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Description

Rediscover the golden era of music with the Gibson Les Paul 50's Tribute Humbucker, a masterpiece that seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern precision. Crafted with a satin finish and a '50s-style neck, this guitar pays homage to the iconic mid-'50s Les Paul, updated with a pair of humbuckers for a richer, more versatile sound. Whether you're riffing through blues scales or laying down some heavy rock, this guitar delivers unparalleled tonal quality and playability, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Key Features:

  • Satin finish and '50s-style neck for a comfortable, vintage playing experience
  • Equipped with a pair of humbuckers, offering a wide range of tones
  • Single cutaway solid body design, for easy access to higher frets
  • Pays tribute to the iconic mid-'50s Les Paul models
  • Years of Production: 2011 - 2015

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Studio '50s Tribute with Humbuckers
Finish Satin Ebony, Satin Gold Top Dark Back, Satin Honeyburst, Satin Vintage Sunburst
Year 2011 - 2015
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Gold
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 HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Gibson Les Paul 50's Tribute Humbucker have?

The Gibson Les Paul 50's Tribute Humbucker is equipped with a 490R neck humbucker and a 498T bridge humbucker, both of which are known for delivering classic Gibson tones with a powerful and warm sound.

How does the '50s neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul 50's Tribute affect playability?

The '50s neck profile offers a thicker, more rounded feel, which can be comfortable for players who prefer a substantial grip, enhancing sustain and resonance.

Is the Gibson Les Paul 50's Tribute Humbucker suitable for beginners?

While it's a high-quality instrument, the Gibson Les Paul 50's Tribute Humbucker may be better suited for players with some experience due to its specific neck profile and tonal capabilities, which might be more appreciated by those familiar with electric guitar nuances.

What is the finish of the Gibson Les Paul 50's Tribute Humbucker like?

This model features a grain-textured satin finish, available in several colors such as Satin Ebony and Satin Gold Top, providing a vintage aesthetic with a smooth feel.

Does the Gibson Les Paul 50's Tribute Humbucker come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul 50's Tribute Humbucker comes with a Gibson gig bag for protection and easy transport.

Reviews

PROS

  • Mahogany neck offers a rich, full tone

  • 490 pickups provide a versatile tonal range

  • Comfortable and supportive '50s neck profile

  • Retains classic pickup selector ring for aesthetic

  • Lightweight aluminum Nashville bridge enhances tonal quality

  • Affordable alternative to high-end models without sacrificing much playability

  • Beautiful satin sunburst finish

CONS

  • Satin finish can feel sticky on neck and back

  • Lacks refined finish and binding of higher-end models

  • Initial setup may require significant adjustments

  • Some reports of sharp fret ends

  • Finish quality issues, including sanding defects and paint smudges

  • Lighter weight due to chambering might not appeal to all players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul 50's Tribute Humbucker.

Build quality

  • Tributes have slightly thinner bodies and maple necks, differing from traditional Les Paul models, which typically feature mahogany necks.

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  • The lack of neck binding is noted as a feature closer to the earliest 1952 Les Paul models, appealing to those who prefer a vintage aesthetic.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Properly filed nut slots are crucial for tuning stability; some owners spent $600 unnecessarily before realizing this simple fix.

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  • Gibson's pickup spacing is typically 50mm, important for fitting covers; aftermarket options are available, with dealers often specifying compatibility.

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Features and functionality

  • The satin finish, especially on the neck, is highly favored for its feel, reminiscent of satin Fender necks.

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  • The satin finish is praised for its feel, with some noting a subtle glittery quality that enhances the visual appeal without the glare of gloss.

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  • Unpotted pickups can enhance warmth and tone, but they may introduce noise in high-gain settings; solder or wax can secure covers effectively.

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Comparisons

  • The Les Paul Studio is suggested as an alternative, often available used at similar prices with fewer compromises.

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Use cases and applications

  • The 490 pickups are praised for versatility, offering a tonal progression from Fender, with a middle position reminiscent of a Strat neck pickup.

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User experience

  • The Tribute is often preferred by those transitioning from Fender due to its lighter weight and familiar neck feel.

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  • Owners appreciate the guitar's sharpness and clarity while noting it's lighter than older Les Paul Customs, making it easier to play for extended periods.

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  • Owners who disliked uncovered pickups found aesthetic improvement with covers, though some encountered initial sizing mistakes, requiring additional orders for correct fits.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some users suggest swapping the stock knobs for true 50s style knobs for a more authentic vintage look.

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  • It's been suggested to use a polishing compound to convert the satin finish to a gloss, offering a different aesthetic appeal.

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  • Pickup covers are easily added with minimal soldering, though unpotted covers may introduce microphonic feedback; owners recommend tightly scatterwound pickups to minimize this risk.

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  • Gibson sells specific covers for the 490 series pickups; some users report needing exact measurements to avoid fit issues, highlighting the importance of precise sizing.

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Critic Reviews

Gibson Les Paul '50s Tribute review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

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