NGD -- Les Paul Studio Tribute

[Jkal]

I thought I missed out on these guitars, but I found one last weekend on the zzounds site. I assumed they were completely out of production, but they had one Honeyburst available. It arrived on Friday.

This is my first Les Paul after 30 years of Strats and Teles. The frets and factory set-up are very good. The cream pickguard and P90 covers work perfectly with the Honeyburst. On the other hand, the finish is not very good -- there are several splotchy stains on the face and the finish on one of the three pieces on the back doesn't match well with the others. It also smells like it just left the factory. Having said that, it's a nice model at this price point, and the subtle imperfections give this guitar a real vintage look. It's priced right at $850, but I don't think I would pay the current ebay freight on one of these.

I plugged the guitar into my Bassman through a Tubescreamer and immediately found very familiar overdriven rock tones - 60s and 70s. I'll give it a spin with my Twin Reverb and Marshall head tomorrow.

I'll add some pix if I get a few minutes tomorrow.

[chilipepper205]

We need pics.

[nadzab]

Originally Posted by Jkal

...It also smells like it just left the factory...

Gibson's nitro finishes retain their smell for a long time...my '95 LP Standard still has traces of it.

[Jack Knife]

Originally Posted by chilipepper205

We need pics.

Pics, si!

[Del Pickup]

Originally Posted by nadzab

Gibson's nitro finishes retain their smell for a long time...my '95 LP Standard still has traces of it.

Is that such a bad thing? Isn't it a bit like 'new car smell'? I'd rather have that than 'old mouldy guitar case' smell!!!

Definitely need some pics though. I'd be fancying one of those in Honeyburst of Goldtop - if they ever bring one into NZ!

[nadzab]

Originally Posted by Del Pickup

Is that such a bad thing? Isn't it a bit like 'new car smell'? I'd rather have that than 'old mouldy guitar case' smell!!!

No, don't get me wrong, I like it.

[Jkal]

Here you go. I can't tell if the marks on the face are from the finish or the wood. The back panel is not as bad as in the picture, but you get the idea. If these were not so hard to come by, I would send it back.

[eljayski]

looks like the wood, not the finish. nuthin' wrong with that!

[Alex W]

Originally Posted by eljayski

looks like the wood, not the finish. nuthin' wrong with that!

Yeah I agree. Can't see any probs with the finish.

[jrich99]

back sure looks odd.....

[Jkal]

Funny what a new guitar will do. I found myself playing Mississippi Queen and a whole bunch of other songs I used to play many moons ago on this thing.

[goldtopper]

Glad you're happy.
Me, I'd send it back for the hideous back alone. Think about it- the only reason to keep it is that they are hard to come by.

[Jack Knife]

I'll bet the back doesn't look that bad in person. I wouldn't send it back even if they were commonly found.

Looks great, Jkal! Those marks on the top are a little mineral staining in the wood. I dig it!

[TG]

I think those little 'cosmetic details' are cool. Gives it character...and would also help to identify the guitar if it ever gets stolen.
The back isn't seen by anyone but you, and, again, adds character IMO.

Nice guitar.

[rsclosson]

I would keep that one! It is the coolest looking LP I have seen in a long time. To me it has the same kind of vibe as a well road worn tele. If I had the money, and you were agreeable, I would offer to buy it from you for whatever it takes to get a "perfect' one.

[Jkal]

None of my guitars are in particularly good shape. I tend to knock them around, and not worry about it. My best guitars have lots of battlescars from an extremely modest career playing music. Gibson's faded studio series has always appealed to me, and in the long run, the back will not bother me. It will be a conversation piece.

[Sterling Indigo]

The top looks awesome but I wonder why the back turned out that way? At least the top makes up for it with the character the worn honey burst with those mineral stains provide. Heck, the back is never seen and will probably have the most wear after a few years anyway. I'd certainly keep it, it's a nice looking tree with P-90's! How was your out of box set-up?

[Jahmbie]

Your picture of the top looks better than 99% of the Gibson advertising photos out there. I wouldn't bother over the back, although it does seem weird that they use three unmatched pieces for a finish like that. At least you can wear a big belt buckle without fear.

I'm still in love with my 1990 LP Studio that I got for $300. It's a solid 'ebony' finish and a friend who worked at the Gibson Custom Shop joked that it's probably made out of 20 pieces of wood.

[Jkal]

Out of box set-up was decent. Very playable, and no complaints. But, I'd like to lower the action just a bit, and run a light block over the frets. It's good, but not great, and I don't expect great out of a carton.

I'm not bad at setting up guitars, but I have a guy locally who is fantastic. He's not cheap, but he's worth the cost. Always makes a difference in the playability of the guitar (action, intonation and just staying in tune). He'll appreciate the guitar, but have alot of commentary on the back finish.

[scantron81]

You lucky so and so. I would max out a CC for a gold top version. I keep putting it in my wife's ear how a Gibson Les Paul gold top would make a great 10 year anniversary gift. 6 years to go!