2009 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro Guitar Review Scott Grove

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[@groovydjs]

@AkisColdplay No problem my friend. The new Grover tuners are the locking kind. So, you just stick the string in, pull it tight, lock down the string with the wheel on the bottom of the tuner and it locks the string in place, then you cut the string off and only have to wind the string a few times instead of having to do the wraps around the post many times as in the past. Just a few turns and you're there. It doesn't even go around the post one time. It's a real time saver.

[@groovydjs]

Thank you. This is 100% stock and for my personal uses. Country, Rock, Blues and more....this is by far the most bang for the buck in variety of sounds that I've found. It's an amazing axe my friend. Thanks again, Scott

[@groovydjs]

@Requius76 Yes, when split into single coil mode, the black coil in the bridge position is on (furthest from the bridge for a more useful, Fenderish sound) and the white coil is on in the neck position for the same reason.

[@groovydjs]

@xTurquoiseGlazex So very appreciated! Great to have you on board! Scott

[@groovydjs]

@TheMagford Yes, it is vintage sunburst. The tag on the guitar and the warranty stated otherwise, but it is vintage sunburst.

[@groovydjs]

@TheMariusDuaas The PLEK thing is the computer setup done at the factory that gets the setup perfect where as younger kids just don't seem to know how to setup a guitar, adjust the truss rod for the proper relief in the neck etc. and the PLEK system takes care of all of that for you.

[@AntmanFelix]

i guess I'm part of that few who like pickguards on Les Pauls too

[@groovydjs]

Hello, I use the very first modeling amps to ever come out and they are still the only amps I use. They are Johnson Millennium JM-150 amps and they have to be programmed. So the settings have literally hundeds of parapaters to them rather than they typical bass mid treble stuff on standard amplifiers. They have a fully digital preamps section itegrated with a set of 12AX7 preamp tubes, solid state power amps (stereo) and Celestion 75's as far as the dual 12" speakers go. Great amps.

[@groovydjs]

@The0ManJam Eamonn, I'm so glad that you ended up liking this axe so well. It is the RIGHT one to get if you are a Tele fan for sure. It is just the "Go To" Gibson that fits the bill perfectly. You are right also in that it has all of the tonal bases covered. You can easily take this one guitar to a gig and know that you don't have to pick up another guitar during the night for any reason. Congratulations on finding it in that finish too! That's a great score!

[@groovydjs]

@MrDvirHamadbir Yeah, it's cool that they made a variation to fit everybody. I wish that they would've covered a few more bases by putting the coil split option on the othe axes too. I'm not a fan at all of that Page or Slash sound, so I'm so glad that the Pro was offered up. That was the one and only reason I even considered getting another Les Paul after owning so many of those things. I haven't checked to see if the Gold Top is the same as the other finishes, I can't imagine why not.

[@groovydjs]

Certaina pickups are able to be split, the easiest way to tell is to look for 4 wires coming out of each pickup. That will usually indicate if they are able to be split or tapped.

[@groovydjs]

@joshmrtn10 You are correct, it is listed as desert burst on the hang tags and on the warranty. But it is vintage sunburst.

[@groovydjs]

Much appreciated and contrats on getting this guitar. It goes where most Les Paul's only dream of going. Great choice my friend.

[@groovydjs]

Yes, they will split just fine and can do so via the already installed push / pull volume pots. No problem at all my friend.

[@groovydjs]

@omfg51 It is actually VINTAGE SUNBURST. It's been discussed 1,000 times. Desert Burst was what was written on the ad and the hang tags, but obviously, it's not.

[@groovydjs]

@macaius That stinks about the difficulty of getting them into the country over there. I ended up with the Pro strictly for the split coil feature and because there isn't any kind of wood missing with the weight relieved etc. Very cool axe.

[@groovydjs]

@guitarguy610 Thank you so very much! I am really glad that you enjoyed the video and found it informative enough to want to go check one out and eventually actually buy one. I hope it is everything for you that it is to me. Just one of the most versatile Les Pauls made. If you ever decide to post yours on here, I'd like to check it out. Scott

[@groovydjs]

Thank you my friend. They are a very nice departure from the same old....same old Les Pauls. Please let me know if you ever get to try one. Scott

[@groovydjs]

I just watched your demo. Awesome playing my friend and your Traditional Pro is beautiful! Great sounds and amazing playing. Congrats and I'm glad that you are enjoying yours as much as I do mine. Thanks again and thank you for your review also, great job my friend.

[@groovydjs]

@Razorfist91 Yes, you can find this model in the 2011 versions with your 50's neck and available in Honey Burst, Black, Gold Top and Wine Red. You can find them on the Gibson website for a complete list of all current options.

[@groovydjs]

Thank you so much, that is too kind of you. I just like to point out the good and the bad as I see it. Other's may see the same guitar differently and like what I find fault in. I am proud to have turned you on to this one and to have helped you make your choice. I appreciate the plug my friend. Many, many thanks and enjoy! Scott

[@groovydjs]

They are all good, It's just a matter of if you want only humbuckers or if you want the option to be able to have a lot more sounds with the coil taps that are installed on the Pro. All depends on your needs my friend.

[@groovydjs]

@61SGman That's cool, It only took them about 100 years to figure that out......but I'm glad they did. It is a much better feel than before.

[@groovydjs]

Thank you. I play through a Johnson Millennium JM150. All effects are built into it. It was the first modeling amp to come out back in the eary 90's. They have long since folded. I love them and have a couple around in case one was ever to go out on me. LOL Thanks again. Scott

[@groovydjs]

@reviewsnake I went looking to find out what is what. The Traditional Pro is offered with the P-90's. I see a stock Gold Top that is P-90 equipped stock. I don't even consider the Studio models as guitars. lol So, I wouldn't include those in there. The Traditional Plus has the 57's, so it's simply a Les Paul Standard that is chambered. They are offering some of the Traditional series with stock Bigsby trems now too. Not a great idea to whammy over such sharp saddles. String breakage.

[@groovydjs]

@Requius76 Sure enough, you can spin it whatever way you want it. If you want the single coil away from the neck, just spin the pickup around and no problems at all. Just if it has enough wire to reach around is all.

[@groovydjs]

@chymist66 Thank you. That is the long discontinued Johnson Millennium JM-150. Johnson was a division of Digitech and were made in Sandy, Utah. They folded a good 10 years ago. The amps were originally a couple grand, they can now be had on Ebay for about $400.00 on average. Amazing amps. They are a modeling amp and are quite the groovy box. The only amps I'll use. I have a few around to make sure they last me until I meet my maker. lol

[@groovydjs]

@tamirke AWESOME, you are going to love it. What color did you go for? They are all beautiful. I'm excited for you. Keep me posted. Scott

[@groovydjs]

@mixpebz I would give the Squier a test drive. They are putting out guitars that are pretty close to the USA Fender's now. Fender quality control is really slacking these days, so everybody is going the Squier route because they have actually stepped up their game. So, that is a good place to start checking when you arrive. Good call!

[@groovydjs]

@minnesotaleadpicker Thank you very much. I use the Johnson Millennium JM150's. All of the effects are built into the amp. So, no outboard effects. I actually sold off all of my tube amps after getting a couple of these. I got rid of the Twin also. This amp actually gave me a much better clean sound than I could get from the Twin. With the tubes, there is always a certain amout of "idle" noise that is always there. I like my rig to be dead quiet if I'm not playing . Gate built in too!

[@groovydjs]

@ChanielDang The single coils mode makes it sound like more like a Fender Telecaster. Gives you a nice twangy and defined sound. Humbuckers are darker sounding and not as defined.

[@groovydjs]

I wish it was. They are only available in Vintage Sunburst (the actual color of this one), Heritage Cherry Sunburst and Ebony.

[@groovydjs]

@smOfficialMusic I'm sure that laminated isn't the word you were looking for. But, the back of the entire guitar (including the neck and sides) are finished with a satin finish. So, it's not like you are playing against the raw wood, there is a major finish on it all, just a satin (non stick) finish that is very comfortable and so much nicer than sticking to the regularly finished axes. The only way that you could have a faster playing playing surface is to go to raw wood (which I love).

[@groovydjs]

@LesterPaul01 Thanks my friend. You made me get up and go pull mine down to check the back. It looks to be a single piece too. It's so hard to tell, but I'm not seeing any sort of seam back there. Yeah, there wouldn't be any kind of change in tone at all on it if it was 2 or 20 pieces, Mahogany or Basswood, but it is a groovy looking axe. Which finish did you end up going with?

[@groovydjs]

@TheBudhistpunk Yes, it is Vintage Burst. It has been discussed several times since posting. It was advertised as Desert Burst when I bought it and the hang tags also say Desert Burst, but surely a Vintage Burst. Cool axe.

[@groovydjs]

@MrManson94 That it does, that's what made me get it. Goes from tele to the whole humbucker thing. Why limit your tonal options? Really sweet guitar.

[@contrabandjoe7974]

Hello Scott.. I just got one of these this week.. I purchased a 2012 Trad Pro II in Cherry Burst... You are right! these are really REALLY good. Like the coil split and the 10db boost, locking grover rototuners as well.. Mine has a flame top as well.. just superb...

[@groovydjs]

@Webitop So, you will be getting the regular Traditional or the Traditional Plus. Those are going to cost you quite a bit more.

[@groovydjs]

@ozzygeo I'm guessing you want to know if the top is carved like all Les Paul Standards? (yep, these took place of the Les Paul Standards that year). Then yes, it's a carved top.

[@groovydjs]

@315hb You are exactly correct. That is a great trem and would be wonderful on this axe. Good call.

[@groovydjs]

@macaius Very cool. Did yours come set up perfectly like mine did? I didn't have to change a thing. I was amazed actually.

[@groovydjs]

I know that some of the Traditional Plus models come in other finishes, but the Gibson website only lists the Traditional Pro in the 3 finishes.

[@groovydjs]

@midiman56 Thanks and congrats on the new axe. I really hope more folks find out how versatile this is and appreciate it for all that it is, not what it isn't. I find it hard to put down too. They get one right every now and then and these are keepers. Enjoy my friend.

[@groovydjs]

@stratcatavarious My pleasure my friend. It's a great way to get our Gibson and Fender sounds all in the one axe.

[@groovydjs]

Thank you very much my friend. Very appreciated. Scott

[@groovydjs]

@ignaciocaps The neck is a 60's style neck which is similar to the U shaped Strat necks. The satin finish helps out a lot with being a lot less sticky than the usual finishes on the Gibsons. So, they did a good thing there. Haven't had an issue with this one like I do all the others.

[@groovydjs]

Thank you, it really is a sweet offering from Gibson for a change.

[@groovydjs]

@KimKarterthewriter Thank you so very much! Yeah, these are very cool. They've got this version still, but soooo many different versions of them out now. So, if you get any other year than the 2009 (Which were all identical to this one) watch out for which one you get. They will ALL still be called the Traditional Pro, but you can get the fatter 50's necks, the P-90 pickups (which takes away the whole coil splitting thing....so you have single coils only) etc. So, choose wisely! Cheers.

[@groovydjs]

@Glew1992 Thank you my friend. So very appreciated. Scott

[@groovydjs]

Yeah, they are Plek'd also and have the same Nitro finish on the back of the body and neck. Awesome guitars. Much appreciated.

[@groovydjs]

Hi Matthew, this is the best money I've spent on a Les Paul. If you really want a variety of tones, this is the one. I've had at least 50 Les Pauls and this is by far the most versatile one yeat and easily the best playing one right out of the case. I would go back and pay twice the price for it if they raised the price and mine was lost. It really is that good of a guitar. Thanks my friend. Scott

[@groovydjs]

@Brian19451 Very cool. It's very hard to find the wine red finish. In the 2009 models anyway. Those and the Goldtop were of very limited production. I know they are doing all kinds of different things with the Traditional Pro this year, offereing a 50's neck, P-90 pickups with Coil Taps (which would be kind of goofy), so I'm not sure of what the run is for the different finishes offered on them this year. Just stay away from the Epiphone versions. Not a good thing.

[@groovydjs]

I was going to get a Standard until I came across this and then there was no turning back. Too many cool tone possiblilities with it compared to a standard. I play through a Johnson Millennium JM-150. I love those things. I have 3 since they were gone like 10 years ago. I get another one, run a midi cable between my first one and the new one and do a bulk dump of all of my patches and everything is in the new amp in seconds. I love these things. Thanks my friend, Scott

[@groovydjs]

@sonicnator My pleasure. You can't help but find something you'll love from those guys.

[@groovydjs]

@Webitop These are great guitars. I love the finish. They did do a few limited edition Traditional Pros that were finished in a deep wine red and another batch that were Gold Tops. Each of those were limited to 100 guitars each.

[@groovydjs]

@LesterPaul01 Awesome! I'd love to check it out. I picked up a few different SG-III's and despite the color on the front, they were all black on the back. I'm never sure what their thinking is behind that. Black would cover up a finish flaw though maybe? I'm glad you found one and like it. Don't you love that neck and the satin finish? Too cool.

[@AudioInstruments]

14 years late, but I finally stumbled across this video. I bought the exact same guitar in 2010, and it's still my favorite Les Paul!

[@groovydjs]

Very cool!

[@groovydjs]

@KedmenecMartin I like this one better because of the Slittable pickups. Way more tonal variations. But if you just want standard humbuckers, then go with the standard.

[@groovydjs]

@mangamathys No problem, when you pull out the volume knobs, the pickups that are humbucker pickups that give you that "GIBSON" sound, become split in half and are now single coil pickups and they will make your guitar sound pretty much like a Fender Telecaster. No other Les Pauls are doing that at the moment. So, it's a great option so that you don't have to take a Gibson style guitar and a Fender style guitar both to a gig with you to cover all of those sounds, this guitar does them all.

[@groovydjs]

Many thanks my friend. Scott

[@groovydjs]

@snowfosho2 Thank you very much. It's called the vintage burst despite the Desertburst reference on the video. It was simply what it said on the sale tag and the warranty card. Leave it to them to mess it up. lol I am glad that I ended up with this finish over all of the others. It is so early "Ace Frehley".

[@groovydjs]

@AkisColdplay The tuners go around and around. What is the difference between what and what?

[@groovydjs]

@dlowe81 That is true. As discussed dozens and dozens of times below. The tag on the guitar and the warranty card both say Desert Burst on them, So, that's what I went with when I did the review the day I received it. But yes, it is Vintage Sunburst.

[@groovydjs]

@alexmaiden0666 Hi Alex, the pickups are not active at all, no batteries required my friend. Just simple coil splitting for the single coil type sounds via the push / pull volume knobs. Straight forward and easy wiring.

[@groovydjs]

It is waaaaay worth the extra investment. This particular has so many extra sounds via the coil taps, plus the solid body witout the chambering just sounds like the Les Paul is famous for sounding. Just like a thick, heavy beast instead of a hollowed out version of it. LOL I hope that makes sense. Pull those knobs out and split those coils and you are in Fender territory. It's a nice feature to have when you want it. Plus you don't have to hack up the guitar to get those sounds. Sweet!

[@groovydjs]

@ThaNatural777 Howdy. Nope, no holes in these things. This model is original weight, but sounds so much better than all of the other models. They really did a great job with these. They aren't all dark and dull like they typical Les Paul's, these pickups and coil splitting options actually make for a very musical axe. Plus, the bridge will stay on durning string changes (the tailpiece still falls off) and the locking Grovers are the best keys to be put on any Gibson to date. Great axe.

[@groovydjs]

@HeavyPsych I can always find a drawback. The one and only true drawback with this guitar is actually an electronic enevitibility, which is that the pickups, when tapped, are not as loud as when they are in full humbucking mode. That's always the case, so I can't really gripe. The knobs / pots are positioned perfectly to pull at and they really thought this one through. So, no other gripe at all. I love more than anyone to point out the flaws if they are there my friend.

[@groovydjs]

@tamirke Awesome! That's the way it should be. I'm so happy for you. Congratulations and I would love to see it.

[@groovydjs]

@myway43 Thank you, these are awesome axes. I'm using one of my old Johnson Millennium JM150 amps. They were the first ever modeling amps. You can find my review on it if you type in Scott Grove Johnson. So, all of the sounds, and effects are all from the amp only, no pedals.

[@groovydjs]

Yes, each volume knob is a push / pull for each pickups tap. Such a great, stock feature. It is heads above the other models as far as a variety of sounds, plus it is not chambered at all. It's a true, heavy as they come Les Paul with a satin finish on the back and the back of the neck. It makes for a much faster playing neck instead of being stuck by sweat on a heavily sprayed neck. Somebody actually thought this one out. It's a keeper.

[@groovydjs]

Hi, it looks like some other color to me also. I ordered it in Desert Burst and that's what it says on the tags and registration, and others have commented on the right color too. It doesn't look like any Desert Burst that I've seen either...so, probably not, but It's so sharp that whatever color it is, I'm glad it showed up that way. LOL

[@groovydjs]

@HearingLossProvider You'll be so happy with it. It is unlike all the other Les Pauls in so many great ways. There's even a small Allen screw on both sides of the bridge so that you can have the bridge stay on the guitar without falling off and messing up your finish during string changes. They didn't do it to the tail piece though. I thought that was kind of odd. But, everything about these particular Les Pauls just smokes all the ones before them. Versatile as crazy and FEEL great!

[@groovydjs]

@macaius Thank you very much and let me know if you grab one. This is easily one of my top 2 favorite Les Pauls of all time. It's like a Swiss Army Knife, it will do pretty much everything and do it well.

[@groovydjs]

@Danirenegade Awesome, glad that you got you one! The single with one humbucker makes for just the right amount of clarity and fullness on the clean sounds and like you said, hit the buckers when it's time to wail and you're off to the races. Funny that you mentioned the wider strap. Someone asked me how I could wear that thing all night, I told them to just get an inch wider strap and you can wear any guitar.

[@groovydjs]

@macaius Very cool, I'm glad you did your homework before you laid down your money and you are right, these are just as comfortable as it gets. I really would like to see that video!. The other one that I love is the Les Paul Studio Lite M-III (long name huh?). It has the addition of another single coil pickup in the middle. So, there is a 2 ways switch and a 5 way Strat switch. The 2 way, keeps it like a Les Paul, then flip it and ALL the pickups are single coil and you have the Strat sounds.

[@groovydjs]

@tanukibrahma Sweet my friend! I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do. You must or you wouldn't have dropped the dough on it. Which finish did you end up with.

[@groovydjs]

@HearingLossProvider I hear you. This axe is great for modding out too. I a Frehley fan and I know exatly the tone you're talking about. I have one of my Les Paul's set up for just that. Let me know what you end up doing. A lot of folks are adding the nickel pickup covers for cosmetic reasons to give it that vintage look that looks amazing on these and it's such a quick mod.

[@rickycompton2610]

Man dr groovy I missed this old video you always find all the gems in the guitar world brother.

[@groovydjs]

Thank you my friend, I just call them as I see them. I appreciate the comment. Scott

[@groovydjs]

@JaySFaires I totally agree with you there. My pick never hits the guard, It's just a looks thing for me too.

[@groovydjs]

@gunsnflamethrowers Yeah, they are totally different guitars now. In 2009, when they first came out, they were all simply like mine, no differences except for 5 choices of color. In 2011, you can have any size neck profile, relieved, not relieved, differend pickups and on and on. You can pick things out kind of like off of a menu. So, you have to be asking a lot of questions when you buy one used when they came from the 2011 line-up. I am looking forward to the V and Explorer Trad. Pros.

[@groovydjs]

@Masterpas Thanks my friend. Much appreciated.

[@groovydjs]

@ratelvis Very cool. I can't wait to see it. I haven't kept up on the new runs of them. I'm still wanting to get a few more of the 2009's. I have to get the Ebony and the Gold Top for sure. They are just way too much fun. lol

[@groovydjs]

@Stringprodigy I don't doubt it. Simply the first that I'd heard of it.

[@groovydjs]

@Statchar Thank you. Buy used for sure. There isn't much of anything new worth buying for that price and yet there are MONSTER, more vintage guitars that will smoke anything you can find new. I would honestly check out axes from the 70's and 80's from Aria, Greco, Fernandes, Ibanez, Peavey, Washburn and Yamaha. They had some great stuff back then where as their current stuff at three times the price, doesn't even come close.

[@groovydjs]

Hi there, yeah, I can't figure out why it's cheaper either, but I'm glad that it is. And it sounds a lot better than my SG too. It also is the best sounding Les Paul that I've had. I really am enjoying all of the sounds you can get out of this thing. Scott

[@groovydjs]

@Reckefisch The wine red is a great looking and rare finish for these, same as the Gold Top. I would love to grab one of those up. I'm glad you are enjoying your axe. You are right, the binding is kind of what people are calling "fleshy" colored. It doesn't bother me at all. I'm not sure why Gibson does most of what it does, but at least they finally put out a great axe with this variation. I really get tired of the same old same old with them and Fender. Just enough of a change, cool!

[@groovydjs]

@ratelvis Awesome my friend. Is the 50's neck PRO something new? I haven't heard of that variation yet. The PRO has always had the 60's neck. It may be something new for this year. Be sure to let me see that bad boy when you get it. Congratulations!

[@groovydjs]

@InspiredProphecy I'm right there with you my friend,100% a Strat guy and if there's any Les Paul to get it's This one or the Les Paul Studio M-III that I have a review on here on my channel also. The M-III has the same thing going for it with the addition of the addition of another single coil in the middle position.So, it's a bit more familiar for the Strat player. But if you want it to look like a regular Les Paul, but do the work of both it and a Tele, then this is it and it's held up great.

[@groovydjs]

@ChanielDang I'm excited for you. Be sure to let me know when you get it and let me know how you like it.

[@groovydjs]

@CaptiousMusic Awesome! I know you'll love it. It really does bridge that gap quite convincingly and the best of both worlds are represented so well that dragging the one guitar to the gig is actually possible without sacrificing any quality in an axe that you can depend on. Let me know how it does for you after it arrives. All my best and thanks again. Scott

[@groovydjs]

@66mixalis The Standard is the Traditional. They simply didn't use the word "Standard" for a couple of years. lol These were designes as a Guitar Center Exclusive thing. Just a promotional thing as most companies do. The Plus, like mine, has the thinner 60's neck and the coil splitting on the volume controls for tons of tonal options. The others are just Standard Les Paul's with a Fat, Baseball bat 50's neck and regular humbuckers with no switching and chambered bodies to make them lighter

[@islandboy40]

Thanks for the review! That was really informative! Did not know they came factory with split coil pickups!

[@Patmclean232]

I can't even get over how great the coil tapping sounds on this! Great demo!

[@groovydjs]

@kssork Thank you so very much. I thought that maybe some of my students might get a kick out of it or something.

[@groovydjs]

@CampfireHedphaz I've never tried out the Studio Deluxe before. I'll give one a spin the next time I head to the big city where I can actually get my hands on a guitar before I buy one. It's a couple hours drive, so I don't make it there too often. I usually just grab stuff from Ebay and hope for the best. lol

[@groovydjs]

@macaius That is so cool my friend! I bet you love that thing. You'll really find the great combinations of tones between the humbucker and single coil sounds and have a much more versatile axe than the rest of them Enjoy that puppy and play it loud and proud!

[@groovydjs]

@R0ckagainst Thank you very much. The amp never really got a fair shake when it first came out. It was the very first modeling amp. The Johnson Millennium JM-150. I think it was their horrible presets that hurt them so badly. As you can hear, a little tweaking and some great sounds are in there and immediately recallable via the J-12 MIDI controller. I really love these things. Thanks again.

[@groovydjs]

@Bakerskater9870 Nothing different between them except for the grain pattern that shows. So, it's purely a cosmetic thing. Some pieces are selected for what they call a flame, curly and so on pattern. Maple wood has a lot of interesting natural patterns in the grain, so it's just a grain selection.

[@groovydjs]

@minnesotaleadpicker Thanks much. I simply ran out of time. I was only allowed to post 10 minute videos at the time of recording this and now I'm allowed 15. I only had 3 seconds left over. But, these are really the only Les Paul that I would ever take to a country gig. The humbuckers don't sound like typical humbuckers and the singles don't sound like typical singles because it's impossible for them to do so, but they do both well enough that it makes for a very versatile axe. Keep Tele !