Gibson Les Paul Studio, black, made in USA 1997. Some guitars just make sense: they don't apoliogise for what they are, and they go about their business with dignity and swagger. I plugged this in and instantly felt the need to chugg some big power chords, it's perfect for all that Millencolin/Bodyjar/MXPX style skate punk stuff I grew up on. It's got comfy slim sixties style neck shape, with a pretty rosewood board and just enough meat in the back to feel reassuring. The body is lightly chambered, so this weighs in a nudge under 4kg... very manageable for the working player but meaty enough that you know you've got a Gibson in your hands. The tone is great: thick and meaty with a nice growl through the mids. Black LPs always look better with some miles on the clock, this has just enough honest play wear to pop visually without being a hot mess. Simple, stylish, effective.

Model: Gibson Les Paul Studio
Made: 1997, USA (serial 93387415)
Finish: ebony (gloss black nitro)
Body: maple top, chambered mahogany body
Neck: mahogany with rosewood board, slim 60s profile, 12" radius, 24.75" scale
Weight: 3.980kg 
Mods: strap pins changed, guard removed, switch tip removed
Pickup: Gibson 498T/R humbucker set
Case: Gibson brown hardcase with pink lining, handle broken but otherwise good

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has a few minor marks on the end, some scuffs on the back and some clouding/checking on the front around and above the truss rod cover. The neck has some minor wear on the edges of the board and some light dimples on the back, it's clean and smooth in the hands. The back has widespread light scuffs and surface scratches, they're around the whole body but there's nothing major. The sides have light scuffs and small dimples around the whole body, no major marks though. The front has no major marks, just some widespread dimples and scuffs around the outside edge and some play wear on the horns. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Frets have some minor wear, 8/10 for fret life left. No headstock breaks! Setup with fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.