Les Paul Value (pic)

[metalj]

Hey gang any opinions on the value of this Les Paul Studio from 1996. Its kinda cool, Ive never seen a LesPaul STudio with p-90's.

The description says it is a "gem"series Topaz model or something. Does that sound legit to you?

Thanks for any thoughts. This is what the seller has to say about it.

this is not your run of the mill les paul studio, this is a gem series topaz model. as you can see it has P-90's, gold hardware, it has a thicker 50's style neck, excellent condition, comes with a skb hardshell case.

 

[Outlaws]

I don't even remember a burst being an option then, let alone P90's. I bought my Studio towards the end of 96 and the only choices were Black or Red Wine with Chrome or Gold hardware, and Alpine White with Gold.

 

[Zaphod B]

That thing looks like a cross between a Studio and a Special.

 

[Zaphod B]

That's a very cool LP. Me likes it.

 

[BrentDomann]

I don't know if the particular guitar in that photo is legit (I think so, but I'm no expert), but there definitely was a Studio Gem series in the mid-late 90s that had P-90s. The model is not some strange concoction.

 

[BrentDomann]

By the way, that picture of the cat on the left is awesome.

 

[Anfontan]

By the way, that picture of the cat on the left is awesome.

I think it's an Angora buffing cat-it gives the Les Paul an outstanding shine!

 

[Ed Dixon]

Is it just me or does this look like a really ugly ax?

Ed

 

[Zaphod B]

Is it just me or does this look like a really ugly ax?

Ed

It's just you.

OK, OK, it's not the most beautiful guitar I've ever laid eyes on but I'll bet it sounds killer.

 

[metalj]

Thanks for the comments and info posted in the links.

I havent decided whether or not to buy it. They guy is asking $900. Seems little high but it does seem somewhat rare. It may hold some value even being a "studio" model.

What would you guys pay or what do you think the value of this is?

Im thinking brand new it probably was a $1000 guitar or more, with a little negotiation maybe $800+ in the day.

Thanks

 

[Zaphod B]

Regarding value.....

What distinguishes this guitar from your run of the mill Studio is the burst finish. (Sure, it's got P-90s but value-wise that's a wash I think.) So that finish probably came at a premium of a couple of hundred bucks over the cost of a standard (painted) Studio.

If you translate that to the cost of today's Studios, that would yield something like a $1500 guitar, so for a used one something a bit under $1000 sounds about right to me.

I think the asking price is reasonable and if the seller is negotiable, all the better.

 

[BrentDomann]

Musician's Friend is selling Studios with humbuckers in that very finish right now - it's called "Fireburst," and there is apparently no upcharge for that paint job.

 

[Sal4001]

The "Gem" series was a run of Les Pauls that Gibson originally did exclusively for Guitar Center. They came in Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, & Emerald. I got mine in Ruby Red with gold hardware and cream pickups/pickguard, new in '97 for $799 and the current value is around $1400. Fantastic sounding guitar!! I recently put a P-100 in the bridge to replace the P-90 and it really screams now. Great tones!!