You can choose between coil-tap and coil-split (a bit like the difference between a true single-coil pickup and a P90), you can engage the treble bleed circuit, and even switch on what is essentially an on-board compressor (the Transient Supression circuit) – a handy tool if you’re recording. This gives you a massive selection of different tones. As well as having a coil tap function, whereby you lift the volume knobs to get single coil-like tones (the Les Paul Studio has this as well), the Standard has an internal 5-way DIP switch. In terms of versatility, this is where the 2019 Standard really excels. Gibson Les Paul Standard 2019 in Trans Amber and Gibson Les Paul Studio 2019 in Tangerine Burst The pickups in the Studio are rated by Gibson as having a slightly higher output, though the difference is pretty slight – both guitars make for excellent choices for any rock player. Both give you an undeniably ‘Les Paul’ tone though. The Studio is a little bit mellower, with a slight peak in the upper mids (great for cutting through a band mix). In terms of how they sound – I find the Standard to be a little bit brighter, and somehow harmonically richer (though that could well be due to differences in wood and build). The Standard is fitted with Burstbucker Pro pickups, the Studio is fitted with an Alnico 498 in the bridge and a 490 in the neck. Just by looking at the table, you can see that there are quite a few differences between two seemingly very similar guitars. Phase changing option(in middle position) Internal DIP switch (gives a huge variety of tonal options)Īlnico 498T (Alnico V), Alnico 490R (Alnico II) The differences in spec are highlighted in the table below for a more in-depth comparison, carry on reading. With all the change in spec and what not, you might wonder what the differences are between these two guitars – that’s why we’ve put together this handy guide. Two staple models that we see every year are the flagship Les Paul Standard and the Les Paul Studio. Every year, Gibson update their range of USA guitars, sometimes changing models around, adding new ones in, swapping out pickups etc.

Les paul studio plus