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Average Price: $708

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The 2013 Gibson LPJ Rubbed Gold Top is a masterful blend of heritage and innovation, crafted to deliver the iconic Les Paul sound at a more accessible price point. With a traditional weight-relieved mahogany body and a carved maple cap, this guitar provides the classic warmth and bite that players have come to love. The '50s rounded neck profile, paired with a rosewood fingerboard, ensures comfort and playability for any guitarist, whether you're on stage or in the studio.

Equipped with two high-output humbucking pickups, the LPJ captures the essence of the original PAFs while adding a modern twist. The 490R at the neck and 498T at the bridge are designed to deliver a robust midrange snarl, making this guitar a versatile tool for any musical genre. The sleek black hardware sets the LPJ apart visually, adding a touch of modern flair to its timeless design.

For those who crave the classic Les Paul feel but want something a bit different, the LPJ's lack of a pickguard and its unique hardware accents offer a fresh take on a beloved classic. Whether you're laying down tracks or rocking out live, the Gibson LPJ promises reliability, style, and that unmistakable Les Paul tone.

Key Features:

  • Traditional weight-relieved mahogany body with carved maple top
  • Comfortable '50s rounded profile maple neck with rosewood fretboard
  • 490R neck humbucker and 498T bridge humbucker for classic and versatile tones
  • Distinctive black hardware for a modern look
  • Includes a premium gig bag for easy transport and protection

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model LPJ
Finish Cherry, Chocolate, Goldtop, Rubbed Trans White, Rubbed Vintage Burst
Year 2013
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Gold, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson LPJ
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the 2013 Gibson LPJ Rubbed Gold Top?

The 2013 Gibson LPJ Rubbed Gold Top features a slim taper neck profile, which provides a comfortable and fast playing experience, suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the 2013 Gibson LPJ Rubbed Gold Top?

The 2013 Gibson LPJ is equipped with dual humbucking pickups that deliver a powerful and versatile tone, ranging from warm, rich cleans to aggressive, punchy overdrives, making it ideal for rock, blues, and metal genres.

Is the 2013 Gibson LPJ Rubbed Gold Top suitable for beginners?

The 2013 Gibson LPJ is a great choice for beginners due to its straightforward design, comfortable playability, and versatile sound, while also appealing to more experienced players with its quality craftsmanship and tonal options.

How does the satin finish on the 2013 Gibson LPJ Rubbed Gold Top affect its playability?

The satin finish on the 2013 Gibson LPJ Rubbed Gold Top provides a smooth feel that enhances playability by reducing friction, allowing for quicker hand movements along the neck.

What is the scale length of the 2013 Gibson LPJ Rubbed Gold Top, and how does it impact playability?

The 2013 Gibson LPJ Rubbed Gold Top has a 24.75" scale length, which contributes to a slightly looser string tension, making it easier to bend strings and facilitating a comfortable playing experience.

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Gibson LPJ | Quicklook

Video thumbnail for Gibson LPJ | Quicklook by Sam Ash Music

Gibson LPJ | Quicklook

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2013: Gibson LPJ introduced by TotalGuitar

NAMM 2013: Gibson LPJ introduced

TotalGuitar

TotalGuitar

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile sound from beefy tones to smooth, almost acoustic.

  • Solid build without being cumbersome or heavy.

  • Beautiful rustic and warm finish options like Chocolate and Gold Top.

  • Great neck feel - full, rounded, yet fast to play.

  • Easy to modify and upgrade components like pickups and wiring.

  • Budget-friendly for a USA-built Gibson, great for collectors.

  • Perfect for frequent play, even among a collection of high-end guitars.

  • Naturally aged satin finish reveals pleasing aesthetic over time.

  • Modern weight relief design enhances playability.

  • Ideal base for those looking to customize their guitar setup.

CONS

  • Stock pickups may be too hot for some players' preferences.

  • Satin finish can wear over time, revealing underlying wood.

  • Neck volume pot can become crackly over time.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 2013 Gibson LPJ Rubbed Gold Top.

Features and functionality

  • The 2013 LPJ features plastic-covered pickups resembling faux EMGs, which are unique to this model year.

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  • The LPJ's "poker chip" and pickguard are often aftermarket additions, hinting at frequent customization.

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  • The LPJ has unplated hardware, which can be a visual annoyance and is costly to replace, offering no significant cost savings.

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  • The LPJ uses plastic-covered dual slug Gibson 489/490 pickups in 2013 models, with uncovered 61 Tribute pickups in 2014, affecting tonal brightness and mix presence.

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Comparisons

  • The Bourbon Burst finish is perceived as similar to Ice Tea Burst but with less red, affecting grain visibility at the edges.

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  • The LPJ is compared to the Melody Maker series for its affordability and similar finish options.

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User experience

  • Some describe the neck as feeling like a "baseball bat," indicating a very chunky profile that may not suit everyone's preference.

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  • Owners praise the fat maple neck, with some regretting selling their LPJs due to its unique feel.

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  • Some LPJ owners report satisfaction with the chunky neck profile and satin finish, enhancing comfort during play.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend replacing the stock black plastic EMG-style covers and black hardware with Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 pickups for better sound and aesthetic improvement.

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  • A suggested mod is replacing the tortoise shell pickguard with a black one for a better match with existing hardware.

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  • The PCB quick connect system limits pickup options unless replaced entirely, impacting mod potential.

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Value and pricing

  • Used LPJs have seen a price increase, with some now priced at $1,000, though historically they retailed for $500-$600.

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  • A user acquired two LPJs for the price of an early 2000s Studio, underlining its affordability for a U.S.-made instrument.

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Build quality

  • The 2013 LPJ features a maple neck, which some prefer for its feel and tone, though opinions vary.

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  • The LPJ's high, vintage-style frets are not favored by all, with some considering re-fretting for a more modern feel.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Tru oil can be applied over the existing finish to enhance gloss without altering color, typically requiring 3-4 coats for a nice sheen.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
taylor_itkin

I love this guitar.

Inexpensive, high-quality, USA built Gibson Les Paul. The finish is stunning, no flame maple or anything, just a gold rub in satin finish. The back and the neck are left with no paint and a satin finish, and you can easily see it is 100% genuine mahogany. Plays beautifully and has deluxe tuners. This guitar is worth every cent.

Genre Usage

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