Les Paul Traditional Pro V vs Standard: Which One You Choose

If you are a guitar enthusiast, you know that Les Paul guitars are some of the most iconic guitars in the world. Gibson Les Paul guitars have been around for over 60 years and have been played by some of the biggest names in music.

You might wonder which one to get if you want a Les Paul guitar. This article will compare the Les Paul Traditional Pro V and the Les Paul Standard. We will look closer at their features, playability, and tonal characteristics to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Features

The Les Paul Traditional Pro V is designed to look and feel like a vintage Les Paul. It has a mahogany body, neck, and a maple top with a faded finish that gives it an aged appearance. The fingerboard is made of rosewood with inlays designed to look like the mother of pearl. The Traditional Pro V also has a pickguard and burst bucker pickups. The pickups are not coil-tappable, so you can’t split the coils to get a single-coil sound.

On the other hand, the Les Paul Standard has a more contemporary design. It has a weight-relieved mahogany body and neck, a maple top with a modern finish, and a rosewood fingerboard. The Standard also has a pickguard and a pair of coil-tapped Burstbucker Pro pickups that give it more versatility in terms of tone.

Playability

The Traditional Pro V has a chunkier neck compared to the Standard. This might be a disadvantage if you have smaller hands or prefer a slimmer neck. However, the Traditional Pro V has a wide fingerboard that makes playing complex chords and lead lines easier.

The Les Paul Standard has a slimmer “60s” neck profile that is more comfortable to play for most people. It also has a compound radius fingerboard, making it easier to play chords and lead lines. The Standard has a more contoured body, making playing more comfortable for extended periods.

Tone

Both guitars have a classic Les Paul tone, but some differences exist. The Traditional Pro V has a more vintage tone because of its mahogany body and Burstbucker pickups. The pickups have a warmer, more mellow sound with a bit of midrange emphasis. They are great for classic rock and blues.

The Les Paul Standard has a brighter tone because of its weight-relieved body, maple top, and Burstbucker Pro pickups. The pickups have a slightly hotter output with more treble and less midrange. They are great for various genres, including rock, blues, and metal.

Price

The Les Paul Traditional Pro V is more affordable than the Les Paul Standard. It is a great option for a vintage Les Paul look and sound without breaking the bank. The Traditional Pro V is around $1,700.

The Les Paul Standard is more expensive than the Traditional Pro V. It is a better option if you want a more versatile and modern Les Paul with better playability and tone. The Standard is around $2,500.

Pickups and Electronics

The pickups and electronics are among the most significant differences between the Traditional Pro V and the Standard. The Traditional Pro V features a set of Burstbucker pickups known for their vintage-inspired tone. The pickups are wired to a push/pull coil tap, which allows you to switch between single-coil and humbucker modes. The guitar also has a phase switch, offering even more tonal options.

On the other hand, the Standard comes equipped with a pair of Gibson Burstbucker Pro pickups. These pickups are designed to provide a versatile range of tones, from vintage to modern. Like the Traditional Pro V, the Standard has push/pull coil-tapping, but it also includes a 15dB boost switch for added versatility.

Neck and Fingerboard

Another significant difference between the two guitars is the neck and fingerboard. The Traditional Pro V has a thicker, more substantial neck profile, which some players find more comfortable to play. It also has a rosewood fingerboard with a 12″ radius, which gives it a flatter, faster feel.

In contrast, the Standard has a slimmer neck profile, which some players find more comfortable for faster playing styles. The fingerboard is made of either rosewood or granadillo, depending on the model, and generally has a 10″ radius, making it a bit more curved for easier bending.

Hardware

While both guitars have high-quality hardware, there are some differences worth noting. The Traditional Pro V has vintage-style tuners with green tulip buttons, which add a bit of old-school flair. The bridge is a Nashville Tune-O-Matic with a stop bar tailpiece, which is known for its sustainability and stability.

Conversely, the Standard has locking Grover tuners, which make string changes a breeze and help keep your guitar in tune. The bridge is a modern ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with a lightweight aluminium tailpiece, which enhances resonance and sustain.

Finish and Aesthetics

Finally, let’s talk about the finish and aesthetics of the two guitars. The Traditional Pro V is available in a range of classic finishes, including Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Ice Tea, and Antique Burst. It features traditional Les Paul appointments, such as cream binding and trapezoid inlays.

The Standard, however, has a range of finishes that includes bold, eye-catching options like Mojave Burst and Blueberry Burst. It features binding on the fingerboard and body and mother-of-pearl inlays.

Les Paul Traditional vs Standard: Unveiling the Best Choice (Including Pro V/50s/60s)

Dive into the iconic realm of Gibson Les Paul guitars as we dissect the differences between the Les Paul Traditional and Les Paul Standard models, with a closer look at variations like the Pro V, the ’50s, and ’60s editions. Find out which one suits your musical style and preferences.

Final Thoughts on the Les Paul Traditional vs. Les Paul Standard

Concluding our exploration of the Les Paul series, we weigh the pros and cons of the Traditional and Standard models. Uncover insights into their unique characteristics, and discover the ideal Les Paul for your musical journey.

Basic Info Comparison

Delve into a comprehensive comparison of basic specifications between the Les Paul Traditional and Les Paul Standard, including key details about their variants like the Pro V, the ’50s, and ’60s editions.

Les Paul Traditional Basics

Explore the fundamental features defining the Les Paul Traditional, understanding its core components and design elements contributing to its distinctive sound and aesthetic.

Les Paul Traditional Pro V Basics

Get acquainted with the Les Paul Traditional Pro V as we break down its basic specifications, highlighting the unique attributes that set it apart within the Les Paul family.

Les Paul Standard Basics

Uncover the essentials of the Les Paul Standard, examining the foundational elements that make it a flagship model in the Gibson lineup, setting the Standard for excellence.

Les Paul Standard 50s/’60s Basics

Returning in time with the Les Paul Standard’ 50s/’60s editions, exploring the vintage-inspired features that pay homage to the golden eras of guitar craftsmanship.

Main Model Differences

Analyze the key distinctions between the Les Paul Traditional and Les Paul Standard, unravelling the nuances that shape their tonal characteristics, playability, and overall performance.

Misc Features

Discover the miscellaneous features that add unique touches to the Les Paul Traditional and Les Paul Standard, enhancing your playing experience unexpectedly.

Pickups

Delve into pickups as we dissect the variations found in the Les Paul Traditional and Les Paul Standard models, understanding how these components contribute to the guitars’ sonic personalities.

Neck Profile & Fretboard Radius

Explore the ergonomic aspects of the Les Paul Traditional and Les Paul Standard, focusing on neck profiles and fretboard radii to determine which model aligns with your comfort and playing style.

Les Paul Standard 50s/’60s

Please deeply dive into the Les Paul Standard’ 50s/’60s editions, exploring the unique features that harken back to specific eras and contribute to their distinct sonic and visual appeal.

Features

Summarize the standout features of the Les Paul Standard, encapsulating what makes it a coveted choice among guitarists, whether you’re drawn to the vintage vibes of the ’50s/’60s editions or the timeless appeal of the standard model.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Les Paul Traditional Pro V and the Les Paul Standard are great guitars. They have different features, playability, and tonal characteristics, so it comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a vintage Les Paul look and sound with a wider fingerboard, the Traditional Pro V is a great option. The Les Paul Standard is the way to go if you want a more versatile and modern Les Paul with better playability and tone. Either way, you can go right with a Les Paul.

FAQ

What is the difference between a Les Paul Standard and a standard?

The Les Paul Standard 2019 is also available in 2 finishes- Seafoam Green and Blueberry Burst. The Les Paul Traditional features no weight relief, whereas the Les Paul standard does. This means the traditional is heavier than the Standard. However, the guitar’s weight contributes to its amazing sustain.

Is a Les Paul Pro V a good choice?

First and foremost, this is a solid, muscular Les Paul in the grand style: Chunky rhythm, singing lead tones, and a beefy yet articulate voice are all front and centre; therefore, anything that you would have previously used a more “standard” regular for can be targeted with the Traditional Pro V.

What is the difference between trad Pro V & Les Paul Standard?

Like the Trad Pro V, the earlier Les Paul Standard was equipped with a thin, fast-playing Slimtaper asymmetrical neck, which differs from the standard D-shaped Slimtaper on the Standard ’60s. The current Les Paul Standard is available in 2 distinct versions, offering 2 completely different neck profiles.

What is a traditional pro V?

The Traditional Pro V is the fifth and latest model in a line of Les Pauls developed over the years by Gibson and Guitar Center and is therefore available only from those companies. It’s the most advanced model thus far and is designed to bring exceptional versatility and playability to this carved-top classic.