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(More customer reviews)Gibson Les Paul Standards are a bit showier then the lower priced studio models but never count Studios out, this is a Standard Traditional Pro which also feature coil taps. Coil taps split the pickups, so even with your hefty bridge pickup (a BurstBucker 3) you can get a single coil bluesy sound. You will find the neck pickup to be a 57' Classic, which only further compliments the look and sound, presenting that much more authenticity to replicating a vintage tone. Hardware is the usual chrome, and tuners are locking grovers. Those not familiar with LP's there is a 3-way toggle switch/pickup selector. With the coils `tapped' leaving the switch in the middle position can lead to many unique tones, play around with both volume pots while in this position really interesting.
The neck is of a 60's profile, the fret board is made of high quality rosewood. The looks of the fret board are upped with the trapezoid inlays. Yes this LP has a binding (`antique binding'), it's rare to find a LP without one. Standard Traditional Pro models are not chambered, those hunting literally a more traditional LP sound this is a good start. Notes are clearer, where as often times chambered LP can make sharp notes fatter. Crème pickguards are another way these LP pop visually. Three variants are currently available, ebony, vintage sunburst, and heritage cherry sunburst. The vintage sunburst looks similar to a (Gibson) Les paul Studio Deluxe, minus the grain effect. The neck, oh and backside too, has a satin finish, similar in feel to some other models like the (Epiphone) Les Paul Ultra, well the original model not the II which I have yet to play. Supposedly this finish helps resonation, honestly I don't know, feels nice though. The top is a high-gloss lacquer finish.
The sound what you'd expect from an old school style Les Paul, especially considering the whole BurstBucker 3 ordeal. Heavy thick overdriven rock chords, ashy bluesy single notes, and a brooding clean. Muddiness isn't a problem here, this LP really comes through. As mentioned earlier with the coil taps expect versatility, but to be honest, if you lift the volume pot while having the selector on `Treble', the sound (on clean channels) can be very brittle and twangs of something umm unique.
So if you're hunting down another LP for your collection, or wish to begin with one of these models make sure you are familiar with all the small touches. Things like being non chambered, the finish, the pickups, and body when all combined can affect the sound. Also really make sure you are familiar with the BurstBucker 3's, also luckily this isn't the case, but one may benefit from reading about pickups that aren't waxed. I'm posting this review, as this was one of the guitars I was choosing between awhile back for another LP. I ultimately ended up choosing the Studio Deluxe model over this (which is cheaper), but this is definitely not a guitar to overlook. You get the full package, sound, looks, playability, and versatility.
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