Feature:
It's a Les Paul. It has the standard features that every LP has. I like the separate volume and tone pots for each pickup. The three-way pickup switch also provides versatility.
I've heard some people who want a trem bar. I don't think it needs it, honestly. Not for my style anyway. If you're playing Joe Satriani or Richie Sambora style, you might want to go with a different axe anyway.
One note is that of course the Studio does not have the binding that the LP Standard has. I don't consider this a negative, though. I bought the studio in part for the faded brown semi-gloss finish. I didn't want the glossy finish and smooth appointments of the higher-end LPs, because they don't fit with the music I play.
Quality:
It's a Gibson LP. They have one of the highest reputations for quality of any guitar company. It came set up pretty well from the factory, and there are no apparent issues at all with it. I just got it yesterday, though, but after playing it for a while last night, it seems TOP quality.
Value:
I got this one on sale for 20% off the usual price, and it's worth every penny. I wouldn't pay TOO much more for it, but it's worth what I shelled out and then some.
Desirability:
I can't say enough about it. It's a work of art. Period. Few other electric guitars have come close to the LP and this is a unique gem of the LP family. I bought a wall hanger so that everyone who comes into my living room can see it (along with my Ibanez EW20ASENT, also a work of art).
Sound:
The sound on this guitar was a major improvement over my old axe (a Samick). The sound is rich and the sustain is smooth and long. There's a LOT of punch in the 490/498 pickup pair, and the tone may well be unmatched by any other guitar in the price range. I paired it with my Blackheart amp and my Boss DS-1 and it's a winner all around.
Ease of Use:
Like I said, I went from a Samick to this. It is sooo much easier to get a great sound out of this guitar. The separate volume/tone for each pickup gives you a lot of tonal combinations. It's pretty simple to use.
Support:
I have never had to call, but from what I have heard, it's also top-notch.
Overall:
I bought this product because I am starting to get to the point in my musical journey where I expect to go full-time before too long. I needed something that fit with my musical style, and would be top-quality for the future. I don't expect to sell it, or to replace it anytime soon. When I do get another axe, I expect to keep this one as well. Gibson guitars are something you can keep for a lifetime.
If I went for another electric guitar, it would be 1) to get different (but not necessarily better) tone (such as buying a semi-hollow body or a hybrid), and 2) because I love beautiful musical instruments.
The best features are... everything? I LOVE the tone, the looks, and the satisfaction of knowing I got a top-quality instrument that I can cherish.
The thing I like least is that, on the sides of the instrument, the grain looks a little different from the top (which, if you've ever worked with wood, you know this happens naturally). I don't know that it's BAD, just that you don't get an accurate picture from the photos online. It's still GORGEOUS.
Bottom line - they are bound to discontinue this sooner or later (I have a gut feeling it's going to be sooner, with the impending release of the LP Studio Raw Power). Buy one while they are still in production. It's a unique gem of THE classic line of solid body guitars. It's a great step into Gibsons for the guitarist who's played for a while but is now getting serious.
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