Gibson Les Paul Studio Plus 2001 - Desert Burst

This 2001 Gibson Les Paul Studio Premium Plus in Desert Burst is exactly why these early figured-top Studios have become so interesting. Gibson took the stripped-down Studio formula and gave it the part you normally expect to see reserved for a much more expensive Les Paul: an absolutely loaded figured maple top.

And this particular top is ridiculous. There’s a ton of movement between the flame and quilt-like figuring, especially through the center of the body, and the darker Desert Burst edge frames it perfectly. Add in the aged gold hardware and it has a great early-2000s Gibson look without feeling overly flashy.

It’s also a really good player. The neck has that slimmer, more ’60s-like feel in my hands, and it’s very easy to move around on. The frets are in excellent shape, the fretboard is excellent, and the current medium-action setup feels comfortable and clean. Intonation is spot on.

The original electronics passed my complete test. This era used Gibson’s 490R/498T humbucker combination, which fits this guitar really well—warm and full through the neck, with plenty of output and bite available from the bridge. It has that familiar Les Paul thickness but can still cut when you lean into it.

What stood out to me:

• Seriously figured maple top with both flame and quilt-like movement
• Beautiful Desert Burst finish
• Original Gibson electronics and pickups
• Aged gold hardware looks great against the burst
• Easy-playing, slimmer-feeling neck
• Excellent frets with plenty of life
• Excellent fretboard condition
• Spot-on intonation
• Current setup passed inspection
• Complete electronics test passed
• 8.82 lbs on my scale
• Includes a gig bag and original warranty booklet

Condition is Very Good overall, and honestly it presents cleaner than that from the front. The top itself is excellent. Most of the normal age-related wear is on the back and neck, where there are some light bumps, scratches, and handling marks here and there. Nothing takes away from the guitar visually, and for a 2001 example it has held up extremely well.

At 8.82 lbs, it also lands in a really nice range for an older Les Paul—substantial enough to feel like a proper LP without becoming a shoulder killer.

The part I keep coming back to is the top. You just don’t normally associate a Studio with this kind of maple figuring, and that’s what makes these Premium Plus guitars so cool. From across the room it looks much closer to a high-end figured Les Paul than a stripped-back Studio, while still keeping the simpler Studio identity underneath.

The photos shown are real photographs of this exact guitar. I do not use AI-generated imagery, replacement backgrounds, or image manipulation to misrepresent the condition of my guitars. What you see is the instrument you’ll receive.

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 fully insured via Reverb Safe Shipping.

⏳ Quick note: Most of my guitars sell within 1–5 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the window!