Gibson SG Special Electric Guitar, Heritage Cherry - Chrome Hardware

Gibson SG Special Electric Guitar, Heritage Cherry - Chrome Hardware Review

Gibson SG Special Electric Guitar, Heritage Cherry - Chrome Hardware Feature

• Mahogany neck with 22-fret rosewood fingerboard and acrylic dot inlays
• Gibson 490R (neck) and 490T (bridge) humbuckers with three-way toggle, independent tone/volume
• Gibson Tune-o-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece
• Grover Kluson-style green-key tuning machines
• Solid mahogany body with set-neck construction

Packing the same power and intensity as the SG Standard, but without all the trimmings, the Gibson's SG Special electric guitar retains the heart and soul of the SG--solid mahogany body and '50s rounded neck profile--while adding dot inlays, silk-screened logo, a pair of Gibson’s hot 490 humbuckers and a deluxe gig bag.

The Gibson SG Special in worn red. Click here for a larger image.

Key Features

'50s Rounded Neck Profile

No guitar neck profiles are more distinguishable than the neck profiles employed on the Gibson models of today. The more traditional '50s neck profile on the SG Special is the thicker, rounder profile, emulating the neck shapes found on the iconic 1958 and 1959 Les Paul Standards. The neck is machined in Gibson's rough mill using wood shapers to make the initial cuts. But once the fingerboard gets glued on, the rest--including the final sanding--is done by hand. That means there are no two necks with the exact same dimensions. So while it still has the basic characteristics of its respective profile, each neck will be slightly different, with a distinct but traditional feel.

Click here for a larger image (black finish shown).

 

Click here for a larger image.

 

Gibson's 490 (R) Rhythm and (T) Treble Pickup

The mid to late 1960s saw the emergence of a very different type of music coming from the clubs of England. It was an interpretation of the blues that hadn't been heard before, and it was much harder, more rocking, and definitely louder than anything else before it. As such, this new genre's players were demanding more powerful amplifiers with increased volume outputs to satisfy their sonic explorations. This led to a call for a more versatile pickup that could split coils through a push/pull knob, and prevent microphonic feedback from occurring when the volumes were turned up to maximum levels.

Gibson answered this call with the introduction of the revolutionary 490T and 490R pickups ("T" for treble, and "R" for rhythm). The 490R is a humbucker with the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, with a slight increase in upper mid-range response. The 490T bridge pickup is calibrated to match the 490R, with pole pieces aligned a little further apart to accommodate the spacing of the strings at the bridge, which is different than the spacing of the strings at the neck.

Solid Mahogany Body

Probably the most central of all the SG Special's features is its solid mahogany body--lightweight, strong, with a thick, warm tone. The mahogany goes through the same rigorous selection process as all of Gibson's woods, and is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled wood experts before it enters the Gibson factories.

Inside the Gibson factories, humidity is maintained at 45 percent, and the temperature at 70 degrees. This ensures all woods are dried to a level of "equilibrium," where the moisture content does not change during the manufacturing process. This guarantees tight-fitting joints and no expansion, in addition to reducing the weight. It also helps with improving the woods' machinability and finishing properties. Consistent moisture content means that a Gibson guitar will respond evenly to temperature and humidity changes long after it leaves the factory.

Dot Inlays

Over the years, the classic dot inlay has been one of the more traditional features of many Gibson models, including the SG. A figured, swirl acrylic gives these inlays that classic "pearl" look. They are inserted into the fingerboard using a process that eliminates gaps and doesn't require the use of fillers.

Nitrocellulose Finish

This guitar features a nitrocellulose finish--one of the most labor-intensive elements of the guitar-making process--which dries to a much thinner coat than a polyurethane finish, meaning there is less interference with the natural vibration of the instrument, allowing for a purer tone.

A nitro finish is also a softer finish, which makes it easily repairable. You can touch up a scratch or ding on a nitro finish, but you can't do the same on a poly finish. In addition, a nitro finish is very porous in nature, and actually gets thinner over time. It does not "seal" wood in an airtight shell--as a poly finish does--and allows the wood to breathe and age properly.

What's in the Box

Gibson SG Special electric guitar, Gibson Deluxe Gig Bag, and owner's manual.

Packing the same power and intensity as the SG Standard, but without all the trimmings, the SG Special has retained the heart and soul of the SG — the solid mahogany body and ‘50s rounded neck profile — and combined it with dot inlays, silk-screened logo, a pair of Gibson’s hot 490 humbuckers and a deluxe gig bag.

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar, Arctic White - Chrome Hardware

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar, Arctic White - Chrome Hardware Review

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar, Arctic White - Chrome Hardware Feature

• Mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard and acrylic trapezoid inlays
• Gibson 490R and 498T humbuckers with three-way toggle, separate tone/volume controls
• Nashville Tune-o-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece
• Vintage tuning machines with tulip buttons and 14:1 ratio
• Chambered mahogany body with maple top and set-neck construction

Originally designed as a model for studio artists but adopted wholeheartedly by countless players of all stripes, the Les Paul Studio combines stripped-down appointments with the full tonal splendor and unrivaled playability of a Les Paul Standard at a significant financial savings. All the elements of the legendary Les Paul Standard are still there, including that fat and sweet maple-and-mahogany tone through two genuine Gibson humbucking pickups. By eliminating a little of the window dressing--namely, building the guitar without binding around the body top or fingerboard, and applying an elegant gold silkscreened logo in place of an inlay--the Les Paul Studio weighs in at a price that players have found irresistible for three decades. And it all looks great, naturally, in your choice of four hand-sprayed nitrocellulose finishes: Wine Red, Ebony Black, Alpine White or Fire Burst (Ebony and Wine Red also available left-handed).

Chambered Mahogany Body

The body of each Les Paul Studio is crafted from chambered mahogany, joined to a solid carved maple top with ultra-strong Franklin Titebond 50 glue. These classic tonewoods have yielded some of the most legendary sounds in the history of rock.

Mahogany is a medium-dense wood with excellent resonance and superior sustain, and it offers a rich, round, warm tone, but with plenty of high-end sheen and good mid-range presence. Add a solid maple top, and the guitar's tone is enhanced with added clarity, sustain and definition. The body's chambering also enhances its mellow acoustic resonance, and adds further air to the midrange content.

Set Mahogany Neck

The neck of the Les Paul Studio is constructed from solid mahogany, cut using the superior "quarter sawn" orientation for improved strength and resonance. The angled, classical-style peg head and mahogany neck work together to provide exceptional tonal richness and resonance from the neck, with a good string definition and sustain.

Gibson uses what is known as the Mortis & Tenon joint to bind neck to body so that the two pieces form one solid unit. This time-tested technique has been used for millennia in all the great woodworking arts--from shipbuilding to cabinetry--to create one solid wood unit from two separate sections, and has been proven to yield a stronger neck and body than if the instrument was made from a single piece of wood.

The Les Paul Studio carries two of Gibson's most popular humbucking pickups, a 498T in the bridge position and a 490R in the neck.

Vintage-style tuners with tulip buttons and an efficient 14:1 turn ratio.

Gibson Tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece.

22-Fret Rosewood and Ebony Fingerboards

Ebony and rosewood has always graced the fingerboards of the world's finest stringed instruments, including many of today's Gibsons. The fingerboards on the Les Paul Studios are constructed from the highest grade ebony and rosewood on the planet, and are personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled wood experts before it enters the factories. The resilience of these dense and durable woods make the fingerboards extremely balanced and stable, giving each chord and note unparalleled clarity and bite. The 12-inch radius of the fingerboard provides smooth note bending capabilities and eliminates "dead" or "choked out" notes, common occurrences on fingerboards with lesser radiuses.

The Les Paul Studio fingerboard carries acrylic trapezoid position-marker inlays, echoing the traditional look of the original Les Paul Standard.

Angled Headstock

The Les Paul Studio headstock is carefully angled at Gibson's traditional 17 degrees, which increases pressure on the strings and helps them stay in the nut slots. An increase in string pressure also means there is no loss of string vibration between the nut and the tuners, which equals better sustain.

The headstock of the Les Paul Studio is equipped with vintage-style tuners with green tulip buttons and an efficient 14:1 turn ratio. These tuners provide a classic look in line with the model's lineage, and smooth, robust performance.

Tune-o-Matic Bridge

In 1954, Gibson revolutionized guitar hardware when it debuted the Tune-o-matic bridge, setting a standard for simplicity and functionality that has never been bettered. Included on the Les Paul Studio, the Tune-o-matic provides a firm seating for the strings, allowing the player to adjust and fine-tune the intonation and string height in a matter of minutes. It also yields excellent coupling between strings and body, maximizing resonance, tone, and sustain. This bridge is made from Zamak then plated in chrome, and each one weighs approximately .118 lbs.

Every Tune-o-matic bridge is combined with a separate "stopbar" tailpiece, which is essentially a modified version of the earlier wraparound bridge that's designed to further enhance the connection between the strings and the body. The Les Paul Studio's stopbar tailpiece is made from Zamak then plated in chrome, and each one weighs approximately .24 lbs

498T and 490R Pickups

Gibson's 498T and 490R pickups ("T" for treble, and "R" for rhythm) have the traditional characteristics of the original "Patent Applied For" pickups of the late 1950s, with a few upgrades. These pickups take advantage of wax potting, which does away with any air space inside the pickup, therefore lessening the chances of microphonic feedback. The result is a humbucker with the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, with a slight increase in upper mid-range response. The Gibson 498T bridge pickup is the 490R's ideal complement.

Taking the 490R one step further, the 498T is wound a little hotter and also swaps the Alnico II magnet for an Alnico V, giving it more punch and greater emphasis on midrange and highs. The pole pieces on the 498T are also aligned a little further apart to accommodate the spacing of the strings at the bridge, which is different than the spacing of the strings at the neck.

A three-way toggle is included for pickup selection, and each pickup gets an independent volume and tone control.

Nitrocellulose Finish

The Les Paul Studio is hand-finished in nitrocellulose in a process that is carefully monitored to ensure minimum build-up, in an effort to produce a finish that breathes with the guitar and enhances natural resonance. The final coat is hand-buffed to a high-sheen gloss. Unlike many other manufacturers, who settle for a polyurethane finish, Gibson opts for a nitrocellulose finish that will encourage the natural vibration of the instrument for a purer tone. In addition, a nitro finish is very porous and actually gets thinner over time.

The Les Paul Studio is finished your choice of Wine Red, Ebony Black, Alpine White or Fire Burst.

Les Paul Studio Specs

• Body: Mahogany
• Top: Maple
• Hardware: Chrome
• Bridge: Nashville Tune-O-Matic
• Tailpiece: Stop Bar
• Tuners: Vintage with Pearloid Button
• Neck Pickup: 490R
• Bridge Pickup: 498T
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, Three-way Toggle
• Control Knobs: Black Speed Knobs
• Neck: Mahogany
• Nut: Corian
• Nut Width: Standard Gibson (1.695" +/- .050")
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Inlays: Figured Acrylic Trapezoids
• Frets: 22
• Scale Length: 24 - 3/4"

Ever since hitting the streets in 1983, Gibson’s Les Paul Studio has been the ultimate offering of traditional Les Paul performance with a modern, no-frills attitude. Introduced as a guitar mainly for studio musicians, the Les Paul Studio has become one of the most desired – and popular – Les Pauls for its tremendous harmonic and sonic qualities. All of the essential elements of a Les Paul Standard are there, including a carved maple top, solid mahogany back and genuine Gibson humbucker pickups. What the Les Paul Studio lacks in extras, it makes up for in performance.

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar, Ebony - Gold Hardware

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar, Ebony - Gold Hardware Review

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar, Ebony - Gold Hardware Feature

• Classic, no-nonsense 6-string electric guitar with stripped-down appointments with the full tonal splendor
• Solid, carved maple top and chambered mahogany body for excellent resonance and superior sustain
• Two of Gibson's most popular humbucking pickups, a 498T in the bridge position and a 490R in the neck
• Includes Gibson's hallowed Tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece, and vintage-style tuners
• Ebony finish with gold hardware; comes with Gibson hardcase

Originally designed as a model for studio artists but adopted by countless players of all stripes, the no-nonsense Les Paul Studio electric guitar combines stripped-down appointments with the full tonal splendor and unrivaled playability of a Les Paul Standard--and at a more affordable price. It features a fat and sweet maple-and-mahogany tone from its two genuine Gibson humbucking pickups and it looks great in an ebony finish with gold hardware.

Angled headstock.

 

498T and 490R humbucking pickups.

 

Tune-o-matic bridge.

 

Included Gibson hard case. Click here for a larger image.

Key Features

Body and Finish

A solid, carved maple top and chambered mahogany body give the Les Paul Studio the same tonewood combination that has been helping Les Paul Standards rock for nearly 60 years. The Les Paul Studio follows the classic lines of the Les Paul Standard, with a gently arched top and a single cutaway on the treble side of the neck/body joint for improved upper-fret access. The body's back is chambered to both reduce overall weight and enhance the guitar's resonance.

Mahogany is a medium-dense wood with excellent resonance and superior sustain, and it offers a rich, round, warm tone, but with plenty of high-end sheen and good mid-range presence. Add a solid maple top, and the guitar's tone is enhanced with added clarity, sustain and definition. The body's chambering also enhances its mellow acoustic resonance, and adds further air to the midrange content.

The Les Paul Studio is hand-finished in nitrocellulose in a process that is carefully monitored to ensure minimum build-up, in an effort to produce a finish that breathes with the guitar and enhances natural resonance. The final coat is hand-buffed to a high-sheen gloss. Unlike many other manufacturers, who settle for a polyurethane finish, Gibson opts for a nitrocellulose finish that will encourage the natural vibration of the instrument for a purer tone. In addition, a nitro finish is very porous and actually gets thinner over time.

Pickups and Electronics

The Les Paul Studio carries two of Gibson's most popular humbucking pickups, a 498T in the bridge position and a 490R in the neck. Both are designed as updated renditions of Gibson's famous PAF humbucker of the late '50s and early '60s, modified for improved versatility, and routed through the classic Gibson four-knob and three-way switch control section.

Used together, the 490R and 498T are one of the most versatile humbucking pickup sets available. In the neck position, the former yields juicy, warm vocal tones with outstanding clarity, while the latter in the bridge position excels at everything from bright jangle through a clean amp to wailing overdrive with near-infinite sustain through a high-gain amp. Selected together, the pair gives you everything from funky to greasy, depending upon amp and effects settings.

Neck, Headstock and Fingerboard

The Les Paul Studio is crafted in classic Gibson style with a glued-in neck made from solid quarter-sawn mahogany and topped with an unbound rosewood fingerboard (an ebony fingerboard with the Alpine White finish). The neck on the Les Paul Studio is carved to Gibson's comfortable, rounded '50s profile, which offers a smooth playing feel in the hand. This neck shape has been a favorite with many players since its arrival on the Les Paul Standards of the '50s.

The Les Paul Studio headstock is carefully angled at Gibson's traditional 17 degrees, which increases pressure on the strings and helps them stay in the nut slots. An increase in string pressure also means there is no loss of string vibration between the nut and the tuners, which equals better sustain.

Gibson uses what is known as the Mortis & Tenon joint to bind neck to body so that the two pieces form one solid unit. This time-tested technique has been used for millennia in all the great woodworking arts--from shipbuilding to cabinetry--to create one solid wood unit from two separate sections, and has been proven to yield a stronger neck and body than if the instrument was made from a single piece of wood.

Hardware

The hardware set on the Les Paul Studio echoes that worn by Les Paul Standards since 1956, and includes Gibson's hallowed Tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece, and vintage-style tuners. A classic of 20th century guitar design, the Tune-o-matic provides excellent resonant coupling, while offering efficient independent adjustment of each saddle for precise intonation. It also yields excellent coupling between strings and body, maximizing resonance, tone, and sustain. This bridge is made from Zamak then plated in chrome, and each one weighs approximately .118 lbs.

What's in the Box

Gibson Les Paul Studio electric guitar, black Gibson hardshell case, and owner's manual. It's covered by Gibson's Limited Lifetime Warranty and 24/7/365 Customer Service.

Ever since hitting the streets in 1983, Gibson’s Les Paul Studio has been the ultimate offering of traditional Les Paul performance with a modern, no-frills attitude. Introduced as a guitar mainly for studio musicians, the Les Paul Studio has become one of the most desired – and popular – Les Pauls for its tremendous harmonic and sonic qualities. All of the essential elements of a Les Paul Standard are there, including a carved maple top, solid mahogany back and genuine Gibson humbucker pickups. What the Les Paul Studio lacks in extras, it makes up for in performance.

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar, Wine Red - Chrome Hardware Left Handed

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar, Wine Red - Chrome Hardware Left Handed Review

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar, Wine Red - Chrome Hardware Left Handed Feature

• Mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard and acrylic trapezoid inlays
• Gibson 490R and 498T humbuckers with three-way toggle, separate tone/volume controls
• Nashville Tune-o-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece
• Vintage tuning machines with tulip buttons and 14:1 ratio
• Chambered mahogany body with maple top and set-neck construction

Originally designed as a model for studio artists but adopted wholeheartedly by countless players of all stripes, the Les Paul Studio combines stripped-down appointments with the full tonal splendor and unrivaled playability of a Les Paul Standard at a significant financial savings. All the elements of the legendary Les Paul Standard are still there, including that fat and sweet maple-and-mahogany tone through two genuine Gibson humbucking pickups. By eliminating a little of the window dressing--namely, building the guitar without binding around the body top or fingerboard, and applying an elegant gold silkscreened logo in place of an inlay--the Les Paul Studio weighs in at a price that players have found irresistible for three decades. And it all looks great, naturally, in your choice of four hand-sprayed nitrocellulose finishes: Wine Red, Ebony Black, Alpine White or Fire Burst (Ebony and Wine Red also available left-handed).

Chambered Mahogany Body

The body of each Les Paul Studio is crafted from chambered mahogany, joined to a solid carved maple top with ultra-strong Franklin Titebond 50 glue. These classic tonewoods have yielded some of the most legendary sounds in the history of rock.

Mahogany is a medium-dense wood with excellent resonance and superior sustain, and it offers a rich, round, warm tone, but with plenty of high-end sheen and good mid-range presence. Add a solid maple top, and the guitar's tone is enhanced with added clarity, sustain and definition. The body's chambering also enhances its mellow acoustic resonance, and adds further air to the midrange content.

Set Mahogany Neck

The neck of the Les Paul Studio is constructed from solid mahogany, cut using the superior "quarter sawn" orientation for improved strength and resonance. The angled, classical-style peg head and mahogany neck work together to provide exceptional tonal richness and resonance from the neck, with a good string definition and sustain.

Gibson uses what is known as the Mortis & Tenon joint to bind neck to body so that the two pieces form one solid unit. This time-tested technique has been used for millennia in all the great woodworking arts--from shipbuilding to cabinetry--to create one solid wood unit from two separate sections, and has been proven to yield a stronger neck and body than if the instrument was made from a single piece of wood.

The Les Paul Studio carries two of Gibson's most popular humbucking pickups, a 498T in the bridge position and a 490R in the neck.

Vintage-style tuners with tulip buttons and an efficient 14:1 turn ratio.

Gibson Tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece.

22-Fret Rosewood and Ebony Fingerboards

Ebony and rosewood has always graced the fingerboards of the world's finest stringed instruments, including many of today's Gibsons. The fingerboards on the Les Paul Studios are constructed from the highest grade ebony and rosewood on the planet, and are personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled wood experts before it enters the factories. The resilience of these dense and durable woods make the fingerboards extremely balanced and stable, giving each chord and note unparalleled clarity and bite. The 12-inch radius of the fingerboard provides smooth note bending capabilities and eliminates "dead" or "choked out" notes, common occurrences on fingerboards with lesser radiuses.

The Les Paul Studio fingerboard carries acrylic trapezoid position-marker inlays, echoing the traditional look of the original Les Paul Standard.

Angled Headstock

The Les Paul Studio headstock is carefully angled at Gibson's traditional 17 degrees, which increases pressure on the strings and helps them stay in the nut slots. An increase in string pressure also means there is no loss of string vibration between the nut and the tuners, which equals better sustain.

The headstock of the Les Paul Studio is equipped with vintage-style tuners with green tulip buttons and an efficient 14:1 turn ratio. These tuners provide a classic look in line with the model's lineage, and smooth, robust performance.

Tune-o-Matic Bridge

In 1954, Gibson revolutionized guitar hardware when it debuted the Tune-o-matic bridge, setting a standard for simplicity and functionality that has never been bettered. Included on the Les Paul Studio, the Tune-o-matic provides a firm seating for the strings, allowing the player to adjust and fine-tune the intonation and string height in a matter of minutes. It also yields excellent coupling between strings and body, maximizing resonance, tone, and sustain. This bridge is made from Zamak then plated in chrome, and each one weighs approximately .118 lbs.

Every Tune-o-matic bridge is combined with a separate "stopbar" tailpiece, which is essentially a modified version of the earlier wraparound bridge that's designed to further enhance the connection between the strings and the body. The Les Paul Studio's stopbar tailpiece is made from Zamak then plated in chrome, and each one weighs approximately .24 lbs

498T and 490R Pickups

Gibson's 498T and 490R pickups ("T" for treble, and "R" for rhythm) have the traditional characteristics of the original "Patent Applied For" pickups of the late 1950s, with a few upgrades. These pickups take advantage of wax potting, which does away with any air space inside the pickup, therefore lessening the chances of microphonic feedback. The result is a humbucker with the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, with a slight increase in upper mid-range response. The Gibson 498T bridge pickup is the 490R's ideal complement.

Taking the 490R one step further, the 498T is wound a little hotter and also swaps the Alnico II magnet for an Alnico V, giving it more punch and greater emphasis on midrange and highs. The pole pieces on the 498T are also aligned a little further apart to accommodate the spacing of the strings at the bridge, which is different than the spacing of the strings at the neck.

A three-way toggle is included for pickup selection, and each pickup gets an independent volume and tone control.

Nitrocellulose Finish

The Les Paul Studio is hand-finished in nitrocellulose in a process that is carefully monitored to ensure minimum build-up, in an effort to produce a finish that breathes with the guitar and enhances natural resonance. The final coat is hand-buffed to a high-sheen gloss. Unlike many other manufacturers, who settle for a polyurethane finish, Gibson opts for a nitrocellulose finish that will encourage the natural vibration of the instrument for a purer tone. In addition, a nitro finish is very porous and actually gets thinner over time.

The Les Paul Studio is finished your choice of Wine Red, Ebony Black, Alpine White or Fire Burst.

Les Paul Studio Specs

• Body: Mahogany
• Top: Maple
• Hardware: Chrome
• Bridge: Nashville Tune-O-Matic
• Tailpiece: Stop Bar
• Tuners: Vintage with Pearloid Button
• Neck Pickup: 490R
• Bridge Pickup: 498T
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, Three-way Toggle
• Control Knobs: Black Speed Knobs
• Neck: Mahogany
• Nut: Corian
• Nut Width: Standard Gibson (1.695" +/- .050")
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Inlays: Figured Acrylic Trapezoids
• Frets: 22
• Scale Length: 24 - 3/4"

Ever since hitting the streets in 1983, Gibson’s Les Paul Studio has been the ultimate offering of traditional Les Paul performance with a modern, no-frills attitude. Introduced as a guitar mainly for studio musicians, the Les Paul Studio has become one of the most desired – and popular – Les Pauls for its tremendous harmonic and sonic qualities. All of the essential elements of a Les Paul Standard are there, including a carved maple top, solid mahogany back and genuine Gibson humbucker pickups. What the Les Paul Studio lacks in extras, it makes up for in performance.

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar Satin Ebony Chrome Hardware

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar Satin Ebony Chrome Hardware Review

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar Satin Ebony Chrome Hardware Feature

• Carved Maple top
• Mahogany body
• Alnico magnet humbuckers

The arrival of the Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar in 1983 offered guitarists all the essential elements of a Les Paul Standard, including a carved top and humbucking pickups. Its simple yet elegant design quickly helped it become the most popular model in the Les Paul Series. Cutting-yet-rich tone—the hallmark of the Les Paul—pours out of the 490R and 498T Alnico II magnet humbucker pickups, which are mounted on a carved maple top with a mahogany back. The faded finish models are equipped with BurstBucker Pro pickups and a mahogany top. The Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar includes a Gibson hardshell case (Faded and satin finish models come with a gig bag) and a limited lifetime warranty. Body and Finish A solid, carved maple top and chambered mahogany body give the Les Paul Studio the same tonewood combination that has been helping Les Paul Standards rock for nearly 60 years. And each of its four available nitrocellulose finishes makes for a stunning looking guitar, even while its no-frills approach eliminates body binding and pickguard. Mahogany is a medium-dense wood with excellent resonance and superior sustain, and it offers a rich, round, warm tone, but with plenty of high-end sheen and good mid-range presence. Add a solid maple top, and the guitar's tone is enhanced with added clarity, sustain and definition. The body's chambering also enhances its mellow acoustic resonance, and adds further air to the midrange content. Pickups Gibson's 498T and 490R pickups ("T" for treble, and "R" for rhythm) have the traditional characteristics of the original "Patent Applied For" pickups of the late 1950s, with a few upgrades. These pickups take advantage of wax potting, which does away with any air space inside the pickup, therefore lessening the chances of microphonic feedback. The result is a humbucker with the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, with a slight increase in upper mid-range response. The Gibson 498T bridge pickup is the 490R's ide

Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar, Ebony - Chrome Hardware

Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar, Ebony - Chrome Hardware Review

Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar, Ebony - Chrome Hardware Feature

• Affordable update to 1959 edition of this classic 6-string electric guitar
• Special-design singlecoil pickup with high output and sweet treble response
• Wraparound bridge/tailpiece provides a firm seating for the strings
• Volume and tone controls; rosewood fingerboard with acrylic dotted inlays; vintage white button tuners
• Ebony finish with chrome hardware; comes with vintage style Melody Maker Box
• Slim Solid Mahogany Body
• Special Design Single-Coil Pickup
• Compensated Wrap-around Bridge/Tailpiece
• 50's Rounded Neck

Back in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Gibson's best-selling guitar was the legendary Melody Maker, and today's nicely affordable version is a loving tribute to the style and spirit of the 1959 edition.

The Gibson Melody Maker in black. Click here for a larger image.

Key Features

Slim, Solid Mahogany Body

The most central of all the Melody Maker's features is its slim, solid mahogany body. The mahogany goes through the same rigorous selection process as all of Gibson's woods, and is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled wood experts before it enters the factories.

Inside the Gibson factories, humidity is maintained at 45 percent, and the temperature at 70 degrees. This ensures all woods are dried to a level of "equilibrium," where the moisture content does not change during the manufacturing process. This guarantees tight-fitting joints and no expansion, and controls the shrinkage and warping of the woods, in addition to reducing the weight. It also improves the woods' machinability and finishing properties. Consistent moisture content means that a Melody Maker will respond evenly to temperature and humidity changes long after it leaves the factory.

Click here for a larger image.

 

Click here for a larger image.

Gibson's Special Design Singlecoil Pickup

The legendary Melody Makers of the late 1950s and early 1960s were the best-selling models of Gibson's famed "Golden Era," and with good reason--they were lightweight, equipped with a comfortable neck, and capable of exceptional tone courtesy of Gibson's own singlecoil pickup. Today's Melody Maker sports a special-design singlecoil pickup that delivers that same vintage tone and performance. A stellar combination of high output and sweet treble response, this multi-ceramic magnet pickup provides plenty of punchy bite when needed, as well as incredible sustain and cutting power.

Compensated Wraparound Bridge/Tailpiece

A classic piece of hardware first used on the Les Paul Junior, the compensated wraparound bridge/tailpiece on the Melody Maker offers a simplicity and functionality that is hard to match. It provides a firm seating for the strings, and allows the player to adjust intonation and string height as needed. It also yields a great union between the strings and body, which results in excellent tone and sustain.

50s Rounded Neck Profile

No guitar neck profiles are more distinguishable than the neck profiles employed on the Gibson models of today. The more traditional '50s neck profile is the thicker, rounder profile, emulating the neck shapes of the iconic 1958 and 1959 Les Paul Standards. The neck is machined in Gibson's rough mill using wood shapers to make the initial cuts. But once the fingerboard gets glued on, the rest--including the final sanding--is done by hand. That means there are no two necks with the exact same dimensions. So while it still has the basic characteristics of its respective profile, each neck will be slightly different, with a distinct but traditional feel.

Nitrocellulose Finish

This guitar features a nitrocellulose finish--one of the most labor-intensive elements of the guitar-making process--which dries to a much thinner coat than a polyurethane finish, meaning there is less interference with the natural vibration of the instrument, allowing for a purer tone.

A nitro finish is also a softer finish, which makes it easily repairable. You can touch up a scratch or ding on a nitro finish, but you can't do the same on a poly finish. In addition, a nitro finish is very porous in nature, and actually gets thinner over time. It does not "seal" wood in an airtight shell--as a poly finish does--and allows the wood to breathe and age properly.

What's in the Box

Gibson Melody Maker electric guitar, vintage style Melody Maker Box, and owner's manual.

Gibson’s “Golden Era”—the late 1950s and early 1960s—is best known for the emergence of the company’s iconic Les Paul Standard. But the Les Paul wasn’t the company’s best-selling guitar during this historic period. That title belongs to the legendary Melody Maker. Today’s Melody Maker is a loving tribute to the style and spirit of the 1959 edition of that beloved guitar. It is also remains one of Gibson’s most popular models, as well as its most affordable USA-made guitar.

Gibson Explorer 1968 Electric Guitar, Heritage Cherry - Chrome Hardware

Gibson Explorer 1968 Electric Guitar, Heritage Cherry - Chrome Hardware Review

Gibson Explorer 1968 Electric Guitar, Heritage Cherry - Chrome Hardware Feature

• 6-string electric guitar with classic angular design--a powerhouse of screaming rock and roll
• Potent pickup combination of Gibson 496R and 500T humbuckers
• Well-balanced, weight-reduced solid mahogany body
• Angled headstock increases pressure on the strings and helps them stay in the nut slots
• Cherry red finish with chrome hardware; comes with Gibson hardcase

With its angular, asymmetrical body and pointed headstock, the legendary Gibson Explorer was light years ahead of its time when it was first introduced in 1958. Today, the same far-out, futuristic Gibson Explorer--reintroduced in the mid-1970s--is one of the most coveted powerhouses of screaming rock and roll.

The Gibson Explorer in red. Click here for a larger image.

Key Features

The Explorer Neck Profile

No guitar neck profiles are more distinguishable than the neck profiles employed on the Gibson models of today. The more traditional '50s neck profile is the thicker, more rounded contour, emulating the neck shapes of Gibson's iconic models of the late 1950s. The '60s neck profile is considered the more modern, slim-tapered contour most commonly associated with the Gibson models of the early 1960s. The neck on Gibson's Explorer has the best of both worlds--it is a hybrid between the '50s rounded contour and the '60s slim-taper profile.

As with all Gibson necks, it is machined in Gibson's rough mill using wood shapers to make the initial cuts. Once the fingerboard gets glued on, the rest--including the final sanding--is done by hand. That means there are no two necks with the exact same dimensions. So while it still has the basic characteristics of its respective profile, each neck will be slightly different, with a distinct but traditional feel.

Classic angular body (black version shown). Click here for a larger image.

 

Angled headstock.

Solid Mahogany Body

The most central feature of any Explorer is its mahogany body, which provides players a well-balanced, weight-reduced guitar alternative, with absolutely no compromises in tone, sustain, or performance. The Explorer's body is a solid piece of mahogany in the classic style of the 1976 Explorer. The mahogany goes through the same rigorous selection process as all of Gibson's woods, and is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled wood experts before it enters the factories.

Inside the Gibson factories, humidity is maintained at 45 percent, and the temperature at 70 degrees. This ensures all woods are dried to a level of "equilibrium," where the moisture content does not change during the manufacturing process. This guarantees tight-fitting joints and no expansion, and controls the shrinkage and warping of the woods, in addition to reducing the weight. It also improves the woods' machinability and finishing properties. Consistent moisture content means that a Gibson guitar will respond evenly to temperature and humidity changes long after it leaves the factory.

Gibson's 496R and 500T Pickups

No event is more responsible for dramatically influencing the evolution of popular music than Gibson's introduction of the double-coil "humbucking" pickup in 1955. From the warm jazz tones of Charlie Christian, to the world-shaking rockabilly of Scotty Moore, and the crunching rock of Jimmy Page, countless players around the world explored the limitless possibilities of the tonal spectrum through Gibson pickups and guitars.

As the musical landscape changed, so did the development of the humbucker pickup. Introduced in the early 1970s, Gibson's 496R and 500T pickups filled the need for more powerful humbuckers and energized the emergence of hard rock and heavy metal. The 496R produces incredible sustain and cutting power with its ceramic magnet, adding more highs with increased definition and no muddiness at all. The 500T is one of Gibson's most powerful pickups, containing a three ceramic magnet structure, which enables a no-holds-barred rock and roll crunch that never loses its rich combination of enhanced lows and crystal clear highs. This is one of Gibson's most potent pickup combinations.

Angled Headstock

The angled headstock is another example of Gibson's industry-changing way of thinking. Every Gibson headstock is carved out of the same piece of mahogany as the neck then fitted with Gibson's traditional wing blocks. It is not a "glued-on" headstock, and the process takes craftsmanship, time, and effort. But the rewards are worth the effort.

The headstock is carefully angled at 17 degrees, which increases pressure on the strings and helps them stay in the nut slots. An increase in string pressure also means there is no loss of string vibration between the nut and the tuners, which equals better sustain.

Nitrocellulose Finish

This guitar features a nitrocellulose finish--one of the most labor-intensive elements of the guitar-making process--which dries to a much thinner coat than a polyurethane finish, meaning there is less interference with the natural vibration of the instrument, allowing for a purer tone.

A nitro finish is also a softer finish, which makes it easily repairable. You can touch up a scratch or ding on a nitro finish, but you can't do the same on a poly finish. In addition, a nitro finish is very porous in nature, and actually gets thinner over time. It does not "seal" wood in an airtight shell--as a poly finish does--and allows the wood to breathe and age properly.

What's in the Box

Gibson Explorer electric guitar, Gibson hard case (white interior, black exterior), owner's manual

With its angular, asymmetrical body and pointed headstock, the legendary Gibson Explorer was light years ahead of its time when it was first introduced in 1958. In fact, the Explorer was such a radical departure that Gibson produced only about 100 of the famed instruments—many of which are now highly prized collectibles selling for upwards of half a million dollars. Today, the same far-out, futuristic Gibson Explorer—reintroduced in the mid-1970s—is one of the most coveted powerhouses of screaming rock and roll.

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar, Wine Red, Chrome Hardware

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar, Wine Red, Chrome Hardware Review

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar, Wine Red, Chrome Hardware Feature

• Traditional Rounded Neck Profile
• BurstBucker Pro Pickups
• Traditional Mahogany Back and Maple Top
• 22-Fret Rosewood Fingerboards
• Chambered Body for Perfect Tone Balance and Weight

Gibson's Les Paul Studio offers traditional Les Paul performance with a modern, no-frills attitude. Introduced as a guitar mainly for studio musicians, the Les Paul Studio has become one of the most desired--and popular--Les Pauls for its tremendous harmonic and sonic qualities. All of the essential elements of a Les Paul Standard are there, including a carved maple top, solid mahogany back and genuine Gibson humbucker pickups. What the Les Paul Studio lacks in extras, it makes up for in performance. Ask any one of the thousands of musicians who call it their No. 1 axe.

Traditional Les Paul Performance Meets Modern Tone and Playability

Available Finishes
Take your pick between four gorgeous finishes--Ebony, Wine Red, Classic White and Fireburst--all of which are applied by hand in a process that demands several coats and many hours. Unlike a lot of our competitors, who settle for a polyurethane finish, Gibson opts for a nitrocellulose finish that will encourage the natural vibration of the instrument for a purer tone. In addition, a nitro finish is very porous and actually gets thinner over time. That way your guitar's wood can breathe and age beautifully, like it's supposed to.

Fast & Comfortable Rounded Neck Profile
Gibson's traditional rounded neck profile, which graces the neck of each Les Paul Studio, is a thicker, rounder profile, emulating the neck shapes of the iconic Les Paul Standards of the late 1950s. Each neck is machined in Gibson's rough mill using wood shapers to make the initial cuts. But once the fingerboard gets glued on, the rest--including the final sanding--is done by hand. That means each neck ends up with ever-so-subtle differences that make each one as exceptional--and unique--as the next.

A thicker, rounder neck profile emulates the neck shapes of the iconic Les Paul Standards of the late 1950s.

Gibson pickups crank out modern tone with a vintage edge.

Gibson's 490R and 498T Pickups
The mid to late 1960s saw the emergence of a very different type of music coming from the clubs of England. This new genre's players were demanding more powerful amplifiers with increased volume outputs to satisfy their sonic explorations. This led to a call for a more versatile pickup, and Gibson answered the call with the 490T and 490R pickups ("T" for treble, and "R" for rhythm), humbuckers with the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, but with a slight increase in upper mid-range response. The Gibson 498T bridge pickup is the 490's ideal complement. Taking the 490 one step further, the 498 swaps the Alnico II magnet to an Alnico V, thus making it slightly hotter with emphasis on mid-ranges and highs. The pole pieces on the 498T are also aligned a little further apart to accommodate the spacing of the strings at the bridge, which is different than the spacing of the strings at the neck.

Mahogany Back and Maple Top
There isn't anything more critical than the marriage of the Les Paul's mahogany back with a maple cap, as well as the regimen involved in selecting the right wood and the formula to dry it out. First, the wood is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled wood experts before it enters the Gibson factories. These onsite inspectors also ensure that the plain maple comes from corporations adhering to the forest-saving standards of the Rainforest Alliance, of which Gibson is a proud member and sponsor. Inside the Gibson factories, humidity is maintained at 45 percent, and the temperature at 70 degrees. This ensures all woods are dried to a level of "equilibrium," where the moisture content does not change during the manufacturing process. This guarantees tight-fitting joints and no expansion, and controls the shrinkage and warping of the woods, in addition to reducing the weight. It also improves the woods' machinability and finishing properties, and adherence to glue. Consistent moisture content means that a Gibson guitar will respond evenly to temperature and humidity changes long after it leaves the factory.

Chambered Body
There's something about playing a guitar with perfect tone, balance, and weight. One of the ways the expert craftsmen at Gibson USA achieve this equilibrium is by carving carefully mapped-out chambers in the Les Paul's solid mahogany back using a Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) router before the maple top is glued on. The positioning of the routes was established after careful examination of the resonant characteristics of the Les Paul. Gibson approached this process with the awareness that every change to the formula would have repercussions on the instrument's sound. So, in addition to relieving the stress on a player's back and shoulder, these lighter Gibson guitars also enhance the tone palette in a manner unique only to these guitars. The results are comfortable, lightweight guitars that are acoustically louder, with increased sustain and resonance.

Ebony or Rosewood Fingerboard
The fingerboards on Gibson's Les Paul Studios are constructed from the highest grade rosewood and ebony on the planet. Both are personally inspected and qualified by Gibson's team of skilled wood experts before they enter the factories to be fitted onto the neck of the Les Paul Studio. The resilience of these dense and durable woods makes these fingerboards extremely balanced and stable, and gives each chord and note unparalleled clarity and bite. The 12-inch radius of the fingerboard provides smooth note bending capabilities and eliminates "dead" or "choked out" notes. The ebony fingerboard is only available on the Classic White Les Paul Studio, and the rosewood fingerboard is available on the Ebony, Wine Red, and Fireburst models.

Enjoy Enhanced Tone With Gibson's Lightweight, Chambered Body
The expert craftsmen at Gibson USA carve carefully mapped-out chambers in the Les Paul Studio's solid mahogany back using a Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) router before the maple top is glued on. The positioning of the routes was established after careful examination of the resonant characteristics of the Les Paul. Gibson approached this process with the awareness that every change to the formula would have repercussions on the instrument's sound. So, in addition to relieving the stress on a player's back and shoulder, these lighter Gibson guitars also enhance the tone palette in a manner unique only to these guitars. The results are comfortable, lightweight guitars that are acoustically louder, with increased sustain and resonance.

Tune-O-Matic Bridge
The Tune-o-matic bridge was the brainchild of legendary Gibson president Ted McCarty in 1954. At the time, it was a true revelation in intonation, and set a standard for simplicity and functionality that has never been bettered. This pioneering piece of hardware provides a firm seating for the strings, allowing the player to adjust and fine-tune the intonation and string height in a matter of minutes. It also yields a great union between the strings and body, which results in excellent tone and sustain. It is combined with a separate "stopbar" tailpiece, essentially a modified version of the earlier wraparound bridge. To this day, the Tune-o-matic remains the industry standard. It is the epitome of form and function in electric guitar bridge design, and is one of the most revered and copied pieces of guitar hardware ever developed. Pure Les Paul Performance, with a modern, no frills attitude!