1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio — Gem Series Ruby with P-90s. Made in the USA.

This was part of that limited run Gibson did in '96 - '98 where they put P-90s and gold hardware on Studios and finished them in gemstone colors — Amethyst, Sapphire, Topaz, Emerald, and Ruby. This is the Ruby, and it's just cool as hell.

90s Gibsons hit a sweet spot for me. Some call it God Wood Era, everyone agress its a great era for Gibson. The builds feel solid, the wood's right, and the necks fill your hand. This one's got a true Medium C — sits between a chunky 50s and a slimmer modern 60s — weighs just under 9 lbs on my scale (about 4.1 kg). Real Les Paul heft without killing your shoulder at a long gig.

The P-90s are what really make it. Bark, bite, and that signature growl that lives somewhere between a PAF and a single coil. Roll the volume back and it cleans up nice, dig in and it snarls, crank a driven amp and it sings. If you've spent time with a P-90 Les Paul you already know. If you haven't, you're in for something.

Cosmetically it's got some honest mojo. The Ruby finish still pops, but the guitar has been played — not abused — and it's earned some natural wear along the way. No fake checking, no poser stuff. To me it looks better for it. Let me knw if you have other questions.

Specs:

• 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio, Made in USA
• Gem Series Ruby with gold hardware
• P-90 pickups
• Medium C neck (between a 50s and a modern 60s)
• Just under 9 lbs (~4.1 kg) on my scale
• Neck is straight, truss rod adjusts as it should
• Frets have plenty of life left
• No breaks, no repairs .
• Good intonation
• All original to the best of my knowledge except the bridge, which my local luthier replaced during a recent setup. Strung with Ernie Ball 10s
• Includes the original Gibson hardshell case--cool ones with the pink intrior. Case shows wear but fully functional. No smoke smell.