

* Carlos Santana used an SG onstage at Woodstock. He also played and advertised a L-6S in the 1970s.[70] Santana has also used sunburst Les Paul Custom.
* Michael Schenker (Scorpions/UFO/Michael Schenker Group)- used four different 1970s Flying V models. Number 1 was a modified 1975. Numbers 2 and 3 were 1979 block inlay Flying Vs. And Number 4 was a mid 1970s white Flying V, formerly owned by Leon Lawson. Numbers 1, 2 and 3 had Schenker’s trademark “half black/half white” paint scheme.
* Rudolph Schenker (Scorpions)- uses various Flying V models dating from 1958-2001. He uses 3 1958 original Flying Vs, 3 1967-1969 Flying Vs, 2 1971 Medallions (one was repainted black & white), 1 1975 natural finish Flying V, 3 1983 replicas of the 1958 originals, 4 1980 models and 2 1984 Rudolf Schenker Signature Models. Schenker has over 70 vintage and collectible Flying Vs along with several Custom Shop limited editions including a doubleneck Flying V model.[6]
* Tom Scholz (Boston}- uses a 1968 Les Paul Goldtop with a DiMarzio SuperDistorion pickup in the bridge
* Neal Schon (Journey) - uses a heavily modified Les Paul, including a Floyd Rose locking tremolo, custom electronics and sustainer unit.
* Gene Simmons (Kiss) - used a G3.
* Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe) Has used a number of Thunderbird basses throughout his career. Between 2000 and 2003 Gibson manufactured a Sixx signature bass, the ‘Blackbird’.[71]
* Slash (Guns N’ Roses/Slash’s Snakepit/Velvet Revolver/Slash’s Blues Ball) - uses many different Les Paul models. Has also used an EDS-1275.[72]
* Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) - used a Les Paul, an SG and an Explorer.
* Elliott Smith played 2 Gibson es-330’s, one pre-1969 red ES-330 and a ‘69 or later sunburst ES-330 as well as an old Gibson 60’s j-45.
* Johnny Smith was a Gibson endorsee from 1961 to 1989, during which time Gibson sold the Johnny Smith model.[73] Smith switched to Heritage in 1989. Gibson continues to produce the design as the LeGrande.
* Bill Spooner (The Tubes) - used a Flying V and Explorer primarily, a Les Paul, SG and a 1957 Melody Maker.
* Paul Stanley (Kiss) - used a Flying V, an Explorer, a Firebird and an L6-S.
* Steve Stevens (Billy Idol) - uses various Les Pauls.
* Stompin’ Tom Connors - used an SJ200 (purchased from a furniture store for $80) from 1956 to 1972, and still owns to this day.[74]
* Hubert Sumlin - used a 1956 Les Paul Goldtop for many years. Currently uses various Les Pauls and ES-335s.[75]
* John Sykes (Thin Lizzy/Whitesnake/Blue Murder) - uses a 1978 Les Paul Custom. Gibson has released a Custom Shop version of this guitar.
* Sylvain Sylvain (New York Dolls) - used a Les Paul Standard.

T
Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones with his Les Paul
Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones with his Les Paul

* Mick Taylor (The Rolling Stones)- used various Les Paul and SG models throughout his career. Also made occasional use of a Firebird. His first Les Paul was bought (from Selmer’s, London in 1965) when he was playing with The Gods. He acquired his second Les Paul in 1967 while playing with The Bluesbreakers. The guitar was sold to him by Keith Richards at Olympic Studios. This 1959 Les Paul with Bigsby tailpiece was stolen in the South of France in 1971 during the recording of Exile on Main Street. On the 1972/1973 Rolling Stones tours he used a sunburst Les Paul without a Bigsby. Taylor still uses a Les Paul during live performances.
* Rosetta Tharpe - used 1961 double cutaway Les Paul Custom
* George Thorogood - uses an ES-125
* Johnny Thunders - used Les Paul Juniors.[76]
* Pete Townshend (The Who/solo) - used an SG Special from 1967-1972 and various customized Les Paul models from 1973-1979. Also used an EDS-1275. Has consistently used SJ-200 acoustic guitars. Gibson produced a Townshend Signature Model SG based on the guitar he played on at Woodstock in 1969. It was a limited edition and discontinued in 2003.[77] In 2006 the Gibson Custom Shop started production of 3 different Les Paul Signature Models[78] based on the guitars he played in the late 1970s.
* Ray Toro (My Chemical Romance) Plays often with an Ebony Gibson Epiphone Les Paul Jr.
* Pat Travers (Pat Travers Band) - uses a Les Paul Junior. Also uses a Les Paul double cutaway. [79]
* Derek Trucks (The Allman Brothers Band/The Derek Trucks Band) - uses an SG.
* Nigel Tufnel (Spinal Tap) - uses a Les Paul in the movie This is Spinal Tap.

U

V

* Eddie Van Halen - used a Les Paul, a Flying V and an Explorer.

W
Joe Walsh playing a Les Paul in concert
Joe Walsh playing a Les Paul in concert

* Joe Walsh (Eagles) - uses a Les Paul Standard and used an EDS-1275 occasionally.
* Muddy Waters - used a Les Paul Goldtop in his early career.[80]
* Leslie West - (Mountain) - Demand for the Les Paul Junior greatly increased after guitarists saw one in the hands of Leslie West.[81] Gibson began to reissue the model in the mid 1970s. West also used an SG and a Flying V.
* Snowy White - (Thin Lizzy/solo) - uses a Les Paul Goldtop.
* Carl Wilson (The Beach Boys) - used a Gibson ES-335 and Gibson ES-355.
* Johnny Winter - uses a Firebird. Has also used Les Pauls, SGs, and Flying Vs.
* Ron Wood (The Faces/The Rolling Stones) - has a Signature J-200 acoustic. uses a black Les Paul Standard and a custom-built single-pickup L-5S. He also endorsed the S-1 guitar in the 70s.
* Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osborne/Black Label Society) - uses a Les Paul Signature “Bulls Eye” model. Also uses a Signature “Buzzsaw” Les Paul model and Signature “Camo” Model with a Maple Neck, Fretboard and Camouflage finish. He is seen using a black EDS-1275 in the promotional video for In This River. Lately he has been using a Custom SG/Flying V “Bulls Eye” model for live Ozzy Ozborne shows. Wylde also had a new Custom Shop Flying V “Bulls Eye” model set for production.

X

Y
Angus Young playing his custom, heritage cherry SG
Angus Young playing his custom, heritage cherry SG

* Thom Yorke (Radiohead) - uses an ES-125-T and an ES-125. Previously used an SG (stolen in 1995).[82]
* Angus Young (AC/DC) - uses an SG.[83] Gibson produces an Angus Young Signature SG model.[84]
* Neil Young - uses several Gibson acoustic and electric models. Young’s main guitar, “Old Black”, is a 1953 Goldtop Les Paul (painted black) with a Bigsby tailpiece. Young also has two other 1953 Goldtops, one which has modifications similar to Old Black, the other a stock original. Also uses a J-200, Mastertone GB-3 banjo and he used a 1958 Flying V on the Time Fades Away tour.

Z

* Frank Zappa - used Les Paul Custom and an ES-5 Switchmaster. His trademark guitar for most of the 1970s, a brown SG, was actually a homemade copy sold to him by a fan backstage. All guitars were usually heavily modified by Zappa; to include preamps, balanced outputs for studio work, and later, Fernandes sustainers.

Here is a photo of the Gibson Guitar factory.

After years of success as a mandolin and “F Hole” archtop guitar manufacturer and well past Orville Gibson’s passing, in 1937 Gibson Guitars introduced their first electric guitar, the ES-150. The ES-150 stood for Electric-Spanish and is essentially an “F Hole” archtop guitar with a pickup.

In the mid 1940’s, a man named Les Paul approached Gibson Guitars with his new invention, a solid body electric guitar. However, Gibson did not see the his guitar as anything people would want, in fact it’s been said they told Les his creation was a “broomstick with a pickup on it”.

A few years later, Gibson Guitars made history perhaps their best move ever, they tracked Les Paul down and brought him back in to design none other than the Gibson Les Paul, introduced in 1952. Over the years Gibson has created several different types of electrical and acoustical guitars. They have stuck with their plan of creating high quality guitars made of the finest materials and are now located in Nashville Tennessee with their Gibson USA plant. Today, Gibson Guitars are regarded as some of the finest guitars on the market.
Gibson Les Paul

As mentioned before, the Gibson Les Paul was released in 1952. Gibson Les Pauls are created from a solid mahoganey body with a carved maple wood top. The necks are made of mahoganey with a rosewood fretboard, they’re normally fit with humbucker pickups that vary from the one type of Gibson Les Paul to another. The Les Paul is Gibson’s flagship product and is the most popular Gibson guitar, they are wonderful and beautiful guitars and some will argue the best of all electric guitars.
Gibson Les Paul
Gibson SG

Believe it or not the SG was actually a redisgned Gibson Les Paul back in the late 1950’s. In 1959 Gibson created a Les Paul SG that was basically a Gibson Les Paul with a double cutaway. In 1961 they modified it even more by giving the double cutaway a horned look, thinner body and renamed it the Gibson SG. Gibson SG’s are made of solid mohaganey with a rosewood fretboard and most feature the classic tune-o matic bridge.

In 1946 Gibson introduced the P-90 single coil pickup, which was eventually used on the first Les Paul model in 1952. The Les Paul was Gibson’s first solid body electric guitar. In 1957 Gibson introduced the legendary Humbucker pickup on the Les Paul model, and an instant classic was born. The P-90 and the Humbucker quickly became the pickups of choice for Gibson’s expanding line of solid body electric guitars.

1961 marked the introduction of one of Gibson’s most successful models ever, the double cutaway SG. This was followed by the Firebird, and Flying V models, each a classic in its own right. In addition to electrics, Gibson produces some of the finest acoustic guitars available.

Gibson’s commitment to excellence, and support of top musicians is demonstrated most deeply through its well known Custom Shop. The Custom Shop produces specialty instruments for artists, and discerning musicians. In addition, many well known historic classics have been faithfully reproduced by the Gibson Custom Shop, allowing a whole new generation of guitarists to experience Gibson’s hallmark guitars.

Written by Michael Casamento

Is there anyone out there who can tell me the simple (if there is one) difference between a “Patent Applied For” and a “Patent No” pickup? I hav e a ‘66 Sunburst 335 and it has the “Patent No” sticker on the underside of the pickups….is it simply a case of when Gibson received their patent number they just used the same pickups for a few years and used the new sticker?…

Thanks….

If I could only have one pedal this would the the one!

If you’ve ever done any recording with the BBE Sonic Maximizer plug-in or used the 482i rack unit you know what they can do to your overall sound. Put that in a stomp box and you have the Sonic Stomp Pedal.

This is a two knob true bypass pedal. The Lo Contour knob allows you to dial in the amount of bass that is rephased. The Process knob has a similar impact as a Presence but is more than that - it really dials in clarity. With this pedal you can bring a big, full and crisp tone out of your amp. The most amazing thing about it is the vibrancy it adds to your tone. I’ve read some “it was like taking the blanket off my speaker” reviews before but never truly experienced it until I got this pedal. With my Strat I run the Lo Contour around 3:00 and the Process around 1:00 and get a crisp, huge tone! With my Les Paul with two humbuckers I roll back the Lo Contour to around 10:00 and turn the Process up to 2:30 and get tons of clarity especially in the mids and low mids.

So far, I have only tried the Sonic Stomp in one place in my signal chain, and that is directly before the amp. I have heard that it works great in the effects loop of a combo guitar amp, and I may try it there pretty soon. It has made each of my amps, and each of my guitars sound better, noticeably better. It truly is an effect I leave on all the time, the only time I turn it off is to remember what it was like before I got the BBE Sonic Stomp.

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