Collection: Gibson Les Paul Guitars
Discover our wide array of Gibson Les Paul guitars at Chicago Music Exchange. Shop the best selection of new and used models, including exclusive Custom Shop editions. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or a collector, find the perfect Les Paul to match your style and elevate your sound. Discover top-quality craftsmanship and iconic designs in our diverse range. Shop now and experience the legendary tone and performance of a Gibson Les Paul!
Gibson Les Paul Guitars
From the first goldtops of the early ’50s to the sunburst Standards of 1958–60 and today’s Custom Shop Historic reissues, the Gibson Les Paul is the sound of rock, blues, and beyond.
At Chicago Music Exchange, we’re proud to be a top Gibson Les Paul dealer in the U.S., with a massive selection of Epiphone Les Pauls, Gibson USA Les Pauls, and Gibson Custom Shop Les Pauls—including Standards, Customs, Classics, Studios, Juniors, Specials, Moderns, Slash models, and Historic Reissues (R7, R8, R9, R0).
Whether you’re buying your first Epiphone, upgrading to a USA Les Paul Standard, or hunting for a flame-top ’59 Reissue R9, CME has the right Les Paul in stock, professionally set up, and ready to ship.
Why Players Choose the Gibson Les Paul
- Thick, singing sustain
- Powerful humbuckers with rich midrange
- Mahogany body with maple top for punch and warmth
- Short 24.75" scale for a slinkier feel
- Classic single-cut silhouette
- Iconic tones for rock, blues, metal, and worship
From clean passages to high-gain leads, the Les Paul delivers an unmistakable, authoritative voice.
Epiphone Les Paul Guitars
Perfect for beginners, working players on a budget, and players who love to tinker.
- Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s & 60s
- Epiphone Les Paul Studio
- Epiphone Les Paul Custom
- Epiphone Les Paul Modern
- Epiphone Les Paul Junior & Special
- Epiphone Inspired by Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard
- Epiphone Slash Les Paul models
Gibson USA Les Paul Guitars
The core professional lineup—reliable workhorses for the studio and the stage.
- Les Paul Studio
- Les Paul Tribute
- Les Paul Classic
- Les Paul Standard ’50s
- Les Paul Standard ’60s
- Les Paul Modern
- Les Paul Traditional (used and recent runs)
- Slash Les Paul Standard
- Les Paul Junior & Les Paul Special
- Les Paul Custom (USA and Custom Shop variants)
Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Guitars
Top-tier instruments built for Historic accuracy, collectors, and serious professionals.
- ’57 Les Paul Custom / Goldtop R7
- ’58 Les Paul Standard R8
- ’59 Les Paul Standard R9
- ’60 Les Paul Standard R0
- Les Paul Custom (Black Beauty, 2- & 3-pickup)
- Murphy Lab–aged Les Pauls (Light, Heavy, Ultra Heavy Aged)
- Artist models and limited runs
Artists Who Made the Les Paul Legendary
- Jimmy Page
- Slash
- Joe Perry
- Billy Gibbons
- Gary Moore
- Zakk Wylde
- Ace Frehley
- Randy Rhoads
- Duane Allman
- Peter Green
Key Les Paul Specs & Variations
- Body: Mahogany body with carved maple cap
- Neck: Mahogany set neck, 24.75" scale
- Neck profiles: ’50s Rounded, ’60s Slim Taper, Asymmetrical, Slim Taper D
- Pickups:
PAF-style: Burstbuckers, Custombuckers, ’57 Classics
Hotter options: 490R/498T, Dirty Fingers, modern high-output sets
P-90s in Junior & Special models
- Weight relief: Traditional, Ultra-Modern, or none
- Hardware finishes: Chrome, nickel, gold
- Finishes: Sunburst, Goldtop, Ebony, Wine Red, Pelham Blue, and limited custom colors
Typical Price Ranges
- $299–$899 — Epiphone Les Paul models
- $1,499–$2,799 — Gibson USA Studio, Tribute, Classic, and Standard
- $2,799–$3,999 — USA Modern, Slash models, higher-spec Juniors & Specials
- $4,500–$10,000+ — Gibson Custom Shop Historic & Les Paul Custom
- $10,000–$30,000+ — Exceptional tops, special runs, Murphy Lab & rare pieces
Why Buy Your Les Paul from Chicago Music Exchange?
- One of the top Gibson Les Paul dealers in the U.S.
- Extensive inventory across Epiphone, Gibson USA, and Custom Shop
- Carefully curated tops, finishes, and specifications
- CME-exclusive and special-run Les Paul models
- Professional setup on every guitar before shipping
- Trusted by collectors, touring players, and studios worldwide
Les Paul FAQ
Is a Les Paul good for beginners?
Yes. Epiphone Les Pauls and select Gibson USA Studio or Tribute models are excellent entry and intermediate options.
What’s the difference between Epiphone and Gibson Les Pauls?
Epiphone models are more affordable and built overseas, while Gibson USA and Custom Shop Les Pauls use higher-grade woods, hardware, and electronics.
What’s the most popular Gibson Les Paul?
The Les Paul Standard ’50s and ’60s are today’s best sellers, while the ’59 R9 remains the most iconic Historic Reissue.
What’s the difference between ’50s and ’60s Les Paul necks?
’50s necks are rounder and chunkier, while ’60s necks feature a slimmer, faster Slim Taper profile.
Does CME carry Custom Shop Historic Les Pauls?
Yes. Chicago Music Exchange regularly stocks R7, R8, R9, R0, Les Paul Customs, and Murphy Lab models.
Vintage and Used Gibson Les Pauls
Chicago Music Exchange is your premier destination for rare vintage Gibson Les Paul guitars and used Gibson Les Pauls. With a long history of dealing in these iconic instruments, we've been fortunate to have numerous legendary Gibson Les Paul "Burst" models pass through our Chicago store, each carrying a piece of rock and roll history. Beyond these highly sought-after vintage electric guitars, our inventory regularly features used Les Pauls from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, as well as a wide selection of modern Gibson Les Paul guitars.
Our dedicated vintage guitar team at Chicago Music Exchange conducts thorough research on every pre-owned Gibson Les Paul that enters our collection. We possess in-depth knowledge of the Gibson Les Paul serial number system and are always happy to share our expertise with you. Contact us via chat, phone, or email if you have any questions about the vintage and used Les Paul guitars you see on our website. Understanding the importance of weight for guitarists, we provide the specific weight for every used Gibson Les Paul directly in its listing. Whether you're searching for a Gibson Les Paul Standard, a Les Paul Custom, a Les Paul Junior, or a Les Paul Studio, we offer a diverse range of these exceptional guitars. Take advantage of the "Offer" button on our used and vintage Gibson Les Paul listings to submit your best price and potentially acquire your dream guitar.
"CME Spec" Gibson Les Pauls
Chicago Music Exchange has cultivated an exclusive collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop, built upon a shared dedication to hand-crafted, exceptional instruments. This partnership culminates in the creation of "CME Spec" Gibson guitars, where our team of guitar experts works directly with Gibson to meticulously select every component. From the unique top woods and custom finishes to specific fingerboard materials, neck profiles, pickups, and hardware, each element of a "CME Spec" guitar is thoughtfully chosen before production begins. This ensures that customers at CME will consistently find extraordinary, often historically inspired guitars gracing our showroom.
While "CME Spec" models share the renowned craftsmanship of the Gibson Custom Shop, they possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Our "CME Spec" philosophy often involves incorporating sonic and tactile upgrades, sometimes even blending features from different historical eras to create instruments that wouldn't have traditionally existed. This approach allows us to capture the "soul" of vintage instruments while also exploring new sonic and playability possibilities.
A key differentiator for "CME Spec" Les Pauls lies in their custom electronics and neck profiles. All "CME Spec" Les Paul Standard and Custom models are equipped with CME's signature Custom "S" Bucker pickups. These pickups are wax-potted and underwound, offering increased headroom, warmth, and clarity compared to standard Gibson Custom Buckers. Additionally, many "CME Spec" Les Pauls feature the "Carmelita" neck profile, a slightly thinner take on the classic '59 Les Paul neck with worn shoulders, providing a comfortable and played-in feel reminiscent of a cherished vintage instrument.
Gibson Custom Shop Guitars
The Gibson Custom Shop represents the pinnacle of guitar craftsmanship, dedicated to producing exceptional instruments that honor Gibson's rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of innovation. This specialized division meticulously crafts vintage Gibson reissues, faithfully recreating iconic models like the Les Paul Standard, SG, and ES-335 with incredible attention to detail. Their Vintage Original Spec (VOS) series is particularly renowned for its historically accurate construction, hardware, and aging processes, offering players the look, feel, and sound of coveted vintage guitars. Beyond meticulous recreations, the Gibson Custom Shop also fosters creativity through unique designs and collaborations, ensuring a diverse range of high-quality Gibson electric guitars and Gibson acoustic guitars that cater to discerning musicians and collectors worldwide.
Furthermore, the Gibson Custom Shop is celebrated for its close relationships with renowned artists, resulting in highly sought-after Gibson Artist Signature models and the limited-edition Inspired By series. These collaborations produce instruments that reflect the specific preferences and iconic guitars of legendary musicians, offering fans a chance to own a piece of rock and roll history. Whether crafting faithful historic reissues, innovative custom guitars, or signature instruments, the Gibson Custom Shop remains a cornerstone of the guitar industry, embodying the legacy and innovation that define the Gibson guitar name.