If you’re wondering whether Gibson Les Paul Classic is a good electric guitar or not, you’ve come to the right place! In today’s in-depth review, I’m going to take a very close look on that high-end electric guitar. It’s a really iconic model, but is it actually worth the hype?
The truth is that the LP Classic is an absolutely amazing electric guitar. It certainly looks, feels and sounds like a high-end guitar. Although it’s expensive, it’s worth the money. So yes, it’s worth the hype!
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes this model so good and so popular among the guitarists all around the world. We’ll have a look at the specifications of that model, the biggest prod and cons of that axe and we’ll check out a few sound demos too. We’ll also compare it with a few other Gibsons!
Specs & Pricing
This is a high quality electric guitar designed for the most demanding guitarists out there. What’s more, it is actually one of the most popular high-end Les Paul models that are currently manufactured by Gibson.
What makes it so special? Well, the guitar features a mahogany body with maple top, a comfortable Mahogany SlimTaper neck and an easy-playing rosewood fingerboard. This is a huge advantage of that guitar, because it guarantees an enjoyable and comfortable playing experience.
There’s also a ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge and vintage-style Grover Rotomatic tuners which significantly improve the tuning stability of that axe.
The manufacturer equipped this model with a pair of high quality Burstbucker humbuckers (61R & 61T) which offer a lot of versatility when it comes to tone. They sound really similar to the PAF-style pickups, so as you can imagine – that’s a really big advantage! They’re perfect for rock and metal music.
It is also worth mentioning that the LP Classic is available in a few different color versions. That includes Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Honeyburst, Smokehouse Burst and Translucent Cherry.
When it comes to pricing, just like any other Gibson guitar – it’s not cheap! However, it’s definitely worth the money. Some guitarists claim that high-end Gibsons are overpriced, but I don’t agree with that statement.
Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out below.
Who Is It For?
This axe is suitable for guitar players of all levels. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an intermediate and experienced guitarist, you will definitely notice and appreciate the high quality of that unique axe.
However, since it’s a pretty expensive guitar, most of the times it’s used by advanced guitar players.
Just like any other Les Paul model, the LP Classic is a particularly good choice for all lovers of rock and metal. Glassy cleans or powerful high-gain tones – it can do it all!
Additionally, this guitar is also a fantastic choice for any working musician who makes a living out of playing music. If you often perform live or record in the studio, choosing the LP Classic will be an excellent choice for you.
Since it’s not a cheap model, it’s mainly designed for guitar players who know what they’re looking for. If you’re tired of playing on cheap Gibson alternatives and you finally want to get a real Gibson, this is the way to go.
Overall, I’m positive that the vast majority of guitar players will be extremely happy after adding this model to their own collections. This is the classic, legendary Les Paul – and it’s better than ever.
Here’s an another sound demo.
Pros & Cons
Just like any other electric guitar available on the market, this cool guitar has its own advantages and disadvantages. You don’t have to be worried though! It seems pretty clear that in this case there are far more pros rather than cons.
Pros
- Amazing Tone
- Classic Look
- Lightweight
- Comfortable Neck
- Included Case
- Various Color Versions
Cons
- High Price
As you can see, there are a lot of things that can be considered as major advantages of the LP Classic. This guitar looks, feels and sounds absolutely fantastic. Additionally, unlike the vintage Gibsons which are very heavy, this model is surprisingly lightweight. That’s a huge advantage!
The major disadvantage of that axe is the high price. I think that it’s the biggest obstacle that may stop you from getting it straight away. Not many guitarists will be able to purchase that guitar without a long period of saving up.
Nevertheless, I think that the advantages of the LP Classic outweigh its disadvantages. Yes, it’s an expensive guitar, but it’s totally worth it. In the end, the best gear on the market is never cheap. That’s why I highly recommend checking it out!
Classic vs Studio Models
A lot of guitarists who are thinking about getting a high-end Gibson Les Paul often can’t decide whether they should choose the Classic or the Studio version. What are the differences between them and which one of them is actually better?
The main difference between the LP Classic and Studio is the price – the Studio model is a bit more affordable. They also have different pickups and they sound a bit differently as well.
Personally, I prefer the sound of the Classic model – it sounds way more balanced for me. However, this is only my subjective opinion, so you may disagree with me on that one. But the truth is that both of these guitars are great!
Here’s a great video that compares the tone of these two guitars – feel free to check it out below.
Gibson or Epiphone?
A lot of guitarists often can’t decide whether they should choose a high-end Les Paul made by Gibson or a bit cheaper alternative made by Epiphone.
This is a part of larger debate that raises controversy among a lot of guitarists all around the world – are more expensive guitars always better?
The truth is that it’s really difficult to answer that question. In my opinion, most of the time more expensive Gibsons are way better than their cheap copies made by Epiphone. But the difference is not as huge as you may think – the cheaper copies are usually fantastic as well.
However, it all depends on your current situation. If you can’t afford getting a Gibson, it’s pretty obvious that getting an Epiphone will be a much better choice for you.
Here’s a great video that compares the affordable Epiphone with a much more expensive Gibson Les Paul – feel free to check it out below.
Cheaper Alternatives
If you don’t like the sound of Gibson Les Paul Classic or you simply can’t afford it right now, that’s not a big deal! The market is full of other really good electric guitars that are also worth checking out.
Of course, choosing your next electric guitar should be based on your own personal preferences and most importantly, on the size of your budget. Here’s three other fantastic guitars that you should also check out.
1. Best High-End Alternative Option
If you’re into rock and metal, you should definitely consider getting the Fender Jim Root Telecaster. This is not a LP-style guitar, but since it’s equipped with a pair of powerful humbuckers, it delivers a lot of punch.
Whats important, this is a signature model of Jim Root (Slipknot). Whether you like their music or not, you have to agree that they’re one of the most legendary metal bands of all time!
This signature Telecaster features a lot of versatility when it comes to tone and it’s very comfortable to play thanks to a really thin neck. It’s perfect for shredding, so if that’s your kind of vibe, you should definitely check it out.
Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best Telecasters for rock and metal that you can potentially find in the offer of Fender. And although it’s not cheap, it’s still way more affordable than the Gibson Les Paul Classic.
2. Best Mid-Range Alternative Option
If you’re searching for the best mid-range alternative option, you should definitely consider getting the ESP LTD EC-256. When it comes to appearance, it looks really similar to the Gibson Les Paul Classic and it has a similar body shape.
Who is it for? Well, I think that it’s a fantastic alternative for those can’t get either Gibson LP Classic or Studio. If you aren’t interested in getting the Epiphone Les Paul Classic, choosing this ESP LTD will be a fantastic option for you.
It is also worth mentioning that in comparison with high-end Gibsons, this is a way more affordable guitar. Although it’s not the best axe in the world, it certainly stands out from the other similar guitars available at this price range. Great option!
3. Best Cheap Alternative Option
Epiphone Les Paul Special VE is one of the cheapest Les Pauls that you can currently find on the market. It is pretty obvious that it features a much lower quality than a high-end Gibson Les Paul Classic, but it’s still a pretty good choice for beginners and guitarists on a tight budget.
I had the pleasure to test out this guitar on my own and I was particularly impressed by the neck of that axe. It has a satin finish which feels really nice and it guarantees an enjoyable playing experience.
If you’re looking for a cheap and reliable electric guitar and you don’t want to spend too much money on it, choosing the LP Special VE model will be a fantastic option for you. It has its own flaws, but generally it’s a great piece of gear!
FAQ
Where is this guitar manufactured?
The Les Paul Classic is manufactured in the United States.
What is the scale length of that guitar?
24.75″.
What strings does this model have?
Gibson strings (.010-.046).
Where can I find out more about Gibson guitars?
If you want to find out more about Gibson guitars, make sure to check out the official website of Gibson.
Summary
As you can see, the LP Classic is an absolutely amazing electric guitar. If you’re searching for a high quality axe suitable for live performances and studio sessions, this is the way to go. I know that it’s a quite expensive guitar, but trust me – it’s really worth it.
What do you think of that Les Paul model? Would you get it for yourself or do you think that it’s overrated? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for checking out today’s review, hopefully it was helpful and you found what you were looking for. If you’re searching for more gear recommendations and you’re into high-end guitars, you may also like:
