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Description

Step into the world of timeless tone with the 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional, a beloved icon in the realm of solid body electric guitars. This guitar is a nod to the legendary designs of the past, offering a harmonious blend of vintage aesthetics and modern craftsmanship. Featuring a carved AA flamed maple top, it exudes elegance and sophistication. The resonant mahogany body and neck, with traditional weight relief, promise endless sustain and a comfort that's perfect for long jam sessions or performances.

The heart of the Les Paul Traditional lies in its powerful electronics. Equipped with a pair of 57 Classic humbuckers, this guitar delivers a versatile sonic palette. The neck pickup is wound traditionally to provide warmth and clarity for rhythm playing, while the slightly overwound bridge pickup is designed to unleash scorching lead tones that cut through any mix. Whether you're channeling the classic rock gods or exploring new musical territories, the Les Paul Traditional is built to inspire.

Ideal for both seasoned musicians and aspiring guitarists, this instrument effortlessly bridges the gap between the vintage allure of the past and the innovative spirit of today. Its timeless design and premium components make it not just a guitar, but a piece of musical history.

Key Features:

  • AA flamed maple top
  • Mahogany body with traditional weight relief
  • Mahogany neck
  • 57 Classic humbuckers (traditional neck and overwound bridge)
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • 22 frets
  • Tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Traditional T
Finish Desert Burst, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Honey Burst, Iced Tea, Light Burst, Wine Red
Year 2016
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, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Traditional
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson T
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional have?

The 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional is equipped with Burstbucker 1 and 2 pickups, which are known for delivering a classic PAF-style tone, ideal for rock and blues genres.

Does the 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional have a weight-relieved body?

No, the 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional features a non-weight-relieved, solid mahogany body, providing a traditional feel and sustain characteristic of vintage Les Paul models.

What is the neck profile of the 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional?

The 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional features a rounded '50s neck profile, offering a thicker, more substantial feel that appeals to players who prefer a vintage-style neck.

Is the 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional suitable for beginners?

While the 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional offers excellent build quality and tone, its weight and neck profile might be challenging for beginners. It's more suited for intermediate to advanced players who appreciate classic Les Paul characteristics.

What finish options are available for the 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional?

The 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional is available in several finishes, including Desert Burst, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Honey Burst, Iced Tea, Light Burst, and Wine Red, all featuring a glossy finish.

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Gibson 2016 Les Paul Traditional - Trad Spec vs High Performance

Video thumbnail for Gibson 2016 Les Paul Traditional - Trad Spec vs High Performance by Rob Chapman

Gibson 2016 Les Paul Traditional - Trad Spec vs High Performance

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Series | CME Gear Demo | Joel Bauman by Chicago Music Exchange

2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Series | CME Gear Demo | Joel Bauman

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Gibson 2016 Les Paul Traditional T by Guitar Center

Gibson 2016 Les Paul Traditional T

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Gibson 2016 Les Paul Traditional Overview  •  Wildwood Guitars by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson 2016 Les Paul Traditional Overview • Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Traditional 2016 Review by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Gibson Les Paul Traditional 2016 Review

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Check out the Grain on This! | 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Plain Top Zebra Lemon Burst | Review by The Trogly's Guitar Show

Check out the Grain on This! | 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Plain Top Zebra Lemon Burst | Review

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Gibson 2016 Les Paul Traditional at New York Music Emporium by New York Music Emporium

Gibson 2016 Les Paul Traditional at New York Music Emporium

New York Music Emporium

New York Music Emporium

Video thumbnail for Gibson 2016 Les Paul Tradional Honeyburst | PMTVUK by PMTVUK

Gibson 2016 Les Paul Tradional Honeyburst | PMTVUK

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for GIBSON 2016 TRADITIONAL LES PAUL - 60 SECOND REVIEW by Haworth Guitars

GIBSON 2016 TRADITIONAL LES PAUL - 60 SECOND REVIEW

Haworth Guitars

Haworth Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Traditional 2016 Honeyburst (Stairway Solo) by B Sides Music

Gibson Les Paul Traditional 2016 Honeyburst (Stairway Solo)

B Sides Music

B Sides Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique 'AA' Wine Red top wood with distinctive non-symmetric patterns

  • '57 humbuckers provide powerful, classic Les Paul sound

  • Incredible sustain with strings holding tune exceptionally well

  • Neck feels perfect when playing with a strap

  • Versatile for multiple genres, from hard rock to heavy blues

  • Immaculate attention to detail and craftsmanship

  • Balanced sound with warm basses and singing highs

  • Locking tuners, bone nut, and Tonepros Bridge enhance playability

  • Pick-ups true to original PAF sound

CONS

  • Heavier than chambered models, which could be uncomfortable for some

  • Some players may prefer different pick-ups over the stock Seymour Duncan

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional.

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting the '57 Classics pickup height significantly alters tone; a narrow sweet spot balances both pickups, avoiding muddiness in the neck pickup.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 2016 model's return to traditional features after the robo tuner era marks it as a reliable, tone-rich instrument.

    Source
  • The 2016 Les Paul Traditional features a 9-hole weight relief design, aligning its weight more closely with the R series.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the 2016 Traditional to have consistent tone and sustain, favoring it over other Les Paul models for sound and playability.

    Source
  • Players note that vintage-accurate guitars may not pair well with modern amps, as they can sound muddy at high gain levels.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 2016 is noted as a "bounceback year" post-robo tuner, with improved appeal over the less favored models from that period.

    Source
  • The 2016 model can cosmetically pass for a Custom Shop guitar with upgraded or aged plastics due to its build quality.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some 2016 models have darker rosewood fretboards, enhancing their cosmetic appeal to resemble Custom Shop models from a distance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest considering diverse pickup options beyond Gibson's Custombuckers, as there are numerous alternatives at various price points with comparable performance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Les Paul Traditional 2016

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

Gibson's 2016 Les Paul Traditional marks a notable return to form, embracing classic design while offering modern touches. The mahogany body and AA flame maple top provide a pleasing aesthetic and sound, while the familiar weight relief and chrome hardware create a balanced feel. The 57 Classic pickups deliver impressive tonal clarity across genres, from jazz to rock. However, the factory setup leaves much to be desired, with low action impacting sustain, a frustrating oversight for such a reputable brand. Overall, this model is a solid choice for those seeking a traditional Les Paul experience without the extravagant price tag, though buyers should be prepared to tweak the setup for optimal performance.

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Artist usage

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See how Tony Esposito uses 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional

Tony Esposito

Singer, Guitarist

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Tony Esposito uses a 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional, as evidenced by the source. He notes that this guitar has been through a lot with him.

Genre Usage

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