Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Long Scale

Gibson introduces the Les Paul Long Scale, featuring a Strat-like scale length of 25.5″!

Les Paul Long Scale

There have been Les Paul guitars with longer than usual scale lengths (i.e. the Buckethead LP), but having it at the same length as its biggest rival is quite interesting.

The 25.5″ scale length is typically used in Strat and Tele guitars, this also includes the various clones derived from the two Fender made designs. Now Gibson is applying this particular scale length to their popular Les Paul, and aside from the comparison, the longer scale length will affect playability and tone.

In terms of playability, the change to 25.5″ from the regular 24.75″ will result in tighter string tension. This means that the expected smooth and easy playability of the Les Paul will be reduced. Since the strings are stiffer, bending and vibrato will be a bit harder, on the same level as a Strat or Tele. Compared to regular LPs, this guitar will also require expanded chord and fingering positions.

When it comes to tone, this long scale LP will have a bit more brightness and clearer overtones, instead of the expected warm and round overtones of regular sized LPs. So basically, you are getting a Les Paul that plays and sounds slightly like its rival!

Gibson justified their use of the longer scale in the guitar’s official description, “However much you love the classic Les Paul look, feel, and tone, some playing styles just require a longer scale. Whether it’s bangin’ dropped tunings, liquid-like slide work, or meaty low-string twang, or just a preference for a little more string tension and a longer neck, the Les Paul Long Scale from Gibson Custom nails it all. With a 25 ½” scale length, it brings an alternative playing feel, piano-like bass notes, sparkling harmonic clarity, and characteristic long-scale “snap” to the table, all within the template of the world’s most highly prized solidbody electric guitar.”

Features of the guitar include traditional solid mahogany body with carved maple top, mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard, 1.687″ nut width, two Custom Bucker humbucking pickups, ABR bridge with nicel stopbar tailpiece, and reissue Green Key tuners.

Aesthetic touch ups include single-layer cream binding for the top and back, split-parallelogram inlays and a Gibson custom medallion rear switch cover. The guitar is available in three nitrocellulose finishes – Antique Gold, Washed Cherry and Iced Tea Burst.

The new Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Long Scale has an MSRP of $4,832. We’ll have to wait and see if production Les Pauls will feature Long Scale models in the future. For more information, visit Gibson.

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