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Average Price: $14,163

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$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Tak Matsumoto, the renowned guitarist and songwriter, has lent his signature style to the Gibson Les Paul Tak Matsumoto Standard, creating a unique blend of tradition and innovation. This solid body electric guitar is a harmonious fusion of iconic Les Paul craftsmanship and modern enhancements, delivering a distinct tone that is both rich and dynamic. With its custom Burstbucker pickups, this guitar offers a powerful sound that captures every nuance of your playing, making it ideal for both stage performances and studio sessions.

The Les Paul Tak Matsumoto Standard features a mahogany body topped with AA maple, providing a balanced resonance and sustain that Les Paul guitars are famous for. Its neck, crafted from mahogany with a rosewood fretboard, ensures smooth playability and comfort for extended playing sessions. Aesthetically, it stays true to the classic Les Paul design while incorporating modern touches that set it apart.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, this guitar is tailored to elevate your musical expression. The high-quality hardware, including Grover locking tuners and a Tune-O-Matic bridge, ensures optimal tuning stability and precision.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body with AA maple top for enhanced sustain
  • Mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard for smooth playability
  • Custom Burstbucker pickups for a dynamic and powerful sound
  • Grover locking tuners for reliable tuning stability
  • Tune-O-Matic bridge for precise intonation and ease of adjustment
The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

This Japanese Les Paul Feels Like a PRS | 2003 Gibson Les Paul Tak Matsumoto TAK Burst Review + Demo

Video thumbnail for This Japanese Les Paul Feels Like a PRS | 2003 Gibson Les Paul Tak Matsumoto TAK Burst Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

This Japanese Les Paul Feels Like a PRS | 2003 Gibson Les Paul Tak Matsumoto TAK Burst Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for 【Qsic】Gibson Custom Shop Tak Matsumoto "Tak Burst"  Les Paul '03 2003 #TAK 187【売約済】 by qsickobe

【Qsic】Gibson Custom Shop Tak Matsumoto "Tak Burst" Les Paul '03 2003 #TAK 187【売約済】

qsickobe

qsickobe

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The quilted maple top is highly praised for its unique and mesmerizing appearance, which changes when viewed from different angles.

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  • Some users prefer Custom models with Richlite fretboards for their durability and resistance to climate-induced issues, despite concerns about long-term collectibility.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report needing to adjust the action higher to alleviate fret buzz, suggesting a setup between a 50's and 60's Les Paul standard.

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Comparisons

  • The guitar is compared to the transparent gold Musicman Axis, influencing some owners' preference for quilted tops over flamed ones.

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  • The Epiphone variant with Gibson electronics holds its own against higher-priced models, impressing even traditional Gibson enthusiasts.

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  • The Modern Double Cut Custom's design has been compared to PRS and ESP models, contributing to mixed initial reception but growing demand.

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Value and pricing

  • As a Japanese exclusive, this model was sold for $5K and often needs to be imported, adding to its rarity and value.

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  • The Tak Matsumoto DC Custom is a highly sought-after model, with resale prices exceeding $8,000 due to its scarcity.

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  • Although initially underappreciated, the Modern Double Cut Customs are now sought after, with prices reflecting their rarity and unique design traits.

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User experience

  • Despite its beauty, some owners find reaching fret 22 challenging, an important consideration for playability.

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  • Owners find the low action setup enhances playability, especially for intricate solos, despite its rarity even in Japan.

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  • It can take up to 6 months to find a Modern Double Cut Custom on platforms like Reverb, indicating their rarity and high demand.

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Features and functionality

  • The Tak Matsumoto model comes equipped with Gibson Burstbuckers 2 and 3, providing a rich tonal palette ideal for soloing.

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  • The synthetic Richlite fretboard, while initially controversial, is praised for its stability and wear resistance, often compared favorably to ebony.

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Use cases and applications

  • The double cut design of the Tak Matsumoto signature facilitates comfortable fret access, benefiting lead guitarists focusing on upper register play.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend vintage Dirty Fingers pickups and 1970s Sprague Bumble Bee capacitors for a vintage grungy tone, enhancing the guitar's sound profile.

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Artist usage

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See how Tak Matsumoto uses Gibson Les Paul Tak Matsumoto Standard

Tak Matsumoto

Guitarist

B'z

...
Verified via Gibson

Tak's own signature model first released in 1999 making Matsumoto the first Asian artist to receive a Gibson signature model. Reissued in 2018.

Genre Usage

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

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