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Average Price: $2,199

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$200

$1001+

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Description

The Gibson ES-Les Paul Studio masterfully blends the elegance of a semi-hollow body with the robust sound of a Les Paul, creating an acoustic-electric guitar that is both versatile and beautifully crafted. Designed for musicians who crave the classic Les Paul tone but with added resonance and sustain, this guitar is a testament to Gibson's commitment to quality and innovation.

Built with an unbound semi-hollow maple body and a mahogany center block, the ES-Les Paul Studio offers a lightweight yet sturdy feel, making it perfect for extended jam sessions. The rosewood fretboard ensures smooth playability, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly over the frets. Equipped with Classic 57 and Super 57 Humbuckers, this guitar delivers a rich, dynamic sound that can easily transition from clear and bright tones to deep, growling riffs.

The Gibson ES-Les Paul Studio is a limited run from the renowned Memphis shop, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Ideal for stage performances and studio recordings alike, its aesthetic appeal is matched only by its sonic versatility. Whether you're strumming gentle chords or shredding powerful solos, this guitar offers an unparalleled musical experience.

Key Features:

  • Limited run from the Memphis shop in 2016
  • Unbound semi-hollow maple body with mahogany center block
  • Rosewood fretboard for smooth playability
  • Classic 57 and Super 57 Humbuckers for dynamic sound versatility

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-Les Paul Studio
Finish Ginger Burst, Wine Red
Year 2016
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul ES
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Memphis

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Gibson ES-Les Paul Studio suitable for?

The Gibson ES-Les Paul Studio, with its semi-hollow body and dual humbuckers, is versatile and well-suited for genres like blues, jazz, rock, and even country, offering a warm, resonant tone with the ability to handle overdrive and distortion effectively.

How does the semi-hollow body of the Gibson ES-Les Paul Studio affect its sound?

The semi-hollow body design of the Gibson ES-Les Paul Studio provides a unique blend of warmth and resonance, offering a more open and airy sound compared to solid-body guitars, with reduced feedback compared to fully hollow guitars.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-Les Paul Studio like?

The Gibson ES-Les Paul Studio features a comfortable set-neck construction that typically offers a rounded profile, providing a familiar and smooth playing experience for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Are the pickups on the Gibson ES-Les Paul Studio suitable for high-gain settings?

Yes, the dual humbucker pickup configuration on the Gibson ES-Les Paul Studio can handle high-gain settings well, delivering a thick and powerful tone, making it suitable for rock and heavier music styles.

Is the Gibson ES-Les Paul Studio a good choice for live performances?

With its semi-hollow body and reliable electronics, the Gibson ES-Les Paul Studio is an excellent choice for live performances, providing rich tones that cut through the mix and a lightweight design for comfortable playing on stage.

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Product Spotlight - Gibson ES-Les Paul Semi Hollow Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for Product Spotlight - Gibson ES-Les Paul Semi Hollow Electric Guitar by Guitar Center

Product Spotlight - Gibson ES-Les Paul Semi Hollow Electric Guitar

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Would I rebuy this guitar? Episode 31- Gibson ES-Les Paul by Audiomo Music

Would I rebuy this guitar? Episode 31- Gibson ES-Les Paul

Audiomo Music

Audiomo Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight body makes it easy to carry and play comfortably

  • Semi-hollow body provides a more airy tone compared to solid body Les Pauls

  • Classic 59 and Super 59 pickups offer a balanced combination of tone and drive

  • Rolled edges and jumbo frets enhance playability

  • 1959 neck profile and perfect neck/body binding add to quality feel

  • Stunning aesthetics with a flame maple top and nitro finish

  • Weighs just under seven pounds, ideal for extended playing

  • Offers classic ES tone with Les Paul appeal

  • High quality for a studio model, good value for the price

CONS

  • Some models have asymmetrical f-holes, potentially affecting visual symmetry

  • Occasional quality control issues like unfinished binding and uneven finish

  • Lacks low/mid-range punch typical of a solid body Les Paul

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend replacing the stock 490R & 498T pickups if seeking improved tone; Seymour Duncan '59 pickups are a suggested alternative for a more balanced sound.

    Source
  • An owner mentioned upgrading an Epiphone bridge to a Gotoh and swapping the bridge pickup to a Gibson 498T, but still found Gibson's overall quality superior.

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  • Some prefer Burstbucker Pro humbuckers over the standard 490/498 pickups, especially in faded models available for under $600.

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Features and functionality

  • Some users appreciate the push-pull tone knobs for added sound versatility, allowing coil-splitting which is useful for multiple genres.

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  • Studios often lack body binding and pickguards, but some models do have pickguards; a feature that varies.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to Epiphones, Gibsons post-2018 have Pleked fretwork, resulting in more consistent playability and feel.

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  • Newer Epiphone Inspired by Gibson models with Gibson pickups are noted for their promising sound, but still compared unfavorably to Gibson Studios for resonance and playability.

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  • The 1999 Studio is described as superior to Godin guitars, making the latter feel toy-like in comparison.

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User experience

  • Owners with both Epiphone and Gibson models report the latter offers a significantly superior playing experience, even at entry-level models like the Studio.

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  • The Studio's porous finish is believed to enhance resonance, although this remains a debated topic among guitar enthusiasts.

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  • A 2018 Studio in 'smokehouse' finish is noted for its visual appeal and tonal quality, comparable to higher-end Les Pauls.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Les Paul Studio is praised for its versatility across genres, from blues to punk rock, making it a popular choice for players with diverse musical tastes.

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Value and pricing

  • A 2018 Les Paul Studio with neck binding is noted to potentially increase in value over time due to its rarity.

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  • Studio Sessions are considered the best value for new Gibsons despite their $2,000 price, due to options and ebony fretboards.

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  • Faded Studio models can be found for $500, highlighting a budget-friendly entry point into owning a Gibson.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Studio model now features a cream-bound neck, contrasting with the unbound body, which some find visually appealing due to the combination with finishes like the cobalt burst.

    Source

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