1997 Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem Series – Topaz – P-90s – Hardshell Case

For sale is a 1997 Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem Series in the Topaz finish, a distinctive and relatively uncommon variation of the Les Paul Studio produced for only a short period in the late 1990s. The Gem Series was offered in gemstone-inspired finishes including Topaz, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Amethyst, and was factory-equipped with a pair of cream P-90 pickups and gold hardware. The Topaz version features a three-tone sunburst finish and is identified by the factory “GEM SERIES – Topaz” graphic on the back of the headstock. 

I’m located in the Sacramento area and am always looking to buy guitars, basses, amps, pedals and other musical equipment. If you have gear you’re looking to sell, feel free to reach out — I’m happy to buy individual pieces or entire collections.

This example weighs 9 lbs. 5 oz. and retains the classic Gem Series appointments: carved maple top over a mahogany body, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays, dual cream P-90 pickups, cream pickguard, Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, gold hardware, and vintage-style Gibson Deluxe tuners with keystone buttons. Contemporary examples and references confirm these as characteristic Gem Series features. 

The guitar is in good player condition with honest cosmetic wear from its nearly 30 years of use. There are assorted light scratches, marks and small dings throughout, including noticeable marks near the pickup selector and several scratches on the top. There is also some discoloration on the back of the neck, likely from prolonged contact with a guitar stand.

Most notably, there is an area of finish and wood loss at the upper rear edge of the headstock, as clearly shown in the photos. This appears cosmetic/localized rather than a headstock break or repair. There are also some smaller marks around the headstock. Please review the photographs carefully, as I’ve made an effort to document the cosmetic condition rather than hide it.

Despite the wear, this is an attractive example of an unusual Gibson model. The Topaz sunburst, cream P-90s and aged gold hardware make for a combination you don’t see very often, and the original GEM SERIES / Topaz marking remains clearly visible on the back of the headstock.

Serial number: 90307410 (best reading; stamping is faint)
Year: 1997
Weight: 9 lbs. 5 oz.
Finish: Topaz / three-tone sunburst
Pickups: Dual P-90 single coils
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-way selector
Fingerboard: Rosewood with trapezoid inlays
Hardware: Gold
Case: Hardshell case included
Made in USA

The Gem Series has developed a following because it combines the familiar Les Paul Studio platform with factory P-90s, unusual colors and the short production run. A current Reverb example describes the series as running from 1996–98, while the Reverb model page likewise catalogs the Gem in those years.