This Studio Rocks! 1994 Gibson Les Paul Wine Red Ebony Fretboard Review and Demo

[@renek243]

As a 19 year old I bought my ebony LP studio gold new on 20 October 1994, I still got the receipt (and the guitar), How time flies, girlfriends came and went but the Les Paul stayed 🙂. Didn't realize these early ones are so revered these days but hearing it makes me even more proud to own one from new. Glad I never sold it and I never will!

[@Silverjubilee666]

I’m 19 and am planning to get a studio this made me want one more lol

[@nikolagenov8881]

I own the '93 one with the gold hardware and it beats down any recent production Studio that I've tried hands down! A real keeper!!!

[@robvee532]

I recommend a Studio to anyone looking at a Epiphone. There is something to a USA Gibson that is their own. Not a fan of the 498’s but other than that, it is a great quality guitar. I own 2-70’s Custom that I move had for 25 years, a rare 3-pu SG LP custom, VOS Gold Top, TV Special and a studio. I leave the Studio at our studio (no pun intended) and that’s what I write and practice with. I took it on tour with me all over the world (easily replaceable if I need to) in a band that needed a LP player, never an issue. It is a solid great guitar. Great to mod, change out pu’s and just play. Sounds the same as my expensive ones, the feel is different but it is a Gibson.

[@erickleefeld4883]

When I hear the phrase, “Les Paul Studio,” this is the guitar that pops into my head.

[@WarmasterMoloch]

I've owned one of these bad boys from new. Got it back in 1994 as a half-savings/half-birthday present. It now has yellowing to the inlays, lacquer checking everywhere and new Burstbuckers added. And it's not going anywhere. I've owned other Studios too, but these early '90s ones shit on all of them. Even a 2008 Standard that I had felt like a toy compared to it.

[@Trog]

They're magical! Thanks for sharing

[@snap-off5383]

High five. My dad made me choose a Gibson Les Paul for my guitar, it was my payment for 3 summers of work on the farm. Bought a wine red '93 with the gold hardware, and proceeded to wear everything off that will give when playing, I can see the wood on the back of the fretboard, the pickup tops and bridge are worn silver. Anywhere it hits the body from playing in sitting position is wood colored now, and now its torn down because it needs a refret I've toasted the frets over the last 29 years. The worst part of them is by far the nitrocellulose clearcoat of awfulness. There's nothing you can do shy of a full car polish job to push it toward a more clear direction. Gibson should be class actioned out of that finish its so horrible. But of course its a les paul right out of the CNC from the correct woods, likely still put together by Boomers, solid at doing what they're told by the $ guy.

[@michaelsingley5641]

1993 Studio. Wine red. Ebony board. Metal Gibson tuners. $680 new out the door. Awesome guitar. 🎸 Enjoy (almost) as much as my 2006 Black Custom. 💗

[@dlpz2005]

I'm obviously LTTP, but I just wanted to say "THANK YOU" for this video. I had the itch to get a Les Paul a few months ago, came across this video after feeling a tad guilty researching guitars worth more than my actual skill allowed for, then found a good deal on a 1993 Wine Red Studio with the Ebony fretboard at Guitar Center. I ordered it right away and, after swapping the pickups to Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers (I prefer vintage spec'ed pickups), it's been my favorite guitar to play ever since. It's really resonant for having a relatively thick finish. Looks like an aged version of the Gibson Heritage Cherry finish. And sounds good through every amp and effect I own. Not to mention the Ebony fretboard is just a joy to play on. Thanks again for taking the time to do these videos on guitars that might not be worth a fortune, but are still wonderful players and instruments in their own right!

[@frankpalomacity]

no way to compare this Guitars with the studio series after 2000's.... this 90's are amazing

[@oggamer735]

Yes there is. Just that 90’s one had way better QC. 00’s to about 2014’s they were decent with misses about 20% and after that came those push pull monsters and those are not the same any more.

[@ninevoltromeo]

I have a wine red 94 studio that is just amazing. It sounds completely pissed off and is one of my favorite guitars.

[@marcusmcfall8167]

I have a blue one and it's definitely my favorite guitar to rock out with

[@rob062388]

I have a '94 Les Paul, ebony paint, ebony fretboard, and gold hardware. I've contributed some dings to it, but it looks gorgeous as hell. Sounds and plays great. You can see it in some of my old videos on my channel.

[@dontderockmeriz4546]

I have a white 94 studio. Bought it new, for $699 but today (2021) she is more of an ivory. And honest to god it sounds as good as any standard I’ve played. Better than a few of them. Had a few offers for it but never getting rid of it.

[@martb8022]

You need to make a shirt: "Bit of buckle rash, but nothing toooo bad."

[@Trog]

Haha, I'm glad I have a catch phrase

[@VintageDefectors69]

@@Trog I see things never change.

[@thelespauldude3283]

I would buy that!

[@jamieb.7812]

I bought my ‘94 in Feb of ‘95. I still own it. It’s my baby!!

[@DareBear2099]

I own one of these exact models I got from a craigslist sale for 400 dollars, kind of felt bad. Kid didn’t know what he had.

[@Ineedahandle75]

I've got a '95 Studio in wine red, but it doesn't have the ebony fretboard. It has a very nice quality piece of rosewood. Unplugged the tone is somewhat different to other Les Pauls. The bass E does not really have the piano like tone, but is softer and more woody sounding.

[@StevieZero]

My 93 has a rosewood fretboard

[@Flopster2632]

Looking at my 96 right now, it’s worn, love wine red with the gold that I have worn back to the chrome with my arm on the bridge and pickups, I kept everything standard because this was made perfectly and it kicks the ass out of my 2020 les Paul standard… I mean this really was the golden age for Gibson and the fact it’s the same as a standard or custom but with a plain THICK maple top and no binding I mean they are amazing. I wouldn’t ever sell mine I would sell a few of my other guitars but not this one

[@neil2550]

I'm looking at a black one atm,

[@byteworks101]

My 94 studio has mahogany top and rosewood fretboard - I changed machine heads to Schaller and had Victor Smith from Flatbush Stringed Instruments make a new bone nut and a fret-job. Have had it from new. Really love that guitar.

[@mattpipke5716]

I h ave a 93 Wine red with gold hardware, it is amazing, my go to on the road, I have played shows with it for 15 years now. Paid $650 for it in 2003.

[@majesticpbjcat7707]

I have the same one. Got it in 94 when I was 15. Just gave it a little cleanup a couple months ago. Thing is a beast!

[@miamistomp]

I traded my 94 studio to my son for his 90's SG The 90's were good years for Gibson. I have a 93 J45 that is also a fine guitar

[@edwardmonsariste4050]

I had a 1994 Ebony Standard LP. BEST GUITAR I EVER OWNED! I’ve read forums about early 90’s LP. There is definitely something special about those years. A commenter who says that he use to work at the Nashville plant during that time. He states that the quality of wood was top notch back then. Gibson was trying rebuilding their reputation after the Norlin years. I very much agree Gibson did just that.

[@TheMlkdaddy]

I have one of these identical to this one. My parents bought me one back in 94 and I still play it to this day.

[@festushaggen2563]

I bought my black and chrome LP Studio new in 92’ after my first guitar was stolen. It's been through hell and back with me and now I’m doing a complete restoration including a professional strip and refinish. As tempted as I get to try another LP, this one is special and still plays great despite the many years of abuse. From now on, it’ll be treated like gold.

[@Bruce-1956]

I have one and it's by far the best Gibson i've ever owned and that includes CS.

[@Trog]

They are excellent guitars. Not quite a fancy looking, but all the utility is there! Enjoy it!

[@Steve.Cutler]

My brother bought a 1990 black studio with chrome hardware brand new. Amazing guitar still today.

[@royronnie259]

Hello!!! I'm a fan.... I recently bought a 91 studio and it is just like this one... mine is black. And I bought it for the reasons you stated. It's a great guitar... I have a respectable les paul... and it didn't crush the bank. Thanks... love the show

[@nordicomsystems8841]

I have what I thought was a '96...but the first two numbers of the serial are 92. So it's a '92 model then? I thought only the 6-digit serials used that YYxxxx format?

[@Ace8Three]

I have -96 with rosewood fretboard and now I ordered -94 with ebony fretboard. These are so good guitars 😋

[@Montmarcey]

Oooh thanks Trogly! London Underground busker here who plays mostly electric fender violin, but I take a Les Paul studio out occasionally. Bought it 2007 from Fulham Vintage Guitar emporium. They said it was a 97, but they still managed to convince me to part with £800 cos it was pretty much as new apart from the Grovers. I liked it for its ebony fingerboard and the grovers. I've bashed it about a bit, snapping the neck twice and repairing it with superglue. After I'd done that I wasn't too much bothered about leaving the coins I'd busked up in the case with it. Then I saw this review and thought 'Hang on, it can't be a 97 cos of the ebony fingerboard'. Had a look at the serial behind the headstock. I think whoever put the grovers on gave it a sand and refinish cos only 6 digits were visible. I didn't initially realise this, entered them in to a serial search engine and it said '1970s era' and I thought 'eh?' so I had a look at the pots and misinterpreted them as 1979 and thought 'Hang on, is this a really early prototype?' then thought about the grover mods, so I entered the serial in to the search engine again making up the last 2 digits myself 92633456 and got 20th September 1993. Which I'll take as 'sometime in 1993'. I'd never sell this guitar cos it's the only Les Paul I'll ever need or want, but it's nice to know that me thinking to myself when I bought it 'This one must have accidentally fallen in the magic potion while they were making it.' was partially correct.

[@Thriplebuttix]

My '95 has Ebony fretboard.well I thought it was a '95 but going by this it is actually a '94! Cool!

[@andyrumple]

I also have what I think is a 95 with ebony, was told it's a 94 tho, serials says different. I am confused

[@5timesthepain]

I just bought same guitar. Same year as well. Mine was upgraded with Seymour Duncan JB pups n CTS pots n wiring.

[@clivedavies3]

I wouldn't swap my 1997 ebony studio for nothing and the scratches and dings make it have character. I've swapped out the bridge for a roller bridge and the nut for a bone nut. Like your studio keep putting out the videos.

[@MisterTMH]

My 1998 LP Studio is my go to guitar since I got it second hand 12 months ago. It has some cosmetic wear but it is a keeper!

[@graham4122]

I have a black 1990 studio with the ebony . Nothing ever changed on it . I also have a lp standard and a 335 . The studio is with out doubt the best guitar I have ever owned and as he says …. NOT FOR SALE

[@SuperSuperdude88]

my 97 studio is amazing, it was white? at one time in its life, now its a almost YELLOW ish fucking awesome

[@InAtlasAtLast]

Same with my 93 but I like the color the way it is

[@christophborner5781]

I have a black '93 Studio, bought it in summer '93 and it had the same case. Excellent guitar, not worse than my Standard.

[@thorpypoo]

My 1996 Les Paul Studio had a case but then again my parents bought it for me in 1998 without my knowledge so maybe they added it on...but I don't think so. I was under the impression that in the 1990's the studio was the level where you started getting a hard case while Specials had a gig bag.

[@roncarter2188]

I have the exact same guitar, color, year, everything. I love mine as well - really nice guitar, it's a keeper for me.

[@julosx]

I have one of these. It's even slightly older ('93) but mine is in a better condition and still sports its original tuners. I bought it used in '95 : this guitar still surprises me (pleasantly) after all these years every time I play it.

[@snap-off5383]

I tore the tuners off my '93 within the first 5 years, hated the gold.

[@benlogan430]

I like the studios! Excellent guitar and you can find em reasonably priced all day. I have a 2009 and a 2012 and they both rock! The 09 is a Jem. Both have the faded finishes which I really like. Simple, reasonably priced gig rocking machine!

[@argopunk]

I have a wine red/gold hardware '95 Studio. Bought it in 1995. Missed by one year!

[@julosx]

You can hear in the video, in the JMP part of it, that this Studio, like mine, kicks SERIOUS ASS when it comes to distorsion, that makes it so fun to play.

[@planzed463]

I have a ‘91 studio same colour but different.. all original but it has had the headstock repair back in 2000... love it! Came with the golden nobs & pickup covers; & beautiful wood through the stain - it rocks!

[@yurvedicenergy3214]

Same guitar here, is a beast love it!

[@sparkyguitar0058]

I got a 97 ebony w/ gold hardware. If you like these pots that's on you but mine WERE some small junk and the wiring was some plastic cheap wire. I changed all the cheap stuff to better quality kind of stuff. Like CTS 550 pots and cloth wrapped 22 gauge wire, Tonespro locking bridge, Kluson locking tuners, Tusc XL nut. Now it rocks. If I could just get better hands working it then it would be perfect. L O L. Great guitar goes so nicely next to my Amer Deluxe plus Strat. The Paul also came with 496/500 pups and a Chainsaw case for $800 used many yrs ago.

[@nolarocks]

My '98 has dot inlays / rosewood fingerboard / and a Gibson case - all bought new in 1998.

[@MisterTMH]

My 1998 LP studio came with a Gibson hard case too.

[@godofthunder0720]

I have an 07 Alpine White Les Paul Studio with an ebony board and the same specs. It plays and sounds as good or better than any other Les Paul that I have had or played. I have owned and played many.

[@copykon]

I have one of these from the 90's. Mine is still is excellent condition. The workmanship is very good. I did change one pickup though.

[@Trog]

They are awesome guitars. Budget-friendly, but don't feel 'budget-model.' Thanks for watching!

[@davidbaldwin1591]

Thank you for your detailed analysis of guitars. I have learned something each time. I find this guitar most pleasant.

[@Trog]

I'm glad you enjoy them and are learning. Thanks for watching!

[@lfscrazy]

I have 2 1990 Studios. Funny thing is they sound quite different but both are excellent instruments. I had an R8 but sold it because while excellent, it was no better than the Studios

[@JASONXMARIELA]

I got an 05 studio with ebony and a hard shell case. Had it drive 05 I love it. Burstbucker pros pick-ups

[@thatotherdan9984]

Picked one up last year love it. Though this things a brick, so after a long day of work I prefer my light prs. But on the weekends I have alot of fun with this guitar.

[@electricritual4197]

Yes the 90s came with gig bags and the interior on them is a dark green

[@Deauxtje]

I had a 92 with ebony board. All original. Sold it for approx. 700 US dollars. Didn’t know what I had, but I didn’t play it because of the weight.

[@slobodanarodu2005]

Mine (an early 96er) also have the dot from the "i" in the Gibson logo moved a little to the left. I've seen this before in other LP Studios from the 90's. I think this has been corrected through the years, but it freaked me out the first time I realized that on my guitar.

[@danielgray869]

I have a 1994 Wine Red Studio that could be this guitar’s twin! The ebony fretboard is so much prettier than the rosewoods you get now. I wouldn’t sell mine unless I was down to my last penny, and even then I would be hesitant to let her go. Best guitar I ever had and the price paid brand new was the best deal I’ve ever seen for a Gibson made Les Paul!

[@neil2550]

How much did you pay brand new??

[@danielgray869]

@@neil2550if I remember correctly it was $700-$800 new, and worth every penny. It’s still my main guitar almost thirty years later.

[@neil2550]

@@danielgray869 thank you for your reply ,,USD I'm guessing?

[@danielgray869]

@@neil2550 you’re welcome, and yes, usd.

[@neil2550]

@@danielgray869 just purchased a 96 ebony, with ebony fretboard ,,woohoo nnnnice

[@StevieZero]

I have a 93 chrome hardware its a beast of a guitar

[@sleepcapsule6472]

I have the same studio, but mine is black and it looks badass with a ebony fretboard ✌

[@GeoffNelson]

Also from 1994, Trogly's shorts at 10:24

[@minstrelofMir]

1993 ebony frets and gold hardware ;-)

[@JamesAllenJr]

I hear the reason those years are so good is that the quality control guy threw out a sh!t ton of average and bad guitars, only keeping the best. At that time they also used the same woods as the customs, I hear. My '92 studio lite has ebony too; but mine has the 500t pickup combination. Super bright!

[@MegaJimako]

Mine has the 500T too

[@StevieZero]

The reason those years are so good is Gibson was out to prove they made the best guitars again after the norlin era...

[@dougsmith8107]

Prices of even the Studios have jumped the last few years. Pre pandemic $650 ones now are 950-1100 and have neck repairs. Seeing some decent 90s ones but mainly late 90s

[@greghilinski6571]

That is a nice one. Guys around here would strip off the finish and tung oil them which really made them scream. Great example.

[@granvillefriel1877]

Dude that 1 wat Marshall kicks ass ! Awesome guitar

[@LukePlaysUke]

Have you ever seen one of these with actual wear like vintage Les Pauls would get? (I mean, discounting the fact that a 1990s Les Paul is pretty much vintage now as it is.) Because I’ve got a 1992 Studio - wine red like this - and the finish is like a tank where I had a lacquer Tele for a year or so and saw forearm wear (just discoloration, but you could see where it was headed) before my time with it was done. But I’ve been playing that Studio for DECADES and - I know this sounds super shallow - but I want that playtime to be visible.

[@christanhartley434]

Strange but I’ve played and heard a few studios that seem to really out play much more expensive models.

[@relaxed_borgir]

I have a 1991 lespaul and im not sure if its a studio or a standard, there wasnt a rod cover because my friend gave it to me and it was used a lot,

[@thevsander]

Hi Trogly! Can you do a neck comparison video sometime? Im thinking of comparing a 90s 59 profile with the 50s and 60s profiles of today maybe how they compare to customshop necks like a R8, R9, or V1 2 3 like on the R0-s. I havent seen any content in this subject but I think it would be very interesting. At least for us nerds :D

[@davidallen346]

I've traded my beloved best 1993 American Blackie maple fretboard stratocaster for this kind of Gibson Les Paul studio

[@mtjsmith70]

I have the exact same case too.

[@joker71172]

Love my '94 Studio

[@Trog]

Very nice guitars! Enjoy it!

[@mattpipke5716]

Came with a brown Gibson hard shell case, I believe in 1993 they were an option.

[@mikemikemike701]

My 94 studio came with that exact case from guitar center. Paid $450 for the guitar.

[@makkiesteban4574]

I have an opportunity to buy one of these in wine red as well. Not sure if an original case is part of the deal though. Did they originally sell with a hard case or gig bag back in the 90s?

[@MikeCindyWhite]

Awesome! My guitar!! Same color same everything! Bought it used from a friend for 400 bucks way back in the mid 90's... I love it, I really need 2 polish mine she's gone from gloss to almost flat! Great review bro, I have been looking everywhere to learn more about her, I love the ebony fret board, Last forever, I just checked my serial # and its 90881525... Does that mean it's a 90? She does have an ebony fretboard like that 94, If I remember right I bought it from a buddy in 92, Maybe they used ebony from 90 to 94? I have another friend of mine that liked it so much back then he bought a new one in 95 and he has a rosewood fretboard... Just wondering if mine, wine red, chrome hardware, ebony same everything as what you have in the video, is a 90 or 94 like yours? Thanks bro

[@MikeCindyWhite]

@@ocd1231 Awesome! Great to know bro, thank you 🎸🎸🎸👍

[@joemamma4324]

ANOTHER AWESOME VIDEO!!!

[@frankpalomacity]

I have 3 of this LPstudio 90!! The Good Wood Era..as they call it...the 90's studios are exactly like 90's Standard but with no "make up"(custom is another story :D) ... the pots you got are originals...there's not hardcase with these...they originally comes with a black gig bag like today.... the idea from Gibson behind that is basically Studio were for Recording studio and Standard were for live concert.. the sound is exactly the same. Nowdays are a completely different story...from the early 2000's the quality of the studio is dropping down...now we are at faded stuff..etc...

[@JCarioli]

Tengo exactamente la misma Studio. Es hermosa, la compre en 1993. Tener el puente puesto al revés. Las séllelas tienen que tener la caída para el lado del tailbar.

[@terrific-bats]

Well done.

[@juaneninternet]

Hi! How does a studio lite 93 compare? Are they worthy?

[@benlogan430]

Rub a black sharpie on the scratches then wipe it right off with your finger. The marks almost disappear. Then Armor All the case. Looks like new! Well, almost anyway.

[@gp85hkg]

Nice...a '98 model has just come up for sale near me. I'm gunna do it. (".)

[@dannyring4838]

Why mine 1994 studio have rosewood fretboard? Are also desirable???

[@bobdeluxeandtheideals1356]

This is great ✊

[@davemus]

I've got a 92 studio

[@ludoludo4334]

Mine is a wine red 1995 and I don't have the ebony fretboard :( but my case is nicer :p a gibson brown outside pink inside case I think it is the same as very expensive gibsons. But yeah we don't play cases.

[@neil2550]

Love all ya vids,,just making me jealous

[@rampagingpigg7724]

My guitar teacher has one exactly like this

[@simonaustin1136]

Hello Trogly and Friends! I just wanted some help dating my own 90's Les Paul Studio. It's black with rosewood fretboard and dot inlays. If I read the serial as 1st and 5th digit it dates as a 1999, however if I read the serial as first two digits as Trogly mentions in the video it would date as a 1990. Hmm I'm perplexed with this one

[@ChrisOfTheRiff]

hey, only the "94's have the year numbers BOTH at the beginning. They did this for the 1994 year as it was the Centennial year for them, otherwise it's back to the normal serial system

[@simonguerrero4091]

94021422 is his number so on the usual it would be the 1 and 5 numbers that would be 91 here and the middle of 1-5 is the day of the year and 402 days wouldn’t make sense I have a 90977369 so mine would be April 7 of 97 and my production number is 369 I’m sure u figured this out by now tho

[@aquinojose94]

Does the 2005 model have ebony??

[@Trog]

no - unless it has a white finish

[@mr.timebombman2230]

Had the same one except mine was ebony.

[@bigmclargehuge4203]

I just bought a 1990 les paul studio. And the everything checks out under a black light. But the made in USA stamp is very faint. Is that normal for a studio of that age? Thanks in advance.

[@JamesAllenJr]

Yes; in fact a deep 'made in usa' stamp can be evidence of a fake.

[@scatterbrain33]

I have a beat up authentic relic one of these with a headstock repair I bought around 20 years ago. If anyone is intrested it's up for swap or cash offer. Good way to own one without paying top price.

[@JamesAllenJr]

My '92 studio lite is awesome... my '97 regular studio is... meh, just ok.

[@kevykev38]

I have a 94 but for some reason mine has body cream molding.

[@Theydotheharlemshake]

hey man, what's a good year for a les paul within say 1300 dollar price range, I am going to buy one and I need help I've been a strat person all my life and lps are new to me!

[@Trog]

Feel free to contact me on my Facebook page facebook.com/troglys or at [e-mail] and I can walk you through a few options I would suggest checking out. Best, Austin

[@kevykev38]

I love my 94 but mine doesn't have ebony fret board

[@pierrevelarde1756]

I have a question my serial no. is 92687469 what year was made?

[@christianlloyd5796]

1997. (Year is 1st and 5th digits in serial number)

[@peaceindarkness.darknessis3494]

I now have a 97.

[@projectrebirth1016]

is this Les Paul studio light??

[@Trog]

No, this is a regular studio - 9-10lbs

[@xoxb2]

Does he ever play it? I gave up after eight and a half minutes of minute dissection of the scratches.

[@darryllandry9904]

What about a guy who doesn't really like Gibson binding and the nibs that often have a gap where the fret ends. Playing along fine then "jink" the high E gets into the gap. Unbound boards all day. Decorative anyway.

[@kidreviewsmodels460]

I'm in a contest for this please wish me luck 😅