Gibson Delivers Vintage In A Nice Package

Ah...another all mohogany Les Paul again, the Vintage Mohogany finish model.

I'm finding that I have to be careful when encountering another Gibson Les Paul model that's 100% mohogany. But in this case, we don't have a model that plays in a certain sound range. It's one where the wood and construction offsets the characteristics of the pickups to create a different guitar. One that could be considered to be part of the regular Les Paul line (at least the lower end).

The "Les Paul" as I define it, in modern terms, has a mohogany body and set neck, with a carved maple cap. In addition, there's the obvious and famous single cutaway profile.

From there, the rules tend to go out the window. Different pickups can radically alter the sound, although the basic Les Paul delivers that famous fat tone (however colored by the electronics) and a sharp attack due to the arched maple cap.

So in the case of the older Les Paul Specials, which were similar in shape and profile, the sound was clearly Gibson but the mohogany construction tended to darken the sound and move it into SG territory.

In this case, though, Gibson has created a another carved archtop mohogany model, with the same profile of the early 90's Specials, but with new Alnico V Burstbucker Pro
pickups.

The originals had 490 series PUPs, which might have dissolved into the mohogany a bit too much and given you a muddy sound. Also, Burstbuckers are popular right now, and it's a good marketing move.

It's very close in shape to a regular Les Paul, and only somewhat lighter. The interesting thing is that the guitar is also "capped" but by mohogany. From what I can see, it doesn't affect the sound, so it probably just makes creating an arched top easier and keeps costs down.

The original Burstbuckers were based on Alnico 2 magnets designed to create the "unequal wound" sound of the original PAF's. That created a very warm, full sound that could still bite.

When the Pro version type came out with Alnico V's, the pickup became a pure rock animal with a real edgy attack, with an explosive bottom and midrange. Add these to a guitar with the mass of a Studio, with the darker tone of mohogany, and what you get is a real surprise.

You get a Les Paul that really cuts and growls, and has a wide variety of rock and blues tones. The tendency for Burstbucker Pro's to get a bit "wirey" sounding is muted and the midrange attack is emphasized. Also, the "SG" tendency is gone, with a an attack similar to the Les Paul double cut (the high end one).

It doesn't quite sound like a top end Paul, but it doesn't sound like a Studio or Special either. Sort of in a grey zone where you can tell it's a Gibson, but not a maple cap type. Also, you can get a pure bell like chime like the double cut, but for a couple of hundred dollars less.

In terms of looks (let's face it, cosmetics count), it's a real winner. The natural mohogany finish is absolutely gorgeous. Like unfinished antique furniture. The Kluson tuners are a nice touch, and the hardware is beautifully chromed.

Like all Studios, there's no binding or extra finishing, but in this case, it would spoil the effect. It's a very nice looking Les Paul. In fact, it would take a person familiar with the line to realize you are playing a Studio and not a variation of the Standard or something.

How you end up liking this guitar will depend on how much you like the Burstbuckers. These are wound unevenly (and thus sound less smooth) on purpose, which can make the sound a bit too edgy for some tastes. Others will love the sound of early PAF guitars and find that this guitar will bring them much joy.

Because of that, this is definitely a guitar that needs to be tried out before buying. It definitely breaks the mold of the classic all mohogany Gibson, and it may not be for all tastes. Also, these pickups work best on .10 gauge strings and up.

My trusty 1990 Gibson Studio had better watch out. After getting this new Studio, my affections are becoming a bit more fickle.