The Highest-End USA LP - Worth Buying? | 2019 Gibson Les Paul Modern Faded Pelham Blue Review + Demo 

I bought one other 2019 Gibson from Melody Music Shop that we will see this weekend. Which model are you hopeful for? For Sale: reverb.com/item/24158266-video-2019-gibson-les-paul-modern-faded-pelham-blue?_aid=growsumo&gs_partner=Trogly

I have this exact guitar and holy hell I love it. It's hard to play anything else, it just has the perfect sound and feel. It feels like an extension of my soul and I will love it and cherish it as long as I live.

Your demo of the different sounds from this guitar is brilliant! Much better than most I have seen.

I own a 2001 custom Shop class 5 LP that I purchased new. 3 months ago I purchased a back modern LP on a whim. I absolutely love this guitar even better then my custom shop LP. I am now gigging with this puppy and she doesn't disappoint. Very easy to play and sounds great. Thank you Gibson

An ebony fretboard with mother of pearl inlays are the main reason I'd buy a custom (and I'm probably not the only one). I think Gibson made a wise decision to build this guitar the way that they did. Great review, as always, Austin!

Just picked up this guitar in Pelham Blue from Melody based on this video. I'm not an expert but I didn't find any quality issues with mine and didn't notice any of the ones pointed out in the video (pointy middles on the knobs, etc.). Mine's SN 001X FWIW. The only thing I'd add is that 'faded pelham blue' doesn't mean 'faded' the way it does on some other Gibsons (i.e. satin or cheaper) - it means that the color looks the way pelham blue might after a few decades. It's still nitro and super-shiny but it's a much more greenish hue than another pelham blue Gibson I have. Can't recommend this guitar enough. Many thanks for an awesome review!

Thanks Melody Music for Austin for the great demo.I sure am Diggin the ebony fingerboard's.sounded fantastic! I dig them.I played a used one and it played like butter

I absolutely love that top! And I never go for unusual colors, but that more faded blue with the natural back is one of the prettiest les Pauls I’ve ever seen.

Editing and production skills...amazing.🔥🔥🔥X-rays the weight relief! ⚡️⚡️⚡️

Good job on these 2019 Gibson reviews!

When I'm looking at a guitar in a store, I always play it first without plugging it in. If it doesn't make me happy like that, plugging it in won't help. Thank you for talking about that aspect of the performance. : )

Because of you, I just bought a 2020 Les Paul Custom this week. I'm in love with it. It's definitely worth the money for me. I didn't love the Standard/Moderns as much.

I’m usually a fender guy, but damn that’s a nice LP! And so versatile!

Seriously? A 2,8k guitar with quality issues? Thia shit should be flawless ! I would go with framus instead for the price.

Thank you for including the detailed reasoning behind criticisms. Really made a lot of sense. thanks

I don't care how well it does or doesn't work, that heel joint looks gorgeous and I'd have that on my signature lp in a second

Poker chip is inside one of brochures. Also didn't find it at first, when bought this guitar.

Through the whole video, I'm thinking "If only it had the black poker chip" only to hear at the end that it should have been included with the case candy, but wasn't. The colors in the series are definitely classy and a benefit of the clear back/sides/neck is that it is easy to see the quality pieces of mahogany. Great vid!

Thanks for doing such a great job Trogly!!

These in depth reviews are so awesome

I have a couple of the HP models and appreciate Gibson’s continued efforts to make improvements (albeit under a new naming scheme...). Hate the neck joint. Axcess seems much better to me. Love that ebony’s back. Would like to no pick guard as well (without removing and leaving screw holes in the top...).

I recently purchased this guitar in graphite black. my guitar has no flaws in craftsmanship. It looks beautiful and plays great. the notes sustain and ring out exceptionally well. I would recommend this guitar.

I was able to snag a 2014 lp standard for 1500. The 2014 standard shares a lot of features with this modern guitar. It has weight relief, push pull knobs, burstbucker pros, robotic tuners, and a triple A maple flame top. Absolute killer deal.

I got a killer deal on this for 2100 at the shop. Very impressed. None of the QC issues you found. Very warm sounding and light weight, very comfortable to play. Didnt care for the heel joint upgrade because i never had issues to begin with but I suppose it's more comfortable. Great buy, worth what I paid. 2800 though? Probably not

Saving up to buy my first real Les Paul. Probably be able to get one next year. Saw this specific model being played by the guitarist in a cover band. Holy Moly! This thing sounds amazing! I've heard a lot of talented players in my day playing all sorts of guitars and this guitar is def worth the money if you're looking for a Les Paul sound.

I work in an American guitar factory (which I’ll leave unnamed) that sell most of their guitars for over 2k. I have the same expectations and attention to detail as you, and saw a lot of stuff like cosmetics flaws and rushed work passing and had an issue with it at first. It was explained to me even though it only takes a few minutes to make the fretboard chatter free, remove all scratches from under the finish before its finished, or clean up overspray if everyone did that on ever guitar the company would loose a lot of money. It was explained to me that most people buy these guitars to play them not look at every little detail and if you want someone to spend more time making every little perfect you have to pay for that because over the course of a year that extra 30 minutes is a lot of guitars that could have been sold. I’ve had cosmetic flaws on every single guitar I’ve ever owned from a factory rather than small boutique builder, so this seems to be the dominating approach. Btw the rough binding and fretboard is chatter from scraping the overspray off the fretboard. It can be cleaned up with a razor blade. And to fix that color drop by the neck is just where they missed scraping the binding. My 2019 les paul standard 50’s has the least amount of factory flaws I’ve seen on any guitar. The Jackson custom shop I had for a day before I sent it back had the most (also the most expensive guitar I’ve ever had). We will probably never see a perfect Gibson, Fender, Martin, Taylor, Ibanez, or any other factory made guitar. Oh and bellow the pickguard onstandard is a felt sticker so digging into the finish. Final inspection was signed off 7/25/2019 so maybe they saw your video and fixed the issue

Thanks for the review. I'm disappointed they gave up the HP circuit board for the earlier, noisier one. I also found both the treble bleed and the switching to the other coil useful, particularly on the bridge. I'm also disappointed about the new heel, which is a step back from what was on the HP.

Very thorough review. Thank you!

I so love when a guitar rings and vibrates with sustain for days unplugged! Those are truly special!

I think Trogly is going to end up loving this guitar down the road. He is used to the old models, but this the best les paul i've ever played, it just feels and sounds the best.

Nice review. I think its great they have created a 'Modern' range. Makes much more sense now in the line-up to have weight-relief and push pulls etc on this model, instead of confusing everyone with the HP 'Standards' and such. I prefer the more traditional Standard, but at least there is a clearer choice for people now. Nice work Gibby!

Trogly, why are you so awesome about guitars? You are just so darn helpful! :)

My Modern Burgundy has arrived today, I couldn't find any issue. Everything is no less than perfect. Sound... perfect. It's worth every penny.

$2800 the fret ends should be a lot better than that. You did call it out, but that's returnable from my perspective for a new guitar. Tool marks on the binding and fret board as well. Did they not do the nibs on this model?

I ordered this guitar as a lock down gift to myself after my holiday to Egypt got cancelled but the 6 month wait to ship it to the UK was well worth the wait ... its the most comfortable guitar I've ever played I play it through a vox super beatle and it growls even on low volume I won't need buy another for a while

Great video,Thank you for the demo.

I like the Rhythm/Treble plate being history. It's the 1st thing I remove on my Polsfusses

Gibson ABSOLUTELY nailed the Modern Series guitar specs!! Beautiful Solid color tops with the natural back and sides, locking grovers, EBONY (finally!), fancy pickup options, weight relief and no GIMMICKS!! All options you'd want on a hot rodded Modern Les Paul. Nice work Gibson!!

This is the best and most helpful video for me for picking between a 50s gold top with P-90s and the sounds of this modern. Thanks You

I own many Gibbys, Fenders and started recently with Musicman. Musicman is great and has zero quality control issues, at least in my experience. Another interesting brand of guitar is Wolf. They make a copy of the LP which I own that is absolutely flawless. They are great with quality control, sound amazing and come with a hardshell case. The store I purchased from All In One Guitars even called me to ask how I wanted it set up before they shipped it! Amazing. When I received the guitar, it was packed beautifully and professionally and the set up was spot on the money. Being the nit picker I am when I got the guitar I looked it over with a magnifying glass and found not one issue. Setup was great. The best part the guitar with the case came to $499. I even played it along side my Les Paul and it's very very close. The average listener would not know the difference. Since I bought my Wolf LP model I also bought a ES 335 copy and found the exact same experience and it stacks up very well against my Gibby 335. Wolf is now one of my new favs.

I love your honesty... I dont like that sharp corner on the neck joint either! A broken knob.... on a new guitar... sloppy paint... rubbing compound on the frets. Modern??? They just dont make them like they use to.... better go wash your hands??? LOL

❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️Damn Trogly you’re show just keeps getting better and better, it’s so professional people are going to be referencing Gibsons back to your videos in 20 or 40 years from now 🎼 I know I will be when I am 60 years old , rich and rolling with endless Gibsons 🤮 Thank you for all your hard work that goes into all of these videos and your website, You are truly a Trademark to music 🎵🎸 🚬👀👍🏼=💨 you’re doing a tremendous service for us guitar players ❗️❗️❗️❗️thanks man !! Keep up the great work ❗️❗️❗️❗️ guitar player guys ❗️❗️give this comment a thumbs up and represent 🎸🎸🎸🎸

Thanks for the accurate info. It is incredible to me that the initial official Gibson Guitars introduction videos indicated that PCBs were not used in the les Paul modern collection, but that they came with hand-wired electronics instead. Besides, I appreciate you looking in great detail at the ergonomics and the fit and finish of the neck, fretboard and binding. Disappointing to see that they have not fixed the fit/finish issues. Unacceptable for a $2000 + instrument.

The Gibson video said the true bypass pot connects bridge pick up directly to the volume pot. I thought this is like the HP versions and connected the bridge pickup directly to the output jack (wide open). I liked alot of the HP features, even though some of the HPs were horrific like the 2018s w rear mounted pickups and fade finishes. But you cant beat that all access heel joint. The new one looks like they are just trying to appeal to all the purist even if it means sacrificing functionality. The dings from pickgaurd screws drive me crazy! I have 2 Les Pauls with the pickguard preinstalled and both have nasty dings under that screw. My 2017 Les Paul Standard T shipped with the pickguard uninstalled so I had the option of adding it or going without. I think preinstalling them on the modern was an odd choice. But again this year is all about appealling to the purist! Thanks for all the great work Trogly! I'm up to 35 guitars now (14 gibsons) and trying to roll it back. But Friday after watching your videos I had to go out and buy a 2019 Doublecut Junior in Blue Stain. Man you were right, these things are awesome!

I can see it's practicality and it's not offensive on the eyes or ears ... But no thanks , if I had money to buy a new LP ,I would be sniffing out the Original collection 👍

You can tend to be a little easy on Gibson in your reviews. You show and tell it all but with a smile so to say. I can understand as you are also working a business here in which you buy and sell to pay the bills. Very good video production in which the eyes of the beholder are really all that is needed.

I really enjoy these reviews and how detailed the guitars are gone through. Hoping there'll be a 50s Standard coming around. P90 and/or "normal". None of my local dealers have any of the 2019 range in stock yet..

Awesome review Bro!

They still didn't get the whole HP/Contemporary thing right at one time, for me the best combination would be: .Axcess heel joint .Detachable pickguard like the 2015/2016 (a great idea that i don't understand why was abandoned) .Locking tuners .43 mm normal neck width, asym neck .Adjustable nut .Any other Gibson pickups apart from BB Pros .Flame/plain top option ... if i'm paying 2200+ i should at least get a flame top as option. .No stupid chrome appointments

I just got this guitar. I love the fretboard. Super happy with it so far. The only thing I was concerned about after watching this video was the corner of the heel joint not being flush with guitar. For me I found it actually gives me a nice grip when playing on the higher frets. Anyway I love the guitar it has all the features of the standard plus more tone options.

I'm excited the replicated it in the Epiphone Modern line (minus the compound radius)

Great channel man! Love it!!$

I don't think you mentioned the METAL jack plate vs. the plastic on most other LPs

Just the one I am watching too .. gold top would be perfect

Good job, still hoping that you'll review a ES-275T in the future. 🤘😎🎸

While contemplating the purchase of an Original Collection V, I had an email exchange with a few high-level Gibson folks (including someone from their c-suite), and they confirmed "The model year concept that we used from 2014-2019 has been retired, there will not be a “2020” model year lineup introduced later this year. The new collection that launched on 4/29 is our new core model lineup which should remain with little to no changes for the foreseeable future. There will still be limited runs and artist models introduced throughout the year, and we’ll likely add and/or remove models from the core lineup based on feedback and demand."

I’d be happy to own one of these, especially in this colour.

That looks like a graphite blend into the stain... That's interesting.

Thanks for measurements. I totally agree for neck heal, on hp was better. Trying to keep the look unchanged they could have additionally offer different neck widths, hotter pickups, active pickups, neck carbon rods, double action truss rods, thinner necks, stainless steel frets, roasted (at least) bodies for reduced weight, EHV or endurneck strandberg type neck profiles...

Super sharp looking. You know how to pick em trogly. I rarely don't agree with your pick's on Finishes to review and document 🎃🫀👌

I just bought one of these from Sweetwater (waiting for backorder to come in). Hoping Sweetwater will help me avoid some of the quality control problems w/ their '55pt inspection'. What you said bout the resonating body around 8:02 really excited me. Curious if it will actually include the poker chip. Since this will be my first EVER Gibson Les Paul, the modern features excite me and hoping I'll enjoy the versatility w/ the push/pull pots. I'm excited, nervous, and anxious. And hoping I'll be extremely happy w/ this guitar. If anyone cares, I'll follow up on this comment after I receive her in regards to the poker chip/quality issues, and how I feel about her :) Also curious how much (if anything) has changed from 2019 to 2022....

Not always a fan of blue, but that thing is gorgeous, esp with the clear knobs. Gives off an icy Night King vibe. Question though: What do you mean they're not doing model years? (And btw, brilliant explanation of weight distribution)

I just ordered one from Musician's Friend this morning. Can't WAIT for it to get here!

I love the natural back. It reminds me of a PRS with the Trampas Green finish. The PCB board doesn't bother me either, since it's a modern model with a lot of distinct tones. It would be a wonderful studio tool! The lack of a proper access heel joint, a magnetic pickguard, or passable QC for a nearly $3000 instrument really turns me off, though! Overall, I think the utility of the guitar comes from all of the tonal options, would I could wire into a used Studio model and save thousands. Without a guady top or top-notch attention to detail, it'd be hard to justify buying this over what I just described.

Honestly the best sounding les Paul I’ve ever heard

Part two... Gibson also confirmed they are no longer doing the cryogenic fret treatments. I was disappointed to hear that as they previously claimed it made their frets last up to 4x longer. ... your thoughts?

Hi Trogly Good demo Just wanted to say hi and thank you for teaching me what to consider when making large purchases within the realm of Guitars. Happy New year to you and your loved ones. G. (p.s what would be your best opinion on the Victoria.) Keep safe see you in 2021.

Amazing video as always Trogly! Question: Have you noticed every time you use the push pull on the 4 push pull les pauls that they ring out a lot? i heard it on both reviews that had them. Heres an example: 15:36

Trogly, do you have one guitar that you won't sell? Do you have a favorite or two?

Great review and LOVE your channel. That said, the split pickups sound is horrible on this guitar, doesn't even approximate a true single coil sound. I would stick with the new 60s reissue.

I love the look of the natural back

For those of us who may not know what we're looking at, what is wrong with the binding on this guitar? Is it that it looks uneven at the 11th and 12th frets (time 11:49 in the video)?

Glad that Richlite fretboards are gone and replaced by real wood Ebony. I think that pickguards coloured black look better than cream. The cherry red guitars would suit black coloured volume and tone knobs. The continuing QC issues are most disappointing.

man this guitar looks good

Your neck tones riff is highly melodious and memorable and sounds greatly cool..

1st off I never have had any trouble getting up to the 22nd fret on my '75 Les Paul Custom. I'm not sure why people struggle. But, I heard the reason they changed the neck joint is for sonic reasons.

I thank God I got a 2018 after seeing this review. I got alot more features and a lot nicer looking guitar for significantly less money... here's how. This is the cool story of how I got my dream guitar that I knew I never could afford. I thought I would have Epiphones my whole life. In April 2019 I was watching one of my favorite RU-vidrs named Chris. His channel is called The Guitar Pit. He is not a Gibson guy at all but he was playing the first Gibson he had ever bought. It was a 2018 LP Standard. He said he bought it because the new C.E.O. wanted to get rid of all the 2018s because the 2019s were coming out under his leadership. A Standard is my dream guitar. I did some research and found out that he had slashed the Gibson LP High Performance models by $1000 bucks. When he did, the Blue and Mojave Fades moved pretty quick but the Hot Pink ones weren't selling so he slashed them another $500 bucks. So I did some calling to retailers and when I talked to the Guitar Center online service center, they said there was 31 of them left but none were in warehouses, they were all in stores. I asked if he could tell me which stores and he looked up all 31 locations for me. After deeply thanking him, I started calling these stores because I knew I couldn't have one that's over 8lbs because I have had 2 spine surgeries. The first store I called was the one closest to me, Louisville Kentucky. I asked the guy if he could weigh the one they had for me. He put me on hold and came back and said it weighs 8lbs. I ordered it. It came with the boutique aluminum case with the luggage handle at one end and roller wheels at the other and that's a good thing because the case weighs a ton. The inside of the case is a crushed velvet like Burgandy and the guitar starts out a Triple AAA pink flame at the tailpiece end and gradually fades to a burgundy at the neck end. It's kind of breath taking when you open it. It has the Chrome knobs, titanium nut, the robot tuners, the slightly taller neck and the whole nine yards. I know this guitar isn't for everyone but hey, I got my first Gibson brand new for $1500.00 off the street price. They had 0% financing for 2 years. The robot tuners work fine and it tunes manually if you want. I was just blessed to be in the right place talking to the right guy on RU-vid at the right time. Thank you Chris. I don't know if they have any left but it plays and sounds so good, the tone exceeds my wildest dreams. I have a Marshall DSL 40C and I use it to power a 2017 EVH 2X12 with the heavy magnet Celestion Anniversary reissue speakers. I was worried about the taller frets fitting my hands but the extra string separation has actually hidden some of my many playing flaws. You know that unwanted sound you get when you accidently touch that next string closest to the chord your intending to play? That sound isn't there very much anymore. I'm sorry this story is so long, but it's my first Gibson and a dream come true.

I do love the clear knobs though. Really eye-catching.

I have this guitar in the same color and it was my first Gibson Les Paul and I love it so much! I also just got the Gibson Slash in November Burst which kicks ass..

Great review as usual. I'd be curious to hear whether you think the Modern LP is better or worse than the new 60s LP you reviewed a few weeks ago.

I have two new Epiphones and they are near perfect. How come Gibson have such quality issues with theirs?

For some reason, as long as it has the “modern” moniker”, I’m ok with the pcb board.

I've seen those knobs a bunch but not up close, I never realized the color I was seeing was literally the brass shaft of the pot. That's pretty cool

recently picked up a nice used modern in pelham blue from guitarcenter. my luthier said the ebony wasn't the best quality but that it wasn't a deal breaker. originally he seemed to have doubts on the greatness of this guitar but after a setup and testing all the functions he seemed to enjoy it more than initially thought which convinced me to keep it. Now I'm thinking of splurging on the super expensive Gibson guitar stand :)

Any Les Paul is a good Les Paul...Best guitar ever made...sound, sustain, playability and sexy as hell...

Gibson continuously sells sub-optimal products and charges 2k and up for Guitars full of Quality Control issues. ESP and Epiphone LP style guitars are way more bang for the buck and so many other companies with better quality guitars.

Good review. I agree that the Axcess style relief should have been used,along with the Apex headstock. I also would do without the coil splitting.

Might the bridge be partially routed or un-routed before paint as that's where the mount for work holding goes during spraying? Then after paint they can come back route for the pickup and remove the mounting marks.

I don’t get the “HP Hate,” which seems relegated to keyboard cowboys. Gibson always offered “Traditional” versions. HP was just another spec option. My local guitar stores promptly sold out of EVERY HP-trim Les Paul & SG shipped to them. I ended-up buying TWO HP Les Pauls, and TWO SGs in HP trim for 2018. Each had to be shipped to me - I returned (exchanged) one for having a rather plain, and decidedly NOT “AAA” Maple top....plus some demo blemishes (GC for ya). Admittedly *I LIKE the* (adjustable) *Titanium 0-Nut & saddles, the cryo-hardened frets, aviation-grade switchgear, and stainless knobs.* I also REALLY like the 1.745” nut width. I have stout hands, and physically can’t play most Fender necks. This is a personal fitment thing though, which happened to work in my favor. The so-called “Robotuners?” They are kinda cool for simply picking up an axe, and pushing a button to tune-up. Restringing is a bit of an ordeal - but the system in easily removable and replaced with one’s tuners-of-choice. (something I do foresee at some point) As a “Factory Hotrod,” the HP series Les Paul & SG ticked all the right boxes, for me. Judging by their practical non-existence for sale new, only a year later, speaks volumes. I can walk into any GC or Sam Ash, and find “brand new” four-year-old guitars of practically every make and model. As of my writing this, the only “new” HP-LP available for sale, is in PINK.

for a made in USA 2000$ guitar the QC is kind of bad, havent had that on my non USA guitars

I payed 2800 for my 2006 Gibson Les Paul GT up here in Canada got it from the store. wonderful guitar .Love that 2019

Well... I bought all three colors; Last year I ordered a '57 Custom Shop "candy apple red" RI: - Same color as "sparkling burgundy" but after 13 months of waiting I canceled the order and bought "these". They are FANTASTIC guitars...if you don't know how the "color" is made - they take brass shavings (like used in Gold-top) and tint the lacquer. This gives it a sparkly depth without being over the top "sparkly" coloring. These really play well and sound outstanding. I have every year of "Re Issue" Les Paul's and these stand up to all of them - without hesitation! I'm glad there are the only 3 colors, as I would have to re-mortgage the house!! Hope this helps in your decision & investment!! My Very Best ~ Joe

Ya know, it seems maybe you got a good deal on that one because of the issues you found? UGH, I was looking forward to watching this and seeing the new modern but I have to say I am a bit unimpressed. For this to be the highest priced model it shouldn't have ANY issues let alone the things you found with this one. Oh Gibson when will you get that QC issue under control?

Be careful with those oversized strap buttons. I've got a similar one on an Ibanez... and it's fallen off twice, while the standard strap buttons on my other guitar have yet to do so. All I can think is that I somehow tore the leather when installing the strap, which would user error, but it's definitely something of which to take note (much moreso on your $4000 guitar than my $400 guitar).

I have tried one in the UK, it was lovely to play and sounds great

I do appreciate Troglys' thorough assessment of these new guitars. Probably will just stick with my old clunkers,,,,,

This is why I would buy a Fender

Love the specs and appointments but don’t like any of the finishes 😔

Yea, that 0:0002 overspray on the neck pocket will really effect the tone.

Awesome review 🤘🤘🤘