Gibson The Paul
| The Paul | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Manufacturer | Gibson |
| Period |
1978 – 1982 (The Paul) 1981 - 1984 (Firebrand) |
| Construction | |
| Body type | Solid Walnut (Mahogany 82-84) |
| Neck joint | Set |
| Scale | 24.75 in (629 mm) |
| Woods | |
| Body | Walnut |
| Neck | Walnut |
| Fretboard | 22 fret - Ebony |
| Hardware | |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic |
| Pickup(s) | 2 T-tops |
The Paul is an electric guitar made by Gibson, manufactured from 1978 to the 1980s.
History and design
The Paul Standard had a single sharp cutaway Les Paul-style walnut body, set walnut neck, 22-fret ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlays, walnut headstock overlay with gold Gibson logo (1978-1981), three-per-side tuners, tune-o-matic bridge, stop tailpiece, two exposed humbucker pickups, four knobs (two v, two tone), three-way pickup switch, chrome hardware, available in Natural Walnut finish, 24.75 in. scale, 1.6875 in. nut width, mfg. 1978-1982. It included such high end items as the Grover tuning keys and the Tune-O-Matic bridge. Affectionately called by some, "The Coffee Table Burst" because of its natural finish.
The Paul Deluxe (Firebrand) is similar to The Paul Standard, except it has a mahogany body and three-piece mahogany neck, available in Antique Natural, Ebony (1985–86), Natural Mahogany, or Wine Red (1985–86) finish, mfg. 1980-86. A standard Gibson logo branded into the headstock in the deluxe model.
In 1996, the model was resurrected with the Paul II, with a mahogany body and carved top like a Les Paul Studio instead of the flat top of prior models of The Paul The body is 2/3 as thick as a normal Les Paul and features a rear belly cut as well. In 1998 The Paul II was replaced by The Paul SL, itself discontinued in 1999.