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This is the third and final instalment of a three-part series on a Manhattan Midnight Gibson Les Paul Studio 2015. For detailed specs on this guitar, kindly visit the Gibson Legacy Archive.
As this post features pics of the guitar after servicing, cleaning, and a full setup; we'll take a brief look at some of its outstanding features. Most striking is the gorgeous B Grade Maple top stained in what Gibson terms "Manhattan Midnight;" and finished in lacquer. I particularly love the way the dark blue stain accentuates the "tiger stripes" of the maple top.
Then, there's the attractive silkscreened gold "Les Paul 100" lettering on the headstock front [apparently in the legend's own handwriting]; which celebrates "100 years of Les Paul's innovation." Less impressive is the gold ink "Gibson" logo. An inlaid logo [perhaps of golden mother-of-pearl] would have been more appropriate for an instrument of this pedigree; in my humble opinion.
Meanwhile, on the back of the headstock, we are greeted by a beautiful hologram depicting a smiling Les Paul waving at us. The hologram also features the man's 100th birthday signature, which, according to Gibson; is "a facsimile of his actual signature taken from a pickguard autographed by Les."
Looking at the nice and dark rosewood fretboard, one's eyes are drawn to the gorgeous trapezoidal inlays; which are real mother-of-pearl [MOP]. Quite a change from your run-of-the-mill "mother of toilet seat" found on most Pauls; isn't it?
Yet another eye-catching feature is the rather unique "golden cream" hue of the toggle switch washer and pickup rings; which provides a nice contrast to the darkish "Manhattan Midnight" tiger-striped maple top. Also oozing understated class are the satin nickel-finished Zamak [zinc / aluminum / magnesium / copper alloy] tune-o-matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece; as well as the pale aluminum strap buttons.
Sound-wise, this Gibson Les Paul Studio 2015 is capable of totally-useable humbucking and single-coil tones; both clean and overdriven. Most regrettably, I could not find the time to record a proper sound clip. However, this Guitar Center YouTube video should give you a good idea of what a Manhattan Midnight beauty sounds like. Enjoy :)
