50's vs 60's Les Paul Standard - What's The Difference?!

Whether it be Gibson or Epiphone, Dagan delves deep into the differences between these 2 guitars that on the surface look the same, but feel and sound quite different! The Les Paul Standard is one of the most iconic guitars of all time, it's tone can be heard on a variety of genres, from funk to metal, and everything in between!
It's been an interesting ride for the Les Paul since it was launched in 1952, with a few different variations, but the most popular by far is definitely the 50's & 60's Les Paul. Let us help you find the perfect Les Paul for you!
Get yourself your very own Les Paul at PMT Online below!
The guitars used in this video:
Gibson Les Paul Standard 50's Tobacco Burst - bit.ly/3YwJ9XJ
Gibson Les Paul Standard 60's Unburst - bit.ly/3XMX8Yp
All Gibson Les Pauls - bit.ly/3YIIqT0
All Epiphone Les Pauls - bit.ly/4113FkL
00:00 Intro & What's Coming Up!
01:47 Colour Options
03:35 Maple Top Differences
04:24 Knobs, Controls & Plastics
04:48 Neck Profile!
06:57 Hardware Variations
07:53 Pickup Comparison
10:42 The Similarities
#Gibson #GibsonLesPaul #Epiphone #EpiphoneLesPaul #LesPaulStandard
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[@johngee4306]

The iconic looks, the sound, the feel. These are the real deal.

[@PMTVUK]

🤘🤘

[@toxicmartoc]

Nothing beats a les paul, they aren't the most comfortable guitars to play but somehow, they inspire you to play differently and obviously they are just beautiful.

[@diggy3746]

great video! just got a 50s tobacco burst and cool to know the small details and differences. also love your playing

[@brentkermusic]

60’s slim taper neck is my personal favorite! Awesome and enthusiastic review as always Dagan! 🤘 Nice playing!

[@martinclayton7260]

I'd take that 50's every time! I love that tobacco sunburst colour.

[@billydworrell8259]

Great comparison between the pickup s, I could actually hear the subtle warmth Ness in the 50s vs the 60s slightly more crisp snap. Not a huge difference but when played side by side. You can hear it.

[@LMacNeill]

I imagine the difference is even more pronounced when they're not being run through the KZbin audio compression. I'd love to hear a pair of these in person, side by side.

[@jls8]

I really wanted a 60s color (bourbon burst) and neck, but with the 50s hardware (pickups, tuners, knobs). So the solution was to keep an eye at the Gibson MOD shop and I found exactly what I wanted. Great stuff there!

[@TeShan-lf7kq]

Awesome review! Gonna have to go with the 50's . This review was a great help with my decision! Thanks so much! 🙏🎸☯️

[@veronicaf.6680]

I have the 60s Ice Tea. I like the slimmer neck. Wish I had this video when I was shopping for it. Would have saved me time researching.Great video explaining the two.

[@AlisonGirelli]

Tried the 50s in that color yesterday and probably it’ll be my next guitar.

[@henry66699]

Nice video, good explaining and nice playing...wish I could play like you man...I am just starting out.

[@kaizen209]

I've played "superstrats" all my life (Jackson…Charvel.) Just ordered my first Gibson, a bourbon burst 50s. I don't play much high gain metal anymore, transitioning to a more bluesy, classic rock sound, so that factored alot into my decision. Ironically, coming from playing "fast, slim necks" most of my life, I was pleasantly surprised that I preferred the solid thick neck of the Standard 50s as well. Really looking forward into taking this journey.

[@aureliusandthespiral]

Nice video. I tried both for a while, and I fell for a new 50s standard that plays incredibly. Turns out the pickups were mixed. 61 in the bridge and the burstbucker in the neck. Good ol' Gibson qc. I'm not complaining. It's a bloody gorgeous guitar

[@johngee4306]

Youve scored, it’s a perfect combination.

[@fionnmaccumhaill3257]

That's not a QC issue, they were issued that way from the factory.

[@johnskerlec9663]

Nice vid man. I've found vintage pups are great for over driving amps and maintaining control with playing dynamics. As with pups with more output, there seems to be less headroom (ie higher natural saturation pushing into the amp). Not a bad thing but it asks you to attack the instrument in a different way (depending on what style you want to express). I love classic chime but really like high gain also. I guess it's one of the reasons I have several guitars with different options. Great post.

[@Darrin67]

I've always played Strats and was used to the standard American made strat neck profile. Went into GC one day and tried out both the 50s and the 60s and LOVED the 50s. Neck is definitely fatter than on the strat, but it seems to make me play differently and write music differently than when Im on the strat. May add a 60s to my lineup later, but for now, the 50s is where its at.

[@jimmcdougall9973]

My favourite is the L6S Deluxe. Broomstick neck, plays like butter. I’ve had her since 1978. In ‘83 I put in a set of Dirty Fingers and she sings! Would trade her for anything.

[@user-xe7mc3ug2y]

1 of the best vids on this topic 👍

[@aonortac]

Fantastic guitars overall... I have a 2020 60's Standard in bourbon burst, my go to guitar for LP tones!

[@alexguitar841]

Awesome playing man! I ended up getting a 50 standard but swapped the pickups for Seymour Duncan antiquities. Really nails that Telecaster on steroids

[@GuitarGuyATX]

Good video. Thanks man

[@jesse8330]

Just got my first lp standard 60s limited edition tri burst a true rocking machine

[@guitarsandcheesecake1632]

Great video. I've got 5 Gibson les Paul's. Got 2 from pmt Cardiff. The 60s seems as if it's a bit like my les paul classic. So it may be a 50s for me. In sunburst!!

[@ozzyfarrow9872]

Great video I went for the 60s

[@MrNeurotix]

I dream about both 🙂 Dagen, could you do a video about de differences (and similarities) of a custom shop, standard, classic, studio and tribute pls. thanks

[@opinionhaver574]

Bought a '60s unburst and '50s gold top P-90 - they're both freaking awesome. I prefer the slimmer neck and the Grovers on the '60s but I wouldn't change a thing on the gold top.

[@gianfrancodelsoldato6862]

Hello, I am in doubt as to which of the two to buy. Do p90s make a lot of hum?

[@sleevelessace]

coming from a uncovered slash epiphone afd special 2 i was first upset with the 50s cause the bridge output wasnt as bright with high gain distortion but over time after i learnt how to dial it in (with the extra 2 knobs on this one opposed 2 my afd), im so happy i stuck with this beauty, the epiphone side has probuckers 1 in neck +2 in bridge on the 50s , or probucker 2,3 for the 60s and my afd was closer to the 60s i guess n maybe i was expecting that from the 50s, but better cause its more expensive then my lp special lol? Lol im a intermediate guitar player this is my 2nd les paul aswell so ya, but im so happy with my 50s gold top, such an amazing guitar for blues rock and now after i learnt how to use it right also for higher gain metal! which for 2 weeks i felt that was its Achilles heel but its really not it was just my ears accustomed to a different pickup for so long lol i havnt played the 60s but i wouldnt trade in my 50s gold top for anything!!

[@kevinvezina6535]

I just bought a heritage cherryburst 50's and love it...the neck feels amazing....i like the burstbuckers 1 and 2(paf) over the 61s because they are warmer with less shrill in the bridge...i believe this is due to the alnico 2 magnets instead of the alnico 5 in the 61s

[@Solvs913]

Wow I love your finger twiddle on the neck strings 😂😂😂😂😂I’ve never seen that before 🎉🎉🎉I’m going to add it to my repertoire 😂😂Good job lad your videos are alway FUN and informative 50s for me all day long 😂😂

[@imnotchristopher]

LOVE THE VV SHIRT. Ville for life O__O sorry off topic

[@rickflippin1]

I own both plus a 2002 standard with special wiring harness tonight the gig will get the 60’s unburst cause its the one

[@ManMartin]

Thanks. Good job 🤟

[@adamchrisz]

Love your T-shirt!

[@user-cd2cz3tv3u]

I’ve played a 20 yr old Sg (got new back in early/mid 2000’s, for a gift/1st brand name guitar, got very lucky. Has 60. Neck 490r/498t, the grain of wood and feel and sound is great! Love it). ; But seeing ive always loved LP’s & 20 yrs wirh my orginal axe, saw gibson went back to old school for new (2023 standards), i went for the 60s model burst, it looks great, feels good but different around heel lol), Big question is due to having spent a pretty $ on this brand new 60’s LP standard burst…im familar with 61 (or sny burstbuckers), i assumed the 490/498t was a very close model to the classic rock PAF

[@ghostheart-music]

Awesome Ville Valo shirt 🤘

[@Evan-Loftus]

I tried the 60s standard and it sounded and felt so much better than the 50s custom shop. But I really do wanna try the p90 50s standard I just don’t know how big the neck difference is between the 50s and 60s

[@johnlloyd9613]

I have both Love them all!!

[@DrDespicable]

I like the '50s tone, but also prefer the '60s neck - is there a way to get both? Also, Dagan, what are your thoughts on the Epiphone Les Paul Classic? I've been having some... intimate thoughts about getting one of those.

[@thegrandpencil4374]

Yes. Buy a set of the 50's pickups and install them.

[@adamp6401]

I love the 60s but I think from a playability point of view I prefer the classic. However, QC on the classics that I’ve seen so far leave a bit to be desired. I own a honeyburst tribute and it is amazing. Satin necks for the win!!!

[@walterppk1989]

I own a 2007 60s standard faded. It's the best guitar I've ever held and it's not close.

[@Aprilseahorse]

I just picked up a 60's Blueberry. I went with the 60's to get away from the Fender sound even more. The 60's has that great Gibson gritty sound. And like in many bands, that Gibson pairs very well wth the Fenders. It's like you said, it is your preference in sound and not a good or bad thing. The Les Paul itself is so versatile it is hard to go wrong.

[@Swervy9]

I have a question that I can't seem to get answers to. I have one of these guitars (I love it.) I thought I had the 60's version because I have the the grover metal tuners but I have the knobs from the 50's version... any idea why that might be? Maybe they just ran out of the the top hat knobs with the reflector caps? Not a big deal. I don't care about the knobs I just want to know which model it is. It's black btw...

[@kiljoy3254]

I love the VOS... I’d be tempted to take to it with a very fine, used, sandpaper just to dull the gloss... is that insane?

[@nv2202]

Psychopathic

[@joecash4064]

Just bought an Epiphone les Paul classic worn gold top 60's, then a 2002 standard, don't say 50's or 60's but is Korean made and kicks it for 20yrs old vs the new classic, but again the classic is a 60's what's your thoughts on these two?

[@real_fjcalabrese]

If setup correctly the difference in terms of the playability with respect to the neck shape is minimal.

[@aaronbruch2204]

Hello ! For you what is the best for led zeppelin and guns'n'roses songs ???

[@svitlanaostapchenko5642]

You are very good!!

[@jeremyjohnston592]

I'd love a bourbon burst 60s but with the 50s pickups

[@rocktorrocks]

Is it just me or do a lot more people seem to own the 60s? I just see them more often on youtube and such. Both are awesome!

[@mjtan6787]

It is because the 60s has a thinner neck. I got the 50s and the neck is thicker. It's up to you

[@rocktorrocks]

@@mjtan6787 I guess most folks prefer the thinner necks then.

[@arturoenriquez5164]

@@rocktorrocks - I would always recommend playing both the 50's and 60's Standard at the music store before purchasing. Select that model that is most comfortable for you.

[@rocktorrocks]

@@arturoenriquez5164 Good advice! No substitute for trying them in your own hands. Especially, neck profiles even between two same guitar models may vary a little.

[@anthonynovello7759]

Unburst with 60s neck with 50s PAFs would be my choice

[@shakeyoulikehaiti]

Damn dude's rockin a HIM heartagram. I honestly haven't thought about them since like 2006. How could I forget Wings of a Butterfly?! Well, I know the next song I'm learning lol.

[@mikkydannygray6306]

Is it as good as a 58 historic reissue?

[@patrickmeaney6743]

Good video- I have both, unreal quality and yes you can tell the difference holding them against an Epiphone. So, if you have the money, buy both and enjoy-p

[@kentuckywindage222]

I love 50's Gibson Les Paul sound and scale. Strat body for weight and comfort and with the right mix great sounding guitar. Then the Tele twang and individual sound is great. Again given right stuff. I own a Epi Les, Squire Classic Vibe 50's Strat. and a Squire Classic Vibe 50's Tele butterscotch. With the exception of the Vibes blind test picks for me versus the Mexico made. Epi vs Gibson is just not there for my ears. My Epi is an older model but the new ones are good. Next purchase will be another Les Paul. A Gibson also.

[@eu3145]

What kind of necks have the Slash Les Pauls, a 50s like one or 60s? Or something else?

[@PMTVUK]

50's, but its specifically based off his Kris Derrig 1959 replica - the original Appetite Les Paul. So it's a '59 profile guitar, for a non-59 custom shop price!

[@eu3145]

@@PMTVUK i see... so it's thicker or thinner? .. i reas the 50s is thicker and the 60s thinner!

[@thegrandpencil4374]

@@eu3145 I heard that it's between a standard 50's and 60's profile. Somewhere in between.

[@rmkk89]

how come several of your videos dont have subtitles? other than that, nice video

[@thegrandpencil4374]

Probably because they realized that the fast majority of their audience can hear. lol

[@rmkk89]

@@thegrandpencil4374 sorry bud, thats called ableism, ignoring people with disabilities, its just a click of a button, youtube subtitles it on auto. Also, out of almost 8billion people around, only 400million are native english speakers. thefore, you missed your math by 7 billion people, give or take =]

[@thegrandpencil4374]

@@rmkk89 If it's just a click of a button, then doesn't it make more sense for those 13 out of 100 people with hearing loss to have to do it, rather than the inverse? Why make 87 people do it instead of 13? Why inconvenience more people instead of less? It makes no sense.

[@rmkk89]

@@thegrandpencil4374 ????????????????????? nevermind bro, i didnt realize youre impaired lmfao.

[@thegrandpencil4374]

​@@rmkk89 You know, if you're going to insult someone's intelligence, it would be much more effective if you did so with proper grammar and a basic understanding of the English language. Also, it's impressive how (insincere or not) you tried to stand up for, and then immediately put down disabled people in back-to-back comments. Truly spectacular work, my friend. Bravo!

[@jbmannon]

Bought a 60's because they did not have a 50's. Soon as they got a 50's in stock they v traded me even for my 60's les paul. The 50's neck just feels better and looks better than the 60's. I did put grovers on mine and removed the deluxe tuners that kept going out of tune.

[@michaelzschoche2746]

Love your content and Dagon and you should be in pirates of the Caribbean. You have that cool pirate look like jack sparrow lol.

[@dankingsleyyyy]

I couldn’t decide between the 50s or 60s standard so I got a bengal burst axcess custom instead lmao

[@O_Towne_Bear]

They do have one thing that is very similar. I can't afford either of them.

[@shirleyvanmechelen7789]

Gibson is one of my favorite guitar company and it’s brilliant to make an iconic guitar and plus I don’t care which one I have as long as I have a les Paul 50s or 60s I’ll be okay

[@snapfinger1]

You need a ‘57 & a ‘62 Strat. You need a ‘59 & a ‘60 burst.

[@agusg.t.8950]

50s😍

[@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio]

That's 50's top is stunning!

[@rocktorrocks]

Does the 50s have 50s style wiring and the 60s have modern wiring?

[@andrewbecker3700]

Of course, but nobody seems to care? Modern wiring sucks on a LesPaul.

[@urgidover]

No, both of them have the same wiring

[@Kevvzi]

Aren't the 61 pickups rolling alnico III magnets?

[@OJJ317]

Nah definately 5's

[@adamsan7494]

Nice 👌🎸

[@thainanjoao8631]

Les Paul's Deluxe video pleeeeease

[@theharlequin7280]

Whoever propped up that Les Paul on the Blackstar is a braver soul than I am.

[@darwinsaye]

Can’t here tonal differences between different pickups when using distortion.

[@nsp477]

Had you drawn a pentagram on the floor of the studio, you would have summoned Trogly with this video.

[@demonj00]

A 50s was the best guitar I ever owned. And it was an Epi.

[@toddmoore2324]

So @Dagan, how did you know I'm looking for the right Les Paul right now? Huh? It's a little bit creepy, dude. Lol. Rock on!

[@bayleyaustin2202]

Am I the only person who thinks Grover tuners look bad? Like they aren’t awful but I love the klusons A LOT more on a Les Paul. The grovers look gawky to me

[@ernieslespaul2710]

I couldn’t agree more

[@jigsomyoca5377]

Love the 50s obvious fatter tone, but i wonder if i could put grover locking tuners on them without drilling.

[@sanchezma20]

Do the tone pots have different wiring?

[@thegrandpencil4374]

I don't believe they do. Just hotter/cooler pickups.

[@Sleek.Strings]

I prefer the 50's 🤘🏼🖤 The 60's is more metal then the 50's. And the Neck is a little bit thicker then the 60's. Feels more comfortable to me

[@bingobongo1615]

In person the difference between the guitars was actually rather surprisingly pronounced and I rather prefer the 50s. 60s sounded rather compressed through a JCM800

[@briantate692]

Sounds very like ace frehley dagan

[@leegeddyfan]

wish Gibson would just use grover tuners over the kluson tuners, I swear those things never hold their tunings well at all. no matter what string gauge

[@andrewwatson4314]

Is it just me or is that Les Paul looking super precarious sat on the 4x12 Cab? The feet of the stand are just over the edge 😬

[@ljchrzan]

Just listening to the audio in this video, I think the 50's sounds better. I've never played either so I can't comment on the feel.

[@deanlaster1724]

Both

[@CLOSETROCKGUITARIST]

Listening to the two at around the 8:40 - 9:50 mark, I prefer the sound of the 50s. 60s sounds a little bit too hot.

[@Relayer6a]

The 50's has more balls. 😎

[@ErikKiel]

A 50s neck on a 70s DeLuxe would be winning the lottery. Otherwise 50s over 60s, but DeLuxe over Standard. Choices, choices ... choices

[@darwinsaye]

Not sure why we don’t called them 50s Les Pauls, and *1960* Les Pauls, since most *60s* Les Pauls were the SG variant.

[@tasknelo123]

the only thing i prefer on 50s is the cherry color, all the other parts i prefer 60s

[@philmazzie3674]

Video is kind of obsolete now with Gibson selling a standard 50’s with a figured top in tobacco sunburst.

[@martincattell7039]

50's for me

[@Youtuberkit7]

Got with 50 on gold top

[@nine9whitepony526]

Do you actually truly like Les Pauls?. I was always a strat guy, then I tried to like the Les Paul for a while, but inevitably went back to a strat for the simple fact that they are way more comfortable to play, plus I like their brittle sound better. Les Pauls weigh a ton, and there is no cut away at the top.

[@mobydick3895]

They have mahogany necks, yes?

[@PMTVUK]

Yep!

[@James-kj9hw]

The difference is one wasnt made in the 50s and the other wasnt made in the 60s.

[@Alberta-sledder]

50s

[@scottbrown8142]

Comment … 👍

[@650thunderbird5]

50's Epiphones have long neck tenons.

[@andrewmullett3330]

😅if seen the 50 model this had push and pull pots ??????

[@thegrandpencil4374]

No, these do not have push and pull pots.

[@freemax69]

róbcie tłumaczenia

[@michaelobermeyer8340]

....said no one needing a reliable work horse

[@anthonygonzalez8684]

50s ni doubt. Have the Gold Top. Swhiiing