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DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
B o d y. The solidbody guitar was invented to increase sustain, produce a brilliant tone, and
eliminate feedback caused by a vibrating top. These qualities are enhanced by wood with high
d e n s i t y, such as maple. Les Paul would have pre f e rred for his model to have had a solid maple
b o d y, but density translates to weight, and a solid maple Les Paul Model would have been exceed-
ingly heavy. A compromise was reached, with lighter-weight mahogany used for the main part of
the body and maple for the top cap. Most of the carved-top Les Pauls have the combination
maple/mahogany body, while the “slab” or flat top models have a solid mahogany body. Flying
V ’s, Explorers, and Fire b i rds have a solid mahogany body.
Neck and Headstock.
Mahogany is a time-proven material for guitar necks, and the necks of most
Gibson USA models are constructed of a single piece of mahogany. The Fire b i r d or Thunderbird
IV bass neck is made of nine-ply mahogany and walnut (or all mahogany laminates), and it
extends completely through the body. Fingerboards are of ebony or rosewood.