Gibson Les Paul Studio Smartwood 2003 USED

USED

The 2003 Gibson Les Paul Studio Smartwood combines the rich history of the iconic Les Paul with a commitment to sustainability and responsible wood sourcing. Originally launched in the 1950s, the Les Paul model revolutionized the electric guitar world with its solid body design, single-cutaway shape, and powerful humbucker pickups, setting a standard for rock and blues players alike. The Les Paul’s association with iconic guitarists, including Les Paul himself, Jimmy Page, and Slash, has cemented its place in music history as one of the most revered electric guitars.

Introduced in the late 1990s, the Gibson Smartwood Series was Gibson’s answer to growing environmental concerns within the guitar industry. Gibson’s Smartwood line aimed to utilize sustainable and lesser-known tropical hardwoods certified by the Rainforest Alliance to offer unique aesthetics and tonal qualities while promoting eco-friendly practices.

The Smartwood Les Pauls were crafted using responsibly sourced woods, often featuring unusual and beautiful grain patterns, distinct from the traditional mahogany and maple combination typical of Les Paul models. This series set a precedent for ethical manufacturing and added a new level of variety to Gibson’s catalog.

This 2003 Smartwood Les Paul Studio is has typical wear for a guitar of its age, with frets remain in near-new condition at about 90%. It plays great, with a loud, acoustic tone and resonance. Weighing 3700 grams, it’s also relatively light for a Les Paul.

SPECIFICATIONS

Body Wood: Sustainable tropical hardwood (varied by year and model)
Top Wood: Often made with a unique veneer of exotic wood, each varying by availability and sustainability certification
Neck Wood: Mahogany or similar sustainable hardwood
Fretboard: Certified tropical hardwood
Scale Length: 24.75 inches
Frets: 22, medium jumbo
Pickups: Gibson 490R & 498T Humbuckers
Weight: 3700 grams
Finish: Natural, emphasizing the grain and character of the wood