Gibson Les Paul Classic Review

Les Paul Classic

Words can`t describe how far above & beyond my sales guy, Justin Wofford, went to make this a perfect transaction. Thanks Justin! About the guitar, I just have to agree with all the other good folks who left their feedback. It`s a Gibson Les Paul Classic & it plays & sounds better than I could`ve imagined. Sweetwater is now my first stop for whatever`s next!

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It doesn’t get better than this!!!

We purchased two of the exact models one for me one for my brother we are both just floored at the quality of these Gibson Les Paul classics they have weight to them sustain for days they are complete tonal beasts and the zebra pick ups are to die for.I have three other Les Pauls my brother also has another three and let me Telya these are amongst the best of them…couldn't be… read more more happy and thanks to the guys at Sweetwater! Shout out to Cory!! thank you!!! Peter K

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This Les Paul is Amazing

I've owned a few Les Paul's over my years, but this one is the best! I still love my 1974 20th anniversary 3 Pickup, in white. I have to mention that my new Classic is beautiful and sounds even better than it looks. The new electronics are an incredible improvement or addition. I could not love this axe more. Sweetwater is an amazing resource, and my sales rep Mike Wright is above… read more and beyond in all respects. Buy this axe and give Mike a shot

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The Whole Package

Literally. Virtually every detail of this guitar and the accessories that it came with are flawless. The neck shape, the 12" radius of the fingerboard, and the scale length all combine for amazing playability. The case is the best made case I've found (I have 14 instruments) with heavy duty black clasps and hinges, working lock, large heal-pin bumper and a very snug fit. Also included… read more was a leather Gibson guitar strap and multi too. A manual with adjustment and maintenance instructions too. Sweetwater threw in a photo too. She plays like a dream. And the photos do not do it justice.

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Keith

Did not need another guitar, but this is an amazing guitar. The push pull pots definitely change the sound with each knob. 9 pounds 5 ounces show the weight reduction works, yet still has incredible sustain. It's a Gibson, so the fretboard is smooth and very easy to play. This unique color looks WAY better in person and is an attention grabber, yet in a subtle way. I have a Gibson… read more ES339 and love that guitar, but this Les Paul is quickly becoming my other favorite. You won't be disappointed. The case is blacked out and is really sharp too. Very happy

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Smokey

Really great playability faze coils get petergreen sounds split coils add nice chunk to cords and solos one of the better lp I've played and sweetwater staff is excellent!

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IncrediPaul

After owning this guitar for two weeks, it's review time. The Les Paul Classic has been described as being akin to the way some rockers in the 1970s set up their instruments, and being a fan of hard rock from that era i can understand why that description has been applied. Having said that, one should be aware that this is a completely contemporary instrument. The body is weight… read more relieved, however, despite having hadthe infamous nine holes drilled into its mahogany body, this beast still weighs a hefty 10 1/4 pounds. The neck is advertised as a '60s slim taper,' and is very smooth and playable, though actually closer to that of my 335 than the chunkier '60s slim taper' neck of the Les Paul Standard 60s model. The electronics are what separate this guitar from a typical L.P. Standard, with coil tap, phase, and cut off options activated by pull pots. The controls are noiseless, and quite sturdy, though I really only utilise the coil split on the neck pickup. The pickups themselves are Burstbucker 61s, uncovered, with zebra spools. Despite what the experts say, I think the lack of the aluminium cover does produce a bit more brightness and crispness than the same pickups with covers. Tone on this baby is incredible, with the snap and sharp attack one expects from a maple topped Les Paul, and it sustains for days. It's a bit brighter and has slightly more clarity in the midrange and trebles than a Les Paul Standard, again I suspect this is due to the pickups being uncovered. It's a beautiful guitar, and along with my 60s Standard has become the instrument I depend on most.No complaints. As always, kudos to Sweetwater and my sales engineer, Andrew. Ordered on a Friday, arrived on a Monday. Huzzah!

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1st Les Paul

Always wanted one and I finally got it. Can't put it down and helping me to improve my playing. Fingers are raw! Arrived nicely configured.

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The best place to buy a guitar

I have purchased dozens of guitars over the years from stores and online retailers. Sweetwater has outshined all of them with the recent purchase of my new Gibson Les Paul Classic for so many reasons. To begin with, the guitar came to me with the best playability right out of the box. Sweetwater's custom fret treatment makes this Les Paul out play each of my 4 others including my… read more custom shop models. The guitar arrived perfectly packaged and in flawless condition. My sales associate was a professional musician and a customer service specialist as well. I can truly say this was one of the best guitar buying experiences I have ever had. I know I will work with them again for future guitar purchases. They are the best company to purchase a guitar from. Thank you to the Sweetwater team! Michael

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Completely Saticfied

I received my Les Paul Classic and I just have to tell you that this guitar is probably the best out of the box Les Paul I have ever purchased. I have bought dozens of other guitars in my lifetime but none of them have ever come to me like this. As soon as I picked it up and plugged it in to my Marshall I had this huge kid like smile from ear to ear. Usually I would have to take… read more a new guitar to my tech to be set up for playability. This Les Paul plays amazingly and has great tone. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I want to thank Andrew for his help and consideration on this order. I am sure that I will call on him again in the future for my next purchase. Michael

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Gibson Les Paul Classic

As always Joe Donner was exceptional. He always makes sure my transactions go flawlessly. This Gibson Les Paul Classic is absolutely amazing. The craftsmanship, fit and finish are excellent. Made a great addition to my collection. I would highly recommend this guitar and my awesome sales rep Joseph Donner to everyone!! Jim Rider

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Best Instrument Ever Made

This is the most superb instrument ever made. I immediately swapped out the pickups to add Gibson 490R/500T Humbuckers (which I knew I would do) and replaced the nobs to look more 70s. Despite these changes, I've never played a guitar - Gibson or otherwise - that feels and plays so magically.

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It's playing a piece of fine art!

Wish I had this 30 yrs ago!

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Gibson Les Paul Classic- Heritage Cherry Sunburst

Bought this guitar in December as a Christmas gift to myself. Played it w/o plugging it in to get the feel of it and was wowed!!! I have two Custom Limited Editions and this guitar blew both away. The feel and sound are amazing and with coil splitting it's almost like having P-90's out of humbuckers. Thanks again Lee for an awesome guitar...

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Excellent Paul

This is the fourth Gibson Les Paul that I own and they range from 1998 to now. The fit and finish on this new 2021 model is flawless, much better than the other ones I have when I bought them new. Very nice slim neck but not super 60s thin like on some other models through the years. Pickups are just slightly hotter than the Burstbuckers in my 50's style and the coil tapping gives… read more you a fairly nice P90 tone. Very happy with this guitar it is the value steal of the range, change the truss rod cover add some pointers to the controls and no one will know its not a new 60s Standard model.

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Les Paul Classis

I received my Les Paul Classic March of 2020, it's an amazing guitar! "Honey Burst" was my color of choice, fit and finish was flawless, and I love the figuring in the plain top. I'm a traditional player but the coil tapping and phase switching is a plus (don't use it much). The set-up was near perfect and the customer service was without question, the best! Andrew has been my… read more rep for almost 15 years now and has provided the best customer service, addressing any questions or concerns without hesitation. I've loved and lost 3 vintage Gibson's over the years and I've found this guitar to be true to the name "Gibson Guitars", everything a Les Paul should be. If your thinking about a new Les Paul the new Classic is an outstanding guitar and you would be proud to strap it on.

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Great Les Paul

I feel the classic is truly overlooked. I played several different models of Les Paul and this is the one I kept coming back to. The finish is amazing in person. Love the slim taper neck, and the pickups sound just as I expect on a Les Paul. I could have gotten a standard, I fact that was my intent but this thing grabbed my eyes than my ears. Love this guitar and play it every day.

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Not the only one you want. It is the only one you will need.

This piece of art is immaculate, well crafted, and set up to precision coming out of the case. Any sound you desire is at the mercy of the tone and volume controls. Very versatile and easy to play.

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Back in the saddle again and loving it!

I haven't played in years,last time I had a Les Paul in my hands was back in the 90's. Just got back into it last October. I have 5 guitars now and when I got the Gibson Les Paul Classic all the reasons that I love Les Paul's so much came back to me! My new Classic (Honey Burst) is beautiful and plays like a dream and matches up very well with my Marshall 100 watt half stack. I… read more couldn't be happier! Shout out to the people at Sweetwater for the great job of setting it up and thanks to my sales rep Tyler for the great communication and service. It feels so good to be "Back in the saddle again".

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Cherry

It came with all of the case candy and this thing plays like butter! It doesn't sit in a stand for too long before I get the itch to play. I highly recommend the classic for someone's first Gibson.

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Best guitar I have played

I have had it 2 weeks now, and I have yet to pick up my other 5 guitars.I was a little hesitant, considering the quality problems Gibson has had a reputation for over the past few years.This guitar was flawless, and I am super-picky. Not a spec off. I'm sure that Sweetwater did a great job during their inspection, but there are some things that cannot be fixed if they are bad… read more out of the factory. I looked it over numerous times, and found nothing. The finish was perfect, as was everything else.It feels great, sounds great, it is the most versatile guitar I have played, and it is extremely easy to play. No struggle trying to do anything, other than the limitations of my own skills.Sitting down, or standing, it feels great. Not too heavy at all, which is sometimes an issue people report with Les Pauls. I can play it for hours, and not get tired, or have to fidget. I cannot recommend this enough. BTW, Tim Burgess is a terrific rep, and this was the second fairly expensive guitar I have bought from him. Always extremely helpful. I bought the Translucent Cherry, after bouncing between 3 other colors (all but the black). I am really glad I got the red. It's kind of like the old candy-apple red. Beautiful guitar.

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Finally!!

Been wanting a Les Paul in honeyburst for years, and finally pulled the trigger on this one. Normally with Gibsons I plan to swap electronics as the 490/498's and Burstbucker Pros don't impress me. I didn't know what to expect with these Burstbucker '61's, but I have to say they have bite and clarity so they'll be staying in this guitar. The neck plays like butter as well. The fretwork… read more is better than many Les Paul's I've tried over the years as well. The finish is better than Historics I've seen for double the money. The maple top has a nice light flame that's perfect for my taste, I usually prefer plain tops on HB. They only negatives are the push-pull switches that I've never been a fan of; I prefer solid pots, but some may like all the options. The setup was pretty good except the stop bar was cranked all the way to the body making the strings rest on the bridge past the saddles (not sure if this was from Sweetwater or Gibson) but it's an easy fix. The case looks cool, but is about the same quality as many budget cases or the cases they sell for Epiphone Les Pauls. Locking tuners would have been nice (the Classic T had them a couple years ago) but I can understand why Gibson isn't using Grover's locking tuners anymore. I'll probably use a set of Hipshots. All-in-all, this is a spectacular Les Paul that's not priced TOO far into the ridiculous. Definitely would recommend to anyone.

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Perfect in every way!

Thank you Sweetwater for the promt and professional service. Colin Ingalls is a great Sales Engineer! The 2020 Classic we received is perfect in every way. Fit and finish are top notch. Every last detail was looked after. Sounds and plays great.

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Even Better than Expected!

I hadn't really played a Gibson in well over 20 years but was ready to add one to the family so I selected the Les Paul Classic not only for the lower price point but for the included tone shaping options with the push/pull electronics. I also wanted the Honeyburst color. I knew I wanted one that weighed under 9.5 lbs. so I patiently stalked the Sweetwater site until one finally… read more appeared with the weight, coloring and wood grain patterns I liked. Guitar shipped next day and arrived well packed and in perfect condition. I was (still am) blown away by the appearance of the guitar when I first viewed it. The Honeyburst changes coloration depending on the lighting in the room which is very cool. Fit and finish on all parts of the guitar are first rate. Setup was great right out of the box and ready to play. Guitar sounds amazing with both clean and dirty tones. I'm primarily a Telecaster player but having a Les Paul in the mix now has opened up an entirely different range of tones and my new Les Paul Classic is everything I'd hoped for and more. Well done Gibson and great service from Sweetwater.

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A sweet deal for me!

I've been eyeing this guitar for a long time. Finally, I felt it was right to buy it, but from whom? I checked around the internet and found several options. But Sweetwater seemed like the way to go in the end. Everything went so smoothly, from the purchase to delivery. This is a top notch guitar and musical equipment store. The cool part was the customer service. I received a… read more personal call from a sales representative to ensure I was happy with my purchase. It made it so reassuring to get that call in the age of internet purchases from unseen sellers. Also, true to their name, Sweetwater, they added a small bag of candy in the guitar box when I got it. Nice touch!

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