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Description

The Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018 is a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern craftsmanship, making it a coveted choice for guitarists seeking both style and substance. With its iconic design, this electric guitar captures the essence of the legendary Les Paul lineage while introducing thoughtful enhancements for today's players. The combination of a plain maple top with a solid mahogany body and neck ensures a rich, resonant sound that is both warm and articulate.

One of the standout features of this guitar is the pair of P-90 pickups, delivering that raw, punchy tone that has become synonymous with rock and blues genres. These pickups, paired with hand-wired electronics and Orange Drop capacitors, offer a dynamic range of sounds, from gritty overdrive to mellow cleans. The SlimTaper neck profile enhances playability, providing a fast and comfortable grip for intricate solos and complex chord progressions.

The addition of a traditional ABR bridge not only supports tuning stability but also enhances sustain, ensuring each note rings out with clarity. Complemented by nickel-plated hardware and bound body top and fingerboard with trapezoid inlays, this guitar is as visually striking as it is sonically impressive.

Key Features:

  • Pair of P-90 pickups for dynamic tonal versatility
  • Non-weight relief mahogany body with plain maple top
  • SlimTaper neck profile for fast, comfortable playability
  • Hand-wired electronics with Orange Drop capacitors
  • Traditional ABR bridge for enhanced sustain
  • Nickel-plated hardware
  • Bound body top and fingerboard with trapezoid inlays
  • Includes hardshell case for protection and portability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Classic
Finish Ebony, Gold Top, Pelham Blue
Year 2018
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Blue, Gold
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Classic
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018 have?

The Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018 is equipped with P-90 pickups, known for their bright and punchy sound, which is ideal for rock, blues, and jazz genres.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018 affect playability?

The Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018 features a SlimTaper neck profile, providing a fast and comfortable playing experience, suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018 suitable for gigging?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018 is well-suited for gigging, offering robust construction, versatile sound from its P-90 pickups, and reliable tuning stability thanks to its Grover tuners.

Does the Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018 come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018 comes with a hardshell case, ensuring protection during transport and storage.

What is the body wood of the Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018, and how does it affect the tone?

The body of the Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018 is made of non-weight relieved mahogany, which contributes to its warm, rich tonal characteristics and sustain.

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018 Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018 Electric Guitar by Guitar Center

Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018 Electric Guitar

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for 2018 Gibson Les Paul Classic Review by THE VATICANTS

2018 Gibson Les Paul Classic Review

THE VATICANTS

THE VATICANTS

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Classic Ebony Review & Demo! - The Most Versatile, Classic Looking LP Out There! by PMTVUK

Gibson Les Paul Classic Ebony Review & Demo! - The Most Versatile, Classic Looking LP Out There!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018, Ebony | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018, Ebony | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018 vs Gibson Les Paul Standard 2016 by Guitar Hack

Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018 vs Gibson Les Paul Standard 2016

Guitar Hack

Guitar Hack

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique tone between single coil and humbucker thanks to P-90s

  • Slim 60s neck profile ideal for players with smaller hands

  • Excellent playability and neck speed for fast solos

  • Striking finishes including Pelham Blue and Gold Top

  • Heavy, non-weight relieved body preferred by some for tone

  • Customizable with aftermarket parts for personalized sound and look

  • Delivers classic Gibson look without the vintage price tag

  • Balanced weight distribution, despite being on the heavier side

  • High praise for the guitar's aesthetic appeal

CONS

  • Heavy guitar, nearly 10 lbs, may not suit all players

  • Some quality control issues, including peeling inlays

  • Skinny ABR bridge limits intonation adjustments

  • Tuning stability may need improvement out of the box

  • Neck might be too skinny for fans of thicker profiles

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018.

Features and functionality

  • The 2018 Classic has no weight relief, making it a rare exception in its series, and retains real rosewood fretboards.

    Source
  • The 2018 Classic is noted for its slim neck profile, appealing to those who prefer faster playability over the thicker 50’s neck style.

    Source
  • The 2018 Classic includes Burstbuckers with 61R & 61T zebra, open-coil pickups, praised for their versatility and tonal range.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend swapping to tulip tuning keys on locking Grovers for a classic look on the 2018 Classic.

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  • Owners recommend replacing stock pickups with PAF clones for a more vintage tone, particularly in early models with 500T/496R pickups.

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Comparisons

  • Multiple guitars of the same model and year may vary significantly in feel and tone, highlighting the inconsistency in Gibson guitars.

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  • The Classic is compared to a 60s Les Paul Standard but offers more tonal options and weight relief for a lower price.

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User experience

  • Owners of the 2018 Classic report satisfaction with the guitar being under 10 lbs, contrary to some claims of heaviness.

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  • Owners report impressive sustain on the 2018 Classic, attributing it to its solid, non-weight relieved body and P90 pickups.

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  • Owners report effortless action and deep, guttural tones from the Classic, making it their preferred guitar over other models.

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Value and pricing

  • A used 2018 Classic can be found for $1500, which is substantially lower than the newer Standard models, offering considerable savings.

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  • Some believe the 2018 Classic will appreciate in value due to its desirable features and traditional build, making it a potential investment piece.

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  • It's noted that the Les Paul Classic offers more features at roughly $800 less than a Standard, presenting a better value for comparable quality.

    Source

Build quality

  • The 2018 Classic was available in unique finishes like gold, black, and Pelham blue, distinguishing it from other models aesthetically.

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  • Some 2018 Classics feature a beautifully crafted plain top, offering a distinct aesthetic compared to the flame tops of other models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson 2018 Les Paul Classic & Traditional Review

guitar.com

Gibson's 2018 Les Paul Classic and Traditional models showcase solid craftsmanship and appealing aesthetics, but they come with quirks. The Traditional impresses with its lively sound and comfortable neck profile, while the Classic's heavier build offers a hot P-90 vibe, perfect for rock. However, some may find the pickups less sophisticated than expected, and minor finish imperfections could require user attention. Overall, they strike a balance between vintage charm and modern playability, appealing to a broad range of players despite a few drawbacks.

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Artist usage

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See how yuuho kitazawa uses Gibson Les Paul Classic 2018

yuuho kitazawa

Singer, Guitarist

the peggies

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Verified via Photo

https://youtu.be/XhJrYEZpYCM Yuuho kitazawa was seen using a black Gibson 2018 les paul classic. She used it when performing Kimi No Sei live for Abema Tv.

Album Usage

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erik_vaughan

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