Page 109 - Guitar Classics Magazine - The Les Paul Bible 2019
P. 109
REVIEWS
it before, but try knocking back the neck volume
to about 8.5 with the pickup selector in the middle
position – it’s such an expressive voice for lead work
and you don’t have to pile on the gain to get plenty
of sustain and harmonic content to work with.
Although traditionalists might bristle at the Tribute
model’s cost-saving specifications, such as weight
relief, a 5mm shallower body and PCB-mounted
controls, we strongly recommend playing one
and making up your own mind – this is a toneful,
lightweight Les Paul that’s less stressful to
throw on for a rehearsal or pub gig than its more
luxurious sibling.
Both guitars have bridge pickups that are a
touch brash when you really dig in and there’s
definitely room for further improvement. However,
on balance, there’s an appealing simplicity here
which, if not quite a full-scale revolution, feels like
a step in the right direction for Gibson – especially
when you consider that the pricing is now more
competitive, too.
LIKE THIS? TRY THESE…
Eastman SB59 Plain Top £1,599, Maybach Lester 59 Aged £1,721,
PRS S2 Singlecut Standard Satin £999
THE LES PAUL BIBLE 109
