The Gibson Les Paul Special Guitar has been a reliable companion for working musicians since its inception in 1955. Known for delivering professional quality at an accessible price, the Les Paul Special has earned its stripes as a true workhorse. The new Les Paul Special Pro model proudly continues this legacy, injecting modern features and enhanced value into this iconic electric guitar. For players seeking a blend of vintage vibe and contemporary performance, the Gibson Les Paul Special Pro guitar presents a compelling option.
Burstbucker Pro Pickups: Unleashing Powerful Tone
At the heart of the Les Paul Special Pro’s sonic prowess are the Burstbucker Pro pickups. This dynamic duo, featuring a Burstbucker Pro rhythm in the neck and a Burstbucker Pro lead in the bridge, provides a versatile tonal palette. Unlike standard Burstbuckers that utilize Alnico II magnets, the Burstbucker Pros are loaded with Alnico V magnets. This upgrade results in a slightly hotter output, pushing your amp harder and achieving a more organic, natural overdrive.
Staying true to the revered PAF pickups, the Burstbucker Pros incorporate asymmetrical coils, contributing to a more open and airy sound. The neck position Burstbucker Pro is wound slightly less than vintage PAFs, delivering warm, creamy, vocal-like tones with exceptional clarity. Conversely, the bridge position pickup is overwound for increased output, excelling in a wide spectrum of styles. From bright, shimmering cleans to chunky rhythms and soaring, sustained leads, the bridge pickup offers remarkable versatility. When used together, the neck and bridge pickups create a range of tones from funky and articulate to thick and greasy, adapting to various amp and effect settings. Furthermore, the Burstbucker Pro pickups are wax potted, minimizing feedback even at high volumes, making them ideal for stage and studio environments. Like all Gibson pickups, the Burstbucker Pros are meticulously crafted at Gibson USA in Nashville, Tennessee, ensuring precise construction and superior quality.
Playability Redefined: The Plek Setup Advantage
The Les Paul Special Pro distinguishes itself as the first Gibson USA model to incorporate the revolutionary Plek setup. The Plek machine, a German-engineered marvel of precision, employs computer-controlled technology to analyze and optimize each fret. It meticulously measures each fret and the fingerboard height under each string, then automatically dresses each fret to an astonishing tolerance of .001 inches. This groundbreaking process virtually eliminates string buzz and dramatically enhances the overall playability of the guitar.
The Plek setup achieves in minutes what traditionally takes a skilled luthier hours, or even days, to accomplish. By ensuring accurate fret alignment and precise intonation, the Plek system delivers an instrument that is exceptionally playable straight out of the box. This meticulous setup translates to effortless fretting, smooth string bends, and consistent intonation across the entire fretboard, allowing players to focus purely on their performance.
Modern Features Meet Classic Design
The Les Paul Special Pro seamlessly blends modern enhancements with classic aesthetics. The neck features a comfortable 60s slim-taper profile, finished with a smooth, hand-applied satin nitrocellulose lacquer. This neck profile is favored by many players for its comfortable feel and fast playability. The body is adorned with a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, complemented by cream neck binding and pickup rings, and vintage gold tophat knobs, evoking the timeless Les Paul look.
Constructed with a solid mahogany body, the Les Paul Special Pro delivers the rich sustain and warm tonal foundation that Les Paul guitars are renowned for. The rosewood fretboard further contributes to the instrument’s warm and articulate voice. Additional modern appointments include the Gibson G FORCE™ tuning system for quick and accurate tuning, and push/pull coil split functionality on each pickup’s tone pot, expanding the guitar’s sonic versatility even further.
Who is the Les Paul Special Pro For?
The Gibson Les Paul Special Pro guitar is designed for the discerning musician who demands both value and performance. It is an ideal choice for working guitarists who need a reliable, versatile instrument for a variety of musical styles. From blues and rock to country and pop, the Les Paul Special Pro offers the tonal flexibility and playability to excel in diverse genres. Its combination of Burstbucker Pro pickups, Plek setup, and comfortable neck make it a joy to play and a powerful tool for any guitarist seeking a high-quality, American-made instrument without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, the Gibson Les Paul Special Pro guitar successfully merges classic Les Paul design with modern features and exceptional value. It stands as a testament to Gibson’s commitment to providing working musicians with professional-grade instruments that inspire creativity and deliver outstanding performance.
