2012 Gibson Les Paul 58 Reissue

 

Pickups: Burstbucker 1 (neck) Burstbucker 2 (Bridge)

Fretboard: Rosewood

Neck: 1 Piece Mahogany

Body: 1 Piece Mahogany

Top: Bookmatched Maple

Nut Material: Nylon

Bridge: ABR-1 and Stop Tailpiece

Colour: Lemonburst

Country of Origin: USA

Weight: 4.05 kg / 8.93 lbs

 

 

The model name on the COA reads as "LPR8-F" which I understand describes a Figured Top R8 - although I am aware of R8s with much more flame in the maple tops. Has a typical fat R8 neck, which I prefer over the slimmer 60s profile. 

 

The 2012 models are supposed to be the ones with the laminate fretboard (2 pieces of rosewood glued together). When I bought it I was a little concerned but as it is an early 2012 model before the inlays changed I thought it may have a one piece rosewood board. Bringing it in to the tech, he was able to confirm it had a one piece fingerboard (last picture). I was surprised to see that the fingerboard had not been stained as well, I didn't think rosewood would be that dark naturally - guess I was wrong. 

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Quality of the fret dressing on all modern Gibsons are a bit iffy, in my opinion, and this one is no exception. I have definitely seen worse fret jobs than this one on Gibsons off the shop floor (I would not have bought it if the frets were extremely badly levelled/dressed) but even on this one there are spots where the frets are flatter than I would prefer. I guess some people don't mind flat frets because guitars still sell in spite of it. 

 

I've left the electronics as stock for now - it comes with CTS pots and the modern "bumblebee" capacitors. I might change this to an actual PIO cap and see if it makes a difference down the line. 

 

Quite happy with the Burstbucker set for now as well. Sounds mid-rangey with a bit of bite to my ears, through my set up. Woman tone is no problem, middle position is nicely balanced, and bridge position has enough bite for rock lines. Clean, it sounds great through the Fender Princeton. This is my go-to guitar when I try (and fail miserably) to play jazz. 

 

Jobs/Upgrades to be done:

Bone Nut

Fret Job

 

Upgrades done:

None - Stock