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Description

Discover the perfect blend of classic tone and modern playability with the Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite. This electric guitar is a harmonious marriage of tradition and innovation, crafted to meet the demands of contemporary musicians while honoring its legendary legacy. The weight-relieved Mahogany/Chromyte body ensures comfort during long gigs without sacrificing the resonant sustain that Les Pauls are renowned for. Topped with a stunning Maple cap, this guitar is as visually striking as it is sonically versatile.

Equipped with powerful 500T/496R humbuckers, the Les Paul Studio Lite delivers a wide tonal palette, from creamy blues to roaring rock. The unbound Ebony fretboard offers a smooth, responsive touch, allowing for effortless playability and expressive performance. Available in a variety of finishes, including Translucent Blue, Black, Red, Amber, and Cherry Sunburst, this guitar lets you express your unique style both musically and visually.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring artist, the Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite is designed to inspire and elevate your musical journey. Its innovative construction and premium components come together to create an instrument that is both a workhorse on stage and a masterpiece in the studio.

Key Features:

  • 500T/496R humbuckers for versatile tonal range
  • Weight-relieved Mahogany/Chromyte body with Maple top
  • Unbound Ebony fretboard for smooth playability
  • Available in multiple stunning finishes

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Studio Lite
Finish Amber, Black, Cherry Sunburst, Trans Blue, Trans Red, Vintage Sunburst
Year 1990 - 1998
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, Blue, Brown, Red, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What makes the Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite different from other Les Paul models?

The Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite features a weight-relieved mahogany and chromyte body, making it lighter than traditional Les Paul models. It retains the classic Les Paul tone with its 500T/496R humbuckers and offers a slimmer neck profile for enhanced playability.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite is well-suited for live performances due to its lighter weight, which reduces player fatigue, and its powerful humbucker pickups that deliver a versatile range of tones.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite?

The Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite features a super slim neck profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for players who prefer a thinner neck.

Does the Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite have a set neck or bolt-on neck construction?

The Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite has a set-neck construction, which is known for enhancing sustain and providing a seamless connection between the neck and body.

What are the finish options available for the Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite?

The Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite is available in several finish options, including Amber, Black, Cherry Sunburst, Trans Blue, Trans Red, and Vintage Sunburst, allowing for a variety of aesthetic preferences.

Michael Chertoff

Michael Chertoff

1991 rare Gibson les Paul studio lite

Video thumbnail for 1991 rare Gibson les Paul studio lite by Michael Chertoff

1991 rare Gibson les Paul studio lite

Michael Chertoff

Michael Chertoff

Video thumbnail for 1991 Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite Demo by Mike Burn

1991 Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite Demo

Mike Burn

Mike Burn

Video thumbnail for GIBSON LES PAUL STUDIO LITE by Todd Beebe Music / Guitar Talk With Todd

GIBSON LES PAUL STUDIO LITE

Todd Beebe Music / Guitar Talk With Todd

Todd Beebe Music / Guitar Talk With Todd

Video thumbnail for Would I rebuy this guitar?  Episode 24: 1991 Gibson Studio Lite by Audiomo Music

Would I rebuy this guitar? Episode 24: 1991 Gibson Studio Lite

Audiomo Music

Audiomo Music

Video thumbnail for Gibson les paul studio lite 1996 by Pro Geat Depot

Gibson les paul studio lite 1996

Pro Geat Depot

Pro Geat Depot

Video thumbnail for 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite - Trans Blue w Ebony Fretboard by The Guitar Dude

1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite - Trans Blue w Ebony Fretboard

The Guitar Dude

The Guitar Dude

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight design with balsa wood for comfortable long sessions

  • Ebony fretboard offers smooth, fast playability

  • Unique 496R/500T pickups provide a bright, hot sound

  • High resonance and sustain, even when unplugged

  • Attractive finish and design, including rare Trans Amber tops

  • High-quality mother-of-pearl inlays enhance aesthetic

  • Holds tuning well, comparable to other Gibson models

  • Great contrast in sound for stage or studio compared to traditional Les Pauls

  • Affordable pricing relative to other Les Paul models

  • Built for speed with thin-profile neck akin to PRS guitars

CONS

  • Pickups may be too bright for those preferring vintage tones

  • Some users may find the ceramic pickups overly hot and prefer lower output

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Les Paul Studio Lite with M3 electronics is recognized for its unique single coil pickup setup, which is uncommon in Les Paul models.

    Source
  • The guitar is noted for its lightweight build, weighing under 7 pounds, which is significantly lighter than typical Les Paul models.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that once acquired, these guitars are highly valued and rarely sold or traded due to their distinctiveness.

    Source

Other

  • The Studio Lite variant from the 1990s, particularly in unique colors like blue, is appreciated for its versatility compared to other Les Paul models from the same era.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Les Paul Studio Lite from the 1990s features ebony fretboards, a detail that is particularly appreciated for its feel and quality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often replace the stock 496R/500T pickups due to their muddy tone, favoring alternatives like Burstbucker Pros for clarity across genres.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 1990s Studio models are highlighted for their unique cult following, attributed to their specific design features like ebony boards.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's resonance and sustain are highlighted as standout features, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jerry Cantrell uses Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite

Jerry Cantrell

Singer, Guitarist

Alice in Chains

...
Verified via Photo

In the music video for "Would?," Jerry Cantrell is seen playing a Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite, as evidenced by an image from the video.

See how Taylor Swift uses Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite

Taylor Swift

Singer, Guitarist

Jack Leopards & The Dolphin Club

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Red

During the Red Tour, Taylor Swift was seen playing a bedazzled Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite, as evidenced by an image showing her with the instrument.

See how Tim Sult uses Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite

Tim Sult

Guitarist

Clutch

...
Verified via YouTube

As much as Tim Sult in the 90s loved his SG's, he also used an early 90s (most likely 1991) Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite(?) in some sort of a trans or flamed amber finish. in this 1993 live performance of clutch we can see at around the 0:10 mark that Tim's using this Les Paul. so he most likely used it from the mid-early 90s to the late 90s. Ive seen some photos of Neil Fallon playing this guitar too around the late 90s. in the CD insert of clutch's 1995 self titled album it is listed as a 1991 Gibson Les Paul and its also found in the CD insert of 1998's The Elephant Riders in a photo of the group behind a bunch of musical gear. so its possible that this Les Paul was used on both of those albums.

G

Garrett Zablocki

Guitarist

Senses Fail

...
Verified via Photo

In the live music video for “Lifeboats,” Garrett is seen playing a blue Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite (presumably a 1991 model given the black hardware). The guitar was frequently used during Senses Fail’s touring cycles for the albums “Life is Not A Waiting Room” and “The Fire.”

B

Brad Boatright

Guitarist

From Ashes Rise

...
Verified via Photo

In this image he is using a brown Les Paul Studio Lite.

Genre Usage

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paolo_dolce

paolo_dolce

Gear IQ 142

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