The Studio Faded has always been the sensible entry into a USA-built Les Paul, but the 2016 version — built during Gibson's "Traditional" (T) era, when the company deliberately walked back the controversial changes of 2014/15 — is a noticeable step up from the first Faded models. Where early Faded bodies were assembled from whatever mahogany was lying around, this 2016 example has a genuine two-piece mahogany body under its carved maple cap. Combined with a rounded '59 neck profile and a pair of Burstbucker Pro humbuckers — the same pickups Gibson used in the Standard of this era — it delivers the core Les Paul experience with almost nothing meaningful left out. No binding, no frills: everything you hear and feel is there.

Burstbucker Pro pickups are an underrated feature at this price point. With their Alnico V magnets they have a bit more output and a tighter low end than a vintage-style PAF, which suits the Faded concept perfectly: this is a working guitar, and through a mildly crunchy amp it does the thick, vocal Les Paul thing with real authority. What strikes me about this example is how the satin nitro finish lets the wood speak directly — it feels more alive and immediate than a gloss guitar, and it will only gain character as the finish wears through play. The Worn Cherry hue deepens beautifully wherever the wood grain shows through.

Practical details are well sorted: a TekToid nut for stable tuning, Grover green-key tuners, a tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece and Gibson's modern weight relief, which keeps the guitar comfortable for long sessions. The rosewood fingerboard with its 12" radius and 22 medium-jumbo frets plays exactly like a Les Paul should — no compromises in the feel, the savings are purely cosmetic.

This example is in very good condition, with playing wear on the back edges and honest buckle rash that fits the Faded aesthetic perfectly and is invisible from the front. It is fully original and comes with its original Gibson gig bag.

Specifications

• Model: Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded T
• Year: 2016
• Origin: USA (Nashville)
• Body: Two-piece mahogany with modern weight relief
• Top: Carved maple
• Neck: Mahogany, rounded '59 profile
• Fingerboard: Rosewood, 12" radius
• Scale: 24.75" / 628.65 mm
• Frets: 22 medium jumbo
• Nut: TekToid, 1.695" / 43 mm
• Pickups: Burstbucker Pro (neck & bridge), Alnico V, wax-potted
• Controls: 2 volume / 2 tone, 3-way toggle
• Bridge: Tune-o-matic with stopbar tailpiece
• Tuners: Grover green key traditional
• Hardware: Nickel
• Finish: Satin nitrocellulose, Worn Cherry
• Condition: Very good, with buckle rash on the back of the body and light signs of use 
• Originality: Fully original
• Repairs: None
• Modifications: None
• Includes: Fame hard case and the full Gibson Case Candy and certificate

Manufacturer Information ▾

Gibson Brands, Inc., 639 Massman Drive, Nashville, TN 37210, USA

EU Responsible: Gibson Europe B.V., Smallepad 15, 3811 MG Amersfoort, The Netherlands
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Safety information: The manufacturer did not provide safety information. Used musical instrument.