1994 Gibson Les Paul Studio Specs

One of the all-time classic instruments, the Gibson Les Paul was named after the pioneer of the modern electric guitar. Since the 1950s, Gibson has released several different models, including the popular Les Paul Studio, which debuted in 1983. The list of Studios made since then includes the 1994, which has its own set of defining specifications.

The body of most Les Paul Studio guitars is made of 100 percent mahogany and created using a "Computer Numeric Controlled" router. While some Studios include a maple top, both the top and back of the 1994 model are made of mahogany. According to Gibson, the bodies of these particular guitars are designed to be lighter and easier on the owner's back than the Les Paul Standard (the other popular model), as well as "acoustically louder, with increased sustain and resonance."

Similar to the body of the 1994 Les Paul Studio, the guitar neck is made out of mahogany and sculpted into the traditional Les Paul neck from 1959. Placed on top of the neck is the 22-fret fingerboard, made out of rosewood, which is not only sturdy, but "gives each chord and note unparalleled clarity and bite," according to Gibson's website. Placed along the fingerboard as fret-markers are the standard Les Paul trapezoid inlays with the "pearl" design. Because each neck is sanded by hand, according to Gibson, "there are no two necks with the exact same dimensions."

The hardware used in the 1994 Studios are made of either chrome or gold, depending on the particular instrument. This includes the tuning keys, the strap-holders and the patented "Tune-o-matic" bridge and matching tailpiece. All Les Paul Studios, including the 1994 model, come with two knobs for volume and two for tone. Each coincides with one of the two pickups on the guitar. Using the three-way switch at the top of the body, one can shift between volume knobs or combine the two.

The primary pieces of electronics on all Gibson Les Paul Studios are the two magnet humbucker pickups. On the 1994 model, the specific kinds used are the 490Rs, which sit closer to the fingerboard, and the 490Ts, which are next to the bridge. With the 490Rs, the "R" stands for rhythm, and these provide more of a low-range sound. The 490Ts, where the "T" stands for "treble," provide a higher-end tone more associated with lead guitar. As with most guitars, there is a 1/4-inch jack for plugging the instrument into an amplifier or effects pedal.