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Main Differences Between Les Paul Studio vs Les Paul Tribute
The significant differences between the Gibson Les Paul Tribute and Studio are as follows: The Les Paul Studio has appeared in Gibson’s catalog since 1983. The LP model was initially designed to provide cheaper alternatives, and to this day, this continues to serve as the principal purpose.
The Studio is a streamlined version of the Standard; therefore, the styles of these instruments are generally changed and “renewed” whenever Gibson makes an update.
Compared to the diverse standard guitar model offerings available by the company in its Nashville lineup, the Les Paul Studio Guitars – range gives you a straightforward choice for only one version with an initial price of $1599.
The Tribute and Studio models are excellent comebacks from the company’s downfall. Both are affordable guitars professionally designed to emulate Les Paul’s distinctive guitar-playing style.
In our Tribute vs studio comparison, we’ll compare both features and see which one is more authentic. If you’re a longtime Les Paul fan, you’ll love the Studio model and save a lot of money.
Les Paul guitars have carved maple tops.
Many Tribute guitars feature carved maple tops. These guitars can have flamed maple tops, quilt tops, or both. The body of the guitar features chambered sound cavities.
Unlike weight relief holes, chambered guitars have a deeper body. Many LP models also feature carved maple bodies. Some guitars feature double cutaways, two cuts made into one wood.
In the 1960s, Gibson began manufacturing Les Paul imitations, including a wide headstock. They also introduced a two-piece carved maple top. In 2009, Gibson produced 100 Bloomfield models in custom-aged finishes and 200 with VOS finishes.
Both versions feature carved maple tops and custom-bucker humbucking pickups. Gibson even reproduced the “Les Paul” engraved on the truss rod cover. The Gibson Custom Shop also produced these guitars in a VOS finish.
The Gibson Lester has an alternative wood top to distinguish it from other replicas. This design also draws attention and stands out among Tribute guitars. It has a rich, lustrous finish that is more visually appealing than a maple top.
If you’d like to own a Tribute guitar with a carved maple top, you can find several options at online music stores.
The neck on these guitars has a rounded C profile and a rosewood fingerboard with medium jumbo frets. This model features Gibson’s ‘Ultra-Modern’ weight-relieving method.
It makes the guitar extremely light, comfortable, and ergonomic. When it comes to tone, these guitars offer a sweet, smooth tone that evokes the classic Les Paul.
Many of these guitars are modeled after Les Paul’s customs. The original Gibson Les Paul is exceptionally collectible. Millions of people desire to own one, and these guitars are no exception.
Because the original Les Paul is so famous and collectible, guitars with alternate wood tops may eventually become legends. It is important to note that Tribute guitars may be discontinued anytime.
Mahogany body
The Studio is the guitar of choice for guitarists of all genres. Its features include a chambered body design for weight relief and coil-tapped humbuckers. Its mahogany body is also the first Les Paul to feature a mahogany neck.
While mahogany is the most common wood used for Les Paul necks, the Studio has a more traditional edge than the Tribute or Special.
Gibson first made Les Paul guitars in the 1950s. The first models were believed to be leftover parts from Gibson’s 1950s Les Paul guitars.
A thin layer of maple was placed on top of two layers of Honduran mahogany, and reinforcing the neck and body was added in 1969. The Studio and Tribute guitars are both mahoganies, though they lack the dot over the “i” on the headstock.
Moreover, the Gibson Tribute and Studio models have solid mahogany bodies. The neck of the former has maple fretboards, and the latter uses rosewood and medium jumbo frets.
The Tribute and Studio models have mahogany bodies, and the guitars are equipped with a Mahogany bridge and body. Moreover, Gibson’s Ultra-Modern Weight Relief technology provides a solid core in the center of the guitar.
The Best Les Paul For Every Budget
The Tribute is more affordable than the Studio. While the two guitars share a similar design, the Gibson Tribute’s body is five millimeters shallower. Its rounded C profile and ultra-modern weight relief make playing more comfortable and less stressful.
The maple neck also contributes to the guitar’s airy tone and plenty of sustain. However, the bridge buttons on the studio model are daintier and less rugged compared to the 1950s-style ones.
The Tribute is the least expensive LesPaul model, and its understated design provides the renowned LP sound. This guitar features the Gibson staple tonewood combination of a Mahogany body and maple neck with dual-coil humbuckers.
Mahogany gives the guitar its punchy mid-range and focused lows. Its Mahogany body is perfect for guitarists worried about spending thousands of dollars on an expensive guitar.
Fretboard markers
You can purchase a replica if you want to make your guitar look like a Les Paul. Many guitar manufacturers have copied Gibson’s designs, but one notable exception exists.
Studios and Tribute models feature block inlays, which are more common on custom and vintage models. However, they differ in detail from custom guitars.
In addition to block fretboard markers, Tribute models often have unique necks with no traditional Gibson style. Gibson created various Les Paul models, some of which are rare and highly sought after.
The shape of the neck is an essential factor for guitarists and many famous originals feature block fretboard markers. Studio models are more expensive, but they are still recognizable by fans.
Gibson redesigned Les Paul in 1961. It was marketed as an upscale instrument and later called a “limed mahogany” guitar. It was initially a natural wood guitar with white grain filler but was soon replaced by a gleaming yellow finish.
Gibson has continued to produce Les Paul models and occasionally reissues them. Gibson’s guitars have been a staple of the music industry since 1961.
How to Find the Best Strings for Les Paul
A Studio guitar features a mahogany body and a maple top. However, there is no binding, and the junction between the two is not heavily painted. The natural variation in wood colors can give the impression of binding.
The Tribute and Studio models have block fretboard markers and block tremolo bridges. And the tone and resonance are similar. Whether you’re playing a classical or a modern version of Les Paul is up to you.
Unlike the ’59 LP, the Tribute and the ’59 Reissue’ have block fretboard markers. In contrast to the ‘baseball bat’ neck of the classic LP, block markers on studio guitars are more modern.
The result is a guitar that plays better in a studio and sounds better. They’re also more comfortable to play than the original.
C-shaped neck
Both guitars feature a C-shaped neck, but the Tribute is not a baseball bat style. Its C-shaped neck resembles the Slim Taper Profile neck of a Studio. The neck shape is a crucial aspect of a guitar’s overall feel, and it’s impossible to tell the difference with the naked eye.
Both guitars share the same type of ‘Rounded’ neck profile, but the Tribute is slightly wider than the Studio. This makes playing with smaller hands easier, and the guitar’s rounded C shape also feels more comfortable.
These guitars also share the same ‘Ultra-Modern’ weight-relief technology, which makes them incredibly ergonomic and light.
The body of the Tribute is made from mahogany, and the top is made from maple. There is no binding on the body, although the junction between the two is not heavily painted. The difference in wood color may give the illusion of binding, but it’s not present.
The Tribute guitar has various finishes, including Satin Iced Tea Tobacco Burst and Cherry Sunburst. These guitars’ reddish color range is reminiscent of the classic Les Pauls.
While both guitars are similar in appearance, their unique shape and size make them a better choice for many musicians. However, there are some key differences.
The Tribute’s fully chambered body is equivalent to a hollow-body guitar, and as such, it is more susceptible to unwanted feedback if played loudly. This makes Les Paul a less desirable choice for quiet performances.
However, the Studio Gibson guitars have modern necks that offer a more comfortable playing experience than the classic LP.
Gibson also produces both the Studio and the SG Tribute with C-shaped necks. These guitars have different tone characteristics. For instance, the Gibson Les Paul Studio has a higher volume than the Tribute.
However, both have the same overall sound. Ultimately, a C-shaped neck is more comfortable for new guitar players, giving you more control over your tone.
Gibson Les Paul Tribute review
The Gibson Les Paul Tribute has many characteristics that make it a perfect candidate for the “everyman” electric guitar role.
Its rounded C profile, weight-relieved Studio neck, chrome-covered body, and 490 humbuckers are some key features distinguishing this guitar from its Les Paul counterpart. The Tribute is a highly competitive instrument, and we’ll cover some differences between the two models below.
Specs and Features of the Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute P90
Les Paul Tribute’s rounded C profile
The Tribute has a rounded C-profile maple neck, a good compromise between the fatter 50s and vintage Explorers and the slimmer 60s SG.
Although it is not for everyone, you should be able to find a guitar that matches your playing style. The neck of the Gibson Les Paul Tribute is also very comfortable, offering a smooth ride.
If you are looking for a Gibson Les Paul guitar at a low price, you might want to check out the new Tribute Series. These guitars are American-built and boast neat spec options.
The SG Special, for example, has 500k audio taper CTS pots and hand-soldered Orange Drop capacitors. While the Tribute models are more affordable, they still have much to offer.
Regarding playing comfort, the rounded C profile of the Gibson Tribute is a huge plus. Thanks to its maple and mahogany construction, this guitar feels snappy and comfortable.
The rounded C profile of the neck offers ample sustain, but it’s not so comfortable for those with wrist or shoulder pain. However, many players prefer a breezier tone over a rounded C profile, especially in the modern age when cleaner tones have become the norm.
The Gibson Les Paul Tribute’s neck is reminiscent of a classic Les. Its rounded C profile allows for excellent access to the fretboard and provides good coverage across the fretboard.
The guitar is available in two finishes: satin and traditional gloss. The body is lightweight and ergonomic. It has a rounded C profile but is a good choice for guitarists with smaller hands.
The body of the Tribute is made in the USA. Its rounded C profile is mid-sized and sits between the classic and the Standard models.
Its 490 humbuckers are positioned in the bridge, and the neck has a rounded C profile maple fretboard and fingerboard. The pickups are chrome-covered. The guitar is easy to play, and the tone is excellent.
Weight-relieved Studio neck
A Les Paul is a classic guitar, and there are a lot of variations of the model. Originally solid, Les Pauls evolved into chambered and weight-relieved models.
These models are also the most accurate replicas of the originals. However, some people still prefer solid models and prefer weight-relief models. The weight-relief method uses holes in the body to reduce weight.
The result is a lighter guitar than the original model, but this difference is not noticeable if you’re playing it.
The Tribute neck isn’t a baseball bat but a closer relative of the LesPaul Studio neck. The neck is an essential aspect of a guitar, representing about 50% of the overall feel. Because the neck shape is necessary, the Tribute neck has a weight-relieved Studio neck. This neck shape is challenging to detect with the naked eye, so it’s essential to know precisely what you’re looking for when buying a Les Paul tribute guitar.
The Gibson Les Paul Tribute guitar is more affordable than the LesPaul Studio, but it has all the premium features of the latter.
It offers excellent playability, a lightweight body and neck, and a solid core that limits overall tone and resonance. A solid Mahogany neck feels smooth, and its medium jumbo frets make note bending easier.
If you want a Gibson Les Paul tribute, this model will satisfy your needs perfectly.
The weight-relieved Studio neck is another great feature that makes it a Tribute. If you’re looking for a vintage deluxe Gibson guitar, consider buying the Tribute, which costs $1,299 (including a case), and it’s a far better choice than the Les Paul Studio.
However, there are a few differences between the two models. Gibson’s Les Paul Tribute features are similar, but its Studio neck is slimmer and offers better sound and resonance.
The body of the original Gibson Les Paul was made of multiple pieces: a thin maple layer on top of two layers of Honduran mahogany. In 1969, Gibson added reinforcing neck volutes for better strength and durability.
The 1969 Deluxe lacks the dot over the “i” in Gibson, whereas the 1970 Deluxe has it and features a “Made in the USA” stamp on the back of the headstock.
490 humbuckers
The 490 series humbuckers used on the Tribute are one of the most powerful pickups in this guitar. The 498T bridge pickup projects potent tones and saturates nicely when pushed to overdrive, while the 490R neck pickup offers vintage character.
These pickups have push/pull coil taps for extra flexibility. This Gibson Les Paul tribute review will examine how the 490 series compares to the PAFs.
The Les Paul Special is a classical guitar, and the Les Tribute model is no exception. This guitar features a mahogany body, a compensated wrap-around tailpiece, and dual 490 humbuckers.
The neck features a maple-bound fingerboard with acrylic dots for a natural look and feel. The Les Paul Special Tribute is available in mahogany, black, and white finishes.
Another advantage of the Gibson Les Paul Tribute is the Ivory Tusq nut. This nut is made from organic polymers and doesn’t contain animal products or oil.
This nut is remarkably durable and offers clear tones without the glassiness of a single-coil pickup. The tribute comes with a Gibson soft shell case, an Accessory Kit, and two picks.
The Gibson Les Paul Tribute is a solid guitar made in the USA. It falls somewhere between the Classic and Standard styles. Its 490 humbuckers, extensive chambering, and chrome covers on the pickups add to its vintage appearance.
Considering the price, the Les Paul Tribute is a good option. And if you are not willing to spend PS1,300, you can always invest in a less expensive Les Paul Studio.
A Tribute is an excellent investment for any guitarist. You can play it with the help of a custom guitar builder. These guitars have many upgrades and come with a lifetime warranty.
You can find a fantastic Les Paul Tribute in a few minutes, and you will surely be amazed by its quality and value for money. So, what are you waiting for?
Chrome-covered body
Gibson first offered the Les Paul Custom in late 1953. Its design featured tuxedo-like cosmetics and gold hardware.
The Custom, the Black Beauty, was the first guitar to feature an all-mahogany body with no separate maple top. Its maple-capped headstock and multi-ply binding were other hallmarks of the model.
It also introduced the first “Tune-O-Matic” bridge, invented by Ted McCarty. The guitars were offered in two and three-pickup configurations by the 1970s.
The Tribute features a mahogany body and maple top. The guitar does not have binding, although the junction of the body and neck is not heavily painted.
The natural difference in wood color may give the appearance of binding. Depending on your preference, you can choose between Satin Iced Tea and Satin Tobacco Burst finishes.
The colors closely match the reddish color scheme of the original Les Paul.
This guitar is the perfect starter instrument for beginning guitarists. It lacks many of the appointments of the Custom model, including the carved maple top.
Its single P-90 pickups are the most popular of all Gibson guitars. Its rosewood fingerboard and chrome-covered body are hallmarks of the Les Paul name, and the ‘Slim Taper’ neck profile, which was based on the thinner ’60s carve.
A Gibson Les Paul Tribute T features vintage-style 490 humbuckers. The bridge is a high-quality humbucker. The headstock is chrome-plated and has a black knob for tuning.
The tremolo bridge is versatile, making the guitar playable for even the most experienced guitarist. The tune-o-Matic bridge was first introduced in 1954 and is still included in the Les Paul Studio ’60s Tribute.
The Les Paul Standard is Gibson’s flagship model. Available in a single and double-cut as part of the Core Collection, it retains many of the original ’50s models.
This is the ideal guitar for Les Paul purists, retaining the classic ’60s look while offering contemporary convenience. Its chrome-covered body makes this model a popular choice for modern guitar enthusiasts.
Who It Is For
The Tribute is a cheaper alternative for players who do not need the Studio due to its cost. It is ideal for players looking for the latest Gibson guitars. It offers good value to all beginners as well as professional users.
For beginners, it can become intimidating. It provides incredible value with its thin maple neck, Mahogany body, and double Hum pickup. Starting with an affordable tool can also accelerate your progress considerably.
For experienced players, this can be used as a practice instrument or a gigging ax.
How it sounds
The Tribute captures the classic music of Les Paul. The LP Tribute offers excellent playability and flexible sound.
Played clean, it sounds good and can be used in fingerstyle, country, or folk. If distortion is added, it gets dirty and gives bluesy sounds. Often, distortion pedals have less cost.
These dual humbuckers are powerful and sound great in the classic rock style. The bridge humbucker picks are beneficial in summing melodies, and the sound is crisp. What is good for us?
Gibson Les Paul Models Through Time
Is Gibson Les Paul Tribute American-made?
Gibson Les Paul Tribute guitars are made at the Gibson factory in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
The Gibson Les Paul Tribute is an updated version of the best-selling electric guitar from the golden age of rock. The Les Paul has been the preferred instrument of millions of guitarists for decades.
The guitar’s body is lightweight mahogany, which reduces the strain on the player’s back. Despite this, the guitar’s tone remains consistent. The Tribute is American-made.
A solid body is another feature that makes a difference in tone and playability. The Gibson Les Paul Junior and Tribute have “C” necks, and each instrument’s neck shape impacts tone and playability.
The Junior and Tribute share the same solid mahogany body but have different neck shapes. This means you must choose which one suits your playing style best.
What is different about a Les Paul Tribute?
The Tribute is the next generation of guitars, delivering the high-octane performance of a vintage LP with some modern twists. The guitar is lighter, thanks to its chambered body and Ultra-Modern Weight Relief system.
Although its resemblance to a classic LP may be uncanny, it is still far more affordable than a vintage Les Paul.
The price of a Tribute guitar is lower than its Studio counterpart, which costs $1,599. It also has a stripped-down and retro look with a satin finish.
It will serve as an excellent live instrument while still feeling sleek even when sweating. Its resemblance to a classic Les Paul is one of its major selling points.
Gibson Les Paul Tribute 2022 Pricelist
| Model | USA | UK | EU |
| Gibson Les Paul Tribute Satin Cherry Sunburst | $1,299.00 | £1,099.00 | €1,129.00 |
| Les Paul Special Tribute Humbucker Worn White Satin | $999.00 | £899.00 | €999.00 |
| Les Paul Tribute – Satin Iced Tea | $1,299.00 | £1,099.00 | €1,299.00 |
| Gibson Les Paul Tribute Satin Tobacco Burst | $1,299.00 | £1,099.00 | €1,089.00 |
