I had to sell my 96 studio in early 2000s and is the only guitar I regret selling. Mine was wine red with chrome hardware. Had it on layaway for 3 months and worked my ass off to pay for it myself. Loved it but lost my job at the time and had to make sacrifices.
Hell yea brotha, thatz the same one I have, and, in case you didn’t know, 96 is right in the middle of the “ GoodWood”, era of the lakes Paul’s! So, will only rise in value!
I'm sure the fingerboard binding saves a little cost, just using the same part as the Standard. The one spec change I really don't get is the vintage tuners. Not only do they not match the rest of the hardware but, in my opinion, they're slightly lower quality than the Grovers it used to have.
Honestly. Like if the whole point is a stripped back LP to keep the sound at a lower price point, then why get the money you want via binding? Wish they'd just throw an ebony fretboard on with no binding and keep the colors simple.
Same I feel about the 70s Explorer and V, never were the actual 70s ones like that.. Also, the regular Explorer and V is for whatever reason out of production..
I guess that when I was a teenager in the 90's, the marketing for the Studios worked too good on me. It wasn't about being a cheaper to make instrument, it was the "non-flashy Les Paul for the grunge era". I understand the binding on the neck is a value add, but to me, the Studios will always be the stripped down, no non-sense, anti-glamrock guitar. You didn't get a studio because you were on your way to lusting after a standard. You got a studio as a statement. I know, I know. Its marketing. But it worked on me.
I bought this exact blueberry burst studio the day it came out and I love mine! Mine plays super smooth and the pick ups sound amazing!!! I like to play metal but I also like to play reggae and classical style music and it seems to do all of those really well! I must’ve gotten really lucky because mine has no flaws in the finish and has a really crisp tone, crunch and clean!!!
I bought this guitar in 2019 with the binding from the GC brand new for under $1000. It gets as much love as my standard and custom. I love the tangerine burst! It has actually darkened over the 5 years I've had it. (w/hardshell case). A while back I tested the coil split w a meter and like you, did not see a change...weird because it sounds way different when switch is engaged. I am not sure what to call the neck profile on mine, but after 50 years of playing Gibsons I think it is the best I have ever felt.
I find it odd people don't like 490R 498T in the Studios. It's an entry level way (entry level for Gibson anyway...) to get the same pickups and sound that the $5,000 Gibson LP Custom has. Unless they changed too recently, the Custom always had 490R 498T, so Studios were a way to get the same high end LP tones without the upcharge on tops, bindings, etc.
@@tinystar3010 I have a 1990 Studio I never bonded with from the time it was new…I was 14 with this pretty Les Paul that I never really liked the tone of. I ditched the stock pickups and rewired it and get some PAFish Seymour Duncans. The sound of the Les Paul is not the 490R/498Ts in a modern Custom. It’s the PAF, which they sound absolutely nothing like.
I honestly think people hate them because they're priced lower and "common." I think the 490R and 489T is my favorite set that they make for playing solo. A little hotter and a little brighter suits me nicely. And in a mix, I'm not sure I could tell any Gibson humbuckers apart, maybe aside from the molten hot ceramics. Certainly not if you EQ them.
@@tinystar3010 modern Customs still do use 490R/498T. Had a ‘23 Silverbust Custom with them. The 57 black beauty Custom reissues however use Custombuckers.
I like the slim taper neck, I have pretty bad neck and shoulder issues so I like the weight on this guitar. I definitely like these pick ups better as well. For me it’s a winner.
Id enjoy this in my band a lot more that an expensive custom or standard.the coil split and light weight are useful. I have an old custom, it is just so meaty size and soundwise. This can actually do a lot of clean styles well.
@@ace9566061 True, although unfortunately not something everyone will appreciate, especially someone buying their first LP and making their pick based on what it looks like now. Many new buyers might not be familiar with nitrocellulose and how it ages and the are several threads on just this topic (disappointment with Gibson, PRS etc blues turning green)
The positives include price, weight, color, and tuners. However, I don't care for the change in pickups. That 490R/498T combo is where it's at! I bought a Studio in Tangerine Burst before they discontinued them, and I would get rid of my 50s Les Paul Standard before I dreamed of getting rid of my Studio. Love those pickups! Also, I have never cared for the coil split.
Anyone that complains about tuning instability needs to address the contact points: usually 99% of the time it is the nut. Plenty of videos on how to file a nut for a Gibson. Highly recommend “nut sauce” or graphite to prevent friction on the nut. For any guitar tbh. My PRS had tuning issues on the D and B string issue. Had to adjust that as well. I have a 2003 Gibson es-137, 2022 50s standard, and 2012 studio. They all hold tune well. I often do whole step bends as well.
I’m so glad they changed the pickups. You get the neck binding and pickups that make you feel closer to the standard without giving away exactly everything you get in a standard. Now I wish they would offer locking tuners with the pearloid buttons. Not sure why they don’t I’m pretty sure a lot of people would prefer those on there standards as well.
I bought a 2021 LP Studio with the midnight Manhattan blue finish and since i have added fishman fluence active pups and locking tuners, and a tp6 tail peice with a roller saddle bridge. Now im in the middle of refinishing it. I love my STUDIO!!!!!
I just bought a 2010 Goldtop Studio 50s “tribute.” I had shopped for an 8lb Standard with P-90s for months, ( missed one 8.25lb). This one has the faux binding on the body, 7 lb 13 oz…. Plays beautifully, and the P-90s are sounding exactly what I hoped for.
Hey Trogly, I would like to thank you for your show. I lurned a lot about Gibson history thanks to you. I think that the Studio is intersting for those that would like to practice on a good Gibson Guitar at a more affordable price. The only thing that I would like to know is that if Gibson plans to make a left handed studio model. It’s a pitty there is near nothing for us left handed that are often forgotten.
I'm a long term proud owner of the 2011 worn brown faded Studio with the maple top; and have long enjoyed Burstbuckers as that is one of the only versions that came with BBs. It now has a bunch of the nitro worn off which really naturally relic'ed well over time.
I was fortunate to get my hands on a 2019 Studio, and what made it stand out at the time was the fretboard binding-it felt special. I remember trying out some of the later models, but I had to return them due to quality control issues. Even the Standards didn’t impress me, and I ended up sending them back as well. I preferred the sound of the Studio, likely thanks to the 490R/498T pickups, plus the lighter body made it an easy "go-to" guitar. Another thing I noticed: the 2019 Studio came with a hard case, while the later Studios only had a softer gig bag. Even the hard case for the 2019 model felt superior compared to the ones that came with later LP Standards, which were noticeably cheaper Chinese versions. It would be interesting to compare the neck measurements between the 2019 model and the 2024 model. I also just read that some LP Customs are using the same pickups as the 2019 Studio. I think if you are a 80s/90s rock child the harsher tones of the 490R/498T may be more to your liking. If you’re on the hunt, the 2019 model might just be the one to go for.
Dig this one, super practical. The split pickups sound really good clean, great for jazzy stuff. It's light and has a usable gigbag you can throw around. Deal! Maybe in black.
I really like the studio model. I’ve got four of em. These look awesome with the gloss, binding and burstbuckers! About the same price as a LTD ec-1000 or high end Epi.
I had a 2015 Studio, people online hated on the robot tuners and the wider neck, I was very happy with the former and less keen on the latter (sold it as a result). The two big positives for me were the 57 Classic and 57 Classic+ pickups and the rectangular hardshell case which we learned awhile ago was repurposed from a cancelled Hendrix model. They were some huge bargains back in the day due to all the hate (only cost me £750).
I've never really understood the whole neck thing. I have several different guitars with way different size necks and it seems all the same to me when playing. I remember when I ordered my standard 50's hearing so many people talking about the necks being too fat, so I was a tad concerned because I have really small hands and when I got it, it was super comfortable! I do however have 1 guitar, a fairly cheap squier cyclone and the neck is really little compared to all my other guitars, but none of mine seem to really feel different enough that I've developed a preference. I understand it bugging some, but really I don't understand... IDK ! 🤷
@@richardcarle786 Yeah, fair enough. I've had two guitars that have bothered me with neck shape - both were wide and thin; hence the apprehension. I don't think this Studio would be an issue.
Yeah I agree. Neck differences seem odd to be a deciding factor on buying something. I do prefer slim necks but I understand why. They are easier to acclimate to. Big necks are only unusual feeling for the first few minutes you pick it up each time, then you acclimate to it quickly and stop noticing.
My 1st Gibson was an Ebony 1985 Les Paul Studio Custom with a gen 3 chainsaw case with blue interior (I’d argue that gen 3 is the best chainsaw case with latches that don’t break). I bought it for $575 in the mid-90’s on installments and I still own and cherish it to this very day. The Tim Shaw pickups are amazing and it’s in great condition. I’m not sure if it has a mahogany or alder body. I discovered Trogly by searching TH-cam for my model of Les Paul many years ago. I want a 90’s atudio lite in translucent black like Jerry Cantrell used in the “Would?” video. I’d like a Studio Lite m-3 as well. Austin is absolutely right by saying the 80’s studios (and especially studio customs) are phenomenal guitars. I totally regret passing up an opportunity to buy an 80’s studio custom with a tobacco sunburst finish shortly after getting mine. Anyway, it’s a great 1st Gibson that started my love affair with Gibson guitars.
With regard to the pickups they've had in past studios, there was actually an exception to the 490R/498T combo back in 2015: they had a '57 Classic and '57 Classic Plus.
Trogg, I have been a daily watcher for almost 3 years now. I love how u have kept the format true to the guitars. Don’t ever use it as a platform for your personal BS. As many TH-camrs have. Don’t change a thing!!! It is why we all come back everyday.
just got one of these after my 1994 standard was stolen. I actually really like it. The difference in price and similarity in performance to a standard is really amazing. no regrets. (I will probably still get a standard again someday)
I love the Alder ( Natural ) version of the Studio, the Blue Berry one you're reviewing looks cool with that ' Lightning Bolt ' wood grain , I'd like to see a Silver Burst version or Dog Hair / Silver Fox , yeah-YEAH !! I was put off about the ' PCB ' wiring at first yet I remembered what Bob Moog said about the synthesizer and how the vibrations ( spirit ) moves through a PCB board the same as through wood , metal , plastic or whatever material is used , it's only how we perceive it that changes...Thanks Trogness mOnster !
Thanks for the tip about the felt pad on the back of the pick guard. I just removed the pick guard because my Studio Plus had the felt pad on the nut too. I hope I got it off soon enough. I couldn't see any reaction yet, so hopefully I got it in time.
I bought an ebony version. Love the weight relief, and tone and playability are great. I’ve been reaching for this one rather than my 9+ lbs LP Standard. Recommend.
Really tempted by one of these but I already have a 1990 studio from the “golden era” you mentioned. It’s white with gold hardware and ebony board which looks very classy. Serial number also dates the guitar to my birth month AND birth year. It’s one of my all time favorite guitars and truly is “The One” for me. Since these latest studios have neck binding, different pickups and ultra modern weight relief, I do feel I could justify buying one to pair with my 1990 studio as they are different enough.
I just ordered a Gibson Les Paul studio in Blueberry burst. I like this model and color. The tone is great from what I hear in the videos. Very nice guitar.
I bet they used the bb pickups because of the quick connect. 400 series are mostly handwired if I’m correct. I’m actually a fan of the 490 498 pups. It’s the custom Gibson sound
That wine red studio would be my first pick. It reminds me of a LP that Travis Steever from Coheed & Cambria had during their earlier years, I think around the Good Apollo IV album.
I have a heavily upgraded Standard that I love, despite the weight. I don't gig with it so much now as I sing so I see the appeal of the Studio. I am more sympathetic to non standard finishes on these.
Man I have a 94 Studio. Was alpine white…..more like ivory these days. I LOVE the 490r/498t set. I once wanted to trade it in for a standard or traditional but couldn’t find one that sounded better. This was the early 2000’s so FB marketplace wasn’t around & Guitar center & Sam ash is all that carried them in my area.
I've always liked the look of a wine red Studio, despite not exactly being a Studio fan. So if I were in the market for one as a "whatever" guitar, it's hard to go past that colour. The pickup upgrade is a nice inclusion
I wonder if switching to bound fretboards was to just have one less fretboard option in the factory, because what else does Gibson sell with no fretboard binding these days? I still say those gig-cases/hard-bags look like heavy bags from a boxing gym.
I'm all for a Mother of Pearl logo, but not strictly neck binding on an LP.. Same with the 70s Explorer and V (what even makes them 70s?) Can't wait for the regular '76 Explorer to come back.
I like the new Studio a lot but I am having a hard time justifying a move up from my Epiphone 50’s Standard. The Epi is really awesome. Build quality and sound are great.
I bought my first Les Paul a couple of months ago. It's a Classic model. All 4 pots are push pull and both pickups take bridge pickup covers although the numbers on the back are diferent. Not sure why it's like that.
I've got the 1983 Greenburst refinished you featured on one episode about two years ago. And also the 2013 Dirty Cherry you featured in January of this year. I've got a hard side Gatorcase gigbag I picked up for a low end Epiphone. I highly suggest it if you want to protect any guitar. I find the bridge on the Studio being reviewed sounds a little like a Telecaster bridge pickup. I do like the colo 22:16 r and the fret board looks. The 2013 Dirty Cherry I has 57 classics with coil splits and sounds much better. I also have an Epiphone Trad Pro III that has burst buckers and coil splitting that sounds better.
The necks I can agree with being a deal breaker or not. Coil splits are irrelevant if someone doesn't like them because you don't have to use them. My Les Paul has coil splits and I never use them either. They don't really offer a usable sound. I just switch to my Fenders for single coil tones.
It looks like they've found a "happy medium" here. Like you Austin, I hope these do well and they keep it on but would likely prefer a thicker profile on the neck. If I was buying purely with my eyes though, I'd take that original studio you show with the natural Alder body and the dot inlays. Something about the original ones being so completely "stripped back" compared to a Standard really appeals to me
Really glad I decided to pick up my modern studio new. Never done that before. It rocks so much, I kinda had to. No regrets or shortcomings at all, well okay the satin has a couple dust bumps around the body so it isn’t flawless. But when I compare it to the rest of their selection I’m assured I made the right choice bcuz the gimmicks that sold me are actually cool. Edit: and it rightfully came with a blank TRC and a color matching poker chip unlike this one…
I have a 2020 Smokehouse Studio made on the 45th day of the year (Valentine’s Day). Great guitar-but: Out of the box the 490R/498T pickups sounded nasal and shrill in such a light guitar with so much hollow space due to the weight relief (8lbs. 2oz.). Great if you’re only going for distorted tones but for Blues, Jazz or Country it was too much; boomy and lacking articulation. Replaced those with mellow set of SD Seth Lovers (AH-55, I think); 8.17k for the bridge and 7.93k for the neck. The pcb board mounted pot’s felt super sloppy and had terribly short sweep. On top of that, the pickups were out of phase from the factory, which I think might have been a pcb defect (great gimmick, but not broadly useful). Replaced that whole gig with point 2 point 50’s wiring; ditched the coil taps- those are a gimmick too in my book. Now it’s a very functional instrument with a wide palette of classic tones. Definitely a go to for recording after all that modification; but I still lean toward my R6 for home practice and live play. I kinda wish they stuck with the classic, no frills recipe for this particular model. That was the entire point at its inception.
5:48 my standard has this too. I wonder why they do that and don’t just finish the whole thing. It’s covered by the pickup ring, but still! I don’t think they do it on purpose. It’s likely some part of the manufacturing process maybe? I don’t know. Maybe it is intentional. Also, that studio sure has some quack to it. Very straty sounding.
Like that Gibson is giving us some great new color burst finishes finally besides various shades of basic sunbursts. The deal killer for me is the wide and thin neck. Just can't deal with a wide neck that isn't deep enough to grab on and provide some thumb support. Makes it difficult to stretch my fingers and still have some purchase on the neck.
Listen to this guy!! "Chatoyant movement"! 😆 impressive. Your presentations have gotten so good over the years, man. But I do really like this option, the blueberry burst is beautiful imo.
I own both studio and standards and I can tell you right now. The standard is way too heavy. Sounds great. I went out and bought the 2024 studio has a phenomenal tone to iit! run it through an AC 30 and a GT 1000 board and man, I love that Guitar lightweight, grey tone. I’m buying another one.
I’m just going to continue playing my all-black, gold hardware 1996 Gibson LP Studio
I had to sell my 96 studio in early 2000s and is the only guitar I regret selling. Mine was wine red with chrome hardware. Had it on layaway for 3 months and worked my ass off to pay for it myself. Loved it but lost my job at the time and had to make sacrifices.
It's a good one. I'm familiar with that model.
This guitar would be a step back from such a fine vintage
I will sleep better tonight.
Yep, so will I !! Have exactly the same model from March 1996 😄
Hell yea brotha, thatz the same one I have, and, in case you didn’t know, 96 is right in the middle of the “ GoodWood”, era of the lakes Paul’s! So, will only rise in value!
I played it today andd I love it. The blueberry even had some figure in the plain top it sounds amazing
I'm sure the fingerboard binding saves a little cost, just using the same part as the Standard. The one spec change I really don't get is the vintage tuners. Not only do they not match the rest of the hardware but, in my opinion, they're slightly lower quality than the Grovers it used to have.
I actually like Studios without fretboard binding, its part of their charm. No body binding but with fretboard binding looks weird.
Honestly. Like if the whole point is a stripped back LP to keep the sound at a lower price point, then why get the money you want via binding? Wish they'd just throw an ebony fretboard on with no binding and keep the colors simple.
No body binding + fredboard binding= SG. 😂
Same I feel about the 70s Explorer and V, never were the actual 70s ones like that.. Also, the regular Explorer and V is for whatever reason out of production..
theres plenty without binding in stock no worries
At about the same price point, a few years back, I got a PRS S2 singlecut. Unbound neck, and the 'faux scrape reveal' thing on the body.
I guess that when I was a teenager in the 90's, the marketing for the Studios worked too good on me. It wasn't about being a cheaper to make instrument, it was the "non-flashy Les Paul for the grunge era". I understand the binding on the neck is a value add, but to me, the Studios will always be the stripped down, no non-sense, anti-glamrock guitar. You didn't get a studio because you were on your way to lusting after a standard. You got a studio as a statement. I know, I know. Its marketing. But it worked on me.
I bought this exact blueberry burst studio the day it came out and I love mine! Mine plays super smooth and the pick ups sound amazing!!! I like to play metal but I also like to play reggae and classical style music and it seems to do all of those really well! I must’ve gotten really lucky because mine has no flaws in the finish and has a really crisp tone, crunch and clean!!!
I bought this guitar in 2019 with the binding from the GC brand new for under $1000. It gets as much love as my standard and custom. I love the tangerine burst! It has actually darkened over the 5 years I've had it. (w/hardshell case). A while back I tested the coil split w a meter and like you, did not see a change...weird because it sounds way different when switch is engaged. I am not sure what to call the neck profile on mine, but after 50 years of playing Gibsons I think it is the best I have ever felt.
I find it odd people don't like 490R 498T in the Studios. It's an entry level way (entry level for Gibson anyway...) to get the same pickups and sound that the $5,000 Gibson LP Custom has. Unless they changed too recently, the Custom always had 490R 498T, so Studios were a way to get the same high end LP tones without the upcharge on tops, bindings, etc.
@@tinystar3010 I have a 1990 Studio I never bonded with from the time it was new…I was 14 with this pretty Les Paul that I never really liked the tone of. I ditched the stock pickups and rewired it and get some PAFish Seymour Duncans.
The sound of the Les Paul is not the 490R/498Ts in a modern Custom. It’s the PAF, which they sound absolutely nothing like.
Then they must have updated current Customs, because I remember them always having the 490R 498T for the longest time.
I honestly think people hate them because they're priced lower and "common." I think the 490R and 489T is my favorite set that they make for playing solo. A little hotter and a little brighter suits me nicely. And in a mix, I'm not sure I could tell any Gibson humbuckers apart, maybe aside from the molten hot ceramics. Certainly not if you EQ them.
@@tinystar3010 modern Customs still do use 490R/498T. Had a ‘23 Silverbust Custom with them. The 57 black beauty Custom reissues however use Custombuckers.
@@plenaryverbalistEvery ‘90 Studio I’ve ever had had the Bill Lawrence “The Original” circuit board pickups in it.
I like the slim taper neck, I have pretty bad neck and shoulder issues so I like the weight on this guitar. I definitely like these pick ups better as well. For me it’s a winner.
My 2017 Gibson Tribute has the natural maple binding …. and it’s awesome !
I absolutely love my 2011 tribute w p90s and I have much more expensive and elaborate guitars
My 2013 too. Polished the top aswell.
The earlier ones were great deal for the money.
@@nieko3038 that’s right! Got my tribute for $900 when it first came out. It plays extremely well is one of my top 5 guitars
Same here ,paid $950 for mine and it came the brown gig bag
Mr. Trogly, I must say your playing has reached next level I super appreciate your channel and all episodes!
My 95’ studio lite has the 496R and 500T. I like those just fine!
Id enjoy this in my band a lot more that an expensive custom or standard.the coil split and light weight are useful. I have an old custom, it is just so meaty size and soundwise. This can actually do a lot of clean styles well.
There's not much you can do about the weight but maybe changing pickups could help with that dark tone
My 2014 Studio Pro has become a favorite, not only for feel, but it really has a gorgeous top.
Love my ‘21 model, and it also has a nicely flamed top, better than many higher end models I’ve seen.
I personally love the “slim-taper” neck…one of my favorites 👍
I got my new Wine Red Studio a few days ago, it's my first experience with the Burstbucker Pros, and i really like them.
For anyone considering any blue nitro-cellulose lacquer guitar - be sure to check out how they discolour as it might put you off it completely.
They turn green. It adds to the charm of an aged guitar. I personally like the look.
@@ace9566061 True, although unfortunately not something everyone will appreciate, especially someone buying their first LP and making their pick based on what it looks like now. Many new buyers might not be familiar with nitrocellulose and how it ages and the are several threads on just this topic (disappointment with Gibson, PRS etc blues turning green)
The positives include price, weight, color, and tuners. However, I don't care for the change in pickups. That 490R/498T combo is where it's at! I bought a Studio in Tangerine Burst before they discontinued them, and I would get rid of my 50s Les Paul Standard before I dreamed of getting rid of my Studio. Love those pickups! Also, I have never cared for the coil split.
I'd love to own a studio, any colour will do just as long as it holds tune and sounds great.
Anyone that complains about tuning instability needs to address the contact points: usually 99% of the time it is the nut. Plenty of videos on how to file a nut for a Gibson. Highly recommend “nut sauce” or graphite to prevent friction on the nut. For any guitar tbh. My PRS had tuning issues on the D and B string issue. Had to adjust that as well. I have a 2003 Gibson es-137, 2022 50s standard, and 2012 studio. They all hold tune well. I often do whole step bends as well.
@@zaccarter3801 ok, yea it wasn't a dig at Gibson's, I take the same philosophy with every brand every price range.
I’m so glad they changed the pickups. You get the neck binding and pickups that make you feel closer to the standard without giving away exactly everything you get in a standard. Now I wish they would offer locking tuners with the pearloid buttons. Not sure why they don’t I’m pretty sure a lot of people would prefer those on there standards as well.
They shoulda kept the Smokehouse Burst finish as a choice.
I bought a 2021 LP Studio with the midnight Manhattan blue finish and since i have added fishman fluence active pups and locking tuners, and a tp6 tail peice with a roller saddle bridge. Now im in the middle of refinishing it. I love my STUDIO!!!!!
100% agree about the faux binding. Probably would have got one event hough I don't need it.
I got a red one last month
The new Studio is what I'm most excited about. Reminds me of the models from 2018 and 2019.
I just bought a 2010 Goldtop Studio 50s “tribute.” I had shopped for an 8lb Standard with P-90s for months, ( missed one 8.25lb). This one has the faux binding on the body, 7 lb 13 oz…. Plays beautifully, and the P-90s are sounding exactly what I hoped for.
I like the plainer look of no body binding and the silkscreen.
There's something classic about the gold logo
'57 Classic pickups and 50's wiring, no coil split on my 2019 Studio and I'm happy thankyou very much.
purchasing an sg in 1992, i just purchased a studio, smokehouse satin finish. absolutely love the color and plays great.
If the wine is growing on you, get a nice dark one. They look spectacular.
Or see a dermatologist. It could be an early indicator of a serious condition.
Hey Trogly, I would like to thank you for your show. I lurned a lot about Gibson history thanks to you. I think that the Studio is intersting for those that would like to practice on a good Gibson Guitar at a more affordable price. The only thing that I would like to know is that if Gibson plans to make a left handed studio model. It’s a pitty there is near nothing for us left handed that are often forgotten.
I love the blueberry burst.
I'm a long term proud owner of the 2011 worn brown faded Studio with the maple top; and have long enjoyed Burstbuckers as that is one of the only versions that came with BBs. It now has a bunch of the nitro worn off which really naturally relic'ed well over time.
I was fortunate to get my hands on a 2019 Studio, and what made it stand out at the time was the fretboard binding-it felt special. I remember trying out some of the later models, but I had to return them due to quality control issues. Even the Standards didn’t impress me, and I ended up sending them back as well. I preferred the sound of the Studio, likely thanks to the 490R/498T pickups, plus the lighter body made it an easy "go-to" guitar.
Another thing I noticed: the 2019 Studio came with a hard case, while the later Studios only had a softer gig bag. Even the hard case for the 2019 model felt superior compared to the ones that came with later LP Standards, which were noticeably cheaper Chinese versions.
It would be interesting to compare the neck measurements between the 2019 model and the 2024 model. I also just read that some LP Customs are using the same pickups as the 2019 Studio. I think if you are a 80s/90s rock child the harsher tones of the 490R/498T may be more to your liking. If you’re on the hunt, the 2019 model might just be the one to go for.
I see some camera improvement. Reflection is more pronounced. Brights and whites are enhanced. Depth of field is tightened up, Clarity improved. Nice!
That shade of blue is to die for.
Dig this one, super practical. The split pickups sound really good clean, great for jazzy stuff. It's light and has a usable gigbag you can throw around. Deal! Maybe in black.
I really like the studio model. I’ve got four of em. These look awesome with the gloss, binding and burstbuckers! About the same price as a LTD ec-1000 or high end Epi.
I had a 2015 Studio, people online hated on the robot tuners and the wider neck, I was very happy with the former and less keen on the latter (sold it as a result). The two big positives for me were the 57 Classic and 57 Classic+ pickups and the rectangular hardshell case which we learned awhile ago was repurposed from a cancelled Hendrix model. They were some huge bargains back in the day due to all the hate (only cost me £750).
I'd really like one in natural finish, but I'd have to try that neck first.
I've never really understood the whole neck thing. I have several different guitars with way different size necks and it seems all the same to me when playing. I remember when I ordered my standard 50's hearing so many people talking about the necks being too fat, so I was a tad concerned because I have really small hands and when I got it, it was super comfortable! I do however have 1 guitar, a fairly cheap squier cyclone and the neck is really little compared to all my other guitars, but none of mine seem to really feel different enough that I've developed a preference. I understand it bugging some, but really I don't understand... IDK ! 🤷
@@richardcarle786 Yeah, fair enough. I've had two guitars that have bothered me with neck shape - both were wide and thin; hence the apprehension. I don't think this Studio would be an issue.
Yeah I agree. Neck differences seem odd to be a deciding factor on buying something. I do prefer slim necks but I understand why. They are easier to acclimate to. Big necks are only unusual feeling for the first few minutes you pick it up each time, then you acclimate to it quickly and stop noticing.
My 1st Gibson was an Ebony 1985 Les Paul Studio Custom with a gen 3 chainsaw case with blue interior (I’d argue that gen 3 is the best chainsaw case with latches that don’t break). I bought it for $575 in the mid-90’s on installments and I still own and cherish it to this very day. The Tim Shaw pickups are amazing and it’s in great condition. I’m not sure if it has a mahogany or alder body. I discovered Trogly by searching TH-cam for my model of Les Paul many years ago. I want a 90’s atudio lite in translucent black like Jerry Cantrell used in the “Would?” video. I’d like a Studio Lite m-3 as well. Austin is absolutely right by saying the 80’s studios (and especially studio customs) are phenomenal guitars. I totally regret passing up an opportunity to buy an 80’s studio custom with a tobacco sunburst finish shortly after getting mine. Anyway, it’s a great 1st Gibson that started my love affair with Gibson guitars.
With regard to the pickups they've had in past studios, there was actually an exception to the 490R/498T combo back in 2015: they had a '57 Classic and '57 Classic Plus.
Trogg, I have been a daily watcher for almost 3 years now. I love how u have kept the format true to the guitars. Don’t ever use it as a platform for your personal BS. As many TH-camrs have.
Don’t change a thing!!! It is why we all come back everyday.
Did he pitch the Intro jingle? When did that Start. I Was seriously confused.
just got one of these after my 1994 standard was stolen. I actually really like it. The difference in price and similarity in performance to a standard is really amazing. no regrets. (I will probably still get a standard again someday)
loved the new binding and the rosewood fretboard. if they added the "faux-wood binding", i'd be perfect.
I love the Alder ( Natural ) version of the Studio, the Blue Berry one you're reviewing looks cool with that ' Lightning Bolt ' wood grain , I'd like to see a Silver Burst version or Dog Hair / Silver Fox , yeah-YEAH !! I was put off about the ' PCB ' wiring at first yet I remembered what Bob Moog said about the synthesizer and how the vibrations ( spirit ) moves through a PCB board the same as through wood , metal , plastic or whatever material is used , it's only how we perceive it that changes...Thanks Trogness mOnster !
Looks great, and i like wide, but i like chunky and wide both together!!
There's a lot of bird's eye figuring hiding in that top. And I like the sound of those pickups - very vintage-y. I can see the appeal.
I have a 2011 studio with burstbuckers...it's a great little guitar.
Same here,Friend.I have a 2011 studio faded in Ebony stain black with BB Pro’s and obeche fretboard.That’s a nice little beast ✌🏻😎👍🏻
Thanks for the tip about the felt pad on the back of the pick guard. I just removed the pick guard because my Studio Plus had the felt pad on the nut too. I hope I got it off soon enough. I couldn't see any reaction yet, so hopefully I got it in time.
I think the gold silk screen logo is part of what makes a studio a studio. 🤷🏼♂️
I bought an ebony version. Love the weight relief, and tone and playability are great. I’ve been reaching for this one rather than my 9+ lbs LP Standard. Recommend.
Really tempted by one of these but I already have a 1990 studio from the “golden era” you mentioned. It’s white with gold hardware and ebony board which looks very classy. Serial number also dates the guitar to my birth month AND birth year. It’s one of my all time favorite guitars and truly is “The One” for me. Since these latest studios have neck binding, different pickups and ultra modern weight relief, I do feel I could justify buying one to pair with my 1990 studio as they are different enough.
Indeed! Different enough to enjoy both
Beautiful
I just ordered a Gibson Les Paul studio in Blueberry burst. I like this model and color. The tone is great from what I hear in the videos. Very nice guitar.
I love the blueberry finish and the movement in the grain
Best LP I've played was a 2017 Studio, in cherry. No binding, great frets, nice neck.
Lowering the pitch of the intro, are you? Cool!
Finally someone is talking about the new lower pitched intro!
It's just his supposedly "spooky season" intro. That's why no one's saying anything, it's not new.
@@tinystar3010 Ohh, ok. Thanks for clearing that up - I guess I've never heard it before thats all
I bet they used the bb pickups because of the quick connect. 400 series are mostly handwired if I’m correct. I’m actually a fan of the 490 498 pups. It’s the custom Gibson sound
That wine red studio would be my first pick. It reminds me of a LP that Travis Steever from Coheed & Cambria had during their earlier years, I think around the Good Apollo IV album.
I have a heavily upgraded Standard that I love, despite the weight. I don't gig with it so much now as I sing so I see the appeal of the Studio. I am more sympathetic to non standard finishes on these.
Thank you for doing this. Grateful.
That's an awesome top,not low grade by any measure. Plain+simple is beautiful too😊
Man I have a 94 Studio. Was alpine white…..more like ivory these days. I LOVE the 490r/498t set. I once wanted to trade it in for a standard or traditional but couldn’t find one that sounded better. This was the early 2000’s so FB marketplace wasn’t around & Guitar center & Sam ash is all that carried them in my area.
You need to check out/review the studio lite from the early 90s. There is an awesome blue color.
I have one! And I love it! The blue is a transparent nitro over Birdseye maple. I have never seen another with Birdseye!
Also ebony fretboard and all black hardware!
I passed on buying on in 98 and I kick myself every day.
The weird brown color they had was cool too.
I like the look of these new blueberry burst studios. I myself have a 1995 wine red studio with rosewood board and no coil splits nor weight relief.
I could watch these videos all day. Great job!
How's the neck on these compared to the standard 60s?
the neck felt like LP Tribute that discontinued last year even the weight too. im happy with the price tho.
Me too, love mine!👌🏼
Im really liking the new (to me) Sweetwater excluse, Viper burst with ebony board.
That sounds good to me! Loved the split coil tones!!!
I've always liked the look of a wine red Studio, despite not exactly being a Studio fan. So if I were in the market for one as a "whatever" guitar, it's hard to go past that colour. The pickup upgrade is a nice inclusion
I wonder if switching to bound fretboards was to just have one less fretboard option in the factory, because what else does Gibson sell with no fretboard binding these days?
I still say those gig-cases/hard-bags look like heavy bags from a boxing gym.
I'm all for a Mother of Pearl logo, but not strictly neck binding on an LP..
Same with the 70s Explorer and V (what even makes them 70s?) Can't wait for the regular '76 Explorer to come back.
That guitar sounds amazing to me❤
I love my 2016 Studio in Radiant Red, still plays, looks and smells like a dream and I'm not afraid (much) if I bang it on something accidently.
Looks nice, but it lacks the punch I hear in other models. Maybe its the pickups, IDK.
I like the new Studio a lot but I am having a hard time justifying a move up from my Epiphone 50’s Standard. The Epi is really awesome. Build quality and sound are great.
Just ordered one cause of this love a slim neck.
Hey Austin, how would you compare this to the Studio Modern?
Trogly treats those push-pulls like a wack-a-mole
My 2012 studio worn cherry came with burstbucker pros
I have beautiful 93 studio. I've had since 95. I love it.
Makes me realize how much i appreciate binding on a les paul.
I bought my first Les Paul a couple of months ago. It's a Classic model. All 4 pots are push pull and both pickups take bridge pickup covers although the numbers on the back are diferent. Not sure why it's like that.
I've got the 1983 Greenburst refinished you featured on one episode about two years ago. And also the 2013 Dirty Cherry you featured in January of this year. I've got a hard side Gatorcase gigbag I picked up for a low end Epiphone. I highly suggest it if you want to protect any guitar. I find the bridge on the Studio being reviewed sounds a little like a Telecaster bridge pickup. I do like the colo 22:16 r and the fret board looks. The 2013 Dirty Cherry I has 57 classics with coil splits and sounds much better. I also have an Epiphone Trad Pro III that has burst buckers and coil splitting that sounds better.
That weight relief..is that an improvement or something you do not really want. That victory is sick..vomit green is just perfect😊
depends - most studios do have some type of weight relief
For me I don’t want the baseball bat neck, so thin is good. I don’t want coil splitting on a Les Paul.
The necks I can agree with being a deal breaker or not. Coil splits are irrelevant if someone doesn't like them because you don't have to use them. My Les Paul has coil splits and I never use them either. They don't really offer a usable sound. I just switch to my Fenders for single coil tones.
It looks like they've found a "happy medium" here. Like you Austin, I hope these do well and they keep it on but would likely prefer a thicker profile on the neck.
If I was buying purely with my eyes though, I'd take that original studio you show with the natural Alder body and the dot inlays.
Something about the original ones being so completely "stripped back" compared to a Standard really appeals to me
Really glad I decided to pick up my modern studio new. Never done that before. It rocks so much, I kinda had to. No regrets or shortcomings at all, well okay the satin has a couple dust bumps around the body so it isn’t flawless. But when I compare it to the rest of their selection I’m assured I made the right choice bcuz the gimmicks that sold me are actually cool.
Edit: and it rightfully came with a blank TRC and a color matching poker chip unlike this one…
I have a 2020 Smokehouse Studio made on the 45th day of the year (Valentine’s Day). Great guitar-but:
Out of the box the 490R/498T pickups sounded nasal and shrill in such a light guitar with so much hollow space due to the weight relief (8lbs. 2oz.). Great if you’re only going for distorted tones but for Blues, Jazz or Country it was too much; boomy and lacking articulation. Replaced those with mellow set of SD Seth Lovers (AH-55, I think); 8.17k for the bridge and 7.93k for the neck.
The pcb board mounted pot’s felt super sloppy and had terribly short sweep. On top of that, the pickups were out of phase from the factory, which I think might have been a pcb defect (great gimmick, but not broadly useful). Replaced that whole gig with point 2 point 50’s wiring; ditched the coil taps- those are a gimmick too in my book.
Now it’s a very functional instrument with a wide palette of classic tones. Definitely a go to for recording after all that modification; but I still lean toward my R6 for home practice and live play.
I kinda wish they stuck with the classic, no frills recipe for this particular model. That was the entire point at its inception.
Thanks Trogly for showing your only human like the rest of us. and that we all forget things from time to time.
5:48 my standard has this too. I wonder why they do that and don’t just finish the whole thing. It’s covered by the pickup ring, but still! I don’t think they do it on purpose. It’s likely some part of the manufacturing process maybe? I don’t know. Maybe it is intentional.
Also, that studio sure has some quack to it. Very straty sounding.
Like that Gibson is giving us some great new color burst finishes finally besides various shades of basic sunbursts. The deal killer for me is the wide and thin neck. Just can't deal with a wide neck that isn't deep enough to grab on and provide some thumb support. Makes it difficult to stretch my fingers and still have some purchase on the neck.
The B9* LPST01 looks good.
my only guitar is pic guard-less Michael Kelly. No holes drilled into the wood to to protect from a tiny piece of plastic.
Neck and middle sounded good but the bridge was very harsh
Listen to this guy!! "Chatoyant movement"! 😆 impressive. Your presentations have gotten so good over the years, man. But I do really like this option, the blueberry burst is beautiful imo.
I own both studio and standards and I can tell you right now. The standard is way too heavy. Sounds great. I went out and bought the 2024 studio has a phenomenal tone to iit! run it through an AC 30 and a GT 1000 board and man, I love that Guitar lightweight, grey tone. I’m buying another one.
Yep