Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,122

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Discover a piece of musical history with the 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem P-90's, a guitar that effortlessly blends vintage allure with modern playability. This limited-run beauty stands out with its P-90 pickups, renowned for their raw and punchy tone, delivering a sound that's both rich and resonant. Crafted with a Rosewood fretboard, this Les Paul Studio offers a smooth playing experience that encourages expressive bends and articulate slides. Its solid body construction ensures durability and sustain, making it a reliable companion for both stage performances and studio sessions.

What sets the 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem P-90's apart is its ability to cater to a wide range of musical genres. Whether you're channeling the gritty tones of classic rock or the smooth riffs of blues, this guitar adapts seamlessly to your style. As part of a unique collection, it remains a coveted piece among musicians and collectors alike, offering not just an instrument, but a piece of Gibson's storied legacy.

Key Features:

  • P-90 pickups for iconic, punchy tones
  • Rosewood fretboard for smooth playability
  • Limited edition release for exclusivity
  • Solid body construction for enhanced sustain and durability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Studio Gem
Finish Amethyst, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz
Year 1996 - 1998
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Blue, Brown, Green, Purple, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Studio
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the P-90 pickups on the 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem?

The P-90 pickups on the 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem deliver a bright, punchy tone with a strong midrange presence, making it versatile for rock, blues, and jazz genres.

How does the Ruby Red finish of the 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem affect its appeal?

The Ruby Red finish provides a striking aesthetic that enhances the guitar's visual appeal on stage, complementing its classic Les Paul design.

Is the 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem suitable for beginners?

While the 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem is a high-quality instrument appreciated by experienced players, its straightforward controls and comfortable playability can also suit dedicated beginners.

What is the neck profile like on the 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem?

The neck of the 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem features a set-neck construction, offering a smooth playing experience with easy access to higher frets, ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

How does the stop-bar tailpiece on the 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem affect playability?

The stop-bar tailpiece provides increased sustain and stability, ensuring reliable tuning and enhancing the overall tonal quality of the guitar.

paolo1968

paolo1968

Gibson LP Studio Gem Series (1996).AVI

Video thumbnail for Gibson LP Studio Gem Series (1996).AVI by paolo1968

Gibson LP Studio Gem Series (1996).AVI

paolo1968

paolo1968

Video thumbnail for GIBSON LES PAUL STUDIO GEM by The Guitar Colonel

GIBSON LES PAUL STUDIO GEM

The Guitar Colonel

The Guitar Colonel

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem Series 1996 by Abner Franco Marins

Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem Series 1996

Abner Franco Marins

Abner Franco Marins

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem P-90's.

Features and functionality

  • P-90s provide a hotter, bluesy crunch compared to Strat single coils, noted as distinct but a bit noisy.

    Source
  • P-90 pickups are seen as a bridge between single-coils and humbuckers, offering a unique tonal identity appreciated by enthusiasts.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Les Paul Studio Gem with P-90s offers a tone fatter than Fender single-coils, yet not as hot as humbuckers, ideal for cleaner tones.

    Source
  • Some users claim that Studios lack the cosmetic appointments of higher-end models but maintain the wood quality and carved maple tops.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A Blackstar HT-5R amp complements the P-90s, enhancing the amp's performance, suggesting a synergy between the two.

    Source
  • The guitar is noted to handle diverse styles, from Santana to Lamb of God, demonstrating its versatility across genres.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of 1996 Gem Series report the guitar's aesthetics, especially in unique finishes like Ruby Red, as standout features.

    Source
  • A 1996 Les Paul Studio in Ruby Red is praised for standing on par with higher-end models like the R7 and R9, with an aggressive tonal character.

    Source

Build quality

  • The headstock finish on some 1996 Les Paul Studio Gems may exhibit bubbling, indicating a potential poly finish rather than the expected nitro lacquer.

    Source
  • Some users have experienced uneven buffing and visible tool marks on the fretboard, indicating potential QC issues with some Gibson Les Paul Studios.

    Source
  • Owners of late 90s to early 2000s models report better tuning stability compared to some custom versions, after extensive play.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • To fix headstock finish issues, it's suggested to gently peel the affected area with heat, then reapply nitro clear coat, sanding and polishing for a smoother finish.

    Source
  • Proper nut filing and using "nut sauce" are recommended to improve tuning stability, addressing issues from the Gibson headstock angle.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Sanding and gunstock oiling the neck are popular modifications, enhancing the feel and playability of the guitar.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem P-90's, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
edgedancer

edgedancer

Gear IQ 26291

More Solid Body Electric Guitars

Artist usage

Similar

Gear Guides