Gibson Les Paul Studio Premium Plus 2006 - 2008 - Purple

This is a 2007 Gibson Les Paul Studio Premium Plus that has been transformed into something completely unlike the typical example you’ll come across. The Premium Plus was already the top-end version of the Studio at the time, built around a mahogany body, AAA figured maple top, mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard. This one originally left Gibson in Natural, but at some point received an extremely well-executed purple nitro refinish along with a set of Seymour Duncan MJ-wound humbuckers. The result is easily one of the most distinctive Les Pauls I’ve had.

The refinish is the entire personality of this guitar. It is an incredibly vivid purple that shifts between deep violet and almost magenta depending on the light, while still allowing the flame underneath to come through beautifully. Whoever refinished it did not bury the figure—the maple still has a ton of movement across the entire body, and under direct light the flame jumps out dramatically. Pair that with the cream plastics, amber knobs and original-style gold hardware and the contrast is just killer. This would absolutely be a show-stopper under stage lighting.

What makes it even cooler is that this did not start as an ordinary plain-top Studio. The Studio Premium Plus was Gibson’s heavily figured version of the model, and this particular top makes that obvious. There are strong, fairly consistent flame lines running across both halves of the maple, with plenty of three-dimensional movement as you change viewing angle. The purple actually accentuates that figuring in a way I would not have expected until seeing the guitar in person.

The original Gibson pickups have been replaced with a pair of Seymour Duncan MJ humbuckers. “MJ” refers to longtime Seymour Duncan Custom Shop pickup builder Maricela Juarez. I do not have the exact pickup model designation, so I am not going to guess at that, but they sound fantastic in this guitar. There is plenty of warmth and fullness from the neck position and a strong, articulate bridge sound that keeps definition when you start adding gain. All electronics have been tested and are functioning exactly as they should.

The mahogany neck has the substantial, rounded feel associated with these Premium Plus models without being cumbersome. This one is especially comfortable to play. The rosewood fingerboard is in excellent condition, the frets are excellent, intonation is spot on, and the current setup passed inspection with comfortable medium action. It has a very familiar, substantial Les Paul feel in the hands and weighs 8.75 lbs on my scale.

Condition is very good overall, and honestly impressive considering the refinish. The body itself presents beautifully and the back remains very clean. There are some minor signs of handling and play if you go looking for them, but nothing that takes away from the appearance of the guitar. The main thing worth specifically pointing out is a small finish bubble on the side of the neck heel. Otherwise, the refinish has held up extremely well and the guitar looks incredible.

Because the guitar has been refinished, the serial number is considerably harder to see beneath the finish than it would be from the factory. The serial reads 015671378. I want that documented clearly since it does not photograph particularly well through the darker finish.

This is obviously not the guitar for someone specifically chasing a completely factory-original collector example. The appeal here is almost the opposite—it is an already-upgraded Premium Plus with a genuinely beautiful refinish and a set of Seymour Duncan MJ pickups that turned it into something you are unlikely to see another player walk into a room carrying. I saw the purple flame, gold hardware and overall execution and pretty much immediately understood why someone would want to build this guitar this way.

It includes a premium Gibson padded gig bag and the original factory inspection sheet.

What stood out to me

• Rarely seen Les Paul Studio Premium Plus
• AAA figured maple top with strong flame across the entire body
• Originally finished in Natural
• Beautifully executed purple nitro refinish
• Flame remains extremely visible through the new finish
• Purple, cream and gold combination looks incredible in person
• Upgraded Seymour Duncan MJ-wound humbuckers
• Exact pickup models unknown, so I am not guessing
• Mahogany body and rounded mahogany neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Excellent fret condition
• Comfortable medium action
• Spot-on intonation
• 8.75 lbs on my scale
• Very good overall condition
• Small cosmetic finish bubble near the neck heel
• Serial is faint beneath the refinish but reads 015671378
• Premium Gibson padded gig bag included
• Easily one of the most visually distinctive Les Pauls I’ve come across

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!