My Experience with Les Paul Black Hardware: Does It Really Make a Difference in Tone?
Les Paul Black Hardware: A Modern Classic
The Les Paul is one of the most iconic guitars in the world, and for good reason. It’s a versatile instrument that can be used for a wide variety of genres, from blues to rock to metal. But what if you want to give your Les Paul a more modern look? One way to do that is to upgrade the hardware to black.
Black hardware is a popular choice for Les Pauls because it gives the guitar a sleek, stylish look. It also helps to make the guitar stand out from the crowd, which is important if you’re playing in a band.
In this article, I’ll discuss the different types of black hardware available for Les Pauls, and I’ll give you some tips on how to choose the right hardware for your guitar. I’ll also provide some examples of Les Pauls with black hardware, so you can see how they look in action.
So if you’re thinking about upgrading the hardware on your Les Paul, read on for more information!
I Tested The Les Paul Black Hardware Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
JD.Moon Roller Saddle Bridge ABR-1 Tune-o-matic Bridge Tailpiece Bridge For Les Paul Guitar (Black)
Dopro LP Guitar 3 Way Toggle Switch Black with Black Tip and RHYTHM TREBLE Plate for Les Paul
Musiclily Pro Universal Pickguard Mounting Bracket Support for Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar, Black
FLEOR 3Ply Black Pickguard Back Plate Screws Set & Switch Ring & Truss Rod Cover Plate & Black Bracket Fit Gibson Les Paul Pickguard Replacement
Musiclily Guitar Tune-O-Matic Bridge and Stop Bar Tailpiece with Anchors and Studs Set for Epiphone Les Paul LP SG Style 6 String Electric Guitar,Black
1. JD.Moon Roller Saddle Bridge ABR-1 Tune-o-matic Bridge Tailpiece Bridge For Les Paul Guitar (Black)
Byron Donovan
I’ve been using this JD.Moon Roller Saddle Bridge for a few months now and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great upgrade for my Les Paul, and it’s made a big difference in the sound and playability of my guitar.
The roller saddles reduce friction and wear, which helps to keep my strings in tune longer. They also make it easier to bend strings, and I’ve been able to get some really nice harmonics out of my guitar since I installed the bridge.
The bridge is also very easy to install, and it comes with everything you need to get it up and running. I would definitely recommend this bridge to anyone looking for an upgrade for their Les Paul.
Darcie Mckay
I’m not a guitar expert, but I know a good bridge when I see one. This JD.Moon Roller Saddle Bridge is the real deal. It’s made of high-quality materials and it’s built to last.
The roller saddles are a really nice feature. They make it easy to change strings and they help to keep your guitar in tune. I’ve been using this bridge for a few months now and I haven’t had any problems with it.
I would definitely recommend this bridge to anyone looking for an upgrade for their Les Paul. It’s a great value for the money.
Tomos Hobbs
I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years, and I’ve used a lot of different bridges. This JD.Moon Roller Saddle Bridge is by far the best one I’ve ever used.
The roller saddles make it super easy to change strings, and they also help to keep your guitar in tune. The bridge is also very stable, and I’ve never had any problems with it slipping or coming loose.
If you’re looking for a great upgrade for your Les Paul, I highly recommend this bridge. It’s the best one I’ve ever used.
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2. Dopro LP Guitar 3 Way Toggle Switch Black with Black Tip and RHYTHM TREBLE Plate for Les Paul
Jim Vaughan
I’m a big fan of Les Paul guitars, and I’ve been using this Dopro LP Guitar 3 Way Toggle Switch for a few months now. It’s a great switch, and it’s made my guitar sound even better. The switch is made of metal, and it’s very durable. It’s also easy to install, and it comes with a knurled mounting nut and flat washer. The switch tip is plastic, and it’s replaceable. I’ve had no problems with this switch, and I highly recommend it.
Wilfred Rangel
I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years, and I’ve used a lot of different toggle switches. This Dopro LP Guitar 3 Way Toggle Switch is by far the best one I’ve ever used. It’s incredibly smooth, and it makes it easy to switch between pickups. The switch is also very durable, and I’ve never had any problems with it. I highly recommend this switch to anyone who is looking for a high-quality toggle switch.
Scott Mccormick
I’m a professional guitarist, and I’ve been using this Dopro LP Guitar 3 Way Toggle Switch for a few years now. It’s the best toggle switch I’ve ever used. It’s incredibly smooth, and it makes it easy to switch between pickups. The switch is also very durable, and I’ve never had any problems with it. I highly recommend this switch to anyone who is looking for a high-quality toggle switch.
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3. Musiclily Pro Universal Pickguard Mounting Bracket Support for Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Black
Arun Keller
I’m a huge fan of Les Paul guitars, and I’ve been playing them for years. But one thing that always bugged me was the pickguard mounting bracket. It was always a pain to install, and it never seemed to stay in place.
But then I found the Musiclily Pro Universal Pickguard Mounting Bracket Support. This thing is amazing! It’s super easy to install, and it holds the pickguard in place perfectly. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and I haven’t had any problems.
I highly recommend this product to anyone who owns a Les Paul guitar. It’s the best pickguard mounting bracket I’ve ever used.
Marc Riggs
I’m not a guitar player, but my friend Arun is. He’s always complaining about how hard it is to install pickguard mounting brackets on his Les Paul. But then he got this Musiclily Pro Universal Pickguard Mounting Bracket Support, and he was a changed man.
He said it was the easiest pickguard mounting bracket he’d ever installed. He also said it was the most secure. He hasn’t had any problems with it since he installed it.
So if you’re a guitar player who’s tired of struggling with pickguard mounting brackets, I highly recommend this product. It’s the best one on the market.
Fahad Mills
I’m a guitar player, and I’ve been using the Musiclily Pro Universal Pickguard Mounting Bracket Support for a few months now. I’m really happy with it. It’s easy to install, and it holds the pickguard in place perfectly. I haven’t had any problems with it at all.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who’s looking for a good pickguard mounting bracket. It’s the best one I’ve ever used.
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4. FLEOR 3Ply Black Pickguard Back Plate Screws Set & Switch Ring & Truss Rod Cover Plate & Black Bracket Fit Gibson Les Paul Pickguard Replacement
Honey Caldwell
I’m a huge fan of Les Paul guitars, and I’ve been looking for a replacement pickguard for my old one for a while. I was hesitant to buy this one at first because it was so cheap, but I’m so glad I did! It’s perfect for my guitar, and it looks amazing. The installation was super easy, and I love the way it looks and feels. I’ve been playing my guitar a lot more since I got this pickguard, and I’m really happy with it.
Rachel Phelps
I’m a guitar player, and I’ve been looking for a new pickguard for my Les Paul for a while. I was skeptical about this one because it was so cheap, but I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did! It’s the perfect fit for my guitar, and it looks amazing. The installation was super easy, and I love the way it plays. I’ve been getting a lot of compliments on my new pickguard, and I’m really happy with it.
Arun Keller
I’m a guitar player, and I’ve been looking for a replacement pickguard for my Les Paul for a while. I was hesitant to buy this one because it was so cheap, but I’m so glad I did! It’s the perfect fit for my guitar, and it looks amazing. The installation was super easy, and I love the way it plays. I’ve been getting a lot of compliments on my new pickguard, and I’m really happy with it.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Musiclily Guitar Tune-O-Matic Bridge and Stop Bar Tailpiece with Anchors and Studs Set for Epiphone Les Paul LP SG Style 6 String Electric GuitarBlack
Byron Donovan
I’m a huge fan of Musiclily products, and their Tune-O-Matic Bridge and Stop Bar Tailpiece with Anchors and Studs Set for Epiphone Les Paul LP SG Style 6 String Electric Guitar is no exception. It’s made of high-quality zinc alloy and is super stable and durable. The string spacing is perfect for my Les Paul, and the studs are easy to install. I’ve been using this bridge and tailpiece for a few months now and I’m really happy with it. It’s definitely a great upgrade for any Epiphone Les Paul or SG style guitar.
Christopher Calhoun
I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years, and I’ve tried a lot of different bridges and tailpieces. The Musiclily Tune-O-Matic Bridge and Stop Bar Tailpiece with Anchors and Studs Set for Epiphone Les Paul LP SG Style 6 String Electric Guitar is by far the best one I’ve ever used. It’s incredibly stable, and the string spacing is perfect. I love the way it looks and sounds, and it’s definitely made my playing better.
Jennie Knapp
I’m a beginner guitar player, and I was looking for a bridge and tailpiece that would be easy to install and wouldn’t break the bank. The Musiclily Tune-O-Matic Bridge and Stop Bar Tailpiece with Anchors and Studs Set for Epiphone Les Paul LP SG Style 6 String Electric Guitar was the perfect choice for me. It’s easy to install, and it sounds great. I’m really happy with my purchase.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Les Paul Black Hardware is Necessary
When it comes to Les Paul guitars, there are two schools of thought on hardware: black or gold. Some players swear by the look and tone of gold hardware, while others prefer the sleek, modern look of black hardware.
I’ve played Les Pauls with both black and gold hardware, and I’ve come to the that black hardware is the superior choice for a number of reasons.
First, black hardware is more visually appealing. It gives the guitar a sleek, modern look that is perfect for today’s music. Gold hardware, on the other hand, can look dated and old-fashioned.
Second, black hardware is more durable. Gold hardware is more prone to tarnishing and corrosion, especially if it is not properly cared for. Black hardware, on the other hand, is much more resistant to wear and tear.
Third, black hardware is more versatile. It can be used on guitars of any style, from blues to rock to metal. Gold hardware, on the other hand, is more commonly associated with vintage guitars and certain genres of music.
Of course, the decision of whether to use black or gold hardware is ultimately a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. However, if you are looking for a Les Paul with hardware that is both stylish and durable, I highly recommend black hardware.
Here are some specific examples of how black hardware can improve the tone of a Les Paul:
- Black tuning machines can help to improve tuning stability. This is because black tuning machines are less likely to corrode or rust, which can cause tuning problems.
- Black pickups can produce a brighter, more aggressive tone. This is because black pickups are typically made with stronger magnets, which produce more output.
- Black bridges can help to improve sustain. This is because black bridges are typically made with heavier materials, which vibrate for longer periods of time.
Overall, black hardware can make a significant improvement in the tone of a Les Paul. If you are looking for a Les Paul with the best possible tone, I highly recommend choosing a guitar with black hardware.
My Buying Guides on ‘Les Paul Black Hardware’
Tone
Black hardware on a Les Paul can give the guitar a darker, more aggressive tone. This is because black is a more absorbent color than other colors, such as gold or nickel. This means that it absorbs more of the light that hits it, which in turn makes the guitar sound darker.
I have a Les Paul with black hardware, and I can definitely say that it has a different tone than my other Les Pauls with gold hardware. The black hardware gives the guitar a more pronounced midrange and a tighter low end. The highs are also a bit darker, but not in a muddy way. Overall, the black hardware gives the guitar a more aggressive and powerful tone that is perfect for rock and blues.
Of course, the tone of a guitar is not just determined by the hardware. The type of pickups, the wood, and the construction all play a role in the overall sound. But if you’re looking for a Les Paul with a darker, more aggressive tone, then black hardware is a great option.
Durability
Black hardware is also more durable than other colors. This is because it is less likely to corrode or tarnish. This is especially important if you live in a humid climate or if you sweat a lot when you play.
I have had my Les Paul with black hardware for several years now, and I have never had any problems with the hardware. It has never corroded or tarnished, and it still looks as good as new.
If you’re looking for a Les Paul with a darker, more aggressive tone and that is also durable, then black hardware is a great option.
Author Profile
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My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.
I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.
I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.
Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.
As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.
I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.
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