Gibson Les Paul SmartWood Studio Electric Guitar (Muir Body, with Case)
Made of "Smart Wood" that is harvested without destroying the environment.
Overall User Ratings (based on 72 ratings)
Submitted December 4, 2007 by a customer from msn.com
"Better than the studio, almost all you'll need"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I held off on writing this review. I wanted to play it for a while and get a good sense of the guitar. I've played for about 6 years. I've owned and sold many guitars but I'll always keep this thing. Sometime down the road I might also want a more traditional Les Paul or maybe an es 335 because I am obsessed. However, for most people, this is a stand alone guitar.
Get this and a fender with single coils and you will have every sound you can imagine. I have a fender highway one telecaster and they complement each other's sounds quite nicely.
Sound
Sound is great for a wide variety. Rhythm position is good for use in jazz and clean stuff, sings when distorted. Middle position is generally solid sound, growls when distorted. treble gets twangy and screams when distorted.
Features
Gold hardware is beautiful. Wood finish is also very eye-catching. Pictures do it no justice. Its funny that this is supposed to be environmentally built, but the neck is mahogany just like every les paul. Tuners working great so far but I prefer the grovers.
Ease of Use
I like how there are separate volumes and tones for each pickup, it allows you to switch instantly between high contrasting sounds. However it gets confusing in the middle position, especially when you mess with either tone, or both volumes, they should wire them so one or the other takes over in middle position, not both. bridge functions well, but fenders are better since you can individually adjust string action.
Quality
Very well built, looks like it will last forever, especially with that kind of finish. The gold is easier to keep from rusting or aging than Nickle. When it arrived truss rod needed slight adjustment, probably because it went through some cold temps. Most new guitars need a little tweaking. Worst aspect of quality is probably the case because little lose ends of the sewing keep appearing and multiplying.
Value
Yes, for the kind of sound you'll get from this guitar you could spend $500 more than this easily. This has got to be the only Paul with gold hardware in this price range. The pickups aren't as hot as the ceramics in more expensive models, but man they are close enough. I think they saved money on the non-lacquer finish, which is fine since it looks so good.
Manufacturer Support
Talked to Gibson on the phone. Helpful and kind, relatively quick. However he didn't know anything about a "Gibson Les Paul studio with BFG electronics" I was asking about. Well it's one of their guitars of the week so they should be informed.
The Wow Factor
For me, such a unique twist on a classic instrument is a very desirable thing.
Musical Background:
guitar enthusiast, studio musician
Musical Style:
rock, alternative, jazz, blues
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Submitted August 23, 2006 by a customer from guyesberg.com
Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Customer Review
Sound
Not as muddy as an LP Standard when playing chords but missing some of the tradiitonal LP growl when playing individual note lines.
Features
Has all it needs.
Ease of Use
Would prefer the thinner 60's neck, but that's a matter of personal taste only. I have professional player friends who love the '59 LP neck shape.
Quality
Beautifully made. Have had it for years & looks as beautiful & works as well as the day I bought it!
Value
Really a great value for a very unique axe.
Manufacturer Support
Never needed it, but Gibson has followed-up with communications about caring for the wood & finish twice since I purchased it.
The Wow Factor
People are always telling me what a beautiful guitar this is & how great it sounds. Friends often ask to borrow it for gigs.
Musical Background:
Former studio musician & working pro (now retired from pro music)
Musical Style:
Rock, Country
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Submitted April 18, 2006 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Great guitar made for rockin but at a great price."
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
This meets all of the goals i have had for sound.
Sound
None
Features
Hemp Case
Ease of Use
It is a very playable and has kick ass tone.
Quality
One of the best made guitars made for a reasonable price.
Value
Yes it is worth every dollar.
Manufacturer Support
Only a GIBSON is good enough.
The Wow Factor
yes it has appeal
Musical Background:
active musician
Musical Style:
Country-Rock
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Submitted December 7, 2005 by a customer from comcast.net
Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Customer Review
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
If I had to sell any of my LPs, this would be the first one to go. Not because of playability, but for colectible reasons.
Sound
Describing tone in words is a little hard but I'll try. The attack is brighter and crisper than a thicker/heavier Les Paul Custom or Standard. Almost strat like but still a heavier Les Paul humbucking sound. I own 2 68 Custom Reissues, a 59 reissue, a 2005 Supreme and a 1999 Studio and this plays the closest to a Studio, just a tad crisper. Great for Rock and Blues but hard to get a clean jazz tone that a CUSTOM is more suited for.
Features
I don't mind the "antique" tuners but would have preffered gold Grovers. Nothing much to say about features. It's a Les Paul. The carved back near the top is AWESOME. Taking that corner away where it digs into your ribs is a great idea as well as relieving some weight. I can have this guitar slung on my shoulder all day and not get tired or sore. I can last about 30-45 minutes on a CUSTOM before the fingers in my left hand goes numb.
Quality
Gold Grover tuners would give it a 10.
Value
It is comparable to a Les Paul Studio without the high polish. $1000 is the most I would pay, understanding that it is the standard inflated Gibson price. Like it or not, you are paying to have that GIBSON name on the guitar.
Manufacturer Support
Gibson support is great. I just wish they had more information on some of their custom shop models.
The Wow Factor
It caught my eye immediately when I saw it. It was unique. It's a great travel electric. Leave your expensive Standards and Customs at home.
Musical Background:
Active Musician, Music Education Major
Musical Style:
Folk, Blues, Rock, Jazz
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Submitted January 4, 2004 by a customer from ststephens-texas.com
"Vewy noice"
Everyone always wants more guitars... but this one would last for a long time.
Sound
Great substain and overall tone
Features
Nothing special, but what it has it has done right
Quality
Very well built - it's a Gibson
Value
Definitely worth it
Manufacturer Support
Haven't needed any...
The Wow Factor
Oh man it's so pretty... i'd make love to it
*runs away*
Musical Style:
Mellow/space rock
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Submitted July 24, 2003 by a customer from jam21.net
"Prices on this instument vary alot. It definately worth 1000 but I would not pay double that"
Sound
Excellent sound for the price of a Les Paul. I will sustain forever if you let it
Features
The features are pretty standard for this guitar
Quality
As should be expected excellent quality
Manufacturer Support
No support needed
The Wow Factor
Nice Looking
Musical Style:
Classic rpck and country
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Submitted February 8, 2005 by a customer from aol.com
"WELL MADE GIBSON, BUT A LITTLE PRICEY."
I will be keeping this one as long as I play guitar. It is very well made and one of a kind.
Sound
Good sound. Nice treble & Bass balance. Sounds good distorted and holds up very well with a clean tone. Sustain is incredible. Nice low action guitar.
Features
Excellent plush hardshell case. Kind of cheap plastic tuning pegs, but gold hardware looks great against the striped wood body.
Quality
Very well crafted. Perfect in every way except for the plastic tuners. Dont know if that is standard for Les Pauls these days.
Value
Kind of high dollar. Cant compare to other since its the only guitar I own. Might consider adding an SG to my collection but this one seems to be worth the price. Wouldn't spend any more than 1000 on it.
The Wow Factor
Beautiful looking guitar. Aesthetically 10, if it had trapezoid inlays I would give it a 12.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Everything
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