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Average Price: $1,299

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$1001+

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Description

Celebrate the classic allure and timeless tone of the 1990 Gibson Les Paul Std. This iconic solid-body electric guitar, revered by musicians for its rich history and legendary sound, offers both seasoned players and new enthusiasts an opportunity to experience music as it was meant to be heard. Crafted with a mahogany body and neck, this guitar boasts a rosewood fretboard and a stunning maple top that not only enhances its aesthetics but also contributes to its distinctive, warm sound.

What truly sets this instrument apart are the 490R and 498T humbuckers, delivering a powerful, versatile tone that can easily shift from bluesy warmth to rock-solid crunch. Perfectly balanced for any genre, these pickups capture the essence of the Les Paul legacy. The 1990 model is known for its comfortable playability, making it a favorite among guitarists who appreciate the tactile response and resonance of a well-crafted instrument.

Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the 1990 Gibson Les Paul Std is a reliable partner, ready to amplify your musical journey. Join a community of musicians who share your passion and explore the endless possibilities this guitar has to offer.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and neck
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • Maple top
  • 490R and 498T humbuckers
  • Solid-body electric guitar design

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Standard, Les Paul Standard Premium
Finish Amber, Candy Apple Red, Ebony, Goldtop, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Honeyburst, Midnight Blue, Natural, Transparent Blue, Transparent Purple, Vintage Sunburst, Wine Red
Year 1990 - 2001
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Purple, Red, Tan, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Standard
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.6875"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What pickups are installed in the 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard?

The 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard typically comes with 490R and 498T humbucking pickups, known for delivering a balanced tone with a bit of extra output, suitable for a variety of music genres.

What is the neck profile of the 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard?

The 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard features a rounded neck profile, offering a comfortable grip that appeals to both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Is the 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard suitable for beginners?

While the 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard is a high-quality instrument with professional features, its weight and price point may be more suited to intermediate or advanced players.

What kind of wood is used for the body of the 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard?

The body of the 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard is made from mahogany with a maple top, providing a rich, warm tone with added brightness and sustain.

What is the scale length of the 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard?

The 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard has a scale length of 24.75 inches, contributing to its characteristic playability and tonal warmth.

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard White w/ Gold Hardware

Video thumbnail for 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard White w/ Gold Hardware by Emerald City Guitars

1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard White w/ Gold Hardware

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard by Rock Guitar School

1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard

Rock Guitar School

Rock Guitar School

Video thumbnail for 1990 GIBSON LES PAUL STANDARD by Todd Beebe Music / Guitar Talk With Todd

1990 GIBSON LES PAUL STANDARD

Todd Beebe Music / Guitar Talk With Todd

Todd Beebe Music / Guitar Talk With Todd

Video thumbnail for 1990 Gibson Les Paul Std cherry sunburst, Part1 by GregsGuitars

1990 Gibson Les Paul Std cherry sunburst, Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 1990 Gibson Les Paul Std. Part1 by GregsGuitars

1990 Gibson Les Paul Std. Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 2017 Gibson Goldtop Les Paul vs 1990 Les Paul Standard by Chris Lester

2017 Gibson Goldtop Les Paul vs 1990 Les Paul Standard

Chris Lester

Chris Lester

Video thumbnail for Review & Demo | 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard Tobacco Sunburst by Guitar Chimp

Review & Demo | 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard Tobacco Sunburst

Guitar Chimp

Guitar Chimp

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional craftsmanship from Gibson's "Good wood era"

  • Resonant guitar with a weight of 4.4 kg, delivering rich tones

  • Maple top features attractive quilt figures around the stoptail

  • 490R-498T pickup set offers sweet clean sounds and aggressive rock tones

  • Renowned for producing legendary rock and roll riffs and licks

  • Classic Honeyburst finish exudes vintage mojo

  • Mesmerizing aesthetics and high-quality build

  • Excellent sustain and big sound, comparable to top-tier models

  • Robust and durable construction, described as a "solid tank"

  • Fattest, fullest tone possible, highly praised by players

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1990 Gibson Les Paul Std.

Build quality

  • The 1992 Les Paul Standard often featured a faded finish giving it an aged look, distinct from the typical Clownburst appearance.

    Source
  • Les Paul Standard models from 1999-2000 are praised for their quality, with one left-handed model described as the only good left-handed Gibson the owner has played.

    Source
  • The Honey Burst top of this era is noted for subtle flame patterns, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 1992 Standards typically came with chrome hardware, though some owners report nickel tuners were used.

    Source
  • 1990 models, if genuine, are considered more accurate reproductions compared to other models, often priced higher than Standards of the time.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Finish from this era can bubble, crack, and check, contributing to a vintage appearance but requiring careful maintenance.

    Source
  • The G-Force tuners on the 2017 Les Paul Standard High Performance can be replaced with chrome Grovers, though minor modifications might be necessary.

    Source
  • Proper storage includes loosening strings, maintaining 40-65% humidity, and using nitrocellulose-safe polish for preservation.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Early 90s Les Pauls were favored by Slash fans, indicating a demand for guitars with a rock-oriented sound and aesthetic.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The pickup rings on some models are not original and prone to cracking, with replacements like Vintage Clone or Fatboy parts.

    Source
  • Owners recommend removing G-Force tuners due to preference, with advice to replace them using a small Phillips screwdriver and adjustable wrench, noting differences in mounting holes.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Nashville bridge and non-vintage truss rod cover distinguish this model from early historics like the R8.

    Source
  • Richlite fretboards, used in Custom models from 2013 and 2016, offer easier maintenance compared to traditional wood, but may not appeal to purists seeking traditional materials.

    Source
  • Compared to a 2003 ES-137, which appreciated from $1350 to over $2500, reflecting potential long-term value increases for well-maintained models.

    Source

User experience

  • A 1994 Les Paul Standard owner reports the guitar is heavy at around 10 lbs with no weight relief, contributing to its solid feel and sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • 2003 models, mistakenly identified as 1990, are valued between $2,000 and $2,500 on Reverb, reflecting their late 'good wood' era reputation.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Rex and the Bass: 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar Review

rexbass.com

A well-loved classic, the 1990 Gibson Les Paul Standard impresses with its superb playability and rich, dynamic tones. While it came with a repaired headstock and needed setup, these were easily fixed, revealing a guitar that offers both vintage charm and modern reliability. Its solid build and original pickups deliver a thick, juicy sound, making it perfect for rock enthusiasts. Some cosmetic wear and replaced tuners might deter purists, but for those who value sound and feel over looks, it's a stellar choice among Les Pauls.

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Artist usage

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See how Aynsley Lister uses 1990 Gibson Les Paul Std

Aynsley Lister

Guitarist

...
Verified via Aynsleylister

"Used a lot when I started out, it’s completely stock and pretty well played!"

-Aynsley Lister

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1990 Gibson Les Paul Std, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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