Did Gibson release two variants of the same white LP studio in 2005?

[InTheEvening]

Weird question but I’m just curious. I recently got a 2005 Les Paul studio, came with chrome hardware, ebony board, great guitar. This is mine.

But when I look up 2005 white LP studios, most of them seem to have gold hardware. Including the one in Trogly’s video, seen here.

On Reverb, both versions show up.

I found this old thread, saying in 2005 Gibson offered a “classic white” finish and an “alpine white” finish.

GIBSON Les Paul Studio in "Classic White"

I just realized that you can get a new Studio in "Classic White" as well as "Alpine White". To get that "Creme" color you used get an alpine white guitar that had aged. The only bad news, the classic white model only comes with chrome hardware. Man if they would sell the studio in classic...

www.mylespaul.com

So did Gibson release two version of the white LP studio that year? One in classic white with chrome and another in alpine white with gold? Are the two whites actually different? Or was it a transition year?

Just wanted to know what was up as I never saw them release two versions of the same guitar at the same time before. Didn’t even realize that was a thing.

 

[fretout]

Same guitar, just different colors. Alpine White Studio with gold hardware, and a Classic White Studio with chrome hardware.

 

[InTheEvening]

Same guitar, just different colors. Alpine White Studio with gold hardware, and a Classic White Studio with chrome hardware.

Got it! That’s cool they offered two different white finishes, never even knew that.

I was wondering if classic white and alpine white were actually different. With aging and yellowing of both finishes, I couldn’t tell if there was a difference. I’m guessing classic white has a more cream color to it judging from the pics? The thread I linked says the alpine white yellows more over time than the classic white but that might not be true.

 

[joe_cpwe]

it's all about the gold...

 

[TorzJohnson]

it's all about the gold...View attachment 561661

I hear ya. I had to kill 3 Leprechauns but it was worth it.

 

[MP4-22]

I don’t think it matters much after it ages which white it was. They both get that beautiful creamy off white color.

 

[fretout]

Got it! That’s cool they offered two different white finishes, never even knew that.

I was wondering if classic white and alpine white were actually different. With aging and yellowing of both finishes, I couldn’t tell if there was a difference. I’m guessing classic white has a more cream color to it judging from the pics? The thread I linked says the alpine white yellows more over time than the classic white but that might not be true.

Both Whites will age at the same rate, since they are both painted with the same Nitro clear coat.

I believe the Classic White had the yellow tint mixed into the actual color coats, not the clear, so I’d imagine there would be color difference between AW and CW as it ages.

 

[InTheEvening]

it's all about the gold...View attachment 561661

I hear ya. I had to kill 3 Leprechauns but it was worth it.

Damn those are both gorgeous!

Not gonna lie, I wanted the one with gold hardware originally. The chrome is nice too but those pics are making me seriously consider a hardware change.

Anyone know a good set of gold bridge/tail piece and tuners on a budget? The gotohs look to be $70 a piece.

I don’t think it matters much after it ages which white it was. They both get that beautiful creamy off white color.

That’s good, I love the aged cream look. Glad mine will get more like that.

Both Whites will age at the same rate, since they are both painted with the same Nitro clear coat.

I believe the Classic White had the yellow tint mixed into the actual color coats, not the clear, so I’d imagine there would be color difference between AW and CW as it ages.

I see, I think I’d prefer the classic white then. Now to look into a hardware change to gold.

 

[tzd]

Anyone know a good set of gold bridge/tail piece and tuners on a budget? The gotohs look to be $70 a piece.

it is more than just that. The pickup selector is also in gold, as well as pickup covers, and the pickup screws, and strap pins.

 

[Christosterone]

I need a white 2000s classic so bad….

-chris

 

[CB91710]

Anyone know a good set of gold bridge/tail piece and tuners on a budget? The gotohs look to be $70 a piece.

It's not a cheap conversion.
TonePros or Faber bridge and tailpiece are going to be $150+
Tuners are going to be $100
Pickup selector switch can be hard to find in gold if you want a decent quality switch.

Pickups are a biggie.
Yes, you can change the covers, but you run the risk of damaging the coils when removing the original covers.
You need a HOT iron (40w) and not a soldering "gun" which can degauss the magnets. You need to get in there, break the existing solder blobs, and get the cover separated... then let the bobbins cool completely before attempting to attach the new covers.

Honestly... the conversion to gold is going to cost you nearly as much as just buying another '05 Studio. Better to sell this one and get a gold one if that's what you want.

 

[InTheEvening]

It's not a cheap conversion.
TonePros or Faber bridge and tailpiece are going to be $150+
Tuners are going to be $100
Pickup selector switch can be hard to find in gold if you want a decent quality switch.

Pickups are a biggie.
Yes, you can change the covers, but you run the risk of damaging the coils when removing the original covers.
You need a HOT iron (40w) and not a soldering "gun" which can degauss the magnets. You need to get in there, break the existing solder blobs, and get the cover separated... then let the bobbins cool completely before attempting to attach the new covers.

Honestly... the conversion to gold is going to cost you nearly as much as just buying another '05 Studio. Better to sell this one and get a gold one if that's what you want.

Yikes, yeah I’ll stick with this as is then. I’m still kicking myself because shortly after buying my current studio, I stumbled on a 1996 alpine white with gold hardware about an hour away from me. But I didn’t have the funds for it since I bought my 2005.

Will have to keep an eye out for a gold hardware one at a good price. I’m still more than happy with my current one, it’s got the right feel and tone, so I’m not in a rush. Gold would have been nice, but I don’t mind the chrome look, guess it’s a little less common.

 

[InTheEvening]

it is more than just that. The pickup selector is also in gold, as well as pickup covers, and the pickup screws, and strap pins.

Yeah I figured the pickup selector could stay silver since it’s small, but the bridge/tail piece and tuners I can change. I was thinking of a pickup change anyways to something with gold. But I’m in no rush if I do decide to do it.

 

[CB91710]

Yikes, yeah I’ll stick with this as is then. I’m still kicking myself because shortly after buying my current studio, I stumbled on a 1996 alpine white with gold hardware about an hour away from me. But I didn’t have the funds for it since I bought my 2005.

Will have to keep an eye out for a gold hardware one at a good price. I’m still more than happy with my current one, it’s got the right feel and tone, so I’m not in a rush. Gold would have been nice, but I don’t mind the chrome look, guess it’s a little less common.

Gibson really did do a bang-up job on the Studio line.
At one point, between the price and features, they were almost too good... trap inlays, gold hardware, black plastics... Other than the lack of binding, they were in some ways nicer than the Standards.
In the mid 90s, my daughter almost ended up with a wine red Studio, but ultimately she liked the smaller body of the Ibanez JS and that's what she decided she wanted. Both were about the same price.
Ultimately, I probably played that Ibanez more than she did, and after she moved out, when she asked for it, rather than blindly accepting the story that she was joining a band, I should have asked her how much she was getting for it and offered her $200 more.

 

[InTheEvening]

Gibson really did do a bang-up job on the Studio line.
At one point, between the price and features, they were almost too good... trap inlays, gold hardware, black plastics... Other than the lack of binding, they were in some ways nicer than the Standards.
In the mid 90s, my daughter almost ended up with a wine red Studio, but ultimately she liked the smaller body of the Ibanez JS and that's what she decided she wanted. Both were about the same price.
Ultimately, I probably played that Ibanez more than she did, and after she moved out, when she asked for it, rather than blindly accepting the story that she was joining a band, I should have asked her how much she was getting for it and offered her $200 more.

Man, It’s tough looking back on the guitars that got away. I rarely regret a guitar purchase, but Ive got lots of regrets on ones I’ve passed up or couldn’t buy. Hopefully more good ones to come. I’m def not gonna pass up on the next one i find.