Just wondering, is the Studio lp pretty much on par with higher end models (Classic/Standard), or are they just lesser/poor man's (Gibson) lp's?

Also, how do the stock pickups compare to a SD/Dimarzio setup (JB/59 for instance)?

I've read horror stories regarding their build quality. Also, I've seen comments stating that lp's in general are not suitable for rythme, is that true?

For some reasons, I don't have a chance playing one in the near future, so sorry about the questions if they seem too obvious.

P.S. I may not be able to buy one anytime soon, just trying to gain some insight.

With Gibson, you definitely have to try before you buy, they're quality control isn't 100%, hell it's not even 75%.

I would suggest checking ebay for old Gibsons, or perhaps check out the "Dean Evo Deluxe's", made in the Czech Republic, I haven't played them, but I've heard good things. They'll save you some money too.

http://www.8thstreet.com/images/evo_ebony.jpg

http://www.deanguitars.com/content/.../evopremchr.htm

Thanks man, but as I said I just need some insight into general facts. Buying is a whole different story. First, online/used most probably won't be an option (don't ask why). Second, where I live there are shitloads of ESP/Ibanez but Gibsons are very rare (just a few individually imported ones here and there) and probably overpriced. But let's not get into that for now, just please answer my other questions if you care to.

I haven't played a Studio, but I've played a Classic and a Standard before, and I thought it wasn't all too special at all actually, but I'm not saying it's bad, cuz you might find it to be nice. It was probably because I had it just hooked directly into the amp without any effects or anything. But one Gibson that I will definately tell you is nice, would be the Les Paul Custom, that is one heluva fucking guitar. It has a nice finish, nice hardware/equip., and the pickups are really "hot" and powerful. The Custom has 490T and 498T pickups, and the Standard and the Classics have the 496T and the 500T I think. And like I said, I like the Custom's pickups more. The only bad thing is that I don't know if you're willing to spend that much money on them, not to mention (this is based on preference) the neck on the Custom is much "fatter".

If I'm not mistaken, Custom and Supreme are their most expensive current production Les Pauls, right? So no, that price range is out of the question. And according to the Gibson website the Studio has the same pickups you mentioned for the Custom, I'm just wondering how they (Gibson stock PU's in general) compare to SD and Dimarzio PU's. Also, given the choice, I prefer relatively thinner necks.

I can't afford a new guitar at the moment, and when the time comes it most likely wouldn't be anything much more expensive than the Studio. So I was wondering if it's in the same ballpark as the other lp's or it's just a poorly built/mediocre imitation of the higher end ones.

Hey I've got a quickie question about the Les Paul's hardware, let's just use the Custom LP for example. The tuners and the pickup covers, you know how older LP's have that kinda dull and tarnished look on those "metal" parts, as compared to brand new LP's they have a clear and nice shine to them? Does that just happen over time, or does that happen because of shit from ur hands and stuff?

I ve played many les pauls ranging from 1995 studio models to 1968 customs. My fave was a 1992 gibson les paul lite. It was a gibson but with an extremely thin and comfortable neck. The best i ve ever played. It also had a thinner body and was really light and moveable . It fucking rocked. If i was to get a lp, i d definetely get either a gibson lp lite or a esp standard eclispe , there good aswell

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