<P> These ownership changes, often called the "Norlin Era", caused Gibson products of the time to decline in quality . Les Paul designs were altered and a reinforced upper neck volute to decrease headstock breaks was added . Neck woods were changed from one - piece mahogany to a three - piece maple design . The body was also changed from one - piece mahogany with a maple top to multiple slabs of mahogany with multiple pieced maple tops . This is referred to as "multipiece" construction, and sometimes incorrectly referred to as a "pancake" body . The expression "pancake body" actually refers to a body made of a thin layer of maple sandwiched between two slabs of mahogany, with a maple cap . The grain of the maple was placed at 90 degrees to that of the mahogany . The "pancake" - like layers are clearly visible when looking at the edge of the guitar . This process is also known as "crossbanding", and was done to make use of less expensive and more readily available thinner mahogany . Crossbanding was phased out by 1977 . </P> <P> In this era, Gibson began experimenting with new models, such as the Les Paul Recording . This guitar was generally unpopular with guitarists because of its complex electronics . Less noticeable changes included, but were not limited to, optional maple fingerboards (added in 1976), pickup cavity shielding, and the crossover of the ABR1 Tune - o - matic bridge into the wide "Nashville" bridge . During the 1970s, the Les Paul body shape was incorporated into other Gibson models, including the S - 1, the Sonex, the L6 - S, and other models that did not follow the classic Les Paul layout . </P> <P> In January 1986, Gibson again changed ownership and began manufacturing a range of varied Les Paul models . The 1980s also saw the end to several design characteristics, including the volute and maple neck . However, because of consumer demand, the Gibson Les Paul guitar is available today in a wide array of choices, ranging from guitars equipped with modern digital electronics to classic re-issue models built to match the look and specifications of the guitar's earliest production runs from 1952 to 1960 . </P> <P> As of 2017, Gibson offers several variations of the Les Paul guitar with differences in features, electronics and finishes . For example, the modern Standard offers split - coil pickups which offer a wider range of sounds . The' Traditional' model offers more the more basic features of guitars available during the period 1950s to 1980s and the' Classic' model offers yet other features .' Special' and' Studio' models have a more basic level of finish and Les Pauls are offered at different prices . These models are marketed as' Gibson USA' guitars, capitalising on their American heritage . </P>

What company manufactured the tuners on the 1959 les paul standard