• Solid rock/blues instrument with great specs, awesome tone, and looks that kill

  
  As reviewed by Roger Hausmann on 8/2/2011

  The Joe Bonamassa Les Paul Studio Gold Top (JBLPSGT) is the first Gibson electric I have ever purchased, although I already own close to 20 Fender Strats and Teles. With all the press coverage, gorgeous photos, positive reviews, and excellent artist endorsement, I just had to try one. And I am not disappointed: The price was right, and even though the guitar wasn't available in the store, I am glad I made the switch to a serious humbucker guitar. I never thought I'd buy an artist signature model, but Joe's endorsement of an affordable quality guitar means a lot to me. Upon arrival at my house, I noticed two small flaws under the clearcoat: a tiny reflecting spec on the upper edge of the gold top and what looks like the result of 'over-buffing' on the gold top lower edge, close to the bottom strap-button. Gibson still doesn't seem to have their quality control sorted out: the inspection card shows two signatures and lots of checkmarks. Unfortunately these inspectors might be vision-impaired. Regardless, the guitar is very solid, nice looking and a very different beast compared to my Fenders: It even prefers its own amps. When played through a Fender '59 Bassman RI, it doesn't sound all that great. There is no 'chime'; the tone is almost dull with a strong emphasis on lows and mids. However, these heavenly humbuckers eventually explode, growl and scream when connected to an amp with a separate gain stage, like a Marshall, my Peavey Penta and my SUNN T50C combo. It's quite a revelation after playing single-coils through Fender amps for 40 years. I am finally discovering first-hand what the LP was made for and how it can be used in a musical context. The fat neck and short scale make this LP Studio super easy to play compared to all my Fenders. To be sure, I could have sent the guitar back, hoping to get a perfect one eventually. But I wasn't certain if Gibson can actually deliver perfectly finished instruments at this price. I'm not a collector, but a player and with this instrument, the price was right, the guitar plays well and most importantly, it is a great addition to my music. I have learned not to expect perfection from Gibson. They do however deliver an excellent value with the Joe Bonamassa Les Paul Studio: A solid rock/blues instrument with great specs, awesome tone and looks that kill (a Mockingbird).

  3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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• First time Gibson

  
  As reviewed by John Pelle on 10/14/2011

  Let me start by saying I love this guitar.I own a Martin DC Aura.Epi Les Paul Epi SG both with upgraded Gibson pickups.American Stat.This is shaping up to be my favorite.However I need to vent this is my 4th Bonamassa.Everyone i recieved had markings or a sticky neck loose pickup switch.I bought the other 3 from a different website.So after 3 got my money back bought from GC .this guitar had same kind of markings.there from a machine .This was a dissapointment this left a bad taste in my mouth. This one i got from GC was by far the best shape so i ll keep this one.Again its an awesome giutar just couldnt believe the lack of quality control at Gibson on this model.They come with an ispection card who the hell is signing there name to that they not doing a very good job.

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• Plays and soundsamazing, finish quality terrible

  
  As reviewed by Ken Holznagel on 8/8/2011

  The Good: The fat neck and special pick-ups give this guitar a great sound and feel. The Bad: The guitar smells as though it was painted the day it was shipped. Several scuff marks on the side of the body that won't buff out with polish. Between the bridge pick-up and the bridge, there was a clump of what looked like glue. I rubbed it very gently with my finger and it fell off revealing a paint chip down to the wood. The Worst: The Rhythm/Treble switch was facing sideways rather than up and down. It was an easy fix, but he guitar was inspected by several people. The main point is for assembly and finish, Gibson should be better than this especially for the price.

  2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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