(SOLD) Gibson Les Paul Studio Ebony 1999
Gibson LP Studio, black on black, made in USA 1999. The Les Paul Studio is a players guitar, so once one has been out and about for a couple of decades, they ought surely look this this: played, loved, a bit worn around the edges. The late 90s was a good era for Gibson: their quality control was firing and the product line made sense; they were building great guitars. This has a unchambered mahogany body, which lends it a snappy attack and full midrange. There's plenty of punch and low end on tap, all balanced by a defined treble and plenty of warmth through the mids. It weighs in a a pretty reasonable (gig friendly!) 4.2kg and feels very lively and resonant in the hands. The neck is a moderate profile; a has nice balance of a slim width and a bit of meat in the back. The dark rosewood board is a thing of beauty... paired with the worn black finish, aged chrome and unbound body, this has a certain classy meanness to it. The brown vegan leather case with vibrant pink lining is awesome; they sell for a fortune separately, so it's a handy bonus. There's Gibsons and there's very good Gibsons, and this is surely the latter. Black is the new black!
Model: Gibson Les Paul Studio
Made: 1999, USA (serial 90909429)
Finish: ebony (gloss black)
Body: maple cap, unchambered mahogany body
Neck: mahogany with rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" scale
Weight: 4.155kg
Mods: none
Pickup: Gibson 490R/T humbucker set
Case: Gibson deluxe hardcase, pink lining
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor dimples and scuffs on front and back and end, no major marks though. The neck is smooth in the hands, minor dimples and a couple of small chips on the back and a little dent on the edge of the board around the third fret as per pics. The back has some dimples around the edge and light scuffs marks around the body, no major marks. The sides have a few little marks: dimples on both horns, small chips and dimples on the shoulder, scuffs and little chips near the rear strap pin, scuffs near the jack. The front has no major marks, just widespread light scuffs and some play wear on the guard and top horn. There's some oxidation on the chrome parts but everything works and moves just fine. Overall: good condition (7/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Frets have some normal wear including the start of minor pitting, but there's heaps of height available and no major buzz issues, 6/10 for fret life left. No headstock breaks! Setup with fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.