A Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is a unique and versatile instrument that has been used by some of the most famous musicians in the world, including Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, and Bruce Springsteen. With its rich, full sound and distinctive look, the Les Paul 12-string is a great choice for players who want to add a touch of sonic excitement to their music.
Editor’s Note:The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is a popular choice for guitarists who want a versatile and powerful instrument. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the history of the Les Paul 12-string, as well as its features and benefits. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right Les Paul 12-string for your needs.
After analyzing dozens of user reviews, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you make the right decision on if the Gibson Les Paul 12-string is the right guitar for you.
Key Differences
| Gibson Les Paul 12-String | |
|---|---|
| Body | Mahogany body with a maple top |
| Neck | Mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard |
| Pickups | Two humbuckers |
| Bridge | Tune-o-matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece |
Main Article Topics
- The history of the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar
- The features and benefits of the Les Paul 12-string
- How to choose the right Les Paul 12-string for your needs
1. Body
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar’s body is made of mahogany with a maple top. This combination of woods gives the guitar a warm, resonant tone with plenty of sustain. The mahogany body provides a solid foundation for the guitar’s sound, while the maple top adds brightness and clarity. This combination of woods is also very durable, making the Les Paul 12-string a great choice for players who want a guitar that can withstand the rigors of the road.
The body of the Les Paul 12-string is also responsible for the guitar’s distinctive look. The mahogany body is finished in a beautiful cherry red, while the maple top is finished in a natural blonde. This combination of colors gives the guitar a classic look that is sure to turn heads.
The body of the Les Paul 12-string is an important part of what makes it such a great guitar. The combination of mahogany and maple woods gives the guitar a warm, resonant tone with plenty of sustain. The body is also very durable, making the Les Paul 12-string a great choice for players who want a guitar that can withstand the rigors of the road.
| Mahogany body | Maple top | |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Warm, resonant | Bright, clear |
| Sustain | Long | Long |
| Durability | High | High |
| Look | Classic | Beautiful |
2. Neck
The neck of the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is made of mahogany with a rosewood fingerboard. This combination of woods provides a comfortable playing experience with a warm, resonant tone.
- Playability: The mahogany neck is smooth and comfortable to play, even for extended periods of time. The rosewood fingerboard provides a natural feel and is very responsive to the player’s touch. This combination of woods makes the Les Paul 12-string a great choice for players of all skill levels.
- Tone: The mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard contribute to the Les Paul 12-string’s warm, resonant tone. The mahogany neck provides a solid foundation for the guitar’s sound, while the rosewood fingerboard adds brightness and clarity. This combination of woods gives the Les Paul 12-string a versatile sound that can be used for a variety of genres, from rock to country to blues.
- Durability: The mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard are both very durable woods, making the Les Paul 12-string a great choice for players who want a guitar that can withstand the rigors of the road. The mahogany neck is resistant to warping and bending, while the rosewood fingerboard is resistant to wear and tear.
- Looks: The mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard give the Les Paul 12-string a classic look that is sure to turn heads. The mahogany neck is finished in a beautiful cherry red, while the rosewood fingerboard is finished in a natural black. This combination of colors gives the guitar a timeless look that will never go out of style.
Overall, the mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard of the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar provide a comfortable playing experience, a warm, resonant tone, and a classic look. This combination of features makes the Les Paul 12-string a great choice for players of all skill levels and genres.
3. Pickups
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is equipped with two humbuckers, which are a type of pickup that uses two coils to cancel out noise and produce a fuller, richer sound. Humbuckers are a popular choice for electric guitars because they provide a powerful, versatile sound that can be used for a variety of genres, from rock to blues to jazz.
On the Les Paul 12-string, the two humbuckers are mounted in the neck and bridge positions. The neck humbucker has a slightly warmer, smoother sound, while the bridge humbucker has a brighter, more articulate sound. This combination of pickups gives the Les Paul 12-string a wide range of tonal possibilities, making it a great choice for players who want a guitar that can handle a variety of musical styles.
In addition to their tonal versatility, the two humbuckers on the Les Paul 12-string are also very durable. Humbuckers are less susceptible to feedback than single-coil pickups, making them a good choice for players who play at high volumes. The humbuckers on the Les Paul 12-string are also wax potted, which helps to reduce feedback even further.
Overall, the two humbuckers on the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar are a major contributor to the guitar’s sound and versatility. Humbuckers provide a powerful, full sound that is perfect for a variety of genres, and they are also very durable. This makes the Les Paul 12-string a great choice for players who want a guitar that can handle a variety of musical styles and playing conditions.
Key Insights:
- Humbuckers are a type of pickup that uses two coils to cancel out noise and produce a fuller, richer sound.
- The Les Paul 12-string
guitar is equipped with two humbuckers, one in the neck position and one in the bridge position. - The neck humbucker has a slightly warmer, smoother sound, while the bridge humbucker has a brighter, more articulate sound.
- This combination of pickups gives the Les Paul 12-string a wide range of tonal possibilities, making it a great choice for players who want a guitar that can handle a variety of musical styles.
- Humbuckers are also very durable and less susceptible to feedback than single-coil pickups, making them a good choice for players who play at high volumes.
4. Bridge
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is equipped with a Tune-o-matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece. This type of bridge is commonly used on electric guitars and is known for its stability and intonation. The Tune-o-matic bridge allows for precise adjustment of the string height and intonation, while the stopbar tailpiece helps to keep the strings in place and prevent them from slipping out of the bridge.
- Stability: The Tune-o-matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece is a very stable design, which is important for a guitar with 12 strings. The bridge is securely mounted to the body of the guitar, and the stopbar tailpiece helps to keep the strings in place. This makes the Les Paul 12-string a great choice for players who want a guitar that will stay in tune, even under heavy playing conditions.
- Intonation: The Tune-o-matic bridge allows for precise adjustment of the string intonation. This is important for ensuring that the guitar plays in tune at all frets. The stopbar tailpiece also helps to keep the strings in place, which contributes to the guitar’s overall intonation.
- Sustain: The Tune-o-matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece helps to sustain the guitar’s notes. The bridge is designed to transfer the vibrations of the strings to the body of the guitar, which helps to create a longer sustain. The stopbar tailpiece also helps to keep the strings in place, which prevents them from muting against the bridge.
- Versatility: The Tune-o-matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece is a versatile design that can be used with a variety of string gauges and playing styles. The bridge can be adjusted to accommodate different string gauges, and the stopbar tailpiece can be used to adjust the string tension. This makes the Les Paul 12-string a great choice for players who want a guitar that can be used for a variety of musical styles.
Overall, the Tune-o-matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece is a great choice for the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar. This type of bridge is stable, intonated, and versatile, making it a great choice for players of all skill levels and genres.
5. Scale length
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar has a scale length of 24.75 inches. This means that the distance from the nut to the bridge is 24.75 inches. The scale length is an important factor in determining the sound and playability of a guitar. A longer scale length results in a tighter string tension, which produces a brighter sound with more sustain. A shorter scale length results in a looser string tension, which produces a warmer sound with less sustain.
The 24.75-inch scale length of the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is a good compromise between these two extremes. It provides a bright sound with plenty of sustain, while still being comfortable to play. This makes the Les Paul 12-string a versatile guitar that can be used for a variety of genres, from rock to country to blues.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between different scale lengths:
| Scale Length | Sound | Sustain | Playability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24.75 inches | Bright | Good | Comfortable |
| 25.5 inches | Brighter | More | Less comfortable |
| 24 inches | Warmer | Less | More comfortable |
Ultimately, the best scale length for a guitar is a matter of personal preference. However, the 24.75-inch scale length of the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is a good choice for players who want a versatile guitar with a bright sound and good sustain.
6. Weight
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is a relatively heavy guitar, weighing in at 9-10 pounds. This is due to its solid mahogany body and maple top, as well as its two humbuckers and other hardware. The weight of the guitar can be a factor in its playability, especially for players who are not used to playing heavy guitars.
- Comfort: The weight of the Les Paul 12-string can make it uncomfortable to play for long periods of time, especially when standing up. Players who are not used to playing heavy guitars may find that the Les Paul 12-string is too heavy for them to play comfortably.
- Sound: The weight of the Les Paul 12-string can also affect its sound. The heavy body and hardware contribute to the guitar’s sustain and resonance. This can be a good thing for players who want a guitar with a big, full sound. However, it can also be a drawback for players who prefer a lighter guitar with a brighter sound.
- Playability: The weight of the Les Paul 12-string can also affect its playability. The heavy body and hardware can make it more difficult to play fast, intricate passages. This can be a drawback for players who want a guitar that is easy to play.
- Overall: The weight of the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is a factor that players should consider when choosing a guitar. The weight of the guitar can affect its comfort, sound, and playability. Players who are not used to playing heavy guitars may find that the Les Paul 12-string is too heavy for them to play comfortably. Players who want a guitar with a big, full sound may prefer the Les Paul 12-string’s heavy body and hardware. Players who want a guitar that is easy to play may prefer a lighter guitar.
7. Price
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is a high-end instrument with a price tag to match. But what exactly do you get for your money? Let’s take a closer look at the factors that contribute to the cost of this guitar.
- Materials: The Les Paul 12-string is made from high-quality materials, including a mahogany body, maple top, and rosewood fingerboard. These materials are not only beautiful, but they also contribute to the guitar’s sound and playability.
- Construction: The Les Paul 12-string is built by skilled craftsmen using traditional methods. This attention to detail is evident in the guitar’s fit and finish, as well as its overall quality.
- Hardware: The Les Paul 12-string is equipped with high-quality hardware, including a Tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece, and two humbuckers. This hardware is durable and reliable, and it contribu
tes to the guitar’s sound and playability. - Electronics: The Les Paul 12-string is equipped with high-quality electronics, including a three-way pickup selector, two volume controls, and two tone controls. These electronics allow you to dial in a wide range of sounds, from clean to distorted.
When you combine all of these factors, it’s easy to see why the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is priced the way it is. This is a high-quality instrument that is built to last. If you’re looking for a guitar that will give you years of enjoyment, the Les Paul 12-string is a great option.
8. Famous players
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar has been used by some of the most famous and influential guitarists in the world, including Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, and Bruce Springsteen. These players have used the Les Paul 12-string to create some of the most iconic rock music of all time.
- Jimmy Page: Jimmy Page is best known for his work with Led Zeppelin. He used the Les Paul 12-string on many of Led Zeppelin’s most famous songs, including “Stairway to Heaven” and “Kashmir.” Page’s use of the Les Paul 12-string helped to create the band’s signature sound, which was characterized by its heavy, powerful riffs and soaring melodies.
- Pete Townshend: Pete Townshend is best known for his work with The Who. He used the Les Paul 12-string on many of The Who’s most famous songs, including “My Generation” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” Townshend’s use of the Les Paul 12-string helped to create the band’s signature sound, which was characterized by its aggressive, distorted guitars and catchy melodies.
- Bruce Springsteen: Bruce Springsteen is best known for his work as a solo artist. He has used the Les Paul 12-string on many of his most famous songs, including “Born to Run” and “Thunder Road.” Springsteen’s use of the Les Paul 12-string helped to create his signature sound, which is characterized by its heartland rock style and anthemic melodies.
These are just a few examples of the many famous players who have used the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar. This guitar has been used on some of the most iconic rock recordings of all time, and it continues to be a popular choice for guitarists of all levels.
9. Sound
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is renowned for its rich, full, and resonant sound. This unique sonic character is the result of several factors, including the guitar’s body construction, pickup configuration, and scale length.
- Body Construction: The Les Paul 12-string features a solid mahogany body with a maple top. This combination of woods produces a warm, resonant tone with plenty of sustain. The mahogany body provides a solid foundation for the guitar’s sound, while the maple top adds brightness and clarity.
- Pickup Configuration: The Les Paul 12-string is equipped with two humbuckers, which are a type of pickup that uses two coils to cancel out noise and produce a fuller, richer sound. The neck humbucker has a slightly warmer, smoother sound, while the bridge humbucker has a brighter, more articulate sound. This combination of pickups gives the Les Paul 12-string a wide range of tonal possibilities, making it a great choice for players who want a guitar that can handle a variety of musical styles.
- Scale Length: The Les Paul 12-string has a scale length of 24.75 inches. This scale length is a good compromise between a shorter scale length, which produces a warmer sound with less sustain, and a longer scale length, which produces a brighter sound with more sustain. The 24.75-inch scale length of the Les Paul 12-string gives it a bright, resonant sound with plenty of sustain.
The combination of these factors gives the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar its signature sound. This guitar is known for its warm, resonant tone, its versatility, and its ability to handle a variety of musical styles. If you’re looking for a guitar with a rich, full, and resonant sound, the Gibson Les Paul 12-string is a great choice.
10. Versatility
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is a versatile instrument that can be used for a variety of genres, from rock to country to blues. This is due to its unique combination of features, including its warm, resonant sound, its comfortable playability, and its ability to handle a variety of tunings.
- Tonal Versatility: The Les Paul 12-string’s combination of two humbuckers and a three-way pickup selector gives it a wide range of tonal possibilities. The neck humbucker has a warmer, smoother sound, while the bridge humbucker has a brighter, more articulate sound. This combination of pickups allows the Les Paul 12-string to handle a variety of genres, from clean jazz to heavy rock.
- Playability: The Les Paul 12-string has a comfortable body shape and a smooth, fast neck. This makes it easy to play for extended periods of time, even for players with smaller hands. The guitar’s 24.75-inch scale length also makes it easy to play chords and melodies.
- Tuning Versatility: The Les Paul 12-string can be tuned in a variety of ways, including standard tuning, open tunings, and drop tunings. This makes it a great choice for players who want to explore different sounds and styles.
Overall, the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is a versatile instrument that can be used for a variety of genres, from rock to country to blues. Its unique combination of features makes it a great choice for players of all levels and styles.
FAQs for Gibson Les Paul 12-String Guitar
Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is a popular choice among musicians due to its versatility and rich sound. Here are some frequently asked questions about this guitar:
Question 1: What are the key features of the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar?
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar features a mahogany body with a maple top, a rosewood fingerboard with 24 frets, two humbuckers, a Tune-o-matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece, and a scale length of 24.75 inches.
Question 2: What is the sound of the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar like?
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar has a warm, resonant sound with plenty of sustain. The combination of the mahogany body and maple top gives the guitar a rich, full tone, while the two humbuckers provide a versatile range of sounds, from clean and clear to overdriven and distorted.
Question 3: Is the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar easy to play?
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar has a comfortable body shape and a smooth, fast neck, making it easy to play for extended periods of time. The guitar’s 24.75-inch scale length also makes it easy to play chords and melodies.
Question 4: Is the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar durable?
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is built with high-quality materials and construction, making it a durable instrument that can withstand the rigors of regular use. The mahogany body and maple top are both strong and resistant to damage, and the rosewood fingerboard is a
lso very durable.
Question 5: How much does the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar cost?
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is a high-end instrument, and its price reflects that. The guitar typically sells for between $2,500 and $3,500.
Question 6: Who are some famous players who have used the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar?
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar has been used by some of the most famous and influential guitarists in the world, including Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, and Bruce Springsteen.
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is a versatile and durable instrument with a rich, resonant sound. It is a great choice for players of all levels and styles.
Tips for Gibson Les Paul 12-String Guitar
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is a versatile and powerful instrument that can be used for a variety of genres, from rock to country to blues. However, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your Les Paul 12-string.
Tip 1: Use the right strings. The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is designed to be used with 12-string guitar strings. Using the wrong strings can damage the guitar or cause it to play out of tune.
Tip 2: Tune the guitar properly. The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar has a unique tuning. It is important to tune the guitar properly to ensure that it plays in tune and sounds its best.
Tip 3: Use the right pickup combination. The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar has two humbuckers. You can use the pickup selector switch to combine the pickups in different ways to get a variety of sounds.
Tip 4: Experiment with different playing techniques. The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar can be played in a variety of ways. Experiment with different picking and strumming techniques to find the sounds that you like best.
Tip 5: Take care of your guitar. The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is a valuable instrument. It is important to take care of your guitar to ensure that it lasts for many years to come.
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar. This versatile instrument can be used for a variety of genres, and it is sure to provide you with years of enjoyment.
If you are interested in learning more about the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar, there are a number of resources available online. You can also find a variety of tutorials and videos that can help you learn how to play the guitar.
Conclusion
The Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is a versatile and powerful instrument that has been used by some of the most famous musicians in the world. With its rich, full sound and distinctive look, the Les Paul 12-string is a great choice for players who want to add a touch of sonic excitement to their music.
In this article, we’ve explored the history of the Les Paul 12-string, as well as its features and benefits. We’ve also provided some tips on how to choose the right Les Paul 12-string for your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the Gibson Les Paul 12-string guitar is an instrument that you should definitely consider.
