The Gibson Les Paul Studio has been the accessible, stripped down version of the icon since 1983. With genuine Gibson USA humbuckers and tone controls, it provides much of the same tone as a Les Paul Standard without any extras like binding or flamed maple. Although flashier appointments have been options in later years (like diamond inlays, and gold hardware), this is meant to be a workhorse guitar. If Les Paul tone is all you're after, here's your weapon.

• 1998 marked the first update to the Les Paul Studio since it was fully redesigned in 1990, with the most notable change being the replacement of most Ebony fretboards with Rosewood - except on the Alpine White and Classic White models.
• The Les Paul Studio features 490R/498T Humbuckers, and a Mahogany Body with Maple Top
• Available in a number of different finishes over this period, with Alpine White, Ebony, and Wine Red carrying through the entire 13-year run. Other finishes include Emerald, Pewter, Teal Blue Flip Flop, Fireburst, Classic White, Cherry Sunburst, and Silverburst.
• Redesigned in 2012 to feature a Grenadillo fretboard