Gibson Les Paul Studio Review

Features: [8]
I am sure most people know exactly what a Les Paul looks like. The standard just lacks some of the appointments such as binding.

2 humbuckers with 3 way selector. 2 volume and 2 tone controls.

Single cutaway mahogany body and neck with a rosewood finderboard.

Gold hardware.

Sounds: [9]
It was set up in the shop with 9s on it but I put 10s as I prefer them and it thickened up the sound a bit too.

I love the sound it makes clean and with overdrive. It is so versatile.

The only effect I really use is an old Ibanex Tube Screamer.

Action, Fit & Finish: [8]
Mine's the Wine red finish and looks great.

When I bought this I tried out quite a few in the store and they all felt different - I noticed a couple with some blemishes. In fact, this one has a minor blem on the finish but I decided to keep this cos it sounded the best and the neck just felt so right in my hands.

The store I got it from set up all their guitars so I am not sure how they come out of the factory.

I've put strap locks on because the standard buttons make me nervous on any guitar.

Reliability & Durability: [7]
It's built well but it lives in the case ALWAYS when I am not playing it.

These guitars have been around since the 50s so I think they know how to build them to last ;)

The gold has tarnished a bit but I live in a fairly damp climate and it could well be that that causes the problem.

Overall Rating: [8]
I also own a telecaster and they are very different beasts. The Les Paul can really rock it up whereas the tele is much thinner. Still they suit different songs and I like them both (The Les Paul isn't so good if you have a bad back LOL). For rock you can't beat a Les Paul and with a studio model you can save some money over the standard and get more or less the same sound. OK, the looks and finish aren't as good but I guess that's why they call it a studio.

A great tone and a great neck - I am happy with it.

I am now also saving for a standard but when I get it I will definately keep this one too.