Difference between 2012 and 2013 LP Standard

[Jon6]

So, GAS has got me after another LP... but I notice the 2012 Les Pauls were short lived and have now been replaced with the '13.

What's the real difference? I don't see any change in spec. Something I've missed?

The 2012 are going out a few hundred cheaper than the new 13s. Would I be better off picking up a 2012 going out, or should I wait and pay extra for a newer '13? Am I getting something better?

 

[Jsal362]

I picked up a 2012 at Christmas time. Very pleased but it was my first Les Paul, so nothing to compare it to. looking forward to seeing how this thread goes.


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[Ant]

Mainly price.

2013 models have different graded tops AA, AAA, and quilted.

2012's were AAA only.

 

[Adazzleman]

I think if you can get a 12 at a lesser price its a better deal than the 13's. no differences that I'm aware of and the tops on the 12's have been fantastic.

 

[Thunder Dump]

There is no official spec difference between the 2012 and 2013 models. A few colors were dropped and others were added. However two things to note:

1. All 2012 burst colors came with AAA tops. Most are highly figured (at least AAA) and Gibson admitted they were doing a new process in the finish that made the tops 'pop out'. All were the same price ($2599 street). For 2013, they've changed it to a three tier system regarding tops: Standard (AA Flame, $2599), Standard Plus (AAA Flame, $2999), Standard Premium (AAAA Flame/Birdseye or AAA Quilt, $3399). Looking at some of the AAAA Flame tops on Sweetwater, they are equivalent of a lot of the 2012 AAA tops that I've seen posted here (and have myself) that people bought for $2599 or less. In other words, in a 2013 you're paying a $400-$800 upcharge for an equivalent 2012 top. Quilt tops were not available in 2012, so if you want one of those that is unique to 2013.

2. Although it just unconfirmed rumor at this point, Gibson is supposedly back to using 1-piece rosewood for the fretboards. Due to the federal raid in 2011, all 2012s had the 2-piece laminate rosewood board (if that matters to you).

My advice: if you can find a 2012 that you love and plays nice at a great price, grab it and don't look back.

 

[CCK]

my advice: If you can find a 2012 that you love and plays nice at a great price, grab it and don't look back.

+1

 

[calvin1]

2012 standard great guitar good deal.

 

[nicolasrivera]

2012 = old
2013 = New.

 

[TravisCZ]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xff8w0nb5Lo]Gibson Les Paul Standard - What's the difference between the 2012 & 2013 models? - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Xyrium]

I think the 2012s were such a short run because they finally ran out of even the stacked rosewood...

I'll give you the classic answer. Choose whichever plays better, then chew down the dealer to a price you're comfortable with. If you're ordering online, then just choose the cheaper one. They're both excellent.

 

[brianv4]

are they still using the PCB board inside?

 

[paulgibson]

If you want a real lp standard I suggest the traditional. Gibson ruined the standard. I refuse to pay money for today's standard. Just because the truss rod cover says standard does not make it a standard. Gibson, you ruined your flagship model and until you build a real standard I'll continue to use my trad as the "real" standard!


Posted from Mylespaul.com App for Android

 

[paulgibson]

Fender ruined there flagship tele standard in 2012 by making the body contoured like a strat. What the fu$k is wrong with these companies? Leave the flagship standard models alone. If they want to experiment with new features then create a different line. Don't mess with 50plus years of flagship standard models. Damn this pisses me off.


Posted from Mylespaul.com App for Android

 

[Chinese Knockoff]

Somebody hates progress.

 

[paulgibson]

Somebody hates progress.

Who said anything about hating progress? I want a les paul standard, or a fender tele standard...not some standard that some executive decides to alter after 50 years just because it might boost sales. Do that to a deluxe or create another line but leave the iconic standards alone.



Posted from Mylespaul.com App for Android

 

[jlb32]

If you want a real lp standard I suggest the traditional. Gibson ruined the standard. I refuse to pay money for today's standard. Just because the truss rod cover says standard does not make it a standard. Gibson, you ruined your flagship model and until you build a real standard I'll continue to use my trad as the "real" standard!


Posted from Mylespaul.com App for Android

I think you misunderstand what the Les Paul Standard is. It's suppose to be the top dog and most intovative USA production Les Paul. The Les Paul Standard name has nothing to do with the heritage/history of the Les Paul by continually being the same model year after year.

It's the Les Paul Standard of today, not the Les Paul Standard since it's creation that's a reproduction of the same guitar year after year. Gibson has the Historic line for those type of guitars.

 

[paulgibson]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulgibson

If you want a real lp standard I suggest the traditional. Gibson ruined the standard. I refuse to pay money for today's standard. Just because the truss rod cover says standard does not make it a standard. Gibson, you ruined your flagship model and until you build a real standard I'll continue to use my trad as the "real" standard!


Posted from Mylespaul.com App for Android


I think you misunderstand what the Les Paul Standard is. It's suppose to be the top dog and most intovative USA production Les Paul. The Les Paul Standard name has nothing to do with the heritage/history of the Les Paul by continually being the same model year after year.

It's the Les Paul Standard of today, not the Les Paul Standard since it's creation that's a reproduction of the same guitar year after year. Gibson has the Historic line for those type of guitars.

OK, when they give the lp standard a contoured body like fender did with there telecaster standard lets see how well you like it.



Posted from Mylespaul.com App for Android

 

[redcoats1976]

Fender ruined there flagship tele standard in 2012 by making the body contoured like a strat. What the fu$k is wrong with these companies? Leave the flagship standard models alone. If they want to experiment with new features then create a different line. Don't mess with 50plus years of flagship standard models. Damn this pisses me off.


Posted from Mylespaul.com App for Android

thats odd...i have a 2010 tele custom RI(72) with the belly cut and its a great guitar.

 

[paulgibson]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulgibson

Fender ruined there flagship tele standard in 2012 by making the body contoured like a strat. What the fu$k is wrong with these companies? Leave the flagship standard models alone. If they want to experiment with new features then create a different line. Don't mess with 50plus years of flagship standard models. Damn this pisses me off.


Posted from Mylespaul.com App for Android


thats odd...i have a 2010 tele custom RI(72) with the belly cut and its a great guitar.

You're missing my point. I'm only talking about standards not reissues, deluxes, customs, etc. The basic American standard.



Posted from Mylespaul.com App for Android

 

[jlb32]

OK, when they give the lp standard a contoured body like fender did with there telecaster standard lets see how well you like it.



Posted from Mylespaul.com App for Android

Never said I liked it but that is what the LP Standard is. I just find it odd people are surprised when it changes from time to time. It has always been changed at times trying to be intovative and new for today. The Historical line are the reproductions of old.

If the LP Standard never changed then there would be no need for Gibson reissues.