Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,400
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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High-end
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Description
The Gibson Les Paul XR-1 Electric Guitar is a distinguished member of the iconic Les Paul family, bringing together classic craftsmanship and modern enhancements to cater to today's discerning musicians. This solid body electric guitar is revered for its versatile sound capabilities and robust build, making it a staple for both studio recordings and live performances. With its mahogany body and maple top, the Les Paul XR-1 provides rich, resonant tones that are ideal for a wide range of musical genres.
Its dual humbucking pickups deliver powerful, clear sound with minimal noise, allowing for expressive play that captures every nuance of your performance. The set neck construction and rosewood fingerboard offer a smooth, comfortable playing experience, while the reliable hardware ensures tuning stability and precise intonation. Whether you're playing searing leads or lush chords, the Les Paul XR-1 stands as a testament to Gibson's legacy of quality and innovation.
Key Features:
- Solid body construction for enhanced durability and sound quality
- Mahogany body with a maple top for rich, full tones
- Dual humbucking pickups for powerful, noise-free sound
- Set neck construction for improved sustain and comfort
- Rosewood fingerboard with traditional trapezoid inlays
- Reliable hardware for stable tuning and precise intonation
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Les Paul XR-1 |
| Finish | Cherry Sunburst, Goldburst, Silverburst, Tobacco Sunburst |
| Year | 1981 - 1982 |
| 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 | Brown, Gold, Red, Silver |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson Les Paul |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Les Paul XR |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Series | Gibson Norlin Era |
| Top Material | Maple |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul XR-1?
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The Gibson Les Paul XR-1 features a set-neck construction with a maple neck, providing a comfortable and smooth playability typical of the Les Paul series, suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
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What kind of pickups does the Gibson Les Paul XR-1 have and what tones can I expect?
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The Gibson Les Paul XR-1 is equipped with humbucking pickups in an HH configuration, delivering a rich, warm tone with excellent sustain, ideal for rock, blues, and jazz genres.
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Is the Gibson Les Paul XR-1 suitable for beginners?
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While the Gibson Les Paul XR-1 is a high-quality instrument that appeals to experienced players, its solid construction and versatile sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners looking for a long-term investment.
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What are the finish options available for the Gibson Les Paul XR-1?
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The Gibson Les Paul XR-1 is available in several sunburst finishes, including Cherry Sunburst, Goldburst, Silverburst, and Tobacco Sunburst, allowing for aesthetic variety.
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What is the scale length of the Gibson Les Paul XR-1 and how does it affect playability?
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The Gibson Les Paul XR-1 has a 24.75" scale length, which contributes to a slightly looser string tension and a warmer tone, making it comfortable for bending strings and playing chords.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
The Steve Clark of Def Leppard Guitar | 1980 Gibson Les Paul XR-1 Goldburst | Review and Demo
The Steve Clark of Def Leppard Guitar | 1980 Gibson Les Paul XR-1 Goldburst | Review and Demo
The Trogly's Guitar Show
1981 Gibson XR-1 Les Paul Gold Burst | CME Vintage Demo | Alex Chadwick
Chicago Music Exchange
Gibson Les Paul XR-1 - Steve Clark's Pyromania Era Guitar of Choice
bwm5150
1981 Gibson XR-1 Electric Hello Music
HelloMusicVideos
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul XR-1 Electric Guitar.
Features and functionality
Mods and upgrades
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Owners have swapped the bridge pickup for a 4-wire Bill Lawrence L500R in the neck, complementing the original Tim Shaw Dirty Fingers in the bridge for enhanced tonal flexibility.
Source -
The original Dirty Fingers pickups retain clarity at high gain, unlike many high-output pickups; connecting the coil tap enhances versatility beyond typical split coil setups.
Source
User experience
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A guitar from 1981 weighs about 10.5 lbs, indicating a solid build that contributes to its powerful tone.
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Some users encounter dissatisfaction when installations by less experienced techs lead to sound issues, indicating the importance of professional setup for optimal performance.
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Owners report that original parts, like pickups and bridges, can significantly impact the guitar's authenticity and resale value.
Source
Comparisons
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The Les Paul XR-1 is noted as a precursor to the LP Studio, offering a unique historical and functional perspective for enthusiasts.
Source
Build quality
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
53
e(X)tended (R)ange -1 is AWESOME!
In a nutshell. It is a Les Paul Standard with no bindings, no weight relief, no pick guard, with (2) Tim Shaw "Dirty Finger" humbuckers and a coil tap (splitter). This guitar sounds clear and tough. Steve Clark of course used it on most of the early songs, and he used it stock. Except he seems to have reversed the polarization on neck pickup on "Let it Go" (see the video). And, this guitar is all rock and roll with those super hot pickups.
People say it was the "Prelude" to the Studio. Well, yes and no. It was developed as its own model. Other than the shape, it is has little resemblance. The Studio, is relieved in weight, has cooler pickups, no coil tap.
There were 2 other models, the XR-2 and X-3. Neither of those two models come close to the the rocking sound you get from the XR-1. The XR series was made from 1980 to 1983, and some copies are floating around from late 1979 (like December late).
This is a aesthetically stripped down standard, with arguably a more rocking sound in comparison. And, on the slower clean songs, you can still get the Standard sound by flipping that "Tap".
Artist usage
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Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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