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Average Price: $1,299

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$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 1996 Cherry Sunburst is a timeless piece of musical craftsmanship that continues to captivate guitar enthusiasts worldwide. This legendary instrument is revered for its iconic tone and exceptional playability, making it a staple in the arsenal of both aspiring and seasoned musicians. The Les Paul Standard boasts a mahogany body and neck, providing a warm and resonant sound that is perfectly complemented by a beautifully contoured maple top. This combination not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its rich sonic character.

Equipped with 490R and 498T humbuckers, the guitar offers a versatile range of tones, from smooth and mellow to hot and aggressive. Whether you're shredding through a rock anthem or laying down soulful blues licks, these pickups ensure your sound is always articulate and dynamic. The rosewood fretboard further enhances playability, offering a comfortable and responsive feel that encourages expressive performances.

With its classic design and unparalleled sound quality, the 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard is more than just a guitar; it's a piece of musical history. Its enduring legacy is a testament to Gibson's commitment to excellence in guitar craftsmanship.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and neck
  • Maple top
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • 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 is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Standard 1996 Cherry Sunburst?

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 1996 features a 60s Slim Taper neck profile, known for its comfortable and fast feel, making it ideal for players who prefer a thinner neck for easier playability and faster movement across the fretboard.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on this Gibson Les Paul Standard?

The 1996 Les Paul Standard is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, delivering a rich, warm tone with plenty of sustain. These pickups are versatile, suitable for rock, blues, and jazz, offering a classic Les Paul sound with strong midrange and smooth high-end.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Standard 1996 Cherry Sunburst suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson Les Paul Standard is a high-quality instrument renowned for its sound and build, it may be more suited to intermediate and advanced players due to its price and weight. Beginners might prefer a lighter and more affordable model to start with.

How does the 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard handle different music genres?

The 1996 Les Paul Standard is highly versatile, capable of handling a wide range of genres from rock and blues to jazz and metal, thanks to its powerful humbucking pickups and solid mahogany body that provide rich, resonant tones.

What is the fretboard material on the Gibson Les Paul Standard 1996 Cherry Sunburst?

The fretboard of the Gibson Les Paul Standard 1996 Cherry Sunburst is made of rosewood, offering a smooth playing surface with a warm tonal quality that complements the guitar's overall sound.

Guitar Chimp

Guitar Chimp

Review & Demo | 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard Heritage Cherry Sunburst

Video thumbnail for Review & Demo | 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard Heritage Cherry Sunburst by Guitar Chimp

Review & Demo | 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard Heritage Cherry Sunburst

Guitar Chimp

Guitar Chimp

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Standard Cherry Burst 1996 | Review by Fusionmusic Studio

Gibson Les Paul Standard Cherry Burst 1996 | Review

Fusionmusic Studio

Fusionmusic Studio

Video thumbnail for Review Gibson Les Paul Standard Cherry Burst 1996 By Fusionmusic by Fusionmusic Studio

Review Gibson Les Paul Standard Cherry Burst 1996 By Fusionmusic

Fusionmusic Studio

Fusionmusic Studio

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional craftsmanship, reminiscent of Gibson's "Good wood era"

  • Resonant sound with a notable sustain, weighing 4.4 Kg

  • Beautiful maple top with quilt figures, enhancing aesthetic appeal

  • Versatile 490R-498T pickups, offering sweet cleans and aggressive rock tones

  • Iconic rock and roll sound, likened to legends like Slash and Clapton

  • Strong build quality, described as a solid tank

  • Mesmerizing appearance, often leaving a lasting impression

  • High tuning stability with minor adjustments

CONS

  • Some find original pickups dark and lacking dynamics

  • Initial tuning stability issues, requiring adjustments

  • Heavier weight may not be comfortable for all players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Standard 1996.

Setup and maintenance

  • High E string may need reseating or an extra ferrule due to long threading, a trick learned from a professional guitar tech.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Pickup covers can be added with minimal soldering; using tape and silicone can prevent feedback without affecting sound quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 1996 Cherry Sunburst finish is highly praised for its aesthetic appeal, comparable to iconic models like the one used by Slash.

    Source
  • Equipped with 490/498 pickups, these models from the late '90s are reportedly hotter than contemporary versions, providing a distinctive sound profile.

    Source

Build quality

  • The 1996 model is noted for its nearly seamless woodgrain, resembling a one-piece top, which is rare and highly desirable.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners from this era express a strong preference for their '90s Les Pauls over other models, citing superior enjoyment and playability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The late '90s Gibson era is frequently compared favorably to the '60s models, with some owners preferring the modern builds for their quality and sound.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
peter_gustafsson

Mine is made in 1977.

Had this one for about 30 years or so. It was the Holy Graal when i was a kid, after seeing Ace Frehley playing one. I was so excited when i finally got it, after saving up for years. Bought it used and it was Christmas, until i plugged it in.. The pickups were dark, dull with no dynamics. I friend of mine recommended Gibson Classic 57 pickups, wich was the best thing back then (from Gibson), if you wanted to have a classic PAF-tone. I have Classic 57 + (bridge) and a Classic 57 (neck). Removed the covers and it do make a difference. Ads more bite and brightness according to me. Also changed to machine heads to the vintage tulipe versions, just for looks.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kaoru uses Gibson Les Paul Standard 1996

Kaoru

Composer, Music Producer

Dir En Grey

...
Verified via Photo

In a Japanese magazine photo, Kaoru is shown using a Gibson Les Paul Standard 1996 Cherry Sunburst.

Genre Usage

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