Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar

Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar

The Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus is a special version of the famous Les Paul guitar. It displays various design choices and material selections. These are common for Gibson from that period.

It also includes typical manufacturing methods used by the company. This detailed analysis aims to provide a comprehensive, neutral, and objective examination of the instrument’s features, construction, and potential implications for its sonic and ergonomic properties.

I. Historical Context and Lineage:

The Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar series has been a simpler and cheaper version of the classic Les Paul Standard since it started. It typically omits certain cosmetic embellishments, such as elaborate binding and figured tops, while retaining the fundamental tonal characteristics and construction principles.

The Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar is different from the usual models. It has features that try to connect the Studio with higher-end models. Understanding this placement within Gibson’s product hierarchy is crucial for contextualizing the instrument’s intended purpose and target audience.

II. Body Construction and Materials:

The Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar has a classic Les Paul design. It features a solid mahogany back. Mahogany, known for its dense and resonant properties, contributes to the instrument’s characteristic warmth and sustain.

The top, however, is a significant point of differentiation. The standard Studio models usually have plain maple or other types of tops.

The “Plus” label means it has a figured maple top. This figured maple, typically exhibiting flame or quilt patterns, adds an aesthetic dimension that elevates the instrument’s visual appeal. The grade and quality of figured maple can vary. This affects its look and possibly its sound.

The body’s weight relief is another critical aspect. Gibson employs various weight relief techniques to mitigate the inherent heaviness of the Les Paul design. The Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar models, including the Studio Plus, often utilize “modern weight relief,” characterized by strategically placed internal cavities.

This process aims to reduce the overall weight while preserving the structural integrity and tonal properties. The specific pattern and extent of the weight relief can influence the instrument’s resonance and sustain, though the degree of this influence is subject to ongoing debate within the guitar community.

The body finish is typically a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer. This finish, while requiring a more meticulous application process compared to polyurethane finishes, is often favored for its perceived ability to allow the wood to resonate more freely. The specific color options available for the Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar varied, reflecting the aesthetic trends and market demands of that period.

III. Neck Construction and Materials:

The neck of the Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar is constructed from mahogany, consistent with the traditional Les Paul design. The neck profile, a crucial ergonomic factor, can vary across different models and years. The specific neck profile for the Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar should be examined to determine its dimensions and shape, which directly impact playability and comfort. Gibson’s neck profiles range from slim taper to rounded profiles, each offering a distinct feel.

The fingerboard is typically made from rosewood, though alternative materials like granadillo or richlite may have been used due to CITES regulations affecting rosewood availability. The fingerboard radius, the curvature of the fingerboard surface, can influence the ease of bending notes and the overall playing experience. The standard Gibson radius is often 12 inches, providing a comfortable balance between chording and soloing.

The frets are typically medium-jumbo size, offering a balance between playability and durability. The fret material, often a nickel-silver alloy, contributes to the instrument’s tonal characteristics and wear resistance. The nut, the point where the strings pass from the fingerboard to the headstock, is often made from TekToid, a synthetic material designed to enhance sustain and tuning stability.

IV. Electronics and Hardware:

The electronics of the Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar play a pivotal role in shaping its tonal character. The pickups are a critical component of the electronic system. Gibson typically utilizes humbucker pickups in its Les Paul models, known for their warm, thick tone and ability to reduce unwanted noise.

The specific pickup models used in the Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar should be examined to determine their output level, tonal characteristics, and intended application. Common Gibson humbucker models include the 490R/498T combination, Burstbucker series, and Classic 57s.

The control layout typically consists of two volume and two tone controls, along with a three-way toggle switch. This configuration allows for a wide range of tonal variations and blending possibilities. The potentiometers, the variable resistors controlling the volume and tone, should be examined for their taper and quality, as these factors can influence the precision and responsiveness of the controls.

The hardware, including the bridge, tailpiece, and tuning machines, plays a crucial role in tuning stability, sustain, and overall performance. The bridge is typically a Tune-o-matic design, offering adjustable intonation and string height. The tailpiece, often a stopbar design, contributes to the instrument’s sustain and resonance. The tuning machines, typically Grover or similar models, provide precise and stable tuning.

V. Unique Features and Limited Edition Aspects:

The “Limited Edition” designation of the Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar implies the presence of unique features or specifications that differentiate it from standard production models. These features may include:

• Specific Finish Options: Limited edition models often feature unique or rare finish options that are not available on standard production models.
• Special Pickup Configurations: The instrument may feature a unique pickup configuration or custom-wound pickups that are not found on other models.
• Enhanced Hardware: The hardware may be upgraded or feature a unique finish or design.
• Unique Inlays or Binding: The instrument may feature unique inlays or binding patterns that are not found on standard production models.
• Certificate of Authenticity: Limited edition models often include a certificate of authenticity, verifying their limited production status.

The specific unique features of the Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar should be examined to determine their impact on the instrument’s aesthetic, sonic, and ergonomic properties.

VI. Sonic Characteristics and Performance:

The sonic characteristics of the Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar are influenced by the interplay of its construction, materials, and electronics. The mahogany body and maple top contribute to the instrument’s warm, resonant tone with a focused midrange and articulate high frequencies. The humbucker pickups provide a thick, powerful tone with ample sustain, suitable for a wide range of musical genres.

The instrument’s playability is influenced by its neck profile, fingerboard radius, and fret size. The specific neck profile should be examined to determine its suitability for different playing styles and hand sizes. The fingerboard radius and fret size contribute to the instrument’s overall comfort and ease of play.

The instrument’s tuning stability and sustain are influenced by the quality of its hardware and construction. The Tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece, and Grover tuning machines contribute to stable tuning and enhanced sustain. The solid construction and weight relief techniques contribute to the instrument’s overall resonance and sustain.

VII. Comparative Analysis and Market Positioning:

To fully understand the Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar, it is essential to compare it to other models within the Les Paul lineup and its competitors. This comparative analysis should consider factors such as price, features, sonic characteristics, and target audience.

The Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar occupies a specific niche within the Les Paul lineup, bridging the gap between the standard Studio models and higher-tier models like the Standard and Custom. Its figured maple top and limited edition features elevate its aesthetic appeal and perceived value. Compared to its competitors, such as other single-cutaway guitars with humbuckers, the Gibson Les Paul offers a distinct tonal character and design aesthetic that appeals to a specific segment of the market.

VIII. Conclusion:

The Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus represents a specific iteration of the Les Paul design, incorporating features that differentiate it from standard production models. Its figured maple top, unique finish options, and potential for enhanced hardware contribute to its aesthetic appeal and perceived value. The instrument’s sonic characteristics, influenced by its construction, materials, and electronics, provide a versatile tonal palette suitable for a wide range of musical genres. The instrument’s playability and ergonomic properties are influenced by its neck profile, fingerboard radius, and fret size.

Ultimately, the suitability of the Gibson 2017 Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Plus Electric Guitar for a particular player depends on their individual preferences, playing style, and musical needs. A thorough examination of the instrument’s specifications, sonic characteristics, and ergonomic properties is essential for making an informed decision. The instrument’s limited edition status and unique features may appeal to collectors and players seeking a distinctive and visually appealing Les Paul.