Gibson Les Pauls - The Les Paul Standard

In 1957, designer Seth Lover created and patented the humbucking pickup, a unique design featuring two coils side-by-side, which reduced noise and gave the Les Paul a warm, distinctive tone. This would form the basis for the Les Paul Standard, introduced in 1958, and produced in various incarnations to this day. Along with the introduction of the Standard was a new look for the Les Paul top, using elaborate wood patterns such as tiger striped, flamed, and figured woods, and a burst lacquer finish. Ironically, as Gibson Les Pauls continued to evolve - many would say improve - interest in the instrument would wane throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was not until the mid to late 1960s, when rock legends such as Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Eric Clapton rediscovered the late 50s Les Paul Standards that this guitar would see a resurgence in popularity. The Les Paul Standard remains popular to this day, with a new version introduced in 2008.