The Government Series of guitars was Gibson’s response to the 2011 federal raids under the Lacey Act, which targeted imported rosewood and ebony. Series II arrived in 2013 with the distinctive Government Tan finish, black hardware, and a commemorative pickguard/COA, issued across several USA models including the Les Paul Studio. It has since become a recognisable short-run variant with factory high-output electronics and no-nonsense Studio appointments.

This example is collector grade and excellent overall: minor playwear; a few small chips on the back lower bout; one small stand-induced nitro burn on the back; and a couple of tiny chips on the top of the headstock. Frets are like new. Weight is 3800g. It includes the etched Government Series II pickguard and the complete COA package. Original Gibson hard case with white interior is in good condition with minor exterior scuffing.

Spec-wise, it’s the classic Studio recipe with a modern twist: a weight-relieved mahogany back with carved maple top, set mahogany neck, 24.75″ scale, and a rosewood fingerboard, paired with Dirty Fingers humbuckers and black hardware. Hardware is the standard Nashville Tune-o-Matic/stopbar set with Grover Rotomatic tuners. Controls are the traditional Les Paul layout: two volumes, two tones, three-way toggle.

Overall, this is a very clean, lightly played Government II LP Studio with full case/COA setup that is ready to rock, to collect, or to do both!

SPECIFICATIONS

• Construction: Set-neck, single-cut solidbody
• Body: Mahogany back (modern weight relief) with carved maple top; satin Government Tan finish; multi-ply black “Government Series II” pickguard
• Neck: Mahogany, medium ’50s/“Studio” C profile; 17° headstock pitch; black headstock veneer with tan “Gibson”/“Les Paul Model” logos
• Scale Length: 24.75″ (628.65 mm)
• Fingerboard: Rosewood, 12″ radius; trapezoid inlays; 22 medium frets; 1 11/16″ (≈43 mm) nut width
• Electronics: Gibson Dirty Fingers humbuckers (zebra/exposed coils); 3-way toggle; 2 × volume, 2 × tone (black speed knobs)
• Hardware: Black/black-chrome; Nashville Tune-o-Matic bridge; stopbar tailpiece; Grover Rotomatic tuners; black pickup rings and rear plates
• Weight (this guitar): 3800g
• Other: Original Government Series II COA/package; original case (white interior)
• Factory year/model: 2013, Government Series II Les Paul Studio (limited-run finish and appointments)