Gibson’s annual launch is always a highlight of the guitar world and we’ve been anticipating the arrival of the 2019 lineup since the news dropped halfway through last year. They’ve finally arrived at our stores – we’ve unboxed, admired and played them and we’ve picked out some of the models we’re especially excited about.
2019 Les Paul Standard
The Les Paul Standard – Gibson’s flagship guitar and the model which defines the Les Paul. Through the years we’ve seen the Standard bear all the hallmarks of this guitar’s celebrated heritage. And it’s not just the usual features that make the Les Paul iconic – the Standard has not been afraid to champion innovation.
The 2019 Standard has features that set it apart from its predecessors, bringing an expansive amount of sounds to its tonal arsenal. Four push-pull knobs and an internal 5-position DIP switch gives the Standard a multitude of sounds and flexibility. The body is lighter and more resonant through Gibson’s “ultra-modern” weight relief construction.
2019 also sees the return of two beautiful finishes first seen in 2017 – a lush Seafoam Green and a kaleidoscopic Blueberry Burst – allowing the deep, three-dimensional AAA figured maple top to shine even further.
Les Paul and SG High Performance
Think of the High Performance line as Gibson’s workhorse guitar. They are designed with playability, versatility, comfort in mind, all while making a statement.
Like the 2019 Standard, the High Performance Les Pauls and SGs feature the HP4 circuit which gives you the ability to coil-tap the humbuckers and flip between a huge combination of sounds. The Burstbucker Pro Rhythm and Pro Lead+ pickups handle high-gain tones with ease while excelling at clear, precise cleans as well. An asymmetrical Slim Taper neck profile, fast-access heel, Ultra-Modern weight relief make the High Performance line an extremely playable choice, perfect for the studio, stage or home.
The new Acoustic Studio Series
The 2019 Acoustic guitars too, bring change and improvements to the lineup. For those yearning a less extravagant, stripped down Gibson acoustic, you’ll be pleased to welcome the new Studio Series. Features like hide glue construction, a dovetail neck joint, and a nitrocellulose finish come standard, just like its Montana-made counterparts.
The Studio acoustics are made with sitka spruce tops and walnut back and sides. They will be built with a slightly thinner body depth than their higher-end equivalents and even come with an L.R. Baggs VTC pickup system on models.
Les Paul Junior Tribute DC
Possibly our favourite of the bunch, and also the most affordable – they’re just north of S$1,000 – the new 2019 Les Paul Junior Tribute Double Cutaway screams attitude and badassery.
Sporting a single P90 pickup in the bridge position, worn finish options and a never seen before pickguard design, this new Les Paul Junior is one guitar ready to rock out. Hard.
There are more guitars in the 2019 lineup, like the improved Explorer and Flying V, which are now available at Swee Lee. Head down to our flagship store at The Star Vista and Bras Basah store to take a look and test out the Gibson 2019 lineup. For Gibson fans in Kuala Lumpur, they will be available in-store later this month. These guitars need to be seen and played in person – you’ll fully appreciate the beautiful finishes and tones when you experience them for yourself. If not, check out the models available online here.
