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Average Price: $1,499
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$400
$1001+
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Description
Crafted for musicians who demand both quality and sustainability, the Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood is a refined choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. This solid body electric guitar is part of Gibson’s SmartWood series, highlighting the brand's commitment to environmentally conscious craftsmanship. The guitar features a chambered mahogany body that not only reduces weight but also enhances resonance, providing a rich, full-bodied sound that Les Pauls are renowned for.
The 490R and 498T pickups offer a versatile range of tones, from warm and smooth jazz sounds to raw rock power, making it adaptable to various playing styles and genres. The rosewood fingerboard is smooth and responsive, ensuring easy playability and comfort during long sessions. The Tune-o-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece contribute to excellent sustain and tuning stability, allowing you to focus on your performance without frequent adjustments.
Designed for both studio and stage, the Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood blends classic aesthetics with modern features, offering a timeless look and sound that stands out in any setting. Whether you're recording your next album or performing live, this guitar is engineered to deliver the quality and reliability Gibson is famous for.
Key Features:
- Chambered mahogany body for enhanced resonance and reduced weight
- 490R and 498T pickups for a versatile tonal range
- Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
- Tune-o-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece for exceptional sustain and tuning stability
- Part of Gibson's environmentally conscious SmartWood series
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Les Paul Smartwood Studio |
| Finish | Muir Natural, Natural Ash |
| Year | 2003 - 2008 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Brown, Tan |
| Fretboard Material | Preciosa |
| 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
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What kind of wood is used in the Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood?
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The Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood is made from wood certified by the Rainforest Alliance, featuring a Muir Natural or Natural Ash finish, which emphasizes sustainable and environmentally responsible materials.
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How does the Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood differ from the standard Les Paul models?
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The Les Paul Studio SmartWood offers the iconic Les Paul tone and playability but with fewer cosmetic features, focusing on a more natural aesthetic and sustainable materials, making it a unique choice for environmentally conscious players.
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What type of pickups does the Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood have?
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The Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood is equipped with a humbucker pickup configuration (HH), providing a powerful and versatile tone suitable for various music genres.
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Is the Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood suitable for beginner guitarists?
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While the Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood offers high-quality construction and sound, its professional-grade features and price point may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players seeking a sustainable option.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood?
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The Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, providing a comfortable feel and solid sustain, typical of the Les Paul series.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
Muiracati-ah-what Top? 2007 Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Studio Review and Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Unique exotic hardwoods for distinct visual appeal and tonal character
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Affordable entry point for USA-made Gibson Les Paul
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Features 50's profile neck ideal for larger hands
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Offers classic Les Paul sustain and dynamic tone
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Coil splitting capability allows for a variety of tones
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Ebony fretboard typically found only on higher-end models
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Burstbucker pickups known for powerful sound
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Lightweight compared to typical Les Paul, easier handling
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Distinctive Arctic White finish with gold hardware option
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High-quality Gibson hard case included
CONS
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Some models may have minor cosmetic imperfections
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50's neck profile may be small for those accustomed to bass guitars
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Thick body and neck angle can be awkward initially for some players
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Output jack nut may loosen over time
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood.
Build quality
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The spalted Ash top is softer than typical Ash, leading to potential scratching over time.
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The natural wood grain is highly appreciated for its aesthetic appeal, although it may show wear more easily due to the softer wood.
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Some guitars in the series feature a swamp ash body with a solid ebony fretboard and a mahogany neck, contributing to a heavier weight despite the lightweight reputation.
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Features and functionality
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The SmartWood series features a lightweight chambered body with a thin skin finish, enhancing comfort without compromising sound heft.
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Comparisons
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Owners note that, despite its lightweight build, the guitar retains a hot and fat sound profile, unlike some other light guitars.
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User experience
Mods and upgrades
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An owner replaced all chrome hardware with black Gotoh components and switched to Seymour Duncan Black Winter pickups for a more aggressive, metal-friendly tone.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
207
Does exactly what it says on the tin.
A Gibson Les Paul Studio; what more can I say. This particular studio model, made between December 2002 up to 2008, is nicely understated in the visuals department with a (in my case, two-piece) mahogany back and a muiricatiara top. Lovely sustain. Out of the box some low E buzz, and the output jack nut has a tendency to work itself loose. Usual trivial things.
Artist usage
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