Every new Les Paul (except the Supreme...) comes standard with G Force, a further step forward in tuning systems that improves on the already impressive features of its predecessor, the aforementioned Min-ETune. In addition, the new Les Pauls feature a slightly wider neck and a thicker one-piece rosewood fingerboard, specially treated for a smoother, more even feel when playing. The frets have also been reduced a little, by 27%, to offer a more modern feel under the hand, and the nut is also new: called the Zero Fret Nut, it is adjustable and made of a cryogenically treated brass alloy.
The PLEK system is used in the production of each and every one of them and, to top it all off, they all come with a new hardshell case. Not every model is for every guitarist. So let's quickly and briefly break down what makes each of them special. 2015
Les Paul Standard
The company's flagship comes this year with a mahogany neck and the aforementioned compound-radius rosewood fingerboard, with frets over the binding for that extra playing surface. The body is also mahogany, with modern weight relief, a flamed top finish and a removable pickguard. As for electronics, there are two Burstbucker Pro 1 and 2 pickups, with push/pull options on the pots for coil tap, phase switching and Pure Bypass. In other words, classic tones with the most modern routing options, which are on their way to becoming the new wiring standard for the Les Paul. The good old Les Paul, only better.
Les Paul Standard Premium Quilt
This is a version very similar to the Standard, but with a slightly different '60s-style neck (asymmetrical slim taper) and a compound radius. The top is also different: AAA grade, with a truly luxurious quilted finish. Ideal for those looking for premium woods and a different look. Les Paul Supreme
Les Paul Supreme
AAA woods on the top and the semi-hollow body, with luxurious f-holes with beautiful binding, and a neck with an asymmetrical '50s-style rounded profile. The inlays are crown-style, with frets over the binding, and it is fitted with a 492R humbucker in the bridge position and a floating pickup at the neck, with elegant gold covers. Ideal for lovers of semi-acoustic tones, blues and jazz. Also for those looking for a Les Paul with a certain ES-335 vibe...
Les Paul Classic
Here we have a slim taper neck with a rosewood fingerboard and frets over the binding. A mahogany body and traditional finish for this 2015 Les Paul, which is fitted with zebra-coil '61 Tribute pickups, with coil split on each volume pot and a mini-switch with 15 dB of Turbo Boost. Oh! And Orange Drop capacitors on the master tone control. For those who want a gain boost built into the guitar and are looking for '60s neck profiles.
Les Paul Traditional
A '50s-style Rounded XL neck (the chunkiest profile) and a solid mahogany body with no weight relief, for lovers of the most traditional Les Paul feel and tone (and weight!). Two of the new '59 Tribute humbuckers round off a guitar dedicated especially to those seeking that '50s magic.
Les Paul Studio
A slim taper neck profile, an unbound rosewood fingerboard and a chambered mahogany body with a maple top. No body binding or pickguard. It is fitted with two humbuckers, a '57 and a '57 Plus, with a coil split option and Orange Drop capacitors. In other words, a guitar that is more restrained and economical in its looks, but with all the flavor and traditional tone of a Les Paul. Heck, it is a Les Paul!
Les Paul Deluxe
A mahogany neck with an asymmetrical rounded profile, a rosewood fingerboard and traditional trapezoid inlays. A mahogany body with traditional 9-hole weight relief and a maple top with a fixed pickguard. The big news? Two newly designed mini-humbuckers, the work of Jim De Cola and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, with coil splits and a mini-switch with Turbo Boost. A true rock & roll machine that looks boldly to the '70s but with modern options inside.
LPM 2015
Designed especially for those looking for a modern-looking Les Paul at an unbeatable price. It has no binding, either on its rounded maple neck with rosewood fingerboard or on its weight-relieved mahogany body with maple top. Nor does it have a pickguard, and it is fitted with two '61 Zebra humbuckers.
Les Paul Less+
We finish with a little gem from this new 2015 line, featuring a medium-density mahogany body with 9-hole weight relief and a maple top, a rounded-profile maple neck with cream binding and a rosewood fingerboard. Two '57 Classic pickups (one rhythm and one lead) with coil split and a mini-switch for Turbo Boost round off a model Les himself would be especially proud of.
