Great idea opening this specific thread!!!
I will just add the brochure for the Les Paul Standard Faded that Gibson says applies to these new 2011 fadeds so that if you buy one, you can compare yours to what Gibson claims they are:
http://www.gibson.com/Files/USA_PDFs/Data_LP_faded.pdf
My model number was LP5FTBNH1, purchased in Canada for under $1,600
Compared to the brochure, the first obvious thing is my control knobs are different, the are gold speed knobs, not gold top hats.
Gibson also sent me a brochure for a 2002 Standard and stated that mine was the same except for the satin finish and open coil pickups. The standard Gibson referred to has Burstbucker Pros. Mine obviously has the satin finish and its has open coil zebra pickups, although others here claim they are not Burstbuckers. Maybe someone can pop the PUs on their faded and take a photo and post it so we can amuse Gibson with a disclaimer! LOL
Also my truss rod cover does NOT have the word TRADITIONAL on it the way that trads do.
How do your 2011 fadeds compare?