Studio or Classic

[Ztonemonster]

I’m looking to get my next LP, and I’ve narrowed it down to either a Classic or a Studio. Either way, I’ll be putting Lindy Fralin Pure PAF’s in it.

I know the Classic is heavier and has nice cream binding, where the Studio is lighter and no binding.

Anything else I should be considering between the two?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[jb_abides]

Classic has ABR-1 bridge, Studio has Nashville TOM, if that matters to you.
- Some value the vintage aspects of the ABR; the Nashville has more saddle travel distance so pay attention to set-up needs.
- The Nashville will also have the hex tool making adjustments 'easier' or different depending on what you are used to...

Electronics wiring is slightly different: Classic has a phase/bypass in addition to coil tapping in both. Make sure the Fralin connector wiring is compatible, or you know how to adapt, or plan to get new harness, etc.

Some feel that the Ultra Modern Weight Relief (pie slices) in the Studio imparts some resonance characteristics over the 9-hole (Swiss cheese holes) in the Classic but that is speculative and highly subjective.

Depends on what aesthetics you want, ultimately close.

I would vote Classic and binding --- everyday, all day --- unless there was a super-compelling tonal or other playability advantage on the Studio e.g. neck feel, acoustic resonance. All unique to a specific guitar.

Good luck!

 

[Ztonemonster]

Classic has ABR-1 bridge, Studio has Nashville TOM, if that matters to you.
- Some value the vintage aspects of the ABR; the Nashville has more saddle travel distance so pay attention to set-up needs.
- The Nashville will also have the hex tool making adjustments 'easier' or different depending on what you are used to...

Electronics wiring is slightly different: Classic has a phase/bypass in addition to coil tapping in both. Make sure the Frailin connector wiring is compatible, or you know how to adapt, or plan to get new harness, etc.

Some feel that the Ultra Modern Weight Relief (pie slices) in the Studio imparts some resonance characteristics over the 9-hole (Swiss cheese holes) in the Classic but that is speculative and highly subjective.

Depends on what aesthetics you want, ultimately close.

I would vote Classic and binding --- everyday, all day --- unless there was a super-compelling tonal or other playability advantage on the Studio e.g. neck feel, acoustic resonance. All unique to a specific guitar.

Good luck!

Thanks! Excellent points. I really lean towards the binding tbh.

 

[Grog]

I have a Studio Deluxe T that I find myself grabbing more as time goes on. It’s been a great guitar for me.

 

[Restonmachaan]

'22 Classic. Machined steel Nashville by Pinnacle USA.

 

[1allspub]

Between those 2 choices... Classic. Also, keep in mind that for the price of a new Classic you can find a good used Standard. Something to think about.

 

[LP_C_D]

Classic .

 

[Keefoman]

The Classic is closer to the Standard, if that matters. Had a 2001 Classic years ago. Swapped the pickups and electronics, and it was a great Les Paul. Guess you're after a new one though. I would still go Classic over the Studio, even though the Studios can be great guitars too.

 

[Bluesbreaker78]

Classic gets my vote too, without any doubt. I've had 2 and both were great guitars. Not to put down the Studio, I'm sure there are some great Studios out there

 

[dixiethedog]

I am kind of sitting on the fence with this one as both the classic and the studio have plus points to both of them.
I have Lp's that have binding as well as two studios. I recently picked up a nicely used Studio (in the UK) for £300. I got it home, plugged it in, and immediately disliked the fat neck. My Custom LP came back out of its case. This guitar has a lovely slim neck. I snapped a string on it so pulled the studio back out and now after a short while I love it.
Here in the UK prices seem to have gone crazy. You need about £1500 to get yourself something with binding in the s/h market, whereas I recently spotted a LP Studio premium plus for sale @£1000. It had an absolutely stunning flame maple top. After some thought, I decided that I would buy it, but sadly I was too late. It must have sold very quickly.
Both have their place in a guitarist's hands but I am now a bit of a studio convert.

 

[dixiethedog]

This is not the exact guitar that I fancied buying, but this one looks very much like it.

Gibson Les Paul Studio AAA Premium Plus Flametop Natural Blonde Gold Hardware | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Gibson Les Paul Studio AAA Premium Plus Flametop Natural Blonde Gold Hardware at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Azmedian]

Classic

 

[tjdjr1]

I have a 2019 Classic and love it my most played guitar right now but I did basically turn it into a standard by re-wiring and removed pc board.. I also have a 21 Standard with same wiring and pots in the Classic both are awesome guitars..

 

[BlueGuitar!]

This is not the exact guitar that I fancied buying, but this one looks very much like it.

Gibson Les Paul Studio AAA Premium Plus Flametop Natural Blonde Gold Hardware | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Gibson Les Paul Studio AAA Premium Plus Flametop Natural Blonde Gold Hardware at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

Those Premium Pluses are great. If you get an 06 with the 2 thru 4th digits below about 270 it will be 9-hole weight relief. Above that they started chambering. Here's my 06 and 07


I'm not sure about the current Studios but these and every other Studio I've played has had a 59 neck profile. The Classics are always 60, sometimes skinnier. Also keep in mind the current ABR-1s aren't real ABR-1s.. they have bushings/anchors just like Nashville bridges.

 

[Lucius Paisley]

With binding, every time.

EVERY time.

 

[Trovador]

Can't go wrong with the Classic