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Average Price: $1,499

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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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

What kind of wood is used in the Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood?

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.

How does the Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood differ from the standard Les Paul models?

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.

What type of pickups does the Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood have?

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.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood suitable for beginner guitarists?

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.

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

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.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Muiracati-ah-what Top? 2007 Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Studio Review and Demo

Video thumbnail for Muiracati-ah-what Top? 2007 Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Studio Review and Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

Muiracati-ah-what Top? 2007 Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Studio Review and Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Studio Smartwood from 1999 presented by Tobias Hoffmann @VintageGuitarOldenburg by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Les Paul Studio Smartwood from 1999 presented by Tobias Hoffmann @VintageGuitarOldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique exotic hardwoods for distinct visual appeal and tonal character

  • Affordable entry point for USA-made Gibson Les Paul

  • Features 50's profile neck ideal for larger hands

  • Offers classic Les Paul sustain and dynamic tone

  • Coil splitting capability allows for a variety of tones

  • Ebony fretboard typically found only on higher-end models

  • Burstbucker pickups known for powerful sound

  • Lightweight compared to typical Les Paul, easier handling

  • Distinctive Arctic White finish with gold hardware option

  • High-quality Gibson hard case included

CONS

  • Some models may have minor cosmetic imperfections

  • 50's neck profile may be small for those accustomed to bass guitars

  • Thick body and neck angle can be awkward initially for some players

  • 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

  • The spalted Ash top is softer than typical Ash, leading to potential scratching over time.

    Source
  • The natural wood grain is highly appreciated for its aesthetic appeal, although it may show wear more easily due to the softer wood.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SmartWood series features a lightweight chambered body with a thin skin finish, enhancing comfort without compromising sound heft.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners note that, despite its lightweight build, the guitar retains a hot and fat sound profile, unlike some other light guitars.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the tonal quality as brighter compared to other Les Paul models, with significant middle-low end growl.

    Source
  • A user mentioned that despite extensive modifications, the guitar's natural swamp ash body maintained a visually striking appearance, enhancing its aesthetic value.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar was effectively adapted for death metal, showcasing its versatility beyond its original design intentions.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Les Paul Smartwood Studio Review: I have owned several guitars since starting playing several years ago,... | Gibson | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Gibson Les Paul SmartWood Studio is praised for its superb sound and aesthetic appeal, with a lightweight Swamp Ash body and a mahogany neck that deliver a rich, versatile tone suitable for various music styles. However, its unfinished body is delicate, making it prone to scratches and dents, which may deter energetic performers. While the initial setup left much to be desired, with high action and misaligned pickups, once adjusted, the guitar proved reliable and durable, especially in less vigorous environments. Overall, this guitar is cherished by its owner for its unique look and value, despite its fragility and setup issues.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
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1 star
el_abuelo

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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See how Jim Cherry uses Gibson Les Paul Studio SmartWood

Jim Cherry

Singer, Guitarist

Strung Out

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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