Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $3,499

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Crafted by the Gibson Custom Shop, the Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard is where classic design meets modern innovation. This guitar is perfect for musicians who crave the iconic Les Paul sound but desire enhanced playability and versatility. The contoured neck heel allows for seamless access to higher frets, making soloing across the fretboard a breeze. Whether you're shredding in the studio or performing on stage, the Les Paul Axcess provides the comfort and fluidity needed for every style.

Equipped with either a Floyd Rose tremolo system or a standard Tune-o-Matic bridge, this electric guitar offers versatile tuning options to suit your performance needs. Its lightweight body and ergonomic design ensure that long sessions won’t strain your shoulders or back, while the classic mahogany and maple tonewood combination delivers that unmistakable Les Paul warmth and sustain. The guitar also boasts premium humbucking pickups for a rich and dynamic sound that can handle everything from smooth jazz to hard-hitting rock.

Key Features:

  • Custom Shop craftsmanship for superior quality
  • Contoured neck heel for enhanced fret access
  • Choice of Floyd Rose tremolo or Tune-o-Matic bridge
  • Classic mahogany body with a maple top
  • Premium humbucking pickups for versatile tone
  • Lightweight design for comfortable playability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Custom Shop Les Paul Axcess Standard with Floyd Rose, Custom Shop Les Paul Axcess Standard with Stopbar Tailpiece
Finish Ebony, Gun Metal Grey, Iced Tea
Year 2008 - 2015
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge, Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Grey
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Axcess Standard
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Custom Shop

FAQs

What makes the Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard different from other Les Paul models?

The Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard features a contoured neck heel for easier access to higher frets, and it includes a Floyd Rose locking tremolo bridge for enhanced tuning stability and dive-bomb effects, setting it apart from traditional Les Paul models.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Axcess Standard suitable for heavy rock and metal genres?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Axcess Standard is well-suited for heavy rock and metal due to its dual humbucker pickup configuration, providing powerful tones and the Floyd Rose tremolo which is ideal for aggressive playing styles.

What type of neck does the Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard have?

The Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience with excellent sustain.

Can the Floyd Rose version of the Gibson Les Paul Axcess Standard be used for dive-bombing techniques?

Yes, the Floyd Rose locking tremolo bridge on the Gibson Les Paul Axcess Standard is specifically designed to handle dive-bombing and other extreme tremolo techniques while maintaining tuning stability.

What are the finish options available for the Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard?

The Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard is available in several finishes, including Ebony, Gun Metal Grey, and Iced Tea, each offering a distinct aesthetic appeal.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard Electric Guitar

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Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard Electric Guitar - Gun Metal Gray by Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard Electric Guitar - Gun Metal Gray

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Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard Quilt Top Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard Quilt Top Electric Guitar

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Musician's Friend

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique heel carve enhances playability

  • Floyd Rose tremolo system for versatile sound control

  • Coil tap feature mimics a Fender sound

  • Lightweight design at approximately 7.8 pounds

  • High-quality fit and finish even in used condition

  • Strong tonal clarity with 496R pickups

  • Customizable pickup options for a personalized sound

  • Iconic and visually stunning with ice tea chevron flamed top

  • Excellent craftsmanship comparable to custom luthier guitars

CONS

  • Chunky '59 neck profile may not suit everyone

  • 498T bridge pickup can be too hot for some players

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Gibson LP Axcess Custom uniquely features a Floyd Rose tremolo, which some traditionalists find controversial but appeals to modern players looking for versatility.

    Source
  • The heel contour on the Axcess significantly improves upper register playability compared to traditional Les Paul models.

    Source
  • The Axcess model is celebrated for its butter-smooth neck and coil-tapping capabilities, enhancing tonal flexibility compared to traditional Les Paul Customs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • This guitar appeals to a niche market, particularly fans of artists like Alex Lifeson who value the combination of a Les Paul and a Floyd Rose.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The used market sees these models listed around $4,000, with new ones priced at $6,000, making $5,000 the upper realistic limit for a used model in excellent condition.

    Source
  • A used Axcess was traded for a PRS valued at $1,300 and later sold for $4,500, indicating strong market value retention.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that the Floyd Rose system, while initially daunting, becomes manageable with practice and does not significantly complicate string changes once mastered.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the slim design of the guitar's back, enhancing comfort during long playing sessions.

    Source
  • The unique look of the Floyd Rose tremolo is favored by those bored with traditional Les Paul aesthetics.

    Source
  • Owners report the guitar feels surprisingly light despite having only 9 holes of weight relief, contributing to its comfortable playability without sacrificing resonance.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Axcess model includes a stinger volute on the neck, which is appreciated for its aesthetic and structural benefits.

    Source
  • The Bengal Burst finish is highly praised for its stunning appearance, complemented by gold hardware and white binding, making it visually striking.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Axcess model features a different neck angle, allowing the Floyd Rose to be recessed for lower action, unlike some other guitars with high-action issues.

    Source
  • Some users find the Axcess more comfortable than non-contoured Les Paul Customs but not to the extent that it makes non-contoured models feel awkward.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
E

just fabulous

OK a Floyd on a Gibson may not be to everyone's taste but for a Rush fan like me this was a must have guitar and I enjoy playing it so much. Mine is the gun metal grey not the iced tea illustrated. The 498T in the bridge gives the punch I want for rock styles. The 496R is darker sounding but gives a good contrast. Blended with the volume on the neck turned down is good for rhythm work

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Slash uses Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard

Slash

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via YouTube

0:41 "I actually wanted to retire his red mockingbird so Gibson sent us these axcess guitars so he could actually go crazy with the floyed on the song nothing to say off the new album instead of bringing out the old mockingbird I was like mabey we should get some new guitars"

See how Dave Murray uses Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard

Dave Murray

Guitarist

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via Photo

In the image provided by Dailybreeze, Dave Murray is pictured playing a Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard, demonstrating his use of this guitar.

See how Rob Chapman uses Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard

Rob Chapman

Singer, Guitarist

Dorje

...
Verified via YouTube

"This is absolutely fantastic I genuinely thought, and I'm sure Jeff will forgive me for saying this, that this was going to be a gimmick, I couldn't have been more wrong." - Rob Chapman at 3:20.

See how Neal Schon uses Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard

Neal Schon

Singer, Guitarist

Journey

...
Verified via YouTube

During the interview Neal is holding a Les Paul with a Floyd Rose.

See how Joel Hoekstra uses Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard

Joel Hoekstra

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via Flickr

Joel Hoekstra is seen with a Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard in a photo shared on Flickr, highlighting his use of this solid body electric guitar.

See how Scott Gorham uses Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard

Scott Gorham

Guitarist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via Gibson

In a Gibson interview, Scott Gorham discusses using the Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard during Thin Lizzy's 2009 tour.

See how Sully Erna uses Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard

Sully Erna

Singer, Guitarist

Godsmack

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:46, Sully's tech Artie Love can be seen showing his Les Paul Axcess in ebony. This is the fixed-bridge variant, rather than the Floyd Rose variant.

See how Grant Mickelson uses Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard

Grant Mickelson

Guitarist

The Agency

...
Verified via Photo

In this image Mickelson can be seen smiling at the camera playing a les paul axcess in one of taylor swift's concerts.

See how Paul Dean uses Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard

Paul Dean

Singer, Guitarist

Loverboy

...
Verified via Guitar World

"I thought you’d never ask. 2011 Gibson Les Paul Axcess, with a Floyd-Rose whammy. I changed the pickups to Gibson T500’s and put a big ol’ brass block in the Floyd."

See how Andy Wood uses Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard

Andy Wood

Guitarist

Rascal Flatts

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Did Gibson RUIN the Les Paul????" by Andy Wood Music, Andy Wood is shown using a Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard.

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 Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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