Strat guy buys a Les Paul Studio

I've been avoiding these my whole life, and I finally broke. These are cool guitars and I don't think you need to spend $3k-10k for a good instrument. my apologies that the audio clips some at the end. I'll do better in the future. :)
0:00 Peg by Steely Dan
1:40 Greetings!
3:00 Why I avoided Gibsons
5:10 Why I wanted one
6:52 About my $650 LP
Manlius Pickups: www.manliusguitar.com/product...

[@timothybailey2119]

I started playing guitar in 1968, and spent a lifetime playing Fender, Ibanez, Charvel, G&L and related Fender "style" guitars. All my friends had Les Pauls back then, but I just couldn't deal with the weight. Fortunately a close friend owned a Recording Les Paul (at just over 15 lbs) which I used while setting down in the studio for tracking. In 2020 I tried out my very first Studio Les Paul Plus (which was just under 8lbs) and quickly ordered one. It's been a great guitar, as it has a C cut "Slim taper" neck, jumbo frets, and a 12" radius. The pickups are great too! No fancy binding, just pure Gibson Les Paul tone and feel. It was less than $1500 new on Sale at Sweetwater, and worth every penny.

[@BenBreard]

I think I hurt myself just thinking about a 15 lbs guitar! I'm glad you found a good one you like. .....and if I'm honest, I don't think binding looks all that good anyway. :)

[@cvfunnsixspeed9213]

I have an 05 Studio that I bought new. Still have it obviously as I still like it. Had a tone pot issue after 15 years or so that I replaced but it’s been a fine instrument. Enjoy!

[@BenBreard]

Awesome. It's good to hear yours has lasted this long and is still getting played. Cheers

[@GaryArmstrongmacgh]

I have a Epiphone Les Paul I was lucky enough to inherit from a late friend. His window said here. Pick out two guitars. I tried to leave all the ones she could sell for the most money. I still got a great gift. Thank you Denis! I love you...RIP!

[@melodymakermark]

I owned a Studio model I bought new in the early ‘90’s. Fantastic instrument. Sold it for $500 in 1996. Wish now I had it back, of course, along with my Fender Fat Strat.

[@BenBreard]

I'd also like to get my old Ibanez s540 LTD back.i hear you!

[@Chimp_No_1]

Enjoying your rambling ! It’s really interesting and chilled out at the same time ! New subscriber.

[@BenBreard]

Thanks so much! I think I'll do another Sunday ramble about this Tom Anderson Cobra I have. Cheers. :)

[@Sinnsonido]

I never really understood the snob factor against the Studio but I think it's all class and needs nothing extra. Mine came stock with Grovers and Burstbuckers. No need for the pick-guard. The only thing I swapped in was a metal jack plate, because...plastic jack plates are stupid. Other than that, even a crap player like myself can appreciate how good these are. A good player like yourself doesn't need to be bogged down with BS, and you got yourself a good one. Congrats.

[@BenBreard]

Thanks and I couldn't agree more regarding plastic jack plates. I'm glad mine came with metal.

[@Ezra.G]

Burstbuckers on a studio Les Paul is the ultimate value for money for Les Paul players. That thing probably sounds awesome

[@90LPPlayer]

@@Sinnsonido I made similar upgrades to mine as well. Ditched the plastic tuners and put a set of nickel plated Grovers on both of mine. Also got rid of the plastic jack plates and put metal plates on. And the biggest switch I made was changing the tuno-matic bridges with Schaller roller bridges….much less string breakage at the saddles and no grooves worn in the saddles of wound strings.

[@frankhunt2800]

Congratulations on your new one

[@teresathomley3703]

Nice starting off with "Peg"!!

[@spookswarbirds]

Get a P-90 version next. Fills a niche that no other Gibson or Fender can.

[@BenBreard]

Yeah, that's what I hear. I have very little experience with p90s. Walter Becker had a cool signature model strat with 3 p90s. I always thought that was a cool guitar. Maybe this will be the seed for my next Warmoth.

[@ilmisxx2]

@@BenBreard Look into Harmony Silhouette, firebird mini humbies and familiar feeling for a strat guy

[@BenBreard]

@@ilmisxx2 thanks for the tip!

[@marquitust2874]

Got a 94 studio 2 months ago, all original parts. Nicest guitar I ever played, stays in tune for days, sounds great and looks killer.

[@BenBreard]

Awesome! Congrats!

[@GaryArmstrongmacgh]

Neat looking and great sound guitar Ben! Your playing is great!

[@BenBreard]

Thanks for the kind words. I really appreciate it. Cheers!

[@jessievasser6293]

That looks like it is a 2007 Gibson Les Paul Studio Vintage Mahogany... later called the Studio Faded. I have the same model and color but one year older, it was the Les Paul that finally got me into Les Pauls. I now have 3 lol.

[@aaronwallace8098]

I have the same guitar, love it to death.

[@BenBreard]

Ok I checked and you're correct. It's a 2007. Good eye! It's good to know I'm not the only one who likes these. :)

[@jessievasser6293]

@@BenBreardYeah man, I worked in a music store for years too and just never connected with an LP. You may also enjoy a late 70’s Gibson The Paul, especially if they have the original T-Tops. That series is kind of the precursor to the Studio and comes with an ebony fretboard. They aren’t very sought after so the prices aren’t crazy.

[@BenBreard]

@jessievasser6293 Yeah I've seen those, but never played one. I'm a sucker for any natural finished guitar that's mahogany or alder. 👀

[@jessievasser6293]

​​⁠the 70’s ones are usually natural Walnut, which is what I have and love. I know it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea though. If you prefer mahogany, I’m pretty sure they switch in the 80s with the “Firebrand” The Pauls.

[@90LPPlayer]

As a predominately LP player, I had the same feeling about Strats as you did about LPs. It wasn’t until my bandmates loaned me his Eddie Roman custom built Strat to play….he actually cajoled me into using it. It was a beautiful guitar, and it and I fought each other for about a year. It didn’t sound like my Pauls, it didn’t feel like them, and the experience was just foreign. It took me quite some time to learn how to play that guitar so that I sounded good playing it…I will say…the single coil bridge pick up on a Strat is damned near useless to my ears…I find very little musicality in it whatsoever. It takes someone with a very particular ear and great amp to get that pick up not to sound like ice picks being driven through the auditory canal….I couldn’t coax a good tone out of the loaner I had. And just when the guitar and I came to an understanding, my band mate passed away and I felt obligated to give the guitar back to his widow….i would have bought it from her, but I did not have the money to give her a fair price for it. I do miss playing a Strat.

[@brianmckenzie1318]

Enjoyed the rambling! You make a lot of sense! For me a stripped down LP is all I would need. I don't really care about fancy figured tops, I'm more low key.

[@BenBreard]

Thank you for the kind words. I think I'm going to ramble about my favorite amp tomorrow. :) Not enough people know about Naylors. Cheers

[@rockerbuck967]

Amazing! I have the little brother of that one but it's called Les Paul Special. It doesn't have the carved top - just a flat piece mahogany. I bought it used over 15 years ago at music store. It didn't come with P-90's, but regular ones like yours. I suspect it had the pickups changed (I thought Specials usually had p-90's in them). I didn't ask any questions, I just fell in love with it and bought it - and I'm playing it to this day.

[@BenBreard]

That's awesome. Congrats! Mahogany is just flat out awesome IMO. :) One day I'd like to own a Jr or Special. It's on my bucket list.

[@flyonwall360]

About 8 years ago, I was tired of tuning issues with my Fender Stratocaster, so I went guitar shopping. I noticed a Les Paul at a second-hand music store, and I grabbed it off the rack. As soon as I grabbed it, I knew it was special. It's an 05 Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded T. All Mohagany will Burstbucker Pros. Unlike my Stratocaster, I didn't have to rebuild it. It played great right off the shelf. It's even wired old school with no PCB. It's just like an old school Standard without the bling.

[@BenBreard]

They're underrated right?! :)

[@kadirchan04]

can never go wrong

[@mdshack6371]

Thanks for starting with a clean sound and the dan. Try taking an ebony L6-S for a ride. Fender scale compound radius. Six way. Stock Lawrence Pick ups unfortunately muddy.

[@BenBreard]

ASDATT == All Steely Dan All The Time! Wow, that's a model I've never heard of. Look at the string pull on the headstock!!! I didn't know Gibson had made something like that before. Super interesting. Also, Bill Lawrence pickups are killer; it's cool to see them in this model. Thanks for that!

[@gibsonfan159]

"There's no substitute for the real thing". That sums up the craze and fanaticism for popular name brand instruments perfectly. Despite flaws, design issues , and QC problems, just owning the real thing is what gives us the inspiration and motivation to invest in the guitar.

[@BenBreard]

I'd argue sometimes it helps me and other times works against me. At the end of the day, I'm not above hearing with my eyes. ;)

[@williambarabanitz3858]

My sentiments, also: the Recording, Professional, and Signature models should be offered. Bought a '22 Studio - no regrets. Seems like the Ibanez ar520HFM is a good value, too.

[@90LPPlayer]

I own two 90’ Les Paul Studios. I bought both for less than $500 in 91 and 94. They have been my road dogs for my entire professional performing career starting in 1992. I played one so much, it now needs a total refret. I also have a LP tribute that now serves as my backup until get the refret done on my number 1 studio. I believe what he is playing is a LP Studio Tribute. My LP Tribute plays great but sounds much different than either of my 90’ studios. It’s lighter, there is no gloss coating so it sounds brighter, and I think it has a maple neck with a rosewood fret board which also makes it sound brighter. Whoever owned it before me also put a set of Slash pickups in it. So it has a lot more sizzle when running on an overdrive channel.

[@BenBreard]

Yeah, the tributes look fantastic. I'm partial to the honey burst one. I really dig the cheaper LPs. I'm sure the fancy ones are great too, but I have no reason to upgrade. :) Congrats on playing through your frets. That's good bragging rights!

[@90LPPlayer]

@@BenBreard finding a good luthier to do the refret has been a bit of a challenge and I will be paying about $200 more than I what I originally paid for the guitar to get it done. But it has been such a solid axe for me that it must be done.

[@BenBreard]

@@90LPPlayer I don't know if you have access to a plek machine where you live, but I'm a believer. It might be something to consider when getting new frets.

[@90LPPlayer]

@@BenBreard thank you…I’ll look into it.

[@90LPPlayer]

@@BenBreard another playing friend of mine suggested stainless frets…however, I got almost 30 years out of the originals…at the age of 55, I highly doubt I’m going to need more than another 30 years outta the next set🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@kimblez]

I have the same guitar ..I added a small forearm contour and belly cut .... super comfy

[@Bassboy1987]

Very nice playing and LP studio! I have a 2021 studio and love it! I also love fender too, especially for bass as I have an American performer P bass with a Jazz bridge pickup with it.

[@BenBreard]

Awesome. Thanks for watching and glad to know so many others have had similar experiences with their Studios. It is a great axe IMO!

[@Bassboy1987]

@@BenBreard oh yeah, I absolutely love my studio! Other than some cosmetic differences it’s exactly just like a standard LP.

[@paultaylor2968]

Got mine in 2008. The only guitar I've kept and loved and I've had many.

[@BenBreard]

wow, that's saying something. I don't see myself parting with this one either. Cheers

[@richardmorgan1588]

Like you, I just pulled the trigger on a Gibson Les Paul Studio on Reverb! It's used with some very minor issues but I freak'in love this guitar. I've also been partial to Strats. Both instruments are fun to explore! I feel just a tiny bit more connected to my favorite guitarists when I hack around on my newest axe!

[@BenBreard]

Awesome, congrats! I have to admit I've played more Guns N Roses tunes since I got this guitar than the past 20 yrs combined. :) I know exactly what you mean.

[@EdHeinzelman]

I have had nothing but Telecasters since 1969. And I too bought a Studio in 2019 and it is a great little guitar. Haven't abandoned the Teles but the LP is fun too. So the experience has got me to add a 70th Anniversary Stratocaster to the collection. So I think I have the major tone family (in solid bodies at least).

[@BenBreard]

Awesome. That's a solid collection!

[@MaxCohen-mx2rf]

You don't need all the fancy binding or ornamentation to enjoy a Les Paul as it should be. Part of the sound difference you're probably hearing from other similar gibson scale length guitars you've had is probably a mixture, of neck angle, coupled with the angle of the archtop and varying bridge thicknesses. As someone who didn't have enough bread to spend on Gibson's for the longest time, Epiphone was the only avenue available to the world of Les Paul's. Albeit those Epiphones were mighty fine in their own right, getting to play a Gibson studio for a prolonged amount of time really made me aware of what Epiphones were lacking. Though Epiphone's less severe headstock angle is probably better than Gibson's in the long run. You should keep an eye out for the Gibson High Performance Les Paul studio's from 2016/2017. They come with an adjustable titanium zero-fret nut, that I honestly think should be on EVERY guitar considering it really enables a person to get the best intonation and the extra perk of having true mother of pearl fretboard markers instead of the acrylic inlays. Not to mention a slightly wider neck to accommodate shredding. Also forgot the sculpted heel. It's probably one of the best modern Les Paul's you could procure. Best part is most guitarists don't even realize these features would make it more valuable and end up selling it for standard Les Paul studio pricing.

[@BenBreard]

Yeah I like the idea of the more modern LPs. I've never played one though, so I don't have any real experience. Maybe one day!

[@28mmRPG]

I was normally a SuperStrat guy and one day I picked up a pair of second hand Austin brand guitars one Tele and the other a LP style. I never was a fan of the LP shape (for some unknown reason) but the Austin LP grew on me... I eventually sold it, and picked up some Gibson LP Classics and later a LP Supreme... so this is a forewarning lol

[@BenBreard]

Yeah, I totally believe that. I was on a single coil kick for 20 years, and more recently I've been tilting hard toward humbuckers. Which LP is your favorite?

[@TheGospelGuitarist]

My 2017 High Performance LP Cherry Faded with dots on the fretboard is a no frilles complete workhorse. '61 pup's, Alex Lifeson style Axcess neck heal. For $1199 it rocks. If I want to play the bling I have an Epi Peter Frampton.

[@BenBreard]

How do you like the all access heel? I usually require something like that with bolt-ons, but the regular LP joint wasn't too much for me to work around. I still like the idea of extra sculpting at the heel.

[@TheGospelGuitarist]

@@BenBreard the all access heal is very nice!

[@andytraverse]

I have expensive Gibsons, but I bought a beat up 1998 double cut LP studio (24 fret, chambered/semi hollow) very cheaply - it is brilliant - I got the action really low without a fret dress, it has a 50's wraparound bridge but somehow the intonation is perfect, it stays in tune, I gig it all the time , it's lightweight yet it still sounds like a great Les Paul!

[@BenBreard]

Sounds killer! ....except for the 24 fret part ;) There's a real appeal to having a beater guitar that just kicks ass. I dig it!

[@dukefan37923]

I got that exact same guitar in 2008-ish as a Christmas present. I swapped out the stock pickups for Seymour Duncan 1959s and it sounds fantastic. Has a very vocal sound to it. I've had it 16 years now and there is no way I'd part with it. I think those non-finished guitars only sound better with age, too.

[@BenBreard]

Man, I love the Duncan '59. I bet those kill in this guitar. Totally agreed on finishes. I have three guitars with a light oil finish. I love it. Cheers

[@dukefan37923]

@@BenBreard They do! It came stock with Burstbuckers. A lot of players LOVE Burstbuckers. I just didn't.

[@Patbwoy]

I've got one of these, all Mahogany, wicked instrument!

[@polaritypictures]

look into the sire guitars. the 339 are nice guitars, light.

[@BenBreard]

Oh I've looked into Sire. I follow everything Larry touches. I've hovered the buy it now button on these many times. :) tbh I'm not sure why I never pulled the trigger.

[@charlene2400]

I've been chugging away on Ibanez gax(lp double cut), and Epiphone LP Special for around 20yrs. Original owner of both. Neither was beyond 200-250 new.

[@BenBreard]

Sweet! Those are great and I'm glad you love them. Cheers

[@thebandseabright]

I went from only SG/LP to only strats and teles and now I'm back to my Les Paul custom. In short, you absolutely need both!! lol

[@BenBreard]

Agreed!

[@darwinsaye]

It’s funny, even though I’m not much into Les Pauls, I do always think to myself that they are one of the most beautiful electric guitar designs ever made. -But then I will see a Studio model, and it does absolutely nothing for me. It’s incredible how much better a bit of binding and having a different colour on the top than on the back/sides makes a Les Paul look.

[@BenBreard]

I think a lot of people feel that way. Personally, I think plastic binding looks cheap. ...dude if Gibson could figure out binding with maple like Taylor, I'd be *ALL* over that. I freaking love the maple binding on my 814. This Studio I have is soooo ugly that I like it. It's like a Bulldog or Pug of guitars. lol

[@flyonwall360]

P.S. I started the tail wrap a few years ago and noticed that it gave the guitar a slinkier feel.

[@BenBreard]

100% I have no clue why, but......... it's awesome!

[@Dreyno]

I lust lift the tailpiece a bit and it does the same thing. Recently bought a Chinese made Tokai LP (awesome guitar btw) and wondered why it felt so stiff compared to Gibson LP. Realised the tailpiece was decked so I lifted it a couple of turns and now it’s perfect.

[@BenBreard]

@@Dreyno someone smarter than me should make a video explaining the physics of this.

[@Dreyno]

@@BenBreard I think it’s the break angle over the saddles. When I looked at my Gibson LP and SG they both had the tailpiece lifted and a much shallower break over the saddles. When I adjusted the Tokai to be the same, it felt perfect. And yes, I did buy a “knockoff” LP for the colour in case you’re wondering. Love my ebony Les Paul but always wanted something sunburst without breaking the bank (yet again).

[@flyonwall360]

@Dreyno The break angle is probably part of it. I prefer the wrap around versus raising the tail piece. Raising the tail piece puts more stress on the studs and can affect the sustain. What led me to try the wrap around was tuning stability. Between the wrap around and a luthier wrap at the tuner, I haven't had any tuning issues since. A setup is always a personal choice, and whatever works for you is the way to go.

[@paul-davidalmond716]

I’m the happy owner of a Norlin era Les Paul Deluxe. Great sounding, and playing axe. It’s the voice of my electric work. I love strats, and teles too, but the LPD is dead stable!

[@BenBreard]

Nice! That's an era I don't have a lot of exposure to. I'm glad you got one you love.

[@GaryArmstrongmacgh]

Speaking only of Epiphone Les Pauls... are made primarily in Qingdao, China under license of Gibson. They improved their quality around 2008. So those who own one with an 08 serial code...look! The bodies are made either of mahogany or okoume. I wish I would've had mine when I was a working musician!

[@BenBreard]

They're definitely way better than what I remember from the early 90s.

[@timscarrow9151]

Not giving up the strat or tele, for a les paul was a gibson kid, friends had strats, I could never knock them. I love all 3. My LP heritage standard was 675$ in 1983. I've had a dozen strats and teles only one real LP though.

[@BenBreard]

I mean, a Heritage is a real LP right? I haven't played very many heritage guitars, but I've never played a bad one! Yeah I'm still into strats and teles.

[@timscarrow9151]

@@BenBreard No it is a 1981 "Heritage Series" Gibson Les Paul Standard the Tim Shaw era.

[@BenBreard]

@@timscarrow9151 ah gotcha. Yeah I'm clearly hitting the limits of my knowledge on LPs. I need to learn more about Tim and his pickups. Cheers

[@mazukakai]

Top wrap the bridge, put some 11's on it, then play it like an acoustic guitar. You can set each pickup volume, then you can have 3 different volumes from your 3-way switch. Those fades are nice to modify. Enjoy your sustained Gibson tones👍🏻

[@BenBreard]

Oh man, I could probably do 11's, but these days I'm going lighter on strings. As I age my ability to handle manly strings is diminishing quickly. :( .....but I like the way you're thinking about this!

[@jimmygillard]

I was a tele guy for years, then picked up a a lp special in tv yellow with p90s and it's such a punk rock guitar and looks so cool it's kind of irrestible to pick up.

[@BenBreard]

I *love* tv yellow. Such an iconic color and look. Congrats on your axe!

[@garyandpattyworley6832]

The Sire Larry Carlton 335 is really great and rivals Gibson .

[@BenBreard]

Oh those are on my list for sure. I'm a huge Carlton fan.

[@6stringcodger450]

These are great guitars...I have had many LPs: Standards, Custom and even an Epiiphone version, but I tend to grab the LP Studio. Plekd and perfect, nut to bridge and exactly the same sound as its big brothers. Tuning issues only exist if they are poorly setup.

[@BenBreard]

Totally agree! That's cool that yours gets play time over some of the others. An underrated model IMO.

[@brianstatom9567]

Traded my LP for an SG. I now have two SGs. They may have neck dive, but they stay in tune. Definitely check out the 335.

[@BenBreard]

Yeah, SGs sound and play great. Unfortunately buying all the guitars I want would test the boundaries of my marriage. :) I don't really want to test that. Cheers

[@jondodauno]

​@@BenBreard thats crazy man my partner was very supportive of me getting a custom shop instrument. she knew i was going thru a mental struggle and i needed something to feel better about my life with. she even helped me get it! maybe just sit down with her and explain the differences between the quality of these guitars and try to make it a friendly conversation! maybe you guys just have a misunderstanding.

[@BenBreard]

@jondodauno oh, sorry this needs more context. I have a *ton* of gear already, like too much, and my wife is super supportive. ....but it still wouldn't be good if I keep buying when we have other goals. You know?

[@ant5511]

Nice find. I prefer Fender-style guitars generally and likewise, the Gibson that appealed to me most in a shop audition was a "lowly" studio model. Haven't got one yet, maybe one day ...

[@BenBreard]

I'll be evil and leave this here: craigslist.org You're welcome! ;)

[@stevencurrie1540]

Fenders ‘ Gibsons ‘. Yeah my first guitar was a 70 Strat Back in 74 so crusty but cool. Now I’m up five gibsons Four Les Paul’s one firebird one yeah I get it

[@sesa2984]

I played a Samick strat in the 90s. Loved it cause it was my first guitar. But I personally never got a sound I liked out of a 5 way switch guitar except MAYBE the 2nd position. (from the neck) I spent EVERY ent I’d ever got on a birthday or a holy communion etc when I was 18 and got a Gibson ES 335 Memphis made sunburst 57 reissue, and to this day. nothing else sounds or feels ‘guitar’ enouh ffor me. I will say that in the beginning I had trouble getting the tones out of it because I thought it was muddy. (prob having been used to the really weak single coils.) And a strange things happened, but it didn’t REALLY get its mojo until after the SECOND headstock break. I know that sounds crazy. But the first time, I opened the case and it was broken all on its own. I was heartbroken. I took it to a local Luthier, like a real guitar builder. When I found out that all they do is wood glueit and clamp it, after the second time (which was my fault because I leaned it on a round coffee table and it fell, I just got some elmers, glued it and clamped it myself. And from that moment on, I can’t hit a note that doesn’t sound magical. Its clear as a bell. Just had to get some demons out I guess. The two cracks were like a couple big yawns and then it woke up.

[@BenBreard]

I've heard others say they've improved from headstock breaks, but I don't remember hearing the second one made the magic before. That's funny, and I believe it. One day I'll buckle and get a legit 335. Shame on me for not already doing it. :) cheers

[@sesa2984]

@@BenBreard I really think that if you’re liking that les paul, the 335 will give you everything you could want from a Gibson. It’s wierdly Gibson’s ‘strat’ in a way. It has everything in it. Peace.

[@BenBreard]

Thanks. It's a bucket list guitar for sure. One day I'll get one. .... just not sure when.

[@_williampettersson_]

I play Ernieball 08 on my Gibson SG I like the sound from them :)

[@BenBreard]

How thick of a pick do you use with 8's?

[@_williampettersson_]

@@BenBreard I use 1mm Ibanez sand grip or 1.14mm dunlop tortex that is smaller. I recently switched to 08 from 09 and like it so far.

[@BenBreard]

@@_williampettersson_ interesting. That's pretty close to what I use. I guess I need to figure out how to pick softer. ..... I'm the problem. :(

[@jazzaspirin]

i spoke with someone from Gibson back in the 90s, the reason for the "poor" nuts is so that you can adjust it to your own liking. i know many people don't like doing this. as for the Studio, i really don't like all the features on the modern version. the older versions are fantastic. a coil tapped 490 pickup can capture that twangy tele sound like no other.

[@BenBreard]

That reasoning makes me crazy. :) Could you imagine an improperly cut nut on a PRS, Suhr, or Anderson? I hear you on the pickup splits. My Anderson Cobra has all that switching and it doesn't replace a strat/tele, but I do find it really valuable when gigging.

[@jazzaspirin]

@@BenBreard i've never heard anyone complain about improperly cut nuts, only that they aren't cut enough. I guess that would be improper for someone expecting more. i also try not to listen to everything on KZbin or on forums. I'm not a fan of Gibson (mostly because I think they are overpriced), but I've never had issues with those I've owned.

[@frettingitforward]

Yeah, been a straty my whole life until last year. I wanted to have 2 legendary models for both my sons when I done

[@BenBreard]

Not a bad legacy! :)

[@Lensman864]

67.324% of the tone is in the 'tone-plastic' of the pickguard and YOU'VE killed that tone Sir! 😜 I prefer them with, visually but that guitar sounds great although your amp probably makes most guitars sound great. Some sounds only come out of a Strat (I own 3) and some out of a Lester (2).

[@BenBreard]

LOL. Tone wood is fake, but you're on to something with tone-plastic. Hilarious. Totally agree that you need strats and LPs to get the range of sounds. cheers

[@garypannone7755]

My guitar has that dark spot on the neck also and I believe it is burnished when they routed the neck. When I look at the grain it appears to go through with nothing Irregular. I bought my guitar new so I know it was not a brake, but thought it was possibly a scarf joint. After looking at it closer I believe it is just burnished. Enjoy. Nice Playing

[@BenBreard]

Ah, that makes sense. It's interesting to know that's not unique to this guitar. Thanks for that and the compliment. Cheers

[@garypannone7755]

My guitar is a Tribute but basically the same thing or same price range. I am hoping more people chime in.

[@BenBreard]

@garypannone7755 man, I really dig the honey burst tributes. I'm a sucker for that finish.

[@garypannone7755]

@BenBreard That is the one I wanted so bad. They were disconnected, and the only new one I could find was the darker sunburst. But I am happy with it.

[@minimini4276]

zakk wylde his broken glass is a studio and like a custom its all mahoghany body and neck..great guitar

[@BenBreard]

Man, .......the things I would do for a bullseye LP like Zakk. .......the things I would do. :)

[@MarkTurner-vs7uc]

I did the same thing. After awhile, I sold the gibson. I didnt like it. A few years go by,and I tried again with a standard. I like the standard. Its very differnt somehow.

[@BenBreard]

Interesting, I wonder what accounts for the difference other than aesthetics (binding and whatnot). Regardless, I'm glad you have a good one that you enjoy.

[@jeffreymorreale7223]

It seemed like my LP had tuning issues at first but it worked itself over time by just playing it. I always inheritently disliked Fenders for no real reason until aTele deluxe caught my eye. Was i ever wrong to write Fender off. I guess the lesson is to always remember there may be a reason why people like certain products so much and I should at least give them s try.

[@BenBreard]

Yeah, that's a good approach. It's also complicated because you never know when you're trying out a dud or a 1-in-a-million guitar. Someone with OCD tendencies l, like myself, can go off the deep end pretty quick!

[@jeffreymorreale7223]

@@BenBreard you're not alone.

[@jamespell8091]

The maple caped Les Pauls not so chamberd if at all are definitely more meaty sounding ie "quality" but that puppy has a quality in its own rite. It is true what you say about the neck how it angles back. Fenders dont do that. A little bit of that amounts to a lot. Its weird. Not very ergonomic. Thost pickups do sound good. The guitar sounds good. Billy Zoom of X he does a Gretch. It too is really hollowed out. These two sound similar similar. If it had D Armonds .but dont. And those 10's they bring out the sound of the guitar im sure. Dig in and chug it would be a sort of 335 type thing only smaller. Good deal on a nice set of strings

[@BenBreard]

I need to get my hands on an LP Standard now that I've finally spent some quality time with this one. One day!

[@Barnstorm757]

I own a 23 Gibson Les Paul Jr and a 24 Gibson SG 61 reissue. Love both of them. Gave my 22 Gold top Epiphone to a Dear friend. Gibson and Epiphone are back on track in my opinion

[@BenBreard]

Awesome. I haven't played any of the new ones, but I totally believe they're back making great instruments. .......said another way, I don't see them brining robo tuners back anytime soon.

[@Barnstorm757]

@@BenBreard couldn’t have said it better smh😂

[@matheeus-qw6ue]

I love Les Pauls.... I wish I owned Fender Strat too NGL

[@brbadge]

The old tuning problems ploy.Properly set up,its never been an issue for me.

[@BenBreard]

Yeah, this guitar has been bullet proof tuning wise. Agreed on proper setups. ... honestly the same is true for strats too, right?

[@PhillRobinson]

I had one some years back and the bass player came back with "Oh you bought nearly a les Paul".

[@BenBreard]

Pfft?! AND IT WAS FROM A BASS PLAYER TOO!!! Like they get a vote in anything! ;)

[@KozmykJ]

I don't think that Epiphone China have got their QC act together yet. I've just set two Riviera Frequensators and a Sheraton Frequensator back, last month. As for cheaper Gibsons, I've had a 2017 SG Faded for years now and it's great. It wasn't a good year for Gibson and the neck was a mess out of the box. Fine after it was tidied up by my luthier. This year I bought a 2021 Les Paul Tribute from my mate. It is a really nice guitar. Has a maple cap, but thinner than the expensive ones. Maple in the neck too, maybe that's why purists don't like them. I'm fine with the 490 pickups in both my SG and LP, plenty bright enough for my tastes.

[@BenBreard]

Congrats on your SG. One day I'll get one of those too. :) ......and what makes you think there's a plan or effort for the QE group there to get their act together? ;)

[@KozmykJ]

@@BenBreard LOL

[@peteshegog5916]

Now try a Rickenbacker! The difference you felt between a Strat and a LP will be x100 with a Ricko! :D Interesting vid, thanks!

[@BenBreard]

As a person who's listened to way more Roxette than normal people, a 12 string rick sounds like a dream. :)

[@daviddelossantos6075]

Hear some steely dan…sounds great with the bogner/LP

[@BenBreard]

Thanks! I won't lie part of why I bought this amp was that Walter Becker played them on & off for a long time. :)

[@davidyeager8524]

Nice guitar! Epiphone’s are a hit or miss in my opinion. Mostly a miss.

[@BenBreard]

I agree, but I think the same is true for some of the other big brands too.

[@ryant3600]

Ive owned Gibsons.. and I swore about 15-20 years ago I would never buy another.. Never felt the need to cause anymore you're spending like 3-6 times as much for a name on the headstock..That being said I can't stop looking that the new Studio's the Smokehouse satin is one sexy looking guitar. I don't need all the binding and flamed maple etc I have plenty of guitars that has all that stuff. But that studio just seems like a workhorse that'll never let you down. The only problem I have with them is how pricey they have become over the past few years.. Especially Gibson brand. But.. I might have to go back on my promise of never buying another and get a smokehouse satin Studio..

[@BenBreard]

I agree those satin ones look awesome. Unfortunately everything is expensive now. Inflatable sucks!

[@Dreyno]

I’ve mostly played a Les Paul since I started playing 30 years ago. About 10 years ago I decided I really should have a Strat so I bought one. I love having it but don’t reach for it very often. It just feels weird to me. Slippery and fiddly. If I play it for a few days, I get into it but as soon as I pick up a Gibson, I instantly feel more at home.

[@BenBreard]

Yeah I get that. For me, there's something magical with a strat into a darker amp in that mostly clean w/ a little grit. I'm still addicted to those sounds. Probably comes from listening to a lot of Eric Johnson. :) I get it though my Anderson is my "home base" axe.

[@Dreyno]

@@BenBreard I don’t really associate EJ with just the Strat. I think “Cliffs of Dover”, for example, was his ES-335.

[@BenBreard]

@@Dreyno that's fair and accurate. I've probably seen him play live 10 or 12 times. I've never seen him grab anything beyond a strat. Maybe part of that is contractual with Fender. No clue, but I always think of him as a "strat guy". Life is too short for just one style of guitar. :)

[@Dreyno]

@@BenBreard I think he settled on the Strat a bit like Clapton and Beck. He found his comfort zone.

[@TheGospelGuitarist]

Totally get ya. Started on a Les Paul, always have one or two around. I have always like the single Fender Strat tones for cleans. I also have an Ibanez which is also strieght necked. I don't play either one as a first grab. My Schecters also have the Gibby neck angle going on, not as much but I like those too.

[@sammonaco5400]

I never owned a Gibson Les Paul until 2016 when I bought a LP faded I buy guitars to play not to look at if I get a scratch on it no big deal what matters is the playability and the pickups I like a 60s profile neck it works and that's all that matters

[@duffdingelmeyer7101]

Replace the nut and the tuners and you got yourself a great axe.

[@BenBreard]

Thanks. Can't beat it for the price IMO. :)

[@brianblair1478]

Ran into your video... and you said something incorrect about the specs. No maple top? All Les Paul Studio's, with a couple of rare exceptions, have maple tops. Yours may be one of the exceptions. As I think an all mahogany model was released with natural finish. Otherwise, the differences between a Studio and a Standard Les Paul are only 2 aesthetics, color choices and binding. That is $1700 guitar, purchased new. Nothing about it is "cheap", or needs an apology.

[@BenBreard]

You are 100% correct. Mine is the Faded studio, which has the open pore mahogany top. ......and yes, I suspect that makes mine less desirable to LP people. :) Good call out; I should be more clear.

[@BenBreard]

I suspect mine cost a few hundred less than the standard studios, but I never price checked them.

[@dkelley9661]

Great post! I loved all the Steely Dan riffing. Your experience nearly parallels my own. After years of not having a real LP, I bought the same model, because it plays and sounds GREAT, in spite of its lower cost, lesser aesthetic appeal. I now have three LP’s, but this worn Studio model is a keeper. Just a beautiful sounding, easy playing, six string friend. Ultimately, I bought it for the sound and playability, and keep it for the lovely, endearing vibe.

[@BenBreard]

@dkelley9661 Awesome. It's good to know I'm not the only person who digs these. This guitar is a keeper and man I still can't believe how little I paid for it. That's a win!

[@brianblair1478]

​ @BenBreard Not undesirable at all. And it looks great!

[@jessefillmore]

I used to love Gibson in the mid to late 90's . Nowadays , I'd like to see them go out of business lol . I'll admit , I have 6 Gibson guitars . 2007 SG Stnd , 2012 Gibson Les Paul Trad , 2019 Gibson Explorer & Flying V , 2016 R9 , 2019 60th Anny 1959 . I bought the 2019 guitars because they were the first batch under the new ownership . And I'm glad I did because I bought a 2021 Gibson Les Paul Special and SG special and they were duds . Gibson is focused on selling collector guitars to older well off baby boomers . These guitars IMO are not worth the $10k+ price for a lot of reasons . Gibson shareholders want a fast return on their investment and making guitars for working musicians don't cut it . After the robot tuners , Gibson is done trying to innovate their gear . Also , the rumor is they're a horrible company to work for . This could be one of the reason they have A LOT of QC issues . I'm done with Gibson because they are focused on MAX profits and collector guitars that are overpriced & they treat their employees like sh*t . Ohh and they are trying to sue the competition away LOL .

[@BenBreard]

Heh, yeah I like companies that focus on what they do best and ignore the rest. Taylor and Anderson Guitarworks are two that come to mind, but there are many others. The lawsuits piss me off too.

[@benrios7902]

I don't think you can get a better guitar for $600-800

[@BenBreard]

Agreed!

[@timstaffell]

Sounds ok-ish, but I bought a Gibson Studio with P90s in about 2006, and it was a plank. Horrible guitar. I don't trust them. I've now got a 2 standards a, faded and a goldtop with P90s and they're so superior to the Studio...

[@BenBreard]

I don't blame you after having a bad experience with one. Gibson has never been famous for consistency.

[@terrybillington2482]

so you try 1 ephiphone and decide there crap which is bollocks . i have a 9.5 lbs ephiphone that will will wipe the floor with yours and you struggle with the feel of a gibson shaped guitar . a good guitarist wont even notice the different shape just get on with playing, p.s it sounds cheap.

[@BenBreard]

All guitar companies make duds. I've played some pretty rough high-end Fenders & Gibsons. My intent wasn't to call all Epiphones bad, and I'm pretty sure I said as much. I'm sorry that hurt your feelings. ;)

[@Don-ih4st]

Please learn how to spell "discression" (discretion).

[@BenBreard]

I am the worst speller ever. I remember scoring a 12 (out of 100) on a standardized test in 6th grade. :( .... thanks for telling me though. Cheers

[@user-uo9cy2ep2h]

Shows how the world goes round. Id never, ever buy a Stratocaster. Hideous!

[@BenBreard]

Hilarious! For me, that's akin to not liking chocolate. :) ....but I get it. Different strokes for different folks. Cheers

[@jondodauno]

ur crazy man, stratocasters are amazing! they look awesome, most certainly not ugly! very "sporty" looking, almost like a sports car compared to a LP. some of the Mexican fender artist series are a great bargain! this is coming from an LP fanboy