Unboxing a Les Paul Tribute...Has Gibson FINALLY Got Something Right?
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- Опубликовано: 2 июл 2024
- After decades of sub-par quality control, sky-high prices, and poor customer service, has Gibson finally done something right? Let's find out!
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I have that exact one. After a few years with it I absolutely love it. Yes, it's the most affordable Les Paul but it's still a made in USA Gibson Les Paul with a few less bells and whistles. The satin honeyburst ages beautifully and you won't freak out over a few dings here and there as they will add to the look.
Yea its USA Gibson.. Gibson doesn't sell entry guitars. I think he meant more for intermediate players.
A new Gibson on Darrell Braun Guitar?...Best watch for the end of the world! 😂
Enjoy!
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Those wings on the headstock are on every gibson with the open-book design, that is like saying you don't like the two piece top!
Good Review, Thank You
@SIGN MAN you don’t?
Would love a comparison to a PRS S2 594
Lol looks like we may be getting close, quick where's my bucket list.
@SIGN MAN Whats wrong with that some people like sniffing expensive white powder lol.
You've picked a winner there. People are sleeping on the Tribute series as they either go high end Epiphone, or straight to the Les Paul Standard. If you don't care about the binding and don't mind a satin finish, this is a great option.
To be honest I actually like the Satin finish better
@@VanMan83 Would you recommend the Tribute for a beginner?
@@BloodySoup74 If you can afford it, why not. Satin guitars are easier to play imo. Just never drop it
@@BloodySoup74 this is easily a professional guitar. Don’t be fool by the “Tribute” title.
I almost did exactly that 🤣
'Wings' on the headstock are a normal Gibson thing across the line. They aren't something Gibson did as cost-cutting on the Tribute. That's one of the things you want to look for when checking to make sure a guitar is a legitimate Gibson Les Paul.
lol they've only been doing it forever.
Exactly! I generally like this channel but the lack of knowledge for this video kind of shows. I’ve only been playing for a few years and know more about Gibsons and I don’t even know that much! Also, I wanted to see the baby photo of the guitar 😆
yeh loses abit of credibility on the gibson front with that one haha.
I'm new to learning guitar and didn't know the "wings" thing.
That said when I saw that, even though it may be 'just how they do it' my immediate reaction was "jees that looks shoddy".
/Shrug for whatever that's worth to anyone
@@daviddawdy6274 it’s totally fair not to like the look and not to know about the “wings” … heck, I have three Gibsons and don’t love the wings! It’s a different thing to make a career pitching yourself as a guitar guy and suggest that the wings are a qc issue or a cost-cutting measure when even the most expensive Gibson models have them.
I love my Tribute. The guitar snob in me wanted to hate it as one of the “cheapest” USA Les Pauls. But honestly, my 2017 Gold Top Tribute plays and sounds better than my other Les Pauls. Congrats.
My 2016 gold top tribute plays better than every Les Paul standard I’ve played. I think it’s the fact that it’s satin finished. I do want a standard for the aesthetics (glossy/binding), but it’s a hard sell when my tribute plays and sounds so good.
Nothing cheap about $1300
@@Olsen-vp5vg well don't sell it then. Are you a guitarist or a glitter boy?
@@reneotten7376 glitter boy obviously
@@thereisnopandemiclmao I was thinking the same thing 😂 like any one just has a grand+ to blow on a guitar 🤦♂️
To me this is the best Les Paul model of all regardless of price. So raw and OG through and through. ❤❤
You just spoke my mind!
What
I love your improvised riffs they always give of the write feel for the tone you use keep up the good work.
I had 2 Standards at one point and had to sell them both. I kept my 50's Tribute w/P90's from 2010 and it was amazing, but eventually had to part with it.
I was working at Sam Ash when the 2016 Tributes came in. I unboxed one and couldn't put it down. Sure, it didn't have the sleek feel of my Standards, but it just rocked. It covered all the tonal bases, and is the main guitar I use for tracking rhythms in the studio.
My hands have buffed the satin finish to a shine on the neck at this point, and I can't see myselfnl parting with this one!
I own a Tribute from 2013. Interesting to see how little they've changed over the years. The gig bag sure looks nicer than mine, though.
I own a 2012. I credit it as the principal reason I later bought a used 2014 R8 to scratch the itch that the tribute failed to do.
Those new "gig-bags" are basically a soft hard-case. They have an internal structure and the materials are quite nice. Weird that they stopped making them so quickly.
Which 2013 Tribute did you get? I had a 2013 Wine Red '60s Tribute with Burstbuckers. It was a great guitar but I traded towards a Les Paul Traditional Pro V because it was a deal too good to pass up and I had too many similar guitars. I do wish I still had it though, even though I absolutely love the Trad Pro.
@@devilsguitaristmusic I got a 70's Goldie with Dirty Fingers. The Wine Red 60's was my second choice, actually!
@@YoloMcSwaggot Nice!
Bought 2 of these last year. Loved the look and the price for a USA-made instrument. First one came out of box with a big chunk of the nut missing in action. Sent it back. 2nd on came with a part of fretboard damaged. Sent it back. Each had a photo of the guitar on a workbench being inspected at the factory. How these 2 instruments 'passed inspection' is beyond me.
A year ago I got a new guitar, it’s a Fender Powercaster (MIM). When I was at the store I saw one of these Les Pauls. It was a bit out of my budget, but I could have gone for it. In the end I went for the Fender and some weeks later I found some issues, like the bridge not being grounded, the bridge rattling and the pickup selector going crazy sometimes. I was not able to return it which got me really mad. I kept on thinking that I should have gone for the Gibson instead. I’ve solved of those issues on my guitar, but that feeling remained. I’m kind of happy to know that I could have also found some bad stuff on the Gibson which, given the price, would’ve been more disappointing. On the other hand, is sad that these brands are letting medium to high end guitars leave the factory with all these issues.
Where did you buy it from? Some online retailers (not Sweetwater) treat their stock like garbage. Anyway, I wouldn't spend over $1000 on a guitar that I didn't see and play in person first, but that's just me.
I bought a lp studio in a store and actually played it an looked it over. Came home an cut the strings for new ones and two of the tuners almost fell out. Nuts not tight an screw holes too big. I like it for the fat neck an deep tone and it has a nice action but so does my 100$ Donner that I personally changed or setup myself. I just wanted one to remind of the one I played in the 80s
March 2022, Just got one in the mail directly from Gibson. Huge chunk of fretboard missing and filled in with what looks like wood putty...!!!!! the other side of the neck has chatter marks from a planer or router and you can see/feel the fretboard joint..... Sent pictures and letter to Gibson, got a reply saying they would contact me in two days.... three days ago..... FM. Real shame because it is a killer guitar. They just dropped the ball before getting to the end zone.
Well done DARRELL! Great review of this Gibson! You truly seem excited and HAPPY! Can tell you really like this one and are excited with your pick! Congratulations and THANK YOU! ⭐️⭐️💙⭐️⭐️
I own a couple of Les Paul Standards, but I played one of these LP tributes at a guitar store and it sounded great. Songs just jumped out of it. The maple neck, thin finish, and 490 pickups give this guitar a clear and musical voice. ELO and the Eagles songs sound perfect on this.
Worth mentioning that these Tributes have Plek'd frets. Gibson gig bags are great, with the rigid sides and the soft neck brace. Very happy with recent Gibsons. I bought a new 2019 Les Paul Special Tribute P-90s new on a warehouse clearance sale last year- the mahogany body is highly flame figured (unusually so for a Special), maple neck even has some figuring, sustain lasts forever. Hardware all awesome. It's a lucky find that I really enjoy.
I am amazed that you didn’t know about the Gibson headstock ‘wings’. That is a traditional Gibson feature and is one of the easiest ways to spot a fake. The headstock is purposefully built that way and most likely will not change in much the same way Freddie Mercury never had his extra teeth removed and Barbara Streisand never had rhinoplasty. It wouldn’t look right without them.
I'm amazed that you and so many others don't understand what he's actually pointing out. Really sad how many people are which to complain about things that aren't even being said.
Wings are there to make it easier to manufacture stuff not to help tone snobs noticing the difference between a piece of tree from another piece of a tree
@@rmaxtpmx your amazement is unnecessary. we have a simple one to many relationship here, 1 Darrell Braun and many viewers. if a significant number of the many viewers interpreted the meaning of the content in a way not intended by Mr Braun then it is Mr Braun who has made a mistake, not the many viewers. I am amazed you were unable to use simple logic to reach the same conclusion, though it could be that logic and reason are simply not your forte.
@@srfrodoxd It's not easier, just cheaper.
@@texcxborn you've failed point out anything about what I've written that is illogical or unreasonable. why? because there is nothing to point out. that makes your reply simple ad hominem, which is of course, a mainstay of the truly ignorant. if anything I've written here confuses you just let me know. I'll rewrite it using smaller words you can understand.
I must be incredibly lucky. I have had nothing but impeccable guitars from Gibson for years. Everything from tributes up to my current R9. All perfection.
Yes me too, absolutely nothing but perfection for 20 years. Not sure what people like this are talking about
@@woperholic probably had shipping problems lol.
@@marander512 I completely agree. Even the overseas PRS has outstanding quality control. PRS is just on a different level.
@@woperholic the only issues I've really seen are from the guitar stores. Hanger rash and sharp fret ends from being hung out in 10% humidity for months. But that's about it. I don't doubt that there has been issues from the factory in the past but imo that should be spotted by the dealers and sent back before it ever gets to the customer.
Me too, I have a 5 Gibsons I’ve never had problems with any of them.
I’ve had a couple of these over the years. Both were 2018 models before they changed to maple necks and 490/490 pup configuration. They were awesome guitars that played and sounded killer.
Great playing, gorgeous tones, beautiful finish! Gosh, I would love that guitar! Great video as always!!
The wings on the headstock are on all of my Gibsons, and they’re all three different tiers in terms of pricing. The technical reason they do that is because those laminated wings are stronger than if the headstock was carved that way.
Nice job Darrell! Pretty nice Les, it being plain and simple reminds me of my Epiphone Les Paul Studio. Nothing fancy just gets the job done!
I have two Tributes and they are my favorites. I never liked bindings and the weight of my 76 Les Paul Deluxe. If you buy guitars for playing, not for showing off, these Tributes are perfect.
I couldn't agree more 👍
Norlin era guitars were crazy heavy, now most Les Pauls weigh 8.7-10 pounds, not sure how preferring a nicer model means you only care about showing off but whatever.
@@deadzeppelin9565 yes my Norlon is painfully heavy. I tortured my back in my 20s, thinking that weight was normal for a guitar. The rest of my comment is my personal opinion. If it hurts your feelings then you could write a sad blues song about it.
How do you feel with frets? I have a tribute and i think they are too big
@@reneotten7376 my feelings definitely aren’t hurt, I’ve owned a tribute for a total of 3 weeks, and now own a classic and a standard. The tribute was returned for having garbage pickups and lacking the resonance of a nicer Les Paul. If cheap is more important to you than quality though I can understand why you might convince yourself that they’re “perfect”.
Gorgeous guitar! I actually like the look better without the binding. And what sounds! Very nice.
Same here, very Mick Ronson
I love the vibe of this guitar! Straight forward, sounds great, I like maple necks, they seem to take the mud out of the neck pickup, and finally no flashy tiger striping!! It's not a piece of furniture, it's a workingman's guitar, like a Tele.
Great video as always Darrell. Thanks!
I got one in May 2023, I ❤️ it!! Sounds great, stays in tune, fits great, looks great 👍
Thanks for the review Darrell, I've been curious about these ones now for awhile. I love the simplicity of them. Just a simple guitar to get the job done. I like the plain top Les Pauls to be honest... Cheers!
I love my Tribute (tobacco burst, also from Sweetwater). It’s very playable, sounds great, and in my opinion, the no-frills look is quite distinctive.
Its a scam! Don't do it!
@@imgerrydee Thanks! I figured it was. pretty rotten the way they use Darrel’s picture.
I've been extremely happy with my 2020 honey burst Tribute but My 2004 double cut special with p90s is my absolute favorite. Glad you went with the honey burst Darrell. That purple kit you just recently did came out killer.
I had a ‘17T and just adored it but had to sell it to buy my law school textbooks. Then dropped out of law school to play guitar!! 😄 I named her Almond Joy, a sweet name based on the finish and pick guard combo. The body was the almond and the pick guard was the coconut! And what a Joy to play 😌 Best guitar I ever had and I hope to get another one soon 😇
Those extra "wings" (or "laminates", as you called them in the video) on each side of the headstock is how Gibson has ALWAYS constructed their headstocks. The original burst and goldtop Les Pauls from 1952-'60 had the exact same construction too. Even Gibson's Advanced Jumbo from the 30s and L-series acoustics from the 20s (as well as many others, and virtually everything since) had the same "wings" on each side. A quick Google image search will confirm this. Even my 1965 SG Standard and 1968 SG Standard have the exact same wings on each side. That's just the way Gibson has always done it since they designed the "open book" headstock many, many years ago. Those "laminates" you see on each side of the Tribute's headstock is not only historically "correct", it's a continuation of Gibson tradition.
My 2011 J-35 has this too
He knows that. I think he is commenting about how visible it is on this guitar due to the maple neck.
@@jeffmariajenson9751 mahogany is easier to see it actually. Maple’s wood grain/color is really close wood to wood, but mahogany isn’t so the wood grain for the wings really pops out with mahogany more (for the ones I’ve seen at least)
It's done, so when they make the one piece neck, they don't have to waste as much wood. The width at the headstock without the wings is pretty much the same as the width at the heel of the neck. The wings allows them to get the extra width to make the open book look.
That's one tradition they should eliminate. Solid carved neck and headstock from one piece of wood is the way. Imo.
Sounds incredible. I like the satin finish too. I have a standard, and don’t feel like I got much more guitar for the much more money I paid. These are beautiful. Agnessi and cesar are doing awesome.
while I can't argue about this individual guitar, I think you're showing your ass somewhat by claiming "Angessi and cesar are doing awesome". Building very good guitars at the pricepoints of Gibsons is the absolute minimum. Angessi is nothing but a PR guy and he literally was the talking head of the biggest PR blunder in modern guitar industry history with the "we're watching you" "buy authentic" catastrophe.
@@ithemba I liked that they told people to stop copying their guitars and don’t think it hurt them financially. I, as an ass, thought “good for them.” Further, I’m willing to bet that Agnessi, as an expert on guitars and as someone who has his finger on the pulse of the guitar world, acts as more of a consultant. They’re choosing to build some really cool guitars these days. They’re all nice and I want everything they make. I think the price point is fair given how much more laborious these guitars are to make than a fender and think it’s worthy to note that, if you adjust for inflation, the guitars prices are right where they used to be historically since the 50’s, 60’s etc. Thats just how I feel. To each their own.
@@TheBoomtown4 , I completely agree. Gibson seems to be doing a hell of a lot better these past few years, I just visited the Gibson Garage in Nashville with two of my guitar playing buddies and I'd recommend checking it out if you're in the area. I have four Gibsons and they're all great playing and sounding guitars 🤙
@@TommySG1 cool, I’ll put in on my bucket list. Thanks!
Bought the same one a few weeks ago, for once, it was a LP perfect out of the box. Did a setup on it, polished frets, strings and oiled the fretboard and it's perfect. Good Job Gibson.
So you had to do qc's job..
@@adriansoul7223 Not really, those things are more my preferences on how I like my rig setup. QC-wise, the guitar didn't have a single issue, unlike other Gibsons I've purchased.
Great video ! thanks a lot for the review!
I bought a 2018 Tribute in HB. It’s been a good guitar. It’s been my main player since buying it new. Big bags are actually pretty nice, especially in the brown with gold stitch.
Same..I bought a 2018 Tribute.
I bought the exact guitar about 3 months ago. I absolutely LOVE it. Mine came with the brown gig bag. I put the chip on too. I kind of dig the no binging on it. Overall, I feel it lives a little higher than its price point. Great review.
I wanna wanna wanna want it
I second, I bought one about a month ago and it's been really great.
I have a standard and the binding doesn’t really do anything for me. I’d be just as happy with the tribute, would make no difference to my appreciation of the instrument. I kind of prefer the satin finish, it probably resonates better as it’s thinner.
It’s $1,300 new… Lives higher than this price?
@@gunkanjima3408 Ya, that's what I said. How much is a LP Standard these days? Only difference is Binding and MOP logo. Build quality on this is amazing, mine anyway. Played great out of the box and it sounds great too. Don't be a snob to plastic on the edge of things, you'll sabe tons of money.
Got one of these 2nd hand. I prefer the fretboard without the binding and I love the finish, plain as it is. Most importantly it is great to play and combined with the Suhr Hombres sounds absolutely awesome.
Perfect timing! Thanks Darrell. Nice sound, looks good too! In Canada it's $1599.00 plus taxes. And it has a maple cap!
I love my Gibsons and no other guitar sounds as good to my ears. My oldest is a ‘69 Custom and my newest is a ‘21 Firebird. Every one sounds different and every one is a gem.
I have a 69 Custom as well, still totally original. I’ve been considering a Tribute as a daily player.
Had mine a couple of weeks and I love it - once I'd sorted out the action and gotten rid of some nasty fret buzz out of the box, its now playing and sounding sweet. Couldn't afford a LP standard and had an Epiphone in the past but wanted to try the real thing, so this fitted the bill. Was worried about fret finish but mine are great and no issues. Overall its hard to put down.
..that fret buzz is a bit concerning considering they're meant to come plek'd from the factory??..
@@eldorado111 It can happen sitting in a warehouse and then a music store for months. Guitars are made out of wood which is effected by humidity and temp.
@@TexanUSMC8089 yeah true bud, makes you wonder for a moment if it's even worth pleking.. lol
Got the same model about a month ago and absolutely love it. No frills but a beautiful instrument that sounds incredible and is a joy to play.
Phillip, does it stay in tune well?
@@dowaliby1 Yeah, the G sting can be a little temperamental but that seems to be the case on most Gibsons.
@@PAHVID I'm glad you're not having any real significant tuning issues with it. The Tribute is a great guitar. The tone is in the same category as the far more expensive standards. I have an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro. It has an ebony fretboard, 18:1 Grover tuners, and stays in tune really well. I paid under $700 for the guitar itself several years ago, but popped for an additional $250 to have it PLEK'd. That made all the difference in the world. Sounds and plays at least as good as my Gibson LP Studio.
Cheers for the video , honest review love the channel one day I’ll get one keep up the awesome work
Got one of these off the mod shop on reverb, but it has dirty finger pickups in it instead. I’ve seen forums of people exposing the maple cap on the sides of the body to give it a faux binding look, I think it looks pretty good.
Hi Alexander - they all had the maple exposed in that way so that it looks like a body binding - it shows up more on some finishes than others, like my gold top - stronger contrast between the top and a dark teak style wood stain on the sides and back - the maple stands out well as a soft cream between the two. And of course some older LPs had no neck binding... so that isn't any loss.
There is something about Gibson Guitars that is pure Magic. I have 2 Gibson Explorer,s and had a Les Paul Standard an SG 61 too and i dont know they resonate very different from similar Guitars i had 2 PRS American Made Awesome Guitars but Gibson are like nothing else
They have their secrets I’m sure
I have played a couple of these, and they felt fantastic to me! If I had played one before I bought my Epiphone LP Classic, I would have gotten one for sure!
I have that exact guitar and I love it, I upgraded the tuners to kluson locking tuners and the electronics were upgraded, all in all a great guitar, I love the plain satin look and no binding.
Great that you gave Gibson another chance, Darrell 😉 I know the QC has been very inconsistent for quite a while, but nothing beats the sound of a true les paul into Marshall IMO... These tributes look pretty good, I like the no frills attitude with plain tops, no binding etc. On the other hand you can see and even feel the wood in your hands better which I prefer. The main thing is how it sounds and plays. Do you think the maple neck affects the resonance btw? I tried one LP tribute at local store and despite their reputation it didn't resonate too much and also had blemishes on the sides of the neck. May have been just a bad one...
agreed, to my the gibson LP specifically always stands out how it plays and how it sounds.
I have this exact guitar from the first year, 2013 I think, that they started these and mine has a mahogany neck, but I had a bone nut installed and it just looks and probably performs so much better. Definitely recommend that. Killer guitar tho, especially for the $$
I've got the new 2021 with maple neck and I have to say i love the maple neck on the single cut as it's got the rigidity and bite in the tone !
This was a good video. Idk why every time I watch your videos I find myself relaxed because of your voice lol you should do an asmr video
I have the Satin Goldtop Tribute and love it. The woodgrain is beautiful and tuning is stable. I agree that nut helps greatly, Gibson should have used them years ago.
Truth is Sweetwater’s inspection would get a lot of those Gibson quality control issues, but I feel they got a bit lenient with ‘em since my last Gibson Standard purchase burn. Never again unless I can get the instrument on my hands before buying it.
I just exchanged an Gibson SG standard with Sweetwater due to a binding issue on the neck where it meets the body, and wavy bumps in a bat wing. The replacement is perfect and sounds great though.
I have no idea how it passed gibsons and Sweetwater’s checks.
I bought a $600 Epiphone LP standard from Sweetwater. It has about 9 frets that want to draw blood. Meanwhile, the $180 cheapo LP copy from RondoMusic only had 1.
Agree 100% with putting your hands on one first. I bought my second LP, a Gibson LP Standard 50's, in 2020 and I played five or six of them before I found "mine". I have to say though, once you find the right one there is nothing else like it. Gibson takes a lot of heat but I wouldn't trade either of mine for anything.
when are you n00bs going to learn to never ever buy Gibson unless you're going to spend 2 mortgage payments?
just grab an LTD EC-1000 with passive pickups and you'll demolish anything by Gibson under $3k.
I’ve the same guitar & I love it
Just bought this tribute model. Haven’t received it yet. Looking forward to seeing and hearing how it plays. Wanted a more affordable model. I think I’ll be pleased. Glad I checked out this video. Love the channel. I’m more of a beginner (especially with electrics) looking to start a mini collection. So naturally, this had to make my short list.
Bought one of these 4 days ago and I've only put it down to clean/condition the board and restring with slinky's. Major home run on Gibson's part. I love this one more than my 2010 tribute with P-90s! Gibson/Epiphone are putting out some great guitars lately.
There’s just nothing like the sound of a good Gibson Les Paul! Pure heaven on earth!
Yeap!!!
Amen brotha
Gibsons have been great quite a while. My 2016s are amazing, flawless monsters. And that Tribute is probably the best axe they put out. It's amazing and the Maple neck is buttery!
I have the exact model from 2020 and it's my number 1 over another guitar I own that was double the price I highly recommend this guitar to any player
The 2010-2019 Gibsons are renowned for being the absolute worst time in Gibson's history for QC. It's almost entirely responsible for the negative view that has grown amongst guitar players about Gibson. If you got excellent examples in the 2010s, that's pretty much what they are. Just a couple good examples in a sea of mediocre stuff.
I have a 2020 in Tobacco burst. Came with great quality, great set-up and no issues.
I got a 2017 Tribute a few years back. Really great tone I gotta say, 490’s in mine, I really dig the pickups.
This Gibsons Les Paul does sound better than an other guitars I’ve seen on your channel IMHO, my Les Paul standard is the same! It’s the only guitar I never had to upgrade the pickups on! Warm rich tone, fuzzy if you will!
Are you texting me or is someone trying to scam me?
All Les Paul’s have laminated wings on the headstock.
I saw that on a factory tour video, under the new ownership they have been making changes, and that one allows them to use a lot less wood.
I think his point was the wings didn't match the inner piece
It’s a no brainer. I don’t like paying double the price for binding and a flame !!
Epiphones have them too man...
@@chickeee they all are like this. It's a known traditional build element and therefore does not qualify as a quality issue.
I've had the Tribute a while now. Just upgraded pups to Burstbuckers. With the quick connect, so easy and SUCH an upgrade!
I got the exact same guitar. I just removed the pick guard. I bought it about 9 months ago and it's been great!
I just got back from a day trip to Sweetwater HQ in Fort Wayne. First off the retail store is beyond impressive. Secondly, one of the guitars that I tried that really had me debating bringing it home was a Les Paul Tribute. I love the satin finish, it was beyond comfortable to play on that neck. Frets were great, setup was great, nut was actually cut correctly, and it sounded great. I already own a very nice Les Paul which is the only reason I passed, but I have to say that Tribute was really nice! The things that matter are playability, sound, fretwork and feel. That Tribute checked the boxes.
I’d like to see a comparison between this guitar and the SIRE “Larry Carlton” L7 guitar.
👍🏻 For graphtech nut. I replaced the original on my Gibson LP Custom with a tusq xl one.
Good to see that Gibson is at least getting back into the game with quality control.
Another great informative video. Thanks
One of the Gibsons actually worth getting!
It’s not the greatest guitar in the world. It’s just a tribute.
Tenacious d!
Goated comment.
Lmao😂😂
@John D he’s making a joke about tenacious d
@John D I thought you didn’t know the joke 😂
I have a 2017 model. Mahogany neck no weight relief. Buffed the finish and adjusted the pole pieces. Killer guitar!
I have a 2021 LP Classic and it’s flawless. Perfect right out of the box. I love it.
I love it. Simple is best. Good fretwork. Not sharp. I like Tune-o Matic. Not a cheap guitar, though. $1300 isn’t cheap. Inlays and bindings don’t improve an instrument. And I don’t blame Gibson for protecting their intellectual property rights.
I love those 490 pickups! why do people treat them as if they were inferior to other models?
Because they're idiots/snobs who don't actually know what truly sounds good, and they're hung up on the name of whatever they "think" sounds better. It's like all the very mediocre players with a fully-loaded pedal board, but yet their basic tone is garbage.
They need "that sound, mayun!"
Not sure..?? I have the 490 R and 498 T’s in my 05 Studio. The 498 T’s are hot. They are regularly installed in the Customs so…….They are cheaper than burst buckers and other Gibson pu’s however so there is something there but they are not a favorite among many. Maybe someone can add here.
Have a Gibson Tribute LP with P-90's. One of my favorite favorite guitars. Sounds like a madman through a Plexi.
I've been playing on the 2019 tribute for a while now, really dig it. It won't feel like a high end gibson, but it doesn't feel like a cheaper option. I always want to play when I see it, that's the best thing to get out of a guitar!
I'm always confused when I watch these because it seems that the fancy stuff makes it more desirable but how does that translate into playability. I have found that some of the cheapest guitars and basses that I've ever played or used I've worked out extremely well in the studio and on the road and have been the most serviceable and the best for a working musician. Maybe I'm coming at this from the wrong point of view as this is mostly aimed towards guitar collectors and not necessarily working musicians. What I'm sort of confused about is why you refer to this as being an entry level Les Paul unless of course you're just referring to it being entry level as a price point and that once you get into it you'll start spending more money for guitars that are more fancy but don't necessarily play a whole lot better.. lol!
I just played one at Sweetwater. Where the fingerboard meets the neck all the way down from nut to where neck meets body was gap. It was as if the guitar was not even sprayed and furthermore looked like it shrunk. The gap was so alarming to look at. The salesman was embarrassed when it was pointed out and alerted his manager. Two things I wondered about. 1. How does Gibson let this out of the factory? 2. How did Sweetwater put this on the floor for sale?
Darren, when I saw you were going to review this guitar I wondered if you would show how the one you had looked where the aforementioned problem I saw was but the review did not mention anything. Could you check your guitar if you still have it? Hopefully it was an isolated instance. I love Gibsons and own a Les Paul. Peace
March 2022, Just got one in the mail directly from Gibson. Huge chunk of fretboard missing and filled in with what looks like wood putty...!!!!! the other side of the neck has chatter marks from a planer or router and you can see/feel the fretboard joint..... Sent pictures and letter to Gibson, got a reply saying they would contact me in two days.... three days ago..... FM. Real shame because it is a killer guitar. They just dropped the ball before getting to the end zone.
Just got mine from sweetwater. Same problem here. Fretboard seems narrower than neck.
@@Joe-kp7gg Send it back Joe. I did, the one i have now is one of the best guitars I have ever had..... sound killer. Anything more than this is just ego juice.
I got a heritage cherry SG Tribute last week from Sweetwater and same thing! There is a lip the whole length of the neck where the fretboard meets the neck, like the fretboard was cut too narrow. It's going back and hopefully the replacement they send doesn't have the same issue, we'll see.
I just got my Gibson Les Paul Special tribute today in cherry burst. Love it, especially for my very 1st Gibson guitar. Much love guitar heroes everywhere fae Scotland
Mine had that nitro smell for weeks. Loved it so much.
I received mine with a screw missing on one of the tuners and the tuner slightly offset. The frets were good but had a patch of frets in the middle that seemed like they weren't even touched. I sent it back and ordered a PRS S2 satin 24. Everything on the PRS was perfect. P.s. the gibson gig bag is really nice and the guitar sounded great. Bad quality control though.
I'm guessing you didn't buy from Sweetwater (where D bought this one) where you get a 55 point check and the guitar comes out of the box set up, in tune. 🎸
@@cuda426hemi nope. I got mine from American Musical. Received the Gibson messed up but the PRS perfect.
@@michaelortiz97 Maybe that's best. Fate. The deal is if it came from SW it would've been t*ts otherwise you would've bloen up the reviews as one of the few . I'vebought from both but with AMS you know you're getting most of the time new gear but once in a while a return - that's just a feeling I get and certainly they don't do ANY check on their guitars - they just take thenfrom the supplier and ship 'em top us, but what AMS DOES do is give you better payment options over longer time with no major credit. And of course you can return stuff as you did; I've done it, too. Bought an Affinity Squier Tele butterscotch black pickguard $2 bills ++ - from AMS uhhh no. Return to sender... Went to SW - got the bag of candy and upgraded to classic vibe 50s Tele butterscotch/black for like $120 more and got a jewel of a guitar set up in tune out of the box. Hit or miss with AMS but better pay options, imo. Your PRS was better because it wasn't made in USA like the Gibson! LOL!! Hope the PRS works out! 🎸
@@cuda426hemi the PRS S2 is like the LP tribute. First line of American made guitars. I agree 100% AMS does have the better payment plans but quality checks. They even admitted as much. The PRS I did get was used in a demo so i got $200 off.
@@michaelortiz97 Used makes the S2 competitive as they go in the $800-$900 range and are as you know not exactly competing as a "vintage" stripped anything..let alone LP type guitar. Like I said - fate - you probably ended up with the better guitar for sure unless you are an LP guy and got a really nice one from SW that wouldn't have even put the thought of "screw this" into your head. AMS screwed the pooch on that deal, imo. But for generic - I just used a $20 off coupon on AMS catalog SW never does this - and got 6 mos payments w no interest on a new 61 key M Audio controller to add to the arsenal in the home studio.That $20 coup basically paid the tax on the $200 keys - that's what AMS is good for but- guitars - hit or miss but generics like mics, stands, keys, pretty safe. 🎹
I love my Gibson guitars…. and my Fender guitars as well. They both have a lot of positive qualities and some negatives as do all guitars.
Only Gibson I have is my 04 les Paul special, had it since new only ever had to change strings do a set up and that's it. I'm glad I got one prior to all the qc issues
Well done Darrell. I have a 2009 Studio plus I think they called it. Modded the pickups sounds great and plays great. Vintage burst.🎸👍
Hey Darrell, you mention "for years and years Gibson seemed ok with puttin out subpar products" 1:13
When would you say this started? (to avaid them). I know most people hated the 2015 models with the robo-tuners and then the whole "play authentic" lawsuits. But what years would you say one should avoid in general?
Thanks man
Andy
2011-2018. Not sure exactly what year it started, but it ended 2019. I’m sure there’s the occasional bad seed still but I sell guitars and every Gibson we get comes set up and in pristine condition. It’s the Fenders we have to put on the tech’s bench in order to sell.
Honestly I think many of these “claims” are overblown. I’ve had many LPs from 2010-2019. All have been great. In fact picking up a 2018 Classic tonight.
My question is whether or not Sweetwater was aware of who was purchasing this guitar and that it was going to be reviewed on line? If so, would that have influenced them into doing a more in depth inspection and clean up on their end, or if this is in fact, a truly representative example of the Tribute?
Gibson's quality control is awesome since the new leadership took over.
mine is on the way. Same color (Satin honeyburst). great unboxing and review
I'm relieved! I've never owned a Gibson, but just ordered a new Classic that should arrive tomorrow. Based on videos, I was under the impression that the QC had improved so I'm rolling the dice!
Well, it arrived, but was a scratched to hell demo. Should your new Gibson already have buckle rash? Let everyone know that the issue with GC/MF policy to send beat up trash as "brand new" is very real. I'm exchanging it, and was told, "I will source from our actual warehouse, THIS TIME, and you will get a brand new one." That speaks volumes. I will have to judge Gibson QC on the replacement in a few days. This bullsh!t experience isn't on them, it's with the retailer. To be continued...
I tried one Tribute in a store but it had awful fret sprout. An Epiphone is a better value for the money in my opinion.
Sounds like lack of humidity.
Wouldn't call it an entry level guitar.
Nice description DB….I bought the tribute SG back in 2013….it was called the “future”…had the steinberger gearless tuners…..and ‘61 zebra pups….it was a very good guitar for $799.
Another great review man. I just bought a used 2010 Gibson Les Paul 50s Tribute with P90s. My first P90 guitar. I had a Les Paul Studio years ago and loved the satin finish on neck and body. I really think Gibson should try making satin neck finishes on the standard line. Anyway. I absolutely love my Tribute and I don’t think anyone should hesitate on getting one of these.
Not to mention, they destroyed a crapload of guitars that could’ve easily been sold for cheap, donated, or dismantled and salvaged.
That was gonna win some people back, right?
Why do guitar reviewers insist on playing new guitars with DISTORTION?? All I hear is the distortion pedal instead of the real natural sound.
The laminated wings on the headstock are fairly standard to all ‘factory’ Gibsons, regardless of price.
Got the identical guitar, as well as a gold top P90’d LP bought new in 2010-11. Both terrific guitars.
I've had the same guitar since the summer of 2020 and I never had any issues with the sound or playability, or for that matter the look...to me the satin finish is fine. Overall I think it is just a great guitar for a very good price, especially when considering what the upper level LP's currently go for.
The too big to fail Gibson. They almost drove themselves into the ground, when all they need to do is have average quality. The name sells everything they produce and the money hoarders keep the cycle moving. Some guitars i play, and others i invest in. Guess where Gibson lies?
Great video man 🤘😈
I got the 2018 gold top. I had to change the pickups cuz one super hot and one super not. threw on some burst buckets and that thing is a beast man. BEAST.
Great review thanks
Great Vid Darrell ! I have one just like it from 2011 but with P-90s. At that time they called it The ‘60s Tribute. I’ve changed out the P-90s for Gibson Mini Humbuckers, sounds Great (couldn’t take the 60cycle hum). Cheers from Salem, Ohio US.
I've got the 2017 model Goldtop Tribute. I'm very pleased with it and play it a lot---but I did have one problem with it. Within a couple of years some of the inlays on the fingerboard started to lift to the point where it became unplayable. I didn't know what to do--and then I came across a Stewmac video which explained how to fix it. It seemed very quick and simple so I tried it, and hey presto, it worked like a dream! No problems since.
Great review as always. FYI - all Les Pauls have "wings" on the headstock that are visible from the back (unless it's black). Even high-end LPs have the wings.
love the finish on that thing