It’s not the most expensive Les Paul model. It doesn’t always command the attention for live shows that goes to other Les Paul guitars, such as the Les Paul Standard or the signature models of some of the world’s famous players. But the Les Paul Studio is still a dynamite musical instrument, made with all the care and attention to quality that goes into every Gibson. Not only that, but this Les Paul by Gibson has been in the hands of some of the best players, famous and otherwise.

The Studio model was introduced in 1983, and it is still marketed as having all the essential features with less cost. Les Pauls Studio model has a carved maple top, humbucking pickups (490R and 498T with Alnico 2 magnets), mahogany back and 22-fret rosewood fretboard. Players also get the great tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece. The neck is generally a ’59 rounded design, with 1 11/16” nut width. Volume and tone knobs are black speed.

For musicians in the market for one of the true Les Paul classic guitars, the Les Paul Studio guitar may be just the right entryway. As with most top-line electric guitars, this model gives the player several excellent choices in color. Here’s a list:

• Les Paul Studio white (classic), chrome hardware
• Les Paul Studio cherry, chrome hardware (called Heritage cherry)
• Les Paul Studio Alpine white, gold hardware
• Les Paul Ebony, chrome or gold hardware (these have angled headstock)
• Les Paul Sunburst, gold hardware (called Fireburst)

The guitar is also available in Wine Red or Black, with either chrome or gold hardware.

As most of the marketing material from the company and retailers states, this guitar was designed for studio musician use. It doesn’t have some of the “gingerbread” binding and so on, but all the essential sound is still there. It may be that some of the studio sound from the most-talented Les Paul users was made on a Les Paul Studio guitar.

If you play electric guitar and want the full sound of this icon, and you want to tell people you play a Les Paul guitar, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $1,649. Retailers will probably let you have a Gibson Les Paul Studio guitar for about $1,200 to $1,300. Of course, you can always take the next step and get the Les Paul Studio Premium Plus, which comes with a AAA-grade flamed maple top and matched back of mahogany. This Les Paul plus guitar also has amber top hat control knobs and gold hardware. MSRP for this beauty is $2,529. A retailer will send you one for about $1,800 plus shipping.

by Julie-Ann Amos, professional writer, and owner of international writing agency www.ExquisiteWriting.com

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