Gibson Les Paul Studio CherrySunburst
The Gibson Les Paul Studio Cherry Sunburst pairs satisfying Burstbucker Pro tones with a comfortable, lighter body and practical coil-splitting. Buyers get strong value and a soft case, though a hard case is not included.
★★★★★ 4.7/5 · 9 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Gibson Les Paul Studio CherrySunburst review
The Les Paul Studio CherrySunburst is a USA-made Gibson with a familiar recipe and a few practical details that distinguish it from more expensive Les Paul models. Its mahogany body has Gibson's Ultra Modern weight relief, while a maple top, bound mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, and two Burstbucker Pro humbuckers cover the core specification. The supplied price is 1333, with no currency specified.
Available since September 2024, this model pairs traditional Les Paul styling with controls intended to broaden its tonal range. It has two volume knobs with push-pull coil-splitting function, two tone knobs, and a three-way pickup switch. There are 22 frets and a 628 mm (24.75-inch) scale length. A gig bag is included; a hard case is not.
Build, finish, and feel
The Cherry Sunburst finish and maple top give the guitar a distinctive look, though the owner reports focus on appearance rather than a detailed description of the top's grain. One player who chose the Studio for its finish and pickup-splitting controls describes the gloss finish as especially effective in person. Another highlights the trapezoid inlays and neck binding as notable upgrades from a more basic Les Paul they previously owned.
The neck is mahogany with a Slim Taper profile, a Graph Tech nut, and binding. Its scale length is 628 mm, and the nut measures 43.1 mm. These dimensions are useful reference points, but comfort remains personal. In the submitted feedback, players describe the neck as easy to grip and the guitar as comfortable to play, with one reporting that the action was well set straight from delivery.
Weight relief is a meaningful part of the Studio's appeal. One owner says the guitar is lighter and easier to handle than their previous Les Paul Tribute. That is a personal comparison, not a published weight measurement. The body remains mahogany, and the weight-relief construction is intended to reduce its mass. No exact weight is provided, so players who need a specific figure should check with the seller before ordering.
Pickups and controls
The pair of Burstbucker Pro humbuckers are the main source of the Studio's sound. Owner feedback describes them as full and powerful, with a clear high end and firm low end. Players also report that the guitar can handle clean sounds as well as rock, and that the neck pickup can suit jazzier parts. These are listening impressions rather than measured frequency results.
Push-pull volume controls activate the listed coil-tap function, giving players an additional pickup voice. In practice, the feature offers a way to move beyond the thicker humbucker sound without changing guitars. One owner calls the range particularly versatile. Another hears a subtly different character with the controls engaged. Results will depend on the amplifier, settings, and playing style, so the split sound should be treated as an alternate option, not a guaranteed replacement for a dedicated single-coil guitar.
The controls include two volume knobs, two tone knobs, and a three-way switch. One reviewer found the knobs responsive across their range and reported no unwanted noise. The guitar has no tremolo, keeping the bridge setup in the fixed-bridge Les Paul format.
What owners report
Feedback points to strong first impressions of setup and finish. Several owners describe the instrument as well finished and playable on arrival, with one saying no adjustment was needed. Another reports using it daily for a couple of months and compares its sound favorably with a more expensive Les Paul Standard. That comparison reflects one player's experience, not a claim that the models are identical in construction or features.
The included case deserves a quick clarification. The product specifications list a gig bag, while one owner describes receiving a premium soft case and says it felt substantial enough for their needs. The reports differ in wording, so buyers should confirm the exact case supplied with the specific sale. A hard case is not included in the listed specifications.
Verdict
The Gibson Les Paul Studio CherrySunburst brings together a weight-relieved mahogany body, maple top, bound Slim Taper neck, and Burstbucker Pro humbuckers in a USA-made instrument. The push-pull controls add useful tonal flexibility, while owner accounts give positive marks to the finish, setup, and playing feel. Its main compromises are the lack of a hard case and the absence of a published weight figure. For players drawn to the Les Paul format who want Gibson construction and coil-splitting options, this Studio makes a persuasive case on its specification and reported day-to-day playability.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Burstbucker Pro humbuckers deliver strong, appealing tones, and coil-splitting adds useful tonal range.
- The Slim Taper neck, comfortable weight-reduced body, and generally well-reported setup make it enjoyable to play.
- Reviewers praise the glossy Cherry Sunburst finish, build quality, and included soft case.
What bugged me
- The included soft case may not satisfy players who prefer a hard case.
- One reviewer felt a less expensive guitar sounded nearly as good, and another noted that the tone may not be fully classic Les Paul.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A strong fit for players seeking Gibson Les Paul sound, a comfortable lighter body, and coil-splitting flexibility. Also suits buyers who value a polished finish and USA-made construction.Look elsewhere if
Less suitable for buyers who require a hard case in the package or want the fullest traditional Les Paul appointments. Players focused only on sound per dollar may prefer to compare less expensive alternatives.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Cherry Burst
- Body
- Mahogany
- Top
- Maple
- Neck
- Mahogany
- Fretboard
- Rosewood
- Frets
- 22
- Scale
- 628 mm
- Pickups
- HH
- Tremolo
- None
- Including case
- No
- Incl. gigbag
- Yes
What other players say
Owners are broadly enthusiastic about the guitar's finish, build quality, comfortable neck, and sound. Several report an excellent setup on arrival and appreciate the reduced weight and coil-splitting options. The supplied soft case is viewed positively, although some buyers would rather have a hard case. One reviewer considered a less expensive guitar a close sonic alternative, and another felt the tone was not entirely traditional.
The Burstbucker pickups sound amazing and the neck plays like a dream.
I can't hear any difference between this and 60s Standard, absolutely love it.
One of Gibsons best value guitars in my opinion.
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
Does the guitar include a hard case?
No. It includes a gig bag, described by reviewers as a high-quality soft case. A hard case must be purchased separately.
Can the pickups provide single-coil-style tones?
The two Burstbucker Pro humbuckers have push-pull controls for coil-splitting, which reviewers say adds useful tonal variety.
Is this Les Paul unusually heavy?
Its mahogany body uses ultra-modern weight relief. Reviewers found it comfortable to handle and lighter than some other Les Paul guitars.
How does it compare with the Les Paul Standard?
One owner reported that it plays and sounds remarkably close to a 60s Standard, while costing less. The Studio has fewer cosmetic appointments and comes with a soft case rather than a hard case.
Is it suitable for clean tones as well as rock?
Yes. Reviews describe it as capable of clean sounds, rock tones, and jazz-like sounds, with coil-splitting adding further flexibility.
The last word from the bench
Customer feedback consistently highlights the guitar's comfortable neck, attractive finish, strong sound, and good setup on arrival. The weight-reduced mahogany body is reported as easier to handle than heavier Les Paul models, while coil-splitting broadens its range. Its main compromises are the soft case instead of a hard case and a tone that may not match every player's idea of a classic Les Paul. At this price, it is a compelling USA-made option for players seeking Gibson character with practical features.
Hanging next to it
Gibson Les Paul Studio CherrySunburst
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
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