Absolutely, a very superb musical instrument in every respect.

Sound
Nearly endless tonal possibility that sounds incredible built right in. (2) Coil Taps - Bridge/Neck Volume Knobs (1) Phase Shift Tap - Neck Tone Knob (1) True Bypass Tap - Bridge Tone Knob **For really Gorgeous, Creamy, Clean Tones: Switch Position - Middle (Both Pickups Active) Coil Tap Bridge Pickup (to Single Coil) Leave Neck on Humbucker

Features
Many wonderful features: Gotoh Locking Tuners - Quick Easy String Changes (2) Coil Taps - Bridge/Neck Volume Knobs (1) Phase Shift Tap - Neck Tone Knob (1) True Bypass Tap - Bridge Tone Knob Compound Radius Neck (Slim Neck) - Something like the asymmetrical necks on new LP's but not as pronounced here. What is does have and works wonders is a slightly thicker neck near the headstock for chording which gets slimmer to slim up the neck for easy access lead work. Modern Weight Relief - It's like a hybrid of the "Swiss Cheese" weight relief and chambered. It has less wood than the Swiss but more than the chambered. I have found it to be a pretty good solution to the sustain vs. wood density-weight dilemma.

Ease of Use
Incredibly easy to produce great tone in any position. Very easy and enjoyable to play. Sweet low action, Easy pleasant Major Bar Chording. I went from difficult Barring jobs on every other guitar I own (6 of them great major brands) to… read more nearly simple almost effortless Bar Chording, Lead accuracy, and great improvements just because of the geometry of this instrument. My Guitar Teacher also noted the substantial improvements in my playing even though my practice sessions were almost nil for a while.

Quality
This LP is made very solid, strong, and functionally excellent. And it is Made In The U.S.A.

Value
Ahh.... The Money vs. The "Real" Value Crux. Are Gibsons overpriced? Are we paying for name over quality? My Conclusion: This particular model Gibson LP has done everything beyond what I expected it to already in playability, tone, options, craftsmanship, and player improvement. Is that worth the price I paid for the instrument? Yes and No. Remember, ZZounds has a 30 day return for any reason policy. Try the instrument out for yourself and let it be YOU who makes the final judgement call. Since you can return it if your not satisfied, what do you really loose? For me, this guitar is a keeper. My best and favorite now.

Manufacturer Support
Before finally deciding to purchase a Gibson 2012 Les Paul Standard Guitar, I called Gibson twice for answers to some questions I had concerning the guitar. Gibson Customer support was friendly, knowledgable, and willing to take some extra time to help me with my questions. I left the phone well informed and more easily able to make an accurate, intelligent decision regarding this purchase.

The Wow Factor
Since I'm getting a little longer in the tooth now these days, The Wow, Glitz, Glam, Flash, etc. doesn't do it for me. I'll almost always take an amazing playing and sounding Pig of an instrument over any lousy in nearly every important way, but damn! does it look good! awesomely painted garbage pile. Besides, LP's tend to have both playability/tone, and good looks to boot.

Musical Background:
Novice / Intermediate Guitar Player With More Brain Knowledge Than Anything Else.

Musical Style:
I enjoy playing, listening, and learning about every type of music I experience. My favorite "Genre" is always a favorite piece read less