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Description

Capturing the essence of iconic rock and blues tones, the Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro 2012 is a nod to the classic Les Paul design with a modern twist. This model is renowned for its traditional weight relieved mahogany body, offering players the perfect balance between sustain and comfort during long performances. The plain maple top adds a touch of vintage elegance, while the rosewood fretboard ensures smooth playability.

Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or performing live, the Les Paul Traditional Pro doesn't compromise. Equipped with coil-tapping '57 Classic and Burstbucker 3 pickups, this guitar provides a versatile range of tones, from warm, creamy textures to biting rock leads. The 60s neck profile is designed for both speed and comfort, making it a favorite among guitarists who crave precision without sacrificing feel. Identified by the distinct 'CG' stamp in the control cavity, this exclusive model is a testament to Gibson's legacy of quality craftsmanship.

With its mix of vintage aesthetics and modern features, the Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro 2012 invites you to explore your sound and push musical boundaries.

Key Features:

  • Traditional weight relieved mahogany body
  • Plain maple top
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • 60s neck profile
  • Coil-tapping '57 Classic and Burstbucker 3 pickups
  • Exclusive 'CG' stamp in control cavity

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Traditional Pro Exclusive
Finish Ebony, Goldtop Darkback, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Vintage Sunburst, Wine Red
Year 2009 - 2012
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 Black, Brown, Gold, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro Sunburst 2012?

The Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro Sunburst 2012 delivers classic Les Paul tones, characterized by a warm, full-bodied sound with excellent sustain. The dual humbucker configuration provides versatility, making it suitable for rock, blues, and jazz genres.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro Sunburst 2012 affect playability?

The neck of this model features a 50s-style rounded profile, offering a comfortable grip and substantial feel, which is ideal for players who prefer a thicker neck for enhanced control and sustain.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro Sunburst 2012 suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro Sunburst 2012 is a high-quality instrument, its weight and price point may be more suited for intermediate to advanced players who appreciate its tonal depth and craftsmanship.

What is the difference between the Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro and the Les Paul Standard?

The Les Paul Traditional Pro typically features a more vintage-style build with lower output pickups compared to the Standard, which often includes modern enhancements like higher output pickups and weight relief for added comfort.

Does the Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro Sunburst 2012 have a solid or chambered body?

The Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro Sunburst 2012 has a solid mahogany body, which contributes to its rich, resonant tone and substantial weight, characteristic of traditional Les Paul models.

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

2012 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro, Part1

Video thumbnail for 2012 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro, Part1 by GregsGuitars

2012 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro, Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 2012 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro Demo by Matthew Boyle

2012 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro Demo

Matthew Boyle

Matthew Boyle

Video thumbnail for LONG REVIEW: Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro (2012) by rollysguitars

LONG REVIEW: Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro (2012)

rollysguitars

rollysguitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Superior build quality and craftsmanship, comparable to higher-end models

  • Versatile tone with humbucker and coil-split options

  • Comfortable, smooth 60s neck profile enhances playability

  • Matte finish provides a unique aesthetic and feel

  • Locking tuners offer excellent tuning stability

  • Distinctive appearance with its sunburst design and AA top

  • Heavy weight contributes to the classic Les Paul sound

  • Easy to modify due to lack of circuit board

  • Well-balanced pickups deliver powerful live and studio performance

CONS

  • Inconsistent internal build quality between model years

  • Coil-split feature results in some volume loss and hum

  • Burstbucker 3 pickup can be tricky for lower gain settings

  • G string tuning stability issues require adjustments

  • Slightly heavier than some players prefer

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro 2012.

Features and functionality

  • The 2012 Les Paul Traditional Pro series was a Guitar Center exclusive, featuring a 60's slim neck profile favored by many for comfort and playability.

    Source
  • The guitar includes a Classic 57 pickup in the neck and a Burstbucker III in the bridge, providing distinct tonal options.

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  • Push-pull pots are noted for producing a "lean" sound, offering a clean tone without much grit.

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  • Les Paul Studio Session models feature a sculpted heel for better fret access, making them ideal for lead playing.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners recommend adding a 0.017uF capacitor to the neck pickup's hot lead to reduce muddiness, enhancing clarity.

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  • Some owners recommend upgrading pickups to Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 for improved tone in Les Paul models.

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Build quality

  • The guitar is notably heavy, weighing approximately 10.8 lbs, which some describe as a "back killer."

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  • The satin sides and back are unique to this model, differing from the standard and classic versions.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Polishing the satin sides and back with Virtuoso polish can improve the guitar's aesthetic without altering its fundamental feel.

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  • Backing off the tone to 7 on the Burstbucker III in the bridge can improve its usability for some players.

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Comparisons

  • The 2012 model is often compared to the 1991 Les Paul Studio, particularly noting the similar feel of a 50's neck profile in some units.

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  • The 2010 to mid-2019 Les Paul Traditional models are often compared to current Standards, offering similar quality but with different electronics.

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Use cases and applications

  • The push-pull pots can achieve a clean "country music quack" sound, suitable for specific styles despite lacking grit.

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  • It is noted that the Les Paul Traditional Pro is suitable for players who plan to mod the wiring and pickups.

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Value and pricing

  • The used market is currently favorable, with potential to find early 2000s Standards for as low as $1500.

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User experience

  • A user reported that their 2019 Standard weighs about 8.5 lbs and is comparable to higher-end non-Murphy Custom Shop models.

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4.5 out of 5

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