Hm... I don't own a Les Paul... so I've never really had a chance to measure one... I think it could be something to do with the way the neck sits at more of an angle in the neck pocket... rather than more flush with the body in most Strat style and other guitars... I think you might find that guitar like Schecters C-1 series... which also have compensated necks are probably similar in scale length... I figured no one had answered your question I might as well put in some feedback... I could be entirely wrong though...