Which studio?

[MichaelAndrew3435]

So in a month or 2 I'll be looking to buy a Les Paul studio. I would like suggestions on what year studio would be best for me. I would like a studio with a gloss finish instead of satin, a pick guard, and I would also prefer one without the 498 490 pickups. Not that I don't like those particular pickups, but my SG already has them and I just want a Gibson with something different. My budget would be under $1000. Suggestions?

 

[WoodenDuckMaker]

The current and recent Studio Deluxe's are great. They have a gloss finish. Burstbucker bridge pickup, coil splitting, faux binding. I got a 2011 one in good condition for $850.

 

[MichaelAndrew3435]

Is the 2014 Studio Pro similar to the Deluxe you have? I'm still sort of a newbie. What exactly is coil splitting and faux binding? Lol

 

[tzd]

Look for used Studio Deluxe. If you go to eBay right now and search for "Gibson Les Paul Studio Deluxe" you will find some under $1000, including this BIN - Gibson Les Paul Studio Deluxe II '60s Neck Flame Top HCSB 886830849442 | eBay

Studio Deluxe comes with 490R neck pickup, but it also has a Burstbucker Pro in the bridge.

2013 models of Studio Deluxe II comes with a pick guard. Prior year models (Studio Deluxe) do not come with pick guard.

Models from 2012 has a baked maple fretboard instead of rosewood.

The models come in 50s and 60s neck styles, so watch out for that if you have a preference.

 

[rikko]

(butting in)
Coil splitting is a cool, somewhat new feature (I first encountered it back in 2012)
where you can push/pull the tone knob to make the pickup single or double coil.

Faux binding is when the side finish of the Les Paul is transparent and the maple wood cap is exposed, giving the look of binding (which is actually a plastic trim installed into a routed groove) like a Les Paul Custom.

 

[tzd]

Is the 2014 Studio Pro similar to the Deluxe you have? I'm still sort of a newbie. What exactly is coil splitting and faux binding? Lol

Here's what faux binding looks like on my Studio Deluxe.

 

[MichaelAndrew3435]

Beautiful guitar man. Thanks for the replies and the info! I'll do more research and hopefully test a Deluxe out before I decide to buy one.

 

[Coldacre]

Here's what faux binding looks like on my Studio Deluxe.

that's a beautiful guitar. but just to cap it off.... get an amber switch tip on there! then its a 10/10

 

[WoodenDuckMaker]

They can't be beat for the price. They are pretty much a Les Paul Standard without binding or fancy looking tops for way less cash.

 

[ledlover2]

I have a 2012 Studio Deluxe with the 50's neck in Iced Tea. It is awesome! The weight, the feel, and the sound of the burstbucker is great! Really great feature to switch back and forth between humbucker and single coil. If you can find one, grab it especially for under $1000

 

[WoodenDuckMaker]

I have a 2012 Studio Deluxe with the 50's neck in Iced Tea. It is awesome! The weight, the feel, and the sound of the burstbucker is great! Really great feature to switch back and forth between humbucker and single coil. If you can find one, grab it especially for under $1000

Just curious, but which one do you play more, the deluxe, or 60s tribute? For me it was a toss up between those two.

 

[djw171]

Look for a used one from the mid late 80's. Ebony fingerboard. Great guitars.

 

[Bluesidae]

Just curious, but which one do you play more, the deluxe, or 60s tribute? For me it was a toss up between those two.

I am interested in your answer as well. I have the 60's Tribute, faded honeyburst and P90's. Absolutely love the tone/feel/appearance/weight.

 

[mystique1]

Here's what faux binding looks like on my Studio Deluxe.

That is indeed a beauty.

 

[MichaelAndrew3435]

I was also thinking about a 2014 Studio Pro if I can afford it. Has anyone purchased one yet?