A portrait of Gibson electric guitars – from Les Paul to Explorer

Gibson electric guitars have shaped numerous music genres, especially hard rock and metal, since the 1950s. Several models stand out in particular.

Gibson: an introduction to electric guitar classics

Alongside Fender, Gibson is one of the most famous manufacturers of electric guitars, which have shaped the image and music of numerous guitarists and bands. Although the Gibson Guitar Corporation has been making instruments since 1902, the electric guitar did not come about until the 1950s.

• The Gibson Les Paul, played by legends such as Slash, Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton, laid the foundation for this. The model first came onto the market in 1952 and was reminiscent of the manufacturer’s bulging semi-acoustic guitars, only Gibson used a complete solid body, a fairly wide fretboard and a double or triple humbucker configuration.

• This results in a voluminous sound that is very popular in blues, rock and metal. In combination with the Tune-O-Matic bridge and the electronics with four different configurations, Les Paul guitars are considered true workhorses, suitable for both beginners and professional musicians.

• Other classics include the Gibson SG, recognizable by its double cutaway and thinner body. Elements such as the humbuckers and Tune-O-Matic bridge, on the other hand, are still part of the equipment and, depending on the variant, are even supported by a vibrato lever.

• Compared to the Les Paul from Gibson, the SG has more clearly defined highs and mids, which is why it is used much more often in rock and jazz. Well-known players include Angus Young, Toni Iommi and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

• Note: Gibson sells cheaper versions of the Les Paul and SG through Epiphone, which make it easier to get started learning the electric guitar or switching to a new model.

Gibson: Other well-known electric guitar models

Gibson offers even more models that revolutionized the electric guitar market. These include the following:

• The Flying V is a standard of heavy metal guitars, which stands out due to the inverted V-shape of the body. The shape makes the higher frets easier to reach and the weight is lower, enabling more complicated solos. Michael Schenker is one of the most important players of this model.
• The Gibson Firebird is just as modern with its unconventional body shape, which, similar to a Telecaster, is suitable for rock, metal and indie music. Of all the Gibson guitars, the sound is most reminiscent of a Fender and focuses much more on the treble.
• Not to be forgotten is the Explorer, made popular by icons such as James Hetfield and Neil Young. Its futuristic shape, with two jags, one inward and one outward, ensures excellent balance and easy access to all frets. Explorer models are primarily found in metal, but they are suitable for rock, jazz, blues and even country music.
• Another iconic Gibson electric guitar is the EDS-1275. It is a multi-neck guitar with six and twelve strings. The characteristic Gibson sound is still present and guitarists like Jimmy Page were able to use it for certain songs without changing instruments.