Gibson Les Paul Standard 2011 - Chicago Blue

This is a 2011 Gibson Les Paul Standard in Chicago Blue—one of the more memorable finishes from Gibson’s 2008–2012 generation of the Les Paul Standard. This particular era was a pretty substantial departure from the more traditional Les Paul formula, combining a chambered mahogany body and figured maple top with an asymmetrical mahogany neck, locking hardware and a handful of modern touches that made these noticeably lighter and more player-friendly than many Les Pauls around them.

And this one has a seriously good top. The Chicago Blue finish sits over a heavily figured maple cap with deep horizontal flame running almost the entire width of the guitar. Depending on the angle, it moves between a bright electric blue and a much darker navy, with the flame disappearing and reappearing as the light changes. It is a rare enough color to begin with, and this is a particularly strong-looking example.

The original BurstBucker Pro humbuckers are still in place. These use Alnico V magnets and have a little more bite and definition than some of Gibson’s warmer vintage-output pickup sets. The neck position stays full without getting muddy, while the bridge has plenty of attack and punch. It is still unmistakably a Les Paul, but there is a little more clarity around the edges than you get from some lower-output PAF-style sets.

One of the coolest things about this generation is how much Gibson changed underneath the familiar Les Paul shape. The mahogany body is chambered, which is a big reason this guitar comes in at only 7.72 lbs on my scale. The neck uses Gibson’s asymmetrical profile, with more support toward the bass side and a slimmer feel toward the treble side. It is comfortable without feeling overly thin, and the lighter body makes the entire guitar feel unusually easy to move around with for a full-size Standard.

It also retains the period-correct locking Grover tuners, TonePros locking Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar, and the Neutrik locking output jack. The jack actually locks the cable into place until the release is pressed, which was another unusual feature Gibson used on these Standards. The original cream pickguard is included separately rather than mounted, so the figured top is left completely exposed.

Playability is excellent. It recently received a light fret level and polish, and that made a noticeable difference—the bends are exceptionally smooth and the frets feel buttery under the fingers. The action is low and effortless, the neck is dialed in, and intonation is spot on. The frets themselves remain in excellent condition.

Cosmetically, I’m calling it very good rather than excellent because this guitar has definitely seen some use. There are numerous light finish scratches and handling marks across the body, along with scuffs and scratches on the back and some marks along the rear of the neck. A few edge marks are more noticeable under direct lighting as well. Nothing I found is structural, and there are no issues affecting how it plays—the wear is cosmetic and photographed closely so there are no surprises. From the front especially, it still presents incredibly well.

It includes the original Gibson hardshell case along with the pictured factory inspection sheet, warranty/owner paperwork and original cream pickguard.

What stood out to me

• Rare 2011 Gibson Les Paul Standard in Chicago Blue
• Exceptionally strong figured maple top
• Deep blue finish changes dramatically with the light
• Chambered mahogany body
• Extremely light for a Les Paul at 7.72 lbs on my scale
• Original BurstBucker Pro humbuckers
• Asymmetrical mahogany neck profile
• Bound rosewood fretboard with trapezoid inlays
• 22 frets
• Recent light fret level and polish
• Exceptionally smooth bends
• Effortless low-action setup
• Spot-on intonation
• Original locking Grover tuners
• TonePros locking Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar
• Neutrik locking output jack
• Original pickguard included separately
• Honest cosmetic play wear with scratches and scuffs throughout
• No structural issues found during inspection
• Original Gibson hardshell case
• Factory inspection sheet and warranty/owner paperwork included

Like all my guitars, this one’s been cared for and dialed in—no guesswork, no surprises, just a great instrument that’s ready to play. I personally inspect and test every guitar before it ships, making sure it’s in the exact condition I’d want to receive myself. These guitars come from me, not a shop—each one gets the kind of attention and care only a real guitar lover gives. Ships fast and insured.

⏳ Quick note: These guitars don’t usually sit. Most are purchased within 3–7 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the window!