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Description

Melding timeless design with modern edge, the Gibson Les Paul with EMG humbuckers is a powerhouse of sonic versatility and performance. This legendary guitar combines a maple top with a mahogany body, delivering the quintessential Les Paul sustain and resonance that musicians adore. The EMG pickups are the heart of this instrument, offering a ferocious tone with snarling crunch that's perfect for heavy riffs and cutting solos. Whether you're shredding on stage or laying down tracks in the studio, this guitar's articulate sound and dynamic range ensure you'll be heard loud and clear.

Complementing its robust sound, the set mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard provide a smooth playing experience, allowing for fluid transitions across frets. This guitar isn't just about incredible sound—its striking aesthetics and durable construction make it a reliable companion for any musician. From the moment you hold it, you'll feel the craftsmanship that goes into every Gibson Les Paul, making it an essential addition to any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

  • EMG humbucker pickups for powerful, versatile tone
  • Maple top with a mahogany body for classic sustain
  • Set mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard
  • Ideal for both stage performances and studio recording

FAQs

What tones can I expect from the EMG 81/85 pickups on a Gibson Les Paul?

The EMG 81/85 active humbuckers deliver a powerful, high-output sound ideal for rock and metal, offering clarity and sustain with a tight low end and aggressive attack.

Is the Gibson Les Paul with EMG pickups suitable for metal music?

Yes, the active EMG pickups provide the high output and clarity needed for metal, making this Les Paul an excellent choice for heavy music genres.

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Les Paul with EMG pickups?

This model features a set mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard, offering a comfortable, traditional Les Paul feel with a 24-3/4" scale length ideal for fast playing.

Does the Gibson Les Paul with EMG pickups have good sustain?

Yes, the combination of a carved maple top, mahogany body, and EMG pickups ensures excellent sustain, characteristic of the Les Paul design.

How does the gothic black finish affect the tone of the Gibson Les Paul with EMG pickups?

The gothic black finish is primarily aesthetic and does not significantly affect the tone, allowing the guitar's construction and pickups to define its sound.

Is the Gibson Les Paul with EMG pickups suitable for beginners?

While it offers professional-level features and tones, beginners can also appreciate its playability and iconic sound, though it may be considered more of an investment guitar.

Andrey Korolev

Andrey Korolev

Whitesnake - Is This Love SOLO (cover by Andrey Korolev) Gibson Les Paul Studio 1997 EMG

Video thumbnail for Whitesnake - Is This Love SOLO (cover by Andrey Korolev) Gibson Les Paul Studio 1997 EMG by Andrey Korolev

Whitesnake - Is This Love SOLO (cover by Andrey Korolev) Gibson Les Paul Studio 1997 EMG

Andrey Korolev

Andrey Korolev

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul - EMG Pickups: No More Crackle! by Bobby Howe Guitar

Gibson Les Paul - EMG Pickups: No More Crackle!

Bobby Howe Guitar

Bobby Howe Guitar

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson les paul with emg.

Mods and upgrades

  • Some suggest using a Fishman Les Paul blackplate charger as a reversible mod for powering active pickups without permanent changes.

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  • Installing a battery tray may require additional routing; some Les Paul models have extra space to accommodate this without further modification.

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  • Users installed lespaul pots for EMG DMF pickups to fit, as stock pots are 10mm for SG and Fender, indicating potential setup adjustments needed for compatibility.

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Features and functionality

  • EMG 81/85 pickups are noted for producing compressed tones, ideal for classic metal, but may lack dynamics and provide unsatisfactory clean sounds.

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  • EMG DMF pickups deliver powerful sounds with excellent squeal noises and clean string clarity, offering a different noise balance compared to Gibson 490r/t pickups.

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Use cases and applications

  • EMG pickups suit heavy playing styles and can enhance rhythm tracking, but might not appeal to those seeking traditional Les Paul tones.

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  • EMG DMF pickups on a Les Paul are praised for producing thick tones suitable for metal, especially enhancing pinch harmonics reminiscent of Zakk Wylde's style.

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Comparisons

  • Gibson 50s humbuckers, 60s burstbuckers, and custom buckers are preferred by some for their versatile and superior sound compared to active EMGs.

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  • Owners suggest swapping EMG pickups for PAF-style ones, like Gibson's Burstbuckers, for a tone that better suits a Les Paul.

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Build quality

  • The 1999 model features a single-piece body and thick binding in the cutaway, which some find appealing despite being from a "bad wood year."

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Value and pricing

  • The 1999 Gibson Les Paul with EMG pickups is often considered fairly priced at $1500 CAD, especially when purchased from long-term private owners.

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User experience

  • After switching to EMG DMF pickups, some users noted a lack of dynamic range for passive pickups, suggesting tweaking pickup heights for improved sound quality.

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Artist usage

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See how Richie Scarlet uses Gibson les paul with emg

Richie Scarlet

Guitarist, Composer

Mountain

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In the photo you can see Richie is using a Gibson les paul with EMG pickup

Genre Usage

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