Les Paul Tribute Vs Studio [Difference & Which is better]

It’s no secret that Gibson is synonymous with quality brand. Their Les Paul models have been a standard in the music industry since the 1950s. Today, there are many variations of the Les Paul available on the market, such as the Les Paul Tribute vs Studio.

The Les Paul Tribute is a relatively new addition to the Gibson lineup. That was first introduced in 2018. The model pays tribute to the original Les Paul models from the 1950s. This classic design features a mahogany body and maple top. The Les Paul Studio dates back to the 1980s. They are known for its versatility & affordability.

The Gibson models share a number of similarities. But these two models also differ in significant ways. The Les Paul Tribute and the Les Paul Studio are different from each other. Let’s see, which one is better for performance.

Comparison Table:

The Les Paul Tribute Overview:

Les Paul Tribute is the Gibson guitar series that is gained a reputation for their excellent sound and tone. This guitar is a capable of producing a wide range of sounds. In this reason it’s the popular choice for all guitarists. The Les Paul Tribute builds with a solid body and modern crafted construction that does provide the more durable with comfortable guitar to play.

The Les Paul tribute guitar pickup is also attraction; this is providing a clear sound. That is perfect for the recording system with live performance. The Les Paul Tribute is an exceptional instrument that includes a great balance of sound, tone, design, and durability.

When compared to the Studio model, the Les Paul Tribute provides a better overall performance, especially in terms of sound, tone, and tuning stability.

The Les Paul Studio Overview:

The Les Paul Studio is a versatile electric guitar. This guitar delivers a wide range of tone with excellent sound quality. Especially it designed for professionals and hobbyists alike. This guitar is perfect for those who want to explore different genres of music.

The Les Paul Studio is well known for its unique sound. It builds with a mahogany body and maple top. It provides a warm and rich tone. That is perfect for jazz, blues and rock music. The les paul studio guitar build with a classic body shape and better smooth finish.

Normally, the studio is well known for their comfortable playing style with durability. It has a solid ergonomic design with construction. The guitar features high-quality pickups. That delivers a clear and powerful sound. It is perfect for live performances and recording sessions. The tuning stability on this guitar is also exceptional, thanks to its Grover tuners.

Overall, the Les Paul Studio is an excellent choice for guitarists who want a versatile and reliable musical instrument that delivers exceptional sound quality.

Main Difference Between The Les Paul Tribute Vs Studio:

a) Body and Neck:

The Les Paul Tribute builds a solid mahogany body with a maple top. The Studio model builds a carved maple top with a mahogany body. The Tribute comes with a slim taper neck profile. The Studio has a slightly thicker neck with a rounded profile.

The body and neck materials and designs contribute to the overall sound and tone of each model. The Tribute is offering a warmer, richer sound, and the Studio providing a brighter, more versatile tone. Both models are built to withstand the rigors of touring. That’s performing exceptionally well.

The Tribute features Gibson’s 490R and 490T humbucker pickups. The Studio guitar comes with 490R and 498T humbuckers.

b) Hardware:

Both guitars have some notable differences. Let’s start with sound and tone. Les Paul has a classic look. The Tribute builds with a more vintage design; it has a satin finish and cream pickguard. The Studio builds a more modern design with a glossy finish and black pickguard.

The Studio is more rugged and can handle rougher handling. The Tribute requires more care due to its satin finish. Tribute comes with a slightly thicker neck and builds with a comfortable fretboard.

Both guitar pickups quality are similar. But the studio delivers the slightly hotter output. Both guitars are excellent and their unique features that set them apart. Tuning is also a crucial aspect to consider. Both guitars have reliable tuning stability.

c) Pickup:

The Les Paul Tribute comes with traditional PAF-style pickups. The Les Paul Studio has the 490R and 490T pickups. The pickup comparison between these two guitars can greatly impact the sound & tone. The PAF-style pickups on the Les Paul Tribute are known for their warm, vintage sound. It can produce a more classic tone.

The 490R and 490T pickups on the Les Paul Studio deliver the more modern sound with increased clarity & definition. Both guitars pickups quality are highly responsive. This is offering a wide range of tonal options. When it comes to the Les Paul Tribute vs Studio, the pickup comparison is just one of vital.

d) Sound:

The sound of a guitar is primarily determined by its pickups. Both models come with the classic humbucker pickups that are conterminous with the Les Paul sound. The Tribute model features Gibson’s 490R and 490T pickups. The Studio model boasts Gibson’s 498T and 490R pickups.

The 490 pickups on the Tribute model are slightly less powerful than the 498 pickups on the Studio model. This is resulting in a slightly warmer tone on the Tribute model. The Studio model focuses a more bite and a sharper attack due to its 498 pickups.

Both models offer exceptional tonal versatility. It is more suitable for a wide range of musical genres.

e) Other Instruments:

In terms of sound and tone, the Tribute & Studio are fairly evenly matched due to their similar pickup configurations. The Tribute does have a slightly thicker tone due to its higher output pickups. In terms of design & durability, both guitars are built to last and feature solid mahogany bodies.

Many players prefer the slimmer body design of the Studio. The pickup selection of the Studio is also more versatile with its coil-splitting capabilities. This is offering players a wider range of tonal options.

f) Playability and Durability:

In terms of playability, both the Tribute and Studio offer a comfortable playing experience, with similar neck profiles & fretboard widths. The Studio built in a slightly slimmer body, which some guitarist may prefer.

In terms of durability, both guitars are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. But the Studio features a slightly more robust construction due to its thicker body.

The Studio’s satin finish is more resistant to scratches and wear compared to the Tribute’s glossy finish.

g) Price:

The Les Paul Tribute is priced higher than the Studio. But this is largely due to the differences in design with quality. The Studio is a great choice for those on a budget. The Les Paul Tribute offers a higher level of quality & performance.

The Les Paul Tribute is the better choice for those who demand the highest level of sound and tone. The Studio is a great option for those who prioritize affordability without sacrificing any quality.

Which to choose for Performances?

When it comes to choosing the right guitar for performances, sound quality, tonal system, design, durability, playability, comfort, and pickup are all important factors to consider. The Tribute delivers a slightly warmer & fuller sound. The Studio delivers the brighter sound and with provides a versatile tone.

The Tribute comes with a vintage-style neck profile for added comfort. But, the Studio has a slimmer neck profile for faster playing. Both guitars build with a durable construction & reliable tuning stability.

The Les Paul Tribute Vs Studio is the perfect guitars for their own features. Both are delivers the excellent sound with performance. The Les Paul Tribute and Studio guitars are top-quality musical instruments. These types of guitars like to use any musician.

Last Updated on July 9, 2023 by Perry Garner