| Gibson Les Paul Acoustic A hollowed body for a twist on the classic. List: $5,350
by Brett Ratner
January 22, 2001
Back in the day, rock players primarily strummed open chords on acoustic guitars and played tight, controlled backing parts on their electrics. Nowadays, many bands do a whole lot of strumming on their electrics (the Foo Fighters, Green Day and the Lemonheads come to mind).
This trend has not been lost on Gibson’s Custom, Art & Historic division, who have introduced an electric-acoustic version of their Les Paul.
 |
|
(Click for a close-up) |
At first glance, it looks like your typical Paul minus the pickups. Closer inspection will reveal a cool-looking carved bridge section. Inside, the ax boasts a Baggs piezo pickup and related electronics (similar to those incorporated in Gibson’s Chet models) plus a series of internal sound chambers. While it can be strung with light-gauge acoustic strings, the L.P. Acoustic comes shipped with .10 gauge electric guitar strings.
When asked why this is, a high-ranking Gibson spokesperson explained the Les Paul Acoustic is not intended to sound like a flat top acoustic plugged in. While this Paul certainly can be used through an acoustic amp or direct through a mixing console, the spokesperson also suggested playing it through a distorted guitar amp for a unique sound. “It’s another spin on a Les Paul,” said the Gibson spokesperson, who asked not to be named. “Music styles today incorporate a lot of strumming on electric guitar.”
This makes sense. Typical Les Paul pickups feature a “round” sound marked by pronounced mid range. This can be bad for strumming, especially with a clean sound. The Baggs piezo, conversely, lends the Paul a more “scooped” EQ curve, allowing the strummed guitar to blend in with a mix. For more information, visit www.gibson.com. | 
