The New Classic
In the pantheon of classic solidbody electric guitars, it doesn’t get any more classic than a Les Paul with P-90 pickups. We present to you the Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s P-90. Your fingers will fly on this guitar’s silky, rosewood fingerboard and Plek’d frets. Fitted with a pair of Gibson’s legendary P-90 pickups, this ’Paul growls with the big cats. All the classic elements are here: carved maple top over solid mahogany, trapezoid fingerboard inlays, and creamy fingerboard binding with signature Gibson “nibs” — even the ones you don’t see, like handwired circuitry with Orange Drop caps. And you’ll enjoy effortless playability courtesy of a pleasantly chunky vintage ’50s profile neck. If you’ve been wanting a modern Les Paul with a stout neck feel, P-90s, and premium appointments, Sweetwater has the one you’ve been waiting for. Take a walk on the classic side with the Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s P-90.
The P-90: dare to sound different
We have many fiercely loyal P-90 fans here at Sweetwater. These guitarists know that the P-90 offers a unique tonal palette that is distinct from — and complements — humbuckers and traditional single-coils. Gibson’s first successful single-coil pickup, the P-90 can be heard on countless classic recordings. With its biting treble and high output, the P-90 cleans up nicely when you roll back your guitar’s volume pot. It’s an amazingly versatile pickup with its own brand of grit — a bit brighter, leaner, and less refined than a humbucker and almost as hot. Hit your amp hard, and the P-90 really wails. Plugged into a proper high-gain tube amp, you can elicit grind, sizzle, and bark that would be impossible with humbuckers — or with other single-coils, for that matter. To hear P-90s brilliantly deployed in historical context, check out Santana’s fiery Woodstock performance or the Who’s masterful Live at Leeds album.
Vintage ’50s neck and Plek’d frets for optimized playability
Comfort and playability were two of Gibson’s primary concerns when they were designing the Les Paul Standard ’50s P-90. You’ll be delighted by how this guitar’s vintage ’50s neck profile comfortably fills your hand in just the right way. For your playing pleasure, the rosewood fingerboard is buffed to silky smoothness and bound with rolled edges so that no fret ends impede your dexterity. The frets are dressed to perfection using a Plek Pro machine for optimized playability. Typically reserved for top-dollar custom guitars, this process levels the frets with pinpoint precision, providing you with the most playable fretboard you’re likely to own.
Nitro finish for the look and feel of a classic
Gibson gave the Les Paul Standard ’50s P-90 a gorgeous nitrocellulose lacquer finish. Nitro finishes — standard back in the day — are significantly thinner than today’s polyurethane finishes, allowing the guitar to “breathe.” Nitro finishes not only look amazing, but they also enhance the instrument’s tonal qualities. The Les Paul Standard ’50s P-90 has the look and feel of a lovingly cared-for classic — one that will only improve with age.
Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s P-90 Solidbody Electric Guitar Features:
- Iconic Les Paul tonewood combo of a rich-sounding mahogany body and definition-enhancing maple top
- Mahogany neck carved into a chunky vintage ‘50s profile
- Sleek rosewood fingerboard in a do-it-all 12-inch radius studded with 22 medium jumbo frets for enhanced playability
- Dual P-90 pickups capture the classic pre-humbucker Les Paul tone, with stunning articulation and a midrange-forward bite
- Period-correct electronic, including Orange Drop capacitors
- Old-school ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge with a classic stopbar tailpiece delivers ringing sustain
- Elegant appointments all around: top binding; neck binding, fingerboard binding nibs; beautiful trapezoid inlays; and Vintage Deluxe tuning machines
- Lightweight nitro finish allows the guitar to naturally age and sing to its full potential
