Gibson The Paul (Guitar)
Gibson "The Paul" Standard (1978-1982)
During the late 70s Gibson Les Paul standard, custom and deluxe guitars along side Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster were pretty much dominating the market, especially for heavier rock music.
These guitars were great but a little pricy for some, Gibson wanted to try a new line of less expensive but good enough to play on stage guitars to accommodate the student or the guitar player who didn't want to invest too much on a guitar . (In other words an all around descent guitar).
These Gibson guitars were called "the Paul" and today are considered classics by many , guitar players today still buy them because they are workhorses ( solid ) , sound good , and are not expensive at all , seen some for sale at $400 ( bargain ).
In 1978 Gibson introduced the "The Paul standard " guitar but were actually sold on the on the market in 1979, these guitars had a les paul shaped body, 2 exposed coil hum bucker pickups, walnut body (beveled edges SG style see pics), tune-o-matic bridges, no pick guards, decal logos a, were made in natural colors, "the Paul" on truss rod covers and were Discontinued in 1982.
In 1980 Gibson also introduced the Paul firebrand deluxe which was very similar to the Paul standard except for a mahogany body , mahogany neck , most firebrand deluxe guitars had "firebrand" on the trust rod cover, mostly made in rough natural finishes and were discontinued in 1986 .
In 1996 Gibson reintroduced the Paul and named it the Paul II , these guitars had a 3 piece mahogany body ( not sandwich ), rosewood fingerboards ,tune o matic bridges, silkscreened logos, vintage style tuners , "the Paul II" on truss rod covers , made in ebony and red wine colors , and were renamed the Paul SL in 1998.
Selling Or Buying Advice
Always consult with someone who knows vintage guitars before buying or selling. Otherwise, I strongly suggest you get a guitar price guide with detailed specs that can change the prices dramatically. Knowledge is everything when you are dealing with old and used music instruments.> View used and vintage Gibson guitars for sale.
| Gibson The Paul Price Guide (Updated April-18-2021) |
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I own one of these just like the one in the lower picture. It's a real nice guitar and sounds and plays well but isn't much to look at. I have a small issue where the body has started to split along the grain but otherwise it's really solid.
ReplyDeleteAside from the sound one of my favourite things about this guitar is that it holds a tuning very well, always a welcome quality when you're thrashing away at it on stage.
I have one of these and haven't played it much since I bought it back in 1978. The previous poster is right: it's not much to look at but it plays nicely, although not as nicely as its grown-up cousins. To sum up: A workhorse.
ReplyDeleteLooking at those prices, I might just hang on to it if it's going to appreciate this much!
Mine's not much to look at either but then neither am I..... LoL . I'm getting ready to replace the pickups with a match pair of Seymour Duncan 59' Blues Pickups. I had a pair on a Gibson Les Paul Studio and loved the warmer sound. Even the Leads were fuller. I just pick up Mine at a pawn shop for $500.00. My main Guitar is still My David Gilmour Strat but I'm loving this Gibson " The Paul "
DeleteI LOVE "THE PAUL"
ReplyDeleteI bought mine used for $450 back in 1993. It's a 1978, and I love the fact that the switch is on the bottom and it's not as heavy as a "Les Paul". I'm just a rhythm player, but "The Paul" feels so comfortable in my hands, I often feel like could solo for hours, despite the fact that my fingers don't feel the same way.
If I had the money, I'd probably get a Les Paul Custom or an SG, but I'll ALWAYS go back to "The Paul". That's my home.
Just got one of these passed to me from my Grandfather, its kinda dented around the headstock and a few scratches on the neck but still rocks, theirs ivy carved around the edge on the front of it done by him, so it means a lot to me, but i replaced the pickups with seymour duncan jazz and jb, i personally play hard rock or metal but this guitar can do it all, and its extreamly light compared to a les paul, i might put a pick guard on it
ReplyDeleteI have an 82 that I purchased new for about 400 back in the day. It's burgundy/red and I love it. This one is a keeper and I will pass it on to my kids along with the rest of the axes.
ReplyDeleteI have an '82 all black. It's a real workhorse on stage and stays in tune well. I've kept it all original and I often use it as my session guitar in the studio. Plays and records nice. Great for the money!
ReplyDeleteTruk
Hello. I congratulate by its beautiful Gibson The Paul. I am interested in having one and wanted to ask if they know of some person who comes for Argentina that me can bring. I am of Buenos Aires, Argentine Republic, to the south of South America, a Third World Country where it is difficult to obtain and to have money to buy a Gibson. I am needing to buy one and I would like that you they help me. Thank you very much and thousand excuses by the annoyances.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Sebastián
Hola. Los felicito por sus hermosas Gibson The Paul . Estoy interesado en tener una y quería preguntar si saben de alguna persona que venga para Argentina que me la pueda traer. Soy de Buenos Aires, República Argentina, al sur de américa del Sur, un país del tercer mundo donde es difícil conseguir y disponer de dinero para comprar una Gibson. Estoy necesitando comprar una y me gustaría que ustedes me ayuden. Muchas gracias y mil disculpas por las molestias.
Gracias
Sebastián
Hello. I congratulate by its beautiful Gibson The Paul. I am interested in having one and wanted to ask if they know of some person who comes for Argentina that me can bring. I am of Buenos Aires, Argentine Republic, to the south of South America, a Third World Country where it is difficult to obtain and to have money to buy a Gibson. I am needing to buy one and I would like that you they help me. Thank you very much and thousand excuses by the annoyances.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Sebastián
Hola. Los felicito por sus hermosas Gibson The Paul . Estoy interesado en tener una y quería preguntar si saben de alguna persona que venga para Argentina que me la pueda traer. Soy de Buenos Aires, República Argentina, al sur de américa del Sur, un país del tercer mundo donde es difícil conseguir y disponer de dinero para comprar una Gibson. Estoy necesitando comprar una y me gustaría que ustedes me ayuden. Muchas gracias y mil disculpas por las molestias.
Gracias
Sebastián
I'm working on a friend's black "the paul". The serial # is 92957474 (stanped, not decal), it has an american flag decal on the back of the headstock, no date code in the control cavity,"the paul" truss rod cover with an arch top. "the paul" was built 1978-1982 but this serial # makes it a 1997. What is this guitar?? Donald in Louisiana 02/05/2008
ReplyDeleteHi -I am doing research on my les paul -mine has the same features as the paul but it is painted black and has inlays in the neck parallelogram shape - the serial nunber indicates it was built in 92. Asking the same question -what is this guitar?
DeleteGibson Serial Numbers, 1977 to present.
ReplyDeleteAll models, 8 digit number impressed in back top of peghead in the following format:
YY (1st and 5th digit) = year
DDD (digits 2-4) = day of the year, 001=Jan 1st, 365=Dec 31st.
NNN (digits 6-8) = rank of instrument for that day.
Example: 80012005 = 5th instrument made in Kalamazoo
on the first day of 1982.
I have Gibson The Paul Deluxe I bought back in 1983. It is painted black. I checked via email with Gibson by the serial no. and it was painted black at the factory. I have yet to see another black The Paul Deluxe. Has anyone seen one?
ReplyDeletei own a black one
DeleteI also own a black one.
Delete1982 Nashville with zebra Bridge pup.
Funny, none of you mentioned that the original "The Paul" 78-82, came with the ORIGINAL "Dirty Fingers" pickups. These were 2 conductor, and highly sought after today, (Why do you think Gibby reissued them!)
ReplyDeleteI recently sold my '79. It was great, but a little neck-heavy. Has anyone else had this issue? My friend, who owns a later one, does not have a problem with his being neck-heavy, so I'm wondering if it was just mine.
ReplyDeleteI own one The Paul(-79) just like the one in the upper picture.
ReplyDeleteIt is at the moment the best guitar I
own.
I did buy today a Les Paul Standard.
Let`s see if it is better....
Greetings from cold Finland
Johnny
I don'd remember the paul ever coming with covered pickups, like the first picture, just open dirty fingers, what is that first picture of?
ReplyDeleteI have one of these kick ass guitar that is posted in the upper part, the sound is good and really suites the hard, tight sound that I wanted. I actually repainted it. Before, it has a natural color, but now she's in black and I love the way it looks and I changed all the strings and converted it into a drop 6 and Man, the sound is so damn heavy! Children's Playground, kick ass!
ReplyDeleteI bought this guitar just because it was a dark natural. When I got it and had it set up I seriously had 4 guys offer me money to buy it as I was walking out of GC from having it set up. I will NEVER get rid of this guitar. The tone is amazing, the ebony fretboard is one of a kind. I would recommend to anyone to buy this guitar.
ReplyDeleteI have a Firebrand The Paul Deluxe '81. I bought for $300 back in the late 80's. Someone had it painted deep orange. They did a perfect paint job on it. One of a kind. It plays
ReplyDeletelike silk. The best guitar I have.
Is the pickup selector always on the bottom half of the guitar on "The Paul" ?
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave
I love my "The Paul".
ReplyDeleteI am not Les Paul, but I am The Paul! Hahaha! lol ;D
Would you like to hear the sound of my sweetie, tapping, live in concert?
I am paullongball, and I invite you to come to my youtube page of that name. I have just posted four new vids of PAULLONGBALL touch Blues from a recent performance. No tricks, no pedals, pure original paullongball touch blues, for sophisticated guitar lovers only. All performed for your pleasure on a Gibson The Paul.
If you've read this far, nice to meet you, and I'll be looking forward to hearing from you.
Afterall, I am The Paul! Hahaha! lol ;D
http://www.youtube.com/paullongball
Nice web site lots of great info, keep on building this, it was very interesting AAAAAAAAA+++++ all the way.
ReplyDeleteGOOD WORK !!
Thanks GW Williams
P.S. if you get time stop by my website and say hi anytime at.........GW Williams Rock,Blues Guitar
This is a GREAT site have a pretty old Gibson SG that I can't find the serial number on. I think I sanded of fwhen I was re-finishing it as a kid. Anyone have a way to find out its age?
ReplyDeleteThis is a pretty cool site!!! I am a guitar player but recently began playing Bass. I really like. Funny yhing though... I can't sing and play bass at the same time
ReplyDeleteBought my Paul brand new in 1979 for about $600.00 and have had it ever since. It has served me well over the years and has held up nicely (can't believe it has been 29 years!). My main guitar now is a Gibson ES 335 but the Paul comes out on the heavy blues and ballsy rock numbers. I have to admit the tuners on The Paul are better than on the 335 and I agree with one of the comments that this guitar stays in tune. Interesting that a guitar about a quarter of the price of the 335 has better tuners-go figure. I have always played through a Fender Twin (which I got the same year) and the combination has been perfect. Hope you all enjoy the guitar as much as I have and I can say for a fact I will never get rid of this guitar!
ReplyDeleteI have a 1980 The Paul and love it. Paid $225 around 1985 for it and don't plan on selling any time soon! The tone and quality are top notch.
ReplyDeleteHello. I congratulate by its beautiful Gibson The Paul. I am interested in having one and wanted to ask if they know of some person who comes for Argentina that me can bring. I am of Buenos Aires, Argentine Republic, to the south of South America, a Third World Country where it is difficult to obtain and to have money to buy a Gibson. I am needing to buy one and I would like that you they help me. Thank you very much and thousand excuses by the annoyances.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Sebastián
Hola. Los felicito por sus hermosas Gibson The Paul . Estoy interesado en tener una y quería preguntar si saben de alguna persona que venga para Argentina que me la pueda traer. Soy de Buenos Aires, República Argentina, al sur de américa del Sur, un país del tercer mundo donde es difícil conseguir y disponer de dinero para comprar una Gibson. Estoy necesitando comprar una y me gustaría que ustedes me ayuden. Muchas gracias y mil disculpas por las molestias.
Gracias
Sebastián
So I've had this Paul for over a year and from the serial number I got that it was from 1979... Well I took the electronics out yesterday and found a stamp inside saying Jan 4 1978. Now I'm confused. I know they started making these in 1978 but didnt sell till 1979 but why have a serial number saying a different date then the ink stamp?
ReplyDeleteAlso it has 2 bigger ink stamped numbers inside as well. A 3 and a 4. They are not together but floating seperatly. Could this mean the 3rd one made or the 4th one made or the 34st one made? Anyone know?
Hello I have a 78 The Paul. I found it in a pawn shop in bad condition paid three hundred dollars for it, Since I have put in push pull pots a SD in the bridge and a burstbucker in the neck. I put real gibson gold tail piece and tune o matic bridge. It already had gold tuners on it. I totally love this guitar.
ReplyDeletei have the serial number 73118645
ReplyDeletethis is a beautiful sounding guitar and I bought it for $250 in 1979.
It was born on Nov 7, 1978
hey,my paul is a relative serial number 73608616
ReplyDeletei bought it for 100 english pounds in the 80's,it was in need of a good home, we have been together ever since,some guitars come and go,but this guitar will stay
i have serial number 73608616
ReplyDeletebought in london and its great
73608616 my paul
ReplyDeleteits a beauty SN 73608616 like the bottom picture
ReplyDeletebought it in London 100pounds in the early 80's
plays and sounds great
i have the 78 paul just like the one in the photo.i love this guitar.i bought from a pawn shop.i like the inlay one the first fret and the fact that the selector switch is near the volume knobs.most gibson guitars have the selector switch near the top of the body.and dont have a dot inlay on the first fret.the look and feal of this guitar is outstanding.tommy ramos
ReplyDeletewhat kind of pickups are original in these guitars?
ReplyDeleteHi there,
ReplyDeleteI have no 72798544. So it is an 1978 build.
I bought it in New York in 1981 and paid $200 for it , I am really glad I have kept it as it is so solid and honest. I still have the Turd Brown case it came with and has travelled all over the world in.
Rock On Roadsong!!
hi my precious the paul is a incredible guitar from 1978
ReplyDeletei play too many guitars,but the sound of my the paul whith two original seymour duncan mics,is the best i ever heard.i bought in miami in 1988,and paid us$700.now the price don;t really care.i love my guitar.
I bought a new (walnut The paul ) in 1979 for $400. it ended up in a pawn shop . I found a 1980 walnut the paul in feb 2009 for $800. I picked it up and did not set it down till I bought it . I LOVE THESE GUITARS I will never get rid of it.. Tommy T BIRD
ReplyDeleteI bought a 1979 walnut paul new in 1979 and it ended up in a pawn shop I always missed it . until a month ago i found a walnut 1980 they wanted 800.00 I picked it up and did,nt set it down till I bought it I love these guitars thanks for this sight T Bird.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting feature on my Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe is that in the middle position the pickups sound slightly out of phase. It's a really great addition to the available sounds from this amazing guitar. Maybe all of them are like this. Have a listen to yours. All Firebrands are made to be played LOUD but they sound beautiful at any volume. What a great axe! I also have the 335-S and SG Firebrands and they too are outstanding players guitars.
ReplyDeleteI got a 1982 one. All Mahogany. Beautiful (hard wearing) Ebony Fretboard. Nice fat frets. Paid 110 English pounds for it (including a 30 watt tranny amp)in about 1985.
ReplyDeleteI have played the hell out of it these past 20 plus years. Frets will need replacing soon. Board still good. Body is wearing out a bit (strum marks).
Fitted a roller bridge(string breakages cured) It sounds great to me even on the unknown neck p/u and bridge p/u only working one one coil!! . Had a good dirty grind to it. But you needed strange settings on the amp to take the glass out of the sound .
So much better than the Fernandez Paul copy I bought in around 1995. 600 pounds ouch . A bad Guitar no guts to it.
Love the Gibson, would never sell it. Getting a couple of S/D 59's put in at the moment.Cant wait to get it back from the shop and put it through my Valve king. Buy one, go on . You can't go wrong. Ferg.
I have an 83' The Paul and like Yourself, I'm getting ready to swap out the pickups for a pair of Seymour Duncan 59' Blues Pickups. I had a pair on a Gibson Les Paul Studio and LOVED THEM !!!!! So much more warmer sound and the Leads are much richer and fuller.
DeleteI have a 78 the paul fair cosmetic look with fading, ciggerette tar stains and hamburger grease stains a few nicks and scratches but it has a strong body and neck the plastic hummbucker support frame has a broken screw port but plays and sounds great my father gave it to me when i was 12 ive had it for 10 years now
ReplyDeleteHi Sebastian, I´m owner of a The Paul 79, I¨ll be probably selling her in the next months, just in case you havent found one jet.
ReplyDeleteHola Sebastián, soy propietario de una The Paul y planeo venderla en los próximos meses, por las dudas dejo el mensaje aquí, mi mail: prammer@calamuchitanet.com.ar
I LOVE my The Paul-Nov 13, 1978. I currently have 21 electrics ranging from vintage Gibson to new Jackson, and I can honestly say this is the #1 go-to guitar. Funny thing...I leaned how to play on a buddy's The Paul back in '81 and I could swear I ended up with the exact same guitar 16 years later. Destiny???
ReplyDeleteOne question though...this one has Grovers.Stock or remod?
Stock
DeleteI saw a 1978 Gibson Les Paul "The Paul" for sale on Ebay UK and after reading all about them and all the posts I ended up buying it,Got to be honest it was the best decision I've ever made.The guitar is amazing,I know this will sound a bit daft or cliched but it almost feels as if the guitar was made for me!! I wasn't really a Gibson fan until I played The Paul!!
ReplyDeletei have a "1978" the paul and i love it. mine i customized with a set of gibson "59" burst buckers and it is simply awesome. it plays and sounds great! i also refinished the body with a more gloss finish than they came with
ReplyDeleteSo - I have a The Paul (78 I think) just like these but with a double cutaway (on above the nech as well as below) - does anyone know what that is about?
ReplyDeleteMark
mines a 78 still has one of the original pickups, good nick, good guitar! I will be looking to sell in the near future any idea where i can do this without being ripped off?
ReplyDeleteque yo tenga referencia de Gibson the paul?? . la unica que vi, es de mi propiedad; afortunadamente aqui en santa fe Argentina y la adqueri en la ciudad de esperanza. usada en 1991, solicitar foto vetdar@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteque tenga referencia de Gibson the paul?? . la unica que vi, es de mi propiedad; afortunadamente aqui en santa fe Argentina y la adqueri en la ciudad de esperanza. usada en 1991, solicitar foto vetdar@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI recently bought my 'the paul' which was posted online for USD 750.. I wasn't sure what this guitar was all about, so I did some internet searches. I was startled when I read between the lines... many people said it was their favorite guitar, the one they would grab if the house was on fire. Some lamented having sold their 'the paul' at an earlier troubled time in their lives. One guy said, 'It's like my wife" whatever the hell that means. They talked about the dark sound and feel... and the importance of getting the earlier version (NOT the firebrand). So I decided to spend the money I don't really have and, ladies and gentlemen, it was a fkn bargain. I think about this guitar when I am away from home. It brings me to new sonic places. I don't understand those who don't like its looks. It is a beautiful instrument made in a particularly charged time and place in the good ol US of A. This is not airbrush, this is real.
ReplyDeletegot a '79 for $300 after selling my 72 LP Deluxe and regretting it. I was not disappointed. The Paul plays and sounds "better" than the LP Deluxe.
ReplyDeleteRODGER I have the gibson black The Pual Deluxe with the sun burst I bought new in 1981.It still plays well,its a little beat up over the years.
ReplyDeleteI need logo of the 1980 paul guitar. the time of the restoration, deterioration brand part
ReplyDeleteThank you for information
j'ai aussi cette guitare
ReplyDeleteelle date de 1980....elle est parfaite, je suis étonné quelle ne coute pas plus cher.....
oi oi !! I bought one of these bout 6 months ago. It aint fashionable (excellent) and it werent expensive (excellent). But trust me. This guitar plays sooooo fluidly. This guitar sounds like everything you want it to sound like. I cant believe the sounds im making now. This guitar gives me abilities that i thought were beyond me. I cannot leave it alone.
ReplyDeletei got my "The Paul" as a wedding present from my father in 2002. its a 79 all original walnut,selector switch on the bottom half, in mint condition! i have 5 other guitars, but this one is the "one"! i play them all, but when i plug this one in it dusts the others by miles! my dad kept this guitar for me since 1979 under his bed with no strings on it, in the original gibson hardshell case. its the best guitar for that tone and sound most players want, clean or dirty. i play it thru a marshall jcm 900 and couldnt be happier! id never sell it. like one of the other posts a guy at guitar center wanted to buy it, but the response was a quick, "i could never do that!" hell YEAH!
ReplyDeleteMan ......I bought one of these in 78....with case, for 2 bills I believe, made my dad go along to check it out. Then I sold it to a friend in the band that I've since lost contact with. The moral???? Never sell a guitar.
ReplyDeleteI bought my "The Paul" in 1979 and still have it. It was always admired at gigs and always attracted lots of interest. It is still original, a little belt damage to the rear,and can be seen on www.justblues.co.uk which is my old band that I retired from some 5 years ago.I palyed it through a 94 reissue Fender Twin and the combination takes some beating. Always reliable, travelled well and despite other comments I think look good. A bvery proffesional working guitar.
ReplyDeleteI bought mine in new 1979. Its in mint condition. I am looking into getting a Les Paul or an SG and would consider a trade or selling it if anyone is interested. I also have the original case.
ReplyDeleteI can be contacted at mtevere@gmail.com
I have one of these, I think an '80. And it is heavy as shit. I love it. Does anyone have any suggestions for replacing pick-ups? I think the ones I have are original.
ReplyDeleteI bought mine new in 79 in England. I still have it and it has been my mainstay guitar throughout my gigging career. Have tried other guitars but none match this simple example of a good guitar. It is still completely stock and without any problems despite being gigged regularly. Can be seen on www.justblues.co.uk and on the cover of our first disc.It has always attracted comment from punters as to its quality and wonderful sound. Who needs a Les Paul when in my opinion this one does the business.
ReplyDeleteHello everyone. I have The Paul. Love it. Bought 1980 for $700.00. Thought I paid to much, but maybe not. its being a creat investment. still have the original parts, and even the hardshell case. Wow can't believe I had it this long and plays just as good.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you guys, this is a fantastic instrument! When I was in the middle of purchasing mine from an individual I questioned the authenticity because I had never heard of "The Paul" and thought that Gibson always had their name with some kind of inlay, but when I played it this guitar could hold a note about as good as Carlos Santana! 2 days ago I was devastated to find out my son pawned it and was late with the money...boo hoo hoo I'm depressed!!!
ReplyDeletehi sebastian im owner of a the paul 79 i'be probably selling her in the next mounths,just in case you havent found on jet my mail is jsting_police@ive.com.mxin mexico city
ReplyDeleteI bought a used The Paul in 1984 for $450. It is a 1981 by serial number.It is an excellent all around guitar-it absolutely rocks.This one's a keeper!
ReplyDeleteLuv my 79. To the people that mentioned that the higher priced Gibsons might play and/or sound better. They don't. At least not the ones of the same era.
ReplyDeletei have had my the paul for several years now and i love but i am a little unsure about the date.the serial #is 8 digits and stamped into the back of the headstock,the logo is silkscreen.the truss rod cover is blank but the words les paul the paul are also silkscreened on front.it is a bright red color,a carved top with a tummy cut in the back and switch is on top serial#00450534
ReplyDeletecan this be a 2000? any help would be appreciated !
I am selling my gibson the paul, Completely Original, walnut body, Grover tuning keys, Humbucker pickups, Made in Nashville,tn, May 3rd 1979, production#63 W/Original Case. serial# 71239562, I can E,Mail you picture's, or anything you would like to know just ask. Owned since 1984.$875.00, Contact,jerry_dietrich@yahoo.com, Really nice piece Just like the second picture at top of page.
ReplyDeletethe serie num of my guitar. 72069537
ReplyDeletehttp://api.ning.com/files/xD-dsF*TuiXW3accbOfWVmCWNcvOAtrZjZo2rjWVluJxaocBqdkWApfW9Ynm*BizFKrlHkSqrhdzD6sQdChFDDs3S5SuI8iV/gtp.JPG?width=615&height=461
I have a '80 The Paul I bought at a pawn shop somewhere around 2000 (I think) for about $300. It looks like the one in the top photo except it doesn't have the beveled edges. It's a great player (low and fast action) and in pretty good condition except that one of the previous owners let four or five people sign the front of the body with a sharpie. Idiots! BUt I'm keeping this for the forseeable future. I'm a Fender guy (strat & tele) but I'm starting to like this one more and more.
ReplyDeleteJust for those who it seems, not to have the whole story right:) THE "The Paul" is originally meant as the first Gibson model, that weren't as expensive as the original models of this time (1978-79)They chose to construct the body in pure walnut instead of mahogany. this because walnut, at this point was much cheaper than it is today.
ReplyDeleteThe Paul (1978-79) was an expensive, but less expensive model.
The Paul (80-84)"Firebrand" was in all a cheaper guitar.
between those two there were some Gibsons sold under "The Paul" brand name but were accualy not THE "The Paul". It was just cheaper guitars.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibson_The_Paul
thanx for reading:P
I own an early experimental "The Paul". Mine is unlike any others I've seen and I am wondering if it is something special. My "The Paul" has a factory done double cut away, the body is two piece walnut, not three, and when I remove the back plate there is no date stamp only illegible handwriting in pencil.
ReplyDeleteAny Thoughts?
email me at greggoda@ymail.com
I have a fully original "The Paul" built in 1979, serial #71709514... I got it in trade for a 1967 Gibson LG0 and it may very well be one of the best trades I ever did. I am an acoustic player mostly and hated most electrics skinny nut width. My "The Paul" is a full 1.75" just like my Taylor Acoustic. I LOVE IT!!! I can play fingerstyle and then go straight into rocking blues or classic rock. This guitar does it all. I will never get rid of it. It was built the year I graduated High School and I always wanted a Les Paul back then but couldn't afford one. If you find one, buy it and KEEP IT!!! I just wish I had the original Chain Saw case.
ReplyDeleteOne last thing, I see people asking about what were the original pickups. Mine is 100% original and came with Gibson T-Tops which were standard on most. I think some got the Dirty Fingers, but I think those were later models. I appreciate the T-Tops as they are an excellent pickup for those that like the Vintage original PAF pickups. Check prices on Ebay, the T-Tops pickups alone are worth a ton....
You can find these guitars on ebay for around $400-$800 if you're patient. It's well worth it to be patient!
ReplyDeleteThe finish isn't fancy, but I like that. That's the only knock I can see. Thinner, lighter, and with (in my opinion) a smaller faster neck than Les Pauls, the Firebrands also offer completely crazy, over-the-top sustain. They sustain forever thanks to the lovely mahogany. The ebony fretboard is rarely seen, and just nice. The pickups are warm, and while the guitar specializes in rocking out, it's surprisingly versatile and sounds simply lovely clean and can even jangle a bit.
You'd have a tough time buying vintage gibson humbuckers for the price of the Firebrand. It's also hard to hurt them, as they are made to last, and a little oil covers nicks well.
This is the best value vintage gibson you can get, in my estimation.
I own 2 '79 the Pauls. I bought the 1st one for $300 in 1995 and the 2nd for $325. They were made 249 days apart and are quite different. #1 has a chocolate ebony fingerboard and T-Tops. #2 has an ebony fingerboard and T-Tops w/chrome covers. Both guitars are awesome. I worked with a luthier for 4yrs,repaired and set-up over 1000 guitars in that span and less than 10 other guitars played or sounded better. 2 that come to mind were '60 Les Paul Special and a Santana Signature PRS. Only high-end axe's($4000 +) come close.
ReplyDeleteI have one. The number on the back show it's from tennesse 1972.I'm looking for one the one I had was stolen.
ReplyDeletebernal20042006@yahoo.com
Hello everyone. My wife recently received her fathers guitar 79 "the Paul" from his passing about 10 years ago. I am in the middle of bringing it back to life. It does has a some "character" to it and but it looks like it can keep on taking a licking, especially from someone who is just starting out. I dont play yet, but figure by everyone's comments it appears "the paul" is worth it's while. I figure I can do all the cosmetic stuff, but was curious if anyone had any suggestions on replacing the Pickups? So far the only thing I have seen on here is the "dirty fingers". Any other suggestions?
ReplyDeleteI was wondering. I am interested in buying one and the curious about the serials. It starts with 999, does that mean it s a Paul II? Its Burgundy red
ReplyDeleteI bought my "The Paul" brand new in '78. I was 16 and couldn't afford it. In the early '80s I put on Dimarzio pickups, a brass nut, brass tail piece, and a brass bridge. It has been through hell and is still in great condition and sounds great. I don't care what this guitar is worth. I will have it 'till the day I die.
ReplyDeleteI bought one the day they came out at the local music store in Baton Rouge La. Kept it until the Late 80's when times got lean and I had to sell it. Got 3 times what I paid for it. Now I am looking for THAT one. I am artist also and did some scroll work on the body and neck, and painting on the case. I've played Strats & Les Pauls all my life, NEVER have I enjoyed playing a guitar like I did my "The Paul" The Natural walnut finish got more attention down here than the ( everybody had) Les Paul Sunburst. I know I probably wont find it and have to settle for one I'm looking at on E bay. But.. one can dream
ReplyDeleteI bought my Paul from I guy met who had it in hock and couldn't pay the ticket so i picked it up for $200 plus it had areal nice case. I don't know what year it is. He said it was a 78 but mine says nothing on the truss rod cover and has open coil pick ups like the one on the bottom photo and the knobs and pick up trim are cream colored. I LOVE the thing.
ReplyDeleteI have a 78 The Paul whose body is one single piece of walnut...I've seen two and three piece bodies but never a single slab like mine...I sounds great...plays great...has great sustain...I'll pass it on to one of my kids when I kak...I have the original papers and ads that came with it...even the cheap original cord that came with it...it was built in Nashville on Sept 5 and was the 74th one built that day...I put a Seymour Duncan pickup and a fine tuner tailpiece on it but otherwise it's all original...and I still have the original parts...
ReplyDeleteI have a 1982 ‘The Paul' les paul std. It is different than any I have seen. It is solid red with gold trim; covered pickups string winders are also gold. It appears to be a 1 pc body, I can’t tell because of the finish. Mahogany fingerboard. Has anyone else seen any like I have described? wow@davidsplaces.com
ReplyDeleteAnybody knows what were the original frets? Jumbo.?super jumbo? medium jumbo?
ReplyDeleteMy luthier recently changes it an he puts medium..it seems there are thinner..which are the best for sound and bendings/vibrato?
I have a Gibson 'The Paul', which, in addition to the rhythm / treble selector, has 3 other switches fitted.
ReplyDeleteCould anybody hazard a guess as to what these are for?
Also the Serial No.is 71379543. Can anybody advise when the guitar was made?
I bought the guitar in 1993, and hardly played it since I mostly played a stratocaster at the time, and moved on to Yamaha / Ibanez acoustics.
Nashville made in '79 on May 17th. It was the 43rd one built that day.
DeleteI bought mine new in 1978 the original finish was satin not gloss they only become glossy after use the headstock on mine still has the satin finish and it is still under warranty
ReplyDeleteI have a 1982 "The Paul" serial# 80532510. Somebody switched the trust rod cover to a "Les Paul" trust rod cover, so i dont know if i have a "Firebrand" model or not. Its kinda confusing cause some say "the Paul" & some say "Firebrand The Paul Deluxe". Anyone know?
ReplyDeleteI own one of the Paul II's ('96-'98) and have had it for about 14 years now. It was the first electric guitar my dad bought me when I was a kid. I always loved it because it looked and played like an original Les Paul, but it was so much lighter. Especially as a 11-13 year old kid, there was no way I could have played the Les Paul for long periods of time because it was so heavy. The Paul II was a perfect starter electric guitar back in the day, and I still play it very frequently even though I own an SG Supreme that I love. I will always keep my Paul II in the family because that's where rock-n-roll started for me when I was learning the guitar, and hopefully, one day I will be able to pass it down to my children or grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteSerial #82851553 here. Thats 10/12/81. Last year they were built. I think the only year they painted the headstock black to match the ebony fretboard(?)Looks better too I think. Got my baby at Guitar Showcase with my Dad when I was 12. He was a guitarist and helped me pick it out - great for a kid because of the slimmer neck ala the early 60s pauls. Anyone who has known me and played her a couple times agrees no matter what guitar they own - she is one of the easiest and nicest playing guitars theyve ever played. She just has a great soul. I used to think it was just mine - but all the "coffeetablebursts" are great guitars. Im sure the luthiers were the exact same ones who had been making les pauls for 25 years. Great workmanship and love went into making these guitars. And those original dirty fingers P/U's shred. Shes turning 30 in a couple weeks and shes as beautiful as ever. Love her so much I might throw a birthday party haha
ReplyDeleteAs a senior in high school I purchased a '79 "The Paul." Great guitar! Loved it, but thought I needed something more "jazzy" for the music I was playing. I gave "The Paul" to my brother and picked up an Ibanez AS 200 (great guitar). Over the years I've added a Strat and a couple of Teles to my small collection, but I always regretted, the loss of "The Paul." Fast forward to 2011....I ended up making a trade for a beat up '79 "The Paul." I've had a great time getting it all fixed up. It looks great and sounds excellent! It really is an incredible guitar with tons of character. I won't let this one go! (Makes me feel like I'm in high school again!)
ReplyDeleteI have a 1980 Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe for sale SN 83230597... interested? message me at swovens@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThis was my first real guitar. I had an open coil model that said The Paul on the TRC. Can't remember what I paid for it and I traded it in for a '76 or so Fender dual humbucker Tele, which I don't have anymore. Dumb me.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHave a 1980 Firebrand that I got at a pawn shop for $300 in 2003. Great deal, even better than I knew at the time! Almost all original, but a previous owner apparently filed down the headstock a bit. My first electric, and my only so far. I love it!
ReplyDeletewas looking to by an original Les Paul but just bumped into someone selling a 79 The Paul good condition, very few marks for $750. Is this a good deal? For the conversation it sounds like these play great.
ReplyDeleteI Love my 1980 "The Paul" Standard. Got it as a gift in '96. Best gift ever. She had some serious buckle rash. I took it to my friend Vinny @ Fodera.com. He did an incredible job of restoring the guitars body and neck (All Walnut) with the original satin finish. Its been about 14 years now, and it looks like it just came right out of the Kalamazoo assembly line. He stored the guitar in his Kiln room for over a year. He told me it has to be one the the driest guitars ever after storing it in the room for so long. I swapped the pickups with Dimarzio D-Activators (DP219/DP220) on the Neck and Bridge. Completely new cloth covered wiring. New push/pull CTS pots for series and parallel wiring. And Sperzel locking tuners. And an Earvana Nut. This guitar absolutely sings with incredible clarity and sustain. I have 14 electric guitars and this is by far the best sounding guitar i have. And she plays like a dream with her slim satin neck. She never goes out of tune. I can't say enough about this guitar. I have the original T-Top pickups with pots and Grover tuners and nut stored away just in case I ever want to restore the guitar to original specs. But, I will never part with this guitar. Its My #1.
ReplyDeleteA little help please. I have read the blog. I was looking for an original les Paul but just found some one selling a 79 The Paul for 750-in good condition--After reading the blog, I think it may be well worth it--any help on if it is worth it would be great.
ReplyDeleteI just bought a mint green, 98 "The Paul". Are these guitars considered part of the "les Paul" line, or are they a different line of guitars altogether?
ReplyDeleteI just picked one up off of craigslist for $550, it's the '79, pretty dirty and the pickups were switched for Seymour Duncans. Man, what a great guitar! So solid. the neck feels great, nice thickness, not too thick like the reissue Les Pauls nor thin like an SG. Really nice.
ReplyDeleteI just got one from Japan. I think it is a firebrand deluxe from 1980. It's difficult to be sure though. I think the firebrand's have the headstock painted black instead of natural. They also seem to not have the fret marker on the first fret, although mine does for some reason. It could be that they removed that one in later models I think.
ReplyDeleteI think the deluxe also has a lacquered body, whilst the standard seems to be in a natural finish. At least that is my conclusion judging from pictures available on the internet.
There is practically no information available about which features distinguish a standard from a post-1980 firebrand deluxe. Well, unless you can distinguish walnut from mahogany by eye and I can't tell for sure either way.
I bought a '79 "The Paul" from Skips music in Sacramento when visiting a friend in 1979. I already owned a 70-72 Custom. It stays in the case, as "The Paul" has a thinner neck and is not as heavy as the custom. Gibson didn't make a cheaper guitar, just a less expensive one. Still playing it today, sounds better everyday. I'd love to have another one as a backup but they are hard to find and a bit more expensive now.
ReplyDeletei aquired a 1978 the paul and it is awesome ,,i'm not much of a gibson user but when my friend pulled this guitar fromm storage after not touching it for 20 years and it was actually still in tune, i had to have it. i ended paying 100 bucks for it. its got the "dirty fingers" pickups and they sound so good!! sounds real nice for being a solid walnut instrument. this ones a keeper!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTHE FIRST 'THE PAUL' MODEL ALL WALNUT FLAT TOP WITH THE DIRTY FINGERS PICKUPS WERE MADE ONLY IN 78 AND 79 CHANGES WERE MADE TO THE LINE IN 1980. THE FIRST RUN OF THE PAUL IS BY FAR THE MORE SUPERIOR INSTRUMENT AND THAT IS WHY THEY COMMAND THE HIGHER PRICE
ReplyDeleteyes the original the paul-- walnut body- flat top- natural satin finish-open coil dirty fingers pickups-grover tuners-tune-o-matic tail piece- painted logo on headstock-was produced only in 78-79. the model received changes in 1980.
ReplyDeletethe models from 1980 and later were firebrands, there were no variations in the 78-79 models
ReplyDeleteI had one in 1979 and it was my first guitar. a year or two later i put in a Dimarzio super distortion in the lead and a dual sound as a third middle pickup. I left the neck pickup unchanged. I know what you are thinking and you are half right. the SD was not that great IMHO, but it was ok. That was soon flipped back to the original. However the standard and the DS split both on gave the creamiest sound i ever heard out of any Les Paul the LP Recording is not in this comparison. It was anti grunge and was as completely unexpected as it was addictive! A jazz or blues dream! I swear I could smell the same cigarette smoke and the sweat of a great all-nighter of blues jam of some unheard of, unappreciated, and mostly empty blues club of 70’s New York. CBGB’s was a totally unique experience and I LOVED it, but I felt the same about those blues joints! It’s like just hope the place would get more people for the owner’s sake, but deep down you knew it was perfect as is and prayed it would never change. The sound of my “The Paul” pulled that entire experience together in my mind. I wish I could say it made me a respectable artist, but I had no talent like the guys I knew then. I gained moderate technical skill, but that spark was never there. The only claim to almost fame were the times a few guys in the original Alice Cooper band and their friends would ask it they could play it for a while to check it out. All who did were pleasantly surprised. I stopped playing and the guitar was kept safe. It came with me when I moved to Chicago. Although I could not play the guitar in the artistic sense I did dance in the artistic sense. I was broke and doing ballet in 1989 Chicago just before I started getting paid for it, but never paid a lot, ever. I was broke and needed quick cash so could pay for some ballet classes I desperately needed. I decided to sell it to pay for some classes i could not get free as a working dancer since I was not actually working then. A guy offered $250 and I took it and said good bye. I remember the guy I sold it to saying he was going to strip it down, cut sections out, and add bright ridiculous colors. Some people should just never be allowed to own any guitar except those sold in Toys’R’Us. I almost flipped him off and took it back home, but I had two higher end classes at Lou Conte Dance Studio back when they were on Wabash in The Loop. It was necessary I kept telling myself, but I’ve never been able to shake the feeling that I was much worse than the Jack Ass I sold it to because I knew it was wrong and did it anyway.
ReplyDeleteI still keep hoping it see it in a guitar store chain or online. If it somehow survived I’m sure the last place it would be is in my uncaring hands. She started life as one of the high born with great promise, but met her end alone and forgotten. I did not begin to appreciate what I had done till I stopped dancing. One day I realized she was not patiently waiting for the days I would want to play her again. I never deserved her and she deserved better, but way by me betrayed.
Kim
Kim, et al.
ReplyDeleteThe prior post is hard to follow but, perhaps some good news. I have a '79 The Paul for auction on Ebay with the bid at $460 if you'd like to have a look. The auction ends Monday evening.
Here is the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280963544094&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
Kim, et al.
ReplyDeleteThe prior post is hard to follow but, perhaps some good news. I have a '79 The Paul for auction on Ebay with the bid at $460 if you'd like to have a look. The auction ends Monday evening.
Here is the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280963544094&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI have a The Paul '78. The same as the second picture.
I'd like to replace the saddles with teflon ones. Today I found out that I cannot remove the screws from the original saddles.
Is that normal, or should I use some extra power?
I don't want to damage it.
Regards,
Snorruk
Frank York a conductor in the burbs of Illinois got the one Gibson used in there ad it had on the head stock 2 blonde pieces of wood! I know because I owned it for a while as I was gonna Marry the daughter , anyway I was so upset because here is an unbelievable player but the neck was snapped in 2 right at the nut!!! He glued & screwed it back ,,it still played but it'll never be what it was ! After seeing that way back I bought one ! It was a piece of crap compared to his ! Nevertheless ,it's now2013 and I had to get one , I did this is a nice addition to my 17 other USA made guitars, look for a pic of the blonde wood , never drink and put an axe on the floor .....
ReplyDeleteI have the Paul custom paint job by the pros in Kalamazoo Michigan cannot put it down a true classic
ReplyDeleteA true classic
ReplyDeleteI own a 'The Paul'. It is my electric best guitar by far. I have owned a few Les Pauls and sold them because they did not deliver what this baby does.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few "Firebrand" models, including an SG. Your homework should show there are Walnut AND mahogany models.
ReplyDeleteThere are "LP" models AND "The Paul" models. Look here for "The Paul" and "The Paul Firebrand:" [url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibson_The_Paul[/url]
I understand from that that "The Paul" came in walnut and mahogany.
I have owned many Les Pauls: Standards, DeLuxe, Customs, 50's, 60's, 70's Juniors, and beyond.
I was looking for a lighter guitar than my ES335 and found an LP Firebrand 1980 at a trusted store.
This is the mahogany body version, (with mahogany neck with ebony board), black "speckled" natural finish and the, um, "firebrand" Gibson logo (not the gold, or pearl inlaid type, more like a rout).
First up, some *facts.* These are budget models by virtue of: - no binding, no top/carve, no painted finish, and saving on the rout for the pickup selector, by mounting it in an awkward position behind the tailpiece, etc. There are small, but useful body contour shapings. Nicer than the sharp edged LPs and a bit more SG like.
From here on, it all gets better: - the guitar has a proper set neck, is made from mahogany/ebony, has good pickups (mine has T-tops), good standard hardware (tuners, bridge, tailpiece). In many ways, its like a SC Junior (Special) with HBs rather than P90s. I love almost all Gibson Juniors.
In the shop, I compared the sound and playability to many other higher spec'd guitars. I compared it to my own Gibsons.
Here it gets better still. It is probably one of the best sounding LPs I have heard/played. It sings and sustains much better than the others I compared it to.
It is lighter/thinner than a Standard. The timber finish feels nice, and glosses up with use. Nice to play.
It is 17 year old wood. It is a real US made Gibson. It is much less expensive than a Standard, Custom, etc, but IMHO it sounds much better!
The ebony board adds back a bit of brightness (perhaps much like a maple top/rosewood board combo).
If you only want a Gibson based on looks, cosmetics, finishes, etc, this guitar is not for you.
If you want pure tone and playability, reasonably light, nice contours, etc, check one out. It will probably be my new stage guitar.
Again IMHO, a very underrated, affordable Les Paul. I disagree that it is not a worthwhile Les Paul, in fact, I may sell some of my higher spec Gibsons and keep this one.
I still have the 82 (built Oct 81)The Paul Standard that my dad got for me when I was 12 years old at Guitar Showcase. It has the black headstock which I always thought looked better and the finish is the ever-classic coffeetable burst. As far as I'm concerned, if you have a painted The Pau, it's not a The Paul. It's a Special maybe. But everyone knows a The Paul needs to look like a coffeetable, sound like a sawmill and play like butter. Kinda like a homely chick who's dynamite in bed haha It was a great first electric guitar. Sounded / played great. Still does! Love the ebony fretboard and those low frets. I used to play with the action about 1/64th of an inch above the frets lol but that neck always stayed straight and true and I suffered zero feet buzzing. Man there was a time you could pick one of these up dirt cheap, part it out and just about triple your investment. That chainsaw case alone would get you back 2-300 of your 400 investment. Thank God guitarists arent business people or there'd be a lot fewer of these left! Course the reissue really boosted the value of the originals. Big time. I guess I'm gonna have to pull my pick ups out to see exactly what they are. I would have bet a LOT of money (and lost!) that they were T-Tops! I swear, I can remember seeing the T on the bobbins clear as day. Only problem is, just got it out of storage and no there's no T on Top. They're not the dirty fingers I don't think - though they were super lively. If anyone knows that would be nice to know!
ReplyDeleteGRAB A THE PAUL
AND JOIN THE
COFFEETABLE
BURST BRIGADE!
I had an Ibanez white twin neck bought for $100 (which I wish I'd kept as an investment) bit I swapped for a 'The Paul' in 1982, and that I still have. Haven't played it in years (the missus complains about all the leads) but I loved the guitar. Great sound. I have short fingers and the neck is shorter than some. Doesn't look great, but I had many happy years playing it. I don't play it, I should sell it, but I keep thinking, I'll pick it back up someday, especially if I can get rid of the missus
ReplyDeleteThere were also The Pauls in 1984. I bought one new in wine red. It has the The Paul truss rod cover, uncovered pickups (one is zebra) and tune-0-matic bridge. Looks like it belongs between the standard and firebrand. I still have the guitar and it feels and sound amazing.
ReplyDeleteFor the first time I located another one just like it on Reverb. https://reverb.com/item/40996335-gibson-the-paul-1984-wine-red-w-original-hard-case