The Gibson Les Paul is considered (along with Fender Stratocaster) as one of the 'mothers' of the electric guitar. It has been used by many great guitarists including Jimmy Page. However, during the start of the eighties, interest in the Les Paul wavered and its once great status was forgotten. Ex-Guns n' Roses guitarist Slash came to prominence and his favorite axe was the Les Paul. Today, the Les Paul has regained its legendary status.
One distinguishing feature of the Les Paul versus the Stratocaster is the use of two humbuckers instead of 3 single coiled pickups; along with the use of a carved maple top and a chambered mahogany body, this contributes to a distinctly different sound from that of the Fender.