In the 1950s it was easy to have access to light mahogany woods. Subsequently and for different reasons this type of wood began to be scarce until the 70s became a tough (and expensive) raw material to obtain.

As a result of this, the Les Paul of that time came to exceed 5 kg in weight, and it was very uncomfortable to play with them standing for extended periods of time.

The solution applied by Gibson UK was to manufacture bodies with cavities or chambers inside them to lighten the instruments. The light mahogany, very sparse, is selected and continues to be used for the completely "massive" bodies of the guitars of the Historic Custom Shop series.

Series 2017: characteristics and "evolution" from the 2016 series

2017 is an important year for the brand: Gibson has made a great effort to bring the new models to the demands of his followers. More than evolution, we should talk about "involution," since traditional models are closer to the original classics. Also, all the guitars of the 2017 series include several accessories: strap, fret guard and multi-tool.

Let's see the most representative models:

Les Paul Standard

In addition to the Burst bucker tablets, the 2017 version incorporates a triple AAA maple top, and the striker comes uncounted in case we want to show off the spectacularity of the cap.

For more excellent comfort, the execution is smoothed in the binding called "Rolled Edge" and incorporates bridge and aluminum tailpiece similar to those that were mounted on the guitars of the 50s and those that carry the Historic Custom series Shop.

Les Paul Traditional

Here we have the most significant change this year: in 2017 the Gibson Les Paul Traditional returns to be stable. If we add to this the burst bucker tablets, the Orange Drop condenser, smoothing Rolled Edge Binding, tailpiece and aluminum bridge, nylon saddle and a spectacular selected maple top. In short, it is the closest you can get to the series Custom Shop Historic at a more than reasonable price.

Les Paul Classic

The push-pull potentiometers and the active booster of the 2016 version disappear and are replaced by more traditional electronics with Classic 57 Zebra-type pads.

Like the two previous models, it also incorporates the Rolled Edge Binding, bridge and aluminum tailpiece and nylon saddle, another nod to the Historic Custom Shop series.

Les Paul Studio

The most significant change in this series is that the Ultra-Modern Weight Relief body pattern has been incorporated similar to that of the Les Paul Standard, achieving greater resonance with lower weight.

Les Paul Tribute

In the 2017 versions, they incorporate 490R and 490T series covers. They have also targeted the bridge and aluminum tailpiece. As a small cosmetic change, the ring of the picker selector has been eliminated. The model tribute 60 'disappears with P90 pills.

Like its equivalent in the series, Les Paul incorporates bridge and aluminum tailpiece and Rolled Edge Binding style Custom Shop. The pills are a Classic 57' that give it that classic timbre its characteristic.

To conclude, and as a summary, underline that in the models Les Paul Standard, Les Paul Studio and Les Paul Faded of the new series 2017. The Ultra-Modern body is used and that Gibson has tried this time to bring the new models to the demands of his followers, looking with the new series an approach to the original classics.