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Average Price: $1,860

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$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018 is an iconic instrument that marries timeless design with modern innovation, perfect for players seeking both classic tones and contemporary playability. Revered for its legendary sound, this guitar is celebrated by musicians across genres for its AAA figured maple top, which not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to its distinctive resonance. The mahogany body, coupled with a rosewood fretboard, delivers a warm, rich tone that has become synonymous with the Les Paul name.

Crafted for comfort and precision, the Les Paul Standard features a slim taper neck profile ensuring smooth playability, whether you're shredding solos or laying down rhythm sections. The dual BurstBucker Pro pickups provide a versatile tonal palette, allowing you to effortlessly switch from articulate cleans to searing overdrives. With its high-quality Grover locking tuners and aluminum Tune-O-Matic bridge, this guitar promises excellent tuning stability and intonation, even during the most demanding performances.

Beyond its stunning appearance and robust build, the Les Paul Standard 2018 is a testament to Gibson's commitment to quality craftsmanship. Whether you're recording in the studio or performing live on stage, this instrument is designed to inspire.

Key Features:

  • AAA figured maple top
  • Mahogany body with rosewood fretboard
  • Slim taper neck profile
  • Dual BurstBucker Pro pickups
  • Grover locking tuners
  • Aluminum Tune-O-Matic bridge

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Standard
Finish Blood Orange Burst, Cobalt Burst, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Mojave Burst
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 Blue, Brown, Orange, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Standard
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018?

The Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018 features an Asymmetrical SlimTaper neck profile, offering a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018?

The guitar has a AAA figured maple top and an ultra-modern weight-relieved mahogany body, providing a balance of rich tone and reduced weight for better playability.

What pickups are installed in the Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018?

The guitar is equipped with BurstBucker Pro Rhythm and Lead pickups, delivering classic PAF-style tones with enhanced clarity and output.

Does the Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018 support coil splitting?

Yes, the guitar features 4 push/pull knobs allowing for coil splitting, providing versatile tonal options from humbucker to single-coil sounds.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018 suitable for gigging?

Yes, with its high-quality construction, versatile pickup configuration, and robust hardware, the Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018 is well-suited for live performances.

What kind of finish does the Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018 have?

The guitar has a gloss finish available in several colors, including Blood Orange Burst and Heritage Cherry Sunburst, enhancing its visual appeal and durability.

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

Yes, the guitar comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and ease of transport for the instrument.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Gibson USA 2018 Guitars - Les Paul Standard vs Les Paul Traditional

Video thumbnail for Gibson USA 2018 Guitars - Les Paul Standard vs Les Paul Traditional by Andertons Music Co

Gibson USA 2018 Guitars - Les Paul Standard vs Les Paul Traditional

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

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

Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018 Electric Guitar

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018 Sound Demo (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018 Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018, Heritage Cherry Sunburst | Gear4music by Gear4music Guitars

Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018, Heritage Cherry Sunburst | Gear4music

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018, Mojave Burst | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018, Mojave Burst | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for 2018 Gibson Les Paul Standard Guitar Review: I Face My Demons and Hold A Gibson For Over 20 Minutes by The Guitar Pit

2018 Gibson Les Paul Standard Guitar Review: I Face My Demons and Hold A Gibson For Over 20 Minutes

The Guitar Pit

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018, Blood Orange Burst | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018, Blood Orange Burst | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson USA 2018 Les Paul Standard, Cobalt Burst! by GAK

Gibson USA 2018 Les Paul Standard, Cobalt Burst!

GAK

GAK

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent tonal variety with four push-pull knobs

  • Locking tuners are extremely easy to use and reliable

  • Comfortable neck shape and lighter weight for better playability

  • Beautiful AAA maple top and overall craftsmanship

  • Smooth plekked fretboard enhances playing experience

  • Versatile pickups with extensive tonal options

  • Weight-relief design makes it as light as a Stratocaster

  • No experimental electronics or manufacturing issues reported

CONS

  • Some players find PAF Burstbuckers pickups don't deliver desired traditional LP tone

  • Tends to go out of tune faster when bending strings

  • Complex electronics with DIP switch options can be overwhelming for some users

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Some 2018 LP Standards have minor QC issues, such as black paint on body binding and finish flaws on the headstock.

    Source
  • Some 2018 LP Standards may feature swapped knobs and pickups, with the truss rod cover typically engraved with "Standard".

    Source
  • The control cavity and switch back plates are typically counter sunk with a rough texture, a feature standard from 2014.

    Source
  • The rosewood fretboard appearance between 2012-2018 can vary significantly, ranging from aesthetically pleasing to less desirable grey or ashy tones.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 2018 model may come with Burstbucker 1 & 2 pickups, which some find muddy compared to other options.

    Source
  • Traditionals from 2012-2018 typically feature 57 Classic and 57 Classic+ pickups, providing a distinct tonal quality that differs from Burstbuckers.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest replacing Gibson’s stock pots for improved sound clarity without the mud associated with stock pickups.

    Source
  • Owners have replaced the stock pickups with Dimarzio PAF Pro in the bridge and Humbucker from Hell in the neck for improved tone.

    Source
  • It's advised to check the truss rod nut, which should be a tapered brass nut rather than an Allen-wrench hex nut.

    Source
  • Some 2017 and earlier models might have pots mounted on a PCB board, which users can easily replace with 50s style wiring for better tonal output.

    Source

Comparisons

  • PRS CE24 is frequently preferred by players for its neck profile and tonal clarity over the 2018 LP Standard.

    Source
  • Traditionals from 2016 onwards may lack weight relief, similar to 50s Standards, affecting overall feel and resonance during play.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Buying used can save around $1000, and Sweetwater offers 0% financing, making it easier to manage costs.

    Source
  • A 2018 LP Standard was noted being listed for $850, potentially with a headstock repair, suggesting cautious inspection for authenticity.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners report discrepancies in fret nibbing compared to others, suggesting variability in build quality.

    Source

Other

  • Specific sprint run Traditionals exist without unpopular 2015 features like robot tuners and brass adjustable nuts, appealing to traditionalists seeking a classic Les Paul feel.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Tommy Thayer uses Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018

Tommy Thayer

Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via Photo

Tommy Thayer can be seen playing a Gibson Les Paul Standard 2018 during a jam session at Rock Fantasy Camp, as shown in a post on his official Instagram account.

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 2018, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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