Les Paul Tribute vs. Standard: Which Gibson Reigns Supreme?
So, you’re eyeing a Gibson Les Paul, but the choices seem endless? You’ve likely stumbled upon the age-old debate: which Les Paul is right for you? Today, we’re diving deep into the heart of the matter, pitting the Les Paul Tribute against the iconic Standard.
Both guitars are legends, boasting that unmistakable Les Paul silhouette and the promise of rich, sustain-laden tones. But they cater to different players and budgets. This comparison will break down the key differences, helping you decide which instrument best suits your musical journey.
We’ll explore everything from tonewoods and pickups to playability and price. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths of both the Les Paul Tribute and the Standard, empowering you to make the perfect choice for your needs.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Tribute | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Body Wood | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Top Wood | Maple (Plain) | Maple (Figured) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Neck Profile | Rounded/SlimTaper | Asymmetrical Slim Taper |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Frets | 22 | 22 |
| Pickups | Humbuckers (varies) | Humbuckers (varies) |
| Controls | 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Switch | 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Switch |
| Bridge | Tune-o-matic | Tune-o-matic |
| Tuners | Vintage Deluxe | Grover Rotomatic |
| Finish | Satin/Gloss | Gloss |
| Inlays | Acrylic Trapezoid/Dot | Acrylic Trapezoid |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Body Wood
- Les Paul Tribute: Typically features a mahogany body, often with a maple top (though some all-mahogany versions exist). This provides a warm, resonant tone with good sustain. May have weight relief, which can affect sustain and feel.
- Standard: Usually features a mahogany body with a maple top, offering a blend of warmth from the mahogany and brightness from the maple. Often includes weight relief for player comfort.
- Winner: Standard
Neck Profile
- Les Paul Tribute: Often has a slimmer neck profile, such as a ’50s or ’60s style. This can offer faster playability for some players. May not be as comfortable for those with larger hands.
- Standard: Typically features a more modern neck profile, like the asymmetrical SlimTaper or a rounded ’50s profile, providing a balanced feel that suits a wider range of players.
- Winner: Tie
Pickups
- Les Paul Tribute: Equipped with a variety of pickups, often including Burstbuckers, known for their vintage-voiced tones. Sound great for classic rock and blues.
- Standard: Comes with high-output Burstbucker pickups, or sometimes other modern pickups. Versatile, offering a wide range of tones, from clean to high-gain.
- Winner: Standard
Electronics
- Les Paul Tribute: Usually features standard Les Paul electronics, including two volume and two tone controls, and a three-way pickup selector.
- Standard: Offers the standard Les Paul electronics layout, sometimes with additional features like coil-splitting or push-pull pots for enhanced tonal versatility.
- Winner: Standard
Hardware
- Les Paul Tribute: Often uses classic hardware, such as a Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece. May feature vintage-style tuners.
- Standard: Features high-quality hardware, including a Tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece, and Grover or locking tuners for enhanced tuning stability and sustain.
- Winner: Standard
Finish
- Les Paul Tribute: Typically has a satin or gloss finish, offering a more vintage or raw look. Satin finishes can feel faster to play.
- Standard: Boasts a gloss finish, which provides a premium look and feel. The finish may be more durable and resistant to scratches.
- Winner: Standard
Price
- Les Paul Tribute: Generally more affordable, making it a great option for players looking for a Les Paul at a lower price point.
- Standard: More expensive, reflecting the higher-quality materials, features, and construction.
- Winner: Tribute
Playability & Feel
- Les Paul Tribute: Great playability with a variety of neck profiles. Simpler design makes it easy to pick up and play.
- Standard: Top-notch playability with a comfortable neck profile. The premium feel and features enhance the playing experience.
- Winner: Standard
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Value | Les Paul Tribute |
| Looks | Standard |
| Features | Standard |
| Overall Quality | Standard |
What They Have in Common:
- Body Material: Both guitars share a mahogany body, providing a warm and resonant foundation for their sound. This contributes to the sustain and overall tone characteristics.
- Humbucker Pickups: Both models feature humbucker pickups, known for their high output and ability to deliver thick, powerful tones suitable for various musical genres. This allows for a wide range of sonic possibilities.
- Control Layout: Both guitars employ the classic Les Paul control layout, with two volume knobs, two tone knobs, and a three-way pickup selector switch. This familiar setup allows for easy tone shaping.
- Tune-O-Matic Bridge: Both guitars utilize a Tune-o-matic bridge, contributing to excellent intonation and sustain. This bridge design ensures accurate string action.
- Mahogany Neck: Both guitars feature a mahogany neck, contributing to a warm and balanced tone. This wood choice adds to the overall playability and feel.
Les Paul Tribute Vs Standard Buying Guide
Understanding Your Needs
Before choosing between a Les Paul Tribute and a Standard, consider your playing style and budget. The Tribute offers a more affordable entry point into the Les Paul world, often featuring a satin finish and simplified appointments. The Standard, on the other hand, boasts a gloss finish, more elaborate binding, and typically higher-end pickups. Think about the tone you’re after: raw and aggressive (Tribute) or versatile and refined (Standard). Consider how important aesthetics are to you. Do you want the classic look of a Standard or a stripped-down, more modern feel of a Tribute?
Budget Considerations
Price is a significant factor. The Les Paul Tribute is generally the more budget-friendly option, making it a great choice for beginners or those seeking a Les Paul without breaking the bank. The Standard commands a higher price tag due to its premium features and construction. Factor in the cost of accessories like a case, strings, and potentially a setup. Consider whether the added features of the Standard justify the increased expense for your needs. Research prices from various retailers to find the best deal.
Tonewood and Construction Differences
Both models typically feature a mahogany body, but the Standard often incorporates a maple top, contributing to its brighter tone and sustain. The Tribute may use a mahogany top or feature a weight-relieved body, impacting its sustain and overall resonance. Consider the neck profile: the Tribute often has a fatter neck, while the Standard may offer a variety of profiles. Assess how the weight and construction impact playability and the type of sound you are looking for. Listen to sound samples of both guitars.
Pickup Comparison and Tone
Pickups are key to the sound of any guitar. The Tribute often features Gibson’s 490R/490T humbuckers, known for their classic rock tones and raw power. The Standard typically comes with Burstbucker pickups, offering a more nuanced and versatile sound, capable of everything from blues to hard rock. Consider the specific pickups in each guitar and the sonic characteristics they offer. Research the pickup specifications and listen to audio demonstrations to understand the tonal differences. Think about how the pickups will sound through your amp.
Playability and Feel
The neck profile and overall feel can greatly impact playability. The Tribute often has a chunkier neck, which some players prefer for its solid feel, while others find it less comfortable. The Standard may offer a range of neck profiles to suit various preferences. Try both guitars in person if possible to assess their comfort. Consider the fret size, action, and overall setup, which can also influence playability. Ensure the guitar feels comfortable in your hands and allows you to play your favorite riffs.
Long-Term Value and Resale
Consider the long-term value and resale potential. The Les Paul Standard, due to its iconic status and premium features, generally holds its value better than the Tribute. However, a well-maintained Tribute can still fetch a reasonable price on the used market. Think about whether you plan to upgrade or sell the guitar in the future. Research the used market prices for both models to get an idea of their depreciation. Consider this when deciding between the two.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Les Paul Tribute If…
- You prefer a more affordable Les Paul model.
- You appreciate a satin or gloss finish.
- You want a guitar with a classic Les Paul feel without breaking the bank.
- You like the simplicity and directness of a stripped-down design.
Buy Standard If…
- You want a guitar with a figured maple top for a more premium look.
- You prefer a gloss finish.
- You desire a guitar with upgraded hardware and aesthetics.
- You’re looking for the ultimate Les Paul experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between a Les Paul Tribute and a Standard?
The Standard features a gloss finish, binding, and more premium pickups like Burstbuckers, typically with a maple top. The Tribute often has a satin finish, simpler appointments, and 490R/490T pickups. The Standard also tends to have a higher price point. The Standard is more versatile, while the Tribute focuses on raw power.
Which guitar is better for beginners?
The Les Paul Tribute is often recommended for beginners due to its more affordable price. It provides a great introduction to the Les Paul experience without a significant financial commitment. This allows players to learn the instrument without the pressure of a more expensive purchase. The Tribute still offers high-quality components.
What kind of music is the Les Paul Tribute best suited for?
The Les Paul Tribute is well-suited for rock, hard rock, and blues. Its pickups deliver a raw, aggressive tone, perfect for classic rock riffs and powerful solos. The Tribute’s tonal characteristics make it ideal for generating a gritty, in-your-face sound. It is a great choice for players who enjoy a more direct sound.
What type of music does the Les Paul Standard excel at?
The Les Paul Standard is incredibly versatile and excels across a wide range of genres, including rock, blues, jazz, and even some metal. Its Burstbucker pickups offer a broad tonal palette, allowing for both warm, clean tones and high-gain distortion. This makes it an ideal guitar for diverse playing styles.
Does the finish affect the tone of the guitar?
While the finish itself doesn’t directly create the tone, the type of finish (gloss vs. satin) can affect how the wood resonates. A gloss finish can sometimes enhance sustain. However, the pickups, wood types, and construction have a more significant impact on the overall sound. The choice is often more about aesthetics.
How important is the maple top on the Les Paul Standard?
The maple top on the Les Paul Standard contributes to a brighter tone and enhanced sustain. It adds a layer of complexity to the sound, making it more versatile. The maple top also contributes to the guitar’s visual appeal. It is a significant factor in the overall sound, but not the only element.
Which guitar is better for live performances?
Both guitars are excellent choices for live performances. The Standard’s versatility might be advantageous in a band playing various genres. The Tribute’s raw power is ideal for heavier styles. The choice depends on your playing style and the music you play. Both are durable and reliable instruments suitable for the stage.
Final Verdict
The Les Paul Standard offers a more refined and versatile playing experience due to its premium features, superior pickups, and enhanced construction. While the Tribute provides a great entry point, the Standard’s tonal flexibility and iconic status make it the superior choice for most players seeking a classic Les Paul.
Winner: Les Paul Standard