The Les Paul Studio offers guitarists all the essential elements of a Les Paul Standard, including a carved top and humbucking pickups, in a simple yet elegant design. Aside from the standard finishes, this guitar is available with the new Blue Teal (Flip Flop) finish which actually changes color as it is viewed from different angles.
Featured review by:
unregistered, on june 10, 2005 21 of 28 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 1279.17
Purchased from: Merchant City (Glasgow)
Features: This guitar was made in the USA this year (2005). Body, neck and woods: this model has 23 frets and a rosewood fretboard. The body is a solid body made from 2 different woods, Mahogany with a maple (heavier wood) on top as a cap. This guitar would be realy realy realy heavy otherwise. Finish: this guitar looks beautiful, it has a clear finish which is coloured a wine red colour with gold hardware (looks stunning). Body style: this is of course no copy so obviously its the Gibson les paul body shape. Controls: this guitar gives a 3-way selector Switch to Switch between the neck, the bridge or both pickups. There is also a volume dial provided for each pickup (2) and 2 tone controls, again one for each pickup. Pickups: these are the standard Gibson humbuckers which come on the guitar, (check out thier website for more info). Tuners: these are Gibson Deluxe tuners (as standard) very robust. Accessories: this guitar comes with a whole host of accessories; Gibson hard Case with the Gibson logo on "Gibson USA", Gibson strap, Picks (plectrums), Gibson guitar polish/cleaner, Polishing cloth, Gibson tuner, and a lot of information to do with spare parts and other useful stuff. // 10
Sound: This guitar is very diverse. I play a lot of different styles: rock, Indie, punk, ska, skate, emo, soloing etc. It plays very well in all of these styles it is very quick to play as the fretboard is excelent. I am currently using this guitar with a Marshall Valvestate AVT 150 head and a Marshall Valvestate 412A 200w cabinate. This has a whole load of effects on it and the guitar sounds sweet with every one!, the guitar can make a lot of diferent sounds from bright to an rich sound which is great for soloing. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: This guitar was set up perfectly it was tuned and the pickups were set perfectly. The colour was exactly the same as it is shown on every website I have seen and it works wonderfully with the gold and black hardware. The bridge is properly routed and it is also for keeping the guitar in tune as it it self adjusting. Any flaws? No chance! This guitar is perfect, there is not one flaw on it! Everything is cut, placed and fixed perfectly, the finishing of the varnish is also excellent, it covers every where I havent seen any gaps or uncovered bits yet! and I dont expect to either. // 10
Reliability & Durability: This guitar is extremely reliable and durable! I've been playing the guitar now for a good 10 years! And I'm only 17. I haven't known any other guitar be this reliable of durable. This guitar is solid, I've banged it a few times on chairs and desks etc, and it hasne dinted the guitar or even put a scratch on it, I thin Gibson must be using some super laquer or something! The hardware and strap buttons are very strong and seems like they will outlive me! I for one depend on this guitar alone, I have three other guitars and when I go to play at a gig I don't take them unless I'm using different tunings, I depend on this Gibson normaly. I play my guitar for at least 3 hours a day, everyday, this finish seems again like it could outlast me, it shows no sign of wearing away. // 10
Impression: I play a lot of different styles of music: rock, Indie, punk, ska, skate, emo, soloing etc. This guitar is great for all of these styles. I have been playing for 10 or more years now and I'm only 17. I own quite a frew bits and bobs of gear: Marshall AVT 150 stack, Marshall MG 30, Marshall MS-2 microamp, Tanglewood acoustic guitar, Another acoustic guitar, PRS (Santana style) guitar, this Gibson, an old Strat (poor), Peavy ST-15 Speakers and a Peavey MP400 PA system. (Few things more but I've forgotten them). If this guitar was lost or stolen I would cry, then I would go and buy another one (well the insurance would). I love everything about this guitar I feel it has no bad points! My favourite feature would have to be the sound or the looks. I compared this guitar with the new Fender Strat (£675) and the Fender HHS Strat, and to be honest the Fenders play awful! They say you either like Fenders or Gibsons, so if ur considering buying either, check both of them out, go and play one first (I'm definately a Gibson man). // 10
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on august 15, 2005 2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 849.99
Purchased from: Musician's Friend
Features: First off, I must say this is a strange guitar. Although it's classified as a "Les Paul Studio Limited," it has hardware that's found in the newer Les Paul Standards. It was made in the USA. It's got a worn cherry finish, a carved mahogany top as well as a mahogany back, a '59 rounded mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, 22 frets, pearloid trapezoid inlays, non-locking green key tuners, Tune-O-Matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece, 2 volume controls, 2 tone controls, 3-way selector Switch, a raised pickguard, and a pair of Alnico 5 BurstBucker Pro humbuckers. Also came with a Gibson hardshell case. // 10
Sound: The sound of this guitar is absolutely gorgeous. Although it's a Studio, it's got the sound of a Standard. I play just about everything from Indie rock, to jazz, to classic rock, to country, to punk, and I can safely say that this guitar is very versatile. While I really wish it had a bit more twang, I should bought a Telecaster for that. Another thing about this guitar is that it's got the brightest tone of any Les Paul that I've played. This is probably due to the BurstBucker Pros. They're nice pickups. Very sweet Vintage sound. Especially with reverb. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: While the guitar is great, the factory setup didn't quite meet my expectations. In fact, I think Gibson's overall quality in terms of factory setups is dropping, since I know many who feel the same way. For my guitar, I had to re-adjust the intonation, fix a volume knob that they had put on upside down, straighten the pickup selector ring, tighten the strap button closest to the bridge, and raise the action a bit due to fret buzz. However, the pickups seemed to be setup nicely at the factory. Though it's not the prettiest thing I've ever seen, the finish seems alright to me, but a tad weak. Overall though, it's not as bad as it sounds since I make a shitload of adjustments to all my guitars. Also, I forgot to mention that the neck is pretty fat, so it's not as fast as what I'm used to (I've been playing on my Stratocaster for years). It also doesn't weigh as much as other Les Pauls (in my opinion). // 8
Reliability & Durability: So far this guitar has been pretty reliable. The hardware is awesome, and the strap buttons are solid, though a bit small (use straplocks if possible). However, the worst part about this guitar is that it's more vulnerable to dents and scratches than any other Les Paul, since the finish seems a bit weaker. Also, the carved top is mahogany, rather than maple (which I think is a softer wood, no?). Anyhow, I would still use this guitar without a backup, despite the fact that not having a backup guitar at a gig is stupid. // 8
Impression: Overall, this guitar is a GREAT buy. In fact, the 850 dollar pricetag was what drew me into buying this baby. I mean, rarely have I seen ANY Les Pauls lower than $1,000. Like I said before, it doesn't look as nice as a Les Paul Standard or classic, but it sounds just as good, if not better. Other than that, this guitar's got everything you'd expect in a Gibson. If it were lost or stolen, I'd probably get another one or save up for an impossibly expensive Gretch White Falcon. If you care about sound more than looks, this guitar was made for you. Buy it. Good price. Good Deal. Good guitar. // 10
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on july 25, 2005 4 of 6 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 950
Purchased from: Guitar Center
Features: Beautiful guitar, loaded with everything you'd need. It has a set neck, and has mounds of sustain. Alnico-V 490R and 498T pickups. It has a volume control for each pick up and tone controls, along with a 3-way selector Switch. Trapazoid inlays. Gold pickups. Non-locking tuners, hold tune very well though. // 10
Sound: This guitar is very well suited to my style. I play mostly thick blues (a la Stevie Ray Vaughan) and classic rock. it sounds great clean and you can easily get nice thick chunky sound, very AC/DC-esq. Plugged in you will get a small amount of feedback/buzz, but nothing too bad. You can only hear it if you are not playing. And if you have this guitar plugged in, it will be being played! Not the most versitle guitar, but it'll get done what it's supposed to do. I don't especially like the 3-way setting betweed rythem and lead. It sounds kind of empty. The other setting all sound fantastic though. The lead will scream at you and the rythem will mellow your mind out. It definatly has the classic thick warmth that can only be found with a Gibson. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: This guitar was set up very well. Very low action, even on the higher frets. The pickups seemed to be perfectly adjusted. Everything on the top was flawless, I was well satisfied. // 10
Reliability & Durability: I purchased this used so I don't know exactly, just got it a few days ago. It has one mismatched tuner, so I don't know what happened there. Other than that it seems very nice, so I'll give it a 4. // 8
Impression: For my style of music (classic rock, blues, some metal) this is a perfect match. I have been playing 1 year, and I own a Squier Strat which I love to death (no I'm not joking. I think I got lucky and picked up one of the good ones). Right now I am still running it through my Frontman 15R practice amp, and it still sounds great! If it were stolen I couldn't afford a new one. But if I could I would buy one again. Trust me if you are thinking about going with a Schecter C1, Epiphone LP, Telecaster, or any other guitar, save up and get this, I have played them all and there is no comparrison! I love the action, sound, finish, gold hardware, massive sustain, and all around rocking-ness of it. I dislike that it cost so much, and I know a little of it was for the Gibson name. but I do beleive it was worth it. That's all, this is a great guitar. My suggestion would be to buy the best that you can afford. That way it won't be replaced in a few years. Also, Gibson's hold value, like an invesment. In 5 years I could go sell it for almost what I bought it for. // 10
Reviewed by:
guitarcaw, on november 07, 2005 2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 1
Purchased from: Guitar Center
Features: Made in the USA in 2004, this guitar is a real beauty. With 22 jumbo frets, solid body, curved top, set neck and trapezoid inlays, a wine red finish with gold pickups and hardware, Tune-O-Matic bridge, three way selector Switch, two volume and two tone (ršythm and treble), and a free case, this thing is ready to rock. // 9
Sound: This guitar is not particuarly fit for my kind of playing (I play shred), yet I have adapted to playing it. I use my Crate 65 watt with a crappy Zoom pedal and it sounds pretty good. One thing is for sure, there is nothing wrong with the pickups. I don't usually use the ršythm settings but the sound full and deep. The treble settings provide excellent tone for lead work. Harmonics are no problem on this guitar and a wide range of deep lows and searing highs make this guitar sound awesome. // 9
Action, Fit & Finish: When I got this guitar, I was Amazed how well it was set up. The action was perfect, and the pickups were in the right place. I have no complaints with the finish on this guitar as it is absolutely amazing. The only thing to watch out for is the finish on the back of the neck. It has a tendencey to get sticky after playing for a while although a little polish always makes the neck smoother and less sticky. // 9
Reliability & Durability: I am 100% sure this gutar would withstand live playing, I know for a fact that it could stand up to almost anything that can happen onstage during a preformance because I have used it for two gigs and had it mishandled by my roadies (my friends), and the electronics fooled around with and it still was at peak preformance during the concert. I know I can depend on this guitar and everything on this guitar is solid. I have no worrys about replacing anything on this guitar because there is a fault. // 10
Impression: I play shred, rock, and some metal and this guitar suits me fairly well. I've been playing for almost 4 years now with 2 other electrics, a Fender Strat and a BC Rich Bronze Warlock and there is no denying that this is my best guitar. If this were stolen, I don't know if I would replace it. I might get a nicer Ibanez or Jackson to better suit my style but this is still a great guitar. I love the action, pickups, hardware, and playability of this guitar and the only thing I hate is the finish on the back of the neck. I compared this to the SG and decided that this model would be much better sounding and suitable for me. // 9
Reviewed by:
GuitaPlaya, on january 03, 2006 2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 1269.99
Purchased from: Guitar Center
Features: This is a great guitar, it's your standard Gibson LP, 22 frets, Tune-O-Matic bridge, two humbuckers ect. Comes with a hardshell case and a scree driver to adjust the height of the pickups. // 9
Sound: The sound is the best thing about the guitar. It gets a full rich tone. The treble pick up is great for getting any kind of distortion. Crunchy, metal, lead, anything. Using both pickups is great for clean tone and chords, especially when you add a little bit of chorus with it, it sounds amazing. Just about any style of music you want to play it will work for you, except for shredding due to the thick neck, but the thick neck just helps the guitar get that great tone. The body is sort of heavy but again, that's what helps it get that great tone. It is mahogany with a maple top. Any one who didn't give the sound a 10 doesn't know what they're talking about. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: The set-up wasn't perfect, the action on the lower strings was higher than on the higher strings, but that was a quick fix thanks to the Tune-O-Matic bridge. All I had to do was loosen the strings and turn the thumb wheele. The finish looks amazing, I got mine in wine red and I suggest the same for you. The fret board was nice pretty fast but again, the thing has a fat neck, which isn't a big deal it's just something that you have to get use to. // 9
Reliability & Durability: The guitar is durable and the finish will last as long as you're not an idiot, take care of it properly, and read the instruction manuel. // 10
Impression: I play punk and alternative rock in a band and it sounds perfect, but I will play anything that will help me improve and it fits everything from a fat bluesy tone to a heavy metal distortion. My only complaint would be the thick neck and body. If you are use to playing Strats it the body will feel weird and uncomforable. At first I could not get use to the guitar because of these things so I was probably going to return it for and SG but the SG didn't get the same awseome tone. The guy there suggested I should play it a little more and I would hopefully get use to it and I did. It may not be the best thing money can buy, but it's the best guitar $1270 can. Do yourself a favor a buy this thing. // 10
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on february 29, 2008 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased from: Mars Music
Features: This is a black 2001 model with gold hardware. Rosewood fingerboard. Carved maple top. Mahogany neck and body. Single cutaway style. Tune-O-Matic bridge. 3-way selector with separate tone and volume controls. Gibson humbuckers. Grover tuners. It came with plush satin LP case. It has the smaller neck position markers which is a drag. It's plain jane but beautiful all the same. // 8
Sound: I'm all about straight up blues with a little jazz and rock on the side. I play through a Tech21 Trademark 60 amp. The Gibson LP Studio is all about fat fat sustain. This is the sound I dreamed about having but could never get out of the old '70s Strat I had for 20 years. My Studio model gives me that thick fat bridge pickup sound that symbolizes hard rock a la Jimmy Page and Joe Perry. The neck pickup gives me that rich Jazz box sound I always dreamed of and lets me in to Pat Metheney and John McLaughlin territory. It's also essential for getting that Robert Fripp tone. The middle position gives me great clean Blues and early rock tones and is very beautiful and unique to my ears with cleaner amp settings. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: Action you set yourself. It doesn't matter what the factory did. Pickups are also set by yourself. Factory settings are irrelevant. There were some flaws on this one but it had the best tone of all the Studios I tried in the store so I chose sound over perfection. They don't all sound the same folks. I'm very lucky to get a really good sounding example of the breed. // 5
Reliability & Durability: It's a Gibson folks. Everything is good quality but it should be treated with tender loving care to last forever. Strap buttons are ok. Pickup selector will act up if it's not used for a while. Flipping back and forth a few times will fix it. There is nothing cheap about this guitar. The gold wears off the hardware which is a drag. // 8
Impression: If you really love electric guitar you really only need two models to get all the different tonal flavors for different songs. One is the Gibson LP and the other is the Fender Strat. I love my Studio LP but I also have to have the Strat for that single coil sound. With these two guitars there is nothing you can't do. Nothing else sounds or plays like a Gibson LP. It's been around for so many years with virtually no changes for a good reason. // 8
Reviewed by:
Frostithe, on may 31, 2006 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 1264
Features: Its a 2005 model made in Nashville USA. Got 22 frets and an ebony neck. The back of the neck is painted which means it needs cleaning more often than a wooden neck but thats not exactly difficult is it. I was expecting the neck to be really fat but its not, the '59 rounded profile is really nice. Its chunky enough to feel nice on the hands but thin enough for some fast playing and easy fretting. The body is carved top and made of mahogany which gives it a really nice smooth and bassy sound. My one is in Alpine White with the gold hardware which looks as sweet as a mound of sugar! The tune-o-matic bridge feels nice to rest your hand on when palm muting and allows you to easily adjust the action. Its got nice gold humbuckers in at the moment but I'm buying some EMG's to put in it as soon as I can afford them. Typical Gibson controls, 2 tone, 2 volume and the 3 way selecter. I played on a Fender Strat before so I'm not quite used to the postion of the selector and sometimes hit it and change to the rhymn pickup when I play standing up. The guitar came with a Gibson hard case with some nice fur inside to keep it all nice and safe. // 10
Sound: I play mainly metal with a bit of rock (Green Day are rock! Accept it) and as I said earlier, I'm getting a set of EMG's to go in the guitar to give it more of a metal sound at the moment. With the stock pickups it can do metal, but I think it can do it better! I use the Studio straight into a Marshall DSL401 and they compliment each other nicely. It really starts to Shine when you start to crank the amp. Thats when you get the Marshall tone and it works oh so well with the Gibson. Due to the fact that the guitar has humbuckers, there is very little background noise (except for when I place it near a fan). The pickup selector switch is silent and changes very fluidly. This guitar is extremely versatile so you can go from a bluesy jazz sound to a full on metal and hard rock sound very easily. It naturall gives off a deeper, fuller sound because of the body thickness and material. The low end is nice and crunchy with a screaming high end guaranteed to result in a "guitargasm" with the right playing. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: When it came from the factory, the action was a bit too high for me (about 3mm on the low E) but I easily adjusted this and now its down to 1mm on the low E. You might expect fret buzz with action this low but not at all, it now sounds and plays like a dream. I had to lower the pickups after I lowered the action because the strings would touch the bridge pickup when I palm muted which didn't give a nice sound. But again, this was very easy to do. The one complaint I have about this guitar is that there is a tiny flaw on the top edge, between the neck and strap button. Its a small strip where the paint hasnt gone on properly and you can see the wood. However, its not noticeable unless you are really looking for it and you are very close and it doesn't affect playing in the slightest. Other than that, it's perfect! // 9
Reliability & Durability: I've only had this guitar a week but it seems very good so far. No damage but then again I've been very carefull with it so I'm not too sure on reliability. The hardware seems excellent and the finish is very hard and hasn't worn off yet and I've been playing it a lot. One thing to make sure, the angle of the top strap button means that your strap might come off when playing live. I just bought a strap with a lock on it so it will never come off. This is the same with all Les Pauls though so it's more of a design flaw than a guitar flaw. I would definately play this live without a backup, just make sure you have straplocks or a locking strap! // 9
Impression: As I said, I play metal and this is a versatile guitar which can do pretty much any kind of music (you may need a boost like an OD pedal for death metal). I've been playing for 4 and a half years and this is the best guitar I've ever played. I still havn't gotten used to playing it yet so I'm not as comfortable with it as I was with my Fender but I'd had 3 and a half years to get used to that! I also have: Fender Mex Strat (better than Americans imo), Encore starter guitar (gonna be modded soon), Samick ES335 copy, Marshall DSL401, Fender Champions Series 30, Small 10w Watson amp, Boss MT-2 Metal Zone (awesome), DigiTech RP80 (mainly for tuning now). If this was stolen I'd find the guy who stole it and play loudly until his ears bled, then go home with the guitar satisfied. Of course I'd buy it again! I love the finish and sound of the guitar. I hate nothing. Oh wait, I don't like the angle of the top strap button (mentioned earlier). Before I received this unexpectedly for my birthday (today by the way, it was an early present) I'd considered getting an Epiphone ELitist LP Custom and a Gibson SG but I went with the Gibson Les Paul Studio and I'm extremely happy with it. I do wish it came with EMG's although that wouldn't really please everyone and would put the price up. Scratch that, I love it as it is! // 10
Reviewed by:
lil_angus_young, on november 14, 2005 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 1208.2971
Purchased from: bellone
Features: My guitar is usa made in 2005. Came with a Gibson hardshell case that seemes to last a while. It also has 22 frets on a rosewood fretboard. The whole guitar is made from solid mahogany accept for the maple top on the body. It is black with few scratches (play wear). It came with a Tune-O-Matic bridge and tailpeice in gold. It came with 2 volume and 2 tone controls with a 2-way pickup selector. // 10
Sound: This guitar sounds awsome for all the music I play (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Guns N Roses). I use a 45 watt Marshall amp. It goes well with blues or jazz aswell. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: When the guitar came from the factory it had a paint chip on the left side of the headstock. The pickups and intinition were set up good aswell. // 9
Reliability & Durability: I think this guitar would withstand live playing because it has for me. The strap falls off sometimes so I would recomened getting new strap locks put on. The guitar is very dependible accept the gold hardware that will start to fade within a few weeks of being owned. The finish is good but seems to chip and scartch easly. // 9
Impression: I play classic rock and some blues or jazz etc. I usually play Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Guns N' Roses. I own a 1935 Gibson Royaltone steel guitar and a Yamaha electric guitar. If it were taken I would probly get another one of a Fender Stratocaster made in usa. I had a choice between a Fender Strat or a Gibson LP Studio but I chose the LP because everything was just right for me. // 10
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on april 21, 2005 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 987.5
Purchased from: Long And McQuade
Features: The Gibson Les Paul Studio is perfect. It has everything the Les Paul Standard has and the only difference beetween the Studio and the Standard is that the Standard has grade A maple and the Studio has just maple. The only thing that I would change is that they should make them in heratage cherry too but mine is in wine red and it's still one of the most beautiful guitars I've seen. It has 2 humbucking pickups, the 490 and 498. The neck is fast and it's just easier to play on this guitar than on others that I've tried. // 10
Sound: I play Zeppelin mostly and it fits it perfectly since Jimmy Page had a Les Paul. The sound can go from bright and high to dark and kind of "fat." I'm using just a Yamaha 20 watt and it still sounds great. I'm going to get a Marshall MG100DFX and I could only imagine how good it will sound on that. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: My guitar was made perfectly, no scratches or flaws and it's very solid. It is made of a maple top and mahogony base and neck and the pickups are adjusted perfectly. My pickup selector was also a bit loose but it was easy to fix and other than that, it was great! // 10
Reliability & Durability: This guitar it solid and no matter how long you play it for, it won't get destroyed (unless you drop it like 10 times). It can surely withstand playing in gigs and I would not use any backup. The strap buttons are solid and the finnish lasts a long time // 10
Impression: I've been playing for about 2 years and I'm only 13 but trust me, this guitar is great and I've played many guitars but none of them comes close to this except for other les pauls. If this were stolen, I would hunt the robber down, kick his ass, take my guitar and buy another one just in case. // 10
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on july 17, 2006 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 1
Purchased from: Guitar Center
Features: // 10
Sound: I mainly play metal and other rock music, but I also play a fair amount of clean shit. I run this guitar through a Line 6 spiderII 2X12, usually on the insane channel with a deeper tone. Amazing tone, as far as I'm conserned theres no comparison. Same with the clean sound. My strats can make a lot of noise on any channel on my amp, but with the humbuckers on here all you can hear is the amp. If you mute the strings, it will sound the same as if you turn the volume switch 2 0 on the guitar. The sustaine is amazing. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: Well this guitar was a big change for me, I'm used to playing unpainted maple necks, the paint adds up a lot of friction on my hand making it slow. As far as the weight goes, yes its heavy, but if you cant handle it you have a vagina. It will catch up to you if you are playing an hour or 2 show, but it's nothing bad. I have the fireburst finish and its beautiful, you can see the wood grain under the transparent center. The guitar did however come with a bad action, and costed me $40 at another music store(was afraid of up a guitar I spent my whole bank account on), and did a shitty job. So I ended up doing it myself. I got it much lower and didnt fuck up the intonation like the music store did and everything is lined up. // 9
Reliability & Durability: Its a Gibson Les Paul, it's durable. The only thing I am a little concerned about is if the gold plating will work off. The strap buttons are a little small if you ask me, but very durable. I have a Planet Waves locking strap anyway, and you better have some sort of straplocks if you have a guitar this expensive. // 10
Impression: Great metal and clean sound, silent, and the best sounding guitar out. // 10
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on may 09, 2006 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 197.5
Purchased from: meth junky former friend
Features: // 8
Sound: Buzzes a bit, quiet selector Switch and knobs. Smoking tone, love it for what it is meant to do, it is not a Strat, or a metal shredder axe, sucks for bright clean work, but who cares. Get a job and buy more than one guitar. I use it with a Boss GT-3, some old stomp boxes, and in most cases a Fender Bassman amp. Also have a Marshall 45w head and 2X12 cab, never drag it out. the Fender works for what I do, a bit floppy on drop D palm muted stuff. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: Bought it used, set up was poor but was still playable as it was, very versatile guitar, fat slow neck, again who cares, gold finish has worn off, looks cool now, back scratches easily, looks great on stage, plays great, it is a Les Paul, if you don't like heavy, chunky guitars buy somthing else (prince might sell his). For all Pink floydish stuff I use my Strat, if I want to shred I use my Charvel, to rock this is the guitar. neck gets sticky, that is the only thing I really dislike about this guitar. // 10
Reliability & Durability: Strap button keeps comming loose, has chips and scratches on it, still looks great. Finish seems okay, I would never gig with one guitar. // 7
Impression: If you want to rock, hard, and not sound like a nasal duck this is it, I got it because nothing will make a Strat into a LP. They are what they are, love it or hate it. If you intend to be anything more than a basement wanker, you have to own at least one LP (get two, fat '59 neck and thin '60s), they are the rock guitar. // 9
Reviewed by:
captainchuck, on april 27, 2006 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased from: Elderly Instruments
Features: This is a wine red 2005 model and has basically the same features as the Les Paul Standard, minus the binding on the neck and body.It's also not quite as heavy as a Standard. The jumbo frets are great for string-bending, but don't play as fast as smaller ones. I do miss having a whammy-bar, as I feel limited without one. Some people knock on gibsons for not having a 5-way selector switch. But really, how many do you actually use? With this guitar you have what you need. // 8
Sound: I was looking for a guitar to give me that Led Zeppelin/Aerosmith blues-rock sound and this guitar is perfect. The pickups are a little bit noisy with heavy distortion. The sound is very limited to blues or rock. Gibson pickups have a very unique sound. In order to imitate that legendary sound one must own a Gibson. // 9
Action, Fit & Finish: For over $1,000 bucks I expected a better action, though it is quite good. I've played $500 Ibanez guitars that are much faster. One of the tone knobs seems to hang up a bit as you turn it. I will probably replace the tuners, as these go out of tune easily. But then again Gibson are notorious for having bad tuners. The intonation was perfectly set up. The wine red finish looks great close-up and the wood has lots of detail. // 8
Reliability & Durability: Reliability may be this guitars best feature. It is very solid and all parts seem very sturdy. I've had the guitar for 2 years and the only blemishes are a couple of marks on the back of the body. The gloss finish is fairly thick. // 9
Impression: My only real disapointment is that this guitar is great for any range of classic rock, even grunge or alternative, but is fairly hard to shred on. You can make do, but metal fans should go ahead and buy an Ibanez or ESP.I love this model of guitar because it feels great while playing it standing up, as all of the weight is in the body and not the neck, unlike an SG or Flying V model. Also the volume and tone controls are well out of the way of your picking, unlike a Stratocaster. If you want the sound of a Les Paul Standard with close looks and playability, without paying $2,300 bucks, you can't go wrong with this guitar. // 8
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on march 21, 2006 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Features: It was made in 2005 made in USA. It's a thin fret board with 22 frets, also mahogany neck, '59 Les Paul. Rosewood fret board, Tune-O-Matic bridge with stop bar, gold hardware, 490r and 498t Alnico magnet humbucker pickups. Carved maple top and back. The finish on it is solid black with an white outline around the edges. A Les Paul style, single cut-a-way. Trapezoid inlays. Active electronics. 2 volume knobs, and 2 tone knobs, with a 3-way Switch. Locking tuners, not sure what brand. Includes hardshell Gibson case. // 10
Sound: The Les Paul Studio guitar is magnificent, it fits in my music just perfectly. I play metal, rock, classic, ect. It has a sound I can't put words to. It has a variety of sounds it can make depending on what pedal and amp I have. Just the guitar it has distorion, treble, and bass. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: The action on it is just perfect and there is no neck buzz. The picks needed a little adjustment but not that much. The top is fine, not a problem with that or the bridge. The only thing that was wrong with my guitar was the pick guard, I took it off anyway and bought a white one to put on. // 10
Reliability & Durability: This guitar is great for live playing. The hardware is very great, it has lasted longer then my previous guitars. The strap buttons are fine, I would bring a backup guitar because nothing is guarenteed but if I had to bring just 1 guitar, I'd bring the Les Paul. The finish has began to come off yet and I've had it for half a year. // 10
Impression: I play anything I like, and it matches to all of my expectations. I've been playing for 2 years and I own a '57 Fender Stratocaster a Marshall half-stack, a Zakk Wylde distortion pedal and a random Wah pedal. The only thing I wanted to ask before I bought was if it got damaged could I send it in to Gibson Customs and get it re-done. I would probably buy either the Les Paul or the SG. I love everything about this guitar, it is very light, the controls are easy to use, it sounds really great. My favorite thing is that its a Gibson and in my town theres hardly any people with one. I compared it to my friends SG and it was evenly matched, his SG was a little lighter though. I wish it had my name inlayed into the Fret Board. // 10
Reviewed by:
Godzilla1969, on april 17, 2006 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 1200
Purchased from: Instrumental Music
Features: I have a 2004 Gibson LP Studio, American made (like all Gibsons). '60s style neck with 22 frets, rosewood fretboard, flamed top in desertburst finish. It's got a regular Tune-O-Matic bridge. There are two volume knobs and two tone knobs (one for each pickup). Two humbucking pickups (490R and 498T I think), and I'm not sure what kind of tuners, Grover maybe? // 10
Sound: For the styles I play (classic rock, alternative, Indie, psychadelic), this guitar is perfect. Sold the Bassman amp a while ago, opting for the cheaper FM 212R (was running low on $), and I'm using a Boss NS-2, MXR Phase 90, Crybaby 535Q wah pedal, and a Radial Engineering distortion pedal. Compared to my Strat, it's unbelievably quiet in clean, overdriven, and distorted modes. I use the bridge pickup for a brighter lead sound and the neck pickup for the rich rhythm tone. Definately one of the more versatile guitars on the market. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: The action was perfect upon bringing it home, and the pickups were adjusted fine. The top is perfectly bookmatched and properly routed bridge. There were a couple fine scratches on it because it was a floor model, but that has nothing to fo with quality, so I was really very happy with the finish. // 10
Reliability & Durability: Les Pauls are notoriously tough due to their meaty bodies and abundance of wood, so even when I screw up and drop it, the results are unnoticable. The gold plating has begun to fade a bit on the edges, but I am not particularly obsessed with keppeing it looking like new, so it is no big deal. THe strap locks do unlock every once and a while, sometimes causing my precious baby to crash to the floor, so the strap buttons have let me down a couple times. I think the finish will last a very long time, because it's very thick. // 9
Impression: It's a great match for my style of music, so I'm thrilled. I've had this guitar for a little over a year now and it has not let me down. I love just about everything about this guitar, although the pickups get a little muddy with my phaser sometimes. Great guitar, and well worth the money. // 10
Reviewed by:
makuserusukotto, on october 16, 2006 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 775
Purchased from: Chandler's Music
Features: A 1991 Les Paul Studio manufactured June 18 in Kalamazoo, MI. The guitar was very nicly refretted with 22 medium frets. The body and neck are white, with gold hardware. Body is Mahogany with a Maple top with a Mahogany neck and Ebony fretboard. Tune-O-Matic bridge with two passive humbuckers. Two volume and Tone nobs, one for each pickup, a 3-way selector Switch and Gibson tuners. The guitar also came with a Gibson case. I don't see why so many people put down the Studio, it is just like the Standard, but without burst finishes or binding, which lowers cost. This guitar has everything someone could need, it's an amazing guitar. // 10
Sound: I play mostly rock like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam, some blues like Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan, also everything from Hendrix, to Beatles, to Zappa. I have a old crappy amp head and 1X12 cabinet that dosnt sound to great, so I'm often using friends amps. I use a friends Spider II 30w often and it sounds wonderfull through it on any channel from clean to insane. There is no noise with this even on my old amp. I use mostly Fab pedals due to their price, the ones I am using now are the Fab Overdrive and the Fab Chorus. The Studio can handle everything from more rich blusey chorused sounds to sharp distorted sounds with plenty of sustain. It can play through pretty much any sound with ease. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: I bought the guitar used, it was in nice shape when I bought it, minor cracks around the machine heads, the guitar had also been refretted and refinished, all done very well thought. When I bought it, it was vairly well set-up. Just some minor bridge adjustments needed. The finish was very clean, just a few minor blemishes that are not noticable. Solid white with no binding on the body and neck. I like the simplistic paint job on the Studio, no burst or binding; I prefer it over a Standard. // 9
Reliability & Durability: This is a very reliable guitar. I would gig without a backup with this. The hardware seems very nice and will probably last the life of the guitar. The finish is very durable, it has been dropped sevral times with only one chip around the bottom strap button from lading on the strap lock. I can deffinatly depend on this guitar, it has been through a lot and there are few signs of wear and tear. // 9
Impression: This is the perfect match for the style of music that I play. I've been playing for nearly two years now and I own an Ovation and a Washburn in addition to the Les Paul. If this guitar were stolen or lost I would deffinatly buy another. The guitar's simple paint scheme and awesome electronics make it a killer deal for the price. it's a Gibson so there isnt much it can compare to because nothing beats a Gibson. // 10
Reviewed by:
ACDClover31, on february 06, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 790
Purchased from: The Arts
Features: My les Paul was made in 2003 and is wine red with a pick guard. It has 2 volume and 2 tone knobs and 22 frets. It has gold plating and is a solid maple top with a mahogany back and rosewood neck backed with mahogany. IT has a wide neck which suits my playing type. It has a Tune-o-Matic bridge with a stop bar tailpiece and has a 490r humbucker and a 498t humbucker neck pickup. They are Standard Gibson green key tuners. It came with a Gibson hard shell case. // 10
Sound: This guitar suits my music style perfectly because I am into classic rock and blues and all the greats (most of them) used les Pauls such as Jimmy page or Slash. I use it with a Marshall MG30DFX and love it. It has a very rich vibrant tone but at the same time a deep tone which sounds very nice. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: There were no flaws in the guitar and am not sure how the factory set it up because I got mine used but it came perfectly set up only a little unnoticeable gold started to wear off of the bridge. The action came set right and the finish was amazing. // 10
Reliability & Durability: This guitar is a beast and would with stand live playing any day of the year. The hardware is 5 years old and is still fine and I bought strap locks just in case because you can never be too careful. I would depend on this for any concert, and the finish does not seem like it will wear off only a little gold wore off and that is because it is 24 karat gold which is very soft. // 10
Impression: I have been playing for 5 years and love it. If this guitar was stolen I would definitely buy another one and if not I would by the standard or classic. I love the colour, shape, fell and sound of this guitar, it is perfect. It would be kind of neat it had some white or cream trim around the edges. // 10
Reviewed by:
LD_Luke D, on april 09, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 635
Purchased from: Guitar Center
Features: This guitar is a USA made Gibson Les Paul Studio. This guitar features a natural faded finish with all chrome humbuckers and hardware, Gibson non locking tuners, 2 tone switches, 2 volume switches (Standard LP swiring) and a 3-way pickup selector switch. there are humbucker pickups are passive Gibson burstbucker pro pickups. It has 22 frets, trapeziod inlays. An all mahogany body and neck with set neck construction. the neck is a one piece neck. The body is also one piece with no binding, no maple top, and features a Tone Pros bridge. It also came with a Gibson hard case. // 9
Sound: I use this through a Line 6 Spider III 75 watt amp. The tone on the low notes and power chords is basically like getting hit by a bus, the lows are full and fat, the mids are blanced and the highs are clean and not noisy. I like to play a lot of clean stuff on this guitar just because it sounds so good. When you want this guitar to sound clean I don't know if it could be beaten. However when you want it to sound dirty or distorted, it sounds great, clear, refined and never over the top. The variety on this guitar is absoluteley amazing and can shift styles of music as quickly as you canb step on the pedal. The versatillity on this guitar is probably it's best feature. the only thing a person might not like about the guitar is just how clear the pickups are. If you want EMG's for the solos in the treble posisition for a more unrefined, dirty sounds you could certainly do that, but the pickups give enough distortion for the dirty sounds in my opinion. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: I got this guitar used and the adjustmenats were fine all except for the unnaturally low treble pickup. I've never seen a les paul with the pickup so low before, I adjusted it to where I thought it should be and am currently happy with it's posisition and sound. I can't prove this but I believe the previous owner did this to the guitar, therefore I will not deduct points from Gibson for this. The guitar stays intune as well as my old ESP which had locking tuners and this has non locking tuners. The quilaty of the wood, neck frets seemed almost factory good espacially for a used guitar. the nut, bridge and string height all seemed to be great fitting and feeling. The only problem is the upper frets on the low strings are kinda hard to reach. // 9
Reliability & Durability: This guitar is defineteley good for gigging if that is what you plan on doing with it. the finish is very strong and does not scratch because it is a natural finish and any acratch unlesss severe would blend in with the wood grain. this is not a rockstar's guitar, it is a musician's guitar. if you compare the finish to many of the other finishes on other flashy guitars it may seem ugly. please don't label it as that I did and I regret it because it is a work of ART rather than a guitar built for looks. // 10
Impression: I play a lot of metal, blues, and mainly stuff I make up. I compared it to the epiephone Les PaulCustom, at distorted, the tone was defineteley better but not by a ton. The cleans are where this guitar took the Epiphone pout of the picture. after I played it I said this is what I want. I would buy it again if I was in the same posisition. the only thing I might add is a Duncan Invader to the treble for really screaming solos, but I don't want to ruin the balance of this beautiful instrument. // 10
Reviewed by:
rhguitar, on april 21, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 1.83
Purchased from: G.A.K
Features: This guitar was made in the Gibson factory in Nashville. AA maple top glued to a mahogany body. Slim '60s set-neck. 22 frets on a Rosewood fingerboard. 2 burst bucker pro pickups wax potted to reduce feedback each with it's own individual tone and volume knob. 3-way selector switch: rhythm (neck pickup), lead (bridge pickup) or both. It also features a tune-omatic bridge and stop bar tailpeice. It also came with a good quality case as well. The finish is also flawless (flamed top). // 9
Sound: I play a lot of heavy rock, blues, and a fair bit of shred as well. I played it through a Line 6 spider 3 to see how much warmth and tone the guitar itself can actually produce. The results were very impressive indeed. This packs a punch. It has that classic meaty, ballsy Gibson sound when you set the amp to overdrive but it produces great results in what ever sound you want to go for, I just can't wait to get it going through some valves. // 9
Action, Fit & Finish: Perfect. Absolutely nothing wrong with it at all. Though other people have complained about the poor factory setup. On mine the action was perfect and so was the pickup height. The tuning is also very which was a surprise because a lot of guitarists complain about that aspect of it. // 10
Reliability & Durability: I have not had this guitar all that long but have been playing it a lot since I got it and the finish is holding up beautifully. It definitely feels like it would be able to cope with the strains of Live use. It seems like a pretty solid piece of kit. I am without a doubt going to play it at my next gig but I am going to bring a backup just in case. // 9
Impression: From playing this guitar I am confident that it could suit any style of music. I know for a fact that lots of players that don't play rock or metal use this guitar. I love this guitar to death and I cannot wait to get up on stage with it. I love the fact that this guitar can sound like any of the other guitars out there but still retain its core sound that no other instrument I have played or heard so far has come close to. If it were stolen I would probably cry then find the guy Who stole it, kill him and get my baby back. // 10
Reviewed by:
Calvin Waller, on march 13, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased from: Guitar Center
Features: This guitar was made sometime in late 2006. It has the Standard 22 frets on most Les Pauls with a 12" radius neck and a dark rosewood fretboard with Standard medium frets. It is a solid top and mine is a limited edition alpine white finish. The body is a chambered mahogany body with a maple capped top with a mahogany neck. It also has a nice nitro cellulose lacquer finish. It is a Standard Singlecut Les Paul shape. The bridge is a Tune-O-Matic with a stoptail piece. The Standard pickups are a 490R (neck) and a 498T (bridge) pickup, but I replaced them with a Seymour Duncan '59 and JB set. It has 2 volume, one with a coil tap for the JB, and 2 tone controls and a 3-way pickup switch and the middle Switch is a phase. The tuners are Vintage spec Gibson tuners. This guitar came with a combination lock case. // 10
Sound: I play classic rock and classic metal and this guitar gives me all the sound that I need. I use a Vox AD30 VT Valvetronix amp because of all of the different amp models. Usually I don't like to use effects but occasionally I will use a wah on my solos. This configuration can give you virtually any kind of sound that you want. Les Pauls are very versatile music wise. I can get any kind of music out of it. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: The action was at a bit of a low side but I took care of that. I didn't like the pickups so I installed a Seymour Duncan set. Everything else was of top knotch Gibson quality. I see no flaws in any piece of the guitar except for a small scratch in the bridge but that is no big deal. // 8
Reliability & Durability: This guitar is great for Live playing. It never goes out of tune. The hardware doesn't seem to want to give way any time soon. I didn't like the strap buttons so I installed some Dunlop Straploks. This guitar doesn't need a backup for the gigs I am in. The finish is nice and thick and I sweat a lot and the finish is still there. // 7
Impression: I play classic rock and classic metal and the Les Paul is the best bet for my needs. I have been playing for six years. I have an acoustic Washburn and a Gibson SG. I would buy this guitar again but in a Heritage cherry finish. I love the feel of a big guitar and the weight relieved chambered body and everything else. My favorite feature is the tuners because they never seem to go out of tune. I compared this gutar to a Fender Stratocaster and a Jackson Randy Rhoads. I chose this one because it is easier to carry around and has a lot more sustain. The thing I wish it had though was a Bigsby vibrato bridge. // 10
Reviewed by:
HendrixFan434, on april 21, 2005 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased from: Musicians Friend
Features: This Gibson Les Paul was a 2004 model and it was made in USA, it has 22 frets, which are easy to reach, and a solid top, the finish on the guitar is very nice (fireburst) and the electronics have not messed up yet so they are pretty good too, the tuners are non-locking but they are very nice. There are no accessories except a really nice case. // 8
Sound: I mostly play older stuff, not this new age crap coming out, so I don't know it works for it, but if your going for a nice grungy, crunchy sound, then this is the guitar your looking for. Sounds that came out of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton can be found easy with this guitar. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: Well as I said before, the guitar I bought has a very nice finish (fireburst) but all of the other colors such as alpine white and the black look very nice as well. // 8
Reliability & Durability: Well this is the one part of the guitar where I have a real problem, The wood used to make is said to be mahogany, which is a very fine wood, but after only 3 months of owning it, the headstock snapped forward at a band practice. Now I don't know if every Les Paul Studio is like this or if the one I purchased was just made weaker but Gibson agreed to repair the guitar for free and send it back so no worry's. // 4
Impression: Well other than the way that the guitar I bought broke, I think it is overall a great guitar, the sound mathces everything I was looking for, and the humbuckers are so great I can crank it up and band practice to drown out my friends Stratocaster. // 8
Reviewed by:
FranticShredder, on february 25, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 1600
Purchased from: Eskildsen Music Store
Features: This guitar has a 59' rosewood neck. I like broader necks I think it makes the playability of the guitar much easier, because you can't hit the other strings when trying to pick on one. I picked the guitar with the blanc black finish, looks very heavy, just the way I like it. The 490R and 498T humbuckers in this guitar is just plain awesome, they have got that heavy tone and and is very good for Metallica, AC/DC, Pantera. anything with distortion. there's both a volume Switch and a tone Switch for each humbucker, and a 3-way switch to Switch from treble sound to rythm and something inbetween. The case included with the guitar (Gibson USA Deluxe case) is really a great case because it's really thick so the guitar wont get damaged. And inside the case is soft "hair" kinda so your precious new Gibson can sleep well. // 10
Sound: I play Metallica, Pantera, AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix and so on so this guitar is perfect for me. I would never have thought I could get such a great guitar for such a small cost. Worth every penny! I'm using a Roland Cube 20X. The guitar has all rich full and bright sound! Anything you want it to. there's also a fun detail about this guitar; It can actually can make a killswitch! turn the volume all the way down on the first humbucker and switch from treble to rythm on the 3 way Switch and you got yourself a killswitch! // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: The is one flaw on mine. The 3-way switch is loose! And I when I screw it on so it's stuck the treble button will be at the rythms spot. Pretty annoying but I think that's just a one time coincidence. And there's also one very small spot on the side of the guitar that wasn't painted, I hardly noticed it before about a week after. // 8
Reliability & Durability: Dont let the "Studio" part of the name scare you. This guitar can be used anywhere, Live or just for practicing. Finish seems pretty though althought, I know a friend who bought a limited edition that are flat black with emg 81 pinkups and the paint is really thin so the paint is wearing off al the time. // 9
Impression: I play heavy, metal, rock, older rock and so on. So if you're like me and you just playing everything that includes distortion, I would really recommend this guitar. I love the blanc surface of the guitar and the broad 59' neck. I hate the way it gets scratchy and greased when you touch it. My favourite feature is the killswitch, which can be used for improvisation and to play Jordan by Buckethead. // 10
Reviewed by:
thezep, on february 10, 2006 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 1599
Purchased from: Guitar Center
Features: // 10
Sound: I play classic rock, blues, and psychadelic stuff, and it works great for that. I am running it through (in this order) a morley little alligator volume pedal, MXR phase 90, Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus, crybaby wah, and an Ibanez tube screamer. When I put on the overdrive there is a bit of hum, possibly a little more than usual, but definitely not annoying. The guitar sounds wonderful clean, and the sustain and harmonics are perfect. The most versitile guitar one can own. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: The guitar was set up perfectly at the factory, and the action was fast. The pickups were adjusted to the best height, all of the binding was perfect and there were no visible finish flaws. The bridge was routed well too. I dropped my guitar about 4 feet onto a tile floor on accident, and the bridge snapped in half? But that was definitely operator error and not the guitars fault. The G tuning key was also slightly bent, an easy repair if I had the time/money. The G buzzes a bit because of the fall, but none of that is audible, and the playing is not affected. Try this catastrophe with any other guitar and you will be buying a new one or paying alot to get it repaired. Amazing if you ask me. Even the finish wasn't affected! // 10
Reliability & Durability: This guitar will definitely withstand live playing, as I said before with the minor catastrpohe I put it through. The hardware will last with normal playing and use. The strap buttons are solid, but a bit small (the reason the guitar fell in the first plac). They have since been replaced though by straplocks. I can depend on it, and I do play gigs with it without a backup. The finish is also impecable and will last for years with proper care. // 10
Impression: This guitar is great for rock of any kind, country, blues, jazz, and believe it or not, classical. I am 14 and I have been playing guitar for a little over 9 years. I own my original electric that I got 5 years after I started playing and that is a Squier Strat, laugh all you want, but this Squier was made before Squier got really cheap, and I have been happy with its playability. I own a Samick acoustic, and a Vintage Yairi Alvarez 12 string as well. Both of those play wonderfully too. If it was stolen or lost I would probably buy a step up from a studio, maybe something a little more jazzed up. I would never sell this guitar to buy a new one. I love everything about my les paul, and especially its look and tone. I compared it with Fender teles before buying, and the nicest Tele guitar center had to offer wasn't as nice as this guitar. It was an easy decision. // 10
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on april 22, 2005 0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 1343.22
Purchased from: Ebay
Features: This beauty is a 2003 (from the serial no). USA model in Fireburst. 22 frets with a solid maple top. The humbuckers are 490R and 498T, pearloid trapeziod inlay, non-locking tuners with USA case. // 10
Sound: This guitar is perfect for just about any style of music you want to play, the pickups can give you a hard crunch on the bridge pickup for any Zeppelin or a warm bluesy sound for Hendrix, Clapton, BB King etc. It's plugged into a 30w Fender Champ at the moment and it sounds as clear as daylight. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: The setup was good from the factory, the pickups and bridge didn't need adjusting and there were no flaws. Because the tuners don't lock it does go out of tune a little quicker than I'd expected but that's no big deal - who hasn't got a tuner! // 8
Reliability & Durability: This guitar could survive a nuclear holocaust. It is solid as a rock, the hardware, finish and strap buttons would outlive asbestos. // 10
Impression: I'd advise anybody to get this guitar. What's the point in paying another £400 for a classic - the only difference is the binding and you can't play that! // 10
Reviewed by:
Humbuster, on july 30, 2005 0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Features: // 8
Sound: It fits my music style, even though I don't really have one, but if I had to say it would just be plain rock. Or "metamorphic rock" as I tend to play stuff that sounds different, usually concaucted by myself. Suits the style quite well, nice and chunky. I play through a very old Burman Valve Head connected to a home made cabinet, fitted with one '60s Fender Speaker; the Burman is very good for that AC/DC, crunchy sound and when played with the Les Paul it sounds fantastic. However on the bridge pickup, it all becomes fuzzy and quite rubbish, but I've found that's not the guitar's problem after playing through an also very old Selmer amp, and on the bridge pickup this thing is just like having Slash play in your room. I like it when played with some gain, but the treble pickup on clean doesn't really sound too brilliant, maybe the pickups are too low, or too high. Who knows? Maybe a guitar tech. // 8
Action, Fit & Finish: The guitar was really quite good when I got it, the action was high but after a few months I found myself used to it and prefer it over low action. The strings became sticky and dull quite quickly and even after changing them they become dull very easily; could just be this abnormally hot UK weather and my sweaty hands though. The finish is really nice, wine red with a sort of tiger stripe finish, it's a shame that I sweat so much when playing because the finish gets some of the attention taken away because of all the solidified sweat. // 8
Reliability & Durability: // 8
Impression: As previously mentioned, I play straight up rawk and this guitar suits it, as any guitar would really (except metal guitars and strats, because they're just crap anyway). I've been playing for a couple of years now but I'm apparently doing quite good, even though I think I'm rather rubbish. I also own a Vintage Telecaster, Vintage SG and Vintage Les Paul. To be honest I don't really see that much difference except it has Gibson on the headstock and it feels a bit more loved. If it were stolen or lost I'd be rather screwed, but it's not like I lost £900 because I paid nothing anyway; and I couldn't afford another one. One thing I don't like about it, and this is Les Pauls in general, is the location of the pickup selector Switch, if you're really "rocking out" it's very easy to knock it into rhythm and get a different sound altogether. // 8
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on august 12, 2005 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 719
Purchased from: Back Alley Music
Features: It's a wine red 2004 Les Paul with nickle hardware manufactured in the good old US of A. 20 odd frets, two humbuckers, 2 vol 2 tone 3 way Switch, tune o matic bridge etc. etc. It's a Les Paul. I've replaced the green key tuners with Grover kidneys. It fell of it's stand and one broke. Great excuse to get rid of the standard tuners which look rubbish. // 8
Sound: I play pop punk, Indie rock and a bit of alt country through a Zoom Fire 30. Good meaty sound on the whole but I can't get a twangy country sound for love nor money. May have the pick ups tapped to get round this (should have bought a Telecaster?) // 8
Action, Fit & Finish: Guitar was well set up. No complaints. Finish and wood grain are simply beautiful. Even my wife thinks it's a fine looking guitar. // 8
Reliability & Durability: As far as I can tell this guitar is indistructable. Apart from the origional tuners which were rubbish. The Grovers are far more robust. Finish is excellent so far. // 8
Impression: I got this guitar as a 40th birthday present to me to replace the guitar I sold in my 20's. I had intended to buy a cheaper guitar probably a mexican Telecaster but tried out several guitars on the day. This is the first Gibson Les Paul I've ever played. I was amazed how different it felt to the American Telecaster I was also considering. Both are excellent guitars but the LP just did it for me so I bought it. And I would buy another tomorrow if it ever went missing as I have absolutely no regrets about buying it or spendig a lot more than I intended. You get what you pay for! But I would love the Tele as well as the LP. // 8
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on july 27, 2005 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased from: Freinds Music
Features: A nice 2004 made here in the USA. 22 frets with a '60s style neck and rosewood fretboard. Mother of pearl inlays for the classic touch. Carved maple top on a mahogany back for awsome sustain. Wine red finish with a natural flame and all gold hardware. Finish is solid but tends to bring out finger prints a little too much so constant care is needed. Tune-O-Matic bridge with stopbar tail peice. 2 tone and 2 volume for 490R and 498T pickups. // 10
Sound: I play rock (a somewhat wide variety) and some blues. It is very good for heavier and distorted tones, as well as a nice clean, bright sound. Great humbuckers indeed. The sustain is right to my liking. A good guitar for lead. I play through a Marshall MGD50DFX which I feel isnt up to the task for this guitar. I've also had problems with strings "talking" when shifting chords. Very low hum. It performs well though a wah, but I don't the results when using flange. // 8
Action, Fit & Finish: Action was set just a little lower than what I'm used to, but definitely not in need of adjustment. Humbuckers nicely set-up, couldnt be better. All hardware was as it should be or at least to my knowledge. The pickup selector was a little loose, not that big a deal. Nut semmed a little tainted but solid none the less. Good solid guitar, the best in my collection. // 10
Reliability & Durability: As any Gibson, very well suited for playing in your room or in front of 30,000+. Everthing is as solid as a armoured car. Finish is very solid and thick, good for us clumsy people bound to scrape it on stuff. I have a feeling this axe will, last me many years. I paid $850 (very great price) for something worth much greater a price. // 10
Impression: I did a very well job of selecting this instrument, it's everything I want in a guitar. I've been playing for almost half my life and this guitar is the only one I own that sings the way it should. If anything happens to it I'll defintely replace it with the same model (different finish). I compare a few LP styled guitars (ESP EC-400, ESP EC-1000, Epiphone LP) but this one had what I wanted, power and sustain. Only complaint is the string noise and finish easily dirties up. Great buy for anyone. // 10
Reviewed by:
djwalks, on may 26, 2005 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 1464
Purchased from: Windsor Music Shop
Features: 2005 American, fireburst finish. 22 fret, 2 humbuckers, same as the ones described above. Came with a case, a Rosetti silver series cable (worth £40) and some polish and stuff. Single cutaway, solid body- typical Les Paul model. Awesome set-up, and cheap for a Les Paul. // 10
Sound: I play heavy rock, Indie rock and some blues, so this guitar is awesome. The treble setting is perfect for soloing and even works when shredding (if you'r into that kinda thing). I play with a Line 6 Spider II (which is awesome) on the "insane" channel, mostly, and it sounds amazing. Not much buzz in the background, and rhythm setting is rich and beautiful. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: Haven't needed to adjust factory set-up. No flaws (although I already scratched it a couple of times). Gold pickups get mucky quickly. // 8
Reliability & Durability: Don't gig at the moment but I'm sure this will stand the test. Only problem is the strap-holder, which doesn't seem to be reliable at all; maybe that's just the strap. // 8
Impression: Based on the styles I play (which vary quite often), I'd say this is a brilliant versatile guitar. The tone is crisp and on distortion you get a brilliant crunch with any amp. All I regret is getting a decent strap as the one provided is comfortable but wears quickly. If it were stolen (although I guard it with my life), I'd probably not be able to shell out for another one. // 10
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on june 08, 2005 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased from: Music Workshop
Features: It's brand new, black with crome hardware, made in the USA. 22 frets. All mahogany but with the maple top. Single cut. It's a bloody Les Paul you no the deal. Pickups are 490T and 498T (pickups and finish are the only difference between the studio and standard, standard has burstbuckers). Free Gibson hardcase, almost as heavy as the axe itself. // 10
Sound: I teach guitar so I play everything, but I prefer punk punk/rock and a little metal. I run it through a Line 6 Flextone 2 with extension cab. The big floor board and a Boss CE-2. Humbuckers eliminate 99% of noise, it's thick warm and has got balls! And is almost impossible to get a bad tone out of, unlike a Strat. The pickups when bort from the factory can be splittable, so hopefully after I do that. The guitar will even be more versatile. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: Pickups were set up great, harmonics were spot on. Even though I then changed them to graph tecs. Only little complaint was where the fret board joins the body. The glue could have been cleaned up a little better! // 8
Reliability & Durability: I hang my Gibson on the wall and about the 2nd week I had it, it fell no damage! Hardware seems fine. Strap buttons are solid but I still use a Planet Waves locking strap for sure. It's very dependable, the finish seems to mark easy from a guitar pic but I am assured they will buff out. // 10
Impression: As I said, I have to be flexible. But for my personal playing it's awesome! And would recomend and rock guitars savin his pennys! If it got stolen or lost (god forbid) I'd be out there the next day buying 1! A bit of a crap design on the clips that hold the saddles in the design is much better on the cheap Epiphones even! // 10
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on may 30, 2005 1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Features: // 10
Sound: I mostly play hard rock and metal. It's a godsend for hard rock fans but if you are going for metal I still think an SG would do better. Nice fat, chunky tone with buckets of sustain. Humbuckers obviously get rid of any noticable humming. I'm using it with a 50 Watt Marshall and a Boss-DS1 distortion pedal. It sound fantastic. This guitar is pretty much just a Classic without binding (the white stuff around the edges of the guitar. Purely a cosmetic change, they have no effect whatsoever on the sound). // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: Set up great at the factory, great pickups, everything in perfect condition. Not to mention a Gibson guitar will probably outlive a human being. // 10
Reliability & Durability: // 10
Impression: A great match for hard rock and hair metal. Punk and grunge sound decent on this too, but for punk and grunge a Fender Mustang would do great (Kurt Cobain used Mustangs). I compared it to the Gibson SG because they are in the same price range and genre. I didn't compare it to the American Strat because it was meant for different sounds. My favorite part of this guitar is the sheer durability of it. I bet I could throw it off my roof right now and it would be fine. // 10
Reviewed by:
TheKonz, on may 25, 2005 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 900
Purchased from: Guitar Center
Features: Made in 2003 in the USA, this guitar features 24 medium frets, a gorgeous maple laminated top and an ebony fretboard. Mine has a transparent wine red finish with a standard Tune-O-Matic bridge. 2 volume and 2 tone, and a 3-way selector Switch (rythem and treble). I have modified mine to have 2 dirty finger pickups, although the stock pickups were not bad at all. Grover tuners and all gold hardware, and all with its very own hard case! // 10
Sound: I play mostly Hendrix, Led Zepplin and you know the rest. And, it suits every style, with a little modification that I would ever wish to play. I use a Dunlop Wah pedal, a Zoom 606 and a couple of Boss effects boxes. I get very little background hum, and if so this is easily quenched wit
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