Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded (Worn Cherry) Reviews

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Customer Reviews

Paulbiz
from Northern VA
September 23, 2012Music Background:
Gigging Musician

Killer Tone!

Was looking for a no nonsense humbucker-loaded guitar to compliment my Fenders and PRS guitars. Saw this one on the Sweetwater site and the Burstbucker Pros and 59' neck (a personal preference) made it a no-brainer - especially for well under $1000. My concerns about Gibsons are their notoriously unstable tuning problems. I got the guitar just this past Friday and gigged with t Friday night then again on Saturday. Tuning is just as stable as any of my Fenders - very nice! But the really good news is how great this guitar sounds. The burstbuckers and resonant body give a tight focused punch that really made my rig come alive. This may be the best sounding guitar I own - especially for the blues and harder rock stuff - it flat out smokes! The clean sounds are certainly respectable as well - a nice crisp snap. Playability is really good right out of the box, the action and intonation are spot on...though I may lower the action just a tad later - but it sure does feel right and I bonded with the guitar immediately. Body is light too - which is good for my back! The blue may not be everyones cup of tea but I love it and it got quite a few compliments - its really a minimalist work of art - looks great on stage. So far no real cons - its an excellent value and a fun guitar to play.

Gerald T. Harnage
from Atlanta
July 30, 2012Music Background:
I've been playing for over forty years!

First New Gibson

The box arrived at my work on the scheduled delivery day...I put it away in the back anxiously awaiting getting it home and opening the box. Boxes I should say as it was double boxed and packed extremely well. I can say this from experience as I have received many guitar deliveries from E-bay and private sales not packed nearly as well as this one.
I immediately felt confident this guitar would be flawless and in excellent shape and was not disappointed in any way. The guitar was the same exact one featured in the pictures I viewed on the website down to the details in the finish I could tell it was the exact same guitar. Play ability was actually better than I expected (I had played this model and finish at Guitar Center). After a quick tuning, intonation was near perfect even at the twelve fret! I was just going to spend about fifteen minutes playing through my GDEC and put it away but the sound was so sweet and true that I warmed up the half stack and switched over and had a nice long jam session. I hated putting this guitar down!!!
The good thing about it is that now it is mine and I'm free to play it anytime I want. Would I gig with this guitar?-"in a New York minute!" Would I replace this guitar if stolen? Without a doubt, but only from Sweetwater. I've seen the guitars at Guitar Center, loaded with someone else's finger prints, buckle rash, dings and dents. I once went to a Guitar Center to check out a brand new PRS and when the tech pulled it off the wall I saw that the face veneer was cracked and broken at the lower volume and tone knobs, the tech hadn't even noticed and it was the only one they had in stock?!
I know I'll never have to worry about any of this with Sweatwater. In addition to their multi point inspection they also give you a complete two year warranty in addition to the manufacturers' !!!!
In conclusion I'll tell you this: You can feel confident about any guitar you purchase you make through Sweetwater!

Ron
from Illinois
April 22, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist

Great Guitar

Got mine used for less than 400 bucks WITH a hard case and have had none of the issues some of these reviews have. Swapped out the pick up rings, pick guard, etc... for the creme color and put gold speed knobs on instead of the black. Thing looks sharp and sounds amazing. Best $350 i have ever spent. Feel like i stole this guitar.

Howard C
from Circle Pines, MN
September 24, 2011Music Background:
music degree, former pro, now I play for the enjoyment

Finally, a Les for the rest of us

I've played electrics for 30 years. I have always wanted the LP sound, and have tried over the years to 'fake it' with other guitars I've had. But try as I might, I'd always get 'close, but no cigar'. Finally, Gibson made an LP that sounds great, plays great, and is very affordable. Though this is a no-frills version, nothing is compromised tonally or in the feel of the instrument. It has very even frequency response up and down the neck, and the maple top that is added for the 2011 model adds smooth, responsive and clear high-end. If you are looking to fill the LP void in your life, this is an excellent way to do it, unless you are hell-bent on spending the big dollars. I personally don't know why you would, unless you absolutely have to have mother-of-pearl binding or inlays, laquered finish, classic 57 humbuckers, etc. The Burst-buckers are very refined, and I find them to be very versatile. I'm a 'jack of all trades' player, and I have no particular strength, only that I enjoy playing most common styles (blues, country, rock, a smattering of jazz, and everything in between). When I truly use the non-linear tone controls (which I've not been inclined to do with guitars past, in that most controls I've used only serve to muddy the tone, not enhance it), I find I can get creamy, fat singing tones, snappy or mellow country tones, round yet defined jazz tones. The tone controls really are a useable tool on this guitar. The volume pots are nicely linear, so that you can evenly vary your output to achieve a wide variety of distortions, from crunchy blues, to screaming metal. The playability is outstanding, and there isn't a buzz or dead spot on the neck; the frets are well seated and even. If you are thinking that you will be satisfied by a similar, chinese-made Epiphone model, I strongly urge you to consider this USA-made guitar instead. There is a big difference, in my book. Also, it is worth mentioning that my sales guy, Matt, took great care of me, and did a great job of walking me through the decision to buy this. I am blown away by this guitar!

Roy L.
from Philadelphia, PA
April 19, 2011Music Background:
Musician

New Worn Maple Top Sounds and Plays Fantastic!

WOW! The new Les Paul Studio Worn MAPLE TOP looks and sounds great! The true tone of a Les Paul really shines through with the new version LPS WORN Maple Top over mahogany body. I had been looking at this particular Les Paul for quite some time. Glad I waited since all of the new Worn models now have a maple top … for the same exact price as before. The Maple Top in worn cherry looks great!

I still lean towards playing my beautiful Olympic White American Special Telecaster that arrived a few weeks ago from Sweetwater. However, the different sounds that I can get out of this Worn Cherry Les Paul Studio are really very nice. I basically play the blues, everything from BB to Clapton to Stevie Ray Vaughn.

My American Highway One Strat and My American Special Tele take care of the Clapton and Vaughn blues sounds, but now I can really play a lot of other Gibson-playing-style blues artists more effectively with the Les Paul. Sounds great, plays great and allows playing some really heavy stuff too for the fun of it! Great smokey and raw to crystal clear sounds come out of my tube amp with this Les Paul hooked up. This guitar even has a great sound unplugged … and sustain is just awesome on this Les Paul.

I just wanted to mention that Sweetwater is the best! 200%! Always receive my gear in three days or less at most times. The guitars are ALWAYS set-up great and clean from Sweetwater. Plus I save 6% Sales Tax using Sweetwater!

I have made the past mistake of ordering other guitars via some of Sweetwater’s online competitors’ sites. Once I returned the guitar that was shipped to me. The other company’s guitar arrived dirty, fingerprints all over and I swear it was a demo or a return pawned off as new! Sent it back and now I will wait for Sweetwater to get it in stock before I ever order from the “other guys” again. They all just “ship boxes” and do not even open to check the condition or set up the guitar like Sweetwater does every single time!

Plus, on the competitor’s sites, you cannot pick out the individual serial number of the guitar that you want. So many great professional pictures to view! You know exactly what you are getting from Sweetwater ... even before it arrives!

If you are looking for a Les Paul Studio with the true sound of a Les Paul Maple Top at a really great price... ORDER THIS LPS WORN MODEL!

Jimmy
from Muscle Shoals, AL
March 31, 2011Music Background:
Recording Engineer/Musician

Try this Les

I was planning on getting the Epiphone trans blue. Sometimes I need the Les Paul sound and I thought that the Epi. was a beautiful guitar. I talked to a lot of peolpe who said the Epiphones were excellent, affordable guitars. I agree, and enjoyed the....almost Les sound. After I picked up the Studio Faded Worn Cherry, I had to have the Gibson and didn't think twice about the Epiphone. It felt like I was stealing a $3,000 Gibson for 800 bucks! --True Gibson Les Paul sound-- and I really like the Worn Cherry finish. If you are particular about your SOUND, I believe you will love this guitar. If you are planning on buying ANY guitar in this price range, make sure you play this guitar before buying something else. And remember that it will always be a Made in the USA Gibson Les Paul and will hold its value.

Phil
from Michigan
October 20, 2010Music Background:
play in our church praise band.

A SERIOUS GREAT DEAL

REAL Burstbucker pick-ups, quality switchgear, and all of the high quality guts of a $3,000 Les Paul. Simply amazing. Not real flashy, but dang does this thing ROCK. Super smooth volume and tone controls. Very gradual roll offs. Surprisingly wide range of tones from these pick-ups! I love the way the sound cleans up with the volume knobs turned down to 3 or 4, then crank it up for some serious grind. I have a $500 Epiphone Les Paul gold top, and for $300 more, this Studio Faded kills it. Be sure to test drive one of these. Get one before Gibson raises the price! Made in the USA, too!!
Nice job, Gibson. Us "working men" appreciate the good deal, without all the flashiness of the super high-end Les Pauls. Oh, and it loves pedals and my Super Reverb 4x10

Timothy
from Fort Wayne, IN
June 11, 2010Music Background:
Hobbyist

A Great Les Paul

I have always considered the Gibson Les Paul the ultimate guitar, and here's the most affordable way to get yours! This sounds great, plays very well, and feels very comfortable. Perfect for any style of music out there!

Richard Carbajal
from Mesa, Arizona usa
March 5, 2010Music Background:
Recording Engineer, Live Sound Engineer, Pro Musician

About time

What people don't understand is that the more finish you put on a guitar the more you inhibit its natural vibration. i've known this for years and have wondered why guitar companies don't attempt to educate the masses. Here is my testimony. I went to a music store and came upon this guitar. as soon as I strummed the first chord I noticed it's awesome acoustic presence. I plugged it in and was amazed at the true gibson sound that I was hearing. I played the other 3000.00 dollar plus Les Pauls to compare the sound and the faded beat everyone on those finish slathered pauls. So let's get real here. Do you want that sound? or do you want to pay all that extra cash for looks?

Ry
from
November 2, 2009Music Background:
musician

Awesome guitar

This is the greatest guitar ever this was my first gibson i couldn't believe how good it sounded.

Randy
from Dover, NH
July 7, 2009Music Background:
Hobbyist

Les Paul for Less

This is a great Gibson guitar for a decent price. The guitar has a beautiful rustic appearance with real texture. The sound is great. The neck feels just right. It comes with a luxurious hard cover case. I would buy this guitar again.

Kurt Steele
from IOWA
March 22, 2009Music Background:
Musician

Very Very Nice

Wow !! Guitar is beautiful. A gibson is a gibson. And all the rest, well, that's what they are.(all the rest). Neck is smooth and true. Sounds great.
I miss the heaviness and thickness of the other models, but i'll adjust. Just a fine, fine musical piece. If I lost it I would replace. (after I got through crying). P.S. The case is a work of art in itself.

Country Sucks
from
March 21, 2009Music Background:
Hobbyist

LP Faded

Wow! I want one! =) I played one of these babys at the guitar center in charleston n is saaaaaaweeet! Why they have to make it wit the fat neck though? what about us short ppl! No respect i tell ya! besides that i fell in love... i couldn't believe they had the burstbuckers in em- i don't care what nebody says they are some sweet pups! get any sound you want out of them =) The faded is great too cuz makes the neck fast n lets the natural sound of the guitar come out- they should make all guitars unfinished in my opinion. Neways go at least play one of these badboys... You wont be disappointed! Finally us poor folk can afford a descent guitar yaaaya!

Geo
from New Jersey
January 27, 2009Music Background:
Pro Musician.......Live Sound engineer

Les Paul Faded

I have played this guitar already, even though I have not received it yet. that is why I just ordered it. I have played Gold Tops, Classics, Traditionals,....and so on...........
It all comes down to.........If you dont know how to play, then your comments mean nothing. If you know how to play, you can make any guitar talk.
So, I dont know who you retards are posting these comments about this guitar, but I will tell you, if you want a real Les Paul, and you really can't aford the 3000 dollar one, this one is for you. If you have the right cables and amps, and cabinets, this is just as good if not better than a $3000.00 Les Paul...Period.........
Don't be stupid and read negative comments and adhere to them........
This Guitar is a Les Paul..It is a Gibson...It plays like a Gibson......So if you want to spen 2k more on a guitar with a glossy finish, go ahead, that is your preference..........
If you know how to play guitar and you want to play a Gibson............then buy this...you will not be disappointed............Beautiful Axe.

kevin Moffitt
from Cleveland, Ohio Rock Capital of the Universe
December 21, 2008Music Background:
Multinstrumentalist and Renaissance Man

damn good axe

best bang for the buck of all geetars in the world. I love the speed of the unfinished neck, and I had a les paul that looked just like this one when i was a youngun..the crunch i git with this axe and my 59 gibson invader amp is the bomb and will make one take notice. the weight of this axe makes it easy to shoulder and i got a back thats wasted..

Aaron
from Vacationland, Maine
August 17, 2011Music Background:
Hobbyist

Just what I was after!

I bought the LP Faded after playing strats my whole life. After having a single coil tone for 20+ years, it seemed like a good time to go to the 'other side' and have something completely different. -Sure, it does not have all the bells and whistles a traditional/standard has, but that is why I liked it. Does the tone suffer because there is a lack of finish? Not a whole lot, surely. -It doesn't give me a backache after playing it for 20 minutes like other LPs I've played, as it is chambered. Another thing hardcore Gibson purists may not like. It is versatile enough to play all the genres of music I'm into which is a plus. -One friend said I 'cheaped out', but to me, it's a real Gibson, made here in the good ol' USA by a hard working American, so I could not be happier. The tuners are slightly plasticky, and will be the first thing I swap out. Overall, I like this guitar alot and it suits me perfectly.

Alex
from Vernon, CT
October 11, 2008Music Background:
Hobbyist, Student

Yeah It's a Gibson... and......

Alright, I bought this guitar a little while back for $900.00. Yeah, it's a Gibson... but that really only matters if your a brand snob. Sounds good, feels good... I only have one issue. When I use my kill switch to go from rhythm to treble... there is a delay. Not like a 1 second delay... like it won't play until I strum REALLY hard on the strings multiple times. It seems like the pick-up isn't doing its job.

Maybe it's just my guitar, who know. But if it didn't have that little fault, it would be a 5 out of 5. But still, that's only my opinion, if you love Gibson and want one a little cheaper in price but not quality... this is for you

Michael V
from Charlotte, NC
September 16, 2008Music Background:
Hobbyist, Active Musician

Quality and Sound for an Unbelievable Price

My first reason for purchasing the Gibson Les Paul Faded Studio was only for the bragging rights of owning a Gibson guitar. Even though now I know that was a poor choice for buying a guitar, I did find many great qualities of this guitar. I enjoy the 50's style fat neck; however, the quality of the frets is sub-par, being poorly binded to the guitar. The pickups have a very nice natural tone which allows for clear lead and smooth distortion. The finish is nice and simple, damages easily, but the unfinished neck allows for a faster neck speed. Would also recommend upgrading the tuners. Even though it has its minor flaws, I strongly recommend this for anyone intested in Gibson Les Pauls.

Joel
from Texas
December 16, 2010Music Background:
Producer, Engineer, Musician

Been There Done That

I had this Les Paul for a year before I decided to sell it for $350.00 just because I hated it. The Frets are terrible (buzzing all the time and yes I humidify), The finish is ugly, the tone is lifeless ( It's chambered body assures that), The pickups are as good as anything you would find on a $150.00 Ibanez. I say all this and I own what I call a REAL Les Paul as well. I love it because It's a quality built guitar that isn't chambered, has unending sustain, no fret buzz, Much better pickups etc.. The only reason anyone would buy this is to say they own a Gibson Les Paul. You can do better buying an Epiphone. Don't waste your money for bragging rights.