1987 Gibson Les Paul Studio Standard – Sunburst – Includes Original Chainsaw Case – Used Excellent
The Les Paul Studio Standard occupies a genuinely unique position in Gibson's history — a model produced for only five years, from 1983 to 1987, that split the difference between the Les Paul Studio and the Les Paul Standard in a way that Gibson has never quite replicated since. The Standard's single-ply binding runs the body and neck, giving it the dressed appearance of the more expensive model, while the dot inlays, chrome hardware, white pickup rings, and simplified appointments kept it in more accessible territory. What made the Studio Standard particularly interesting to players then and now is the Tim Shaw humbucker era it falls squarely within — pickups that have become increasingly respected as the years have passed, voiced for warmth, clarity, and a genuine PAF character that the later production pickups of the era couldn't always match. The one-piece mahogany back with maple top and maple neck combination gives it the fundamental Les Paul voice — warm, rich, sustaining, and authoritative — and 1987, as the final year of production, makes this a genuine last-of-its-kind example. These guitars are not widely known outside serious Les Paul circles, which means they consistently trade at a fraction of what they are worth as playing instruments.
This particular example is about as well-preserved as a 1987 Studio Standard gets — and we say that having seen quite a few of them. The minor fret wear and minor finish wear here and there are the only concessions to nearly four decades of existence. Frets are overall a bit flat which is quite typical of Gibsons, there is some wear in the first position, but none of that impacts the excellent playability. Everything else is as it should be: solid, original, and genuinely impressive for its age. At 9 pounds 2 ounces it has the full-weight feel and resonance that Les Paul players expect. The original chainsaw case is in excellent shape. This is one of the best examples of this model you are likely to find.
- Make: Gibson
- Model: Les Paul Studio Standard
- Year: 1987 (final year of production)
- Country of origin: USA (Nashville, TN)
- Body: One-piece mahogany back, maple top, single cutaway
- Finish: Sunburst, gloss
- Binding: Single-ply, body and neck
- Neck: Maple, slim taper profile, set-in
- Fingerboard: Rosewood, dot inlays
- Fingerboard radius: 12"
- Scale length: 24.75"
- Nut width: 1-11/16"
- Frets: 22, minor wear
- Pickups: Gibson Tim Shaw humbuckers (neck and bridge)
- Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way toggle switch
- Bridge: Tune-o-matic
- Tailpiece: Stopbar
- Tuners: Grover Rotomatics
- Pickguard: White
- Hardware: Chrome
- Weight: 9 lbs 2 oz
- Modifications: None
- Condition: Used Excellent – minor fret wear, minor finish wear, otherwise one of the best preserved examples of this model we have seen
- Includes: Original Gibson chainsaw hardshell case (excellent shape)
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value. International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
