Gibson unveiled their collaboration with guitar pioneer Les Paul in 1952, but it took a few years for the guitar to find its feet. In fact, despite the release of now-coveted models in 1958 and 1959, the Les Paul was – gasp! – discontinued by Gibson during 1961, not to resurface until 1968. The very idea of discontinuing the Les Paul is utterly unfathomable now, so it’s hard to think of it as just …gone. After its 1968 introduction, the Les Paul kicked around in various forms, and has done so ever since. The Les Paul Studio model was launched in 1983 to offer a cost-conscious alternative to the fully kitted-out Paul, and now there are several versions. While all are still made in the USA, a few clever little cost-cutting methods are used, particularly in the finish and cosmetics areas, to keep the price low while maintaining USA construction.

The Les Paul Studio 60s Tribute is a limited run which pays tribute to, obviously, 60s Les Pauls, particularly the P90-loaded models that came out when the run resumed in 1968 – an often overlooked part of Les Paul history. The unbound chambered mahogany body has a carved maple top, but the finish is a rough matte affair rather than a thick glossy finish like some other Studios. Continue reading →