GIBSON manufactured the LES PAUL ARTISAN between 1977 and 1982, mainly in their Kalamazoo factory. The most striking feature of this edition of the Les Paul is the ornate heart and flower inlaid ebony fingerboard. The headstock also had pearl hearts and flowers inlays and the pre-war style Gibson logo.

The original version had a 3 humbucker option which became the standard configuration from 1979 onwards. The original version also had a Nashville-style bridge with adjustable stop tail piece, but in 1980 this was changed to a bigger tune-o-matic bridge with rectangular base.

Production of the LES PAUL ARTIST began in 1979 and ended in 1981. Less than 500 were ever produced.

GIBSON made the LES PAUL CMT between 1986 and 1989

GIBSON made the LES PAUL LP-XPL between 1984 and 1987

GIBSON began making the LES PAUL SMARTWOOD EXOTIC in 2001

GIBSON produced the LES PAUL SMARTWOOD STANDARD (LPSW) between 1995 and 2001

GIBSON manufactured the LES PAUL SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL in 1983. Around 211 of these were made during the first period of production in 1983. The striking feature of this edition of the Les Paul model is the block of walnut in the middle of the top flanked by flamed maple. The story goes that the central walnut block in the Spotlight Special came about because Gibson needed to use up some beautifully figured maple strips that were too narrow for the conventional Les Paul style tops.

The LES PAUL SUPREME was introduced in 2004.

Production of the THE LES PAUL began in 1976 and ended in 1980