2013 Les Paul Studio vs 2013 Les Paul 60s Tribute

[monkmiles]

Has anyone played both these two models? The 2013 Les Paul Studio vs the 2013 Les Paul Studio 60's Tribute (humbucker model)?

I'm looking for a comparison because I'm aiming to pull the trigger on one of these two models.

I like how the 60s Tribute has the rosewood fingerboard but otherwise I think I prefer the look of the non tribute Studio (specifically the vintage sunburst one with the creme pickguard etc). I'm specifically looking at the vintage sunburst finish ones.

 

[Pwrmac7600]

Has anyone played both these two models? The 2013 Les Paul Studio vs the 2013 Les Paul Studio 60's Tribute (humbucker model)?

I'm looking for a comparison because I'm aiming to pull the trigger on one of these two models.

I like how the 60s Tribute has the rosewood fingerboard but otherwise I think I prefer the look of the non tribute Studio (specifically the vintage sunburst one with the creme pickguard etc). I'm specifically looking at the vintage sunburst finish ones.

So reading the specs they are for the most part the same exact guitar. the biggest difference I see between the 2 are the fretboard, and the pickups. The 60's tribute doesn't state what type of weight relief is used, while the regular studio model is modern relief. I prefer traditional weight relief. Personally since they are both offered in the same finishes, If I found out the 60's was traditionally weight relieved then I would choose that model. I Love the burstbucker 1 & 2 combination, I have them in my Les Paul standard. The 60's has the rosewood board, which i like the darker color of over the Granadillo board, and the first thing I do when I purchase a Les Paul is remove the pickguard anyway. The only thing I would change about the 60's is swapping out the pickup rings for creme. Other than that, the 60's hits all the right buttons for my taste... and if you really wanted to you could always add a pickguard to the 60's model, not that hard of a process.

 

[monkmiles]

So reading the specs they are for the most part the same exact guitar. the biggest difference I see between the 2 are the fretboard, and the pickups. The 60's tribute doesn't state what type of weight relief is used, while the regular studio model is modern relief. I prefer traditional weight relief. Personally since they are both offered in the same finishes, If I found out the 60's was traditionally weight relieved then I would choose that model. I Love the burstbucker 1 & 2 combination, I have them in my Les Paul standard. The 60's has the rosewood board, which i like the darker color of over the Granadillo board, and the first thing I do when I purchase a Les Paul is remove the pickguard anyway. The only thing I would change about the 60's is swapping out the pickup rings for creme. Other than that, the 60's hits all the right buttons for my taste... and if you really wanted to you could always add a pickguard to the 60's model, not that hard of a process.

Appreciate the response!

So I have read that the 60s Tribute is Traditional Weight Relief with an example weighing about 8.5 pounds.

Seems like the other difference between the two is that the Studio has a gloss finish as opposed to a semi gloss finish on the Tribute.

It seems like the 60s Tribute is quite the value given the rosewood board and burstbuckers. Though it comes with a gigbag as opposed to a hard case...which makes a difference in price.

 

[Pwrmac7600]

Appreciate the response!

So I have read that the 60s Tribute is Traditional Weight Relief with an example weighing about 8.5 pounds.

Seems like the other difference between the two is that the Studio has a gloss finish as opposed to a semi gloss finish on the Tribute.

It seems like the 60s Tribute is quite the value given the rosewood board and burstbuckers. Though it comes with a gigbag as opposed to a hard case...which makes a difference in price.

Ahh yes I missed that part, and I do like my face at least to be gloss, I love the feel of the satin back and neck, on my trad pro II's but I would at least want a gloss face. And the gig bag thing sucks, I would agree I would definitely want a hard shell case. But I love everything about the tribute because like I said I prefer the traditional weight relief and burstbuckers. Hmmm. I guess it all comes down to the finish and case... Are you looking at buying from a big box? If so try and negotiate the price of the case in the deal, if you push hard enough they will probably giving to you a good price to move a 2013 model off the floor.

 

[Ansen]

Solid works. Traditional weight relief works. Chambered works too, like modern weight relief do. Maybe overall, there could be little diffenrences in brightness and shining, but not that way , one could tell, it's not a Gibson Les Paul sound. It's more like the differences between one Les Paul to another. In the end, it's a question of personal taste, you like it or you don't.

8.5 lbs is good score for a traditional weight relief.

Personaly, i would take a gloss finish over a "semi"-gloss or faded finish everyday, but that's just my opinion. There's nothing like a smooth, well worn glossy nitro laquered Les Paul neck.

And for the fretboard thingie..i ,myself, prefer rosewood or ebonyboards on a Gibson. Mapple and Richlite may be fine too, there a lots of folks there which loves them. I also like the flammed mapple necks and fretboard, some Strato- and Telecasters come with. But thats just another chapter of the book. On a Gibson, i must be ebony or rosewood for me.

So,i would look for an used glossy laquered Studio with ebony or rosewoodboard in vintage sunburst.

Btw, do the '60 tributes have a mapple or mahagony neck ? That may brighten up the sound also a little bit..(theoretically)

Wasn't that helpful, eh ? Lastly, it's even your decision. If the possibility to check them out isn't given, i would decide for the finish and price which comes next to my agenda.

Good luck

 

[Pwrmac7600]

Solid works. Traditional weight relief works. Chambered works too, like modern weight relief do. Maybe overall, there could be little diffenrences in brightness and shining, but not that way , one could tell, it's not a Gibson Les Paul sound. It's more like the differences between one Les Paul to another. In the end, it's a question of personal taste, you like it or you don't.

8.5 lbs is good score for a traditional weight relief.

Personaly, i would take a gloss finish over a "semi"-gloss or faded finish everyday, but that's just my opinion. There's nothing like a smooth, well worn glossy nitro laquered Les Paul neck.

And for the fretboard thingie..i ,myself, prefer rosewood or ebonyboards on a Gibson. Mapple and Richlite may be fine too, there a lots of folks there which loves them. I also like the flammed mapple necks and fretboard, some Strato- and Telecasters come with. But thats just another chapter of the book. On a Gibson, i must be ebony or rosewood for me.

So,i would look for an used glossy laquered Studio with ebony or rosewoodboard in vintage sunburst.

Btw, do the '60 tributes have a mapple or mahagony neck ? That may brighten up the sound also a little bit..(theoretically)

Wasn't that helpful, eh ? Lastly, it's even your decision. If the possibility to check them out isn't given, i would decide for the finish and price which comes next to my agenda.

Good luck

They both have a mahogany neck. 60's profile.

 

[Left Paw]

I like the tribute because it feels right.

 

[monkmiles]

Appreciate the responses and thoughts...keep em coming!

Right, both have mahogany necks. I definitely don't want a maple neck. That's more important than the fret board being rosewood.

The rosewood board on the 60s Tribute is a big attraction to me. Plus the Tribute is a tad less expensive. So I guess that's where I'm leaning. I think the only things now that are making me think are the glossy finish and maybe the hard case (but that can always be added later obviously). That said, I used to have a 2011 50s Tribute that had the satin finish and liked it. I have since found I prefer the 60s neck and also want something that does not have a dark/black back and ideally a rosewood fretboard too.

The idea of an older, used Studio is a possibility too. I never seem them in vintage sunburst though, do they exist? I often see wine red, white, ebony, and also the cherry sunburst. I'm not a fan of the wine red, white or ebony. The cherry sunburst could work though. Hmm... Any specific years you guys recommend? Might be nice to have the glossy finish, rosewood board, mahogany neck/body, hard case, etc. When buying used online, it's hard to tell the condition of the older models though.

 

[frankv]

Assumption here is you can't play them both? Cause usually you pick based on feel and sound and not off a spec sheet.

 

[monkmiles]

Assumption here is you can't play them both? Cause usually you pick based on feel and sound and not off a spec sheet.

Correct. Neither of these 2013 models are available locally. So I've been shopping around online for both new and online. I stopped by the local Guitar Center and played all the studio models there. I've also own a 2011 Studio (and a 2007 vintage mahogany faded studio model) in the past. So I feel comfortable buying online and going by specs at this point.

 

[BEACHBUM]

Appreciate the response!

Seems like the other difference between the two is that the Studio has a gloss finish as opposed to a semi gloss finish on the Tribute.

Don't get me wrong I love my 2010 Studio, but frankly the gloss finish on them is sub par to say the least and I don't see that as having changed to date. When I was shopping for it every example I looked at had a decent finish on the top, back of neck and face of headstock but the rest lacked proper sealer application and sanding (prep) prior to final coat leaving them with a rough grainy feel and appearance. In addition they all showed "orange peal" (bumpy finish) in several other areas. I knew that when I bought the guitar and was willing to take it to a tech for proper buff out to get rid of the numerous finish flaws. Other than doing that you are better off with the satin since that type of no gloss finish hides the pathetic lacquer job Gibson is doing on their guitars at this price range.