(SOLD) Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem Series Sapphire 1996
Gibson LP Studio Gem Seriues, sapphire blue, made in USA 1996. The Gem Series was made from 1996-8 and sold almost exclusively to the Japan market. The recipe is fantastic: take the classic Les Paul Studio, doll it up with some gold hardware, add some cream covered P-90 single coils and paint them up in rare finished inspired by precious gems: amethyst, emerald, ruby and in this case, vibrant sapphire blue. We've had all the other finishes in the series through before, but this is the first sapphire example I've seen, and heck... it's the best of the lot I reckon. The blue has faded, yellowed and checked and rubbed up, and it looks all the more majestic for it. Add in the cream plastics and gold hardware, and it really does look like a million bucks. The neck is a comfy 'Slim 60s' style profile, rounded and moderate and easy to enjoy. These Japan-market 90s-era Gibson guitars were subject to additional quality control upon arrival in Japan, so the workmanship in the finish, frets and woodwork is very tidy indeed, which corresponds to a certain integrity of feel in the hands. The tone is awesome: P-90s still rule, if you were wondering. It's fat and creamy, but with a super wide, airy top end that adds three dimensionality and nuance to every note and chord. I really enjoy this, it's a real... gem.
Model: Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem Series Sapphire
Made: USA, 1996
Serial: 92296330
Finish: sapphire blue, gloss nitro
Body: mahogany
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fretboard, 12" radius, 24.75" scale, slim 60s profile
Weight: 4.295kg
Mods: knobs, bridge and strap pins replaced
Pickups: Gibson P-90 soapbar single coil x2
Accessories: Gibson brown hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs on the end, checking and scuffs on the edges, rub wear on the front and some checking on the back. There's a reasonably deep checking line on the back of the headstock between the two E tuners, which appears under investigation to be only as deep as the finish, as best I'm aware it's not a headstock repair, but I can't say that with 100% certainty. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has widespread checking lines around the whole body, minor scuffs around the switch cover, dimples and scuffs in the middle and around the control cavity and some rub wear in the elbow area. The sides have minor scuffs and checking lines around the whole body, and some dimples and dents in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has widespread checking lines, scuffs around the tailpiece, back edge and knobs, dimples near the switch and play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 8/10, minor wear only