Gibson LP Classic vs Standard

DragonSarc · 06-12-2009, 08:56 AM

ive tried to search it but cant find any topic here, whats the difference between those 2? i know the price on the Classic is few hundred cheaper than the Standard but is there a big difference in sound ( pickups difference I kinda know) and quality?

GibsonSlash · 06-12-2009, 09:36 AM

I would say their quality are not much different, I'm talking about early 2008 Standard (ones before the PCB mounted on the electronics).

Classic will sound hotter due to their ceramic pickups, Standard will have more vintage sound due the burstbucker pro in them.
Classic has greenish yellow inlays where Standard has regular pearl inlays.
Classic has slim tapper 60's neck profile, Standard has 2 options, 59's rounded and slim tapper 60's neck profile.
Classic will have the pick guard mounted by default, Standard will have it inside the case but not mounted (no drill holes on the body).

Which sounds better? It's subjective.

stax · 06-12-2009, 12:43 PM

It depends on the period, the first three years of the Classic (90-93) are highly regarded. They were more accurate of an original burst than the reissue of the time and are concidered to be of Custom Shop quality (the CS was created shortly after).

Many changes were made after 1993 so that scammers could not sell them as the higher priced reissues, some of which include the green inlays and the decal was changed to say "Classic" instead of "Model". The quality decreased through the years and more so in Y2K.

The early years are becoming collectable and are of a much higher quality than any Standard. Here is a picture of my 1992 Classic that my girlfriend at that time bought me new.

DragonSarc · 06-13-2009, 06:41 AM

nice gear stax and thanks for the info guys I was lookin at a Classic LP at craigslist selling at a really low price but it was sold its few hundred bucks less than standards

RobS · 06-16-2009, 07:49 AM

Dragonsarc,
Try the Traditional! I was looking at getting a Custom and happened to pick up and try the Traditional and the sound that came out of it was amazing. It is definetly heavier, something that I prefer so I bought it.

Sorry for straying from the difference between the Classic / Standard.....

Rob

marantz1300 · 06-16-2009, 09:48 AM

I have a Classic.It has SD Alnico pro 2's in it. It has great tone. Plays great too.

American Viking · 06-16-2009, 05:05 PM

the Gibson website gives accurate descriptions of both models. The only thing I can tell you right off the top of my head is that a Classic typically had '57 Classic pickups in the bridge and the Standard came with 500T's or at one time PAF's. I hear the Standards come with Burstbucker Pro's now. If everything about the Classic was to mimic the 50's then it would have a much fatter neck too since the 60's style necks were slim but I'm not positive on that.
I haven't seen any newer Classics but they did do a 1960 Standard or something like that that might have replaced it.
I've been trying to get my hands on a Standard for a long time but any Gibson Les Paul is worthy of my vote... except the abomination they call the robot or whatever they put EMG's in. ew

stax · 06-16-2009, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by American Viking

the Gibson website gives accurate descriptions of both models. The only thing I can tell you right off the top of my head is that a Classic typically had '57 Classic pickups in the bridge and the Standard came with 500T's or at one time PAF's. I hear the Standards come with Burstbucker Pro's now. If everything about the Classic was to mimic the 50's then it would have a much fatter neck too since the 60's style necks were slim but I'm not positive on that.
I haven't seen any newer Classics but they did do a 1960 Standard or something like that that might have replaced it.
I've been trying to get my hands on a Standard for a long time but any Gibson Les Paul is worthy of my vote... except the abomination they call the robot or whatever they put EMG's in. ew

The "Classic" was a pysdo 1960 reissue when it first came out in 1990. It was aimed at competing with the SuperStrat's of the time (as they were king), hence, the ceramic pickups (500t, not 57's) and the first time slim tapered neck for shredding. They slapped 1960 on the pickguard, though the neck is much thinner than any 60 neck. They hoped that Les Paul sales would pickup with the hairmetal and shredder types with this guitar, turns out that it was a great guitar in general.

DragonSarc · 06-24-2009, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobS

Dragonsarc,
Try the Traditional! I was looking at getting a Custom and happened to pick up and try the Traditional and the sound that came out of it was amazing. It is definetly heavier, something that I prefer so I bought it.

Sorry for straying from the difference between the Classic / Standard.....

Rob

that was my 2nd question guys whats the difference also with the Traditional? do they have the same body wood type?

the robot was interesting but I would never get 1 unless its really cheap : )

Im trying to get my hands on a Standard but its about 19h - 2k mint ive seen classic and traditional for 1100 - 1200 mint, should i jump on the classic and traditional if i see one again or wait for the standard?

Ralma · 06-25-2009, 06:04 AM

Hi DragonSarc. I'v recently bougth a LP Traditional. It's the best Gibson electric guitar I've played in a really long time. The wood is the same on both Standard and Traditional. So i Would definitely get a Traditional. It's designed to be like the late 80's, early 90's Standards, and in my opinion they're doing a pretty damn good job getting it close. But you should ofcause get the guitar that is right for you. The traditional comes with 57' classic and 57 classic plus pickup's, witch I really like for a classic rock tone or early Clapton/Peter Green blues. But go to your local guitar shop, try them both on same settings. Then dicide. Hope you got the help you were looking for.
/Rasmus, DK...

RobS · 06-25-2009, 06:47 AM

DragonSarc,
The traditional is a 'solid body' in that there is no holes routed under the top of the guitar so it is considerably heavier than a standard. Makes for a deeper / heavier sound on the dirty channel however when playing a clean slightly overdriven sound it is very warm sounding. Play around with the vol / tone pots on it and you get ome really nice sounds, however if you want it to scream....it sure will. Sustain on these models seems to go on forever. have a look on Youtube, there is a good demo of one on there.

Rob

Dino · 06-25-2009, 06:57 PM

I've got an '05 Standard Faded with a 60's neck that I really like ALOT.
Can't say the same for the Burstbucker Pros that came stock though.
They just sound way too harsh for my taste, so I swapped tham out for '57 Classics.

My other Les Paul is an old 80's era Korean Epiphone Custom.
It may not be a Gibson, but it still smokes!

American Viking · 06-26-2009, 12:00 AM

holy crap! what have you got in there? that looks pretty sweet, a little corny but i think it's still awesome!

stax · 06-27-2009, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobS

The traditional is a 'solid body' in that there is no holes routed under the top of the guitar

Wow! This is so not true.

Between the "new" Standard and Traditional, one has the old swiss cheese (holes of varying sizes drilled around the body) and the other has a chambered body (a massive amount of wood is gone).

The only "solid body" Les Pauls are Custom Shop Historic's.

American Viking · 06-28-2009, 07:00 PM

+1 absolutely right.

DragonSarc · 06-29-2009, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stax

Wow! This is so not true.

Between the "new" Standard and Traditional, one has the old swiss cheese (holes of varying sizes drilled around the body) and the other has a chambered body (a massive amount of wood is gone).

The only "solid body" Les Pauls are Custom Shop Historic's.

so the swiss cheese type has more solider body than the chambered?

Dino · 06-29-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DragonSarc

so the swiss cheese type has more solider body than the chambered?

Yep.

My '05 Standard Faded is "weight relieved" (swiss cheese holes) and it still weighs about 9 lbs. IIRC.

marantz1300 · 06-29-2009, 01:52 PM

Swiss cheese, chambered,solid.As long as it has the TONE ,who cares?

Dino · 06-29-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marantz1300

Swiss cheese, chambered,solid.As long as it has the TONE ,who cares?

Well, I think that's the point ...
Some would argue that drilling out holes or hollowing out a guitar body DOES have a great effect on tone. Of course, "TONE" is subject to interpretation from one listener to the next, so ...

stax · 06-30-2009, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dino

Well, I think that's the point ...
Some would argue that drilling out holes or hollowing out a guitar body DOES have a great effect on tone. Of course, "TONE" is subject to interpretation from one listener to the next, so ...

Tone is subjective, but you can hear the difference between a Les Paul and an ES-335. My point being, chambering is a semi-hollow guitar without sound holes (in a sense so is the swiss cheese). BTW, Gibson has been doing the swiss cheese since the early 80's.

I have played both the Standard and Traditional, both are sustain monsters, etc., but they aren't the Les Pauls I grew up with and they surely aren't my fathers Les Paul. Save your pennies and buy an early Classic or save a few more pennies and buy a Custom Shop R7 or R8.

American Viking · 06-30-2009, 04:50 PM

they drilled the swiss cheese holes as far back as the seventies..

i've been trying to trade a gold topped Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman for a Standard or Custom for a long time if anyone might be interested...

marantz1300 · 07-01-2009, 06:35 PM

So do Norlins sound better?

Dino · 07-02-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marantz1300

So do Norlins sound better?

Probably not a fair question considering "better" is really subject to personal preference.

DragonSarc · 07-08-2009, 07:45 AM

why is the classic cheaper than the standard if both is really close? I seen the classic about 1k and up but the standard goes from 1800 and up in mint condition.

Dino · 07-08-2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DragonSarc

why is the classic cheaper than the standard if both is really close? I seen the classic about 1k and up but the standard goes from 1800 and up in mint condition.

I believe the Classic is only available in a 60's neck profile, whereas I believe the Standard offers both the 50's and 60's neck options.
The only other difference that I'm aware of are the pickups.

DragonSarc · 07-09-2009, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dino

I believe the Classic is only available in a 60's neck profile, whereas I believe the Standard offers both the 50's and 60's neck options.
The only other difference that I'm aware of are the pickups.

just the neck size? for a 1k more wow - how about will a 2000 model classic be more valuable than the 2007 model classic with same specs? or should they be the same price?

Dino · 07-10-2009, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DragonSarc

just the neck size? for a 1k more wow - how about will a 2000 model classic be more valuable than the 2007 model classic with same specs? or should they be the same price?

Not just the neck profile, but the pickups as well.
I also believe the tops on the Standards are AA figured, whereas the Classics are just "plain" tops.

stax · 07-11-2009, 08:33 PM

You are correct, you are paying a premium for the "AA" top on the current Standard.

As I pointed out that the first three years of the Classic were of Custom Shop quality, they waned off each year after that and became a "budget" Les Paul by Y2K. Still very good guitars if you can get passed the green inlays!

steelhorse · 07-11-2009, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stax

You are correct, you are paying a premium for the "AA" top on the current Standard.

As I pointed out that the first three years of the Classic were of Custom Shop quality, they waned off each year after that and became a "budget" Les Paul by Y2K. Still very good guitars if you can get passed the green inlays!

Yeah green inlays, what's up with that? All of mine look amber but if you look close and hard enough there's a hint of vomit tinge.

DragonSarc · 07-12-2009, 02:23 AM

When did they start doing the classics? 1400 bucks good deal for a traditional?has few Bucklel rash and a scratch by the cable input the top is good. I got an offers for a mint classic for 1200 bucks and a traditional with buckle rash and few scratch at the bottom for 1400 bucks which 1 should I pick?

06-12-2009, 08:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
DragonSarc Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Leandro, CA Posts: 495	Gibson LP Classic vs Standard ive tried to search it but cant find any topic here, whats the difference between those 2? i know the price on the Classic is few hundred cheaper than the Standard but is there a big difference in sound ( pickups difference I kinda know) and quality? __________________ JVM410H w/ 1960 Vintage A & 1960 Lead B Valvestate 2000 AVT 100 W/ JJ tesla Hi-Gain Preamp Gibson LP studio faded mahagony w/ Burstbuckers Pro V MIJ ESP Edwards Les Paul w/ Duncan JB and 59's Fender American Strat w/ Noiseless Vintage pups LTD EC-500 Jackson Stealth Pro MIJ

06-12-2009, 12:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
stax Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 153	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard It depends on the period, the first three years of the Classic (90-93) are highly regarded. They were more accurate of an original burst than the reissue of the time and are concidered to be of Custom Shop quality (the CS was created shortly after). Many changes were made after 1993 so that scammers could not sell them as the higher priced reissues, some of which include the green inlays and the decal was changed to say "Classic" instead of "Model". The quality decreased through the years and more so in Y2K. The early years are becoming collectable and are of a much higher quality than any Standard. Here is a picture of my 1992 Classic that my girlfriend at that time bought me new.

06-13-2009, 06:41 AM	#4 (permalink)
DragonSarc Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Leandro, CA Posts: 495	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard nice gear stax and thanks for the info guys I was lookin at a Classic LP at craigslist selling at a really low price but it was sold its few hundred bucks less than standards __________________ JVM410H w/ 1960 Vintage A & 1960 Lead B Valvestate 2000 AVT 100 W/ JJ tesla Hi-Gain Preamp Gibson LP studio faded mahagony w/ Burstbuckers Pro V MIJ ESP Edwards Les Paul w/ Duncan JB and 59's Fender American Strat w/ Noiseless Vintage pups LTD EC-500 Jackson Stealth Pro MIJ

06-16-2009, 07:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
RobS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne - Australia Posts: 144	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard Dragonsarc, Try the Traditional! I was looking at getting a Custom and happened to pick up and try the Traditional and the sound that came out of it was amazing. It is definetly heavier, something that I prefer so I bought it. Sorry for straying from the difference between the Classic / Standard..... Rob

06-16-2009, 09:48 AM	#6 (permalink)
marantz1300 Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 51	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard I have a Classic.It has SD Alnico pro 2's in it. It has great tone. Plays great too.

06-16-2009, 05:05 PM	#7 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 1,510	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard the Gibson website gives accurate descriptions of both models. The only thing I can tell you right off the top of my head is that a Classic typically had '57 Classic pickups in the bridge and the Standard came with 500T's or at one time PAF's. I hear the Standards come with Burstbucker Pro's now. If everything about the Classic was to mimic the 50's then it would have a much fatter neck too since the 60's style necks were slim but I'm not positive on that. I haven't seen any newer Classics but they did do a 1960 Standard or something like that that might have replaced it. I've been trying to get my hands on a Standard for a long time but any Gibson Les Paul is worthy of my vote... except the abomination they call the robot or whatever they put EMG's in. ew __________________ -I'd rather be a good liver than have one...

06-25-2009, 06:04 AM	#10 (permalink)
Ralma Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 14	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard Hi DragonSarc. I'v recently bougth a LP Traditional. It's the best Gibson electric guitar I've played in a really long time. The wood is the same on both Standard and Traditional. So i Would definitely get a Traditional. It's designed to be like the late 80's, early 90's Standards, and in my opinion they're doing a pretty damn good job getting it close. But you should ofcause get the guitar that is right for you. The traditional comes with 57' classic and 57 classic plus pickup's, witch I really like for a classic rock tone or early Clapton/Peter Green blues. But go to your local guitar shop, try them both on same settings. Then dicide. Hope you got the help you were looking for. /Rasmus, DK...

06-25-2009, 06:47 AM	#11 (permalink)
RobS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne - Australia Posts: 144	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard DragonSarc, The traditional is a 'solid body' in that there is no holes routed under the top of the guitar so it is considerably heavier than a standard. Makes for a deeper / heavier sound on the dirty channel however when playing a clean slightly overdriven sound it is very warm sounding. Play around with the vol / tone pots on it and you get ome really nice sounds, however if you want it to scream....it sure will. Sustain on these models seems to go on forever. have a look on Youtube, there is a good demo of one on there. Rob

06-25-2009, 06:57 PM	#12 (permalink)
Dino Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 28	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard I've got an '05 Standard Faded with a 60's neck that I really like ALOT. Can't say the same for the Burstbucker Pros that came stock though. They just sound way too harsh for my taste, so I swapped tham out for '57 Classics. My other Les Paul is an old 80's era Korean Epiphone Custom. It may not be a Gibson, but it still smokes!

06-26-2009, 12:00 AM	#13 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 1,510	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard holy crap! what have you got in there? that looks pretty sweet, a little corny but i think it's still awesome! __________________ -I'd rather be a good liver than have one...

06-28-2009, 07:00 PM	#15 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 1,510	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard +1 absolutely right. __________________ -I'd rather be a good liver than have one...

06-29-2009, 01:52 PM	#18 (permalink)
marantz1300 Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 51	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard Swiss cheese, chambered,solid.As long as it has the TONE ,who cares?

06-30-2009, 04:50 PM	#21 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 1,510	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard they drilled the swiss cheese holes as far back as the seventies.. i've been trying to trade a gold topped Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman for a Standard or Custom for a long time if anyone might be interested... __________________ -I'd rather be a good liver than have one...

07-01-2009, 06:35 PM	#22 (permalink)
marantz1300 Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 51	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard So do Norlins sound better?

07-08-2009, 07:45 AM	#24 (permalink)
DragonSarc Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Leandro, CA Posts: 495	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard why is the classic cheaper than the standard if both is really close? I seen the classic about 1k and up but the standard goes from 1800 and up in mint condition. __________________ JVM410H w/ 1960 Vintage A & 1960 Lead B Valvestate 2000 AVT 100 W/ JJ tesla Hi-Gain Preamp Gibson LP studio faded mahagony w/ Burstbuckers Pro V MIJ ESP Edwards Les Paul w/ Duncan JB and 59's Fender American Strat w/ Noiseless Vintage pups LTD EC-500 Jackson Stealth Pro MIJ

07-11-2009, 08:33 PM	#28 (permalink)
stax Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 153	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard You are correct, you are paying a premium for the "AA" top on the current Standard. As I pointed out that the first three years of the Classic were of Custom Shop quality, they waned off each year after that and became a "budget" Les Paul by Y2K. Still very good guitars if you can get passed the green inlays!

07-12-2009, 02:23 AM	#30 (permalink)
DragonSarc Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Leandro, CA Posts: 495	Re: Gibson LP Classic vs Standard When did they start doing the classics? 1400 bucks good deal for a traditional?has few Bucklel rash and a scratch by the cable input the top is good. I got an offers for a mint classic for 1200 bucks and a traditional with buckle rash and few scratch at the bottom for 1400 bucks which 1 should I pick? __________________ JVM410H w/ 1960 Vintage A & 1960 Lead B Valvestate 2000 AVT 100 W/ JJ tesla Hi-Gain Preamp Gibson LP studio faded mahagony w/ Burstbuckers Pro V MIJ ESP Edwards Les Paul w/ Duncan JB and 59's Fender American Strat w/ Noiseless Vintage pups LTD EC-500 Jackson Stealth Pro MIJ

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