Text Box: 2007 Gibson Historic 56 Les Paul Standard, Dark Burst, Dark Back, Gloss Finish How do you get the articulation of a single coil with the power of a humbucker? With a P90, of course. In recent years, these pickups have made a huge resurgence. I find them to be some of the most touch sensitive pickups you can play and, despite their noise, one of the most fun. I think what originally inspired me to pick up something with P90s was The Who’s album, Live at Leeds. Possibly the quintessential rock and roll tone for me (perhaps only second to AC/DC on Powerage). Though at one time I had an SG Classic which pretty closely approximated the look of Pete’s 60s SG Special, I sold it in favor of this exquisite Les Paul. What a player! Compared to the 2005 R6 I used to own, the neck is a bit slimmer—almost identical to my R9, in fact. And Gibson really got the setup on this one right. It plays like a dream. The finish is very rare for a 56, which is typically reissued as a gold top. The gloss top is also an upgrade from the VOS finish (as is the dark back). Text Box: GIBSON LES PAUL