Les Paul standard vs studio

[Grand Funk fan]

After 35 years of strats and teles, I'm buying my first Les Paul. Based on everything I've read the busrtbuckers that come on the 50s standard suit my needs. I play hard classic rock, Grand Funk, Ted Nugent, etc. Ive been looking at the Les Paul studio but I prefer the more PAF style pickups on the standard. Is there a big enough difference in tone to justify the considerable price difference between the standard and the studio? If I opted for the studio and changed the pickups is there anything else the standard offers that matters? Thanks in advance, the guitar stores in my area don't stock either model.

 

[FenRx]

studios often have thinner bodies, simpler finishes (colors, thickness, etc) and lack binding.

Most of the differences are cosmetic. Personally, Id go standard if money isn’t an issue. I know thatd I want the complete package.

But tone? Thats mostly in the electronics.

 

[Grand Funk fan]

studios often have thinner bodies, simpler finishes (colors, thickness, etc) and lack binding.

Most of the differences are cosmetic. Personally, Id go standard if money isn’t an issue. I know thatd I want the complete package.

But tone? Thats mostly in the electronics.

Got the Standard. You only live once.

 

[Bob Womack]

I've owned Standards, Tributes, and Studios. The Standards stayed with me - the others were traded.

Bob

 

[Hemi]

Got the Standard. You only live once.

Your be happy. Good choice.

 

[slugsgomoo]

I'll be a dissenting voice and say it depends on the individual instrument. I've got a 2012 standard and a 1994 studio, and I plan to sell the standard because the studio has a ton of mojo and speaks to me. That and the standard is too nice, so I never play it.

 

[Drtom3]

Had a standard and a studio, sold the standard. Couple years later now, thinking about getting a second studio.

 

[Vanaspatti77]

I’m interested in ordering a studio from the Gibson website but I’ve heard some nightmare stories where people are getting broken guitars and generally banged up guitars and stuff. What do y’all think about ordering sight unseen?

 

[Aahzz]

I’m interested in ordering a studio from the Gibson website but I’ve heard some nightmare stories where people are getting broken guitars and generally banged up guitars and stuff. What do y’all think about ordering sight unseen?

I ordered one of the Gibson exclusive Les Paul Juniors from them - it's the only way to get one, after all. Mine shipped quickly, well packed, and arrived in excellent shape - I wouldn't hesitate to order from them again based on my one experience.

 

[Vanaspatti77]

I ordered one of the Gibson exclusive Les Paul Juniors from them - it's the only way to get one, after all. Mine shipped quickly, well packed, and arrived in excellent shape - I wouldn't hesitate to order from them again based on my one experience.

Thanks, the one I’m interested in is an exclusive also so I have to get it from the site too