GIbson Les Paul FADED vs. Studio/BB pro's

prolik · Oct 2, 2007

Hello!
I recently bought terrific Gibson Les Paul Studio,Vintage Mahogany guitar.It's mahogany side/back with Burstbucker Pro pickups(yes,I checked it with Gibson service!).
I choose this one among 10-15 other of the kind.
Model no:LPSTWBCHI
You can hear/see it at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D161HSzthOQ

And more aggressive:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WuQXlsMi9E0

Since I'm professionals musician and kind of "mad for instrument"(little snob also) I still want LP Standard guitar cause of it "legendary" looks and quality!!
My budget can stretch only to FADED model.

Can someone tell me would and why/how could I benefit from buying LP FADED Standard model and replacing my current Studio LP guitar::hmm

1.What are LP Faded guitar crucial quality upgrade from my recent guitar considering woods,hardware,electronics,craftsmanship?

2.How does Faded compare to my already great Studio LP guitar in terms of sound and playability?

P.S.I don't have opportunity to compare side by side my guitar and Faded model,I could use some help from you before went on to another country in search for Faded model (no dealer in my country)

THNX very much, I'm really impressed with Gibson product so far...:2cool

By
http://alandovic.tripod.com

plonky17 · Oct 3, 2007

I can't help with a Studio/Faded comparison as I only have two Faded's and a '57 Custom reissue.

What I can tell you though is that the Faded is probably the BEST value for money Les Paul on the market. The tonal range, playability and vintage looks probably have a lot to do with the finishing process.

They just sound fantastic...everything from 60's British blues, 70's stadium rock to 80's metal.

I would buy another faded in a heartbeat.

Cheers

Grant

Ricko · Oct 3, 2007

Hey Prolik,
I own both, a 2005 Faded STD and a 2007 VM
To me they are different (I think its mainly because the chambering on the 07), I find the Faded heavier, and better for rockier sounds, its a bit tighter in sound and a bit darker too.
The VM is more open more "acoustic" type of sound. Better for mellow / clean songs
Which one I prefer? BOTH, I have left the Faded stock, only mod i have done is topwrapping, for the VM I added a bigsby, so I really can't say which one i prefer because they are so different. But if I had to sell one and keep the other, I'd DEFINETLY keep the Faded. no question about it.

hope this helps!

PaulSG · Oct 3, 2007

Ricko said:
Hey Prolik,
I own both, a 2005 Faded STD and a 2007 VM
To me they are different (I think its mainly because the chambering on the 07), I find the Faded heavier, and better for rockier sounds, its a bit tighter in sound and a bit darker too.
The VM is more open more "acoustic" type of sound. Better for mellow / clean songs
Which one I prefer? BOTH, I have left the Faded stock, only mod i have done is topwrapping, for the VM I added a bigsby, so I really can't say which one i prefer because they are so different. But if I had to sell one and keep the other, I'd DEFINETLY keep the Faded. no question about it.

hope this helps!

And I own just the opposite of Ricko. A 2005 VM and a 2007 Faded STD. I just got the Faded today so I haven't had the chance to A/B them yet. But like you, I'm very interested to hear them side by side. I'll post the results as soon as I can git r done.

:wail

redb · Oct 3, 2007

Dont upgrade. Since you already own the vintage mahogany you wont be getting a big enough upgrade to justify how much you will lose on the first guitar unless you can afford to keep both. You DO NOT want to get into a cycle of trading in and upgrading, you can lose a lot of money that way (look at people who do that with cars).

Now, if you had neither or are looking to buy a second guitar or you can sell the studio for what you bought it for, then yes, its worth the difference in cash in that situation. They seem to be especially popular among peter green fans. And they certainly look better (opinion)

The faded standard will also come in a 60s taper neck OR a 50s neck, so you do have some choice.

comwave · Oct 3, 2007

I cant really help either as I've no experience with the VM (although yours sounds great in the clip)

FWIW, I have an '05 Std Faded. I changed the bridge and pickups (didn't like the nashville or BB Pro's)

It F*CK'N ROCKS and I'm looking for another one.

Belman · Oct 3, 2007

Switch tip looks a bit

l o n g

TomTaco · Oct 5, 2007

I haven't seen any mention that the standard has a maple cap and the studio has a mahogany top. That will make the standard a little brighter/snappier.

redb · Oct 5, 2007

TomTaco said:
I haven't seen any mention that the standard has a maple cap and the studio has a mahogany top. That will make the standard a little brighter/snappier.

well thats a good point but I took the question to be is it worth spending the money to upgrade from a vintage mahogany to a standard faded.

BTW, I suggest that you get one of the peter green modded standard faded from http://cvguitars.com/Faded-OnHand/ and have two guitars

prolik · Oct 6, 2007

Well, how about new video clip of my Gibson LP VM with Burstbuckers::2cool
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WuQXlsMi9E0

It sound so great,I'm still not sure about getting other LP Standard Faded and replacing this one.
Is it possible that LP standard Faded could sound better than this?

As I mentioned,I don't have opportunity for side by side comparasion, and current Vintage Mahogany (VM) LP must be sold before buying FADED one.

So much questions,so much choices,what If I get Faded and found out I dig better this VM?!!!:fc

errhhh......

THNX for help

PaulSG · Oct 6, 2007

prolik said:
Well, how about new video clip of my Gibson LP VM with Burstbuckers::2cool
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WuQXlsMi9E0

It sound so great,I'm still not sure about getting other LP Standard Faded and replacing this one.
Is it possible that LP standard Faded could sound better than this?

As I mentioned,I don't have opportunity for side by side comparasion, and current Vintage Mahogany (VM) LP must be sold before buying FADED one.

So much questions,so much choices,what If I get Faded and found out I dig better this VM?!!!:fc

errhhh......

THNX for help

Awesome playing. You sure have some serious speed!!! :headbange

I would NOT get rid of the VM. Just keep saving until you can add a Faded. They'll be available for a while, and yes you will kick yourself in the ass for selling the VM.

prolik · Oct 6, 2007

PaulSG said:
And I own just the opposite of Ricko. A 2005 VM and a 2007 Faded STD. I just got the Faded today so I haven't had the chance to A/B them yet. But like you, I'm very interested to hear them side by side. I'll post the results as soon as I can git r done.

:wail

Well,If it's possible, can you compare those guitars side by side?
I'll appreciate the result very much!!:salude

PaulSG · Oct 6, 2007

prolik said:
Well,If it's possible, can you compare those guitars side by side?
I'll appreciate the result very much!!:salude

I just sat down with the '07 Faded and '05 VM and played them through my Epi Valve Jr.
Guitar --> Cord --> Amp volume set at 12 o'clock on amp and tone and volumes at 10 on both guitars.

First off they both sounded great, but the Faded has such a better tone to my ears. For lack of a better analogy, the Faded sang more like a well tuned piano, while the VM was a bit darker. This could be due to the lack of a maple top on the VM. I'm also not sure I'm getting a straight up comparison because I have put a bone nut on the VM and the VM is definitely not chambered. Also you have to factor in covered and uncovered pups. The Faded is stock.

I know this probably isn't the answer you were looking for, but the bottom line is the Faded definitely is more soulful and has a sweeter tone. That being said, I wouldn't get rid of my VM unless someone had a gun to my head. If I was forced to choose between one or the other, I would let the VM go, but I would miss it dearly.

Hope I was of some help.

:dude:

redb · Oct 6, 2007

On second thought, if you are a professional musician, it might be worth it. If you think it will help you sell albums, I say to do it. While you may miss that VM, itll probably be in good hands and you will have done more for your career. Its really up to you, if it were me I would just save up until I could get both but if thats not realistic for you, you should seriously consider that the posistion you are in is a bit unique because you are a professional.

dead skin marc · Oct 6, 2007

I can't help with the guitars, but that was a GREAT clip!:dude:

prolik · Oct 14, 2007

Well,I jut ordered this beauty,should be in my hands in about a week.I tried it in a shop, and so far this is my opinion.
Beware that guitars were tested on different gear and different COUNTRIES,so I'll have to wait for Faded to arrive at my home.I'll post complete test and maybe video on Youtube as before.

Unplugged-Standard LP guitar has FAR more better neck,and fret work.I do get even faster and slicker then on VM Studio.It's 50' neck on both guitars.

AMP SOUND-FADED guitar is more trebly, due to maple top and rosewood fingerboard-I guess.
As RICK says, distorted it does have more bite, and clean is more trebly ,so I can see why Slash turn down TONE POT on clean parts (Paradise city etc).

Both Studio and Faded are weight relief,so they're weight the same.Didn't notice sustain difference.

Overall: Standard faded is class above, whether you like it or not.It has better neck, stunning looks.It's more trebly and has more bite,and I mean it as a good point. VM Studio has it's dark,sweet,heavy mojo, but I did choose that one among 10-15 others of the kind,s I may say it was the best among those VM Studios.

Full comparasion fallows, check the PIC OF FADED..:2cool
What do you think??

BY

Jurius · Oct 15, 2007

Great looking Faded, Prolik. Super top.

I reserved a Faded for myself last week. Can't wait.

I haven't read anything negative about the Fadeds.

Hopefully, neither of us will be disappointed.:salude

mmukav · Oct 15, 2007

Great looking faded! Loved the vid.

What amp/pedals were used for the video?

I also own a VM and really liked the tone you get out of yours.

Mike

prolik · Oct 15, 2007

mmukav said:
Great looking faded! Loved the vid.

What amp/pedals were used for the video?

I also own a VM and really liked the tone you get out of yours.

Mike

Well, the only sound I use is from little 15wat Ibanez amp,all knobs at 12 o'clock, gain at max. It's amazing that guitar sound so good on this little (crapy) amp.

I can hardly wait to test guitar on my complete gear on next gig...:wail

prolik · Nov 10, 2007

Hello!
I just got my Gibson Les Paul STANDARD FADED Tobacco burst.
Here is the video of LP STANDARD Faded:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TXnSsGZjssA

Here is the video of LP STUDIO VM:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=WuQXlsMi9E0
and
http://youtube.com/watch?v=D161HSzthOQ

It's been same setup for comparasion between Standard/Studio.
Here are some riffs/solos from Guns,Zeppelin,AC/DC with few (too) fast licks of my own across fretboard.:2cool

Full comparasion follows, for now, watch videos and decide/compare by yourself.

Have a good time:dude:

GIbson Les Paul FADED vs. Studio/BB pro's

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