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Average Price: $1,200

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Description

Discover the Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic, where artistry meets sustainability. This electric guitar is a testament to Gibson's commitment to creating environmentally-conscious instruments without compromising on the legendary Les Paul sound. Each piece is crafted from exotic, eco-friendly woods, resulting in a guitar that is as unique as it is beautiful. This model maintains the classic Les Paul design, with a solid body that delivers the rich, resonant tones musicians have come to expect.

At its core, the Smartwood Exotic is equipped with Gibson's signature humbucking pickups, providing a warm, full-bodied sound that excels in genres from blues to rock. The slim taper neck allows for smooth and fast playability, making it a favorite among guitarists who value precision and comfort. The guitar features traditional hardware, including a Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, ensuring stability and sustain.

The Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic is not just an instrument; it's a statement piece, combining craftsmanship with environmental responsibility. Whether you're playing on stage or practicing at home, this guitar offers an inspiring playing experience.

Key Features:

  • Solid body crafted from eco-friendly exotic woods
  • Gibson humbucking pickups for versatile sound
  • Slim taper neck for enhanced playability
  • Traditional Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece for stability and sustain
  • Unique design emphasizing sustainability and artistry

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Smartwood Exotic
Finish Ambay Guasu (Light Natural), Banara (Yellow Natural), Canacharana (Dark Brown Natural), Curupay (Dark Brown Natural), Peroba (Light Brown Natural), Taperyva (Brown Natural)
Year 1999 - 2002
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, Tan
Fretboard Material Curupay
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Studio
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 Smartwood

FAQs

What makes the Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic unique compared to other Les Paul models?

The Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic features unique wood finishes and a focus on sustainable materials, using exotic woods like Curupay for the fretboard. This gives it a distinctive appearance and tone compared to traditional Les Paul models.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic suitable for all music genres?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic is versatile and can handle a range of genres, from rock to blues and jazz, thanks to its dual humbucker pickups which provide a rich, full sound.

What type of neck profile does the Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic have?

The Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic typically features a comfortable, rounded neck profile, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing styles.

How does the tone of the Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic compare to other Les Pauls?

The Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic offers a warm and resonant tone, with a slightly brighter edge due to the exotic wood selections, setting it apart from the traditional mahogany and maple combinations.

Does the Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic typically comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

1998 Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic Demo

Video thumbnail for 1998 Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

1998 Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for 1998 Gibson Les Paul "Smartwood Exotic", Part1 by GregsGuitars

1998 Gibson Les Paul "Smartwood Exotic", Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 1998 Gibson Les Paul "Smartwood Exotic", Part2 by GregsGuitars

1998 Gibson Les Paul "Smartwood Exotic", Part2

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Smartwood Exotic has a thinner body with a comfort cutaway similar to a Strat, yet it maintains a chunky feel despite being 2/3 the thickness of a standard Les Paul.

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  • The guitar's wood top may come from six different South American species, identifiable by a code inside the neck pickup cavity.

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Features and functionality

  • Early Smartwood Exotics feature a satin finish on the neck and body, which some users prefer over the glossy necks of standard Les Pauls.

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  • These models have a Curupay fretboard and a mahogany back and neck, with the top made from eco-certified, rarer woods like Chancarana.

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  • The truss rod cover on early Smartwood Exotics displays "Smartwood," while later models feature a green leaf, distinguishing it from other Les Paul variants.

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  • The natural wood finish is often appreciated over more traditional Les Paul burst finishes, with unique grain marbling noted as a standout feature.

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Comparisons

  • The Smartwood Exotic sounds slightly thinner compared to early 2000s Les Paul Standards, yet shares a similar weight and feel.

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  • Despite the eco-friendly wood and unique design, the guitar is noted for being less expensive than expected for its quality and features.

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User experience

  • Owners describe the tone as rich and warm, with a preference for the satin neck finish over glossy alternatives, enhancing playability.

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Other

  • Despite personal preferences against natural finishes, some users find the Smartwood Exotic's aesthetic appealing and unique.

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