Interesting. On a side note, I like that Cooper plays the same thing on each guitar he demos - it’s the only way to be able to really compare guitars: by keeping all other things equal.
Just played all three, including the 50’s and 60’s standard at a guitar shop. Walked out with tribute, not because of price. But the feel wasn’t close for me. Love it!!
Kudos..Very well done. You showed people what these guitars are really going to sound like when they get them home. Too many reviewers run the guitars thru $10,000 dollars worth of pedals and amps completely disguising the guitar sound. Your playing was awesome as well.
I’m off point with this, but would enjoy feedback. I initially bought a Studio and modded with an OBSIDIANwire Mark II - all sounds from Standard 50s & 60s era. Then a Tribute was bought and Gibson mini-humbuckers were installed - Deluxe sounds delivered. Lastly, an Epiphone LP Junior was bought and a Kent Armstrong tapped P-90 was placed with upgraded 500k pots (one push/pull), a Mylar .047 cap and better Switchcraft components - Junior and Firebird tones realized. I went with these rather than the $3k Modern because I’ll always have a back-up guitar, and avoid a possible glitch in the Modern controls. The downside: 3 guitars take more time to maintain than one Modern. Would Appreciate Alamo staff comparing some dedicated sound Gibson LPs to a Swiss Army knife Modern in a future episode. Also, would an Epiphone Special with Fralin Firebird pickups be a budget friendly, more comfortable, valid alternative to the poorly designed, expensive Gibson Firebird?
I couldnt decide tribute or studio...Cooper says tribute so tribute is going to be my next guitar purchase. Thanks for deciding for me Cooper! Now i have to figure out what color. Love your demos.
Bought a les Paul traditional 2016 model 5 years ago , it has a fabulous top , 57 classic pups and imo is exactly what a les Paul should be. Standards since 2008 have had an elliptical neck profile, and burstbuckers ( same pups as standard lp since 2002 ) . Can't say there's much of a difference, yeh, I had one of the 2002 models! Point ? Don't go spending wads of cash , when you can get a fab sounding and playing guitar for half the price.
I'm waiting and hoping that Gibson will bring back a tribute or Studio with P90s. Ideally in natural finish. I'll be the first to put my name down for that! Come to think of it, I'd even be willing to pay for a standard in a natural finish. Right now the only arch top P90s available are the gold tops.
@@wilfredreedman5683 not when you want to replace humbuckers with P90s. They are a different size so you'd have to rout out the body which i would never want to do 😬
It's great if you dig the tones of the Tributes and Studios, especially if it's what your wallet allows. But don't kid yourself, you're not getting the classic Les Paul tone out of a Studio or a Tribute. Hey, I just set down my Les Paul Special DC Tribute (or something like that) and I love its upper-fret access, its simplicity (two p90s, and a volume and tone) and the fact that I can toss it in a gig bag and not worry about banging it around. It just makes me want to wail on it. But, for the complete and more complex tones, the Standard wins by a long shot. There's simply no comparison - as it should be. I'm holding my '61 SG RI right now. Can't get enough of the Burstbuckers. What I tell my young friends, or young to guitar - "hold out for the real deal if at all possible, but whatever you do, do NOT buy an Epiphone!"
Im with you but 490 nd 498T in studio produce real les paul sound. Even les paul custom uses same pickup. Im really confused should i get the Studio or Classic. Studio will save big money! Not gonna buy an Epiphone lolz
I have a 2012 Traditional and yes it’s heavy. This is one thing I don’t like and the neck pickup was “dark” and it had modern wiring. Instead of selling it I made it a project. First, I gutted the wiring and re-wired it 50’s style and installed the “best” 500k POTS I could find. Both of these were big improvements. Then I installed different PAF pickups (Wolfetone). Capacitors didn’t seem to matter much except the value, .015neck and .022bridge. Then I carefully sanded the neck to improve playability. Finally, the last thing I want to do is have a “pro” review the instrument and make any additional improvements. The guitar is gorgeous and plays beautifully. But I think it’s the amp that determines its sound.
I'm mostly an acoustic player but that Standard 60's is something else. What about neck shape on the 3? Any have a neck like those TAYLOR 814ce LTD ?Thanks Cooper.
If what you want is a traditional Gibson Les Paul (non-chambered/weight-relieved, mahogany neck, rosewood board, maple cap, standard wiring, etc.), but don’t want to pay more than $1,000, there is no better option imo than a used 1990’s to mid-2000’s Les Paul Studio. If you absolutely must have a brand new guitar, or you really want all the newer non-traditional features, then that’s one thing. But if you don’t need those things, these Studios are absolutely the best. Given how expensive new guitars are, when they aren’t objectively better than ones from the 90’s and 2000’s, I just can’t personally imagine buying a brand new Les Paul- unless of course money is not an issue and you love the guitar you’re buying! But if money is an issue, it makes the most sense to get an old Studio from the so-called “good wood era”. Of course every line of models will always have duds. But I’ve experienced an unmatched level of consistency from the aforementioned era of Gibson Les Pauls. I’ve also used a couple Standards from the late-90’s, and they were absolutely the best Gibson Les Pauls I’ve personally ever played. Just my two cents.
I have a Tribute and I love it.. Yes the burstbuckers in the Standard are more articulate/have more clarity, but the 490s really nail the classic rock PAF sound.. Nice demo.
I just received my own Gibson Les Paul Tribute in Satin Honey burst. I really like her and have been playing upon her every day and night since October 6th, 2021 and today is October 14th., 2021. She plays very easy and sounds good acoustically and amplified. What can I say? She's a very likable guitar and I'm glad I made the purchase. My requirement is that my guitar is small and comfortable ( light weight helps) and is playable plugged in and unplugged and this Gibson fulfills my requirements. So I play my Les Paul Tribute all day long through my amps and then bring her into my bedroom and play her unplugged many times during the night. I enjoy the unplugged tone and resonance. So now after about 20 guitars I am satisfied. Thanks Gibson! - Peter age 71
Why say this!? I just settled on a LP and now I I'm confused again. I'll have to get both... You think it'll be believable to tell the wife I found one on my way home?
About the Standard pickups. My guess is that you find the BUrstbucker sound to be warmer than what's in the Tribute. Burstbuckers are loser to a PAF sound (warmer, darker, etc_), which I'm sure you know. I've found that Les Paul players, who want a bit less of that warmth, really like the low output DiMarzio Master PAF pickups. They have far less output, and to me anyway (though i don't use them), sound much closer to a very nice single coil, in addition to retaining great humbucker body without too much single coil glass. Just not enough warmth for my jazzy playing, but they do sound great in a Les PAul.
I have owned the tribute, standard and studio. And I have tried the classic, the deluxe and several custom shop les pauls and I must say I prefer the Classic, tribute and deluxe a lot better than the standard, studio and custom shop
My own two cents as an inexperienced player: I brought home a Tribute but wound up taking it back. The humbuckers made a constant hum that I didn’t expect, and I could not keep it in tune. Traded up to a different brand and am very happy. Hey, where was Chris in this video? Did you lock him out?
Humbuckers, by definition, shouldn’t hum - may have been a one-off fault. Every mass producer of anything will get the odd ‘dog’ slipping through QC. Don’t forget, as well, that new strings need stretching for tuning to stabilise. I have an original ‘Tribute’ 2010(/11?) Goldtop P90’d LP and a 2020, humbuckered ‘Tribute’ versión as well. Both fine guitars, having all the necessary constituents of the ‘LP sound’- lack of binding and ‘shine’ doesn’t alter the great inherent tone of these reasonable (previously great!) value guitars.
@@rob_in_stowmarket_uk yes, I definitely got a one-off. The hum persisted no matter what I did and on different amps and different cables. And I did even change the strings and made sure to stretch them, but I was constantly having to retune when playing. It had previously been returned to the store, so I guess with good reason. I did the same. The discount wasn’t worth the trouble. I’m much happier with a PRS with quiet humbuckers.
If I could play as well as you do I might go with the standard if I had the money! Sounds wonderful. I am looking at the Studios but liked the Tribute tone better. Thanks for comparison!!
I had a tribute (490R/T), special (P90s), and the Classic + (burstbuckers pro). The special with the flat body played great but couldn’t get over the single coil hum. The classic + looked the best but was super heavy and had no use for coil splits and prefer the sound of the tribute and satin feel so I kept the tribute, cheapest one of all of them
I have a 2019 Studio Tribute. I absolutely love the sound and feel. I just wish it had the trapezoids rather than just the dots. But the next LP on my list to acquire is the Standard 60s
I played a tribute recently, and I find it’s not as dark as the standard. That was always my problem with the standard. Maybe that makes it perfect for heavy sounds, but not for cleans.
Yes,all the tribute series have a maple neck ( with rosewood fingerboard ) instead of mahogany neck and it gives the guitar a much clearer and bright sound . it is a matter taste but I dig these guitar .
The video was very helpful, I really appreciate your assessment of the difference between the axes. I also agree with you, the tribute sounded cleaner and closer to the standard. I was ready to get the studio but I feel I might not have been as happy with it's sound. I like what you decided to play as a demo, it helped make my decision. Much appreciated, you saved me bucks I would've unnecessarily spent. Thanks.
Tengo una Tribute 60's y realmente estoy fascinado con ella, le coloqué los humbuckers '57 Classic de Gibson y tienen un gran sonido!! Excelente video. Saludos.
I have a 60s Les Paul standard and love it so much I bought a 61 SG standard which has the same pickups in it. The SG is about 700 bucks cheaper but sounds pretty dang good!
Thanks for this comparison, I'm looking to get my first Gibson so this was very helpful. Just a noob question, doesn't the weight relief lessen the sustain of the guitar?
No. It’s because you’re looking at it. You don’t need to look at it to hear the sustain. They’re known for their sustain. You can hear it now. It even has the old tagger still on it.
@@smelltheglove2038 thanks, actually all 3 of them have good sustain, but the standard, at least to my ear, has significantly more sustain than the studio and tribute... however, I'm not sure if that is mainly due to the standard's higher end PUs and electronics, or if the solid body also contributes to its better sustain... hence back to the question: won't the weight relief lessen the sustain?
I agree, if you look at other high-end brands you get way more bang for your buck with the Studio. the 2018 and 2019 studios have neck binding and came with a hard case. The tribute satin finish is very thin, and the maple neck is not Gibson Standard. All that being said all three are better than other brands in the same price point.
It's not what's right for you at what you can afford I'll guarantee that most people if they can afford four and five or $3,000 Guitar by standard accustom
The tribute sounded better on rhythm. The standard betterr onl lead I'm thinking of buying the tribute from my experience. I can sell it later and nott lose much money
I have watched every video including this one before I made my choice. I decided on the Gibson LP Classic. Just a little cheaper than the Standard but that didn't really have much to do with my choice. I just liked the Smoke House Burst look and the feel and the sound of the Classic was really close to the Standard. Same pickups. Push pull knows. And I decided that if Gibson didn't care enough about a LP to give it a hard case than I didn't either. I have always wanted to own a Les Paul and I took my time and did the best research I could and that's where I landed. I own several quality guitars and I didn't want to buy a cheaper model and regret my decision so the Gibson LP Cassic was the right choice for me. Love it!!!
Hey you raised a very interesting point. I have the same Gibson Les Paul Studio. I felt that you get more bang for your buck with the Studio, but I found there was no difference in sound once the coils are split, no dramatic difference anyway. 85% of the time I'm always on the bridge pickup. I am torn between the Tribute and the 60's Standard. But I have a question, I have a Gibson SG '61 Reissue. Aren't the pickups on the Les Paul '60s Standard the same as in the SG '61 Issue? I have never tried the '60s Standard. Is there a difference in sound? Sorry for the many questions. If the two guitars sound the same, I'll go with the Tribute. Thank you for posting this, being honest, keeping it real.
Thanks for a great run down... now I'm even more sure of my purchsse today of a used 2019 Tribute in satin Cherry Sunburst... feels, plays and sounds Fantastic. I immediately noticed it must be weight relieved but no loss in tone or sustain... very balanced guitar! BTW... I think the not so slim maple neck adds that snap and clarity to the tone... unlike the other two guitars. GREAT VALUE! I've been looking for a Les Paul for a couple few years... this one fit every need to a T!!!
I picked up the 50s in (Limited edition) honeyburst. It’s so nice. I have a Classic ebony as well. Don’t sleep on the classics. Two LPs isn’t enough. I don’t think you can own enough
id buy a tribute in a heartbeat if only they put the binding around the body and neck...currently saving up for my dream les paul after all my years of playing.. going standard or classic honey burst...maybe a cherry burst. there is just something about the tributes and studios that slightly puts me off...yes they are real gibson les pauls obviously, but the lack of the binding just visually doesnt scratch that les paul itch for me personally. tributes brand new for me in uk are just over 1k...i may aswell just save a few hundred more pounds and buy a used classic or standard. I told my wife this is the last guitar i will ever buy....LOL
I don't know what it is, but for some reason all the les paul studios look ugly to me. I don't like the black pick guards and all of that. I just feel like it doesn't fit with the guitars or the colors unless it's an all black guitar. I would go with a Tribute myself over the studio if I couldn't get a standard. Would love to see an Epiphone version of this.
I bought my 2013 studio from a pawn shop for $800. Suits me just fine as I only play at home for personal enjoyment. I have no need for flash or to impress others. But the shiny ones are sure purty.
I have a 2011 60s Tribute that I bought from new and still absolutely love it. It's done many gigs and the thin nitro Heritage Cherry is worn to the point where I'm about to have it refinished as a Gold Top. It came with P90s, which I never quite enjoyed and so I had it routed for HBs. So for most of its life it's been fitted with coil split Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates. They sound so good and are not for changing. Recommended.
This is how you pick the right Les Paul, for yourself? What you do, is you open up your wallet, and you count how much money you have?if you have a ton of money, you buy the custom, or Standard, if you’re on the light side, you buy the tribute or studio? All worth owning!
good man for giving his honest opinion and not be afraid to say the lower cost Tribute was his favorite. there is no shame in that lower cost gibson. i like it when people guitar shame other people. It shows me the type person they are and i won't be hanging around with them.
I recently purchased a Les Paul Tribute. This the best guitar I've owned so far. It's light, stays in tune unlike any other. Sound is great even with no amp. Tones are VERY warm and perfect for jazz, blues. You need a good amp or effects if you wanna go hard rock or metal, or you might wanna go for the P90 version for that (I will probably get myself one of those P90s version).
Yes, I agree this Tribute plays great. I know in the past Gibson made these with P90's, I am waiting for Gibson to make those again I will definitely get one.
@@tomrosa4248 I think they make a Les Paul Special Tribute with P-90's. Of course, then there's no carved maple top but, it's such a kickass workhorse Gibson!
@@crypticreality8484 I’m merely pointing out not all Gibsons are alike. Just because it says Gibson on the headstock doesn’t mean it’s a great guitar. I think your confirmation bias precludes you from understanding that. No legendary player would be caught dead playing that abomination.
Like the tributes kind a basic look. The one I bought bout two years agoo, the fret ends were a little rough but apart from that, a lot of gibson for the money.
I Love the tribute compared to the other 2. I added to simple cosmetic changes. I added the poker chip on the toggle switch, and changed the dials to the vintage 1970’s ones, with the words volume & tone showing. Big difference to me.
Hi! I'm Paolo from Italy. I think your videos are great! Both simply and exaustive. Very useful for one like me who is trying to study english (io parlo italiano/ je parle francais). I love the new Gibson Supreme 2024... but is true that it's only a modern with some precious decorations and a custom price? What making a video to explain their differences? Forgive my english and thank you so much for your videos!
I am a recent Les Paul convert and I must agree with my limited knowledge that is. I have two Original Series (a 60’s Standard and a 70’s Deluxe) as well as a Tribute Goldtop P90 model. The Tribute punches way above its weight.
I love your hate. I think nobody puts as much time, effort and research into guitar reviews, as you do. Thanks for that. Totally honest and informative...
I tried a 58' and a 59' in London, they were both "shit" to play on for me. Tried one of the 25 Custom Rebuilds, also "shit". Then I found a 2019 Standard Les Paul in the wrong color that was just amazing from the first touch. My #1 guitar which has something really magical about it. The color has no meaning anymore because it's just amazing. Love it and it sounds like out of this world. (Yes changed the pups as Gibson stock are all trash). The wrong color I even had to pay an extra 100€ for, because it was a special color that year :( But I got one of the best Les Paul's in the world :) Never listen to others. Just try a lot of guitars and go with your gut feeling.
It's so funny how the Gibson guitar world considers orange drop caps as great caps. I'm also a Hi-Fi enthusiast, and I would not dare buy any piece of audio gear with orange drop caps. There are so many better caps out there, Mundorffs, Audio Notes, Jupiters etc. Can't remember the cost of a Tribute exactly, but I would bet the two output Duelund caps, that I put into my DAC, cost more than a Gibson Tribute. I know cost isn't everything, but they are wound with OCC silver...they are, however, the size of coke cans...can't put those in my Les Paul....hehe. Even so, I've never put different caps into my guitars. I just think it's funny how one industry considers them great, and another considers them junk.
I have a 2023 Gibson Les paul studio plus and i have also owned the classic and standard. I also have the Gibson SG Derek Trucks with the 57 pups and a 91 Heritage H150. The sound difference from the studio to the BB in the standard isn't that far apart. Do the BB sound a little better? Yes but not worth spending 250-300 bucks. My SG with tne 57 classic honestly is my best guitar. Theres not a les paul out there that sounds better and ive played dozens. My studio is a great guitar and the Tribute is just ok IMHO. If for some reason you decide to upgrade from a Tribute to a standard or another model you will feel the blow when you go to sell that tribute. The studio holds far more value over the tribute and it deserves to. The satin finish damages if you sneeze on it, its paper thin. The studio has a nice gloss finish and better woods. For what its worth if you put a set of Dimarzio 59 paf in any les paul its the best money you ever spent for a classic rock or blues tone.
The new studio are now $2,000 they are an amazing guitar for the money. I have an lp special TV my baby . Also have a new ebony studio and a 2012 studio. Never played an lp tribute but i do have a gibson sg tribute that is a great guitar for 1,300 & wont break your back. 😅
I love my tribute but neck pickup is a bit muddy. I want a standard badly and may opt for a 60s although don’t like the reflector knobs much. I also love the 1959 custom VOS
I have a Gibson Les Paul studio in smokehouse burst. I am also a huge PRS fan. I own a PRS core 24, had a ce 24, PRS Chris Robertson, had 245. I think they both sound stellar... similar but different. Tough choices for sure. 594 is a killer guitar. I think the Gibson is more focused and biting and the PRS 594 more open and fatter sounding...
Of course the correct answer is the “classic”. All the body binding and appointments of the standard, burst buckers, coil tapping, out of phase switch, and direct switch for the bridge. Best of all, less $ than the standard.
Can I just say, as I look around the RUclips videos before I purchase a Gibson it was so refreshing to come across this video. Unlike the other American ones who for some reason seem to shout instead of talk, you give an informative and balanced video with a nice soft delivery 👍🏻
I think that the maple neck on the tribute might have added some clarity acoustically but Im not sure if the difference in clarity could be heard in the signal. I tried the studio and the weight relief added a really woody hollow tone kinda like a semi hollow. But it wasnt captured by the amp. These acoustic sounds do add to the playing experience and both cater to different preferences. The studios lack of clarity could be ideal for someone who enjoys playing slide for example.
I had one (SG), sold it after only 6 months of ownership... Its just a brand on a headstock, there are much better guitars out there for much less money and way better quality.
Easy. If the power company cuts you off you shoulda got the Tribute vs the Standard. Now that Gibson sells pickups you can make them all sound the same.
Interesting.
On a side note, I like that Cooper plays the same thing on each guitar he demos - it’s the only way to be able to really compare guitars: by keeping all other things equal.
Just played all three, including the 50’s and 60’s standard at a guitar shop. Walked out with tribute, not because of price. But the feel wasn’t close for me. Love it!!
I just picked up a tribute myself. I absolutely love it. Just feels right
me too bud
Same here. Walked in thinking I would get a 50s Les Paul. Walked out with a Tribute.
Ya I agree. The tribute feels ten times better in the hands then the standards. That’s how I truly feel too.
@@craiger2399 the nice slim tapered satin necks help make it an easy decision.
For me it's the tribute I've just got one the neck feels perfect for me the sound ,the weight ,the satin look perfect 👌
Kudos..Very well done. You showed people what these guitars are really going to sound like when they get them home. Too many reviewers run the guitars thru $10,000 dollars worth of pedals and amps completely disguising the guitar sound. Your playing was awesome as well.
you should do a Les Paul Classic, Traditional and Standard shootout
I’m off point with this, but would enjoy feedback. I initially bought a Studio and modded with an OBSIDIANwire Mark II - all sounds from Standard 50s & 60s era. Then a Tribute was bought and Gibson mini-humbuckers were installed - Deluxe sounds delivered. Lastly, an Epiphone LP Junior was bought and a Kent Armstrong tapped P-90 was placed with upgraded 500k pots (one push/pull), a Mylar .047 cap and better Switchcraft components - Junior and Firebird tones realized. I went with these rather than the $3k Modern because I’ll always have a back-up guitar, and avoid a possible glitch in the Modern controls. The downside: 3 guitars take more time to maintain than one Modern. Would Appreciate Alamo staff comparing some dedicated sound Gibson LPs to a Swiss Army knife Modern in a future episode. Also, would an Epiphone Special with Fralin Firebird pickups be a budget friendly, more comfortable, valid alternative to the poorly designed, expensive Gibson Firebird?
I couldnt decide tribute or studio...Cooper says tribute so tribute is going to be my next guitar purchase. Thanks for deciding for me Cooper! Now i have to figure out what color. Love your demos.
the standard and the tribute outshines the studio in tone immensely
How?
Love "Cactus Flower". Sounds great on any of the Les Pauls.
Bought a les Paul traditional 2016 model 5 years ago , it has a fabulous top , 57 classic pups and imo is exactly what a les Paul should be. Standards since 2008 have had an elliptical neck profile, and burstbuckers ( same pups as standard lp since 2002 ) . Can't say there's much of a difference, yeh, I had one of the 2002 models! Point ? Don't go spending wads of cash , when you can get a fab sounding and playing guitar for half the price.
I'm waiting and hoping that Gibson will bring back a tribute or Studio with P90s. Ideally in natural finish. I'll be the first to put my name down for that! Come to think of it, I'd even be willing to pay for a standard in a natural finish. Right now the only arch top P90s available are the gold tops.
You can replace pickups…
@@wilfredreedman5683 not when you want to replace humbuckers with P90s. They are a different size so you'd have to rout out the body which i would never want to do 😬
@@ipuya many manufactures make humbucker sized P90’s. Just put some in a PRS!!
It's great if you dig the tones of the Tributes and Studios, especially if it's what your wallet allows. But don't kid yourself, you're not getting the classic Les Paul tone out of a Studio or a Tribute. Hey, I just set down my Les Paul Special DC Tribute (or something like that) and I love its upper-fret access, its simplicity (two p90s, and a volume and tone) and the fact that I can toss it in a gig bag and not worry about banging it around. It just makes me want to wail on it.
But, for the complete and more complex tones, the Standard wins by a long shot. There's simply no comparison - as it should be.
I'm holding my '61 SG RI right now. Can't get enough of the Burstbuckers.
What I tell my young friends, or young to guitar - "hold out for the real deal if at all possible, but whatever you do, do NOT buy an Epiphone!"
Im with you but 490 nd 498T in studio produce real les paul sound. Even les paul custom uses same pickup.
Im really confused should i get the Studio or Classic. Studio will save big money!
Not gonna buy an Epiphone lolz
Thank you-less $ than I thought. Although honestly, I’ve got my heart leaning toward the Alex Lifeson Signature-Ephipone version.
I have a 2012 Traditional and yes it’s heavy. This is one thing I don’t like and the neck pickup was “dark” and it had modern wiring.
Instead of selling it I made it a project. First, I gutted the wiring and re-wired it 50’s style and installed the “best” 500k POTS I could find. Both of these were big improvements. Then I installed different PAF pickups (Wolfetone). Capacitors didn’t seem to matter much except the value, .015neck and .022bridge. Then I carefully sanded the neck to improve playability. Finally, the last thing I want to do is have a “pro” review the instrument and make any additional improvements. The guitar is gorgeous and plays beautifully. But I think it’s the amp that determines its sound.
I'm mostly an acoustic player but that Standard 60's is something else. What about neck shape on the 3? Any have a neck like those TAYLOR 814ce LTD ?Thanks Cooper.
If what you want is a traditional Gibson Les Paul (non-chambered/weight-relieved, mahogany neck, rosewood board, maple cap, standard wiring, etc.), but don’t want to pay more than $1,000, there is no better option imo than a used 1990’s to mid-2000’s Les Paul Studio. If you absolutely must have a brand new guitar, or you really want all the newer non-traditional features, then that’s one thing. But if you don’t need those things, these Studios are absolutely the best. Given how expensive new guitars are, when they aren’t objectively better than ones from the 90’s and 2000’s, I just can’t personally imagine buying a brand new Les Paul- unless of course money is not an issue and you love the guitar you’re buying! But if money is an issue, it makes the most sense to get an old Studio from the so-called “good wood era”. Of course every line of models will always have duds. But I’ve experienced an unmatched level of consistency from the aforementioned era of Gibson Les Pauls. I’ve also used a couple Standards from the late-90’s, and they were absolutely the best Gibson Les Pauls I’ve personally ever played. Just my two cents.
I have a Tribute and I love it.. Yes the burstbuckers in the Standard are more articulate/have more clarity, but the 490s really nail the classic rock PAF sound.. Nice demo.
I just received my own Gibson Les Paul Tribute in Satin Honey burst. I really like her and have been playing upon her every day and night since October 6th, 2021 and today is October 14th., 2021. She plays very easy and sounds good acoustically and amplified. What can I say? She's a very likable guitar and I'm glad I made the purchase.
My requirement is that my guitar is small and comfortable ( light weight helps) and is playable plugged in and unplugged and this Gibson fulfills my requirements.
So I play my Les Paul Tribute all day long through my amps and then bring her into my bedroom and play her unplugged many times during the night. I enjoy the unplugged tone and resonance. So now after about 20 guitars I am satisfied. Thanks Gibson! - Peter age 71
like "it". You like it.
The Tribute is a Gibson LP in name alone. Maple neck and Rosewood fretboard? It’s a poor man’s Gibson and the specs show it.
@@automatoncollectives7237 fuck off. People can enjoy what they want. You do you let other be happy with what they have.
@@jasonprice9823 What an immature, triggered, response. The Tribute is a Gibson in name alone. No one of any status evens plays that garbage.
@@automatoncollectives7237 you're a very smug person who's clearly unhappy in life.
Well....i love them all, so i got the 50s 60s and 70s deluxe. The 50s is my favorite
The right Gibson Les Paul for you is a Fender Telecaster!
Why say this!? I just settled on a LP and now I I'm confused again. I'll have to get both... You think it'll be believable to tell the wife I found one on my way home?
Security, please, take this guy out of the building 😂😂😂
@@PC85X😂
Ugh… At least you didn’t say Stratocaster ha ha
I love my Telecaster but I don’t go around posting crap about Gibsons on videos about Gibsons. Get a life.
About the Standard pickups. My guess is that you find the BUrstbucker sound to be warmer than what's in the Tribute. Burstbuckers are loser to a PAF sound (warmer, darker, etc_), which I'm sure you know. I've found that Les Paul players, who want a bit less of that warmth, really like the low output DiMarzio Master PAF pickups. They have far less output, and to me anyway (though i don't use them), sound much closer to a very nice single coil, in addition to retaining great humbucker body without too much single coil glass. Just not enough warmth for my jazzy playing, but they do sound great in a Les PAul.
I have owned the tribute, standard and studio. And I have tried the classic, the deluxe and several custom shop les pauls and I must say I prefer the Classic, tribute and deluxe a lot better than the standard, studio and custom shop
My own two cents as an inexperienced player: I brought home a Tribute but wound up taking it back. The humbuckers made a constant hum that I didn’t expect, and I could not keep it in tune. Traded up to a different brand and am very happy. Hey, where was Chris in this video? Did you lock him out?
Humbuckers, by definition, shouldn’t hum - may have been a one-off fault. Every mass producer of anything will get the odd ‘dog’ slipping through QC. Don’t forget, as well, that new strings need stretching for tuning to stabilise.
I have an original ‘Tribute’ 2010(/11?) Goldtop P90’d LP and a 2020, humbuckered ‘Tribute’ versión as well. Both fine guitars, having all the necessary constituents of the ‘LP sound’- lack of binding and ‘shine’ doesn’t alter the great inherent tone of these reasonable (previously great!) value guitars.
@@rob_in_stowmarket_uk yes, I definitely got a one-off. The hum persisted no matter what I did and on different amps and different cables. And I did even change the strings and made sure to stretch them, but I was constantly having to retune when playing. It had previously been returned to the store, so I guess with good reason. I did the same. The discount wasn’t worth the trouble. I’m much happier with a PRS with quiet humbuckers.
CraftYourMusic, I got the PRS CE24 semi-hollow body and am very happy with it. But check out the SE line, too. Great value.
If I could play as well as you do I might go with the standard if I had the money! Sounds wonderful. I am looking at the Studios but liked the Tribute tone better. Thanks for comparison!!
Appreciate your honesty and your talent, Cooper. It's amazing how much bang for the buck the Tribute offers.
Hello there 😊 let's hear them next to next
Tribute Rpc 5:17 Both pc's 5:35 Tpc 6:12
Studio. Rpc 11:15 Bpc's 12:12 Tpc 12:32
Studio split R 11:40 split B 11:50 split T 12:02
Standard Rpc 16:44 Bpc's 17:09 Tpc 17:39
and if nobody wants to waste their time they can skip straight to 24:21 :-] thank you!
Wow thank you so much for these time stamps! I’m surprised at how well the tribute stacks up to the standard here
Tribute sounds a thinner than the standard not as fulsome I wonder if this is because of the pups or the Tribute has the maple neck?
What song is he playing for the demo?
Thanks for the video I
Definitely go for the tribute I’m a
Beginner thanks
I had a tribute (490R/T), special (P90s), and the Classic + (burstbuckers pro). The special with the flat body played great but couldn’t get over the single coil hum. The classic + looked the best but was super heavy and had no use for coil splits and prefer the sound of the tribute and satin feel so I kept the tribute, cheapest one of all of them
Isn't it coil tap, not coil split?
Hey Cooper - I always enjoy your playing, guitar knowledge and dry humor. Great review!
I have a 2019 Studio Tribute. I absolutely love the sound and feel. I just wish it had the trapezoids rather than just the dots. But the next LP on my list to acquire is the Standard 60s
'Studio Tribute'...?
Just explain the difference cowboy, quit plugging the texas store. Boring.
Play some new tunes, that actually sound good….no distortion???
I played a tribute recently, and I find it’s not as dark as the standard. That was always my problem with the standard. Maybe that makes it perfect for heavy sounds, but not for cleans.
Yes,all the tribute series have a maple neck ( with rosewood fingerboard ) instead of mahogany neck and it gives the guitar a much clearer and bright sound . it is a matter taste but I dig these guitar .
The video was very helpful, I really appreciate your assessment of the difference between the axes. I also agree with you, the tribute sounded cleaner and closer to the standard. I was ready to get the studio but I feel I might not have been as happy with it's sound. I like what you decided to play as a demo, it helped make my decision. Much appreciated, you saved me bucks I would've unnecessarily spent. Thanks.
Tengo una Tribute 60's y realmente estoy fascinado con ella, le coloqué los humbuckers '57 Classic de Gibson y tienen un gran sonido!! Excelente video. Saludos.
the gibson lp chooses me.. it finds me.. and here she comes..
I go back and forth between my Tele and Tribute and it's all I need. Very happy
I have a 60s Les Paul standard and love it so much I bought a 61 SG standard which has the same pickups in it. The SG is about 700 bucks cheaper but sounds pretty dang good!
I have 3 gibson SG’s and had a V, i still grabbed an LP studio too. Sounds the same, but i love the difference in feel
Thanks for this comparison, I'm looking to get my first Gibson so this was very helpful. Just a noob question, doesn't the weight relief lessen the sustain of the guitar?
No. It’s because you’re looking at it. You don’t need to look at it to hear the sustain. They’re known for their sustain. You can hear it now. It even has the old tagger still on it.
@@smelltheglove2038 thanks, actually all 3 of them have good sustain, but the standard, at least to my ear, has significantly more sustain than the studio and tribute... however, I'm not sure if that is mainly due to the standard's higher end PUs and electronics, or if the solid body also contributes to its better sustain... hence back to the question: won't the weight relief lessen the sustain?
I have a Studio and am very happy with it. My next LP will be a step up to the Standard, I suppose.
great comparation. congratulations
If money is not an issue, go with a standard. But, I think the studios are the best value.
I disagree, for me choosing the tribute has nothing to do with the money , it’s the playability.
I agree, if you look at other high-end brands you get way more bang for your buck with the Studio. the 2018 and 2019 studios have neck binding and came with a hard case. The tribute satin finish is very thin, and the maple neck is not Gibson Standard. All that being said all three are better than other brands in the same price point.
It's not what's right for you at what you can afford I'll guarantee that most people if they can afford four and five or $3,000 Guitar by standard accustom
The tribute sounded better on rhythm.
The standard betterr onl lead I'm thinking of buying the tribute from my experience.
I can sell it later and nott lose much money
I don't hear much differences. Would've been super if you'd thrown in an Epiphone in the mix...
I have watched every video including this one before I made my choice. I decided on the Gibson LP Classic. Just a little cheaper than the Standard but that didn't really have much to do with my choice. I just liked the Smoke House Burst look and the feel and the sound of the Classic was really close to the Standard. Same pickups. Push pull knows. And I decided that if Gibson didn't care enough about a LP to give it a hard case than I didn't either. I have always wanted to own a Les Paul and I took my time and did the best research I could and that's where I landed. I own several quality guitars and I didn't want to buy a cheaper model and regret my decision so the Gibson LP Cassic was the right choice for me. Love it!!!
Hey you raised a very interesting point. I have the same Gibson Les Paul Studio. I felt that you get more bang for your buck with the Studio, but I found there was no difference in sound once the coils are split, no dramatic difference anyway. 85% of the time I'm always on the bridge pickup. I am torn between the Tribute and the 60's Standard. But I have a question, I have a Gibson SG '61 Reissue. Aren't the pickups on the Les Paul '60s Standard the same as in the SG '61 Issue? I have never tried the '60s Standard. Is there a difference in sound? Sorry for the many questions. If the two guitars sound the same, I'll go with the Tribute. Thank you for posting this, being honest, keeping it real.
Tribute sounded best by far.
I would like to know what your thoughts are on the classic? I think it's also mostly based on a '60s standard.
The classic is weight relieved, the standard is not.Standard is handwired, classic has a PCB board because each knob is a push/pull.
The best gibson for me is a telecaster.
Easy, you either don’t have a lot of money, you have some money, or you have plenty of money 😅😂
Thanks for a great run down... now I'm even more sure of my purchsse today of a used 2019 Tribute in satin Cherry Sunburst... feels, plays and sounds Fantastic. I immediately noticed it must be weight relieved but no loss in tone or sustain... very balanced guitar! BTW... I think the not so slim maple neck adds that snap and clarity to the tone... unlike the other two guitars. GREAT VALUE! I've been looking for a Les Paul for a couple few years... this one fit every need to a T!!!
I shopped for a year and picked a Standard😍 and talked about confused🧐
I like and own the tangerine burst. It reminds me of Ryu's red fireball from Street Fighter
I picked up the 50s in (Limited edition) honeyburst. It’s so nice.
I have a Classic ebony as well. Don’t sleep on the classics.
Two LPs isn’t enough. I don’t think you can own enough
Plus that Gibson quality is utter shite. I had to send two back as unfit for purpose.
Cooper always give the best advise. Liked the Tribute & the 60’s Standard. for the money I’d have to with the Tribute.
They style of play and the sound is perfect. You zoned in on the guitar voice in my head. Nice job.
I agree with you standard is amazing but if i have to choose between tribute and studio i prefer tribute!
id buy a tribute in a heartbeat if only they put the binding around the body and neck...currently saving up for my dream les paul after all my years of playing..
going standard or classic honey burst...maybe a cherry burst.
there is just something about the tributes and studios that slightly puts me off...yes they are real gibson les pauls obviously, but the lack of the binding just visually doesnt scratch that les paul itch for me personally.
tributes brand new for me in uk are just over 1k...i may aswell just save a few hundred more pounds and buy a used classic or standard.
I told my wife this is the last guitar i will ever buy....LOL
I don't know what it is, but for some reason all the les paul studios look ugly to me. I don't like the black pick guards and all of that. I just feel like it doesn't fit with the guitars or the colors unless it's an all black guitar. I would go with a Tribute myself over the studio if I couldn't get a standard. Would love to see an Epiphone version of this.
It's not just a warmer tone it's the ageable finish and the full weighted wood but is it worth the 1800 price difference?
no, its hypebeast
I bought my 2013 studio from a pawn shop for $800.
Suits me just fine as I only play at home for personal enjoyment.
I have no need for flash or to impress others.
But the shiny ones are sure purty.
The standard is the best but, in my opinion the tribute, wow, has nothing to envy .. Thanks for comparison 👌🏻
couldn't decide, so I got one of each.
I have a 2011 60s Tribute that I bought from new and still absolutely love it. It's done many gigs and the thin nitro Heritage Cherry is worn to the point where I'm about to have it refinished as a Gold Top. It came with P90s, which I never quite enjoyed and so I had it routed for HBs. So for most of its life it's been fitted with coil split Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates. They sound so good and are not for changing. Recommended.
The right one is all of them lol you never have enough lol , I like the gibson custom shop historic 55 58 59 60
Great comparison, thanks! I bought a tribute a few weeks ago and it's been a pleasure to play.
just got mine today...favorite guitar I've ever owned.
This is how you pick the right Les Paul, for yourself? What you do, is you open up your wallet, and you count how much money you have?if you have a ton of money, you buy the custom, or Standard, if you’re on the light side, you buy the tribute or studio? All worth owning!
I do own a 50’s slandered but it is a case Queen. I need a studio for an every day les paul.
good man for giving his honest opinion and not be afraid to say the lower cost Tribute was his favorite. there is no shame in that lower cost gibson. i like it when people guitar shame other people. It shows me the type person they are and i won't be hanging around with them.
its that push pull stuff that screw's it up to me
It's pretty simple. The cheapest one
If I could have one, would be any with P90s.
P90s are incredible. My latest addition is a Gibson SG Special with P90s. Insane range of tones.
@@MD-mh6iu I have a Tagima Jazzmaster with P90s and varitone. It's has a good range too.
I recently purchased a Les Paul Tribute. This the best guitar I've owned so far. It's light, stays in tune unlike any other. Sound is great even with no amp. Tones are VERY warm and perfect for jazz, blues. You need a good amp or effects if you wanna go hard rock or metal, or you might wanna go for the P90 version for that (I will probably get myself one of those P90s version).
Yes, I agree this Tribute plays great. I know in the past Gibson made these with P90's, I am waiting for Gibson to make those again I will definitely get one.
@@tomrosa4248 I think they make a Les Paul Special Tribute with P-90's. Of course, then there's no carved maple top but, it's such a kickass workhorse Gibson!
The Tributes are basically what poor stooges buy when they can’t afford higher quality gear.
@@automatoncollectives7237 the only stooge is someone lame enough to troll other people's guitar choices. Get lost. Lol
@@crypticreality8484 I’m merely pointing out not all Gibsons are alike. Just because it says Gibson on the headstock doesn’t mean it’s a great guitar. I think your confirmation bias precludes you from understanding that. No legendary player would be caught dead playing that abomination.
Like the tributes kind a basic look. The one I bought bout two years agoo, the fret ends were a little rough but apart from that, a lot of gibson for the money.
Your attitude playing the Standard completely changed....Truly a great sound
I sold my Tribute w/P90’s and regret it every day…
I Love the tribute compared to the other 2. I added to simple cosmetic changes. I added the poker chip on the toggle switch, and changed the dials to the vintage 1970’s ones, with the words volume & tone showing. Big difference to me.
Also changed the jack plate to a metal one. Very minor.
I'd like to have a tribute with a 250 tone pot in the neck pickup.
Hi! I'm Paolo from Italy. I think your videos are great! Both simply and exaustive. Very useful for one like me who is trying to study english (io parlo italiano/ je parle francais). I love the new Gibson Supreme 2024... but is true that it's only a modern with some precious decorations and a custom price? What making a video to explain their differences? Forgive my english and thank you so much for your videos!
I am a recent Les Paul convert and I must agree with my limited knowledge that is. I have two Original Series (a 60’s Standard and a 70’s Deluxe) as well as a Tribute Goldtop P90 model. The Tribute punches way above its weight.
Anybody know what he is playing? Or is it just inprov?
I love your hate. I think nobody puts as much time, effort and research into guitar reviews, as you do. Thanks for that. Totally honest and informative...
I tried a 58' and a 59' in London, they were both "shit" to play on for me. Tried one of the 25 Custom Rebuilds, also "shit".
Then I found a 2019 Standard Les Paul in the wrong color that was just amazing from the first touch. My #1 guitar which has something really magical about it. The color has no meaning anymore because it's just amazing. Love it and it sounds like out of this world.
(Yes changed the pups as Gibson stock are all trash).
The wrong color I even had to pay an extra 100€ for, because it was a special color that year :( But I got one of the best Les Paul's in the world :)
Never listen to others. Just try a lot of guitars and go with your gut feeling.
Anybody know the lick/song he was playing it sounds really cool to learn and im a beginner looking for smth good to practice
It's so funny how the Gibson guitar world considers orange drop caps as great caps. I'm also a Hi-Fi enthusiast, and I would not dare buy any piece of audio gear with orange drop caps. There are so many better caps out there, Mundorffs, Audio Notes, Jupiters etc. Can't remember the cost of a Tribute exactly, but I would bet the two output Duelund caps, that I put into my DAC, cost more than a Gibson Tribute. I know cost isn't everything, but they are wound with OCC silver...they are, however, the size of coke cans...can't put those in my Les Paul....hehe. Even so, I've never put different caps into my guitars. I just think it's funny how one industry considers them great, and another considers them junk.
I have a 2023 Gibson Les paul studio plus and i have also owned the classic and standard. I also have the Gibson SG Derek Trucks with the 57 pups and a 91 Heritage H150. The sound difference from the studio to the BB in the standard isn't that far apart. Do the BB sound a little better? Yes but not worth spending 250-300 bucks. My SG with tne 57 classic honestly is my best guitar. Theres not a les paul out there that sounds better and ive played dozens. My studio is a great guitar and the Tribute is just ok IMHO. If for some reason you decide to upgrade from a Tribute to a standard or another model you will feel the blow when you go to sell that tribute. The studio holds far more value over the tribute and it deserves to. The satin finish damages if you sneeze on it, its paper thin. The studio has a nice gloss finish and better woods. For what its worth if you put a set of Dimarzio 59 paf in any les paul its the best money you ever spent for a classic rock or blues tone.
no mention of the neck styles?
Nice comparison. Is the tribute a maple neck?
Yes
The new studio are now $2,000 they are an amazing guitar for the money. I have an lp special TV my baby . Also have a new ebony studio and a 2012 studio. Never played an lp tribute but i do have a gibson sg tribute that is a great guitar for 1,300 & wont break your back. 😅
I love my tribute but neck pickup is a bit muddy. I want a standard badly and may opt for a 60s although don’t like the reflector knobs much. I also love the 1959 custom VOS
Came very close to buying a studio smokehouse burst, ended up with an S2 Mccarty 594 instead. Just worked for me more
I have a Gibson Les Paul studio in smokehouse burst. I am also a huge PRS fan. I own a PRS core 24, had a ce 24, PRS Chris Robertson, had 245. I think they both sound stellar... similar but different. Tough choices for sure. 594 is a killer guitar. I think the Gibson is more focused and biting and the PRS 594 more open and fatter sounding...
Of course the correct answer is the “classic”. All the body binding and appointments of the standard, burst buckers, coil tapping, out of phase switch, and direct switch for the bridge. Best of all, less $ than the standard.
I traded a 2018 Duesenberg Starplayer TV + $ for a 2023 Les Paul 50's Standard at my local music store. Haven't looked back in the slightest.
Can I just say, as I look around the RUclips videos before I purchase a Gibson it was so refreshing to come across this video. Unlike the other American ones who for some reason seem to shout instead of talk, you give an informative and balanced video with a nice soft delivery 👍🏻
I think that the maple neck on the tribute might have added some clarity acoustically but Im not sure if the difference in clarity could be heard in the signal. I tried the studio and the weight relief added a really woody hollow tone kinda like a semi hollow. But it wasnt captured by the amp. These acoustic sounds do add to the playing experience and both cater to different preferences. The studios lack of clarity could be ideal for someone who enjoys playing slide for example.
Hope to own a Gibson one day...Great video! I used to think Gibson was to expensive, But really, its not their fault I can't afford it...
I had one (SG), sold it after only 6 months of ownership... Its just a brand on a headstock, there are much better guitars out there for much less money and way better quality.
Easy. If the power company cuts you off you shoulda got the Tribute vs the Standard. Now that Gibson sells pickups you can make them all sound the same.
Can i buy a Pole and replace the Gibson pickups with the ceramic pickups from a Squire Bullit Strat. Better.