The firm’s third attempt at converting its iconic single-cut shape into a campfire companion settles on a parlor design reminiscent of a scaled-down SJ-200. (Guitar World)
Gibson is approaching cautiously here. Unlike its previous Les Paul acoustic iterations – which came in 1969 and 2000 for three and four-year runs, respectively – the body shape is a lot smaller this time around. Featuring a parlor-sized body “reminiscent of a scaled-down SJ-200”, its compactness may just sway those on the fence about this hybrid aesthetic.
Taking tonewood cues from the source material, its back and sides are crafted with solid mahogany, and there’s a AAA flame maple top for “a bit of bite and note definition to the warm tone from the mahogany body”.
The bookmatched top also benefits from traditional scalloped X-bracing with single-ply cream binding found all over to ensure the Les Paul’s legendary chic carries across.
Mahogany is also employed for the neck, which has a notable Advanced Response profile. Expect a neck that’s not “too beefy nor too slim”, while its 12"-radius, 19-fret fingerboard is made from rosewood. Pearloid trapezoid inlays harmonize with the guitar’s cream binding (and continues the LP vibe, naturally) and the neck attaches to the body with a compound dovetail neck-to-body joint.
