gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

KLINKDETROIT

New member
I know the studio does not have the binding but what about the 498t pickups or the maple top? Is it thinner thana standard? What other differences are there and are the 498t pickups crap? I have a c5 in another guitar and wondered how it would sound?
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

Supposedly, the modern Studio's are nearly identical to the Standards in terms of build. From what I've read, they stopped making the thinner Studio's sometime in the 90's.
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

I have a studio, and I'm pretty sure it is the same size as a std., like screamingdaisy said they stopped doing the thinner ones some time in the nineties (i think), the only real differences are no binding and less finish choice as far as I know.
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

I own a 2001 studio, and I've played a handful of standards at guitar shops, and I really haven't noticed anything. There really seemed to be no difference in playability to me, and the only sound difference was the pickups.
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

I have a '95 Studio that plays, sounds, and is constructed the same as a Standard except for binding. I find the neck to be a hair rounder than the slim-tapered neck models. Your C-5 and a '59 or Jazz would probably sound great in one. I opted for the JB/Jazz combination.
...Bob
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

My new studio sounds darker than my friends 2 deluxes or the standard another friend has. Is it the pickups making the difference or the guitar? I have heard some say that the top of the studio is thinner than other models. I just checked out another studio limited edition and the top is copper and the body is black. The copper top part is thinner than the standards and deluxes as far as the paint jpb goes. Did they just paint it like that or is it as thin as the top color suggests?
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

It's hard to say exactly why your Studio sounds darker without knowing what kind of pickups are in the other guitars, and then comparing them to yours. If you all are using the same pickups it could even be a matter of what strings you're using. It also depends on how the guitars are set up, too. String-height and pickup-height play big roles in a guitar's sound. I have my bridge pickup adjusted as high as I can get it without fouling the strings, and keep the neck pup almost as close as the bridge. My Studio definitely doesn't sound dark.
About the 498T stock Gibson hummers....there are many who like the sound of them and really it's all in what your ears like. They didn't sound bad to me, I just wanted a more vintage sound so I swapped 'em out.
As far as the finishes are concerned I would only guess that the thickness of the copper paint is just that....the paint and not the wood covering the top of the body.
....Bob
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

Thanx. Any one know if Gibson sells satin chrome replacement parts for this guitar I bought? It has all brushed satin chrome stuff on it.
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

Look in the aftermarket. It's much cheaper.
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

Thanks alot. I didnt find any brushed chrome though? I emailed Gibson so we will see if they are of any help on the pickup covers?
 
Last edited:
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

why not get a studio and just replace the parts with cream hardware! and ta da you get a standard with no binding haha, as far as playability the oens i have played seem the same to me as standards. I would love to buy one if i had the money.
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

so, given the topic, now seems like a logical time to ask a question i've always wondered:
why are standards almost twice as expensive as studios? Where is all that extra cash going? from what we've discussed, it isn't in the assembly, because they play the same. Do upgraded pickups, binding, and a nice finish REALLY cost as much as the guitar itself? (hence, making it twice as expensive as those without the nicer finishes, ie, studios)
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

Good question. I wondered that myself. Has anyone tried the studio coppertop or other limited edition colors with a ebony neck without inlays? How do they compare to the other studios or standards? I know they look different. In my guitarists oppinion his standard blows mine away but is it just his emgs that make it sound brighter/ tighter. or what. My guitar sounded muffled and muddy compared to his. Why? I use the stock pickup Gibson 498T. I like my c5 pickup for my Schecter but wonder how it will sound in the Gibson studio compared to the 498t?
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

I personally was not a fan of the stock pickups in my studio, but now that I have the JB/Jazz in there, I LOVE it. And actually, I decided to put the Gibson pickups in a strat I was screwing around with, and they sounded much nicer in it.
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

The curent studios are the same specs as the standards except the pickups, binding, and flamed tops. The Studio is the bottom of the line that still delivers that classic Les Paul tone and feel. Personally, I just prefer the more traitional look of binding and to me that's worth the extra money. But it's not proportional to actual cost that's for sure.
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

I checked my studio next to a 2 deluxes and a standard. They were all a little thicker than the studio. The maple cap is thicker on the non studios. I think that may have alot to do with the tighter bass and more resonance of the non studios. My guitar is much darker and lifeless than the others. These guitars are also 1970s deluxes and a 1990 s standard. I did compare the studio to standards at guitar center and there too the standard was a little better. Does a thicker maple top make that much of a difference or is it the burstbucker compared to the 498t? I really like my c5. Is there a Gibson equivelant? Should I try to cram my c5 trembucker into lining up with the gibsons pickup covers holes ? I really would like to keep these brushed chrom covers but am wondering if I have to get Gibson pickups to fit the cover I like. What kind of Gibson pickups are the best?.
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

I understand the Les Paul Studios have thinner maple caps. I also beleive the Historic guitars may have thinner caps too, since they do not need the long shaft pots
 
Re: gibson studio versus a standard? thinner maple top? Other differences

They have a 2002+ Studio at the store which IS thinner than a Standard.
 
Back
Top