Gibson Kirk Hammett "Greeny" LP Std.

Gibson Kirk Hammett "Greeny" LP Std. Review

The Gibson Kirk Hammett "Greeny" LP Std. Is a U.S.-made, signature Les Paul built around the sound and look associated with the Greeny instrument. Its defining feature is the pickup pairing: a Greenybucker at the bridge and a neck Greenybucker with reversed magnetic polarity. That setup gives the middle position its characteristic out-of-phase voice, a nasal, singing tone that owners repeatedly single out as the guitar's main attraction.

With a listed price of $2,555, this is a substantial purchase. The appeal is not simply a familiar Les Paul formula with a signature name attached. Players report a distinctive tonal response, a comfortable satin feel, and a vintage-inspired appearance. Feedback on fit and finish, however, is mixed enough that buyers should inspect the instrument carefully when it arrives.

Construction and specifications

The guitar pairs a mahogany body and neck with a figured AAA maple top and a rosewood fingerboard. It has 22 frets, a 628 mm scale, cream body binding, and trapezoid fingerboard inlays. The neck uses a vintage-style 1950s profile, with a 43 mm nut width and a Graph Tech nut. A Tune-O-Matic bridge and aluminum stop bar complete the fixed-bridge setup. There is no tremolo.

Two volume and two tone controls provide the familiar Les Paul layout. The electronics are hand-wired with Orange Drop capacitors. The instrument comes with a case, but not a gig bag. Its listed finish is Greeny Burst, while the general color entry describes it as amber. Owners describe the top as subdued and the finish as satin rather than glossy. That surface feels less slippery than a high-gloss finish and gives the guitar a worn-in look, though it will not suit someone seeking a bright, pristine shine.

Sound and playing feel

The reversed-polarity neck pickup is the key to the Greeny's identity. In the middle position, owners describe a focused, vocal sound with an out-of-phase edge. The volume controls make it possible to shape that character rather than treating the middle position as a single fixed effect. Players also report a broad range from the pickup combination, with warmer tones available alongside sharper, more forceful settings.

The bridge pickup is described as strong and clear, while the overall sound is often praised for being rich, warm, and powerful. Several players compare its character favorably with more conventional Les Paul models, but that distinction cuts both ways. Buyers looking specifically for a standard Les Paul voice may find the Greeny unusual. Its appeal lies in having a recognizable personality, not in being a neutral version of the format.

Reports on the neck are generally positive. The satin surface feels comfortable during longer sessions, and owners say it stays easy to move across even when their hands get sweaty. The 1950s-style profile gives a fuller feel than a slim neck, though players differ in how they describe its shape. Setup reports also vary: some instruments arrived with comfortable action, while others needed attention to the nut or frets.

Finish quality and ownership concerns

Fit and finish are the main question marks. Some owners report excellent workmanship and a well-set-up instrument. Others describe rough or sharp binding edges, fret ends that needed work, scratches or grooves on fret surfaces, and careless nut finishing. One buyer also reported dirty pickups and frets that were not properly leveled or polished. These accounts do not establish that every Greeny has such problems, but they are significant at this price.

The rosewood fingerboard may also arrive dry. One owner recommends applying suitable fingerboard oil and fitting fresh strings before judging the guitar's feel. That is a small amount of first-day maintenance, but buyers should not confuse routine care with correcting poor fretwork or uncomfortable binding. If either affects playability, contact the seller promptly and ask about an exchange or inspection rather than assuming it will wear away with use.

Weight is another practical consideration. One player reported a weight of about 4 kg and found it manageable, while also noting that the solid-body instrument can feel heavy during a long standing set. Individual examples may differ, so a player who is sensitive to shoulder weight should try one in person if possible.

Verdict

The Gibson Kirk Hammett "Greeny" LP Std. Earns its strongest praise for its distinctive pickup sound and easy, satin-finished neck. The middle position offers a particular out-of-phase voice that owners value for its expressive response, and the guitar can cover more ground than its vintage appearance suggests. Its weight, signature-model price, and inconsistent reports about fret and binding work deserve equal attention.

For players specifically drawn to the Greeny sound, this is a compelling instrument with a clear identity. For anyone expecting flawless detailing straight from the case, inspect the frets, nut, and binding closely on arrival. At this price, a good example can be deeply satisfying, but quality control should not be taken for granted.