Most Popular Gibson Models

Ephiphone Slash Signature Les Paul
Photo by Deidre Woollard

There’s something about the appearance, the feel, and even the smell of a Gibson guitar that exudes the timeless craftsmanship that has captivated guitar players of all genres for decades. Gibson has produced more than one model that has won the hearts and hands of both amateur and professional musicians throughout the years. Here’s a helpful rundown:

The J45: This versatile acoustic dreadnought is the go-to guitar for acoustic rock, blues, and various fingerpicking styles. It has been a staple in Gibson’s lineup for years, cherished by players like Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, and countless others. Listing all the famous musicians who have wielded a J45 would seem like shameless name-dropping. For musicians who demand excellent playability, a well-rounded and defined tone, along with a badass-looking guitar, this is the one. This is especially true for the various dark bursts finishes available. The J45 is available as a traditional acoustic or with integrated pickups, making it suitable for both everyday players seeking a beautiful instrument and professional musicians performing live shows. The J45 is considered one of the quintessential Gibson instruments and a truly timeless guitar.

The Les Paul: This is the holy grail for die-hard classic rockers! The image of Jimmy Page with his signature Les Paul, bending the strings while his guitar wails, is etched in the minds of rock and roll fans worldwide, and for good reason. The solid-body Les Paul produces the powerful, screaming tones that rockers yearn for. Its compact and curvaceous design is iconic in the world of musicians. There’s a reason why so many knockoffs try to imitate a Les Paul, but nothing can replace its sound. Once you hold one in your hands, you’ll understand why musicians like Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, and Slash were so captivated. The list of players who have used a Gibson Les Paul is incredibly impressive.

Epiphone Hollow bodies: These guitars are primarily used in blues and jazz, but John Lennon proved that they can also rock. Gibson even created a custom model for him, which is still available today. Hollow body archtops are renowned for their warm and mellow tones, making them a favorite among jazz players who enjoy clean tones with a touch of reverb or subtle effects. Of course, there are exceptions, but the widely held image of a jazz player grooving with an archtop is authentic. This is equally true for blues players who appreciate the rich, clean tones that effortlessly emanate from an Epiphone.

Gibson SG: This is a crunchy beast for rock players seeking a raw and aggressive tone. The distortion is well-defined yet edgy. With its classic cutaways on the top and bottom, the guitar has a distinct look of its own. Especially in red, the sharp double points of the cutaway give the guitar a devilish quality that is in no way diminished by its sound! They are generally priced lower than the guitars mentioned above, but they are meant for serious rock and blues players.

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