Choosing the Right Gibson Les Paul For You | Tribute, Studio, Standard

Today we're back with another buyer's guide video, checking out Gibson Les Pauls from the Tribute, Studio, and Standard lines. These guitars all have the same classic Les Paul formula, with mahogany bodies, maple caps, 2 solid humbuckers, and a great aesthetic. What separates them is the quality of those components, and obviously, price! Take a listen to Cooper's rundown and let us know which one you like the best!
0:00 Intro
2:36 Les Paul Tribute Specs
5:17 Les Paul Tribute Demo
6:49 Les Paul Studio Specs
11:15 Les Paul Studio Demo
13:24 Les Paul Standard 60's Specs
16:44 Les Paul Standard 60's Demo
18:26 Final Thoughts
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[@conorfurlong]

Interesting. On a side note, I like that Cooper plays the same thing on each guitar he demos - it’s the only way to be able to really compare guitars: by keeping all other things equal.

[@kar7795]

Just played all three, including the 50’s and 60’s standard at a guitar shop. Walked out with tribute, not because of price. But the feel wasn’t close for me. Love it!!

[@doughnut3639]

I just picked up a tribute myself. I absolutely love it. Just feels right

[@johnb3194]

me too bud

[@craiger2399]

Same here. Walked in thinking I would get a 50s Les Paul. Walked out with a Tribute.

[@benallmark9671]

Ya I agree. The tribute feels ten times better in the hands then the standards. That’s how I truly feel too.

[@benallmark9671]

@@craiger2399 the nice slim tapered satin necks help make it an easy decision.

[@jerrymckenzie1858]

Hey Cooper - I always enjoy your playing, guitar knowledge and dry humor. Great review!

[@PeterDad60]

I just received my own Gibson Les Paul Tribute in Satin Honey burst. I really like her and have been playing upon her every day and night since October 6th, 2021 and today is October 14th., 2021. She plays very easy and sounds good acoustically and amplified. What can I say? She's a very likable guitar and I'm glad I made the purchase. My requirement is that my guitar is small and comfortable ( light weight helps) and is playable plugged in and unplugged and this Gibson fulfills my requirements. So I play my Les Paul Tribute all day long through my amps and then bring her into my bedroom and play her unplugged many times during the night. I enjoy the unplugged tone and resonance. So now after about 20 guitars I am satisfied. Thanks Gibson! - Peter age 71

[@licccio2133]

like "it". You like it.

[@automatoncollectives7237]

The Tribute is a Gibson LP in name alone. Maple neck and Rosewood fretboard? It’s a poor man’s Gibson and the specs show it.

[@jasonprice9823]

@@automatoncollectives7237 fuck off. People can enjoy what they want. You do you let other be happy with what they have.

[@automatoncollectives7237]

@@jasonprice9823 What an immature, triggered, response. The Tribute is a Gibson in name alone. No one of any status evens plays that garbage.

[@justinlandin5048]

@@automatoncollectives7237 you're a very smug person who's clearly unhappy in life.

[@nateg652]

The video was very helpful, I really appreciate your assessment of the difference between the axes. I also agree with you, the tribute sounded cleaner and closer to the standard. I was ready to get the studio but I feel I might not have been as happy with it's sound. I like what you decided to play as a demo, it helped make my decision. Much appreciated, you saved me bucks I would've unnecessarily spent. Thanks.

[@dowaliby1]

Appreciate your honesty and your talent, Cooper. It's amazing how much bang for the buck the Tribute offers.

[@pttrent123]

Great comparison, thanks! I bought a tribute a few weeks ago and it's been a pleasure to play.

[@sixslinger9951]

just got mine today...favorite guitar I've ever owned.

[@goobiecaro8135]

They style of play and the sound is perfect. You zoned in on the guitar voice in my head. Nice job.

[@pb5531]

Can I just say, as I look around the KZbin videos before I purchase a Gibson it was so refreshing to come across this video. Unlike the other American ones who for some reason seem to shout instead of talk, you give an informative and balanced video with a nice soft delivery 👍🏻

[@kirbyjakescarborough4515]

Awesome vid, mate. Thanks much for well-presented clarity.

[@aguy1945]

Kudos..Very well done. You showed people what these guitars are really going to sound like when they get them home. Too many reviewers run the guitars thru $10,000 dollars worth of pedals and amps completely disguising the guitar sound. Your playing was awesome as well.

[@johntruman6571]

I have a 2011 60s Tribute that I bought from new and still absolutely love it. It's done many gigs and the thin nitro Heritage Cherry is worn to the point where I'm about to have it refinished as a Gold Top. It came with P90s, which I never quite enjoyed and so I had it routed for HBs. So for most of its life it's been fitted with coil split Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates. They sound so good and are not for changing. Recommended.

[@chrisbenson2430]

I have a 60s Les Paul standard and love it so much I bought a 61 SG standard which has the same pickups in it. The SG is about 700 bucks cheaper but sounds pretty dang good!

[@MusicTherapyLaz]

Thanks for a great run down... now I'm even more sure of my purchsse today of a used 2019 Tribute in satin Cherry Sunburst... feels, plays and sounds Fantastic. I immediately noticed it must be weight relieved but no loss in tone or sustain... very balanced guitar! BTW... I think the not so slim maple neck adds that snap and clarity to the tone... unlike the other two guitars. GREAT VALUE! I've been looking for a Les Paul for a couple few years... this one fit every need to a T!!!

[@63north]

Plain, fair & honest review...very useful - thanks!

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

I go back and forth between my Tele and Tribute and it's all I need. Very happy

[@ipasha1437]

Thank you for your effort to make this video! It did help me to make a choice. And I gotta admit, no BS talk, quite straight-forward. I subscribed to see some videos of yours!

[@miketripodo2879]

I have a Tribute and I love it.. Yes the burstbuckers in the Standard are more articulate/have more clarity, but the 490s really nail the classic rock PAF sound.. Nice demo.

[@janrandles8683]

If I could play as well as you do I might go with the standard if I had the money! Sounds wonderful. I am looking at the Studios but liked the Tribute tone better. Thanks for comparison!!

[@burakunlu150]

Great review but mostly watched for playing. Amazing!

[@mboyer68]

I was shopping for an older Studio because they have ebony fretboards and trapezoid inlays. I got super lucky and found a 2002 Studio Premium Plus. The premium plus option is a seriously flamed maple top, not a thin little piece either. It was the original owner and he had never cleaned it so it was really dirty but after I got it cleaned up, it's almost perfect in terms of scratches, almost flawless. With a brown Gibson USA hard case for $800. The bridge volume pot is broken off and the knob is cracked but it works and I have a new pot to install at some point. Great video and absolutely incredible playing! Thank you:)

[@PipeLawyer]

Love "Cactus Flower". Sounds great on any of the Les Pauls.

[@PhotoDaveJax]

Nice review/comparison. Well done.

[@jonathansmith2581]

Cooper always give the best advise. Liked the Tribute & the 60’s Standard. for the money I’d have to with the Tribute.

[@oca8813]

For me it's the tribute I've just got one the neck feels perfect for me the sound ,the weight ,the satin look perfect 👌

[@davidblanche7961]

I went back and listen to both back to back. My ears hear the tribute sounding more crisp.

[@Rob-qr2kn]

Great review, very well done

[@dimitrisaivaliotis5616]

Hello there 😊 let's hear them next to next Tribute Rpc 5:17 Both pc's 5:35 Tpc 6:12 Studio. Rpc 11:15 Bpc's 12:12 Tpc 12:32 Studio split R 11:40 split B 11:50 split T 12:02 Standard Rpc 16:44 Bpc's 17:09 Tpc 17:39

[@dd61125]

and if nobody wants to waste their time they can skip straight to 24:21 :-] thank you!

[@desmondmyers]

Wow thank you so much for these time stamps! I’m surprised at how well the tribute stacks up to the standard here

[@Peter-by3ox]

Tribute sounds a thinner than the standard not as fulsome I wonder if this is because of the pups or the Tribute has the maple neck?

[@stevebrusseau3301]

I couldnt decide tribute or studio...Cooper says tribute so tribute is going to be my next guitar purchase. Thanks for deciding for me Cooper! Now i have to figure out what color. Love your demos.

[@starmarker531]

I own a Tribute, the exact same one you prefer here, and it is one of my many guitars, including the Standard. The Tribute is a fantastic looking and sounding guitar. Sooooo versatile, I find. A keeper for me.

[@maxverstappen2713]

I went with the Les Paul Standard High Performance and it is incredible.

[@mathiasnilo6855]

I stripped the edges of my beloved tribute! Took some hours to make it perfect but worth it all day long! Looks super with the maple top binding now! An amazing guitar for the money!

[@CurieBohr]

I picked up the 50s in (Limited edition) honeyburst. It’s so nice. I have a Classic ebony as well. Don’t sleep on the classics. Two LPs isn’t enough. I don’t think you can own enough

[@robertsimmons7814]

I have watched every video including this one before I made my choice. I decided on the Gibson LP Classic. Just a little cheaper than the Standard but that didn't really have much to do with my choice. I just liked the Smoke House Burst look and the feel and the sound of the Classic was really close to the Standard. Same pickups. Push pull knows. And I decided that if Gibson didn't care enough about a LP to give it a hard case than I didn't either. I have always wanted to own a Les Paul and I took my time and did the best research I could and that's where I landed. I own several quality guitars and I didn't want to buy a cheaper model and regret my decision so the Gibson LP Cassic was the right choice for me. Love it!!!

[@georgescannelli3814]

I Love the tribute compared to the other 2. I added to simple cosmetic changes. I added the poker chip on the toggle switch, and changed the dials to the vintage 1970’s ones, with the words volume & tone showing. Big difference to me.

[@georgescannelli3814]

Also changed the jack plate to a metal one. Very minor.

[@dlloyd4896]

Your attitude playing the Standard completely changed....Truly a great sound

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I bought a Tribute and love everything about the guitar, except the pickups. Not wanting to give up on the Tribute, I put an order in with Missing Link Audio for a set of pickups and the Geranium Peacock Overdrive.

[@clarissaanaferreirasieiro2127]

I'm now working extra hours to afford to buy a Gibson Les Paul Standard Hp but the Tribute really have a beautiful look in satin . I was to buy a Gibson Les Paul Standard hp months ago but an Ibanez AR725 just come up and after play it i couldn't let it go , such a beautiful instrument and amazing sounding guitar , and the prices in second hand guitar are more than a reazon to not pass by as the quality is easily comparable to a Gibson Les Paul custom , and only thwy were produced for one year

[@thejovialpanda]

Great video. The other video I'd like to see is a Studio vs Modern, since both have the ultra-modern weight relief and are in the Modern range of Les Pauls. Maybe even something like this, but with the Studio, the Classic, and the Modern. Thanks!

[@tijuanero4154]

Thanks for the video I Definitely go for the tribute I’m a Beginner thanks

[@johnb3194]

I went to a guitar center, pulled a standard and a tribute off the wall, both in a honey burst. I have to say when I played the standard I was appalled at how it could have ever left the Gibson shop. The frets were supremely scratchy during bends, the fret-ends were bitey and I've just never been a big fan of glossy nitro neck feel. When I picked up the Tribute I was like ok. This thing is about a thousand dollars cheaper and it's just a wonder to play. The silky nitro finish is just viscerally pleasing, every time I pick it up I smile. Also very few factory defects and fret issues. I went home with the tribute and I'm happy to say I made 100% the right decision. (I will say that there are certainly standards that feel amazing too, but Gibson these days is a roll of the dice, regardless of model).

[@ominosersudlander14888]

Doubt the standard was a custom shop model

[@johnb3194]

@@ominosersudlander14888 It wasn't, but I imagine there are plenty of custom shop models that get a lot of attention and play wonderfully

[@justaguy2365]

Just got studio and the frets were dull and had some small scratches. I put some time into polishing them and oiling the fretboard.

[@matsandersson8857]

Great video and great playing! I liked all but i like a Les Paul in a traditional style so i’m not much for these extra push pull extras.

[@BillZad]

I like the tone and sound of the Tribute the best, a nice balance, the Standard is very nice , a little brighter

[@brianwalker6849]

I couldn’t agree with you more about the tribute&Classic my tribute has been on order for about three week’s now ordering from the states to the U.K. takes about five weeks PMT tells me so it will arrive when it arrives ?? Great playing and vid by-the way Thanks B.

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you-less $ than I thought. Although honestly, I’ve got my heart leaning toward the Alex Lifeson Signature-Ephipone version.

[@grahampawson1502]

I have the fifties and the sixties standards and they are superb guitars ✌️😎

[@patrickkelly9721]

I bought my 2013 studio from a pawn shop for $800. Suits me just fine as I only play at home for personal enjoyment. I have no need for flash or to impress others. But the shiny ones are sure purty.

[@mauriziobiagini2825]

I agree with you standard is amazing but if i have to choose between tribute and studio i prefer tribute!

[@macauley70]

great comparation. congratulations

[@chrisgmurray3622]

The only Les Paul I've owned was an early seventies Deluxe ( mini humbuckers, which I prefer to P90's) and it was black. It sounded really good, but I often hankered after a dark red deluxe, although I never fiund one.As far as the new LP's go, I would choose the Tribute, despite lacking binding, it has nice touches like the cream plastic tulip tuners which I think looks more casual but luxurious despite lack of binding.I also like the maple neck, which I'm sssuming will give a bit more snap to the sound and have a lightness that is about as Fenderish as you can get on an LP. I live in NZ where Gibsons are prohibitively expensive, yet indonesian made guitars under various brands such as Artist Guitars (Australia) and the various Corts and PRS SE's are making brilliant sounding guitars fir aslittle as ( probably US$299 or something similar. The finish and pickups on some of these guitars are so good that unless you're buying a namebadge, in which case you'll get the Tribute, you'll probably do better to get three different cheap, well made guitars for the price of even the (cheap) Tribute. Thanks for sharing your insights into the details of these products-- it makes things easier for us to follow the machinations of the name brands.

[@mikebingham7189]

I have a 2012 Traditional and yes it’s heavy. This is one thing I don’t like and the neck pickup was “dark” and it had modern wiring. Instead of selling it I made it a project. First, I gutted the wiring and re-wired it 50’s style and installed the “best” 500k POTS I could find. Both of these were big improvements. Then I installed different PAF pickups (Wolfetone). Capacitors didn’t seem to matter much except the value, .015neck and .022bridge. Then I carefully sanded the neck to improve playability. Finally, the last thing I want to do is have a “pro” review the instrument and make any additional improvements. The guitar is gorgeous and plays beautifully. But I think it’s the amp that determines its sound.

[@michaelrosa2589]

I have a 2019 Tribute in the same color as the one you reviewed. Half the price of a Standard but not half the guitar by far. Great video Cooper!

[@magarnaglest]

I like and own the tangerine burst. It reminds me of Ryu's red fireball from Street Fighter

[@leegeddyfan]

you should do a Les Paul Classic, Traditional and Standard shootout

[@Spiralbythesea]

couldn't decide, so I got one of each.

[@truthof7382]

I played a tribute recently, and I find it’s not as dark as the standard. That was always my problem with the standard. Maybe that makes it perfect for heavy sounds, but not for cleans.

[@theshallowsea]

Yes,all the tribute series have a maple neck ( with rosewood fingerboard ) instead of mahogany neck and it gives the guitar a much clearer and bright sound . it is a matter taste but I dig these guitar .

[@leemp337]

good man for giving his honest opinion and not be afraid to say the lower cost Tribute was his favorite. there is no shame in that lower cost gibson. i like it when people guitar shame other people. It shows me the type person they are and i won't be hanging around with them.

[@MRTHUDTV]

Lucky for me, I preferred the sound of the Tribute :) I have the 50's Tribute Gold Top.

[@williambarabanitz3858]

I’m off point with this, but would enjoy feedback. I initially bought a Studio and modded with an OBSIDIANwire Mark II - all sounds from Standard 50s & 60s era. Then a Tribute was bought and Gibson mini-humbuckers were installed - Deluxe sounds delivered. Lastly, an Epiphone LP Junior was bought and a Kent Armstrong tapped P-90 was placed with upgraded 500k pots (one push/pull), a Mylar .047 cap and better Switchcraft components - Junior and Firebird tones realized. I went with these rather than the $3k Modern because I’ll always have a back-up guitar, and avoid a possible glitch in the Modern controls. The downside: 3 guitars take more time to maintain than one Modern. Would Appreciate Alamo staff comparing some dedicated sound Gibson LPs to a Swiss Army knife Modern in a future episode. Also, would an Epiphone Special with Fralin Firebird pickups be a budget friendly, more comfortable, valid alternative to the poorly designed, expensive Gibson Firebird?

[@sixslinger9951]

I just got my LP Tribute today in honeyburst and this guitar is flawless! I've been playing over 40 years and have owned every brand including Gibson and this blows them all out of the water. The only other guitar in my collection that comes close is my '92 PRS custom 10 top. I have owned a '72 Black Beauty Custom and it wasn't even in the same league as this new Tribute model! The pickups are killer and pack a huge punch and tons of sustain, played through my '87 Marshall Silver Jubilee and even my Katana Artist II. Gibson knocked it out of the park. The only thing I had to do out of the box was intonate a few of the strings but everything else is spot on perfection. If you are on the sidelines , give the Tribute a try. I can't see that the Standard is worth double this price!? PS....this thing is also a beauty too in the Satin Finish and neck is like butter. Frets are plek'd and flawless. Action is perfect and not one buzz anywhere on the neck with wide bending either. Love it!

[@rob_in_stowmarket_uk]

My original series 2010/11 P90 Goldtop Tribute has traditional wiring with ‘Bumblebee ‘ caps. My 2020 Humbuckered Honeyburst Tribute has the cheaper(?), easy assemble printed circuit wiring harness and ‘quick-connect’ pups - I had planned to swap this out for a wired harness, with ‘Bumblebees’. But, truth be told, it doesn’t need it as it sounds great as it is. Also, the P90’d is non-relieved and, as stated here, the current Humbucker version is ‘Modern’ relieved, but there is only about 3 ounces difference between their weights. 🤔

[@eghii]

I have a 2019 Studio Tribute. I absolutely love the sound and feel. I just wish it had the trapezoids rather than just the dots. But the next LP on my list to acquire is the Standard 60s

[@IRequireMedication]

'Studio Tribute'...?

[@Arestiluca93]

The standard is the best but, in my opinion the tribute, wow, has nothing to envy .. Thanks for comparison 👌🏻

[@crankshaft383]

I love your hate. I think nobody puts as much time, effort and research into guitar reviews, as you do. Thanks for that. Totally honest and informative...

[@texhaines9957]

I'm mostly an acoustic player but that Standard 60's is something else. What about neck shape on the 3? Any have a neck like those TAYLOR 814ce LTD ?Thanks Cooper.

[@davidohara6515]

Bought a les Paul traditional 2016 model 5 years ago , it has a fabulous top , 57 classic pups and imo is exactly what a les Paul should be. Standards since 2008 have had an elliptical neck profile, and burstbuckers ( same pups as standard lp since 2002 ) . Can't say there's much of a difference, yeh, I had one of the 2002 models! Point ? Don't go spending wads of cash , when you can get a fab sounding and playing guitar for half the price.

[@saltydog8243]

Hope to own a Gibson one day...Great video! I used to think Gibson was to expensive, But really, its not their fault I can't afford it...

[@M.S-Music]

I had one (SG), sold it after only 6 months of ownership... Its just a brand on a headstock, there are much better guitars out there for much less money and way better quality.

[@smollande]

I think that the maple neck on the tribute might have added some clarity acoustically but Im not sure if the difference in clarity could be heard in the signal. I tried the studio and the weight relief added a really woody hollow tone kinda like a semi hollow. But it wasnt captured by the amp. These acoustic sounds do add to the playing experience and both cater to different preferences. The studios lack of clarity could be ideal for someone who enjoys playing slide for example.

[@stevecraig7643]

I do own a 50’s slandered but it is a case Queen. I need a studio for an every day les paul.

[@jmw510]

Would have liked to see the differences in the neck radius and thickness and how Cooper perceives how they feel to play.

[@AlamoMusic]

Hey Jeff-- all of these guitars have a 12" fret radius, and the neck profiles are Slim Taper (for the Standard and Studio) and "Rounded" for the Tribute. I didn't feel too drastic of a difference between all of them, but I do enjoy the satin finish on the Tribute neck. Between these, the biggest difference to me is the pickups, all of the necks/fingerboards were pretty similar and solid to me. Let me know if you have any other questions! Thanks again for watchin.

[@adamziolkowski2549]

My man, you look like ya could fit right in with the Allman Brothers. 👍

[@mark240862]

I bought a Classic model a few years ago and haven't regretted it for a minute. It's every thing I could ever want from a Les Paul.

[@Coop_68]

I also bought a Classic in the Honey rust and have zero regrets. Beautiful guitar and the tones are just phenomenal.

[@roberthealy1814]

I bought a Tribute, but it was not Gibson , it is an Epiphone, Love it. I plan to get a Gibson later, probably a tribute.

[@shelbyowens4763]

MY Les Paul Standard 60's is my favorite also

[@MD-mh6iu]

Great review. I own a 2020 Studio and 2017 LP Standard T. Love ‘em both both probably favor the Standard (although went with the Studio for church yesterday) due to Burstbucker tone. But the Studio rocks and plays nicely. Curious what amp you were playing through.

[@charlesbolton8471]

The amp looks like a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe.

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

Just bought the Standard...worth every penny! Real Heavy Gibson! Saved!

[@deejay7339]

You can't go wrong with any of these

[@rhoff7272]

Excellent playing as always, but i think Cooper Greenberg and Robert Baker need to have a coolest hair competition

[@justwinclassic]

Came very close to buying a studio smokehouse burst, ended up with an S2 Mccarty 594 instead. Just worked for me more

[@thadlogan51]

I have a Gibson Les Paul studio in smokehouse burst. I am also a huge PRS fan. I own a PRS core 24, had a ce 24, PRS Chris Robertson, had 245. I think they both sound stellar... similar but different. Tough choices for sure. 594 is a killer guitar. I think the Gibson is more focused and biting and the PRS 594 more open and fatter sounding...

[@oncaaxe8225]

the standard and the tribute outshines the studio in tone immensely

[@ArielCardona]

How?

[@dpajc056]

I had a tribute (490R/T), special (P90s), and the Classic + (burstbuckers pro). The special with the flat body played great but couldn’t get over the single coil hum. The classic + looked the best but was super heavy and had no use for coil splits and prefer the sound of the tribute and satin feel so I kept the tribute, cheapest one of all of them

[@Louis-lt2we]

Isn't it coil tap, not coil split?

[@toddgarman6732]

Hey Cooper, great video!!! I agree with you on the tribute finish's....just wish they where gloss.

[@23kyd49]

I really liked the Studio and it’s diversity.

[@claudialuciano3033]

Hi! I'm Paolo from Italy. I think your videos are great! Both simply and exaustive. Very useful for one like me who is trying to study english (io parlo italiano/ je parle francais). I love the new Gibson Supreme 2024... but is true that it's only a modern with some precious decorations and a custom price? What making a video to explain their differences? Forgive my english and thank you so much for your videos!

[@johntaylor8829]

I have a 2013 50's Tribute that's a little heavier that feels great.

[@RawadAMassih]

Thanks man for the review. Do you know how much the Tribute weigh? Cheers

[@flurkin]

Well....i love them all, so i got the 50s 60s and 70s deluxe. The 50s is my favorite

[@rudolphpyatt4833]

I have a 2016 60s Tribute with P90s in that same Honeyburst. Really, the Tributes are what the original Studios were, the no nonsense, minimal bling essential Les Paul. They have taken the Studio upmarket but not necessarily for the better.

[@ktm3602]

Your 2016 Tribute is better than the current Tributes, 2016 has a Mohogany neck current have maple, and who doesn't like the P90'S. But I still prefer the Studio for value.

[@vvcv__00]

About the Standard pickups. My guess is that you find the BUrstbucker sound to be warmer than what's in the Tribute. Burstbuckers are loser to a PAF sound (warmer, darker, etc_), which I'm sure you know. I've found that Les Paul players, who want a bit less of that warmth, really like the low output DiMarzio Master PAF pickups. They have far less output, and to me anyway (though i don't use them), sound much closer to a very nice single coil, in addition to retaining great humbucker body without too much single coil glass. Just not enough warmth for my jazzy playing, but they do sound great in a Les PAul.

[@MrEaglesfan40]

I just bought a tribute and I think its fantastic I love the Finnish

[@jgutie1552]

How about a video comparing Standard to the Deluxe and Custom?

[@denisejacobs8886]

PSA. I recently made entry into the Gibson Les Paul family. I bought a used 2020 model Les Paul Tribute. Excellent condition. Appeared spotless. The zipper pulls still had the plastic on them. Was absolutely over the roof excited. After a week,I noticed some roughness at the lower neck from the heel up to the fretboard around the 12th fret. The Nitro cellulose satin finish was peeling. After contacting every luthier in my area, GC, even Gibson. We deducted it was from sitting on a cheap guitar stand. The pseudo rubber reacts with the varnish. Further investigation into the Gibson blogs gave me deeper insight into this known issue. I even noticed on a Snark tuner box a big ole warning not to leave the tuner attached to your Gibson headstock. I ended up returning it and buying a brand new one.

[@blindboygrunt7711]

What would your advice be?

[@denisejacobs8886]

@@blindboygrunt7711 I am covering the crappy pseudo rubber with velvet until I get a “fancy” stand

[@blindboygrunt7711]

@@denisejacobs8886 i’m gonna buy one of these this week. What should and should’t i do? :)

[@jordanpratt3821]

@@denisejacobs8886 man I would get a case. If I'm not playing mine it's in its case.Putting a Gibson guitar on a stand is just asking for it. If,and when it falls it is going to break.

[@ianclarke3627]

Yep, agree with everything you say.

[@dompidenolf8751]

Normally the Studio also has the 490 pick ups, so it was better to check the Tribute with the Studio with that same pu's, still a cool review, more depth in the standard versus Studio, but it's a choice, the Studio is tighter, better for funk, or heavy, stuff with power. I checked the Tribute and it felt to primitive, sloppy. Then went for a 2016 Studio radiant red, but i can also say there's differences in a studio from the 90s versus later on. This 2016 version blew me away, split coil, Gibson brown hardcase from the standard or custom's, crazy

[@rdsaplala]

Thanks for this comparison, I'm looking to get my first Gibson so this was very helpful. Just a noob question, doesn't the weight relief lessen the sustain of the guitar?

[@smelltheglove2038]

No. It’s because you’re looking at it. You don’t need to look at it to hear the sustain. They’re known for their sustain. You can hear it now. It even has the old tagger still on it.

[@rdsaplala]

@@smelltheglove2038 thanks, actually all 3 of them have good sustain, but the standard, at least to my ear, has significantly more sustain than the studio and tribute... however, I'm not sure if that is mainly due to the standard's higher end PUs and electronics, or if the solid body also contributes to its better sustain... hence back to the question: won't the weight relief lessen the sustain?

[@ezrvs]

I have a Studio and am very happy with it. My next LP will be a step up to the Standard, I suppose.

[@rodrigodenis6312]

I have owned the tribute, standard and studio. And I have tried the classic, the deluxe and several custom shop les pauls and I must say I prefer the Classic, tribute and deluxe a lot better than the standard, studio and custom shop

[@MikeHoodenpyle]

Great video, as usual, but I really wish you had included a Classic.

[@Nooneknows74]

I traded a 2018 Duesenberg Starplayer TV + $ for a 2023 Les Paul 50's Standard at my local music store. Haven't looked back in the slightest.

[@kellornmap4457]

I would like to know what your thoughts are on the classic? I think it's also mostly based on a '60s standard.

[@jordanpratt3821]

The classic is weight relieved, the standard is not.Standard is handwired, classic has a PCB board because each knob is a push/pull.

[@OscarGuitare]

I recently purchased a Les Paul Tribute. This the best guitar I've owned so far. It's light, stays in tune unlike any other. Sound is great even with no amp. Tones are VERY warm and perfect for jazz, blues. You need a good amp or effects if you wanna go hard rock or metal, or you might wanna go for the P90 version for that (I will probably get myself one of those P90s version).

[@tomrosa4248]

Yes, I agree this Tribute plays great. I know in the past Gibson made these with P90's, I am waiting for Gibson to make those again I will definitely get one.

[@crypticreality8484]

@@tomrosa4248 I think they make a Les Paul Special Tribute with P-90's. Of course, then there's no carved maple top but, it's such a kickass workhorse Gibson!

[@automatoncollectives7237]

The Tributes are basically what poor stooges buy when they can’t afford higher quality gear.

[@crypticreality8484]

@@automatoncollectives7237 the only stooge is someone lame enough to troll other people's guitar choices. Get lost. Lol

[@automatoncollectives7237]

@@crypticreality8484 I’m merely pointing out not all Gibsons are alike. Just because it says Gibson on the headstock doesn’t mean it’s a great guitar. I think your confirmation bias precludes you from understanding that. No legendary player would be caught dead playing that abomination.