Gibson Les Paul Tribute Review And Buying Guide

The Gibson Les Paul is one of the most iconic electric guitars in the world, and for good reason. Its rich, warm tone and sleek design have made it a favorite among guitarists for generations. But, with a price tag to match its legendary status, not everyone can afford the real deal. That's where the Gibson Les Paul Tribute comes in - a more affordable version of the classic guitar that still packs a punch.

In this article, we'll dive into the details of the Gibson Les Paul Tribute, exploring its features, benefits, and value for money. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, this review and buying guide will help you decide if the Tribute is the right guitar for you.

History of the Gibson Les Paul

Before we dive into the Tribute, it's worth taking a brief look at the history of the Gibson Les Paul. First introduced in 1952, the Les Paul was designed by Ted McCarty, the president of Gibson at the time, in collaboration with legendary guitarist Les Paul. The guitar was designed to be a more affordable alternative to the high-end hollow-body guitars that were popular at the time, while still delivering the rich, warm tone that Gibson was known for.

Over the years, the Les Paul has undergone many changes and updates, but its core design has remained the same. The guitar's mahogany body, maple top, and humbucker pickups have become iconic, and its tone has been used by countless legendary guitarists, from Jimmy Page to Slash.

What is the Gibson Les Paul Tribute?

The Gibson Les Paul Tribute is a more affordable version of the classic Les Paul guitar. Introduced in 2012, the Tribute was designed to offer the same great tone and playability as the standard Les Paul, but at a lower price point. To achieve this, Gibson used more affordable materials and manufacturing techniques, while still maintaining the high-quality standards that the company is known for.

So, what are the main differences between the Tribute and the standard Les Paul? Here are a few key differences:

• Body material: The Tribute has a mahogany body, while the standard Les Paul has a mahogany body with a maple top.
• Pickups: The Tribute has Gibson's 490R and 490T humbucker pickups, while the standard Les Paul has the more expensive BurstBucker Pro pickups.
• Hardware: The Tribute has a more affordable bridge and tailpiece, while the standard Les Paul has a higher-end bridge and tailpiece.
• Finish: The Tribute has a more subtle finish, while the standard Les Paul has a more elaborate finish with multiple layers of polyurethane.

Features and Benefits of the Gibson Les Paul Tribute

So, what do you get with the Gibson Les Paul Tribute? Here are some of the key features and benefits:

• Mahogany body: The Tribute's mahogany body provides a rich, warm tone that's perfect for rock, blues, and jazz.
• 490R and 490T humbucker pickups: These pickups deliver a clear, balanced tone with plenty of sustain.
• Rosewood fingerboard: The Tribute's rosewood fingerboard is smooth and fast, making it perfect for lead and rhythm playing.
• 22 medium-jumbo frets: The Tribute's frets are perfect for bending and vibrato, and provide a smooth playing experience.
• More affordable price point: The Tribute is significantly cheaper than the standard Les Paul, making it a great option for guitarists on a budget.

How Does the Tribute Compare to the Standard Les Paul?

So, how does the Tribute compare to the standard Les Paul? Here are a few key differences:

• Tone: The standard Les Paul has a slightly warmer, more complex tone than the Tribute, thanks to its higher-end pickups and more elaborate finish.
• Playability: The standard Les Paul has a slightly smoother playing experience than the Tribute, thanks to its higher-end hardware and more elaborate fretwork.
• Value: The standard Les Paul is significantly more expensive than the Tribute, but it also offers more features and a higher level of craftsmanship.

Who is the Gibson Les Paul Tribute For?

So, who is the Gibson Les Paul Tribute for? Here are a few key demographics:

• Beginners: The Tribute is a great option for beginners who want a high-quality guitar without breaking the bank.
• Intermediate players: The Tribute is also a great option for intermediate players who want a versatile guitar that can handle a variety of styles.
• Budget-conscious players: The Tribute is significantly cheaper than the standard Les Paul, making it a great option for players who are on a budget.

Buying Guide

So, how do you buy a Gibson Les Paul Tribute? Here are a few key things to consider:

• Price: The Tribute is generally priced between $800 and $1,200, depending on the retailer and the specific model.
• Retailers: The Tribute is available from a variety of retailers, including Guitar Center, Musician's Friend, and Amazon.
• Warranty: The Tribute comes with a limited lifetime warranty from Gibson.
• Return policy: Be sure to check the return policy of the retailer before making a purchase.

Alternatives to the Gibson Les Paul Tribute

So, what are some alternatives to the Gibson Les Paul Tribute? Here are a few key options:

• Epiphone Les Paul Special II: This guitar is a more affordable version of the Les Paul, with a similar design and features.
• Fender Stratocaster: This guitar is a classic alternative to the Les Paul, with a bolt-on neck and a single-cutaway body.
• PRS SE: This guitar is a more affordable version of the PRS Custom, with a similar design and features.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Gibson Les Paul Tribute is a great option for guitarists who want a high-quality guitar without breaking the bank. With its mahogany body, 490R and 490T humbucker pickups, and rosewood fingerboard, the Tribute delivers a rich, warm tone that's perfect for rock, blues, and jazz. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate player, or budget-conscious player, the Tribute is definitely worth considering.