Les Pauls and other confusing references

[blackbird]

I think I'm on a roll with these questions which are obvious to everyone but me :cool: so here's another one... I've heard so many names for guitar types I can't keep them all straight. For example, what the heck is a Les Paul? I've seen it applied to all types of brands. Is it some style of guitar or something? Are there other similar distinctions? Oy. I've got a headache. :eek:

[ESP_Viper]

A les paul is just a classic style of guitar. It's commonly used by many players: Jimmy Page, Slash, Tool. Check out the Gibson Les Paul Series: www.lespaul.com I would like to have a nice les paul, but gibson's quality just doesn't do it for me, especially with that price tag!

[captaintaco]

Blackbird, there are basically 3 types of electric guitars. Strat, Tele, or Les Paul. Most manufacturers make their own version of these guitars. Hey, if it ain't broken, don't fix it. These guitars have remained almost unchanged since the 50's and 60's.

Of course, there are lots of other electric guitars, but those are the big three.

[ESP_Viper]

Well there are actually four basic types of guitars: Stratocaster, telecaster, les paul, and SG. Strat and tele are fender, Les Paul and SG are gibson. These four styles are the most common body styles you will see. A strat is the most common of the 4.

[captaintaco]

Ah, yes, the SG. How could I have forgotten the guitar that Zappa used to bring so much listening pleasure to my eardrums. I guess we could include the ES335 as well, eh Viper?

[ESP_Viper]

Yup... but that's not as common as the other 4 :)