Les Paul Tribute
Well, that’s a load off…
Since around 1982, Gibson has been weight-relieving its Les Paul models. That decade saw a shift in guitar fashion to lightweight pointy stuff with Floyd Rose vibratos and lollipop thin necks. Before Gibson began this method of construction, it wasn’t unusual to find Les Paul Standards and Customs tipping the scales at well over 4.5kg (10 pounds).
Why are we telling you this? Well, at 3.5kg (7.9lb) the 2019 Modern Collection Tribute model you see before you is probably the lightest Les Paul we’ve ever lifted.
The Tribute comes with what Gibson describe as “Ultra-modern Weight Relief”. This means that the mahogany back has a series of chambers cut into it before the guitar’s maple cap is glued in place. The idea is you get a guitar that sounds like a classic Les Paul but won’t feel like you’re trying to shift heavy furniture.
Even played acoustically, we can hear that the Tribute has a hollow vibe. That airiness becomes even more apparent when you plug in. This guitar has the same ‘Modern Classic’ pups as the SG Standard. Here they sound less aggressive with a tonal warmth and roundness that’s not a million miles away from a Gibson ES-335 semi. This guitar will rock however. If a love of Jimmy Page or Slash sent you here, you’ll get off on the ballsy overdrive tones and long haul sustain.
Flicking the three-way pickup selector toggle switch, you’ll discover that the neck ’bucker is perfect for bluesy noodling, if that happens to be your bag. Bending the strings above the 12th fret is a joy thanks to the medium jumbo frets and 305mm (12") radius.
Like the Les Paul Special Tribute DC, this guitar deviates from the classic Gibson neck wood. Instead of the expected mahogany you’ll find a piece of maple used here. This is likely an attempt to keep costs down but we actually like the substitution. Maple is super stiff and we’re sure that contributes to the Les Paul Tribute’s punchy tone and excellent tuning stability. It adds to the desirability of this sub-£1,000 beauty. Yes, it’s lightweight but certainly not in features and tone.
the tribute is probably the lightest Les Pa ul we’ve ever lifted