Every now and then you run into a Les Paul that feels like it slipped under the radar—quietly elegant, surprisingly refined, and way more special in person than photos can ever suggest. This 2021 Gibson Les Paul Studio in Midnight Manhattan is exactly that guitar.
The finish is the first thing that captures you. It’s dark, deep, and classy in a way that Gibson doesn’t offer very often… almost like a custom-color concept they should’ve used more. In person it has this rich midnight sheen that pulls light inward rather than bouncing it back—subtle, sophisticated, and incredibly cool.
Condition-wise, it’s in excellent shape, with very little evidence of actual play time. No notable wear jumping out at you. It feels like a guitar that’s been owned respectfully—kept clean, tucked away properly, and brought out mostly to admire.
What really elevates this one, though, are the thoughtful upgrades:
• Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates pickups — a massive step up from stock, giving the guitar that sweet, airy top end and bold midrange growl inspired by early Billy Gibbons tone. They sound incredible in this guitar—open, punchy, expressive.
• D’Addario locking tuners — sleek, stable, and a perfect functional match for a Studio. Quick string changes, rock-solid tuning.
Paired with the natural resonance of the mahogany/maple LP build, this guitar feels alive. Notes snap, chords bloom, and the Pearly Gates set gives it a vintage-inspired edge that feels way more musical and nuanced than the factory setup.
And then there’s the build:
No fretboard binding—the clean, modern Studio look.
Comfortable 60s-style neck carve.
Smooth playability from the first fret to the last.
Everything about it says “player’s guitar,” but the finish elevates it into something that feels collectible.
It comes with the Gibson leather soft case, which feels more premium than most hard cases from other brands—a stylish match for such an understatedly classy guitar.
If you want a Les Paul that stands out quietly—dark, elegant, upgraded, and built to be played—this Midnight Manhattan Studio is an absolute gem.
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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
