The Gibson Les Paul Classic has long been regarded as one of the best value USA-built Les Pauls ever produced, offering vintage-inspired looks with a fast-playing 1960 SlimTaper neck and the punchy, aggressive voice that made the model a favourite with rock players.
 
Finished in a classic Tobacco Burst, this 2005 example has matured beautifully over the last two decades. The maple top has a subtle, understated grain that suits the finish perfectly, while the mahogany back and neck have developed a rich warmth in colour that only comes with age.
 
As you'd expect from this era, it features the sought-after slim 1960 neck profile, rosewood fingerboard with aged trapezoid inlays, vintage-style Kluson tuners and the iconic "1960" script on the pickguard. Under the hood are Gibson's high-output ceramic humbuckers, delivering everything from sparkling cleans to thick classic rock crunch and plenty of output when pushed. The Les Paul Classic combines many vintage appointments with a slightly hotter, more modern edge.
 
It's a fantastic playing guitar with plenty of life left in the frets, a comfortable neck and all the sustain and authority you'd expect from a great Les Paul.
 
Supplied with its Gibson hard case.