What is the Difference Between Les Paul Standard and Traditional?

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The main difference between the Les Paul Standard and the Les Paul Traditional lies in their design, features, and target audience. Here are some key differences between the two models:

  1. Modern vs. Traditional Features: The Les Paul Standard has modern appointments, making it a versatile and innovative guitar, while the Les Paul Traditional is more old-school, focusing on maintaining the classic sound and design from the 1950s.
  2. Neck Profile and Radius: The Les Paul Standard has a slimmer neck profile and a compound neck radius, while the Les Paul Traditional has a thicker neck profile and a vintage-style SlimTaper neck.
  3. Weight Relief: The Les Paul Standard features Ultra-Modern Weight Relief, making it noticeably lighter than the Traditional model, which has no weight relief.
  4. Tuners: The Les Paul Standard comes with locking tuners for better tuning stability, while the Les Paul Traditional has period-correct green keystone pegs.
  5. Pickups: The Les Paul Standard has higher output Burstbucker Pro pickups, while the Les Paul Traditional has more traditional sounding pickups.
  6. Push-Pull Volume Knobs: The Les Paul Standard features push-pull volume knobs for added versatility, allowing you to easily switch between different sounds during a gig or session.

In summary, the Les Paul Standard is designed for players who want a more modern and versatile guitar with contemporary features, while the Les Paul Traditional is aimed at those who prefer a more classic, old-school design and sound. Both models are well-made and perform well, so the choice depends on your personal preferences and playing style.

Comparative Table: Les Paul Standard vs Traditional

Here is a table comparing the differences between the Les Paul Standard and Traditional models:

Feature Les Paul Standard Les Paul Traditional
Pickups Burstbucker Pro's Classics
Neck Radius Compound (10"-14") Non-compound (12")
Neck Profile Slimmer (Modern '60s SlimTaper) Thicker (Classic '50s Long Neck profile)
Weight Relief Ultra-Modern Weight Relief (chambered body) No weight relief (solid mahogany body with swiss cheese holes)
Tuners Locking tuners Period correct green keystone pegs
Finish Options Multiple finishes available Only available in 2 finishes - Seafoam Green and Blueberry Burst

The Les Paul Standard is designed to offer a wider range of tones and is more innovative, while the Les Paul Traditional is meant to maintain the classic sound it started out with in the 50s. The Standard has a compound neck radius, slimmer neck profile, and locking tuners, while the Traditional has a non-compound neck radius, thicker neck profile, and period correct green keystone pegs. The Standard also features Ultra-Modern Weight Relief, making it lighter than the Traditional, which has no weight relief.