Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Reverb
5.0 (35)
$2,200.00 36 available Used
Thomann
5.0 (5)
$2,399.00 $2,390.00 $9.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£2,599.00

Average Price: $2,295

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gibson Les Paul Standard 1986". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

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Description

Immerse yourself in the legendary sound with the 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard Ebony, a timeless piece that harmonizes classic design with contemporary playability. Its ebony fretboard sets a smooth stage for your fingers, while the 1959 Tribute humbuckers promise a rich, vintage tone that's as captivating today as it was decades ago. Perfect for collectors and performers alike, this guitar offers a slice of music history with every note played. Whether on stage or in the studio, the 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard Ebony stands as a testament to Gibson's enduring legacy of crafting instruments with unparalleled sound and quality.

Key Features:

  • Ebony fretboard for smooth playability
  • Equipped with 1959 Tribute humbuckers for rich, vintage tones
  • Iconic Les Paul body shape
  • Timeless ebony finish

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Standard
Finish Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Oxblood, Silverburst, Vintage Sunburst, White, Wine Red
Year 1986 - 1990
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, Brown, Red, Silver, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
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
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard Ebony?

The 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard features a comfortable '60s slim taper neck profile, which provides a fast and smooth playing experience, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on this guitar?

The 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard is equipped with dual humbucking pickups that deliver a warm, full-bodied tone with excellent sustain, ideal for rock, blues, and jazz genres.

Is the 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard suitable for beginners or advanced players?

The 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard is best suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its weight, neck profile, and tonal versatility, which are appreciated by experienced musicians.

How does the mahogany body affect the sound of this guitar?

The mahogany body of the 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard contributes to its rich, warm tone with pronounced midrange frequencies and excellent sustain, characteristic of classic Les Paul guitars.

Does the 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard have good sustain?

Yes, the 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard is renowned for its excellent sustain, thanks to its solid mahogany body, set-neck construction, and quality hardware.

What is the scale length of the 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard, and how does it affect playability?

The 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard has a 24.75" scale length, which offers a slightly shorter reach between frets, making it easier to bend notes and play chords comfortably.

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard and 2016 Carol-Ann HB-18WH

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard and 2016 Carol-Ann HB-18WH by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard and 2016 Carol-Ann HB-18WH

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Standard 1986.

Build quality

  • The 1986 Gibson Les Paul Standard features high-quality mahogany bodies and maple tops, with some variations in wood grain detail noted among different units.

    Source
  • It's noted that Les Pauls from the late '70s to mid-'80s, including 1986, might have heavier weights, impacting playability during long sessions.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners mention having to 'fight' the guitar due to its less ergonomic design, but this is part of its appeal and unique playability.

    Source
  • A 1986 Les Paul is perceived as having a distinct playability that requires adaptation, potentially appealing to players seeking a challenge.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Les Paul guitars are noted for their clear, massive sound, distinguishing between notes better than other guitars, making them suitable for heavy music styles.

    Source
  • Les Pauls are highlighted for their sustain, making them ideal for styles requiring long, resonant notes, like blues and rock.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 1986 Les Paul Standard purchased for $1,100 in 2002 could retail for around $3,000 in 2023, indicating significant value appreciation over time.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users emphasize the importance of checking the neck profile, as preferences between '50s and '60s necks can significantly affect playability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Epiphone models like the 1959 Les Paul Standard offer similar pickups to the Gibson USA-made Standard '50s, providing a more affordable option with comparable sound.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
fedemoroz

Main guitar

It was modded with Seymour Duncan Custom Custom (bridge) and Alnico 2 Pro (neck)

jimmarchi1

what's the weight like? I had an 88 that was a back breaking 10 lbs

fedemoroz

Hey buddy. I don't know what's the weight like. It's not a back breaking guitar but I've played much lighter LP's.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mathias Färm uses Gibson Les Paul Standard 1986

Mathias Färm

Guitarist

Millencolin

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo he is seen playing a Gibson Les Paul Standard Ebony

See how Lennart Bossu uses Gibson Les Paul Standard 1986

Lennart Bossu

Guitarist

Oathbreaker

...
Verified via Premier Guitar
Color/Finish: Silverburst Year: 1988

In the "Rig Rundown: Amenra" video by Premier Guitar, hosted by Chris Kies, it is shown that Lennart Bossu uses a limited-production run 1988 Gibson Les Paul Standard Silverburst guitar for performances with both Amenra and Oathbreaker.

See how Kana-Boon uses Gibson Les Paul Standard 1986

Kana-Boon

Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

Guitarist Koga Hayato can be seen using this guitar in the music video for KANA-BOONS video Diver

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 Gibson Les Paul Standard 1986, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    fedemoroz
    fedemoroz

    Gear IQ 177