I Bought Gibson's Cheapest Guitar

[@OlaEnglund]

It would make THIS little girl happy!

[@presmasterflash7555]

@@OlaEnglund oh, you…

[@felixflatterer6646]

NOOO ola did you go full trans? cut off pensi and all?

[@scottied2003]

😂

[@blakebeene8188]

I bought one on clearance for $800. At that price it’s justifiable for modern guitar pricing. It also plays well for an $800 guitar. That said, I can’t imagine paying $1500 for the same guitar.

[@havenless3551]

At $1500 there's absolutely zero chance that I'd want one over an LTD or a Schecter or any MiM Fender even

[@blakebeene8188]

@@havenless3551 I don’t disagree. A lot of these guitars will find themselves being sold at clearance prices. Right where the prices should have been in the first place. Again, for clearances prices they are good guitars. $800 for a brand new USA made guitar is pretty rare these days.

[@blastofo]

I think if you need a lighter and thinner body guitar, you shouldn't get this. Get an Ibanez or something. A thin guitar that looks and feels right. You could get a nice MIJ Ibanez for what these sell for in stores.

[@jerk5959]

@@havenless3551 I'd take an LTD or Schecter any day over a Gibson, any day. I'd only buy a Gibson if I had serious money to burn for the brand.

[@IDiggPattyMayonnaise]

People buying guitars brand new are insane. Wait for a clearance sale or buy used and get half off.

[@thr3ddy]

The pricing is insane. In 2011, the Tribute models were $850, which adjusted for inflation is not even $1200 and you got nice inlays, a maple cap, a normal sized body, and non-plain finishes. It really feels like Gibson is brand taxing hard these days. Definitely not worth the price. Thanks for the vid, Phil!

[@theshapeexists]

They need to be knocked off their high horse to get some perspective. I've got cheap named guitars that are sub $500 that outplay $2000 Gibsons

[@uv77mc85]

@@theshapeexists And where were your cheap sub $500 guitars made? if you are okay with shutting down US jobs to outsource to countries like China then go ahead.

[@theshapeexists]

@@uv77mc85 lol. I've had $3000 subpar American made guitars. I've had sub $500 Korean made Ibanez from their WORLD factory blow away every American made guitar. You're so worried about american made jobs apparently, but the politics created this issue in the first place. The car I've been driving reliably for 13 years cost me $3000, it's a ripoff thinking a fuck!n Decent guitar needs to cost that much for "the sake of America". Get real buddy

[@Edward1312]

@@uv77mc85 I couldnt care less about US jobs.

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

What happende in the meantima was the pandemic, with an enormous rise in demand in combination with a fall in supply (so, economics 101...), so the factories had to find ways to meet that demand, which meant huge investments. Then the pandemic was over, rather suddenly, and demand collapsed, but the extra supply had still to arrive in the shops. How to earn back those investments, what to do with the supply-on-the-way nobody wanted anymore? And customers had gotten used to the new price levels due to scarcity. And then the war in Russia ('Making Russia great again') was a new cause of inflation. Which made wages rise on its turn. So there's a little bit more to that.

[@danyavilaoficial]

Guitar cost $500 Gibson Logo $1000

[@ymelfilm]

It does not even cost 500usd

[@jmabs5096]

Gibson tax we call it

[@spooky3120]

Gibson A company not offering anything new, but pricing on their past. There are other great options out there today.

[@martinlahaie6012]

They send the vaseline with the case candy?

[@le_th_]

Hmmm, that case is pretty substantial, so that's worth about $100, so maybe $900 for the Gibson Logo. The question is, will it retain it's value, and it likely will because it's a Gibson.

[@Techcensorshipbot]

I have their previously low cost model, the LP Special tribute with P90s. Absolutely amazing guitar for 999 at the time. It's a bit thicker in the body and has a maple neck. I really enjoy it.

[@thesmellycatjazz]

I hate one too, but I didn't gel with the neck. I sold it in anticipation of getting a Beato sig, and the price of those left me dumbfounded. The Modern Lite would be sick if they came with P90s

[@alecalfaras5936]

@@thesmellycatjazzyes! Fuckin a this!! Add p90’s please 🤘😎🍻💯🎸🔥 @gibsonusa @Gibson

[@jubei7259]

Yeah, I've got one from 2011 & it's a fantastic player. Mine has a mahogany neck & a maple cap so it's pretty much a 50's Standard just without binding. The tone of those P90's is out of this world. It's the reason I ended up buying an R6 & I still use it for gigs so I don't have to risk the R6 getting damaged. Mine only cost me 400 Quid (about 550 US$)

[@rickjason215]

I remember when you could go to a NY pawnshop and pick up a Junior with P90’s for $20 or $30. People thought they were not real instruments. More of a toy for kids to learn on. Leslie West was the first pro player to realize how great those guitars sounded.

[@Boots_McScoots]

If you're looking into entry level Gibsons, a late 90's / early 2000's LP Special SL / Faded has very similar specs, for under a grand.

[@presmasterflash7555]

Yep. Those are great guitars for their tier. I have a SG faded. Love it.

[@damillionmalania]

I had an SG faded with three pickups, which I bought used for 400 bucks in 2011. I sold it for 700 in 2021 and now they seem to go for 1300 on Reverb. Just to be clear: it wasn't a great guitar and everything about it felt cheap, but now that cheap feeling can be yours for three times the price...

[@robroymenzies8641]

I bought one of Gibson's Firebird Zeros a few years back brand new, they never seemed to catch on, & honestly I had low expectations, but I really like mine. What makes this cheap Gibson even better I got it on sale from AMS for $290! That's insane for Gibson! But I was pleasantly surprised how well it played.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

$290? What was wrong with it?

[@jeromewagschal9485]

I love mine too 🙂 it did have a few cost-cutting things here and there but it was ( and still is ) a different Gibson which is why I bought it back then...

[@robroymenzies8641]

@@TexanUSMC8089 absolutely nothing! They were custom finishes to! My thought at the time was they weren't selling well...

[@brianhansen-hj3ml]

Seems like a decent guitar, but for the price I’d look at Epiphone first. Brand names don’t mean as much to as they used to.

[@scufflenutsfromthemodern-un9gi]

got that right, i got one gibson traditional and six epiphone customs. that poor gibson just lays in its case.

[@KT-Buf69]

I like my Harley Benton LP style more than any Epiphone I've ever played.

[@scufflenutsfromthemodern-un9gi]

@@KT-Buf69 you just reminded me i have a harley benton lp style,i'll have to dig it out of the closet and give it a whirl.

[@KT-Buf69]

@@scufflenutsfromthemodern-un9gi I have the 450+ LP style and the hb 35 (or something like that. bb king style semi hollow body) theyre both fantastic. Only had to adjust bridge to my personal style. Im grabbing the new strat style when theyre back in stock. roasted maple neck and fretoatrd. HSS strat. looks incredibe for $350.

[@scufflenutsfromthemodern-un9gi]

@@KT-Buf69 them strats do look mighty fine

[@nellayema2455]

I like the thinner body while keeping the carved top, and the belly cut, but for the price, I'd like to see a few more aesthetic appointments. I guess my wallet still thinks it's 2016.

[@mylogify]

Your wallet is living the life...

[@charlesharper7292]

Like a glossy finish.😊

[@MarkFromTaiwan]

I like the weight but still not friendly on price

[@brendenrodgers7821]

Right on par with other American brands. Idk why people complain about Gibson prices when they are often times cheaper than music man, fender USA, Jackson USA, schecter USA etc. this argument is so stale and stupid😊

[@md93-z5e]

@@brendenrodgers7821 All of them are way more expensive than they should be. It's not just a Gibson issue.

[@teleguy5699]

@@md93-z5e "Then they should be". How would you know? You have to factor in their business model and all their overhead and development departments to really have an honest opinion.

[@SocksworthRiffs]

I played one of these and loved playing it and the sounds! However...the dots on the fretboard really killed it for me. They knocked it out of the park with the matching headstock though!

[@christopherpcline]

Really? I think the dots are awesome, much more wood on the fingerboard and less mother of toilet seat.

[@mylogify]

@@christopherpclinemother of toilet seat inlays.

[@SocksworthRiffs]

@@christopherpcline I'd have preferred mini blocks or no inlays personally - the dots make it look rather cheap and like an LP special but with the downside of it being a full on LP model. It's not bad it's just not me.

[@kingstumble]

Dots make it look cheap? Really? They use dots on their much more expensive models too. 335 Dot for instance.

[@SocksworthRiffs]

@@kingstumble I don't disagree, but I'm specifically talking about Les Pauls here- Most have blocks or trapezoids. Going to dots feels like its solely cost cutting measures and it ends up looking cheap with no binding. I wish I knew how to describe it more than that.

[@onlyguitars]

I would grab the Studio for $100 more. These look very simple, which is ok, but you get a lot more for only $100 extra with the Studio.

[@nocturnal101ravenous6]

Agreed, They need to drop the price a little more on the lite model just enough to justify choosing it over the normal model, Besides that It too much for what you are getting, It needs to be at the $1000 mark, inflation sure but my pay didn't go up 30% so you are not getting a 30% tax compared to previous models that had more, I get its a tough market condition but this is fail AF its bad for the industry, its bad for the consumers, and its shitty for Gibson as a company, they need good PR and in the past 5 years its been bad PR.

[@chiquiabello4372]

@@nocturnal101ravenous6 My local GC had these in 3 colors and on sale at $749 a few months ago and only one sold at that price which they had for weeks. One more sold at $50 more later on and I think they still have one that's under $850. The story I heard is that selected GCs were discounting them but not advertising the lower price. I tried all three and they were the worst Gibsons I have ever played next to the Melody Maker M2. Not worth it even at those lowered prices. One had the action lowered to minimum and it was still too high. The others just felt horrible, like the cheapest Epiphones. To me these were a case of "I'd rather play a knockoff or a Chibson"

[@tylerbrooks3998]

Absolutely. The new studios have the maple cap, bound necks, trapezoid inlays, burstbucker pups (which a lot of people would consider more desirable), and coil split options for only $100 more. Seems like a no brainer.

[@hawkcrossfamily]

I kind of wonder if the Studio price was adjusted based on the sales of this model. In other words, if this model didn't sell well at this price, the studio may seem like a steal for $100 more. Wonder how much longer they will make this model? As for the coil taps, there are few where they sound good, so for me, coil taps don't matter. I have a Les Paul, and it sounds great, but man, that thing is heavy. What I'd really like is someone to compare it to the AMS version you bought a few years back (I thought you were going to compare them) and an SG Standard. Is this a lighter Les Paul substitute, sound and playing wise? I get the body is more like a special. Although I think specials have chunky necks, could be wrong. I want a light les paul, but I am not convinced this is it, I think I have to play one to find out, but they are never in stock at my GC (Sam Ash closed so that's my only option).

[@nocturnal101ravenous6]

@@hawkcrossfamily Honestly Coil Splits(Coil Taps are entirely different) on an LP is kind of a waste its not the sound you want. Coil Taps have their uses where you have an ultra hot pickup and you have the tap lowering the output splitting the coil to PAF or slightly hotter, which has its uses for the LP, The actual Coil Split on something like a Classic model I never use just the out of phase and bypass. If I want single coil sounds on an LP I will pick up a P-90 model.

[@shawncox9277]

I ran into a gold version at GC for an excellent price and couldn't pass it up. I have several other Gibsons at 2-3X the price, and this guitar has become my number one. It sounds better than my SG, and it is a lot lighter and more comfortable than my Les Paul Standard. People love hating these, but it really is a great guitar. It's stripped down as far as no maple top and no binding, but all you feel from those features when playing is extra weight. It has two great-sounding pickups, a nice neck, and hand-wiring; what else do you need?

[@vorpalblades]

Every guitar is "hand wired." Doesn't mean shit.

[@shawncox9277]

@@vorpalblades some are PCB and hand-wired. I prefer hand-wired over PCB.

[@vorpalblades]

@shawncox9277 yeah, I forgot about those. My mistake.

[@tubbykramer]

I have the Gold Mist.. great guitar. Stays in tune and sounds great. I have 9's on it. Jonesing for the other end of the lineup..a Standard or a Custom. Love your stuff Phil..you're a natural.

[@bretspangler8717]

I was super impressed with the build quality. The smooth fret ends and ultra-clean soldering were above and beyond what you typically see with Gibson. I like the thin finish too, there is probably no chance of it flaking and cracking off like the heavy lacquers.

[@chrisfit]

These were on sale at GC for like $800-900 for a while.

[@mylogify]

800 Usd is what it’s worth.

[@TheShinyShow]

I'm sure he got a deal, it's only important that it's cheapest by RRP

[@EmptyChairNetwork]

@@mylogify $800.00 elsewhere will buy way more bang for the buck.

[@milkandmeat]

@@EmptyChairNetworknot for american made

[@lisaayers1975]

You could get a nice Epiphone les paul and a good tube amp for that price with some left over.

[@MegaRomans01]

ya but your insecurities might catch up! what are you going to do if someone makes fun of you!! lol

[@oliverjames7315]

​@MegaRomans01 more likely to have fun made of you for buying a Gibson nowadays.

[@lisaayers1975]

I own Carvin,Kiesel and other expensive guitars also..I have an Epiphone Les paul,SG and others..So I have no insecurities at all and don't care what people think about my guitars..I'm buying them for me not them..I know how to do adjustments on guitars like ( setups )..I have seen cheaper guitars play and sound better than expensive ones..Sometimes after a setup and pickup change the cheaper ones blew away the expensive guitars .My Friend Sophie Lloyd agrees 👍. Look her up.

[@lisaayers1975]

​​​​@@oliverjames7315...........Thanks I agree 👍 😊

[@Hojo-g9i]

Im intimidated by people whom know how to hold, keep and collect guitar tools. Thats a good thing. For those about to rock may i salute you. Hi yaw... LoL

[@steven-v2x]

Been wondering what you thought of these. I love mine. Mostly a Fender guy, I always had SGs, but this is really nice. Light weight is a big plus. THANKS Phil, as always for really helpful tech info.

[@michaelallen434]

I love Les Pauls. Even the pink ones. They just have a sound. Expensive but are heirloom instruments.

[@magicspiral]

Had this model (same color) come through my work on consignment. I have to say it was one of the better playing guitars I’ve recently felt. It’s nice and light too. I love the feel of the satin finish.

[@timtimmonsmusic]

i love my gibson les paul studio! got it back in 2013/14? it was an upgrade from my squire and blew it out of the water!

[@11000038]

I've resisted spending proper money on a guitar. I recently bought used a standard LP and a standard SG. Both are very very nice. The slide rule says they are too expensive but who buys a guitar using an algorithm? This guitar looks tempting.

[@nocturnal101ravenous6]

You are better off going the full studio over this, the Benjamin isn't worth gripping about for what you get. Honestly its too expensive at most $1200, ideally this should be around $1k.

[@kingarthur1776]

I love my les paul special , think this would be a nice addition..like the color too

[@adamfindlay7091]

Thanks. Looks cool. I liked your video walking into sweetwater and spontaneously picking your choices off the wall.

[@shubniggurath6464]

Not sure of the market for this. People who accept that much deviation from a standard LP probably aren't deeply attached to the Gibson name, and would be better served using some of the major import alternatives.

[@MichaelSheaAudio]

Not necessarily. Last year I wanted a Tom Delonge type Strat, but I'm left handed and they don't make left handed versions. I could have gotten something from any other brand, but I wanted a Fender. So I got a regular MIM Fender Strat and overhauled it. Maybe someone wants the look and branding of a Gibson, but not the feel.

[@thisguy2973]

Or maybe save up and get a Standard.

[@TheBlindAndTheBeautiful]

My thoughts exactly. I went with an ESP/LTD Eclipse instead. Better feeling guitar for me. More premium feel at the price point. It also stays in tune

[@fistovuzi]

yes. Les Pauls are great. but a giant pain in the ass to play standing up. Les did most of his playing seated. my favorite LP to PLAY has always been the Special. i just wish it had a carve on the top, a belly-cut, and could be made a bit lighter. ideally, not much more than 7 and a half pounds. if this sucker had p90s, it would be my IDEAL Les Paul. and yes, i only just found out about the "Melody Maker" Gibson did about 10 years ago that is basically that. i think Gibson should bring the MM back as the p90 version of this. then shave 300$US of them both and now you have a *killer* entry line with a choice of PAF or p90. but here's the risky bit, the edgy bit. you offer a third model in the line, PAF bridge, p90 neck. 🤯 now the "Modern" makes sense. also, Modern Lite sucks, think up a better name for the line. the Rawdog.

[@shubniggurath6464]

@@fistovuzi have you seen the Yamaha Revstar

[@riccibungag4257]

I had something similar like this. 2011 Gibson Les Paul Special Humbucker. Didnt have the painted headstock and the fretboard had a different wood. It was a good guitar…

[@I-Libertine]

Phil, i lost my mind when you started shredding at 3:40!

[@JoshuaC923]

😂😂😂 personally i like the forwarded plink sounds, the banjo one was hilarious

[@randall9000]

Haters will say the video is sped up

[@le_th_]

@@randall9000 Actually, thank you for posting this. I actually DO have my video sped up, and I wasn't really vibing with the tone. lol Gee, no wonder 🙄 I will be rewinding this one! lol

[@DavidSchneiderIP]

Faked

[@metropolis2k]

I did a similar thing and bought the cheapest Gibson in the UK second hand, which was under £600 (GBP). It was a Les Paul tribute special, with P90s and wraptail. It is a brilliant guitar with better quality control than more expensive Gibsons I've owned (4x Les Pauls and 1x ES335), helped by the fact there's no binding (which is often where finishing is poor).

[@joecoach7268]

I hate this guitar. I saw them in Guitar Center 2 weeks ago. They look awful - think Les Paul at SG thickness body. It felt totally out of place holding it and playing it. It is stripped down to almost nothing and at $1499, that's just obscene. You can get a full thickness or weight relieved ESP LTD EC1000 for less and it blows this guitar away. This is the kind of guitar that brings all the Gibson haters to the table to drop their "My Epiphone is better than a Gibson" debate and in this case, they're right. It is truly a LESS Paul.

[@andreasfetzer7559]

bla

[@brendenrodgers7821]

An esp made overseas with overseas parts is obviously gonna be cheaper. Also that guitar listed doesn’t come with a case and you’re comparing a guitar made with a specific buyer in mind (metal musician) that is gonna want higher output pickups, active electronics etc. this is such a stupid and pointless argument. You’re comparing apples to oranges. Not for the same market of people at all… the other thing too is guitars are completely subjective, if they weren’t - everyone would play the same guitar and there would only be one model and one brand making them.

[@havenless3551]

@@brendenrodgers7821 They make EC1000s with a SD 59 in the neck and a JB in the bridge

[@joecoach7268]

@@havenless3551 TRUTH.

[@joecoach7268]

@@brendenrodgers7821 The LTD is still a better guitar (and cheaper) which further supports my comment. If the LTD is "sub-standard" by using over-seas parts as you insinuate, it shouldnt be a better guitar...but it is. Sorry to tell you, but the LTD is not a niche market to metal players. I own one and I dont play metal. I own Gibsons too, but I stopped buying into the myth that something that is made in the USA is just better because its made in the USA. Its just not true. I never said that this Gibson is a "bad" guitar. I said it looks awful - because to me it does - and I think its over-priced. I dont need to prove that, the market will prove it. If Gibson hasnt done this already, these will be discontinued and discounted before the end of the year and the used market will set this whole debate straight. My prediction is that you will be able to buy these for $1199 or less around the holidays from any Guitar Center on the map - and thats still too much when you can buy a Tribute for the same.

[@IndyRockStar]

I really the Gibson Deluxe Gig bag. I got one with my SG. I don't know If I'd trust it with a $5K+ Custom Shop, but for a USA model it's perfect.

[@chrisfit]

Really really liked this one. May end up getting one.

[@erickmartin5667]

I'd actually consider this one. I really dig the sound, especially the Synergy amp

[@margiez6002]

Love that guitar. Thanks for reviewing it 👍🎶

[@raisermusic9329]

Thank you. An excelent valuable post. The right amount of time spent on specs and sound samples (very well played bdw) and the flow of the whole video is great. Informative and enjoyable. (I find) 😊❤

[@SphazeTV]

Video quality looks great

[@scottharringtonSR]

I'm a big Les Paul fan for many decades (have everything from Customs to Specials and between), I bought one in rose gold when they first came out and it was good stock. I like to mod. to my taste so now has Dylan DAF humbuckers, complete rewire with phase flip and kill switch push-pull on the tone pots, CTS 500k pots, .22 Orange Drop caps, Switchcraft 3 way switch and jack. I replaced the plastic jackplate with a metal one (note, it's the Firebird size and not the Les Paul size). They are great playing guitars and I love the satin finish on the neck. No complaints about the quality out of the box and I really love it with my stank on it.

[@edgarmezavids]

My first Gibson was a 2008 Faded Sg which I got new for around 800 at GC. My second was a 2011 Melody maker special with dual P 90's for 400 from Sam Ash which I stupidly ended up letting go.

[@thisguy2973]

Still have my Faded from 2009. It’s still kicking. I had my luthier look at it a year ago and the only thing it needed aside from a standard setup was a fret dressing. The original switching system died, but I gutted it and it’s using EMG 57/66 setup with the complete quick connect system, so it’s self-grounded.

[@michaelgriffin5304]

I just love these reviews! Keep putting out the great work, Phil.

[@updem]

Still glad I got an LP tribute when they were around.

[@neilsmith9220]

I almost did the same. I wouldn't bother now since the latest price hikes. Best look after it. Would cost a fortune to replace.

[@aggit8]

I found a used Tribute, excellent shape for $800. Is this a good deal or would you rather have the Modern Lite? I’m not a big fan of the colored headstock.

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@aggit8 Yes, you got a pretty good deal. That being said, you probably could have gotten a Les Paul Studio for a similar price as well. As far as which one is better a Tribute or a Studio it really just depends on your personal preferences.

[@deanmlshredder]

​@@aggit8I think you won. I've played a few and liked them all. Would've changed the pickups but that's subjective obviously.

[@deanmlshredder]

​@@charlesbolton8471just a different neck wood really and possibly the pickups?

[@edwardberthelette2700]

Super nice. Not much for pink, but I like it. It's a lot of money. Thanks for your time phil

[@ericdahlman3354]

I got a LP Tribute and love it. I play gigs for 3-4 hours at a time and prefer to not have a separated shoulder after. Sounds and plays great.

[@jjones8817]

Thanks Philip great video as always! Nice to see Gibson did well with the QC of this guitar.

[@sereneandkeen]

I picked one up for $799 back in May. Got the green one. I love mine

[@jsmoby]

I did the same thing. I also got the green one on sale at GC over Memorial Day weekend for $799. Great guitar.

[@jackvai2681]

I got one for $798. (lol)

[@chasbee]

Dang! From $799 to $1499 now? What on earth happened??

[@chrisfit]

@@chasbee They were on sale at some GC's for a minute

[@plamenpenkov2865]

I hate all of you 😂 Here in Europe we never get deals like that.

[@thseed7]

I like the Rose Gold finish a lot. These open pore satins are pretty nice.

[@papasmamas1]

Love the look of LP Studios, Im not a fan of plastic binding, and a slimmer body is a win for me.

[@rudolphpyatt4833]

I had one back in 1997, when it was known as The Paul SL (496R/500T pickups, no pickguard). I bought the new version in TV Wheat in July and (no surprise given my previous experience) I love it. It is a SUPERB jazz guitar. Postscript: Mine was on sale for about $900, so a great bargain too.

[@jdubz33]

Tried one at a Guitar Center and loved it. The belly cut is super comfortable and fixed the issue with LPs constantly stabbing me. I liked the finish, I like how light weight it is and it’s a Gibson I would change pickups in.

[@parker486]

I tried one at Guitar Center also, and it was by far the worst Gibson I've ever played. The one I tried had a problem where the fretboard was slightly less wide than the neck, so there was this massively uncomfortable seam down the entire neck. Gotta love Gibson's current qc, and I'm a huge Gibson fan. I'm glad the one you tried wasn't a dog, though. I've played fantastic new Gibsons, and I've played awful new Gibsons.

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@parker486 I’m not going to say that Gibson shouldn’t do better with their quality control, because there is always room for improvement. However, if you are in a store playing a guitar that has an issue(s) that is really more a reflection of the store than the manufacturer.

[@parker486]

@@charlesbolton8471 I'd agree with that about a bad setup, but the fretboard being smaller than the neck is clearly a manufacturer issue.

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@parker486 Yes, that’s clearly a manufacturing issue that should be resolved by the manufacturer. However, it is still the responsibility of the dealer to prevent instruments with issues from being displayed in their store. If it is a minor issue that can be addressed by the dealer’s repair tech then that should be done before it is displayed in the store. If it is an issue that needs the attention of the manufacturer (as it is in your case) then it should be returned to manufacturer. If for some reason the manufacturer refuses the return then the responsibility returns to dealer who should then clearly acknowledge the issue and lower the price accordingly. It is the dealer’s responsibility the protect the “brand image” of both their store and the manufacturers they represent.

[@billkallas1762]

I wonder if they would sell, if they brought back the old slab, double cut, dual Pickup, melody Maker.

[@indigos290]

13:04 Dat tone! My gosh! 😮😮😮

[@TAM-bv2di]

I have the Gold Mist color, and I agree with all of your observations, Phil. I ran into it on a Guitar Center wall, where for some reason, it was marked down to $799, brand new, not a demo, and the sales people in the store couldn't understand why the price was marked that way. They honored that price, I tried it and bought it on the spot, since at that price, almost half the street price, it's definitely worth owning (at least for a while!). Thing is - it is very fun to play, feels and plays really good, and as you said, the bridge pickup doesn't go all shrill - don't know why! I also notice that I feel a lot of resonance through the body too, maybe no maple cap, and the belly carve? Don't know, but it is fun!

[@Tonedefy]

Gibson 490 series pickups always get a bad rap, but I always find them excellent sounding!

[@rcannonp]

People always dump on them, but I love the way they sound in my Standard. They sound great here too.

[@timp.9582]

I had these in my 94 classic. Changed them out and sold them. Years later I Played a friend's stock 95 classic with these pickups and it sounded so good. sounded so good. Another "doh!" Moment for me.

[@ferngorbutt9698]

As a person in the market for an "affordable " LP this was very helpful!! Can we get a rundown on the new studio soon? Thanks Phil you rock!!!

[@christophernoble76]

personally would rather get a top of the line epiphone

[@brothersnippy1373]

Seem like a decent enough guitar but it's way overpriced at $1499. This should be a sub-$1000 purchase or $799 like some that got it on sale. IMO it would be silly not to pay $100 more for a LP studio which has a maple top, nitro finish, covered humbuckers, and trapezoid inlays. Actually I would recommend looking for a used LP studio in like-new condition for around 1K.

[@garycoates4987]

One of my favorite guitars is a melody maker from the early 2000s which had a single p90, it has the black nitro open grain finish and was the cheapest made back then , I did change the pickup to a DiMarzio soapbar humbucker and the tuners to Grover, but it has always played and sounded awesome, better than a lot of pricey guitars, hopefully Gibson will move in the direction with the guitar you're reviewing which is more expensive than my melody maker , good cool looking guitar around a $1000 bucks would be the best path for Gibson

[@gorlagOv]

If they come out with a more deluxe model without dots they got me.

[@craigshewchuk9018]

I got a tribute 2020 or 21 for like $800, its an SG but very similar spec wise to your Lite. They are nice guitars

[@kaptkrunchfpv]

Peaked my brain when you said the pup was from 2003, lol.

[@bandierrez]

I purchased LP Future in 2016. Similar thin, but w maple top. $600. 57 Classic in neck and classic hot in the bridge. Removed the Steinberger 40-1 tuners after one popped off and hit the wall hard. Replaced w Grover’s. Same satin finish. Tobacco burst. Shines up nice. $600 new

[@rongroves9620]

Excellent video.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

thank you

[@13aphomet]

Looks like a great guitar and sounds fantastic!! I would def be swapping in some white plastics but that's me..

[@billygwalthney369]

I have a lite classic I got in 2020. It's a lot nicer than this. It's black with binding on the neck and body..has better pickups/ the zebra pickups..the top hat style knobs and it says classic on the truss rodd cover.

[@richardclark.]

I was hoping he would run thru the new ENGL. I thought he was going to be a lot of videos with that. Maybe I heard wrong? I am almost sure to get one when SW gets them back in stock.

[@mikestroud9969]

$1500 ??? No way for me take care buddy 😎✌️💯🎸💯

[@TWTexasA1]

I’ve got a 1998 LP double cutaway studio with a sunburst finish that I paid $750 for 20 years ago and a 2018 LP Traditional with a tobacco finish that I paid $1550 for 4 years ago so which guitar do I pick up almost every time to play …the 1998 that I paid $750 for I love that guitar it plays like a dream and sounds awesome…proof the more expensive don’t mean nothing ✌🏼✌🏼

[@roba7737]

You can pick up a 2013 or 2014 Gibson LPJ. With full carve and full maple cap for between $600 and $800.

[@CajunSmack]

I bought one in gold satin. Same pickups as this one. It was on sale at the time for $499.

[@jezmez68]

I was just looking at these guitars on Sweetwater and yours came with a pickup switch ring, while the ones shown on Sweetwater do not. Sounds really good to me. Love the TV Wheat color. Everything tells me as a guitar player I should really own some kind of double humbucker guitar like this and the Les Paul shape is a classic design. Also like the cut on the back. But I still can't get over paying $500 for a new guitar these days.

[@LeopoldShitzalot]

So I bought the Gibson standard Tribute Sg now discontinued paid $1,300 for it and guess what..it's 98% percent the same exact as the Gibson standard Sg.. look at both specs before you say anything a Gibson con job that worked because they knew that both models would sell ..

[@gearoidwalsh8606]

That B-Man module does a lovely clean. You've made me consider buying one.

[@NicholasANappiNick]

The neatest shop in the world 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@guygfm4243]

Like your playing and views on the guitar thanks for sharing

[@jaymartinson3236]

Holy moly. Definitely paying for the name.

[@jamesdykes517]

I like that you put it through so many channels. It really allows people to understand how she truly is.

[@hotel_yugoslavia]

you make the best reviews. thanks!

[@bradconklin2878]

I'm a fan of two conductor Gibson pups, so that pretty much negates the coil split capabilities, yes? I have one. It's a good guitar.

[@gonzopewpew]

It costs money?!?!? Back in my day guitars were free and we only knew 4 chords. It’s all you needed!!!!!!!

[@mrredritehand]

It costs "authentic" money. You check out guitar George he knows all the chords.

[@terryoquinn8199]

Man , someone older than me on here , crazy . My lesson book only went to 3 cords so I had to learn songs with those 3 only . It’s all good , most of the greatest rock songs use those 3 chords . They call me 3 chord Terry for some silly reason , I don’t know .

[@clarkcrews9905]

I purchased this guitar nearly a year ago. I adore it. The pickups have become my new favorites!

[@vanshankguitars]

So it's basically a Les Paul CM from 2015 but with two pickups.

[@jpkitzy]

CM has a carved maple top

[@geraldhills41]

I purchased my Gibson Les Paul Special in 2016 in the UK [Had to remove those G force tuners !] I love this guitar and it cost me £500 with a gold hard case !

[@zepptar]

Price is too high.

[@SierraAppa]

Thanks for this video. I am turning 50 in a few months and wanted to get a LP style guitar. Here is another potential option for me. Though I am leaning more towards the Eastmans. Seems like more value for the dollar and better fit and finish. What do you think Phil?

[@uv77mc85]

Buy an eastman if you like but don't moan when all the US guitar companies start closing factories and outsourcing to China. Once an industry is gone it ain't ever coming back.

[@kristopherkrahl1597]

Another great vid Phil...thx!

[@PukeyMcDork]

The buyers of guitars that are below the Standard American type of Gib/Fen can choose from a lot of cheaper models. These (and epis/squires) are made for hobby users and that's 100% ok. These are like Jumbo Shrimp - "Low end version of a High end guitar". Made for those who want a little bit extra on their hobby guitars. No problem. But yes they're expensive when a Harley B is similar at $300 and you are low on $. If you want a Les Paul, and you're playing out, a Standard is $3000. The price on Les Pauls has remained the same throughout history. Did you know a Les Paul in 1960 cost $337? That's $3516 in today's money. Amazing how it's the same over all these years. You want a real LP sound? Gotta Getta Gund!!

[@LocrianDorian]

Maybe it's just me, but I just don't like dots on Les Paul fretboards, they look very cheap and ugly. Rather pay a little more and get one with proper trapezoid inlays.

[@shanewalton8888]

Dots are fine. It’s all in your head.

[@MegaRomans01]

​@@shanewalton8888 dots being fine on that guitar is all in your head

[@hargoniyamaki5168]

Ya those inlays give so much tone

[@Vykk_Draygo]

I'm sure it isn't just you, but that is definitely an opinion. Dots are cheaper, but that doesn't make it looks cheap or ugly (no matter the body shape). I know my primary bass has absolutely tiny abalone offset dots (Ibanez BTB). Doesn't look cheap or ugly. 🤷‍♂

[@Sewersyrup]

the dots are actually done because it's cheaper to make, so there is that. To me a LP gotta have the squares and bindings, guitars should look good, period.

[@DanielBobke]

Do you need to lubricate a Graphtech nut? It has Teflon impregnated in the material - it is advertised as "self-lubricating".

[@lostMAYHEM]

Those grovers make the headstock look huuuuuuuge to me. lulzzzzz

[@lambchop1]

This guitar loves YOU, Phil. You're playing seems really fluid on it!

[@bryonkidder6199]

Give me a Les Paul Junior or Special any day of the week...imo

[@stevejones4618]

I got an LPJ in 2013 when they first came out which was the cheapest you could get - £500 for pretty much the same guitar (maple neck instead of mahogany but with a maple cap). When you leave a lot of lube in the slots you just have to be careful it doesn't ooze out at the face of the nut or it will dampen the string vibration.

[@dexterj5615]

Tributes for $1299 are on reverb right now too. Honestly they're pretty nice.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

They are discontinued, you have to find old stock on reverb or used

[@dexterj5615]

@PhillipMcKnight maybe it's just sg tribute but there's a good few of them for back stock i thought it was a reissue I do amend my statement though

[@TexanUSMC8089]

@@PhillipMcKnight I'm glad I got one. I like the satin finish and no binding. Get rid of the pick guard and they look great. We all have our preferences though. LOL

[@DCMcNeilJr]

Guitar Centers in the northeast were retailing these for $799 a few months ago. I picked up a gold one and swapped out all the black plastic with cream including the poker chip. Looks awesome but more importantly sounds and plays great, especially at that price.

[@birminghamspidey3352]

“Cheapest” 😂😂😂😂😂 remember when they were 600-800 back 3 years ago

[@seanrosedotcom]

Played a couple at GC and thought they were very cool. Also, they have been routinely on sale for quite a bit less than $1499...

[@garypannone7755]

Too bad they discounted the Tribute.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I agree, Im sure their plan is to bring them back

[@SubutaiTuul]

I honestly love pink guitars. Id love to see some kind of nice pink burst? Like pink teardrop and some kind of purple or any color that would look good with pink around it.

[@iancurrie8844]

I've played this in store. It looks, feels, and IS cheap. It's the worst les paul I've ever played. Actually: no maple cap? It's not a les paul.

[@brendenrodgers7821]

No maple cap? Might wanna have a word with 57 Les Paul customs… mahogany tops. People like you that think they know stuff are INSUFFERABLE

[@iancurrie8844]

@@brendenrodgers7821 Yeah, there are some special models without, no doubt. Generally, in 2024, a Les Paul has a maple cap. It's a big part of it and one without it is a cheaper version like the special. That's what this guitar is. Cheap. I feel like most people don't see it as a full "true" les paul.

[@brendenrodgers7821]

@@iancurrie8844 that’s just you being an elitist and purist. It’s a Les Paul wether you want it to be or not lol

[@christopherlafreniere7141]

You can get Pelham blue in Gibson site.

[@spud76]

So in short, you pay 1000 $ for a sticker that say Gibson and the guitar is 500$ worth, wow Gibson is not a brand i want to buy a guitar from. As a child i was dreaming of owning a Gibson, but today, i stay clear of that brand. Just like iPhone, it is like a status thing to have, but andre other brand you get much more for far less :-D

[@ChrisEck13]

No, in short you pay more for USA made products because it costs more to make products in the USA. It doesn't matter whether it's this guitar or something else, it's going to be much less expensive to manufacture in China and therfore have a much lower price tag. Yes we could rely on China for everything because they can make everything cheaper, but that's not a world I want to live in. Does everyone have the luxury of buying USA made products? No, of course not and we're always going to have to buy some things that are made in other countries. But it's ridiculous for people to keep saying "you're paying for a name" because they bought something less expensive. You're not paying for the name, you're paying for the manufacturing. You're free to buy what you want and like what you buy, but you shouldn't spread information that is not inaccurate.

[@Tigermaster1986]

@@ChrisEck13 There is an entire world outside the US, btw. I don't live in the US, I don't care about whether an instrument is made in the US or not. And you're literally paying for the name, not the quality or the specs.

[@ChrisEck13]

@Tigermaster1986 you could swap the US for a number of other countries, the UK, Germany, any other country with high operating costs. But that really doesn't matter, it doesn't matter if you don't live there or care, you don't have to buy it. But you're paying for everything, you're paying for the quality and specs, you're paying for the manufacturing, it's no different than any other guitar except that import guitars are much more profitable because they're so cheap to make.

[@Tigermaster1986]

@@ChrisEck13 Nah. I can get the same quality and the same specs from a Harley Benton for a fraction of this instrument's price. The only big difference is the brand name on the headstock.

[@ChrisEck13]

@Tigermaster1986 you're not listening to me. There is a massive difference in and cost of manufacturing a Gibson vs a Harley Benton, you're paying for the cost of manufacturing. But besides that HB is not the same thing at all, everything on the HB is lower quality from the woods to the electronics and hardware, they usually need a lot more work to make play as good. This is just wishful thinking from a HB owner. If someone is given the choice of a free HB or a free Gibson, no one is taking the HB because they're obviously not the same.

[@marianne7659]

I bought the same guitar for $900 on Labor Day weekend at Guitar Center. Returned it. Pickups were muddy. Didn’t like the feel of satin neck. Its like a beginner guitar. Bought a modern figured which was worth the extra money. Its a beautiful guitar and sounds great

[@thisguy2973]

Sounds like something was wrong with that specific guitar. Gibsons tend to be universally all-around great instruments.

[@marianne7659]

@@thisguy2973 maybe. I was disappointed with it. Love the modern figured. Its my 1st Les Paul after playing for over 25 years. Always wanted one but wasn’t an option years ago because of the weight.

[@Bigboybooya666]

Gibsons are either great or terrible. It's hit or miss ​@thisguy2973

[@darrellcollins877]

sounds very good to me

[@blairhatton3066]

A beat up natural finish would look good on that guitar. The price is insane though