Gibson Les Paul Special SL

This guitar was made in the year 2000 at the tenessee plant in the USA. If i remember how to read gibson serial #'s correctly, it was at least. It has a natural finish and mini trapazoid inlay. Rosewood fret-bourd, gibson stock tuners, tune-o-matic bridge, flat mohogany body, and the standard 490t and 498r humbucker pickups. It is pretty much just a stripped down les paul standard.

Goddamn does this thing sing. This guitar sounds amazing. I plug it straight into my amp with no affects or anything. Obviously i have used affects with it but even still. Also the combo of this guitar, my amp, and my pedals are superb. I have played it through various amps like fender, marshall, line 6, hartke, peavey, etc... and the sound is great in all of them. I love the sound on this thing. I play in a band and when i really crank up the amp at gigs, this thing is awesome. It doesnt get muddy oranything at extreme volumes.

The action was perfect and every thing else was perfect when i first bought it.

This thing is rock solid. It can handle anything.

n/a

I highly recomend this guitar. It plays, sounds, feels like any other Gibson and it is nearly half the price of them. I do wish it had a pickgaurd though. Once i again, i strongly suggest you get this guitar if your ever looking for a gibson.

Made in the year 2000 in the usa at the nashville tennesse plant. Its got 22 frets and a flat body made out of mahogony. The pickups are the standard 490r and 498t humbuckers. It has a tune-o-matic bridge. The guitar is pretty much a les paul standard stripped down. Oh and it has mini trapezoid inlay.

It sounds amazing in any amp i plug into without any type of effects pedals or anything. I have played through fender, marshall, line 6 amps and more and it sounds amazing in each and every one. It has a full rich sound when it is on the clean channel and sounds kind of bright on distortion. It sounds good on almost any styles of music i do play or attempt to play. Absolutly no dislikes here.

Ther guitar was perfectly set up when i purchased it. The pickups were adjusted just right and had no flaws in it whatsoever.

This guitar is like a metal wall. It can withstand almost anything. It is very very durable. It is also very reliable. I play in a blues band and bring it to every one of my gigs (with no backup) and plug straight in to my amp for a few hours.

never used gibson customer service before.

I have been playing guitar for several years now andhave owned many guitars before this. This guitar has evolved into a personal favorite of mine over theyears i have owned it. I also own many fender guitars as well. I love every inch of it and have absolutly no dislikes at all. This guitar is just as good as any other les paul standard, classic, or deluxe ive ever played. Although i do wish sometimes it had a pickgaurd. I highly recommend this guitar because it rocks hard and is the same as any other gibson les paul for almost half the money.

OK, so...there are 60-some other reviews on here that describe this guitar. Mine is no different. The guitar is dead-stock with the natural finish. If I remember how to read Gibson serial #'s correctly, this guitar is a '98, made on May 15th, and either the 20th or 120th one made. I was given this guitar along with an old Tech 21 Trademark 60 amp and a bit later a Boss GT 8 processor by friends of mine. If you are wondering how I came to be given all of this equipment, it is a God thing and I will gladly explain that to you if you email me. Having some time on my hands one day, I was nosing around a local music store and spotted an old Roland JC-120 and thought that I would try it out. Always did love those amps. Conveniently, a guitar was already hooked up to the amp, so I asked permission and sat down to play. After a couple of minutes, I realized the star of my little show was the guitar I was playing. I was amazed. Inquiring further, I found out that the guitar was on consignment for 500 bucks and had been there for 6 months. If I had had 500 bucks, I would have bought this guitar immediately. My friend then walked in the store to trade some of his equipment and asked if I would like one of the guitars? He then gave me his guitar and amp, which he told me he had been led to leave at home and not sell on the trip he was on that found me in the store playing on one of these incredible little Les Pauls.

Features? It is a Les Paul without a maple cap...no muss, no fuss. The "Tons of features" that goes with the 10 score is it's absolute lack of features and the functionality of the ones that are there.

My musical styles on guitar have always been blues, R&R, and pop. Gibson has always fit the bill, especially the solid body line. I have loved Les Pauls since the very first day I laid eyes on them. I am, always have been, and always will be, a Les Paul person. My first "real" guitar was an SG that I got in 19sixtywhatever. Since then I have owned all of the "standards" (LP, Tele, 335, Strat, ad nauseum) and have always felt that the solids and semi's from Gibson are the best. As mentioned, I play Les Pauls. I have seen in reviews that people refer to this guitar as "thin". Hmmm...try a Fender or a Firebird. This guitar, while not a full blown LP, is somewhere between an LP and an SG. I love both of those guitars and love dearly the sound of this little guitar. Noisy? Either your guitar is broke or you have single coils. Sounds are whatever you need on this piece...I am using it through the aforementioned Trademark 60 and get all of the tone I want or need. Throw this GT 8 thing in there and there is no end to the tonality. Also, maybe I don't understand the "what kind of sounds does the guitar make" question, but, so far, it makes guitar sounds...nice ones.

I have heard complaints about the finish, about how it gets gooped up. Well, keep a rag handy. I usually wipe off between songs and sets and have since I played my first pro gig in '63. Goopey...please...spare me. "ya know, dude...I played a sweaty rock gig in an overcrowded and painfully hot nightclub, spilled beer all over my guitar and threw it in the case because this hot chick with earrings in her face and pink hair was all over me and I just can't figure out why my Gibson Les Paul Special SL was goopey when I opened up the case 2 days later to rehearse. Must be Gibson's fault..." 8^)

Everything on this guitar was excellent when I got it from a guy who his meticulous about his guitars.

Like most any Gibson guitar I have ever encountered, played, and/or owned, they are pretty solid. From the top to the bottom, Gibsons pretty much will take anything you throw at them...EXCEPT...THE OLD HEADSTOCK/NECK ISSUE!!! That issue with the Gibson solids has never quite been addressed, as far as I know. Yes, for a minute or two there was the flirtation with the volute. There is no volute on this neck. The necks on these are the ever dangerous slim taper job, so keep it in a case when not playing it, not on a stand.

Other than that, there is no need for a backup instrument other than breaking a string. Gibson guitars don't need any backup.

Never had to deal with Gibson. Any issues I have ever had stemmed from cosmetic or pup changes. This piece is used, so no warranty.

I have been playing since 1960. First guitar, then in '63, I switched to the electric bass (Fender Bass in the Local #47 Union Directory in those days) where I have done most of my professional work over the years. I have always doubled, though, and have been successful because I realize that the two are separate disciplines. Also, I love the guitar in all of it's forms from flamenco to funk. There is that personal and friendship thing about a good guitar that always lays there at the foundation of it all. They go with you and stay with you. There you are sittin' around the campfire at the beach and you reach over and pull out of the case your...clarinet? Steinway baby grand?

Compared to other guitars I have owned, this guitar, surprisingly, would be #1. I had a 20th Anniversary LP that was an extremely special instrument. Every guy that ever played it wanted to buy it. It used to be #1. I will die with this guitar, I adore the little thing that much. I would replace it if it were ever to go away.

If I have learned anything in my years of playing, it is that good musical instruments that "fit" you are rare and special. It doesn't matter what others think. I have already had people disparage this guitar because it isn't a "real" Les Paul. I think 49 years of playing and buying/selling guitars and basses experience will speak a different story and I just hope that people realize that. This guitar may not be for them, but we should be careful not to choose an instrument because of any other reson that it "fits". After all, it is music we are making.

Model ??? Les Paul Special SL (Worn Cherry)
SL stands for Sans Laquer. This is a new finishing method for Gibson.
SN: 00492620 SN FORMAT: YDDDYPPP (PPP 500-999 indicates Nashville Production)
My guitar was born in February of 2002.
Retailed for $999.00 bucks.
Paid 599.99 from Guitar Center on 09/09/02 for Guitar and Gig Bag.
Body ??? Solid Mahogany (Fore that warm, fat, Les Paul sound)
Set in neck provides outstanding sustain.
Neck/Profile
Mahogany/1960 Slim taper
Fingerboard/Inlay
Rosewood 22 frets/Pearloid Dot Inlays
Scale/Nut Width
243/4"/111/16
Bridge/Tailpiece
Tune-o-matic/Stop bar
Neck Pickup 490R
Bridge Pickup 498T "Hot Alnico"
Controls: Two volume, two tone, three-way switch
17 degree heastock pitch., Neck joint at 16th fret, Gold top hat knobs, Green key tuners.

Flat top guitar, the lightest Les Paul ever made!

I love this guitar. It sounds more open than other Les Pauls. I liked the stock pickups OK, but opted to have my guitar luthier install a calabrated set of BurstBucker Pro's in it. I like it even better now. I also had strap locks installed, metal pickup rings, metal jack plate, custom knobbs, and new Planet Waves locking tuners, and tuning stop bar. Looks and plays better than stock to me. The fretboard was too dry for my liking when I baught it so I gave it the Dr. Ducks Ax Wax treatment. Loaded the fretboard up, and let it drink it's fill over night. Much nicer now.

This guitar has a super sound and just calls to you to be played. It is better than a $4,000.00 Paul you might want to let sit in the corner in fear it might get dinged. This is a players guitar, not a collectors. I have no doubt that it will even sound better with age, especially being played the entire time. This SL Special has it's own voyce in the Les Paul quire, and it's a darn good one at that. When you play this guitar un-amped, you can hear it better than the other Pauls. The vibrating notes can be literally felt in the neck better than any other guitar I have played. This guitar is special and will be in demand as long as Gibson makes them. The light weight must also be stressed. It takes it from the unuseable catagory to useable. The faded Cherry is my favorite finish. Looks good with red juled knobbs too!

I love flat top guitars, and the faded cherry is just fine with me. It was set up for me by a pro and still playes fine. It does have super sustain.

This slabber is a tank. I think it will last longer than I will if taken care of.

Never used Gibson customer support but it has a Guitar Center garentee.

This is a fine guitar and should be respected by the world! Killer sound with a Killer price. American quality too. Gibson Rules!

Year - 2002 Les Paul Special SL
Manufacture - USA, Nashville TN.
Neck - Mahogany/Rosewood, Mini-Trapazoid Inlays, 22 Fret, Slim Taper 60's
Body - Slab, Solid Mahogany
Finish - Ebony
Controls - Std. Les Paul 2 vol, 2 tone
P/U - 490R/498T
Bridge - Std. TOM, added a TP-6 tuner tail piece
Tuners - Gibson Kluson Green Key

SOUND:
I bought this guitar mainly as a back up - but - you can NEVER have too many guitars ;). I play mainly Heavy Blues/Heavy Rock, so its pretty much a perfect type of guitar for that. I play through a Laney TFX300 with an Extension Cabinent, all Loaded with Emenence Modeling 12's. I have a BOSS Blues Driver and a Digitech Hotrod (set to DS-1) as well as a Dunlop Wah, but I usually just run through the Laneys Drive 2 circuit with a little Chorus on. The sound is as good as you can get from a flat top Gibson. My 2005 LPS sounds richer, probably from the added mass of the maple cap and thicker body, but this Special SL performs and sounds as advertised. It will run the full gambit of Les Paul sounds, just not as full or rich as a Standard. I'm not a huge fan of the stock 490R/498T Humbuckers. The 490R is WAY too bassy and muddy sounding, even with the tones set to treble, while the 498T is just "ok". I usually just play through the 498T. I have a Duncan Hot'59 on my SG90 Double and I think it would wake this thing right up. I'm a much bigger fan of the Burst-Buckers on my '05 LPS, as far as "stock" pick-ups go. SOUND RATING 4 for the 490R, 8 for the 498T.

ACTION,FIT & FINISH:
I bought this guitar second hand via eBay from a lady in Arizona. I live in Pa. and it shipped during late spring. Needless to say, going from the dry air of the desert to the humid air on the east coast, the guitar needed to be set up again. I wouldn't call that a defect in any way, in fact I would say that the guitar held up excellent, which is a tribute to Gibsons renewed committment to quality control in the manufacturing process. I will say that I have owned and played quite a few factory fresh Gibsons and Mr. Juszkiewicz, please hear me out - your set-up guys/girls should be sent packing. They all need to be set up again and I have yet to find a Gibson that has a properly intonated G string. I do however realize that you need to set up a guitar to tailor your individual playing tastes anyway so I won't really hold that against it. That being said, a trip to my luthier set her up perfectly. I also added a Gibson TP-6 fine tuner tail piece to it just for giggles. It works great and is helpful during live playing.

Fit and finish were excellent, with no real issues to note. Even the selector switch is solid (amazing). I will say this though, the saying is true - NEVER OWN A BLACK CAR OR GUITAR!. This thing gets dirty quick and you will be cleaning it every day. If you dont, you get this white film build up over the top of the body and especially the neck that makes it unpleasant to look at much less play. The color is thick and well laquored and the Nitro-cell finish is great because you can have nicks and dings repaired by a pro easily. One thing I will say about Gibson in general - it appears that they are stamping in the USA and serial numbers sometime during the painting process instead of before. Recent models I have looked at, all have the paint/finish chipped up it that area. Its a minor complaint and on my '88 SG90 Double, you can barely see the numbers because the finish is so thick, but there must be a way to fix this.

The only other finish type thing to note about this guitar is that I didn't like the way the stock tan pick-up rings, switch cap, ring and gold knobs looked, so I switched them out to all black.

RELIABILITY/DURABILITY:
Yes its a Gibson and a solid one at that. It will probably outlast me and the next soul that owns it. As has been said before, you are a fool not to spend the $15 on strap locks and you do need to be careful about the neck when you are swinging that thing around or while its on a guitar stand.

I've deal with Gibson in the past (but not with this guitar) and they are great people. Their ship times are a little slow though for such a huge company

I've been playing for over 20 years and have primarily been a Gibson man for most of them. In addition to this LP Special SL, I have a 2006 Les Paul Standard DC+ in Trans Red, a 2005 Les Paul Standard in Desertburst, a 1988 SG90 Double in Turquise, a 1996 Peavey Firenza P90, A 2002 Ibanez AEF500 Semi-acustic, a 1979 Washburn D12 acustic, and a 1966 Epiphone FT-79 Texan. If this guitar was stolen or broken, I would probably step up to a Les Paul Studio model rather than replace it. For the money I paid for it, it really is a fantastic value, I will admit.

My LP Special is a 2001 model, American made; if you click on the link for "pricing @ Musician's Friend", that's my guitar, a mahogany plank, with black finish (they call it ebony), chrome hardware, & mini trapezoid inlays. From the reviews I've read, there seems to be some confusion about this model; some people are clearly reviewing the LP Faded Special, and one reviewer seemed to be reviewing the LP Deluxe Special. The mini-trapeziod inlays are found only on the Musician's Friend version.

The hardware and electronics are standard Gibson configurations, which every Gibson player can recite by now - "Tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece, with two humbuckers, two volume and two tone controls, a three-way switch, amen." The pickups, as everyone loves to point out, are the same ones you'd get on a more expensive LP or SG model. The neck is described as a "60's slim-taper neck"; I'm not sure what that means. I remember some really skinny Gibson necks back in the 60's, but this neck feels pretty much like a standard LP neck, except for the finish.

The finish gets mucked up pretty quickly, especially on the black guitars. I keep a polishing cloth handy, for giving the neck a rub every so often. It's not a terrible finish, but it's not what you'd expect if you've been playing other, more expensive Gibson guitars.

The tuners were Kluson-style Gibson tuners, with the green plastic tuning heads; they're supposed to look like vintage parts, but I don't see the point of vintage parts on a modern hybrid guitar.

I got the guitar used, so there were no accessories. If you buy one new, it comes with a gig bag.

Like so many other reviewers, I took the tuners and strap pegs off right away. I put Grover tuners and Schaller strap locks on all my solidbodies. (I think every player should use strap locks, no matter what your guitar cost; for $15 or $20, it's like guitar insurance.) The Grover tuners add mass to the headstock, which helps add sustain; they're also better than the stock tuners. I also replaced the tailpiece with a Schaller fine-tuning tailpiece. The Schaller tailpiece adds more mass to the body, again for more sustain. I like the Schaller tailpiece more than the Gibson TP-6, and I had one lying around from a blow-out sale at Guitar Center, just waiting for a guitar to come along. The Schaller pegs fit right into the Gibson threads, so it's a simple mod.

Overall, I give the features a 9. I mean, come on, seriously, it's not a "10" guitar, and it's not trying to be. The tuners are just okay, the finish is funky, and it looks kind of like a parts guitar, with all the creme parts on the black finish. So what? If all you care about is the cosmetic appeal, spend $500 or $600 on an Epiphone LP, but for the price, the American-made Special is a lot of guitar. If I'd paid a lot more for this guitar, I might be less generous with my scoring.

My style is heavy electronic guitar, influenced by people like Robert Fripp, John McLaughlin and the Residents. I want massive sustain from a heavy, solid-feeling guitar, so I love mahogany planks with humbuckers. The LP Special gives me the clean, slightly dark tone I like as the cornerstone of my sound, but it also delivers nice jazz tones and even some bright country sounds, which I don't use. If I wanted twang, I'd play a Tele.

My main effects rig is a Boss GT-3, which I also use for amp modeling. My main amp is a Roland JC-90, which I set for a clean tone. Coming out of the GT-3, I run the signal through a bunch of delays and loopers, to stack sounds; it's a sick set-up. Using my LP Special with the GT-3's effects and amp models, I can get a wide variety of guitar sounds; using the LP Special through the JC-90, with no effects in the signal chain, I can get all the classic clean LP tones, from dark to bright. It would be interesting to try the LP Special with a Marshall amp, for example, to see if delivered the classic Clapton sound.

I give the sound a 10; it's solid, it's the real Gibson sound, and it didn't cost me $2000.

I bought the guitar used, so I can't fault Gibson for the set-up, or anything else that I needed work. I had the action lowered a bit, and replaced the pickup switch. The nut slots look a little high to me, but my repair guy says they're fine, so I'm not worried about it. I do some serious string-bending, and I've never had a string slip out of the nut. The finish is the weak point, but I can live with it. I'd give my LP Special a 10 for action and fit, because I've tweaked it to my liking, but the finish really deserves a 7, maybe a generous 8, so I'm going with an 8.

I try to treat my gear well, amd this guitar seems solid enough to last. I have faith in my Grover tuners; I gave the stock tuners to my repair guy, for spares. Vintage geeks like the look.

The strap buttons seemed fine, but I always put Schaller strap locks on my guitars; that way, I don't have to wonder if my guitar is going to drop. The finish seems to be holding up after nearly three years of playing; check back with me in 2007.

Can I depend on it? It's my main guitar, how's that for an answer? IMHO, only a very poor or a very brave musician goes out on stage without a backup instrument; mine is a Gibson Les Paul Faded Special, with the Worn Cherry finish. I like these guitars.

Can't say; never had to contact them.

I been playing since the first British Invasion, before BBD's. I have a pile of gear, including a couple of Ovations, a bunch of delay/loopers, and a Les Paul Faded Special.

There was nothing to ask about this guitar but the price; I saw it, I played it, I bought it. If something happened to it, I'd order another black one from Musician's Friend, (yes, I'd actually pay full price for a new one) and play my Faded Special in the meantime.

I love the simple, brute-force technology behind this guitar; it was meant to play, not to be looked at. My only complaint is the same one I have about all LP-type guitars, the placement of the pickup switch. Sometimes, when I'm using both hands on the neck, Stanley Jordan style, the switch gets in the way.

I've played a bunch of Gibson, Hamer and Heritage guitars over the years, as well as a few new model Epiphones, and the PRS Santana SE models. (I told you I love mahogany planks; Hamers are my favorites, if anyone cares.) While the LP Special SL doesn't quite measure up to guitars in the $1200-and-up range, it's a great guitar for the price, and it may even become a collectable model, in twenty years or so. There isn't another American-made guitar at this price to compare it with, except for the Faded LP, which is essentially the same guitar with slightly different cosmetics, or the Faded SG, which has fewer features (no pickup rings, no pickup covers, and a really rough finish, at least on the ones that I tried). If you're looking at Epiphones, most of what you get is cosmetic. No, I'm not one of those dickweeds who think that all Korean guitars suck, but for the money, I really think that you're better off spending $650 (or $750, the price keeps changing) for the stripped-down Gibson than spending $500 or $600 for a dressed-up Epiphone. If you find an LP Special used, for under $400, like I did, you almost have to buy it. "BOB" will smite you, if you don't.

I give the LP Special a 9 for overall rating in its price range, but I got mine cheap. If I'd paid more like $700, I'd probably still give it at least an 8.

This is a 2000 made in Nashville, TN. 22 Frets, solid mahogany, typical LP setup 2 HBs 4 control and a 3way toggle. I'm not sure what the pickups are, this is an Artist Endorsement model. I've been told they were burstbuckers. The stock HBs are 490r and 498t. I beleive they are stock. The finish is natural, it has a UV coating, not an oil based paint. The bridge is a Nashville tune-o-matic with the lightweight stopbar. 60s profile neck. The fretboard is rosewood with mini trapezoid inlays and wide jumbo frets. Tuners are the Gibson deluxe, but the head is drilled for 10mm replacements (which I replaced with nickel rotomatics). It came with a gig bag.

I play mostly blues / boogie, classic rock, some jazz and bottle neck slide. It fits my style, blues men have been using specials for nearly 50 years. I use a Hiwatt DR50, Marshall AVT50H, Marshall 20 combo. I run through 2 10" Fanes and 2 12" Legends. I don't use effects much, but I have a compressor I use occasionally. There is no noise, none, no peculiar pops / hisses. Sounds like a LP studio. The sound is okay, sounds as good as my LP Standard and slightly better than some of my older Gibsons. It is not my best sounding guitar however.

I bought this used, from a lady who had an AE. She said she had it for 3 years but never played it. It was set up by gibson USA, the action was rather high, but tweakable. Hardware was well routed and installed. There was a problem with the neck and fretboard. The nut, was junk. People I showed it to did not believe it. It was high and mis-mounted. I think they glued it up with super glue. I had a heck of a time getting it off. Also, the frets were actually sharp and badly need of levelling and dressing. I took it back to Gibson twice and also did some filing on these myself. Now they are better, nice and shiny. But not the best Gibson I've ever seen. The nut I replaced with a Tusq ivory unit.

This instrument is built like a tank. It isn't as heavy as a custom or standard, but heavier than a studio lite. Finish? It's really too early to tell SL means, sans laquer. This is a new finishing method for Gibson. It looks like it will last. I replaced the strap buttons with a Shaller locking system. I do that with all my guitars. I can depend on it. I play in several tunings, so I always play with atleast 2 guitars.

Gibson charged me for the fret dressing, originally. They didn't charge me the second time I took it back. Since it is considered used there was no warranty.

I've been playing 45 years. For the past 25 years, I've played Gibson almost exclusively. Yes, I would buy another one. I can hardly put this guitar down since we got the bugs out. It still needs about another year of break-in, but I think it has the potential to be a great guitar. I can't beat the deal I got on it. This special had hardly been played. I got it for half price. This is not a `57 Special by no means. Gibson needs to work on their QA. However, overall I'm happy with the guitar now, and the more I play it the better I like it.

2002 Made in Tenn. USA BABY!! Mahogany body and neck no maple cap, contour on the back. Standard Gibson hardware, 2 humbucking pu's.Came with a heavy duty gig bag.

Rock and everything else. Running through a Behringer GMX212 Sounds great. Brighter than my Les Paul Standard. Can get excellent tones out of this.

I usually always change the set-up on any guitar I get. Finish is nice and black and flawless good all the way around.

I would lead a charge into war with this beauty. I always bring a backup for string breakage. Only bad thing is the black finish is hard to keep clean. But that is because it is black, so I deal with it.

It is a Gibson, lifetime warranty. Had several of Gibson guitars never had to use the warranty yet.

Gibson Les Paul Special with Humbuckers. 498 and 490 alnico's, solid mohogany body, slim tapper neck, what else could you really want. Mine is the natural finish , of course no curved top, but at the end of the day when its all said and done, does that really matter. Especially when you are talking about 550 dollars versus 2000. Come on, I mean seriously. Don't buy another Les Paul, this is the one. You are gonna need a locking strap system for sure, thats it.

Incredible sound. This is the best guitar I have ever owned. I have been playing for about 9 years in a semi small town (only 2 guitar shops) and really the only guitars that they sell are Ibanez and Strats. So I have had a lot of Ibanez. The stores would have like 2 Pauls and they were always like 2400 and 3000 dollars. I would play on them from time to time, knowing I could never spend that kind of money on a hobby. Then I saw the Special hanging on the wall one day, and at first didn't give it a chance because I had played Epiphone LP's before, and they feel like toys, and sound the same. I had some time to kill one day, and figured I would give it a shot. That was the best disicion of my life. It sounds every bit as good as the 3000 dollar guitars, but at a fraction of the price.

Action isn't spectacular like an Ibanez S series I have, but I really can't complain about it, its still better than most. Its a natural finish, and non-glossy, which I like. Most finishes I see always look dirty because of the finger prints and this one you don't have to worry about that.

Gibson product made in America, do I need to say more?

Never had a problem, can't see ever haveing one.

Don't buy a 2000 dollar guitar. Don't do it. And don't buy a 500 Epiphone Les Paul. Just don't do it. The Gibby special is the beautiful medium you have been looking for. Great quality and sound for a great low price. If something happens to mine, I am going out and buying another one, for sure.

As per the other reviews, p100 pickups. Cinnamon red, 1997

I read with amusement the reviews from the bedroom champions. I stared out on a 54 les paul goldtop that a neighbour owned and I got to play as a young guy. I bought a les paul sg ( three humbuckers) and thought i had the rock world by the tail. However I was missing something. Many years later I picked up a tele and thought ," that is the sound." However in overdive mode it was missing something. then I discovered the difference between p 90s ( the old les paul) and single coil( the new tele) sounds. I gotta be frank...this took a long time as I was gigging and changing amps every year.Now with the benefit of those years i assess this guitar. It is the nice balance between the P 90s and the single coils. It is an IMPROVEMENT when played live as it has the output I want and the tones I need. Sure I look back on the old les paul and wonder how it would compare today. But heck, I don't think Gibson is stupid. I see the new guitars as smart designs. Vintage guitars that are not reintroduced and not reintroduced for a reason. I left the old P90 hehind and have embraced the new p100s. They are quietand they ROCK through my marshall JCM 800. Nuff said

Quality is excellent. If you think vintage is the answer you should try the old gibson vibrato tailpiece that relied on you mechanically bending a piece of steel. i thought it was normal to tune between every song Eghads. Keep the 63 reissue too.

It is a great looker. I love it. Add straplocks. That is how I got rid of the 63 les paul sg. In two pieces.

Gibson quietly improves everything it makes. I am astonished at the value of this guitar, quality versus price, no one can touch them. And they haven't gone to another country to cut their production costs. That speaks volumes for me as they realize that a skilled and well paid domestic workforce is the key to survival. No MIJ or MIM here!!!!!!!!!! See their new acoustic guitars if you want something special.

Nicest guitar for a working musician that I have ever played. If it was ripped off I'd be sad and then after a proper mourninbg period. I'd replace it with the same thing. The nbew generation of guitar players has fantastic value offered to them in this model

You know the features- the only issue for those who are contemplating buying is that some of the stuff on this gitfiddle is junk- i replaced the plastic cord input with a steel one, the strap buttons were switched immediately with schallers, and despite what everyone else here thought, i thought the tuners were ugly low quality plastic junk, and replaced them with locking tuners. just for looks, i replaced the white pick up rings with black ones, and the selector switch accessories with black ones as well. with all those switch outs, it looks better, and is a bit more reliable. i'm not complaining though, it's a wonderful instrument for the price.

Sound is stellar, I'm so in love with this guitar.

Finish is weak, but i bought it to play, not stare at, and I'd rather sound good than look good. Factory set up was ok, but i had it set up by a pro a year ago and it still feels perfect. I did have to have some work done on the nut, the B string tended to pop out when i bent it too far. All in all very nice.

I think it will last forever with the minor mods I've done. I would gig without back up no problem.

N/A.

What i have here is a 2002 les paul special with "worn finish". I rocked on this thing at a sam ash and had to have it. It came stock with 490 and a 498 pickup. It has a worn cherry finsih. It looks good. It is basically a stripped down basic les paul.

ok. mine probably sounds much different than yours because of all the mods i've made. I have sperzel tuners, a shaved neck, and emg pickups(81&85). so mine kicks the shit out of the stock version. it's very quiet. once you remove the laquer and shit of that neck its smooth as fuck.

i hade my action set up so it's all good. the finish is cheap as fuck. it dents really easy. just to give you an idea most gibson guitars have 11 coats of finish. this ax has 2. it does allow to actually hear the guitar though. which is a nice feature. it's my stage ax, but i've put alot into it as well.

no problems. built like a tank. if you dragged it through hell, it would only get hotter.

n/a

ive been playing 5 years. i have a standard fender strat, an ibanez rg series, and and esp mh-300. this paul is my ax of choice.

Gibson Les Paul Special SL. Made In America (we still make the best guitars, by far) 2002. Standard Les Paul configuration: Two humbuckers, 22 frets, three way toggle, two volume two tone. All mahogany guitar, no maple cap. Natural finish. I like natural or transparent finishes because usually the best pieces of wood are used for these guitar (no way to hide the flaws). Pickups are alnico magnet 498T and 490R. The 498 has an alnico V magnet, so I guess this is sort of Gibson's version of Duncan's Custom V. The pickups are alright, nothing special, just alright. The tuners are inexpensive Gibson non-locking. This guitar needs locking tuners. More on tuners and pickups later. Neck is classic style slim taper. It is IMHO perfect in size, not too large like a custom or a studio, but not too small like an Ibanez. Scale is of course standard Gibson 24 3/4.

First, remember this is a five hundred dollar guitar, not a five thousand dollar guitar. FOR THE PRICE, this guitar sounds awesome. It has a very full rich, mahogany, sound. I play hard rock/heavy metal (think Metallica crossed with Dream Theater). I use it with either a Peavey 5150 or Marshall JCM 900 amp and two celestion G12-75 speakers. First let me say that these speakers are, well, nothing special. They are not Vintage 30's or Greenbacks. I'm getting a new cab very soon. Going through the 5150 there is a lot of hiss, of course everything has a lot hiss through this amp. I love the sound of this amp, but the hiss has got to go. Fairly quiet going through the Marshall but not EMG quiet. It does work fairly well for my style of music. It will work very well, after I make some needed modifications. I play most of my music on the high gain settings and live, I dial back the guitar volume (as opposed to switching channels) for a cleaner sound. For Studio I just track in parts and use different amps for clean and dirty.

I bought it used so the action was fantastic. It was very low, just the way I like it. The closer to the fret board the better for me. Everything was in good shape. I do need to send this guitar to a tech to fine tune everything, dress frets etc. I should say that almost every guitar needs this done to it, at least I think it does. This guitar does need some modifications to bring it up to standard for a professional musician. More about this later. Just as a sidenote; I hate the the pickups covers, those have got to go!!!!!

It is a Gibson, should withstand live playing for the next two centuries. Hardward is fine, but I think a Tone Pros locking Bridge would be a great investment. I hate the fact that the bridge and tail piece fall off when you're cleaning the guitar. Put strap locks on. This is a must with any Gibson. I can depend on it, but I'm not stupid, I would never gig without a backup unless I couldn't afford a second guitar. DON'T drop this guitar. You will break the neck at the headstock. The angled head stock is this or any Gibson's weak point. Other than that, very durable.

I've talked to Gibson customer support several times about various issues, not necesarily pertaining to repairs. I have three Gibsons and none of them have ever needed to be repaired. They are quite friendly and helpful, but again, I've never tried to use a warranty.

OK, here we go. I've been playing for ten years or so. I'm entering my last year of music school. This is only pertinent because it means I play quite a bit. I also work part time in a music store so I get to play a lot and I mean a lot of guitars. How good is this guitar? Depends on who is playing it. It only matters if the player likes the guitar not the rest of us. That having been said, let me say that compared to other five hundred dollar guitars, this one is the best that I have played. Epiphone isn't close. ESP/LTD, not close either. PRS Santana SE; not a bad guitar, but not on this level either. PRS Tremonti SE: I have to be honest here. I have read all the reviews on this guitar and even played one at the NAMM show, and I'm not as impressed as everyone else is with it. I think this Les Paul is a far better piece of craftsmanship. I think the wood is better quality, the hardward is certainly better quality and the pickups are far superior( and I don't even like the pickups that much). I have read reviews that say this will run with a Les Paul Classic, Standard, Custom or an american PRS. This is simply not the case. I have played a number of these guitars and this one isn't in that class. It is 1/3 the price as well, so I wouldn't expect it to run with those dogs. It does a decent job of keeping up with them considering that it is 1/3 the price. Quite honestly I have a 70's Vintage Explorer and it eats this guitar alive. It is no contest. I bought this guitar strictly as a stage guitar, not a recording guitar and it is adequate for that. Actually, I bought it for a backup stage guitar and it is more than adequate for that purpose. This guitar needs and will very soon get locking tuners, new pickups and a Tone Pros locking bridge. The tuners are ok, but this guitar goes out of tune far too often for me. The pickups are again adequate, but I have Seymour Duncan Invaders and Dimes on my other guitars and they are far superior. The tone is much richer. The bridge coming off everytime I re-string just annoys me. The changes, predominantly changing the tuners, will make this guitar useable in the studio if I wish too use it. I probably won't though because tonally the Explorer is far superior and my guitar tech is modifying a super strat style guitar for me, specifically for that purpose. It might sound like I'm complaining about this guitar, but I'm not. I was a little disappointed with it at first, but then I remembered how much this guitar cost me (not much) and decided to just enjoy this fine instrument. If you're looking for a single cut guitar and you have a limited budget, I would give real consideration to this guitar. It is the best guitar that I've played in it's price range. If you can afford a two thousand dollar Les Paul Standard than buy that. It is superior to this guitar(no contest). But if you're looking at an Epiphone Les Paul or one of the various ESP/LTD's or a PRS SE or even an SG special or Les Paul Studio, definitely look at this guitar before you buy. I think it is better than the korean guitars and can give the studio a run for its money. Bottom line; great guitar for the money. If you can afford a Les Paul Standard, Classic, Custom, an american PRS, Baker or anything else in that price range, buy it. If not condsider this guitar as an option.

Mine is the 27th electric guitar produced at Gibson USA, Nashville TN on October 26th, 2002, per the serial number 02992527. The features are standard Les Paul, minus the sequins. These guitars feature the same mahogany body & neck, and the same functional hardware as the Studio Les Paul. It is a real Gibson LP guitar, which is the most important feature of all. I am giving it a 10 here because for me, it is exactly what I was looking for.

I've had about 10 electric guitars starting off with a Silvertone with a built-in little tube amp in the case to and 1987 Ferrari Red American Standard Stratocaster. My favorite guitar off all of them over these past 20 years was a 1981 or 82 Gibson 'The Paul' Firebrand that I bought while in the Army in Germany in 1982. I loved it, it had such a sweet, mellow tone but could also scream. It never sounded shrill. A very close second were the 87 Strat that I bought new and an older Guild electric that I bought used. I LOVED those 3 guitars, but I think the Gibson and the Guild had the better sounds, and the Strat was basically just too sexy to walk past, and had that awsome Strat sound. I guess I'm just an old humbucker. Anywhooo, my guitars are all gone now and I started thinking to myself, Lord, I love to have another Gibson, nothing fancy, just a sweet little American made Gibson with all its humbucking glory...but I assumed it was impossible due to the cost.

I walked into a music store and there she was; 'Made in USA', two chrome plated humbuckers, chrome tune-o-matic bridge and stop piece, you know, a beautiful, if a little plain, guitar. I picked it up and started playing it, and knew immediately I was buying one. The one in the shop was set-up by a pro, and when I took mine out of the box I was rather disappointed at the high action and rough frets that reminded me of fish bones sticking in my hands. And the 'faded cherry' paint job got old REALLY fast, at least as far as I was concerned. But...knowing full well that withing my arms rested a diamond in the rough I proceeded, after much agonizing indecision, to head for the work shop...

10. Rock solid, no bells, no whistles. But; take head with your Gibson electric lest you break it's neck! That was the sad, unfortunate fate of my 'The Paul' and oh, how I mourned!

Gibson is really prettt decent for a huge company. I called and spoke with a customer service rep. and we talked for 10 minutes and I never felt rushed. The dude I was speaking with loved Gibson electrics, and it was obvious.

Well, down in the shop the paint job with its' waxy coat came off, and the wonderful mahogany body and neck are a joy to behold. It's in the process of getting an oil finish, and if you'd like to see it email me at geos999@hotmail.com and explain to me how to do it and I'll gladly oblige. Also, I carefully smoothed out those rough frets and oiled and polished the rosewood finger board. Gone is the chinsy plastic "rythym/treble" ring around the toggle switch, and those toy guitar volume/tone knobs are being replaced with Gibson gold speed knobs. I am so in love with my guitar, I never thought I could feel this way again. If you are a Gibson humbucker fan, you owe it to yourself to pick one up at this price while you still can. I am very grateful that Gibson is producing a no-frills players piece like the Les Paul Special SL. An answer to my prayers. Thanks, Jesus.

This guitar is great. It was made in the great USA.Its got two gibson humbuckers.Two volume and two tone nobs (hehe nobs). Its got a three way selector. I like both the pickups but for different uses.Its got a nice black finish but let me just say the finish is why its a little cheaper than the other gibson les pauls.Gibson non locking tuners.It came with a gig bag.

I pretty much play punk,ska,classic rock and this guitar is perfect of course its a gibson duhh!! (dont worry i love fenders too)I play this out of a line6 spider (also awesome). Its not noisy unless your playing it duhh its a punk/rock guitar (humbuckers keep the hum down)I can get any sound i want out of this guitar.I cant find any dislikes yet all likes.ITS GREAT TO HAVE A REAL GIBSON LES PAUL FOR YOUR FIRST GUITAR !!!!!

It was set up perfectly from what i know about it.Pickups were just right. the pickups were a little loose but i tightened them right up.

Ive never played it live (im 15).Im sure it probably could. Let me tell you something this guitar can take a beating my strap came of my guitar when i was playing and it slipped and when it crashed all of its wieght went on one of the tuners and bent it. i was freaked out by then i mean this thing was my baby. but i think i seem to sound better (im not recommending dropping yours though)

Never delt with them no probs yet

Ive been playing for maybe a year and maybe half was with this guitar. I would probably get this guitar again but if not i would probably stay with gibson maybe fender.I love my humbuckers. I compared it to other gibsons same sound just different finish.I wish it had ....... i cant think of any thing. ITS JUST PLAIN AWESOME!!!!

I bought mine used and it looks to be a 2001 model, sold as a Les Paul Special SL, though it has chrome covered humbuckers so it may be an HB model. It's a pecan/caramel color and has cream pickup rings and selector cap, mahogany body and slim-taper neck (faster than my LP Classic), dot inlays, and maybe medium-jumbo frets. No pickguard, no frills, just a plain old stripped-down meat and potatoes Les Paul. I can't compare it to a higher priced Gibson, because these are inexpensive.

I play hard/modern rock in my band and gig regularly. I also play blues and clean jazz. I'm using this guitar through a Marshall VS265, as a backup system for my Les Paul Classic and Mesa Dual Rectifier. The tone on this LP Special challenges that of my LP Classic, but the Classic is still better. The guitar has a whole lot of singing, liquid sustain. The neck pickup is very warm, but clear. The bridge pickup is very smooth, if perhaps a little on the bright side. Selecting both pickups gives a better sound than on my LP Classic, it's more chimey/twangy and serves clean funk/rhythmic styles better- kind of in the way some may use the in-between position on a Tele. This makes it a very versatile guitar. The overall tone is well balanced. You get very nice rock and metal tones, as well as sweet jazzy cleans and twangy stuff as well. I can't seem to put the darned thing down- it just sings and sustains with Les Paul tone!

I've had a handful of problems with Gibson's quality control over the years. One day they seem to be on the ball, and the next day they're slacking again, especially in the area of fretwork. However, this guitar played great in the store before I bought it, and once I got it home I raised the action to 2.5mm bass, 2.0mm treble, and put GHS Boomer .010's on it. Neck relief= .008" @ 7th fret. This is my setup for all my guitars. This one has no buzzing even with very low action, and has excellent fretwork. The nut and hardware are great. The finishes are quite fugly in my opinion, but that's ok for the price. The tuners are VERY responsive- a tiny adjustment makes a lot of difference. Everything else on it seems pretty solid. My only gripe is something that is typical with Gibson's that I wish they would fix: the bridges on alot of Gibson's are too far forward. They need to bring it back at least 1/8" farther so you can intonate them w/o having to adjust the saddles all the way toward the back of the guitar.

It's used and has clearly been played to death, so I'd say it's holding up well.

If they made perfect guitars, we wouldn't need customer support.

I've been playing and gigging for 24 yrs. I own a bunch of Fenders and Gibsons. If you want the Les Paul tone at an inexpensive price and don't want to settle for an Epiphone (I don't like Epiphone guitars in the least), then try these real Gibson's. They sound almost as good as a $2,000.+ Les Paul Standard or Classic, and much better than an Epi. These are perhaps the best bang for the buck Gibson has ever put out. I like the newer red color I see on the new models.

2002, it's a faded model, American made (oooh, quality). Flat top, solid Mahogany body and neck, Rosewood Fretboard, Mother of pearl inlay. 490 & 498 humbuckers. Satin Finish. Gibson Deluxe tuners. No nonsense guitar nothing that isn't needed (the way I like it).

Perfect for My music (Blues, Classic rock, Rock) Playin' it through an old silvertone 100W head and Crate 4 12" cab, with a Korg AX1G effects unit. makes ya wanna cry with the tones I can get. Big fat sound, The only noise there is, is the noise I make myself. Excelent sustain.

I haven't made any adjustments since I bought it (except tuning), low action no buzzing. pickups set up fine. Satin Finish hides the fingerprints and scratches well.

This Guitar is Like a rock, and as heavy as one. Ive used it in gigs and have had no problems. I think it can take a beating and still kick. But it isn't that old, time will tell.

Don't need 'em

I've Been Playing for about four years, out of my eight guitars this is my favorite. I'd cry if it were stolen, but then I'd go and buy another one just like it. I really like the sound of humbuckers and the feel of the neck. No complaints. I got it because it's what I've been wanting for a long time, and then HEY! It's on sale! So I bought one and I love it! When I even think about this guitar I feel like dancin'. Great guitar.

Black finish. I called around and found out why these are so much cheaper than the other Les Pauls. First off, it is NOT a carved body like the real LP's. It has a flat surface. Second, They use a different finish than the real LP's. Without having to put on a Laquer finish by hand (like the standards that take 10-17 days to complete), they use a cheaper polyurithane finsish (which takes about 4 hours) Thus, less labor time = major savings to the consumer. Also, the inlays are plastic instead of real pearl. It took me forever to figure it out, since Musiciansfriend had no idea why it was cheaper. Gibson was able to tell me. Also, this guitar is made specifically for sale at Musiciansfriend. Hope this helps.

Great sound. Same pickups as the Standards and Customs.

Finish is kind of cheap. Gets pretty bad fingerprints and forearm marks on it from playing. but not noticeable from stage. I've had to adjust the neck on mine a few times since i got it, kind of bends up alot. Maybe its just mine. (i like my action low, which may be a factor)

Guitar has been fine since i got it a year ago. Strap buttons are too small, didn't hold strap very securely, so i put on Dunlop Strap Lock system. (great)

Overall, I love this guitar! Been playing 10 years. Don't spend your money on a real LP when this is good enough!

Mine was a 2001 model, made in the USA. Flat-top, mahogany body, 2 standard pickups, read the other reviews for details.

I've been playing for 6 years, and it was all on a strat. This was my first humbucker guitar. I'd been lusting after the LP for years; it seemed that it was the ultimate guitar. guess what---I HATE IT!
the sound is perfect les paul, so it's not the guitar's fault. it's my fault for buying the hype. this guitar sound really fat and dark. clean playing is practically muddy compared to the strat; distortion is thick as bricks. yes, it's perfect les paul, but I guess that just isn't the tone for me. still, it's extremely quiet. I'm well aware some people like this type of tone, but my personal taste is for cleaner, lighter sounds, so that's how I rated it.

setup was just fine from the factory. of course, I adjusted it to my liking. it's an american made gibson, so it's top-quality. however, the tuning keys are a different story. they are awful. they're the green "vintage" type keys, and they do NOT stay in tune. you'll definitely have to change out the keys. that was the only real problem.

such a solid instrument. don't worry about this category.

?

I wish I hadn't bought the hype about les pauls. sure, they're damn fine guitars, but they simply are not my style. the necks are too big and strangely shaped...I like the smoother strat necks. the frets are high and sharp...I like rounded, low frets. and forget about playing it comfortably when sitting down. and that damned single cutaway is a pain. It's simply an entirely different guitar from the strat, and you'd better be damn sure you want this style. I sure don't. please email me for more opinions; I'm glad to help.
axlroseusa@netscape.net

Flat-top, mahogony LP. Mini-trap inlays, vintage tuners, cream plastic parts -- no bindng. 490 & 498T hums. Nice, clean-looking player's LP with the familiar layout.

The guitar is nice and quiet, even at stage volumes. Pickups are quite powerful, but very bright -- I have to EQ the head to near-flat to get a tolerable, listenable sound; but when it's dialed in, it sounds great. My live stuff is nearly all bridge-only, hi-gain work, but man - that neck PU also sounds great through a nice clean amp.

I'm rarely satisfied with a vrand new setup, so I gave it the usual treatment -- adjust the truss rod and action, install new graph-tech saddles (these are amazing -- I can't stress this enough), re-intonate, set pickup height, etc... Oiled the fingerboard (lemon oil), and sanded the neck using 1500 - 2000 grit 3M wet-or-dry to get rid of the horrible tackiness found in stock form. The guitar is an absolute top-shelf player now... I can't put it down. It's already been paying its dues at shows and been working out great. Interestingly, this was a "Scratch and Dent" item from MF, but there was nary a flaw on it when it arrived. It was in perfect condition.

Get yourself some strap locks -- this should be required. The finish (this one's ebony) is prone to scratching and gumming up, but will surely last a while. Hardware is pretty solid, though I tend to tighten everything a touch when new anyway -- you'd be amazed sometimes at how many new guitars arrive with loose knobs, tuners, etc. With those saddles and new strings, I'm confident without a backup, though I usually bring one for the hell of it anyway...

I don't deal with the manufacturers. If it's something I can fix, I do the work. I've heard a lot of horror stories about MF, but I've had pretty decent luck with them, though their packing is typically horrifying.

Playing 15 years -- modded Big Apple strat, another strat rip-off, Epi Les Paul Deluxe, Takamine acousteic, Fender Musicmaster short-scale bass, Mig-60 and 2 Mig50h heads, Marchall 4X12 cab, Crate Vintage Club with 3X10s (great clean sound).

For the money, this is a great guitar. A little time spent setting it up will yield a very nice, highly playable genuine Gibby for not much dough. It does what you want it to, reliably and in style. Sure, there are some cheapie tuners and a plastic jack plate on the guitar, but these are minor compromises for what overall is a solid bargain. For less than half the cost, this LP has edged out my beloved Big Apple as my main guitar. Unless you're ardently anti-Les Paul, you really can't go wrong...

This is a a stripped down Paul. It is made of a slab of flat mahogany body and neck mine is a natural finish that sort of looks like butterscocth in low light. It's either a 2001 or 2002 made in the u.s. It has 22 big frets. You can tell that it was sloppily made but it has good tone and a fair price compared to the other Les Pauls. It has a 400R and 480T pickups that aren't to bad. It has a thinner 60's neck. It came with a Gibson deluxe gig bag.

I play electrified blues, classic rock(Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Beatles etc.), hard rock and metal(TOOL, A Perfect Circle, Metallica), and rock/alternative(Nirvana, Soundgarden, Weezer, STP). I think it sounds pretty good the mahogany body gets that really deep sound. I'm running it through a Crate GX-40C and it sounds good. The treble pickup makes some buzz but is isn't that bad.

The action from the factory wasn't too bad but it wasn't the way I like it so I had it set up. All of the Hardware seem to be installed alright. As I said they did a somewhat sloppy job of putting it together. There are a few minor flaws that are barely noticeable that have been sanded out of the wood. The frets are okay. I like the Gibson Deluxe tuners on it.

I haven't tried it live yet but it feels good. I haven't had it for a long time but it's solid. I always take backups on gigs but I think I can depend on this one

Lifetime warranty. Haven't dealt with Gibson

Bottom line it's a good guitar I like the sound and I like the feel if it were stolen I would replace it. I only with Gibson would make and affordable guitar like this in a carved top.

2001 USA GIBSON LES PAUL SPECIAL SL -BASIC LES PAUL CONFIGURATION W/490 & 498T HUMBUCKERS, MAPLE BODY W/BLACK FINISH. Trapezoid inlays. Gig bag included. -just a bare bones Paul without any frills...Just the way I like it. Got it for $500.00 from Musician's Friend on line.

It suits my style real well. I play mainly harder rock & heavy electric blues, i.e. Zeppelin, Old VH, Randy Rhoads, Zak Wylde, Metallica, & Hendrix. I play it through a Peavey Triumph 60 ultra gain tube head split with a Rocktron Rampage 50c solid state through a Behringer Cab w/4X12 jensens in it. I basically just use the built in distortion, reverb & chorus of the amps and maybe a splasy of delay from a cheap Ibanez pedal I have. I sometimes employ a Wah as well. Haven't had any problem w/noise & it gives a rich full sound, kinda dark which I like. Also pretty smooth and creamy. Sounds great acousitcally as well. Again, I am only rating this guitar verse other $500 guitars. For the price, it's a great buy. IMHO it beats the hell out of the Paul's three times the price. Gibson is making a killing out of selling production guitars at handmade/boutique prices. Especially for the younger players or those that don't have the cash flow to buy a $1,500 Les Paul or high end Fender/PRS - this is the guitar for you, plus it's Made in the USA which is a bonus. I like the sound overall but am thinking of putting on GHS TNT Boomers to see if that works even better. Right now I have on nickel wound .09 guage strings - just not beefy enough for me.

The factory did a great job of setting up the guitar....Although I never hold a factory accountable for a set up as I feel that is the job of the individual musician who buys it. Unless I personally custom order an axe from a dealer and tell them exactly how I want it, I don't expect them to be mind readers. This guitar was in tune right outta the box! Amazing. Everything was in proper order - no major flaws. Only bitch I have is that the back of the neck seems to smudge and hold hand grime real easy......a minor annoyance.

This guitar is a tank. The finish isn't the best, especially on the back of the neck...smudges real easy. Overall though for the money, who cares, I don't mind a few chips on this baby - gives it character.
Would never gig without a back up now; that's not to say that I never have in the past.

This is not a slap at Gibson, but Musician's Friend basically sucked dealing with on this guitar. It was supposed to be shipped within a week and when it wasn't I called MF who then said it was on back order for a month. Again, never came in, I had to call again when they should of called me to let me know. Anyways, took 4 months to get this guitar, after getting the run-a-round from MF. Maybe other people have had better luck w/them but I found them to be pretty incompetent. MF really needs to work on its customer service, I haven't bought anything since from them. I've ordered through American Musical Supply since and they do a much better job I've found.

I've been playing for 16 yrs. and have been in almost as many bands in that time. I also own a Gibson M-III, Gibson ES-330TDW, Fender Telecaster, and an Ibanez AEG-10 Elect/Acoustic. If this guitar was stolen I'd be going to jail to for handling business on the idiots who took it. I have always wanted a Les Paul but could not validate paying $1,500.00 - $2,000.00 for one - the Special SL is a good decision for those who want to own a Paul but don't want to fork out a large amount of hard earned cash to do so.

OK, so I've owend this beut for four months now, I changed the strings for the first time yesterday and decided it's time to give my review.Mine is a 2001 model made right here in the USA which I have to say is the primary reason I bought it.it has mini trapazoid fret inlays on a very fast slim taper neck, is natural in colorand weighs about 8 lbs.It is made of a couple of slabs of mahogany it has a 490 and a 498t alnico humbucker. klauson type gibson deluxe tuning pegs.and a tune-o-matic bridge. Basicly its a striped down single cutaway Les Paul all of the nessecity's none of the glitter.I hate glitter so it scores high in my book.

Great sound,I play it through a tradmark 60 and I also have an electar tube 10 for the living room. It even has a much better acoustic tone then any other solid body guitar I've played!Great for sitting in front of the tv and playing so go to your local music store pick up a les paul (studio, classic special or smartwood any will do) and hear it for yourself.

Set-up was perfect absolutly no complaints there,however there are so pretty rough spots in the finish primarly on the sides of the headstock and where the neck meets the body.Also there are some rough spots in the edge of the fretboard they appear to be from fileling or sanding.I assume the neck would'nt pass QC on a higher priced paul but perhaps thats why they are so inexpensive.Again this is strictly cosmetec and does'nt effect the overall playability one bit, and is not noticable from 2 feet away.

I am sure it will outlive me!I bought a SKB hardcase (PERFECT FIT) for it just to make sure. I have changed the strap buttons with schaller strap locks, like just about everyone else did. I also changed the black plastic jack-plate with a nice nickel one I bought for about $8 from my local store.I was thinking about changing the tuning pegs but the gibson deluxe's are working great.

The gibson warranty is cheesy, but I know that they do stand behind there products.they went above and beyond for a friend of mine absolutly top notch.
On the other hand screw you musiciansfriend! they suck Hands Down the worst friggen company I've ever delt with!! This was the second guitar I bought from them and I said I woud'nt by one after the first I should of stuck to my convictions, they caused me more aggrivation then anyone should have to deal with, and then overcharged me!Those friggen losers suck!You should'nt do business with them ever !...
Had I not fallen so head over heels in love with this guitar it would have been on its way back to them the next day! My rating here is stritly based on www.musiciansfriend.com and in no way reflects gibson.

I've said all I need to say except I've been playing on and off for 15 years with a 8 year lapse in the middle I've had tons of gear and as far as guitars go this is my favorite I shall cherish it untill the day I die and play it more then any other. I love everything about it.It has everything I need and nothing I dont.
If it was stolen I would grab my gun and become a vigalante death machine untill I found it, and believe me I would find it!

this guitar is a whole lot cheaper than the fancier gibson LPs. And it sounds so sweet.Its us made,24.75 scale, mahogany body, rosewood fingerboard, 2 kick ass sounding humbuckers and a three way toggle swith. Its got a natural finish. its got a tune-o-matic bridge and a stop tail piece. the tuners i really don't like. it does get out of tune but not that much. i gonna eventually replace them though. when i got this i got a sweet gibson LP case,which is shaped to the guitar, for almost half the price.

i play alot of punk and it sounds great on this guitar and i play alot of metal and old rock. this guitar suits every style of music.
i'm using a crate tube half stack and it sounds great. i have an effects processor but i only used it for noise reduction for my fender strat and my ibanez, but i don't need it for this guitar i use it occasionally for more the effects and it sounds great. its got a better sound tone than the epiphones, the epiphones have a mushy tone.
the sustain is great. the only thing is there is the tiniest bit of fret buzz but that can be fixed. another thing is the plastic jack which i'll be putting a new one on, i'll be putting all gold hardware on and taking those parts that came with it and putting together a guitar from scratch.My fender and ibanez are still in commission though. i'll be putting a floyd rose on it and lace sensor pickups or dual humbuckers on it or something. i put the dunlop straplock system and now i can jump around in my room without worry bou it falling off.

the guitar is set up pretty good. the toggle swith is up top so i always hit it and swith it up. i'm used of playing a strat. i always leave the volume off of one of the pickups so i can play rage against the machine. i don't see any flaws nothing seems offset or loose. my uncle who plays guitar inspected told me there nothing wrong with.

i haven't really play on stage before but i goin 2 this summer w/my band, so i'll see. the finish looks great. it looks like it would last. i'm not worried about my finish just the sound really. so if in 30 years the finish looks like crap i know the guitar i still gonna sound good as the day i bought it. like i said i put the dunlop straplock system on it because the strap buttons were a little small. i definatly depend on it and i would use all the guitars we do alot of tuning down and i swith guitars often so i don't have to keep tuning my guitar up or down. it looks like it can take a beating.

i haven't dealt w/ the company and i haven't gotten it repaired at all. it got a lifetime warranty on it.

i've been playing for 5 years and this is the guitar i've been waiting for, for a while. i wanted a les paul for the longest time and i finally got one at a great price. before i bought this guitar i asked if they had it in another color and they didn't but i went to guitar center a week later and they had it in black and it was the same thing but it was about $400 more. i'm giving my first kid this guitar that how much i love it and im gonna have him pass it down generation to generation. i want my kid to expierence this guitar.

2001 USA made Les Paul Special, Solid top mahogany guit fiddle. Came with 2 490 pickups. Typical stripped down les paul.

Sound, okay this is where this puppy excels. I love the LP sound and this unit has it. Not quite as good as a maple top but pretty darn good.

Here is the fly in the ointment. The set up is fair at best, I have had to set up low end guitars before so this was as I expected. The Klusion tuners are a joke, this will not stay in tune. Pitch the Klusions and slap on a set of Grovers. The biggest problem is the neck, this is purely a personal opinion so it is up to you but, I hate 24.75 inch scale and I hate a fat neck worse this has both. If you love a Strat feel this is the wrong guitar for you.

No idea probably will last forever if left in the case and never played. If you take care of it and do regular maintenance this should last your lifetime.

Cant say about Gibson, but I bought this through Muscians Friend. I sent it back after about 2 weeks, I am jsut too much of a TELE, STRAT kind of a guy. They took it back no questions asked. I like to support my local music shops where I can but these guys do a great job.

I have been playing 25 years, my first guitar was a 62 LP Special. I was trying to recapture my youth with this, but the guitar missed the boat. If you are a Gibson fan this is a good ax for giging. If you broke it you wouldn't cry nearly as hard as a LP Standard. If you are like me and love a Strat, save your money.