Members renips Posted November 21, 2010 Members Share Posted November 21, 2010 Now a proper review It is time for a product review. I have been playing my 2010 Les Paul Traditional Pro Gold Top practically non stop since purchasing it a couple of days ago. I have been playing it through my JCM 800 as well as playing it unplugged just to let the natural sonic qualities of the wood give an impression. When I first played the guitar at the store before buying it I was not impressed with the playability. In particular the intonation and the guitar staying in tune were major concerns. I played about 10 different guitars and they all had the same issues in varying degrees. These 10 guitars were played at 3 different stores. After speaking with several people on the different forums and finally speaking with my trusted guitar tech who I bring my guitars into for set up I decided to take the plunge. It turns out that the major music retailer I purchased the guitar from had a very liberal return policy within the first 30 days if I was not happy as long as the guitar came back in the same condition. Risk was minimal as far as contentment was concerned. After purchasing the guitar I immediately brought it in to my guitar tech who upon first glance said "yes this is the typical intonation from the factory that I always encounter" It was out. I watched as he made some measurements and then began to make his adjustments which included filing down the G string at the nut very slightly. He set up the intonation,made some string height adjustments tuned it up and handed me the guitar. This took about 25 minutes and he explained everything he was doing and how this was the norm for the Gibson Les Paul guitars that he comes in contact with. He also said that he believes that because most players will change strings and also the gauges of those strings that he feels Gibson does an acceptable amount of tweaking but in the end knows that the buyer will make the changes and adjustments anyway. I now tend to agree with that opinion. I will not bore anyone with the tech specs because those are available on the Gibson site. My goal here is to give my impressions of the guitar's playability, aesthetics and sonic impressions I have gotten to this point. First of all as a kid I worked in a music store that sold Gibson guitars. This was back in the late 80's and early 90's. The overall workmanship left much to be desired back then. The binding around the body and along the neck was always so poorly done and uneven. The finishes were very inconsistent as to their quality back then. When the overall fit and finish was compared to the other brands like Hamer, Ibanez, Charvel Jackson and even Fender there was some seriously noticeable disparities for the Les Paul. Move forward to my guitar a couple of decades later and the improvement in the workmanship of the guitar is very impressive. The binding is spot on and the finish is gorgeous. I also examined the others very closely that I was considering and they were the same. Now for the good stuff. When I first got the guitar home I played it without amplification. Why? I wanted to hear the guitar itself and how it naturally sounded. I also did this in the store and I think some people thought I was nuts. The sound jumped from the instrument and was full and bright. I think Gibson is on to something with the mahogany body and maple top The tuning was spot on and the intonation was correct. After a few minutes of playing with a pick and finger picking all while unplugged I put the guitar down and took a little break. My impressions were that of a very well balanced instrument and I was beginning to get excited about playing my first Les Paul through my JCM 800. I fired up the amp and let the tubes get really warm for about 5 minutes. I plugged the guitar in and began to play in the bridge position pick up. The chords were crisp and the tone was very well balanced. The burst bucker 3 in the bridge really delivers a good punch. All of the metal and hard rock guys out there would be very happy. I ran through some different chord progressions and played through some scales and I was very happy. The sound has some bite and is very crunchy when riffing chords. I then switched to the neck position pick up and began to play some melodic notes and I almost could not contain myself. The 57 in the neck is so sweet and full sounding that it really is not fair. Now, playing through an original JCM 800 with a couple of 1960 cabs does not hurt but I would venture to say that this guitar would sound great on just about any amp. When engaging both neck and bridge pick up the guitar gave a very unique tonal impression. The really great and useful thing that Gibson did with this guitar was to give the ability to the player to split the coils on both pick ups. This is achieved by pulling up on the volume knob for each pick up. The toggle switch can engage both pick ups and both coils can be split. I was getting some very interesting tones when playing in this mode and it occurred to me that Gibson created a guitar that would really be useful as a studio guitar, not to mention the live playing. The Les Paul has been heard on countless recordings throughout music history so I need to clarify what I mean. The fact that I can use this amazing guitar in coil split mode is for me something that I really can appreciate. It is not the sound of a Strat but it does give a kind of twang when the notes and chords are played in a certain way. I have much more experimenting with this feature to do. I really like the versatility. The grover locking tuners are so convenient. Like the sperzel on the Strat it makes changing strings a snap and helps I am sure in the tuning being more consistent by removing uneven wrapping around the string post. So I am about 2 days into this guitar and I am very satisfied with it. I have not yet recorded with it but I am looking forward to what it will yield in the session. The action is how I like it and the tuning and intonation again is really good. Now it is time to get acquainted with my new guitar. Later Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mdintx Posted November 21, 2010 Members Share Posted November 21, 2010 Holy {censored}! You ever heard of paragraphs???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members King Loudness Posted November 21, 2010 Members Share Posted November 21, 2010 That was EXTREMELY difficult to read... please use paragraphs in future. Nevertheless, that was a decent review, glad you're digging the guitar! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members renips Posted November 21, 2010 Author Members Share Posted November 21, 2010 Holy fuck! You ever heard of paragraphs???? Are paragraphs a new line of plug ins or something??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members gh0st Posted November 21, 2010 Members Share Posted November 21, 2010 I had the same issue, my intonation wasn't even set from the factory, unlike my incredibly inexpensive LTD that has spot on intonation. Additionally, my Epiphone Les Paul Custom had better intonation... It's a pretty good guitar, but could be $500 cheaper for the effort put in to it by Gibson. To me, it's on par with the ESP Eclipse I used to have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dragoro Posted November 21, 2010 Members Share Posted November 21, 2010 there.....fixed it for ya Uhmm thats almost as bad lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members koti123 Posted November 21, 2010 Members Share Posted November 21, 2010 It is time for a product review. I have been playing my 2010 Les Paul Traditional Pro Gold Top practically non stop since purchasing it a couple of days ago. I have been playing it through my JCM 800 as well as playing it unplugged just to let the natural sonic qualities of the wood give an impression. When I first played the guitar at the store before buying it I was not impressed with the playability. In particular the intonation and the guitar staying in tune were major concerns. I played about 10 different guitars and they all had the same issues in varying degrees. These 10 guitars were played at 3 different stores. After speaking with several people on the different forums and finally speaking with my trusted guitar tech who I bring my guitars into for set up I decided to take the plunge. It turns out that the major music retailer I purchased the guitar from had a very liberal return policy within the first 30 days if I was not happy as long as the guitar came back in the same condition. Risk was minimal as far as contentment was concerned. After purchasing the guitar I immediately brought it in to my guitar tech who upon first glance said "yes this is the typical intonation from the factory that I always encounter" It was out. I watched as he made some measurements and then began to make his adjustments which included filing down the G string at the nut very slightly. He set up the intonation,made some string height adjustments tuned it up and handed me the guitar. This took about 25 minutes and he explained everything he was doing and how this was the norm for the Gibson Les Paul guitars that he comes in contact with. He also said that he believes that because most players will change strings and also the gauges of those strings that he feels Gibson does an acceptable amount of tweaking but in the end knows that the buyer will make the changes and adjustments anyway. I now tend to agree with that opinion. I will not bore anyone with the tech specs because those are available on the Gibson site. My goal here is to give my impressions of the guitar's playability, aesthetics and sonic impressions I have gotten to this point. First of all as a kid I worked in a music store that sold Gibson guitars. This was back in the late 80's and early 90's. The overall workmanship left much to be desired back then. The binding around the body and along the neck was always so poorly done and uneven. The finishes were very inconsistent as to their quality back then. When the overall fit and finish was compared to the other brands like Hamer, Ibanez, Charvel Jackson and even Fender there was some seriously noticeable disparities for the Les Paul. Move forward to my guitar a couple of decades later and the improvement in the workmanship of the guitar is very impressive. The binding is spot on and the finish is gorgeous. I also examined the others very closely that I was considering and they were the same. Now for the good stuff. When I first got the guitar home I played it without amplification. Why? I wanted to hear the guitar itself and how it naturally sounded. I also did this in the store and I think some people thought I was nuts. The sound jumped from the instrument and was full and bright. I think Gibson is on to something with the mahogany body and maple top The tuning was spot on and the intonation was correct. After a few minutes of playing with a pick and finger picking all while unplugged I put the guitar down and took a little break. My impressions were that of a very well balanced instrument and I was beginning to get excited about playing my first Les Paul through my JCM 800. I fired up the amp and let the tubes get really warm for about 5 minutes. I plugged the guitar in and began to play in the bridge position pick up. The chords were crisp and the tone was very well balanced. The burst bucker pro in the bridge really delivers a good punch. All of the metal and hard rock guys out there would be very happy. I ran through some different chord progressions and played through some scales and I was very happy. The sound has some bite and is very crunchy when riffing chords. I then switched to the neck position pick up and began to play some melodic notes and I almost could not contain myself. The 57 in the neck is so sweet and full sounding that it really is not fair. Now, playing through an original JCM 800 with a couple of 1960 cabs does not hurt but I would venture to say that this guitar would sound great on just about any amp. When engaging both neck and bridge pick up the guitar gave a very unique tonal impression. The really great and useful thing that Gibson did with this guitar was to give the ability to the player to split the coils on both pick ups. This is achieved by pulling up on the volume knob for each pick up. The toggle switch can engage both pick ups and both coils can be split. I was getting some very interesting tones when playing in this mode and it occurred to me that Gibson created a guitar that would really be useful as a studio guitar, not to mention the live playing. The Les Paul has been heard on countless recordings throughout music history so I need to clarify what I mean. The fact that I can use this amazing guitar in coil split mode is for me something that I really can appreciate. It is not the sound of a Strat but it does give a kind of twang when the notes and chords are played in a certain way. I have much more experimenting with this feature to do. I really like the versatility. The grover locking tuners are so convenient. Like the sperzel on the Strat it makes changing strings a snap and helps I am sure in the tuning being more consistent by removing uneven wrapping around the string post. So I am about 2 days into this guitar and I am very satisfied with it. I have not yet recorded with it but I am looking forward to what it will yield in the session. The action is how I like it and the tuning and intonation again is really good. Now it is time to get acquainted with my new guitar. Later wow.... hard to read, that pic made everything oversized.. , " : {} thesehelpsentencesmakesense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stormin1155 Posted November 21, 2010 Members Share Posted November 21, 2010 Thanks for posting your review! I got a Standard Plus a few months back. I tried out four other Pluses and several traditionals in the store, and all were great. The one I ended up buying is phenomenal... hands down the best guitar I've ever owned, and that includes 50s and 60s Gibsons and Fenders. :poke: I didn't have the same set up issues as you did... the store I bought it from does a set-up on all their high end guitars. I haven't touched anything on it since I brought it home. Anyway, congratulations on your Les Paul! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members csm Posted November 21, 2010 Members Share Posted November 21, 2010 It is time for a product review. I have been playing my 2010 Les Paul Traditional Pro Gold Top practically non stop since purchasing it a couple of days ago. I have been playing it through my JCM 800 as well as playing it unplugged just to let the natural sonic qualities of the wood give an impression. When I first played the guitar at the store before buying it I was not impressed with the playability. In particular the intonation and the guitar staying in tune were major concerns. I played about 10 different guitars and they all had the same issues in varying degrees. These 10 guitars were played at 3 different stores. After speaking with several people on the different forums and finally speaking with my trusted guitar tech who I bring my guitars into for set up I decided to take the plunge. It turns out that the major music retailer I purchased the guitar from had a very liberal return policy within the first 30 days if I was not happy as long as the guitar came back in the same condition. Risk was minimal as far as contentment was concerned. After purchasing the guitar I immediately brought it in to my guitar tech who upon first glance said "yes this is the typical intonation from the factory that I always encounter" It was out. I watched as he made some measurements and then began to make his adjustments which included filing down the G string at the nut very slightly. He set up the intonation,made some string height adjustments tuned it up and handed me the guitar. This took about 25 minutes and he explained everything he was doing and how this was the norm for the Gibson Les Paul guitars that he comes in contact with. He also said that he believes that because most players will change strings and also the gauges of those strings that he feels Gibson does an acceptable amount of tweaking but in the end knows that the buyer will make the changes and adjustments anyway. I now tend to agree with that opinion. I will not bore anyone with the tech specs because those are available on the Gibson site. My goal here is to give my impressions of the guitar's playability, aesthetics and sonic impressions I have gotten to this point. First of all as a kid I worked in a music store that sold Gibson guitars. This was back in the late 80's and early 90's. The overall workmanship left much to be desired back then. The binding around the body and along the neck was always so poorly done and uneven. The finishes were very inconsistent as to their quality back then. When the overall fit and finish was compared to the other brands like Hamer, Ibanez, Charvel Jackson and even Fender there was some seriously noticeable disparities for the Les Paul. Move forward to my guitar a couple of decades later and the improvement in the workmanship of the guitar is very impressive. The binding is spot on and the finish is gorgeous. I also examined the others very closely that I was considering and they were the same. Now for the good stuff. When I first got the guitar home I played it without amplification. Why? I wanted to hear the guitar itself and how it naturally sounded. I also did this in the store and I think some people thought I was nuts. The sound jumped from the instrument and was full and bright. I think Gibson is on to something with the mahogany body and maple top The tuning was spot on and the intonation was correct. After a few minutes of playing with a pick and finger picking all while unplugged I put the guitar down and took a little break. My impressions were that of a very well balanced instrument and I was beginning to get excited about playing my first Les Paul through my JCM 800. I fired up the amp and let the tubes get really warm for about 5 minutes. I plugged the guitar in and began to play in the bridge position pick up. The chords were crisp and the tone was very well balanced. The burst bucker pro in the bridge really delivers a good punch. All of the metal and hard rock guys out there would be very happy. I ran through some different chord progressions and played through some scales and I was very happy. The sound has some bite and is very crunchy when riffing chords. I then switched to the neck position pick up and began to play some melodic notes and I almost could not contain myself. The 57 in the neck is so sweet and full sounding that it really is not fair. Now, playing through an original JCM 800 with a couple of 1960 cabs does not hurt but I would venture to say that this guitar would sound great on just about any amp. When engaging both neck and bridge pick up the guitar gave a very unique tonal impression. The really great and useful thing that Gibson did with this guitar was to give the ability to the player to split the coils on both pick ups. This is achieved by pulling up on the volume knob for each pick up. The toggle switch can engage both pick ups and both coils can be split. I was getting some very interesting tones when playing in this mode and it occurred to me that Gibson created a guitar that would really be useful as a studio guitar, not to mention the live playing. The Les Paul has been heard on countless recordings throughout music history so I need to clarify what I mean. The fact that I can use this amazing guitar in coil split mode is for me something that I really can appreciate. It is not the sound of a Strat but it does give a kind of twang when the notes and chords are played in a certain way. I have much more experimenting with this feature to do. I really like the versatility. The grover locking tuners are so convenient. Like the sperzel on the Strat it makes changing strings a snap and helps I am sure in the tuning being more consistent by removing uneven wrapping around the string post. So I am about 2 days into this guitar and I am very satisfied with it. I have not yet recorded with it but I am looking forward to what it will yield in the session. The action is how I like it and the tuning and intonation again is really good. Now it is time to get acquainted with my new guitar. Later Whew ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members renips Posted November 22, 2010 Author Members Share Posted November 22, 2010 I fixed the paragraph oversight. I apologize. Thanks to those who mentioned it and tried to help. Mongooz - I Love ya man for making the effort but that is F***ing horrible:facepalm: You're the best buddy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Crisco Posted November 22, 2010 Members Share Posted November 22, 2010 I fixed the paragraph oversight. I apologize. Thanks to those who mentioned it and tried to help.Mongooz - I Love ya man for making the effort but that is F***ing horrible:facepalm:You're the best buddy That's a very sweet Gold Top. I couldn't help but see you're from Miami, and I was supposed to go in two weeks but someone other than myself got rooms at the Hyatt Coral Gables for the wrong dates.Anyway, if you're ever out at Southbeach and have b'fast at The News Cafegive the Huevos Rancheros a try. I've surely got Breakfast at The Beach on my mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ido1957 Posted November 22, 2010 Members Share Posted November 22, 2010 Picture is too big. I have to scroll left and right to read the full line.Also no covers on those pickups? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members renips Posted November 22, 2010 Author Members Share Posted November 22, 2010 That's a very sweet Gold Top. I couldn't help but see you're from Miami, and I was supposed to go in two weeks but someone other than myself got rooms at the Hyatt Coral Gables for the wrong dates.Anyway, if you're ever out at Southbeach and have b'fast at The News Cafegive the Huevos Rancheros a try. I've surely got Breakfast at The Beach on my mind. News Cafe - nice. Have been there many times. This is a great time of year to be down here. The weather is awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members renips Posted November 22, 2010 Author Members Share Posted November 22, 2010 Picture is too big. I have to scroll left and right to read the full line.Also no covers on those pickups? No - they did not come with covers. I could always add them if I choose. For now the zebra look is very different. I like it. The covers would probably change the tone a slight bit. It would look nice with all gold hardware. I can always do that in the future Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members MONGOOZ Posted November 22, 2010 Members Share Posted November 22, 2010 btw....the bridge pickup is supposed to be a Burstbucker III, not a Pro. just sayin' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members theManfromAlabam Posted November 22, 2010 Members Share Posted November 22, 2010 I am flirting with the idea of getting a GT Traditional. Renips if you don't mind me asking, how much $? Oh yeah, too many words suck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mdintx Posted November 22, 2010 Members Share Posted November 22, 2010 Very cool guitar and room set up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Jimmyohio75 Posted November 22, 2010 Members Share Posted November 22, 2010 Looks just like mine..Great guitar!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members renips Posted November 22, 2010 Author Members Share Posted November 22, 2010 btw....the bridge pickup is supposed to be a Burstbucker III, not a Pro. just sayin' correct sir. Was there a burst 1 and 2? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members renips Posted November 22, 2010 Author Members Share Posted November 22, 2010 Looks just like mine..Great guitar!!! Exactly the same. You have great taste man. Even the store sticker price was the same. I did not think to ask for that:thu: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members CrackerD Posted November 22, 2010 Members Share Posted November 22, 2010 Kickass music room and guitar! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members johnnyatm2 Posted December 31, 2020 Members Share Posted December 31, 2020 Geez..I came to read about the guitar not about proper writing techniques...what a bunch of whiny babys,..to the writer,thanks for taking the time to write your experience Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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