Gibson Les Paul Studio

Needless to go over all the features over again considering many have already discussed these in detail.
I bought the Alpine White/ gold hardware model... Gorgeous to the eye but lacking some features considering the price paid for...

I play Hard rock,blues,jazz,funk.. I have a Hughes & Kettner Trilogy head (This amp F%&#$%@ rocks!!!!!) with a Marshall 2X12 cab, I also have a Avatar 2X12 cab... and Line 6 POD XT...I purchased this guitar as a back up guitar, my main axe is a PRS Custom 22 (Kick ass guitar) ... I figured I really like the humbucker sound and I really cannot afford another PRS, so let me give Gibson a shot for the price...
At first I thought WOW!!! what a great tone... then after a couple of rehearsals and gigs I realized that this guitar has no "Character" compared to the PRS, it is very muddy specially when used with distortion and/or overdrive it really lacks a lot of personality, I really don't think a $1,300.00 should have this "tone" issues; some guy on one of the reviews spent probably an additional $300.00 in new pick-up's for a brand new $1,300.00 guitar??? .. no offense to you buddy but that's insane... anyhow.. Many people in my audience and sound engineers approached me and told me "Don't use the Gibson it sounds "empty" compared to your PRS; The PRS sounds so much better" That's when I though "shit... I made the wrong frickin' choice I'm screwed... ebay here I go" I guess this just shows you that the search for "the perfect tone" is a trial and error process. Luckily for me they took care of me at Guitar Center and I was able to return the Gibson... I purchased a beautiful Fender American Deluxe Ash Telecaster, butter scotch finish... great guitar.. excellent compliment for my PRS... after playing a PRS... Gibson??? What the hell was I thinking?????

The second I bought the guitar and took it home and put it in it's stand I said "what a beauty" it really is a beautiful instrument (all looks). Gorgeous finish and the gold hardware really complements well.
the first red flag came up... nasty fret buzz on the High E and B strings... I got so pissed.. I just took it back to the store and they raised the action for about 30 miles to get rid of the buzz... I got so f%$#@&* pissed I said "you want something right you got to do it yourself" so I fixed the issue myself.. the neck is one of the best parts of the guitar.. the ebony fretboard is excellent...

The string buzz really messed it up for this section of the review... I would have given it a 10 if it wasn't for that.

It looks pretty solid guitar for the most part... only with the exception of the tuning pegs... they are made out of cheap plastic and they look like they will brake easily even if you dare to put 11's or 12's on it.

I called to register the instrument and they were wonderful.. very good service.

Very overpriced instrument with huge room for improvement... I would never consider spending my money on a Gibson guitar ever again.
If you have the money... do yourself a favor and but a PRS guitar... that is a serious guitar no flaws.. full of beautiful tone... there is just no comparison.

My LP Studio was purchased on the net in December 2006. I had to wait several weeks for delivery-apparently many dealers ran out of them in the color I wanted. The finish on mine is "Fireburst", which is a dramatic 3 color burst similiar to Gibson Vintage Sunburst. It was the color that caught my eye on this axe. It really stands out with the gold hardware! As a bonus, mine came with a lightly figured top. The whole appearance totally exceeded my expections-I love it! The neck is similar to a current Les Paul Standard with '50's neck. Definately not slim, but not overly fat like my '58 VOS. The Studio does not have binding on the neck (or body) so it feels a bit less tall and bare, but it is fun and easy to play. Overall, my guitar weighs about a pound less than a normal Standard, which is probably about right since it has no body binding and the body/wood seems not as thick. All of this makes it more more tolerable to strap on for hours - it's light - at least, mine is. The hardcase that came with the guitar is a beautiful black Gibson lockable case with white furry lining (!!!) inside. It is unique and cool. I don't know if this particular case is specific to the color of my guitar or if all Studios get it.

When I ordered this guitar, I did not expect what I got. The sound is absolutely incredibly good. I have had many Les Pauls and I currently own a 2006 '58 VOS Sunburst. This particular Studio sounds so clear and articulate, with lots of drive, bite and lots of flexibility. It's just outstanding-way beyond all the previous Standards I have owned(I'm wondering if Gibson installed BurstBuckers or '57 Classics on mine by mistake???. The best way I can describe it is that it sounds like the best vintage SG you could ever lay your hands on, and it also can do the Dickey Betts thing. (As a side note-I recently acquired, but returned, a new "Vintage" SG, so I was able to compare that axe to the Studio too). I have tried the Studio with all types of music, pedals and a few amps, and it works great. My '58 also sounds great but has a different, smoother, thicker sound (and weighs a ton). The best thing to come out of all of this, is that although both guitars are very different, they compliment each other and are so much fun to play! I lucked out.

I have inspected the guitar very carefully over the past several weeks and have found no flaws, no marks, etc. The glue assembly around the neck/body joint is not as quite as neat as my '58 VOS, but still very acceptable. Construction on the '58 VOS is flawless as you would expect-difficult to compare to, against a lesser priced guitar, but the Studio holds it own. Intonation was decent-I reset it slightly with my strobe tuner and it continues to sound fine and tune up easily. String height was ok. The finish is shiny and beautiful. I would say that this particular axe was built carefully by the folks at Gibson. I am very proud of it and feel that it was built at a "good time" at the factory. Maybe the holidays have something to do with it...

It has worked flawlessly since I got it. No pot noise, good string setup and everything works. It would be dependable for gigging.

Never called them.

I have been playing over 30 years. I play guitar, bass and drums. Not currently playing in a band, I just use my guitars at home for fun through a modified Bassman top and 2X12 Mojo cab with Celestions. Also own a Fender Stage amp for lower volume practicing. I play Allman Brothers, Clapton, Cream, Doobie Brothers, etc. I'm convinced that I was lucky enough to get a great guitar from Gibson this time-like the one you would pick out in a store after trying several others. This Studio is a charm. I have had other LP Standards that were heavy, boring and quite generic sounding with no notable "character" and badly shaped necks. My '58 VOS is a great guitar and I thought you had to spend 3 grand to get that quality and sound, and fun, but this Studio ranks way up there too. I don't know if other Studios sound like mine, but I am extremely amazed and happy with it and plan to keep it forever.

Mine's an alpine white model, gold hardware, ebony fretboard...paid $999.99 new in 12/06. They raised the prices since...same features as everyone else's otherwise. Simple.

First of all - someone before me (who is apparently 16 years old as he has been playing for "8 years since I was 8") wrote that "...it is an insult to this instrument to play anything but Led Zeppelin on it". - Huh? More evidence why you should NEVER listen to what a teenager says. There's more to life - and guitar playing - than Led Zeppelin, kiddo... Anyway, while I'm sure it sounds wonderful copying the Black Dog riff, this guitar can be used to play ANYTHING that ANY LesPaul has EVER been used for. It is every bit as good in sound quality as the MUCH more expensive Standards and Customs. I personally play a sort of laid back jazzy/bluesy style - all fingerstyle a la Mark Knopfler - and mine sounds great. Nice, fat tone - classic Les Paul sound. Simple as that. The neck is a major plus on this guitar...gets great sustain and really feels solid. I play it thru a Fender Deluxe Reverb RI most of the time and get great clean sounds.

I wasn't certain whether I would like the 490R/498T pickups but I think they are fine for my style - they add a little extra power over a "classic PAF" output level which helps for a fingerstyle player like me and I like the 490 in particular for a clean to slightly distorted bluesy sound. I can get a real nice Knopfler "Brothers in Arms" tone from it without tapping the coil like he did - which you CAN do with these pickups, by the way...they have 4 conductor wiring. I play 11-52 gauge strings. Feels like a Strat does with 10's.

The mid range is emphasized in these pickups which some people like and some don't. There is SOME harshness on the highs occasionally --- and I'm not a big fan of the 498T --- but I use the neck mostly anyway, so overall it works for me.

Even if you didn't like the pickups, changing them is easy enough and that shouldn't deter anyone from buying this guitar. I honestly don't know why anyone would want to spend all the extra cash to get a Standard when you can have the same sound for half the price...assuming you don't mind a couple compromises on appearance (no binding). I think the Studio body might be slightly thinner...I know the maple top is thinner than those found on Standards --- but it has no discernible effect on the tone...at least not a $1,000 difference. For the money, these are great Gibsons to have.

Mine was in great shape when I got it... output jack needed some tightening...the tuners aren't the best quality but they keep it in tune pretty well. I had a Standard a while back with Grover tuners and they were slightly better... again, an upgrade in this area would be cheap anyway - but I don't think I will bother. I must say the Ebony fngerboard on this is a real nice feature...nice and dark and smooth...plays real nice. You don't see too many guitars with DARK Rosewood these days - and Ebony gives a little boost to the treble frequencies that offset the extra mids from the pickups and the heavy body. It's a good match. No flaws in the finish...and it's Nitro - another plus.

No issues. It's a guitar - it'll last as long as it's taken care of.

Never dealt with them.

Been playing for years and overall would highly recommend a Studio to anyone looking to have a LesPaul in their collection. I respectfully submit that the Standards and Custom Shop models are NOT WORTH what Gibson charges -- and Gibson has even raised prices more this year. It really is a shame. Brand new Studios now for about $1299.00 - and I think you have to pay EXTRA to get an Alpine White one like mine...another $170.00, I believe. Totally ridiculous. Get a used Studio from any line in the last couple years and it'll sound just as good.

Late 2006 Model. Single Cutaway. Tune-O-Matic and Stop tailpiece. Tuners are rock solid, not sure why some complain about them. Nice fat neck. 3-way switch, 2 volume knobs, 2 tone knobs. Comes with Gibson Hardcase and strap (which sucks by the way - buy a Jim Dunlop.
There aren't tonnes of features but I'm giving it 10 as it's got everything you need.

FIRSTLY... Epiphones. They are by fuck all means an alternative to Gibson. I had a Black Beauty on which everything that could have gone wrong went wrong. The 3-way switch broke. Both volume pots died. I ended up ripping the pickguard off on stage Because it kept rattling around. Then the bindinhg started to come off the neck. I chucked it.
The Gibson Les Paul Studio will rip the head off any Epiphone, Tokai, Fender, Jackson, Charvel, Ibanez...... and alot of more expensive Gibsons for that matter. It can play anything (apparently) but I think it's insulting to use it for anything other that Lep Zepellin, Velvet Revolver etc. I use it with a Marshall AVT150 half stack and a Cry baby. Use any more effects than that, and you really are spoiling your sound.

No problems what so ever.

Strap buttons seem to be a bitching point for some. If you use a good strap and jump around like a twat, they are fine. Gig without a backup anyway. If I took a backup it'd probably get stolen.

Don't need a fucking waranty with Gibson.

I've been playing for 8 years since I was 8. I had a Charvel a while ago which sucked. I had the Gibson SG special which was also not particularly impressive. This guitar kills all. Well, maybe not the Slash signature model. Or the Custom. But yeah. If you've got the money - Go for it!

Brand New Alpine White with the gold trim,and ebony fretboard, absolutly awesome looking. Frets, nect and fit and finish are perfect. All I did was lower the action a touch. Plays like a dream. This I got for 999 US dollars and I consider this a steal. I had my eye on this for a while and it was at 1369 for a long time. If yu are thinking of getting a les Paul I would not hesitate on the Studio at this price, I am not sure how much longer it will be at 999.

I also own a American Strat and this is completly differnt sounding. Fat rich tone, especially compliments my Peavey Classic 30 Head with the Classic 212 Cab. Just sounds pure rock and roll. You cannot get a Start to sould like a Les Paul period. For my type of music it is perfect! (classic rock, punk and blues)

All I did was slightly lower the action. The rest of the setup was perfect. Fit and finish was also flawless.

This guitar will last a lifetime. The guitar will get better with age! I put on strap locks to replace the original strap buttons. This guitar is rock solid and can be used without a backup. I give a nine because of the fact I had to put on the strap locks.

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I have been playing for over 25 years.I also own a American Strat. I traded up a Gibson SG to the Les Paul. I am so happy I did. The Alpine White is a limited edition run and it has the ebony fretboard which plays like a dream. The Gibson Les Paul lives up to its name for a top notch musical instrument. I am so happy with my purchase and at 999 dollars it is a steal!

93 model, wine red or 'black cherry' finish, ebony fretboard, med-high frets, gibson delux tuners, chrome hardware, 490R/498T pups, fat 59 style neck, about 4.6KG in weight, 3 piece maple top, 1 piece mahogany back, mahogany neck. no binding or headstock inlay.(essentially a no frills Custom from the 80's, 90's)

i play rock to metal and this guitar is one of the fattest and heaviest sounding les pauls i have played. it has a very full bottom end. the pups sound very nice on clean tone, pretty much your standard les paul tone, and with a cranked valve amp ( marshall JCM800 2203 in this case) it gives that fat thick les paul tone. the pups are not overly hot but give enough, they feedback nicely ( not microphonic) and are faily clear, and clean up nicely when you roll the volume control down to about 2.
depending on your musical requirements, for heavy rock and metal this shits all over my 89 Standard. way fatter and fuller sounding with the 59 neck.

off the shop wall the guitar plays very well. string height is always going to be changed to suit the player anyway. as for the finish and build , the ebony fretboard is flawless, the frets excellent and the finish is excellent. the nitro cellulose started to check (crack) after about 8 years, but not alot, only for about a 1 year period. the input jack plays up but apart from that it always stays in tune with the bone nut.

only ever had a problem with the electronics. input jack cuts in and out, and sometimes the volume pots crackle a bit. these can all be easily replaced. the build and timber work is great.

if you want a les paul that looks good, shop around. if you dont care about body/neck binding and headstock inlays, buy an early to mid 90's les paul studio, with the ebony fretboard, 59 neck, and chrome hardware. these are the best studio models made and sound as good or better than alot of Standards or Customs (compared with the same pups in that is).brand new you would have paid less because it had no binding, as that is the only difference, but now an early mid 90's model will go for the same price as a Standard. they are heavy on the weight scales, and heavy in the sound dept. as well.
i have been playing gibsons or gibson copies for 20 years, and the new studio models are good but nowhere near these 93 models in build and sound qualilty

mine was a late 90s les paul studio lite which had a few cosmetic differences from a regular studio mostly just gold hardware. Black finish

It sounded very much like a les paul should. I'm not sure if it had alnico or ceramic pickups but pretty sure it had alnicos. I had a SG special at the time with dirty finger pickups and the two guitars sounded so similar. I used a vintage vox ac10 top boosted with mullard tubes and ep 2 tube echoplex. Sounded good both clean and distorted. I really like the neck position on the guitar

action was good. Typical fatish, flat gibosn neck. This late 90s studio is the only les paul except for a 70s deluxe and a 56' les paul that I found had decent necks. Of those three I think I would choose a les paul studio for both playability and sound. One thing I didn't care and the reason I do not like les pauls is the weight. Too heavy. That les paul sound is just not worth it to me would rather have a fender or an SG and not have to deal with such a heavy guitar. I think this is part of the reason I didn't hang on to it. Weight and the neck was just a little bit bigger than what I like.

les paul studios are pretty indestructible. I always use peaveys as the most indestructible musical instruments. I would say probably this gibson would hang right with it. Peaveys get 10 on indestructibility I would give the les paul studio a 9

I didn't have it long enough to have problems. I did buy a gibson new back in the 80s want and had to send it in for warranty work. It required a few phone calls. I bought it from Gruhn guitar and they acted like they didn't want to know me. When I got in touch with Gibson they were sort of abupt on the phone and not very specific on things just told me to send it. I got it back in a reasonable amount of time. I don't know how I feel about gibson warranty. The one company I think who has good post purchase service is Rickenbacker I called them about a case one day and the CEO called back and left message on my machine and I called him back. He talked to me about it now that's pretty awesome

9 and a half If I was going to have a les paul it would be this one over a standard, custom or a vintage one because of playability factor. I like guitars that sound good and make it as easy as possible for me. What I don't like about it is the weight and I will never own a les paul again for this reason

2006 model bought new, made in the USA. 490R humbucker neck pickup and 498T bridge pickup. Wine red with gold plated hardware. Don't know what score to give it. It's a Les Paul

I use an ENGL Thunder 50 head and matching 2x12 cab loaded with celestion green backs. I use Ernie Ball 10-46 strings. Our band plays blues, rock and roll and a bit of 60's stuff. You can try guitars in shops or at home but you never REALLY know what its like till you do a few gigs with it. This one is stunning. The sound is rich, full and clear. With the gain set on just 1 and a half it drives the amp really well and sustains forever when on the lead channel. It seems to be warm and creamy and bright all at the same time when playing lead and full and clear for rhythm, and that is with bass mid and treble on half on the amp so there is plenty of room to give it more bottom or top if required. Very versatile. It just sounds really good and makes you want to play and play and play. I have never had a guitar which is so easy to use on gigs. Anyone want to buy a Tubescreamer?

The action was set quite high from the factory and I lowered it a bit and set up the intonation. The strings that were on it were dead, most likely because it had been hanging on the shop wall. Frets are a bit sharp and the nut is not cut all that well. All things which are easy to fix and any guitar is likely to need a bit of adjustment to make it how you like it, but this could have been a little better. Having said all that I am still perfectly happy with it.

I bought this guitar for live playing. There is not much to go wrong with it and I don't expect that it will ever let me down. I would use it without a back up but I always have another with me in case of broken strings or in case I just feel like playing the strat ( I haven't yet). I will most likely put strap locks on when I get around to it but there is nothing wrong with the standard strap buttons. The gold plating started wearing off after just one gig but other than that the hardware is strong. I am pretty hard on guitars so I expect wear and tear. It does not worry me. I have no doubt that it will outlive me, and if its a bit battered by then, it just means that I have had a great time with it.

Not needed yet and I don't expect it will be but you never know.

I have been playing for abou 35 years. If it was lost or stolen I would be straight to the shop for another one. I love everything about it. I compared it with SG's, other more expensive Les Pauls, Tokai Love Rock II (which came a close second) and a fancy Strat, although I wasn't looking for a Strat it gives you a bit of a bench mark to try something that you are used to in the shop. My other guitars are an 18 year old Tokai Strat with GFS vintage pickups and a few other mods (my other main instrument) An American 70's Telecaster and a had built thing which should be fantastic but just isn't in the way that the Les Paul just is. I guess you have to say it is fantastic value as it was 4 or 5 hundred quid cheaper than a Les Paul Standard which didn't sound as good. It is a pleasure to play and it does what it is meant to do VERY well so thats it for me.

Mine is an 1993 Les Paul Studio with an Black finish. By now you'deshould known older Studio's have Ebony fingerboards which look way cooler. Also the body is exact the same as standards. Only thing that differs is other pick-ups and no binding.

Basicly this guitar offers all you need to keep on going in a sober package.

I Also must state I bougth this guitar second hand, and the guitar is still stock execpt for the tuner, which are replaced by Schallers.

I'm playing rock/punk and also toying arround with quite a lot other styles (country/metal/jazz/funk) and at trying out it still sounds good, however there are guitars arround which are more allround, this guitar delivers quite a variety of tones but blasts outs when the drummer of my band kicks in with an rock-beat. As an rock-guitar its an classic, and that's something you'll have to try out yourself.

I use this guitar trough an Mesa Formula Pre -> Peavey Classic Power Amp -> Marshall 1922. The set-up wasn't really expensive but sounds amazing.

I bougth it second hand, so I could give no opinion in this one. I must say its in a really used condition, but I don't mind that since this guitar is almost 14 years old.

When using in a band situation I noticed these things are built like an tank. Most common issue with an Gibson is a head crack, I'm fully aware this COULD happen, but with the electronics and stuff I never experienced serious trouble.

Never dealt with them

Been playing for about 8 years or so. Other guitars I own are an Ibanez SZ320 and a MIK Fender Telecaster. This LP is my main axe at this moment but could change by day.

Final judgement: It's an great piece of artillery, but however I like this guitar a lot, i've already thought about replacing it. Don't get me wrong, early studio's are really amazing guitars, but there are a lot underdogs out there which are at the same or better quality.

Only dislike on this guitar, and basicly on the LP model is that it is an singlecut. The sound is really amazing, and that's the reason I bougth it, but the upper fret acces is terrible. Still, the looks of LP's in general take my breath really away, but quite a lot

If it were stolen, I wouldn't buy it again, but look for a PRS of a Schechter or something. They have simulair specs, but are double cut, a feature I almost demand.

But still, great guitar.

everyone pretty much knows the features on this guitar--I got it in Alpine White w/ gold hardware and ebony fretboard, complete w/ 'white fur-lined' hardshell case--from what i understand, the Alpine White is a 'special/limited' Edition. A gorgeous guitar--I've gotten some compliments already from gigs and rehearsals!!!!

the combination of 498T and 490R p/u's kick-ass!!! I have the same combo in my Gibson Ebony SG Std, it's hands-down the best p'u combos by far!! I run this thru my Randall T2 head into a Marshall 1960A Slant loaded w/ 80-watt Celestions--it sounds really fat and full, w/ a good balance of highs and lows--I can do ZW 'squealies' easily on it,LOL!!! that's why it weights a ton--the inherent sonic properties really shine and justify the heft!!! I play Heavy Alt/Punk, so it completely fits, although I do have my Jazzier/power pop/country side on occasion, which does it well, too!!!

I also play it thru a Behringer V-Amp2 processor into a Marshall Valvestate V65R and a Randall WMAX30 combo--yeah, in stereo--sounds awfully sweet!!!

very well-made guitar--my only niggle was some red wax nearby the edge of the fret board towards the higher register---just a little minor thing that came off easily--other than that, it plays well!!! I just love looking at this thing--almost like a custom--at half the cost, literally!!!

another complaint was the small strap buttons--kinda comical Gibson skrimp on this--oh, well--replaced it w/ Dunlop Straplocks.

so far, as I stated earier, it was put to work ASAP--it has held up beautifully--however, i always gig w/ 2 guitars --my SG, LTD MH 400 and Epi LPC are now my back-ups, LOL!!!!

nothing has happened to it to warrant repair just yet--i'm very confident it'll hold up, based upon previous Gibsons I used to own--not owrried at all!!!

this guitar simply is 'da' bomb'!!!! I love it!! I lusted after the Alpine White Studio for quite awhile--when music 123 and MusiciansFriend were blowing these out, I knew I had to make a move!!!

I was thinking about swapping out the pick-ups for a set of EMG ZW's, but I think I'll hold-off for now--it sounds great as it is!! My only wish is that it came w/ bigger strap buttons--however, it's very minor (in fact, I gigged w/ it before buying the Dunlops LOL!!!)

I've been playing for 29+ yrs--have gone thru many phases (Ibanez, Gibson, Fender, Jackson, Kramer, Hamer, ESP/LTD, Yamaha)

this is like the 5th Gibson i've ever owned [still have my SG]--guess I 'll always be a 'Gibson' guy after all!!!

2006 made in USA ebony with gold.When clean looks stunning. Usual Les Paul features, 2 pickups 2 tone and 2 volume and 3 way switch Moulded hard case ; Gibson logo. In my opinion the Studio looks better than the Custom; the plastic binding etc have dated somewhat. The specs on the electrics appear to be identical to the Custom, but in a more moden looking package.
The Gibson tuners look cheap, with greenish looking plastic knobs,but have caused me no trouble.
Resonably heavy, well balanced hangs perfectly on my shoulder.

Play mostly 60's 70's rock where this guitar suits well. The pickups are quite hot and giving brighter sound than the older 'Pauls which is a little dispointing. Having said that, many variations of sounds are possible. I am still coming to terms with the multiple controls especially with the selector in the middle position and having to operate two volume controls. My main guitar is a 69 strat so yes Ive had a sheltered life!! I went into the music store convinced I needed to buy a SG Gibson but when played side by side the Les Paul Studio is much better and offers many more sound options.
My amp is a JCM 800 50w 2X12 Marshall combo, no effects allowing a very powerful and full sound.

The factory set up was OK; slight alteration with intonation, action, a quick fiddle with the nut and a fret polish was all it needed. There is always going to be some individual adjustments regardless of purchase price. We are all different after all.
The finish was not up to the standard I expected from a premier manufacturer, the black finish is see through on some of the edges, but it wasn't purchased for its looks. Being black is very hard to keep clean, again my choice.
The neck becomes sticky when played especially when the hands begin to sweat, but in time this will improve as the solvents disappear from the laquer. Never polish the back of the neck or it will take ages for the neck to come good.

Very solid and robust guitar, I expect the thin laquer and the gold hardware to quickly wear.
The strap locks are extremely small and must be replaced with strap locks or at worst decent size buttons. Never use an old worn favourite strap without alterations. The peg head looks the weakest link and I suspect if dropped would be easily damaged and/or busted.As would the plastic tuners.
Always store guitar is its case or get a sturdy secure stand. Don't leave leaning against an amp or a wall.
I would have no hesitation gigging without a backup.

Comes with a lifetime warranty in USA, but outside of the US we get SFA.
I hope that I'll never need customer support from Gibson, however I would expect every effort would be made by Allans Music Australia should the need arise.

Been playing for 30 years. As stated above I have a 1969 Fender Stratocaster and 50watt Marshall along with an Ibanez ST50, Ovation and Takamine acoustic/electric and a 15w Marshall practice amp
I would certainly buy another Gibson Les Paul Studio, I'm not sure whether or not it would be black!

black finish , 2005 les paul studio

the sound is the best thing . whatever genre you like , you can guarantee getting a sound that you want - it is the best guitar for sound that i have ever played.

the action was ok at the start but that can be altered at the bridge.apart from that everything was fitted in perfectly.

this is the most reliable guitar i have used so i would definately use it without any backup.the strap buttons are solid and it has never fallen off while playing

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overall rating for the price your paying a definite 10. it may not look the best guitar but definately sounds it.

see above...

don't let the cheaper price fool you. the Les Paul Studio sounds just as good as you'd expect any Les Paul to sound. it has that deep crunch that i was just never able to get with my telecaster. great for rock, blues, pretty much anything with the right sound settings.

the finish on my guitar isn't great, but i bought it new and it's ten years old. the guitar is solid though, very well built. the previous owner replced the black pick guard and the rest of the plastic pieces with cream which i love. i think it gives it more of a classic look. the pick up selector is a tad noisy and i have trouble get it to work right every now and then.

if i had to pick between my LP or my Tele to play a live gig, i would take the LP in a heart beat. the guiatar is real solid. i actually dropped it once and it against a table (i almost had a heart attack) but when i picked the guitar up it wasn't even dented. the thing is a rock.

never had to deal with customer support

i've been playing for 9 years and this is by far the best guitar i've ever played. i love the look, the sound, it's everything i was hoping it would be. anyone looking for a great guitar at a reasonable price should definitly look into a Les Paul Studio.

The construction of the Les Paul Studio is basically the same as the Standard model, except that it doesn't have binding on the body. It is mahogany with a maple top and has the 490r/498T pickup configuration. Mine is stock, except that I replaced the black plastic parts with cream pickup rings and switch parts, and put on gold bell knobs. It gives it a more upscale look more like a Standard. It is wine red with gold hardware which is a classy look. I would give it a 10 for features except for the "vintage" style tuners. They look nice, but I had tuning problems. I tried a new technique for stretching the strings that seems to help: hold down a note starting on the first fret and stretch the string. Move up to the next fret and stretch again going all the way up the neck. Return the string up to pitch, start at the first fret again and repeat going up the neck until the string no longer goes flat. Repeat on all 6 strings. This seems to work, but I bought this as a working axe not a museum piece. I am not afraid to yank them off and replace them with locking tuners if they give me any more trouble.

First I would like to comment on a previous post complaining about the lack of pcikup shielding. Believe it or not, I think there are actually some advantages to less shielding: (1) Better sustain especially at low distortion levels. (2) Better dynamic response. I also have a strat and a Gibson Explorer which I am quite fond of, but no other guitar I have owned sounds as "alive" as this one. It responds very well to dynamics, and I can get clean or dirty just by changing picking attack. To avoid squeal and feedback, don't use too much preamp gain. You can use as much distortion as you want, but more to color the sound, not too much boost. Anyone can get massive distortion by cranking to 11, and most guitars can get a good clean sound with a decent amp. It is all the subtle shades in between that are often hard to find and at which this guitar excels. Clean or distorted, it always sounds musical, not like a buzzsaw. Then again if your sound requires extreme gain, this might not be the axe for you. I sometimes agree with those who wish you could have a coil split or coil tap on the neck pickup. However, I found you can turn the volume down a little, but also turn tone down to about 7 or 8 and it cleans up nicely. It sounds strange, but turning the tone down cuts some of that humbucker edge.

Gibsons are famous for fit and finish, and their reputation is well deserved. Fit and finish is excellent and it is very comfortable tp play. I have carpal tunnel, and used to get pain in my wrist and forearm after playing my Strat for about 4 hours a night. I don't have that problem with the Les Paul.

I use it live almost every weekend, and it has held up well. Some of the gold finish has worn off, but not excessive wear. Having a set neck, it is probably not as sturdy as a bolt on. However, I actually dropped it once on a hard floor, and I cracked one of the tone knobs but otherwise it is fine. I promptly invested in a set of straplocks after that.

Never needed customer support, so I don't know.

I have been playing about 25 years and have owned many guitars. I also play a '79 Strat, and a Gibson Explorer. I have owned this guitar about a year and a half, and it quickly became my main guitar. I run the Les Paul into a Digitech Studio Tube multi effects unit, and a Cry Baby wah pedal, into a Marshall Valvestate 40 watt, or a '79 Marshall half stack w/Vintage 30 speakers.

Easy... everything is there where I like it.
The neck is comfortable to play.

go on the gibson site to check tech. details.

Good sounds, very fat and warm sounding, with chrunchy dynamics...
the way we all ilke it !! For all that want come in the Gibson world, this is the best and cheapest entrance. I have take the alu plates from the Humbuckers away and the result is a "opener" more fresh tone.
Also I have rub that "shining" finish away, the result is a more "woodyer","earthed" sound. And it looks cooler (mattblack).
The only shit thing on this guitar is the 3 way toggle switch
( sometimes it just dont work ) so I have changed this against a G??ldo toggle for 14 Euros.
I also play a Fender modded 70 Strat and a PRS single cut.
I use the Gibson almost for Live Gigs, because its that Rocking work horse, that is undestroyabl and has that earthquake sound.
The Strat is my backup and the Prs only for home or studios.
( But it beats the Paula 10 to 4 ).
But get attention ; A Paula is a heavy beast, not good for your shoulder...use security locks and a good leather strap.
My Amps are Engl Souveraign and Mesa Lonestar with 2x12 or 4x12 cabs.
TC vintage delay, Maxon Ts9, Morley Tremonti Wah for live playing,
in the studio + everything a pro studi has....

I play mainly ; Pearl Jam meets Soundgarden, AIC, Metallica and Creed stuff. But also sometimes a bit of Al Di Meola meets Gary Moore and Eric Johnson sounds. And the Paula has it all.
This is what I like the most about it...3 sound choices but they are enough to play anything.

The black finish is shit you see every finger tip and its difficult to polish, so I have rub that "shining" black finish away.
look inside and you see that its ok but can made so much better.
The rest ( fingerboard, mechanics ,etc ) is good.

Like a sad, a undestroyable working horse,in all the times I play it live, ther was nothing happend.

?

I play since 16 years, as a semi pro ( means I play lot of gigs, studio sessions and earn money, but not so much that I can live from that ). If some one steal my Paula, Im not sure if I buy one again. Because I have the PRS...
The Paula is simple, has a great sound, good build quality and its comfortable to play it.
So 10 points for the Rock history time machine.

See above......

2000 model with light burst finish, a great combination of tobaco sunburst and yellow burst, realy unique. I'm into a Dave Meniketti/Y&T, Late Jimmy Page sound, in other words I like a guitar to SOUND like a guitar. So many of the newer "active electo, ungo duma flage, sooper scooped, bla bla bla" jobs have lost the ability to achieve sustain through stability and ring out a true wood resonate sound. If it wont sound full clean, it wont sound real through the rack. This girl knows how to sing. PERIOD!
I've come to a conclusion, if you dont like Les Pauls, then you won't like a Les Paul. I read some of the reviews and I notice that if they wanted a PRS or a Charvel Strat thet their not happy with the way a Les Paul feels/sounds. DUH!!!
These things are the standard for quiet. When your just holding them with your hand resting in the damping position there is NO NOISE. No hum, no sizzle, no BS. It just waits for you to tell it what to do.
The sound possibilities are quite vast. It's all there unless you have a penchant for the "out of tune, rattle trap, cheapo depot" tone. If thats your thing, dont look here. They are a PACKAGE, everything has been matched up for effect. The 490 pickups compliment the nature of the body and hardware.Dial the output down a little and it's clean and full, providing plenty of output to cue your chorus/flanger and be sensitive to your attack. The peak to cut response is just great. Dial it up and the blast of dynamics is ALL IN without being ALL PROCESSED. Use a good tube amp alone, a healthy dose of classic balls to the wall is there for you, process it with enhansment in mind and you won't loose the real guitar aspect. Process it with color control in mind and it will provide all the basis needed to drive any effect combination rather that needing the effects to give the sound character.
I like it. I don't dislike it.

Mine came from a reputable on line seller. It should have needed a bunch of set up work, right? WRONG! I opened the case, put my strap on it, plugged it in, tuned it up and it was just right. It fit my hand, it felt welcoming under my fingers. I use 10's and it was a very low, buzz free action all the way to the top.
The maple top looks like one piece, and the finish is stellar. Fret wire is well dressed, pickup height was dead on correct. The selector switch is lightly coated with dilectric grease and makes no noise when moved (nice touch!)Pots are scratch free and smooth.Tuning pegs are smooth and functional, it goes into tune and stays there.
Dont you believe all the BS about Epiphone Les Pauls being a equal alternative, THEIR NOT. Their not even close. You can put a pig in a pant suit and call it Hillary, but it wont be the senator from New York.

There is the rock of Gibralter and there as the Gibson Les Paul, Just don't drop on its head. It's the one to have when your only having one.

I have yet to need to deal with GIBSON but I did find Music Gear Garage to be very easy to communicate with and extreemly helpful.

23 years of bending strings, I also have a great old ES-235 I realy love to plunk around on and a wonderful old Alverez acoustic.
My electric setup is:
Carvin X-100 B with the 1B mod in the lead circuit
Carvin 4-12 slant cab with Celestion red backs and a pirated cab effect module from a 3212 for direct into the board (these things are GREAT, find one, try it, WOW!)
Rack with:
Roland GP-8 & FC-100 controller
ART 70, full octave Eq.
Behringer Composer pro XL compressor/noise gate
Aphex Aural Exiter 204
The Les Paul works well with my stuff, and I dont have to add a lot of processing, mostly using the chorus and delay, very little compression and even less noise gate (mostly to keep the rack quiet) The Aphex is there to return the dynamics lost in the Roland, EQ to get it all right with the venue.
If I lost it, I would find it (I know DOG the bounty hunter!)
I would like to get an old gold top hollow body with P-90's just to dink around on, but.......
Further more I would like to say....
STEWIE FOR GOVENOR!!!!

It has everything you expect from a Les Paul:
Two humbuckers (a Gibson 490R and 498T) which are ok for stock pickups, but i have changed the bridge pickup to a Swineshead Runaway and added a push/ pull (the knob was to big for the push/ pull pot, thats why one is uncovered) and will change the 490R to a GFS Mean- 90.
It has chrome hardware, a Tune o matic bridge
Mahogany body with a maple top
A set mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard.
The tuners was changed by the owner before my friend to non locking Grover kidney's
Ive added Schaller straplocks.

What can i say? Classic Les Paul tone. Teamed up with an all tube Marshall and you have one of the worlds finest crunch. The tone is extremly fat, but the maple top adds a bit of top end and makes it very balanced. it has a wide range of tones, from jazzy cleans to some metal. In the bridge ive got a Swineshead Runaway gives it amazing classic rock sounds and hard blues sounds. Think Led Zeppelin, Cream and so on. The push/ pull is ok, but now i have a Strat to cover single coil tones. The sustain is awesome. I tried to test its sustain, but gave up since i got bored waiting (it feels like it can sustain forever). Im gonna put a GFS Mean- 90 in the neck since i want P-90 sounds. The Strat have better cleans, but when i want crunch, this delivers it perfectly.

Well i bought the guitar used, so i cant tell how it were from the factoryThe build is very solid and everything is top notch (exept for paint, they only have a thin layer of paint, and my friend i bought it from had played with a spike bracelet, meaning that he exposed alot of wood (since that made it look like cr*p he sold it quite cheap). No sharp edges on the frets no fret buzz, its just a dream to play it. Since the paiting is not the best it gets an 8.

Ive played live with it lots of times, and it works great. I haven't used any backup for it and haven't needed one. The finish has worrn ff alot (epxlained in the above post). Ive replaced the strap buttons with Schaller straplocks. This is a guitar i can really depend on.

Since i bought it used i can't judge this.

Ive playing for about 1,5 to 2 years. I was gonna get an Epiphone Les Paul but got my friend to sell me this for the same price. The gear i use is an Ibanez TS-9, a Russian Big Muff and a vintage Phase 90 copy. I don't miss anything on it TBH. My overall imression is great, even if it looks like sh*t, it sounds and plays awesome, which is more improtant. I bought it because i wanted fat humbucker tone and it was exactly what i wanted. It works great for gigs and i can easly walk around with it (i have an extremly fat strap, that feels like a pillow).

standard gibson electronic setup.

AAA flame maple top (factory mistake)
mahogany body.
22 frets
wine red
no binding, but it suits the guitar.
chrome hardware, black knobs/pickup rings/pickguard

what else is there to say?

This thing sounds great man. I'd been playing different gibsons in Long and Mcquade for a while, while i was saving and deciding what guitar to get, this, and the deluxe really appealed to me. I think the deciding factor on this one, was someone at quality control reaaaaaaaaaaally fucked up...Ive got a flame top on mine (studio's are supposed to have plain tops) and it plays a million times better than any other studio or sg i'd played. When i got home, and got a chance to crank it, you really notice how great the tone is. I play alot of different styles, from punk, hardcore, and ska, to rocknroll, rockabilly, blues, and some jazz/surf kind of stuff too. The neck pickup is realllllllllly smooth, amazing cleans. When distorted it's got a pretty standard humbucker tone, surprizingly round and kind of bluesy when you turn down the gain. the bridge humbucker is alot hotter i guess, awesome distorted tones, it tottaly screams man. You can get alot of different sounds out of it, unless you're going for really twangy or bluesy, this guitar works great.

I didn't give it a 10, because I kind of wish i could get that growley single coil kind of tone out of the bridge...buuut I guess they're humbuckers, not single coils eh?

great setup.

no finish flaws
no bindings, but it's kind of a simplistic beauty.
gorrrrrrrrrrgeous wine red with a flame top. its...its beautiful really
good action
accidental flame top
i think a slimmer neck? not sure...it feels alot faster than the other studios
the only problem is a bit of sanding was left kind of fucked up on top of the headstock (not where the gibson logo is, at the very end of the guitar between the d, and g tuners...ya know what i mean?)

its great man.
it's really heavy though, and the strap buttons are really small and lame. I bought strap locks right away, and it's goin way better. I've already got alot of scratches and stuff on the back, and I've had it for about a month, I've had an Ibanez AF75 for 2 years, and the finish is holding up way better than on my les. You'd think that for $1600 or whatever after tax, theyd be able to put a more solid finish on it. I'd use it to gig and record.
But who would play any gig without a backup?

warranty is a lifetime warranty i think? not sure, i havent read it. I've never dealt with gibson, but I've heard from some people that they're great with customer support, and I've heard they're really bad from other people, so i dunno, mang.

yo, I got a free setup with it, that's pretty rad.

I've been playing for about 5/5 and a half years, and this is probably one of the most solid guitars i've played. Comparing it to other LP's(classics, deluxes), SGs, and explorers, it's wayyy above them. But like i've said 500 times, I think mine is a one of a kind...still a great guitar for sure, but I've heard alot of horror stories about the lower end gibson models.

If this got stolen, I'd cry for a while, then Id save for a long time and buy another les paul of some kind...but it's hard to say. If i had the money, id probably go for the standard, but my studio is much higher quality in terms of sound and playability than the deluxes and classics i was playing. And about 800 bones cheaper.

If there was any way i could make this baby better, Id say it'd be a body/neck binding (but its not THAT big of a deal) and a P90 in the bridge...or a coil tap or something like on that jimmy page custom model.

and like i said before, flame top, super fast neck were the deciding factors on this one, not the price, because i had the $2200 for the deluxe.

USA made, 22 frets, rosewood fretboard, maple top, 2 humbuckers. In my opinion, it is the best looking and best feeling guitar in its price range, but it is not without shortcomings. It is a Les Paul, so it is very heavy and can be character-building when it is hanging off your shoulder for 2 hours at a gig. The machine heads are also cheap plastic (I am replacing mine with Sperzels). I am also replacing the PUPs (see below). All in all, a solid guitar, but requires some modification if you are a serious musician that's going to use it for giging and recording.

My band plays stuff that ranges from Beatles to the Buzzcocks. The pickups sound full and boomy, which is great on clean, but they are terribly muddy with distortion. I want a clear and articulate sound on both channels, so I am replacing the neck pup with a S.D. SH-2 Jazz and the bridge pup with a S.D. SH-4 JB.

The action is great with .09 and .10 strings. I like to play with thicker strings, but .11's don't work too well on here. You you get a lot of buzzing that requires that the neck be adjusted and that the action be raised high. So I'm sticking with .10's to keep the action low. The fretboard is flat and has a very different feel from a Strat. It's a matter of personal preference as to which type guitar feels better to your fingers.

Compared to other guitars in its price range, it seems to me to be the most solid and durable (with the exception of the machine heads, which are cheap plastic). When I go to guitar stores and try out other guitars, most of them seem poor quality and breakable by comparison. I only find guitars that measure up when I hit the $2500 price range.

I've been playing 20 years and have owned a Les Paul Studio for 10 years. It is not a perfect guitar, but the best for the price. I have looked many times for a replacement (to find something not as heavy), but nothing measures up and I always come back to the Paul. If you play professionally, it cannot be your only guitar. You'll also need something with single-coils like a Tele to have more tones at your disposal and to give your shoulder a rest at gigs.

Alpine White, SE (Special Edition) with an '59 profile neck shape, Ebony Fretboard and Gold Hardware. All other features are normal Les Paul Stuido features.

I am a very picky about tone all of my amps are Fender, Marshall and Mesa tube amps and my pedal board consist of mainly Fulltone & Voodoo Lab analog effects. I mainly play Fender guitars but I do like the sound of a good Les Paul. I bought this guitar mainly because I wanted a Les Paul to get all of the classic LP tones. I also have a preference for hard maple or ebony fretboards as apposed to softer rosewood boards. I was very disappointed with the sound of the stock 490R & 498T pickups so I replaced them with a Dimarzio Super Distortion in the bridge position and a Dimarzio Fred in the neck position. But although I like the tone of the Fred I was not happy with the SD in the bridge it sounded good on some things but it was to hot compared to my other guitars and caused much adjustment of my effects and amps when switching from guitar to guitar. So the guitar was stored for some time until I read an article that stated Warren Haynes uses S.D. Pearly Gates pickups in his Les Pauls. Being a big fan of Warren Haynes? guitar tone I bought and installed a pair of Pearly Gates pickups and now the tone is perfect. I don?t understand why Gibson would put such bad sounding pickups in their guitars when the S.D. Pearly Gates is a copy of one of their own designs the P.A.F. With the new pickups the guitar sounds great and is being played a lot I would rate it as a 10 if it had come with these pickups. But if this pickup change had not worked out I was planning on getting rid of the guitar.

The Action and fit was very good for this modestly priced Les Paul. It setup with 10s and even though it was shipped the intonation was not far off. I love the feel of the '59 neck and the ebony fretboard.

The Guitar feels real solid and I have not had any issues with it other than the pickups.

I have not had to deal with them.

I have been playing off and on for over 25 years. I have had and do have many other nice guitars, amps and gear. After the pickup change I am very happy with this Les Paul and if lost I would replace it with another LP with a Ebony fretboard and I would also install the S.D. Pearly Gates pickups.

2006 Les Paul Studio - Ebony Finish, Chrome Hardware, 22 Frets, Two Tone, Two Volume, Originally with 490R & 498T Gibson pickups (I replaced them with Dimarzio Tone Zone and Dimarzio Air Norton - bridge and neck respectively), trapezoid inlays, etc. It's very functional and doesn't have a lot of visual flair, which is exactly what I wanted. I'm going to have to take a point off for the toggle switch though, and I'll explain why. When I first decided to purchase the Les Paul, I did so because of the weight of the guitar (I like something solid and heavy that won't move around too much when I get really into playing a solo) and the way the neck felt. This is approximately my tenth guitar over a period of about six years, and most of my previous axes have been guitars that have the toggle switch located near the tone and volume controls. While I initially liked the toggle switch located on the upper horn of the body, I found that every now and again it gets in the way when I'm doing two handed tapping near the upper frets on the lower strings. Other than that, feature-wise, I've got absolutely no complaints about this guitar. It's a wonderful instrument in that aspect.

The stock pickups were decent, but it wasn't the exact tone I'm looking for. Note that I said earlier that I bought the guitar for the weight and feel of it, not the tone, so I had already planned on replacing the pickups after purchasing the guitar itself. The Gibson pickups that were in it before would be great for classic rock and hard rock, but I needed something a little hotter at that I could use for instrumental guitar rock and metal, but wasn't so overbearing as to cause the instrument to lose its character. I opted for a Dimarzio Tone Zone at the bridge and an Air Norton at the neck, and now I couldn't be happier with the sound. I'm running this guitar through a Line 6 PODxt Live and a Tech 21 Power Engine 60 (Daisy Chained) and it sounds absolutely incredible. I haven't had any noise issues with it, and because of the Dimarzio pickups, it matches more styles with a bit more ease than with the stock pickups that couldn't.

The guitar was already set-up and ready to go once I purchased it, but I had it restrung and set-up at the Guitar Center in Oxford Valley, Pennsylvania with a different gauge of strings. The tuning machines work very well, and I rarely have to retune the guitar, even after playing hard for an hour or so. After proper intonation and set-up, everything is peachy.

Well, I'm not able to speak too loud on its reliability as of yet, seeing as I've only had it for a few months. I've seen Les Pauls that have been around for 40+ years, so I'm going to take a leap of faith and say that they are reliable guitars. I replaced the strap buttons the same day I bought the guitar with strap locks for that extra bit of security. Would I use it on a gig without a backup? Hell yes. The chance of something this big and heavy breaking down on me at a gig is almost nil. If it's good enough for Zakk Wylde and the many other guitarists that use them, it's good enough for me.

N/A

I've been playing for about nine years now. I started off with a Yamaha Strat clone, on to an old Charvel, then a Jackson Kelly with EMG 81s, then a Washburn Dime 332, a Jackson V, a cheap Squier Strat for a travel guitar, an ESP LTD EC-400, an Ibanez RG1570, a Hamer Sunburst Archtop, a PRS CE24, then this Les Paul. And those are all in chronological order.
I've gone through a number of amps ranging from the cheap Yamaha one, a little 2x10 Marshall solid-state, a Johnson JT-50 Mirage, a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, and now a Tech 21 Power Engine 60 Daisy Chain.
I've gone through too many effects pedals to remember them all. Some of them were a Korg AX1500G, all kinds of BOSS pedals, and now my Line6 PODxt Live floorboard and Morley Bad Horsie 2 Wah pedal.
My favorite feature of the Les Paul is the way it feels in my hands. It doesn't move around a whole lot when you play it because of the weight, making it very easy to achieve a very wide and accurate vibrato. I also love the sustain that it has, which I'm sure is because of the weight. The neck feels fabulous compared to the thin necks that most of my previous guitars had. It doesn't choke in the upper register, which is something that I've had a problem with in some of the less expensive guitars that I've owned before. If it were stolen or lost (I hope this never happens, knock on wood) I would definitely buy another one. I'd have to save up for a month or two, but it's worth it. When I bought this, it was a decision between this guitar and an Ibanez JS 1000, but the JS was too light and I wasn't digging that. I'm happy with my choice.

490r 498t, gold plated gibson hardware, cherry finish, 2006

awsome full rich les paul sound, good clean and sounds even better as the distortion increases

Gold hardware, See through cherry finish

i dont think i will even need to worry about reliability

Awsome guitar, Looks better than it sounds and it sounds amazing.

Brand new made in 2005 (by the way, all models made from 2005 have a 9 digit serial number).
Same specs as everyone elses. I got the Alpine White finish with Gold hardware and a pick guard. very nice and classy!

I compared the studio with the standard.
Standard feels a bit heavier, and all other differences seems to be cosmetic. I dont think the the price difference can be justified in terms of quality (playability), so id advise people to go with a studio and save yourselves some money as theyre both pretty much the same. (in fact i think the pick ups on the studio are better)

came with a Gibson hardcase... im sure the hardcase will do the job, but i was expecting something stronger. while the interior padding is brilliant.

thats it... one guitar, one hardcase and a Gibson owners manual.

Being a fender telecaster only player, the first thing i noticed about Gibsons LPs was the shorter scale making it easier to play. So this is nice if youre someone how does a lot of bends, hammer ons, and pull offs.

I dont have a musical style, instead i enjoy playing everything. (jazz, blues, the 70s zeppelin guitar rock, rock n roll, country, funk, and maybe some metal now and then)
I have to say the LP studio handles all this easily! it really is a versatile guitar. The only thing i dont think it excels in is fingerstyle pieces, those seem to come off a bit dull.

this is my first gibson, and i just love the rich fat sound of this guitar!

action was good and the neck was ruler straight.The gold hardware is nice and solid, i cant complain.

The frets however had this red waxy stuff on the sides of them, and sometimes on the fingerboard. Now im one of those players who just plays the guitars... i dont know anything about them, so i guess this waxy stuff was some kind of adhesive for holding in the frets?
Anyway, even though this waxy stuff came off with a rub, i feel that a guitar in this price range should come out of the factory in perfect condition.

the finish...
its nice and even, however on the back theres a black mark which seems to be inside the finish (so im guessing a piece of dirt or something got stuck in the spraying process).
Also on the side of the guitar theres a very faint mark which looks like a water stain, which again is inside the finish.
Again, for a guitar at this price range, i expect them to be perfect, and since my guitar has a white finish, these marks are very obvious.

so problem with the finish, and red stuff over the frets gives this category a 5

Solid as a rock!
the fact that its so heavy really does make you think its indestructible.
apart from what i mentioned above, there really is no major problems with this guitar.
tuners are tight!
hardware are nice!
the ebony fingerboard feels great!
input jack nice and tight, just the way i like them!

the pick guard seems a bit weak though. It seems like putting any real pressure on it would make it crack.

sent an email asking why my guitar has a nine digit serial number rather than eight.
CS emailed back within the hour, explaining why, and telling me how to read it.
Great!

Brilliant.
I would HAVE to replace this if i lost or broke it.

My guitar arsenal now consists of a Fender 52RI Tele and a Les Paul Studio. In my opinion thats all you need for any type of music.

Same as a Standard, except without binding or inlaid logo. Different pickups now that Standards have BurstBuckers. Wine Red with an Ebony fingerboard and chrome hardware. 1992. One piece back.

Simply incredible. Rich and thick, unending sustain. Bridge pickup(498T) is one of my absolute favorite pickups. It is warm with distortion with just enough bite. Clean it has a nice punch and can get a lot of good clean sounds(some even bordering on Tele like).The neck pickup(490R) is warmer and not bad for jazzy stuff, but its not as good as the bridge. The ebony fingerboard provides more snap and a sharper attack than rosewood.

I don't know what it was like from the factory, but it is the best playing guitar in my house. Bends are fluid and you can really fly on the fretboard.

Very solid. The only weakspot is that infamous Gibson neck heel.

Haven't dealt with them.

Look for early 90's Studios. Back then they were made the same as Standards. Not anymore. This one isn't really heavy which is nice. A pretty versatile instrument. This one probably has a wider range of sounds than my American Series Strat.

My guitar is a 1997. Gibson Les Paul, wine red. Body is carved maple top and mahagony back, neck is a glued in mahagony with rosewood fretboard. It is 24,75 scale neck with 22 frets. It is a two humbucker guitar with 2 volume and two tone controls, 3 way toggle switch, tune o matic with stop tailpiece, and vintage Gibson Deluxe tuners. It`s basicaly classic Les Paul type guitar with no binding on it, slightly thiner maple top and not a perfect handcraft. Hardware on this one is all Schaller, gold. I replaced bridge pick up with EMG 81, and will soon replace neck pup with EMG 85. I like two hums, mahagony, fixed bridge guitars, so I`ll rate it max.

I play metal hardcore, and this guitars suites my playing perfectly. I replaced bridge with a EMG 81, because the original 498T Gibson pickup is great pickup, but just not defined and focused enough on high gain settings, and detuned (I play in C# G# C# F# A# D# tuning). Soon, I`ll replace neck 490R Gibson pickup with EMG 85, but till then, this part of review is about guitar with bridge pick up only. I play this guitar straight through Marshall 2104 Master volume combo 50 watts all tube amp with 2x Rola Celestion G12M Greenbacks, and it compements each other perfectly. When play on drive (as I mostly do) power chords, single note riffs, full chords, they all sound awesome! Full, rich, rounded, strong on low end, focused in midrange and sweet in high end, sound is absolutely alive and inspiring. Leads are searing, vicious and will cut trough mix without any trouble, unwanter feedback, microphonics or any sound bleed. Clean, bridge pickup is, I must say, a little harsh and nasty, but for clean I play neck pick up or both selected. I do my cleans by backing off volume on my guitar, I don`t like crystal clean tone, not from Les Paul, for that use Telecaster on Vox or Fender amp.
Gibson pick ups, 498T and 490R, are great in my opinion for classic rock, hard rock or 80`s metal. Also, played through a fine, sophisticated low gain amp, this guitar with stock pups can not be beat for blues, soft rock or pop. For jazz, I`d prefer semi-hollow full bodied guitars.
Soundwise, with slight amp tweaking, you will be able to get sound of LP standard, LP Custom Black Beauty from this LP studio without a problem, cause no matter what other guitar "freaks" tell you, this is Les Paul and after all, is a great guitar with lots of cool sounds.

I got this guitar used, and when I bought it, frets were very damaged, cause the guy who originally bought it played 80% of time on 5th, 6th and 7th fret. Don`t ask me, I really don`t know why... After refretting it, setting action lower, and setting it up for my tunning, playibility become perfect. The only finish things that are wrong are little more finish on the neck meets body parts, as well as the dot over the i letter in Gibson is closer to the G. This things do not bug me, because I`m not a finish geek, and guitars plays and sounds beatifully so I don`t even notice slight incorections in finish.

Strap buttons are awfull! Change them, or use strap locks! As a playing instrument, this LP is very reliable on the stage and in the studio. I carry Jackson JDX94 for both me and other guitarist in the band for back up, but we never used it on stage, luckily! There is a thing that bugs me a lot. The D string breaks much more frequently than the oyher strings, much much more. It breaks on the same spot every time - on the bridge. I know it is a Schaller bridge, and it is very good, but I think that it`s probably dameged on the D string holder, so I will have to fix it or change the hole tune o matic bridge.

Never dealt with Gibson.

I`ve been laying for 11 years now. Half of that time I played classic music, ofcourse on classic (in my case German) guitars. I starter playing electric guitars 7 years ago. I oowned 6 guitars and this one is the best. If it were missing, I will try do buy LP standard, but it is much more expansive, so I`d probably end up with studio again. Honestly, I adore this guitar, it makes me happy every time a play it, on every rehersal, every gig and I`m blown away by it sound every time I record music in studio. For me, this is the one...