software

i'm thinking about adding a les paul to my collection and right now i'm considering a studio. out of the few that i've played before i like them, although i haven't spent enough time playing any extensivly enough to make such a decision.

i'd just like to know everyone's general opinions about this guitar, or if any of the other models are more worth the money. thanks in advance.

A great guitar, and the lowest entry level Les Paul that still delivers that expected Les Paul feel and tone. It has 498T/490R pickups instead of Burstbuckers, and no binding. Also it's only availible in solid colors because it gets the uglier cuts of wood, and only in the 50's neck profile (no slim tapers). These are the best deals when found used, or in some sort of blowout. I would never pay the $1100 sticker they are up to now. If you can afford it, I'd bump up to a standard just for the better pickups, and binding. Personally I just prefer binding on Gibsons. However, I really really dig the alpine white studio with the ebony board, here's a pic of one I used to own (and sold of course, I am a gear whore after all).
i agree about the binding. does the studio even have a binding along the fretboard?

also, how much does the standard typically go for?

sorry for my lack of knowledge, but then again i suppose that's what i'm here for.

standards are about $2100

prolly 900 bucks.
The smart wood studio and plus are slightly more expensive

I hate to be a ho..but I've got 2005 standard w/ a 60s neck up for sale at a fair price...check out the traders forum

That said...Studio's rock..ya just have to find the right one (like any les paul)...play a bunch...you'll know when ya find it...

I have a '95 Studio that I play more than any other humbucker-axe I own. After I put a good set-up on it I really couldn't tell much difference, if any, between playing a Studio and playing a Standard. I don't know if binding on a guitar body and neck add another dimension to the tone or not, but I really like the sound I hear from mine.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to afford a Standard or Classic for the way they look and the nicer finishes, etc., but the Les Paul Studio is a great way to step up into a better quality guitar.

...Bob

I've got a studio, 02 gothic model. My favorite guitar, it's taken quite a beating over the last two years but still plays like a dream. It's one guitar i never want to get rid of.

Studios are my favorite les pauls. I like the solid colors and simplicity.


Originally Posted by muttonchopsrulei agree about the binding. does the studio even have a binding along the fretboard?

also, how much does the standard typically go for?

Studios do not have any binding anywhere.

Standards run about $1100-$1500 used depending on color, flame, condition (and of course timing). New they are advertised at around $1800-$2000 but DO NOT EVER PAY THAT !!!!! A boutique dealer will sell you a new standard in the $1650-$1750 range.

I recommend these dealers:

(no longer a dealer, but he still has leftover stock)

www.willcuttguitars.com

www.wildwoodguitars.com


Originally Posted by TattooedCarrot

New they are advertised at around $1800-$2000 but DO NOT EVER PAY THAT !!!!!

of course...goes without saying.

i actually have a source i can get my guitars from for a very very good deal. unfortunately i'm not at liberty to say how or where . but thanks for the links.

right now it's just all about finding a good, solid, reliable guitar that will be a good investment. kinda sucks that the studios don't even have the neck binding though. i always seem to find that the binding adds a lot to the feel of the guitar, especially on models where the fret jobs are sub-par (but of course there's no excuse for that either way). unfortunately anything above the $1500 mark would be out of my league, otherwise the standard would be awsome.

it appears that the main difference between the standard and the studio are the binding (or lack there of), the pickups, and the finishes. is there anything else that really sets them apart? because it doesn't seem like it would be worth the extra $900 for better pickups and a binding.


Originally Posted by XeromusStudios are my favorite les pauls. I like the solid colors and simplicity.

I really like the look of them too.


Originally Posted by muttonchopsruleit appears that the main difference between the standard and the studio are the binding (or lack there of), the pickups, and the finishes. is there anything else that really sets them apart? because it doesn't seem like it would be worth the extra $900 for better pickups and a binding.

Those are the differences. If you know a good dealer, then you know there's not a $900 difference between the studio and standard. Whether that's worth the difference is up to the individual, their needs, and their means. And you can get a used standard or classic well under your budget limit of $1500.


Originally Posted by DesertRoseprolly 900 bucks.
The smart wood studio and plus are slightly more expensive

$900 for a Standard?!? (which is what he was asking about just prior to your reply)... I think not. That's the price you might find a Studio for USED, but most certainly not a new Les Paul Standard.

EDIT: Reading back over it, it seems you were probably referring to a quot;Studio Standardquot;, since you referred to the Smartwoods being more expensive. You'd still have to do some haggling to get a new Studio for $900, but it might be doable.


Originally Posted by muttonchopsruleright now it's just all about finding a good, solid, reliable guitar that will be a good investment.

The Standard will be your better investment...assuming you are concerned with re-sale value. If it's something you plan on keeping for many many years, and you don't care about binding the bigger neck,etc then grab a good studio.

However, the Studio is the better bang for the buck, with a solid resale value.

It's a fine guitar, with quality wood, electronics and hardware.

I really liked the idea of the Gary Moore LP. Basically a Studio with a nice top.

standard ive played was heavier than the studio.and way more beautiful with bindings and all.

I got a 2000 LP Studo for about $900! It was actually something like $885 but they added some cash for tax and some new strings. Anyway, it's the coolest, best playing guitars I've ever owned!

From my experience (and various LP searching adventures in the past year) if you go from 2002 on back you can snag a studio for under $1000. Anything above that and you're being shafted. The cool thing about Studios, and LP's in general, is that the really good ones sound great unplugged. I've been told great unplugged electric tone just rips when you plug it in...and now I believe it!

I’ve noticed no more variation in weight between the studio and standard than I’ve seen from Studio/Studio or Standard/Standard. Just as stated, the only differences are the top wood appearance (they are all still maple), binding, and pickups. I wouldn’t say that the 490 and 498 are bad pickups either.

Quality of the top may have changed, too. I recently saw a picture of a Wine Red studio with a nasty looking grain pattern in the maple. My 2000 Studio has a far more attractive grain pattern (it’s not figured, but not ugly, either. It’s also trans green, so the darker hue may help reduce the heavy variations in the grain).

All told, I like the simple appearance of the studios. Very solid axes that sound and feel just like their $2000 brethren – they just haven’t spent as much time in the makeup room.

1 on the studio. you'll dig it. to me, besides the pickups the differences are simply cosmetic.