Gibson Les Paul Studio Wine Red 1996

This second hand electric guitar is in great condition.

just one light scratch on the back of the headstock.

Includes Gibson Gig bag

By 1996, Gibson had firmly established the Les Paul Studio as the workhorse of its lineup. The guitar stripped away some of the cosmetic appointments (no binding, plainer tops, simple finishes) but retained the essential Les Paul DNA: a solid mahogany body with a carved maple top, a set mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard.

Many 1996 Studios came in finishes like ebony, wine red, alpine white, and cherry sunburst. While they lacked the flame tops and binding of Standards or Customs, the overall build quality was still excellent,weighty, solid, and dependable. Some players even preferred the minimal look, describing it as "all tone, no frills."

Playability

The neck profile of this era tended to be a rounded ’50s-style carve, though some had slimmer ’60s profiles depending on production runs. The 22-fret rosewood board was straightforward and comfortable, with dot inlays instead of trapezoids.

These guitars could be heavy, but they had that reassuring “solid chunk of wood” feel that many Les Paul enthusiasts crave. Upper-fret access was, as always, limited compared to modern contoured designs but classic Les Paul players would feel right at home.

Electronics & Tone

The 1996 Studio generally came equipped with 490R (neck) and 498T (bridge) humbuckers. These pickups had a hotter output compared to vintage-style PAFs, delivering plenty of midrange punch, sustain, and aggression—ideal for rock, hard blues, and early metal.

• Neck pickup: warm, rounded, and thick, excellent for creamy leads or jazzier cleans.

• Bridge pickup: bright, biting, with enough output to drive an amp hard, perfect for crunchy rhythm or soaring solos.

• Middle position: offered a balanced mix, great for classic rock textures.

Some players over the years have swapped pickups for vintage-voiced alternatives, but the stock set remains well-regarded for its raw power and versatility.

• Solid Gibson USA craftsmanship

• Classic Les Paul tone at a more affordable price point

• Hot 490R/498T pickups suited for rock & blues

• Minimal, no-frills aesthetic appeals to players who value function over flash

• Strong resale market—1990s Studios are increasingly sought after

The 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio is a prime example of why the Studio series became so beloved. It delivers all the essentials, mahogany body, maple top, set neck, Gibson humbuckers, in a stripped-back package that focuses on tone and playability rather than ornamentation.

While not as collectible as Standards or Customs, these mid-’90s Studios are now gaining appreciation as dependable, affordable “real” Les Pauls from a respected era of Gibson production. For players chasing that unmistakable Les Paul growl without the price tag of a high-end model, a ’96 Studio remains a smart, gig-ready choice.