Comments about Gibson Les Paul Traditional Mahogany Satin Electric Guitar:

I've been fortunate to have owned and played my share of Les Pauls through the years, from a '68 DeLuxe to '02 Standard Plus and from a newer Traditional Plus to the latest Tradition Mahogany Satin (LPTMS) model. The precept regarding Maple caps over Mahogany bodies for LPs has always been the added sonic range and snap that the combination of these two primary tonewoods imparts to the instrument. That may be true to the degree of the trained ear listening to a blind comparison between the Maple/Mahogany combo and the all Mahogany approach, but in my experience, the components that equally affect LP tone are the pickups, pots/caps, setup, wiring and string gauge.

Specific to the LPTMS model, I really do believe these other components have a dramatic effect on the guitar. For example, I'm not a huge fan of Gibson's '57 Classic pickups as they've always sounded a little quacky and squeally to me regardless of what guitar in which they're being used. So when I received my LPTMS Vintage Burst a couple of weeks ago, I gave the stock '57 pickups every opportunity to change my opinion of them, and they did not come through - still quacky and squeally to my ear. I've since replaced the 57s with a set of Rio Grande Texas BBQ pickups and the difference was remarkable, but I could hear a little muddiness when the pickups were pushed, so I replaced the stock caps with Sprague 225P Orange Drops (.022 Bridge and .015 Neck) and the results were much, much better. I rewired 50s style which is an extremely simple change that can make a fair amount of tonal difference and in how the tone pots react to volume changes.

I also set up the stop tail piece 50s style by tightening the tail piece flush with the body and reverse threading the strings through the string holes then wrapping the string over top of the tail piece. Again, a subtle but somewhat noticeable difference in string vibration transference to the body.

Some might ask, "How could you do such a thing to a stock Les Paul?" Well, I've been playing for 40 years and I strive to get the most out of my instruments and these are the types of changes I've found to be most effective to achieve tonal improvement.

Everything else about the LPTMS sent to me from Musician's Friend is impeccable, even though I purchased a "Condition 2" instrument. I was able to locate the defects noted in the online description, but even the most scrutinizing player would find these issue negligible. I'm extremely pleased with the build quality of the guitar. The all-Mahogany top in the Vintage Burst is a beautiful departure from my '02 Standard Plus - it's so simply in appearance, yet very elegant in design and treatment. It does give the sense of a well-played instrument, yet the functionality is all first rate and very solid. The only downside I have with any Gibson that comes stock with the white interior case is the odor. Smells like a blend of vanilla and bananas - not offensive, but unfortunately, it does impart its essence onto the guitar. I have another newer LP with this case and the odor has not diminished with time.

If you're looking for a great deal on an almost new/almost used LPTMS, Musician's Friend is hard to beat. And, if you're willing to put a little more cash, effort and time into it, I believe you will end up with a superior guitar. Just my opinion.

Comments about Gibson Les Paul Traditional Mahogany Satin Electric Guitar:

The guitar is a amazing the tone is Killer and then Some, I Love Rock An Roll Blues This Axe Can Do It All, Super Tone Monster.

Comments about Gibson Les Paul Traditional Mahogany Satin Electric Guitar:

This guitar is an amazing buy. You get all the gibson features without the gibson price. amazing guitar for the money. It sings throu my marshall half stack and has unbelievable sustain. It came Quickly through the mail and arrived without a scratch on it. i love the case it comes with. its solid and nicely padded. if you are on the fence about this guitar, get off the fence and buy it. now. it is by far the most satisfying purchase i have ever made.

Comments about Gibson Les Paul Traditional Mahogany Satin Electric Guitar:

I have bought many products from Musician's friend over the last 15 years. I've never been disappointed. In this case, it is the second time I have purchased a "used" instrument. The other time was an acoustic Rainsong guitar. In both cases, I cannot for the life of me find any signs of it being used. The set-up, appearance and feel is amazing. Maybe someone could go over this guitar and find a blemish or two, but I'm stumped. At any rate, I PLAY my guitars, so eventually they will look used anyhow, so what's the big deal? Virgins are vastly over rated. All I know is that I finally own a Les Paul, and paid a ridiculously low price. Thank you, guys, once again for putting an instrument in my hands that I thought was out of reach.

Comments about Gibson Les Paul Traditional Mahogany Satin Electric Guitar:

You know what to expect from a Les Paul Traditional. It's an excellent guitar and I got this one at an amazing price as it was in 'less than new condition' (but still near mint really). There were some light scratches on the pick guard from a bit of use (which you could only see at an angle in a certain light) but who really cares about that? Otherwise it was in perfect shape, and was shipped promptly. I gig quite a bit and no doubt this one will be my primary axe for rockin' out. You should get one.

Comments about Gibson Les Paul Traditional Mahogany Satin Electric Guitar:

I can't think of a single thing wrong with this guitar. It was set up perfect out of the box. I have played several guitars over the years and this one is by far the best. I own 2 other guitars and after playing this guitar exclusively for a month now, I finally decided to pick up my Ibanez RG370 and was surprised to find that it sounded terrible in comparison.

Comments about Gibson Les Paul Traditional Mahogany Satin Electric Guitar:

Love the 57 classic/ Classic Plus...guitar just sings through my Fender tube amp. Has that vintage sweet bluesy sound. I have owned no less than 6 LPs over the years and this is my favorite.
Has the usual LP features...what else do you need?
Mine is perfect with no blemishes...weighs 8.5 lbs. Neck feels wonderful...frets are smooth with no buzz...intonation is right on the money.
Not cheap..but if you want a Gibson Les Paul, your money is well spent. there is nothing like a Gibson LP.