A modern incarnation of the legendary guitarThere are few guitars better known worldwide than the Les Paul, and the Gibson Les Paul Standard 2014 is the latest incarnation of the ‘flagship’ model. What is now named the ‘Standard’ first appeared in the late 1950s, and changed the musical landscape forever. This new version retains the key elements of the original, whilst adding even more flexibility and modern technology.Classic constructionThe Les Paul’s construction and choice of tone woods has always been a distinctive element of its design, but one that is the bedrock of its tone. Here, the same mahogany body with carved maple top is at the heart of the guitar. Modern weight relief is implemented, however, making the guitar a lot more comfortable during long sessions. The top is a beautiful, AAA flamed maple design.Mahogany set-necks have also been a staple of the Les Paul since its launch. Here, the neck is shaped to a fast, asymmetric ‘60s Slimtaper profile, with a compound radius rosewood fingerboard. Like all of 2014’s Gibson models, the Les Paul Standard features a commemorative 120th Anniversary inlay at the 12th fret, along with a Graph Tech nut. This is designed to reduce friction where the strings meet the guitar- the most common cause of string breakages.Twin Burstbucker pickups and clever electronicsGibson was responsible for patenting the first humbucker pickups in ‘57, the legendary PAF models. When these were equipped to the Les Paul, the tone we most closely associate with this guitar was born. On the new Standard model, Gibson has equipped two of the pickups it developed to closely replicate the tone of these vintage originals.These deliver the famous, roaring overdrive in spades, along with classic rock leads and creamy clean tones. This 2014 model also offers single coil tones through coil tapping, accessed via push/ pull control knobs. Plus, phase switching and a pure bypass mode are offered. Along with the traditional individual pickup tone and volume controls, and 3-way selector switch, a huge palette of tones are within the guitar’s grasp.Min-eTune, auto tuning systemThe Les Paul Standard is now fitted with the very clever Min-eTune auto tuning system. This provides motor-controlled tuners, which can tune themselves in moments, with just a simple strum of the open strings. Alternate tunings can also be dialled in with equal speed. This is incredibly useful for gigging musicians, and inspiring for those who want to experiment with non-standard tunings.A Tune-o-matic bridge is fitted, keeping tuning and intonation stable, whilst ensuring that it has the legendary sustain for which Les Pauls are famed. The hard-shell case included with the guitar is a brown, vintage style model, which protects the guitar when not in use, and looks great, too.The Gibson Les Paul Standard 2014 maintains this models reputation as one of the most desirable available. Providing all of the classic Les Paul tones you might expect, with a whole host of additional tones that you wouldn’t, and the convenience of Min-eTune technology, this is an instrument worthy of the iconic name.