A Gibson Les Paul Studio -- Should I? Or shouldn't I?

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Gooseman

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I've always wanted a Les Paul, but haven't ever thought paying big bucks for a Standard is really something I'd be interested in -- it seems like for that money I'd be better off with a Custom Shop Stratocaster or a ES 336. Anyways, I have messed around with these guitars in the past but I haven't had the necessary time processed to really decide whether this route would ail my Les Paul wants. What do you all think? Anyone can chime in, but I'm especially interested in those opinions of people who have experience with thi guitar model. Any information is better than having no information, so have at it.

I am going to buy yet another guitar and if it isn't a Gibson Les Paul Studio (or Deluxe Studio from GC), then I was thinking about picking up this interesting number from PGS:




That would be quite the risk though, considering I've never picked up a G&L in my life. What I know about this guitar is that the neck is a bit wider on these guitars, and that the MDF pickup is like a high output single coil-type sound. I love the look of this guitar a lot and the fact that it is a mahogany body. I've never been into Telecasters that much, but I like the hybrid sound that this guitar has going on. Plus, it would match my Gibson SG Standard really well -- not that aesthetics are that important. Although if they weren't, I would've bought the Gibson SG Zoot Suit model, which is by far the ugliest thing I've ever seen!

Thanks for taking the time!
 
If you're looking for a nice Les Paul on the cheap, look at the higher end Agiles. I love my Silverburst. Made me sell my old Gibson LP, and I paid like $250 for it used? Ridiculous.
They're sold by Rondo Music (rondomusic.com)

The LP Studios are nice guitars as well. I know a few people here really like their Studio models, and I've enjoyed playing a few. Make sure to find one that's right for you though. Play before you buy if you can!
 
Ya man, agreed, try before you buy. It's worth it to take a weekend and hit up the local pawn shops, music stores, etc. and get your hands around a few necks. It's SO worth it. And ya, check out any metropolitan pawn shops - sometimes amazing gear in there, even though it's sad that it has to be the way it is... But otherwise, music shops, and backline rental outfits.

If you're slim on the ka-ching, make sure it's the right thing before you dive headlong.

I'm a Lester guy, and I love 'em through and through, but have picked some up that simply didn't feel right. Sometimes the best tracks we've heard off the best music releases have passages of blistering playing done on beat-to-shit Studios...it's all about the mojo :thumbsup:

Peace,
V.
 
Thanks for those tips. I've heard from so many people to try before I buy, but I prefer getting my guitars untouched and in-the-box. I usually order from American Musical and have no problems sending back my guitars until I find one that is perfect. Plus I get my guitars the very next day with the standard shipping. I am not into guitars that have been sitting. I don't even get charged with shipping fees, because if I do return a guitar, it is for a good reason. I send it back and they ship me out a new one. With my Fender American guitars and my Gibson SG Standard, I didn't have to go through more than one guitar from each model, to end up finding one that was satisfactory.

The neck on the Les Paul Studios is something I often hear complaints about. I remember thinking that they definitely were large necks, but nothing I couldn't handle or get used to.

Anyone else think the ASAT in the video I posted is just pure classy?
 
What kind of neck shape/radius do you like?

Oh, and I dig that ASAT too. I've played their Tele style models, very cool guitars.
 
I don't think I have a preference for neck radiuses. I just play, and try to play well, warm up correctly, keep good technique, etc. I have some Strats (American and Mexican) that all have similar necks, while my Gibson SG Standard's neck is a bit bigger. I love both of them. I don't feel putoff by the bigger necks of the Gibson Studios, but I don't want to get them if they are "cheap." Same goes with the G&L. I know so little about G&L, outside of what I've read, but that ASAT Special is really intriguing with its pickups and its aesthetics. There isn't another guitar out there like it, without the flamed top, and not many people play these guitars in the little gig-circuit I am apart off. Standing apart from everyone else is a good thing for sure, but so is a nice Gibson Les Paul.
 
I've got a year or so old Gibby LP Studio. I've read so many things on forums that their build quality is poor, they sound terrible...blah blah blah...mine sounds and plays fucking fantastic!!!! I tried a tonne of guitars and a tonne of LP Studios. There definitely are variances between each individual LP so try it out before you buy it. You will DEFINITELY come away with a beautiful feeling, playing and sounding instrument, it's just takes a little elbow grease!!
 
I've had a couple in the past, and still have one as a backup. I just bought a standard so I've been playing it more lately.

But I just dropped in some phat cats in the studio and i LOVE the sound of it.
 
hit up my buddy Dan (devilinside), he has a Studio in great shape with upgrades...if you call EMG's upgrades(poke)...locking tuners, etc.
 
Gooseman":1n0up2e9 said:
Thanks for those tips. I've heard from so many people to try before I buy, but I prefer getting my guitars untouched and in-the-box. I usually order from American Musical and have no problems sending back my guitars until I find one that is perfect. Plus I get my guitars the very next day with the standard shipping. I am not into guitars that have been sitting. I don't even get charged with shipping fees, because if I do return a guitar, it is for a good reason. I send it back and they ship me out a new one. With my Fender American guitars and my Gibson SG Standard, I didn't have to go through more than one guitar from each model, to end up finding one that was satisfactory.

The neck on the Les Paul Studios is something I often hear complaints about. I remember thinking that they definitely were large necks, but nothing I couldn't handle or get used to.

Anyone else think the ASAT in the video I posted is just pure classy?

If it's a Lester you're looking for, and you want amazing service and to talk to people with a HEART in the business, speak to Jim and Janine at Route 66 Guitars and tell 'em Mo sent you over. They are AWESOME!!! They'll tell you every little nuance of the guitars in question, they're donw to earth, know their stuff and really look out for their clients. I have had probably the best service and dealings with Route 66 ever - strictly speaking guitars folks - and I know everyone I've sent their way have said the same thing. Give 'em a call, drop 'em an email, let 'em know who you are and that Mo says "HI" and they'll definitely look after you. New guitars, or used guitars in DAMN NEAR NEW condition!!

Just saying...
V. :thumbsup:
 
One I regret selling to this day.. a wine red LP Studio - half the body was figured.. was weird, but that f**ker brought the tone...
 
I have had 2 Mid 90's Gibson LP Studios. Both were really nice guitars. One I had since the late 90's and just sold it about a year ago, which I regret doing. My only complaint is that as a strat guy, the necks were a little thick for my tastes. Still they were alot lighter than my current Les Pauls, which is nice if you are playing them on stage.

As for G&L's, they are great underated guitars. I though the G&L legacy was a great guitar, but the neck felt different than a Fender strat, so I passed. Still a great playing and sounding guitar. If you can adjust to the neck, I bet you will like that G&L ASAT....
 
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