Gibson Les Paul Studio

2003 Gibson Les Paul Studio, 22 frets... You know, standard Gibson stuff. Tune O Matic bridge, standard tulip type tuners, etc. Stock 490R/T series pickups. Chunky neck profile w/a nice glop of leftover goo at the neck meets body heel. Finished in black.

I play through a tube Carvin 2x12 amp, w/EQ, Marshall Guv'nor for a distortion pedal. Pretty simple setup. Nothing fancy.
Ok, first off let me say, I REALLY REALLY wanted to like this guitar. It's always nice to add a Les Paul to your arsenal. I bought this guitar w/a very open mind. In all fairness, I prefer Telecaster tone to a humbucker but wanted a guitar I could play on some songs that require high gain w/o the single-coil hum. Anyway, I don't know if the person who wound these pickups were drunk/half asleep or both but this guitar sounds like $%^&. Pure and simple. There is a pronouced microphonic whistle from the bridge p/u whenever you apply any real volume, so you have to cut the volume at the guitar which takes any 'drive' from the tone and weakens the output considerably. I took this baby to a guitar tech to rewire the pups, and still the same problem. So, the output on the pickup (bridge) is fully out of control. Probably 20k ohms or so. At lower volumes, it sounds pretty decent but pup's have way too much midrange 'nasaly' tone. They don't sing, they kind of growl. So, if you're buying a bone-stock LP Studio, plan on (IMHO) replacing the pickups. The stock ones are cheap and $%^&*(.

Setup was decent when I got it. A little too high for my tastes, but that acceptable. A little tweaking of the truss/bridge and it was better. Frets are a bit too big for my taste too, but you can get used to that. It does play fast now. I did buy this thing used. The only finish annoyance was overspray at the neck heel. The little 'lip' that is prevalent on glued-necks was basically filled in w/finish. No big deal, just a detail. Electronics seem decent. Problem w/Gibsons is that volume-wise they seem happiest in 'full on' condition. There's not a lot of volume play w/the pots they use. Turning it down even just a little takes away any 'crunch' or sparkle it might have. Also, typical Les Paul 'unbalanced' play and a bit too heavy, but yes, I know it's a Les Paul.

I dunno, seems solid enough. I wouldn't want to drop it though and bust the neck or headstock. Kindling wood time

Don't know, never had to deal w/Gibson.

Overall rating, a 5. You can get much more guitar for the money, these days. The typical complaints about a Les Paul are still there. It's nicely made, but not too well designed, in my opinion. There's a lot of unused 'mass' with this guitar, seeing as though it has a top-mounted tailpiece and the strings don't route thru the body, whats all the bulk for? And, again, in MY opinion, it is one of the crappiest sounding guitars I've heard. There's no 'sparkle' or 'shimmer' but a somewhat dull, muddled, midrangy blah. I found myself constantly trying to turn the tone pot past it's max point to get some more tone.

1996 ebony, well worn and beat up, but not abused and fully functional. You know the features, configuration, etc.

I play vintage bar stuff, and my inspirations tend toward the full-bodied sound of Cream Clapton, Dickie Betts, Santana. Obviously the Les Paul is the tool for the job. I use a couple of simple effects occasionally, but the essence of my sound is the guitar and amp.

After more than three decades of off and on pro playing, this is my first Paul. I have used solid body Hawks--midrangey 2 pick up mahogany slabs--over the past eight years, and various strats, teles, SGs, Firebirds, Silvertones, and whatevers. This animal, with its maple cap is different, and it is also new to me as I have had very few guitars with 4 knobs and the toggle in the upper bout.

It is taking a while to get the hang of operating it, but I am beginning to see the advantages of the control set up and it is not proving difficult. It is also revealing some interesting tone options that were not available with the one vol one town Hawks. On the down side, I cannot easily dial in an equal blend of both pickups unless they are both up all the way. Ah well, you can't have it all.

As everyone knows, Les Pauls have a signature sound, and to some degree, you sound like it, it doesn't sound like you. So of course I have spent a lot of time researching pickup alternative, even though the stock ones tend to do every thing I ask of them. I figure if I went with something different, I might gain something but lose something else. I have also spent a lot of hours getting the thing to interact properly with my JCM 800 head and my 2 v30 closed back Avatar cab. The problem is a lot of bass boom with the rhythm pickup if it is not adjusted properly, and more brightness compared to my Hawks. And the bridge pickup as well needs to be set just so. The guitar is extremely sensitive to very small adjustments--pickup bobbin height as well as pickup height. The good news is that if you are patient, you can dial it in. The other good news is that the sensitivity (much of which comes from the maple cap) picks up licks from my left hand and pick colorations from my right hand that my Hawks never heard. This is very cool and makes me feel (and maybe sound) like a better player. Oddly, my Hawks with 490r's front and back, put out more signal, though with fewer frequencies. The Studio has less volume but tons more bottom end and brightness.

Finally, I don't know how the Studio line compares with the rather expensive Standards or other models. I considered a three pickup all mahogany Custom, but they are a bit difficult to find, and obviously a little difficult to compare with other guitars in your average noisy guitar store. You have to drag the thing home and live with it for a while and adjust it to your liking. As far as I can tell, it sounds like a Les Paul, and others posting here seem to feel the same.

I bought it quite used and that works for me. My stuff gets nicked up in a hurry, so I'd rather have the discount price and all the functionality without the heartache. I do my own set up and so far, so good.

I was told the previous owner had recorded four CDs with it, and it sure looks like it has seen a lot of bar wars. It is a 1996, and the pots are a tiny bit scratchy, much of the gold is gone or nasty green, and some of the finish is either nicked off or worn off. I do not care. I put on the large t-shape nylon strap buttons sold by Warmoth, which work quite well as an alternative to strap locks. I always bring spare amps and guitars. I play in trios, and there can be no downtime if a string breaks.

N/A

I have been playing since 1968, but am still trying to perfect the obsolete, chasing good tone and worthwhile licks. I have had a lot of gear. Now I keep a few decent amps and guitars that help me sound good--I don't have the collection fetish and I am hopelessly old-fashioned. My favorite sounds are usually just guitar and amp, though live I'll use a bit of delay, chorus, phase, overdrive--a 70's approach that still gets the job done.

This is a consummate working guitarist's tool, not a showboat, and not a one-trick firecracker. There are plenty of guitars out there, but few of them are the musical instrument that the Les Paul is. But not everyone wants to be musical, do they? Like other people who have commented on this guitar, I also wish it had coil taps or similar options to get a few more sounds out of it. And yes, the stock tuners (in combination with a somewhat sticky nut) leave a bit to be desired. And Gibson gold hardware finish is laughable. But I would definitely buy another if this were stolen, and I think I would enjoy trying out other models in the line. I would not be surprised if I could not find a better sound or value than a Studio.

Built in November 2004 in Nashville Tennessee U.S.A.
An ebony 22 fret with two volume and two tone controls along with the three-way switch.
Neck pickup 490R Alnico magnet humbucker and bridge pickup 498T Alnico magnet humbucker.
Carved maple top and mahogany back. Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard with pearloid trapezoid inlays and '59 Les Paul Rounded profile.
Gold Harware with Green Key tuners, Black Speed knobs and Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece.
Comes with a premium case.
All you'd expect...exactly the features that make it what it is although I am not sold on the Green Key tuners...they seem to be a possible weakness on this beautiful work of art.

Full and fat tone with all settings though a little meaner in the treble setting with all tones and volumes maxed. It can clean up quite nicely with backed off volume varied tone positions and in the neck position. It sounds good through a solid state amp but really makes itself known through a tube amp (like any guitar should).
There is what I'd call a slight loss of articulation when it is maxed out on high gain but the pickups do have a little bit of a 'retro-lean' to them. It is not a concern unles you are playing some of the 'shredder' styles. Very versatile overall.

Nice low action and no buzzing. There was not an Epiphone in the 10 or so that I tried that day that even came close to this guitar(or any of the other Gibsons I tried that day for that matter). The ebony finish is deep and black and I really couldn't find a blemish or an overlooked finish element on the entire guitar.

I have no plans to use it in a live setting but I certainly see no reason why it would not be a worthy guitar for live performances (once again...aside from the tuners). None of the finish on any part of the guitar seems lacklustre and the construction seems to be very solid.

No reason to contact thus far. One year warranty. I feel for an instrument of this quality and price that the warranty should be longer. I remember Yamaha used to give a lifetime warranty on their acoustic guitars (maybe they still go) as do many companies. Minus 2 for that short warranty. Kudos to Long&McQuade for saying "bring it in after a couple of months and the tech will check it out and make sure everything is working well".

I have been playing guitar for 22 years now and am primarily a singer/songwriter. I have a 1987 Kramer Pacer Deluxe, the Les Paul Studio that this review is based upon an old (almost 40) Yamaha acoustic, an old Washburn electric, a La Patrie Etude classical an Ibanez bass, and a beautiful handmade Morgan Mahogany Dread. I have also owned in the past a little Fender acoustic and a nice Takamine 12 string 400s (both sold/traded) along with a 60 watt s.s. Crate amp and a 100 watt s.s. Traynor amp. I still own a Marshall Master Reverb 30 s.s. amp, a 100 watt s.s. KMD amp and an all tube Traynor YCV40 WR.
If it were stolen or lost I would definitely replace it with another Gibson...I wanted one since I was a kid. I tried a bunch of Gibsons and a bunch of Epiphones the day I bought this guitar and the Epiphones (as I have said before) were not even close. I chose the Studio over the fancier Standards and Customs due to the file marks I could see on all of the bound fingerboards and whatnot...also with no difference in feel (maybe the Studio felt a bit better as did the Smartwood) and me being a 'classic' kind of guy when it comes to style the choice was simple.

2004 Gibson Les Paul Studio made in Nashville, TN. Anybody readinig this should know the specs, so I won't bore anybody. If you want to know the specific specs, log onto Gibson.com. Highlight the text on the page, as it is black text on a black background, and in-depth specs will appear before your eyes. The wine red finish is stunning- I also recommed one of those ebony, inlaid pickguards available on eBay for around $50. NOTE: This guitar uses the same pickups as the Les Paul Custom and Les Paul Supreme, but not the Standard.

The Les Paul Model is ausome! I play mainly jazz, but use this guitar for situations requiring a high-quality, versatile electric, and for the occasional rock and roll/ blues jam. Not to say that the LP can't do jazz- it's great for all styles, but will never match the mellow tone of an archtop. I stock it with D'Addario XL's in 10. The tone ranges from very sharp, hard-rock on the treble setting to a good blues sound in the middle to an equally good jazz tone in the rhythm.
This guitar has a very fast action when properly set-up. Believe me when I say that you don't know how well you play until you pick up a Les Paul!
I play through a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe amplifier, which I highly recommend for any jazz player, and a Fender 12X10 solid state combo amp with built in head for all other purposes than jazz and blues. Through either amplifier, the LP Studio performs remarkably. I've also played many Les Paul Standards and Classics, and can say that the Studio is every bit as well-sounding a guitar as its more expensive counterparts.

The guitar played great from the get-go. Only minor adjustments had to be made to get it to its optimal playing condition (a quarter turn of the truss rod, lowering the bridge a tad bit). The pickups did not have to be adjusted at all, which is definetally a plus. The neck on my Les Paul is very fast, buzz-free, and straight as an arrow. I could not be more pleased!

I have been playing this guitar for about 2 years now, and I can say that the LP is rock solid. Take care of the nitrocellulose finish, as it does have a tendency to ding. I have done many gigs with this guitar and no backup, because it is so reliable.

If you're interested in buying a Les Paul Studio, settle for no less than the Gibson. The Epiphone LP's aren't nearly as good as this axe; you'll thank yourself every time you sit down to play. I've been playing for nine years, and am 17 years of age. I've attended college music programs for jazz guitar, and will minor in music when I continue my education. Guitar is the love of my life- seldom a day goes by in which I don't play! This guitar exceeds all my expectations from a guitar- if I lost it, or it was stolen, I would replace it without a second of doubt. This is a guitar to last a lifetime, by one of the best companies ever to make guitars.

Used 2001 Fireburst. Stock with the exception of Planet Waves locking tuners.

Sounds like an LP, which is why I bought it! Using it with a Mesa F50 and Woodcross Bluesbuster Supreme SE (Plexi-style, single-ended 6-15W tube amp depending on power tube used). The pickups are hot...hotter than anything else I've got...which is nice for the Woodcross which is only a medium gain amp.

Action was great...had to actually raise it a bit as it was fretting out when bending the high E around the 12th fret. Top is nicely bookmatched. Finish was probably fine from the factory. I had to ues some Meguiars Paint Cleaner and Polish to get out some small spots where some kind of mist/spray had eaten into the lacquer. Didn't get them out completely (yet), but cleared up some haze and really made the finish pretty nice, now...apart from some belt buckle rash on the back (what kind of idiot shells out $1300 for a guitar and then lets his belt muck up the back?!) Unfortunately the back is painted, but you can't have everything when you're on a budget!

No probs here that I foresee!

Don't know

I've been playing for about 20 years, but only bought my own electric about 8 years ago. I also have a Charvel Surfcaster and a Fender MIM Strat. If I had lots of cash I would probably buy a nice new LP Standard with a cool flame top and heritage cherry burst finish. But I don't, so this will suit me just fine! Had a local dealer keep his eyes out for a nice used Studio with a burst finish and this is what he came up with. Apart from the buckle rash and finish issues I mentioned, it's in excellent condition. If anything were to happen to it, I would definitely replace it with another LP of some kind.

mine is a 95 les paul studio in wine red...standard les paul stuff..got it used..the neck is pretty chunky though but wont be a problem once u get used to it..

personally i think the guitar is rather bassy and dark..the sound is definitely fat..and the bridge pickup is really nice and defined..i use it through a line 6 flextone III XL and its great...cleans are surprisingly pleasant...nice and warm especially in the middle position...full on high gain crunch is as expected..awesome! the pickups are also pretty quiet and harmonics come out great

the strap buttons are really small..so straplocks are needed...tuners stay in tune pretty well surprisingly..

i really like this guitar even though it didnt come with a hard case...the color (wine red) is really nice and there is nothing like holding a gibson on stage( call me shallow! hehe). my only gripe is how easy the lacquer gets scratched and dulled in some areas...

Big heavy usa made les paul. Nothing fancy. Big high frets (too high?)

Very good all round guitar. Suits all styles well. I think the stock humbuckers are really quite good (and I have used lots in 20 years of playing). I don't use any effects. I have tried it thru a champ, a pro junior, a kingsley deluxe, and a Dr. Z Carmen Ghia. Sounds best thru the Kingsley (everything does, it seems). I don't find the neck pup muddy (but both the kingsley and the ghia are quite bright). It is a little hot in the bridge. Not the absolute best Les Paul I have heard, but overall an excellent professional quality sound.

Not nearly as bad as some have commented. I guess the quality control is a bit hit or miss. The action was a bit high, and the fretboard a bit dry, but playable (and in tune!) right out of the shipping box. The finish has minor rough spots where the body meets the fret board. good fretwork (much better than some other gibsons I've seen) but the fretwire is a bit high compared to the older Pauls and a bit "grabby" These beefs aside, it is big and solid, the wood is nice if not spectacularly figured, and the hardware is good quality.

Very solid. Time proven electronics, and construction. I would probably put strap locks on it as the buttons are small.

don't know much, I gather there is good service in the US, but its a bit vague here in Canada.

Really nice guitar.

1986 USA (what else?) bought new.
White finish originally, with dot-neck, but almost light greenish-white now. These used to be the "bottom of the line" for "real" Les Pauls.

Standard controls and pickups.
Dealer threw-in an aftermarket case....sturdy enough.

Excellent typical LP tone. I play classic rock, rockabilly, a lot of ZZ Top. This guitar does it for me.

Use mostly tweed repros (Deluxe/Super), but also SFPR, SF Bandmaster, SFVR, assorted old Gibsons. Sounds excellent through all of them.

GOod action.
The pickups went microphonic and were replaced within a couple years ear with a Seymour Duncan '59 at the bridge and a standard Gibson HB at the neck. Replaced the ceramic .047 tone caps with .022 film-caps for better tone-control.
Recently replaced the '59 with a Seymour Duncan PhatCat for a rawer sound. Changed the knobs to the chrome-top (marked Volume/Tone in black)skirted type.
Had changed the original tuners for Grovers, but has since switched-back..I just like the look better, and they work reasonably well.

This axe has been through a lot, traveling with me around the world when I was in the military. The body has a few chips, but I don't care..gives it character and looks like it's been PLAYED.
Installed Straplocks after a drop which dinged the lower bout.
I trust this guitar completely.

Never dealt with them; typical Gibson warranty, probably voided since I've changed it so much.

Been playing since age 14...about 37 years. I can't say my skills have improved much since those early days...I still like to TURN IT UP.
I had a choice between this finish, and a low-gloss sunburst...but hadn't seen many like this one, so I chose it.

I restring it every other month since I'm mostly a basement palyer anymore, and keep the fingerboard lemon-oiled. I have a Guild Bluesbird (NON-Fender) that gets passed-up every time for this one...might as well sell it! It's pretty, but doesn't have THE FEEL.

Mine is a 2005 studio wine red with gold hardware - looks real nice

I play all sorts and so does this guitar. The tone is well - awesome...what did you expect? It plays like any standard, just less trimmings

Now this may be helpful as what is actually high and low action? Now i thought my action was high, yet the guitar shop said it was low. The action is usually measured from top of the 12th fret and to the underside of the string. Usual action is 1.19mm on treble E and 2mm under bass E. Mine was a fraction over and plays nice so I'm leaving it.
As the frets are large it gives you the impression its high as the strings are quite away from the neck but obviously they are closer to the frets. The finish is great bar a small naff mark in the rosewood on the side by where the neck joins the body but doesn't notice!

Well its solid.. You need to be careful with reactions with the nitro cellulose finish. Apparently some guitar stands and straps can affect it. The gold marks easily but looks ace. I was going to go for chrome but the studio as it is plainer looking needs a bit of glitter in my opinion

Bought from Guitar Amp and Keyboard in Brighton. Nice service from a chap there, checked the guitar over for me before posting. No complaints. 12months warranty.

I love it, the sound and guitar generally is ace. If you were saving up for a standard and have the money then go for a standard, but don't pay the extra if you think you are getting better sound. You really are just paying for the bindings and slightly better pickups. The studio will meet your expectations in sound and after all, thats the most important thing.

I have an 02 Les Paul, wine red w/ chrome hardware. I bought it new from Musicians Friend and i couldn't be happier. All the electronics are in perfect shape and nothing has rusted or been hurt at all. This guitar is in great shape.

This guitar gives you that patented sound by Gibson for cheap. I play this guitar for jazz and for punk. Very versatile sound.

The action never seemed to change yet. Everything was fit perfectly. I barely needed to do any work to it when I got it. I havent had one problem with the action, fit, or finish.

The neck was always a beautiful part of the guitar, but it broke on me a year after i bought it. So i sent it back to Gibson, and they glued it back together, then another year later, it broke again this time really bad. So i sent it to this guy in Milwaukee, Wi to fix it and I can garauntee it will never ever break in the area he fixed. He put a metal diamond shaped plate on the back and colored it black and then laquered over it. The metals havent rusted or anything yet. Other than that neck, the guitar has been everything i've wanted.

They made me pay for everything when the neck broke including shipping/handling. They fixed it, but it broke again later. Thank god for the guy in Milwuakee.

this guitar will last me my lifetime.

I've had this guitar new since 2004, It has 22 frets, the Deluxe Gibson tuners, Tune-O-Matic bridge, 3-Way pick-up switch, 2-Volume 2-Tone controls. I believe it has the 490T alnico neck PU, and the 498T alnico bridge PU. It is black(Gold Hardware) and when turned in the light properly it looks like a two piece mahogony body w/ a two piece maple top. 1 piece mahogony neck. Came with a USA combination lock case. (Black with satin cover for guitar). Also came with a wrench/srewdriver i suppose for the pickguard. What you expect for a $1200 guitar.

I play mainly Southern & New rock (Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Foo Fighters, Tonic, Jet, etc...). The ONLY reason i bought this guitar was for the sound.I play through a Hot Rod DeVille into a 5150 4X12 cabinet(Only effect is a Wah-Wah pedal)KILLER RIG! I probably played realistically 50-60 Les Pauls before deciding on this one. I played the faded, Standards, Vintage, Custom Shop, Custom, Supreme, Signature, etc.. but there was no comparison. The tone response, clearity, consistancy, and power of the sound is just incredible. It has THE classic Les Paul/ rock tone. Sure their are Way nicer guitars out their(Not selling this one short by no means) but if beauty is responsible for sound and tone SRV's strat would probably be the worst sounding insturment on the planet. I think this is what guitar players forget about today. They think cause its $4500 and on the top of the wall at a guitar store that it has to sound the best or if it has Jimmy Page, Slash, Angus Young, or Steve Vai on the on it its has to sound great OR THEY WOULDNT HAVE THEIR NAME ON IT attitude. Tone is half the guitar, the other half is playability!!!

Fit and Finish were good but had two scuffs on it probably from a careless customer. Self set-up, plays GREAT! Cant say anything bad about it.

NO problems what so ever. Be gigged a bid, not a problem.

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I've been playing for 6 years, and own 7 guitars. 3 strats (62'Reissue, Mexican, Vintage bullet), 3 Hamer guitars (Standard, Duotone, Eclipse), and the LP. I love EVERYTHING about this guitar!
I have no complaints. I have only one last thing to say---Dont be shallow with a guitar, Just cause it says Gibson, Fender, PRS, etc... is not a reason to buy unless your just trying to make some cash off a good deal. Plug and play for at least an hour in the store before deciding cause Money definately doesnt grow on trees.

2004 Copper Top, typical Les Paul Studio, but with fantastic copper top finish. I also have a teal flip top, with teal top and black back. these guitars have simple apppointments, but I use my guitars on stage, and am not into guitars as decorations or collectors items. I think anybody who really plays, should definitely consider the LP Studio models as you can get 3 of them for the price of a fancy LP custom.

I play mostly metal (gloom/doom/stoner) and this guitar definitely delivers. I detune my guitars and have found the LP Studios to be more than adequate at handling dropped or alternate tunings.

I have owned 4 of these guitars in different finishes, and each one plays slightly different. For what it's worth, Gibson seriously lacks quality control on these $1000+ instruments (ask anybody who has owned a few flying v's). It's funny, each one of these I've owned was better than the last in my opinion. The copper top I have is simply a dream to play. the only guitar I own that plays better is my 1960's Mosrite, but that cost 3x this copper top.

This guitar is a tank, a little lighter than the LP Standard or Custom, but that's fine for long gigs. I use my LP Studios live, and they have never let me down.

Bought it used from Randy at the guitar attic in Daytona Beach (www.guitarattic.com), and I'd rather deal with him than Gibson.

From a working musicians standpoint, the LP Studio is definitely a gigging guitar. I will continue seeking out this model as I am extremely happy with the price vs. functionality ascpet ratio. I highly recommend these guitars to anyone who dreams of owning a $3000+ Gibson, because this is on case where you get more than what you paid for. I hope this review doesn't get all the E-Bay moron speculators snatching up these guitars and driving up prices like they're doing with Ibanez Musicians and other working class guitars (ie: 1970'+80's MIJ Lawsuit Les Pauls).

made in 2003, read the features on the gibson site...

I play metal, especially modern death-metal like trivium and as i lay dying, this guitar is great it has a rip your face of sound with my boss gt-8 custom metalsound and a warm, full, with endless sustain solo sound. The clean also rocks, it sounds warm etc. the real les paul clean. It sounds a little bit distorted but that could also be my 15-watt crap amp.

Its build like a gibson, build perfectly i got it in whine red with golden hardware a great combination though fire burst is also nice but costs a lot more.

its a gibson ;x

never dealt with

im playing for 9 months now but that doesn't matter, i first owned a Fender Squier affinity strat, thats like the opposite of this guitar, i was actually planning on buying an epiphone but this gibson is just 250+/- euro's more (when used) mine also had a suitcase. This is a real les paul if you like the sound of a richwood les paul, epiphone les paul or other fake copy's. Buy it used or new, i dont care this guitar ROCKS no matter what!

1990 Made in USA Les Paul Studio (Alpine White)
22 Frets
2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3 way toggle switch
2 passive Humbuckers: 490R in the neck and 498T in the bridge (stock)
Mahogany body/neck, ebony fretboard
Plain top w/ gloss finish
Gold hardware: Nashville "tune-o-matic" bridge & stop bar tailpiece
Gibson deluxe Kluson style keystone tuners
Padded Gibson gig bag

I play many different types of rock, from classics such as Led Zeppelin, to modern rock like Jimmy Eat world. With the exception of really heavy stuff (think Slipknot, Deftones), this guitar does it all. The sound is very rich and full. The bridge pickup sounds best played dirty with a medium amount of overdrive. Both natural and pinch harmonics sounds amazing and practically play themselves. When played clean it still sounds decent, which is not common. The neck pickup is great for shimmering cleans. It sounds great for everything from jazz runs to Metallica's "One." My favorite clean sound, however, is the middle position. It gives a very rich and bassy sound, but the top end remains very clear and articulate. It just sounds amazing. Overdriven, the neck pickup produces those classic Guns N' Roses lead tones that Slash is so famous for. This is easily the best sounding guitar I've played.

Don't be deceived by the name "Studio." The finish is gorgeous (mine is Alpine White with gold hardware). Gibson did cut some corners, however. The paint along the edge of the fretboard isn't perfectly straight in some areas, and the gloss coating isn't nearly as nice. It's nothing noticeable from over a foot away though. If aesthetics ar e the most important thing for you, then go out and by yourself a standard or custom.

The action on the guitar is easily adjustable to suit your needs. I have mine set really really low, which is how I prefer it. This makes the guitar really easy to play.

The pickups were set at just the right height.

The construction is solid. This thing is already 15 years old, and I don't imagine that it will break anytime soon. I baby all my guitars, as you should too, but this guitar is built to last.

This guitar has been around for 15 years, which is longer than one of my siblings. The gold plating on the hardware is fading, but I'm getting it all replaced to make it look new again. Again, the gloss finish is pretty thin, but it still looks ok. The tuners are awesome and stay in tune pretty well, but the keystones have turned green over time so I'm replacing them.

One thing I'd like to point out though, is that the strap buttons absolutely suck. They are completely useless, and I've almost broken my guitar 5 times because of them. I replaced them with gold Mighty Mite ones, which fit great and are much bigger. Now i don't have that problem. New strap buttons cost me $3.50. Not a big deal, just do it.

I would use this guitar without a backup, now that I've replaced the strap buttons.

I've been playing for about three years now. I love this guitar in every way. I bought it used as a fixer upper, so the hardware was kinda old and rusty, but now that I'm replacing it all again it should look brand new. My other guitar is a Fernandes Ravelle Elite, which is also a very high class instrument. I think the Les Paul is more suitable for most styles of playing, but I use my Ravelle for heavier stuff.

What I recommend you do if you're considering a Les Paul Studio is go to a store, and ask to see one. I'm not a big fan of the other colors, but the Alpine White finish really looks good (not good for a studio... just good). It's one of the best sounding and looking guitars yet.

You should know them buy now

9 for rock, 5 for country, 8 for jazz (Lester Paul was a jazzer!!!)

in the market. I have checked out 5 different LP Studios. I am waiting for a black one that satisfies my standards. Gibsons quality control sucks and they are still putting out a lot of shit. I breifly looked at four and wouldn't consider buying them due to quality issues. The other two were okay, just not my color. The fifth had to be sent back. After inspecting it (I never plugged it in) I noticed serious nut issues. A new nut had to be recut. Also a weird issue with this was the ser# wasn't fully stamped making it indeciferable. (can't insure a guitar like that). EVERYBODY CHECK YOUR GUITARS THOUROUGHLY BEFORE PURCHASE!!!! JUST BECAUSE IT SAYS GIBSON, DOESN"T MEANS IT IS A GOOD GUITAR!!!!!

Gibsons are built very well. To me that is waht a good guitar should feel like. Solid. HOWEVER. Nitrocelulose finishes are thin and not very durable. The finish will wear away more quickly than most, however, nitrocellulose is the best sounding finish. No tone dampening at all. Having said that, I can't wait for the day when I fully realize that i wore through the paint on the neck. NOW THAT"S CHARACTER!!!!
9 for build, minus 1 for finish = 8 (10's, like unicorns don't exist)

No comment

I am still waiting for one good enough to purchase, but I do have faith that gibson puts out at least a few guitars that are (relatively) worth the money you pay for them. Never Settle!!! If you spend big bucks, you should have a good guitar (NOT a perfect guitar, those ones are called PRS), but at least something that doesn't need work out of the box.
NO RATING UNTIL I HAVE MY OWN!!!!

USA model. 2004.
Mahogany Back, two piece maple top (top is thinner than those used on standards just for the record)
Mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard.
standard LP controls (2tone/2vol. 3 way selector)
2 gibson HBs.
Fireburst, chrome HW.
Tune o matic
came with a gibson hard case. and care kit.

this was a hard one to give a number to due to the fact it is still just a guitar with those features. it doesnt have an on board amp or synth or any other crazy device so i cant give it ten, but it has everything it needs....

i use this guitar for what it was very originally designed for! playing JAZZ! although it sees a lot of blues also. and no style is out of the question.

the guitar can handle pretty much anything with just a little tweaking.

i have changed the stock pups for a SDJB and SD'59. not to improve the quality but just becasue i wasnt so keen on the 'modern' sounding pups.
this allows for good jazz by rolling down the tone. and the JB can have a very good good overdrive sound (think jeff beck, fusion days)
although it can prety much reach any sound needed, i use a BOss EQ just to help it along.
the sound is very bright in both positions now with the replaced pups so i find myself rolling back the tone more than i did before.
i love the way this guitar can get a very full sound, rich with harmonics. but can mellow out for more relaxed styles.
best thing of this guitar is how i am able to express myself with any sound i need. i do think that a coil tap would be helpful and i will probably add one at a later date.
with sound there is nothing i dislike.

i give it nine as it isnt perfect. but nothing would be, its a comprimise. it does the best any single guitar could do.

i had this guitar set up by a highly acknowledge tech as soon as it was bought.
everything was clearly perfect, although since then i set up my own guitars to how i liek them to be.
there wasnt one fault on this guitar at all. (except for some finish was over the top of the tailpiece, this happens on every single guitar i have ever seen with this tailpiece)
the finish was absolutely spot on, being a burst it isnt the easiest to do, and this one has not even one mistake. i thinnk when people complain of getting a 'lemon' i have the opposite, an extroainarily superb one.

this guitar has withstood about one years worth of HEAVEY abuse. it generally was taken on the bus twice per day 6 days per week. not only that but it has survived small pub gigs. im a highly overprotective person when looking out for my guitar so this may help. but even so accidents cant always be prevented. it has a solid finish that doesnt seem to dent easy (has a dent, not a chip, on the headstock where it hit the ceiling) all HW is still shiney, pups that came with guitar dulled quickly but could easily be polished up. there is one major scratch ironically casued by a piece of foil on the polishing cloth. good wear around the controls and esp the pick up selecor, but for an average of about 5 hrs each day playing thats very little.
i had strap locks installed right away as i didnt want to drop this guitar. i use this is my only guitar when gigging (although as a band we have a spare) but ive not had one problem, ive broken just one string on it since i had it (bending up abotu two tones...) i trust this guitar with my life.
one problem i have had is with the pickup selector ocasionally cutting out when switching to the treble pup, this can be overcome with a special technique. so ive not had it sorted.
for those it may concern schaller strap lock screws do not fit into the guitar and so others are needed.

9 because it is perfecy except the switch.

they were very helpfull when just asking them questions, found out it did in fact have a thinner maple top to the standard LP.

took a very long time to get to me (about 3 months)

when compared to my previous 6 guitar thi stands out above the rest.
an epi LP was my first guitar and since then i have loved them. i have had two epi LPs an SG copy.
whilst looking through other guitars/sounds ive has a fender strat/fat strat and a GandL strat. this is efinately of the best quality. when choosing a guitar i looked at the LP standard and classics. i actually prefered this one. i didnt like the classic becasue the neck was too thin, simple. i didnt liek the standards purely becauase they seemed to be just fancy. the pups were nicer in the standard but as it turned out it didnt matter. also i liek having no binding on the neck, for me that is a huge bonus.
i am also a big fan of a plain top. unless it is very highly figured.

i took marks off becasue it doesnt complete my guitar selection, i would still ike a hollow body and a 54 custom LP. for different sounds.
if anything i wish it had a brazilian rosewood fretboard... other than that it is perfect.
if it was stolen (it wont break), i would definately buy another or buy a custom shop LP. (id love a 1954 LP custom with an oxblood finish... and no binding on the neck and a brazilian rosewood fretboard)

I bought this guitar secondhand via the Internet.
It is a 2001 model, build on day 101 from that year in the USA.
Chrome hardware, straplocks, came with Gibson hardcase fitted with pink protective material that looks realy ugly with the otherwise beautiful wine-red finish of the quitar.

Ik bought the quitar because of the lack of features and I love it. I do own an Ibanez guitar with loads of features (tremelo, fine tuners, locking nuts) which I more and more dislike... The fine tuners wear very quick and a simple drop-D tuning is a real pain. With this guitar even drop-C tuning works really fine.

I am not a very good guitar player but I like very clean arpeggio sounds and also gothic, very heavy dark music. I use an ENGL screamer 50 combo and the combination with the LP studio is just excellent.

When I use the neck pickup and select the clean channel of the ENGL, it sounds very detailed and full, love the sounds of it. Also, there is much more detail in the sounds, compared to using the Ibanez.
On my Ibanez, I used the combination of the front and rear pickup al lot but I seldom use this on the Gibson.
On the bridge pickup and one of the distortion channels of the amp, it is a very agressive and deep sound. Tuning down is a delight.

I use the tone dials both on full. Playing with the volume of the bridge pickup really is very cool, at 75% it give a much better, deeper tone than when used full scale.

The action was very low, a bit too low in my opinion. The guitar came with really cheap 0.09 strings and sounded a bit dull. Also, the previous owner had the guitar under his bed for 2 years without using it and the frets were is not to best shape.

I cleaned the quitar and now looks like a new one. Action is not 100% yet but is coming there. You can use a very low action indeed. Plays really well. Neck was thicker then the Ibanez. Took me a few hours to get used to that but now I do not want to go back anymore!

One BIG disadvantage is the finish... It is very fragile. During cleaning I introduced a new scratch on the back of the guitar with a button. Also the guitarshop advised me not to use a quitarstand with rubbergrips! Seems that the finish of the guitar cannot stand it!?!?!?! Unbelievable for a guitar with a pricetag like this...

The quitar is build like a tank, tuning is solid, no problems there. I think I will use this quitar for years to come.

Just one big disadvantage: the fragile finish of the guitar.

No experience in this field.

I am not a very experienced or talented player but I love every minute playing guitar and trying to jam along with my favorite music. The ENGL/ Gibson LP studio combination sounds excellent for my purposes.

And, I really like the looks of the guitar!

2005 LES PAUL STUDIO IN WINE RED WITH CHROME HARDWARE.
ALL STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THIS MODEL .
SUPPLIED WITH GIBSON HARD CASE AND ACCESSORY PACK.
PAID &699 (UK POUNDS STERLING).

I PLAY IN A THREE PIECE BLUES AND ROCK BAND, THE GIBSON SUITS MAINLY THE ROCK SONGS WHICH ARE COVERS OF 60`S AND 70`S CLASSICS.
IT HAS A NICE GROWL TO IT WHEN PLAYED WITH MODERATE GAIN, IT IS DEFINITELY A ROCK GUITAR .
I USE IT WITH A FENDER HOT ROD DELUXE AMP MODDED WITH A CELESTION 100 WATT SPEAKER, MY MAIN GUITAR IS A FENDER STRATOCASTER DELUXE 2004 WHICH IS IN MY OPINION FAR MORE VERSATILE AND TONEFUL WITH THE S1 SWITCHING SYSTEM .
THE GIBSON DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH TOP END TO CUT THROUGH THE BASS AND DRUMS ON CERTAIN SONGS HENCE MY AFFECTION FOR THE STRAT.

THE SET UP IS GOOD WITH A NICE ACTION AND GOOD PLAYABILITY,THE GENERAL BUILD QUALITY IS GOOD.
THE BOOKMATCHING IS NOT GOOD NOR IS THE GENERAL FINISH QUALITY WHEN COMPARED TO MY FENDER. ON THE BACK THE WOOD HAS OBVIOUSLY NOT BEEN SANDED TO THE STANDARD I WOULD EXPECT AND THE LACQUER FINISH IS MARRED BY THIS, ALSO THE LACQUER HAS AN ORANGE PEEL EFFECT ON THE HEADSTOCK WHICH SPOILS THE APPEARANCE.
THE LACQUER AT THE JOIN BETWEEN THE FINGERBOARD AND BODY IS POOR AND ORANGE PEELED TOO.
I BELIEVE THE FINISH IS NITRO CELLULOSE AND IT ONLY CLEANS UP NICELY WITH CERTAIN POLISHES ie DUNLOP 65 I FIND WORKS BEST.
I DO NOT LIKE THE NECK FINISHED IN NITRO CELLULOSE BECAUSE WHEN MY HANDS GET SWEATY THE NECK BECOMES STICKY AND HINDERS SMOOTH PLAYING, NOTE MY STRAT HAS A SILK FINISED MAPLE NECK AND IS FAR SUPERIOR TO PLAY.
OVERALL THIS GUITAR HAS FLAWS IN THE FINISHING DETAILS WHICH SPOIL ITS APPEAL AND FALLS WELL BEHIND THE STRAT DELUXE IN TERMS OF QUALITY .
IT IS OBVIOUSLY THE BASE MODEL IN GIBSONS RANGE.

I DO USE THIS GUITAR FOR GIGGING AND WOULD TRUST ITS RELIABILITY .
I LIKE TO HAVE A CONTRAST BETWEEN GUITAR SOUNDS TO MAKE GIGS MORE VARIED BUT I WOULD NOT BUY THIS GUITAR MODEL AGAIN, I WOULD SAVE MORE MONEY AND BUY HIGHER UP THE GIBSON RANGE IN THE HOPE THAT THE FINISH IS BETTER .
COME ON GIBSON GET YOUR QUALITY CONTROL SORTED.

I HAVE NOT USED THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT YET.

I HAVE BEEN PLAYING FOR 25 YEARS AND ALSO OWN,

USA FENDER STRAT DELUXE 2004 IN 3 COLOUR SUNBURST
TRADITION MTQ
FENDER HOT ROD DELUXE AMP
LANEY VC 30 AMP
YAMAHA PACIFICA MS 311
YAMAHA APX 5A ELECTRO ACCOUSTIC
FENDER GDEC
MARSHALL AS 50R

I WOULD LIKE COIL TAPPING IN FUTURE AND A BETTER FINISH QUALITY , I WOULD SAVE A FEW HUNDRED QUID MORE AND GET A LES PAUL STANDARD .

2005 Les paul Studio, tobacco burst, USA made. 24 fret solid body 3-way selector, stock, passive, H-H configuration. body and neck are mahogany, weighs close to 10lbs! tune-o-matic bridge. beautiful guitar. came with hsc, dealer threw in stand, strap and strap locks free.

I play everything, literally. old Jazz, blues, classic rock, southern rock, country, metal, modern rock, pop, the only thing I don't play is rap. The sound is very full and is definitely a les paul, very thick and warm. The treble setting is bright enough for pretty much anything that would otherwise be played with a strat, ie srv. The rhythm setting is very warm and is great for jazz comping and can be brightened up a little with the tone knobs. Doesn't have quite the range that I would like through a crybaby wah. I'm using a peavey studio pro 112 transtube amp, and it's a match made in heaven. with very little knob turning, it's easy to go from jazz to modern to metal and back, quickly. Even as versatile as it is, you can't escape that it sounds like a les paul. luckily, a les paul sounds great.

Factory set up was literally perfect. intonance was dead on right out of the box, even the truss was set well. I live in upstate ny with harsh cold winters, and warm humid summers, I bought this guitar in winter, it is now summer, and the truss rod needs no adjustment, nor does the intonance, and it is checked weekly. the gold (plated) bridge has worn off some of the gold rather quickly, within a week. small visual flaw that makes no difference to me, but I figured I should include that point. the finish is really easy to scratch, don't wear a belt, even if you have a shirt covering it. I've broken a number of D strings, and one A string due to the bridge. an upgrade is in order, but until the intonance needs to be fixed, I'll stick with the stock tuneomatic.

This guitar is a great live partner. As with any guitar it requires retuning if you play in a different environment than the guitar is stored (temp differences). The guitar holds a tune real well, and is easy to tune super accurately. I never play a gig without a backup, but I have yet to need it. string change is quick with the tuneomatic and takes less than 3mins from breakage to tuned (personal record). I've replaced the strap buttons with strap locks, and I would recommend the same for anyone, but especially with such a heavy guitar.

1 yr warranty. otherwise I have not dealt with gibson myself.

been playing 10yrs, have/have owned stratocaster (sss), silvertone, daggistino, memphis, fender jazz bass, peavey studio pro 112 amp, peavy bluesbandit 210 amp, and tascam portastudio2. I tried out many many many guitars and went to 8 different guitar shops, when it was time to purchase, I was sure. if it were stolen, I would buy one in a second, no question about it. definitely worth every penny. the best way to describe this guitar, ballsy. The only thing I could possibly wish on this guitar; coil tapping to get a little more of a strat sound. I recommend it, if you're still not sure, come to one of my gigs and hear it for yourself.

Well, I guess I don't really have to tell you anything about the features of the Les Paul Standard. Mine is transparent wine red and has the gold hardware and was made in 1997 in the US of A. I give it a nine for features, because it has all I need (I'm not into the tremolo stuff and all that) - but the tuning mechanics could be a bit better (I guess this is an old Gibson problem).

I've been using different kinds of guitar (Fender, Ibanez), but my favorite is the Les Paul in combination with almost any Marshall amps. It just sounds so "right".
My Les Paul still has the original PUs and I'm really happy with them!

I can't really say how the factory set-up was, as I bought it in 2000. There already were some smaller chips in the body, but nothing bad and they haven't worsened.

Playing the Les Paul for five years, it never let me down. Concerning durability, this guitar is like a rock!

Bought it used, no warranty, never had to deal with Gibson.

I've been playing for about 15 years (my LP for about 5) and still love the Les Paul Studio - it just goes so naturally with my kind of playing (classic rock/punk/"alternative").

Mine was made in 1994. I bought it in November of that year. Wine red with chrome hardware. Mohogany W/maple top. Ebony fingerboard. Typical Les Paul features. Tune-o-matic bridge. I have replaced the tuners with Schallers.

Sound is fat and rich. Lots of sustain. Very smooth all the way. It can reach a full range of sounds and styles.

Action is great. Smooth player. Never needed to be set up. Finish was the only complaint. Paint chipped away from the headstock around the edges within 3 months. It hasen't gotten much worse but still it dissapointing in a guitar at this price.

Aside from the finish the ret of this guitar is perfect. It always is reliable. I switch between this and a Telecaster and both are work horses I can count on

Never needed any so I can't say

Been playing for 35 years. I play through a Pevey Studio Pro 65 watt solid state amp.

There is nothing on this guitar that I hate. The finish has not gotten any worse over time and it plays as smooth as anything I've ever played.

2005 LP Studio, wine red color

I play rock, punk and blues. Good for all three. Nice deep sound. Great sustain. Very mellow in tone.

This is where the problem was. The fretboard was thinner than the neck so there was a slight dip where the two met on the top of the neck and the finish was flawed and bumpy to the touch. The bottom of the neck was perfect. Nice smooth finish and the fretboard met up with the neck. But on the top it looked bad. It broke my heart to take the guitar back. It sounded great the the set up was perfect from the factory.

Only had the guitar one week.

I emailed Gibson with pictures of the fretboard and they emailed me back within 24 hours. Not bad. They were nice and told me I could return the guitar or send it back for warranty evaluation. I brought it back to my local guitar store.

This guitar passed all Gibson inspection points in the factory. I don't know how. The finish on the top of the fretboard was not perfect. Some people out there would probably say "Who cares?". As long as it sounds good, that's what matters. But I shelled out 1200 bucks and I want a perfect guitar from the get go. I know have to wait another six weeks for another Studio. I hope this one is pefect. The sound is fantastic though. I really hated bringing it back.

I have 2 '96 studios, ebony and wine red, and a 2002 Smartwood. The studios are more like a standard LP, the studio is lighter and something seems a little off, but still a quality axe. I can't believe the guys that say they take off points for not having a coil tap switch or the neck is too wide or too thick, etc. Come on, it's a Gibson Les Paul, if you didn't want one, why did you buy it? They have been made pretty much the same way for decades and you know what you're going to get if you get one. The slim 60s neck would be a nice option, but the guitars are quality. Also, I don't buy the crap about Gibson pickups being no good, if you know how to set up an amp and the guitar controls, they're hard to beat. They souond up 2 or 3 dB from many other humbuckers. The features are standard traditional LP style, what you'd expect.

One of the best heavy rock guitars ever built or that will ever be built. You know the sound if you listen to great classic rock.

These still need setup, the Smartwood needed fretleveling, it was bad, the studios set up nicely and look great. Nothing on these axes can't be fixed as they have been around as long as rock.

This guitar is pro quality, that's what they're built for and what you pay for, they could use like everyone says, some decent strap buttons, but on an axe like this, use strap locks and feel secure. I don't see why you couldn't play one of these at any gig or studio.

Gibson seems a little standoffish, the main drawback to the company. Luckily, support is seldom if ever needed.

Just play one and you'll see what it's all about.

1992 Les Paul Studio. Similar to a Standard but without the binding on the neck and body. Body is thinner. The Maple top is much thinner than it's big brothers too. Ebony fingerboard with real nice full-size trapezoid inlays. Gibson 490R/498T pickups.

Different than the other Pauls. Front pickup sounds smooth and fat, rear pickup is only good for overdriven sounds. Clean it's mud city. A bit heavy but the body works and it's very sustaining and resonant. One draw-back, the neck is not particulary fast or comfortable. OK for single notes but a bit on the chunky side for chording in an awkward way. Feels like a Tele U Fender neck with a bit more girth(roundness). Like someone mentioned the Epiphones do have better feeling necks. Especially the Epiphone Les Paul Custom.

Here's were I was disappointed. The fingerboard is a bit narrow for the neck so theirs a ridge on each side where it meets the neck wood. A groove like the binding is missing. Quality control? Somebody forget to match/sand it? Ebony Shrinkage? Other than that it's your basic Gibson craftsmanship, nothing to write home about.

Oh it's durable no doubt but if I could spare the cash I would use it for firewood. It's just not a good feeling guitar. It does sound pretty good in the neck postion however.

N/A

IMO your better off with an Epiphone Elitist or Fernandes Ravelle with upgraded pickups. If you want a Paul go the extra 9 yards and get a reissue Standard, Junior or Special. It just does not cut it. I got a Ravelle in a deal I could not resist and it's 10x the guitar the Studio is in craftsmanship and feel. It probably does not have the quality woods but it sure beats it out in most categories.

Bought new at end of February 2005. In beautiful blacker than black ebony nitrocellulose finish, with chrome hardware, green Gibson deluxe tuners, black fur-lined case, with accessory pack - lead, strap, polish and polishing cloth, and five sets of spare strings. Staggeringly good value for money.

You never seem to see a Studio in comparative tests in the Guitar magazines. It's about the same price as a lot of mid-priced pro-guitars, and imho better than anything in its price range.

I play blues, Jazz, a bit of classical, some classic rock. This guitar does them all. It's got tone by the bucket from both pickups and bags and bags of sustain. I've been using it this week with a little Peavey Rage, but am looking forward to having a bit of a blast through my Roland ST-100 when the neighbours have gone out.

Played great out of the box. Set up just right. Strings aligned properly on the neck. The finish is flawless bible black. The absence of binding on the studio makes it look thicker than the LP standard. A great big lump - no wonder it'll sustain forever.

Rock solid guitar that'll go forever, and will keep in tune even if you bust a string at the climax of that 5 minute solo. The strap buttons are quite small - so get a planet waves strap with a locking thing built into each end or a set of Schaller straplocks.

Rosetti supports Gibson in the UK - they have a prompt service for parts, etc.

I've been playing for too many years. I have a number of other guitars. I've been a Fender player for years. I always considered Gibson's to be big and unweildy with gloss coated, and therefore uncomfortable necks. Recently, on a whim, I bought a Gibson Les Paul Special with 2 p90 pickups - and fell in love with it. I've just graduated to the studio - which has so many bangs to the buck it's a revelation. Just think - if I'd got one earlier I might have been a success like Jimmy Page or Slash. Ho hum!