Studio Custom Gig Report

[BoogieMKIIA]

I've been using a Player Tele almost exclusively for gigs the past few years. Covers all the styles from country to pop to rock and you don't have to worry about dings and wear. Don't have to hassle switching guitars in the middle of a set.

Last night I took my 2002 Studio Custom and played it the last set. Maybe not as good for country tones but still very good. There were several highlights that will make me take it out more often.

The appearance is fantastic. The vintage natural flame top looked great under the light, much more dynamic than at home. Last song was a rock inspired House of the Rising Sun jam. The woody tone from the neck pickup was great for the first lead, not available on a standard Tele. Second lead was on the bridge pickup with a wah, that tone really stood out. Pickups are @JGravelin Ultimates with UOA5 magnets and slight tweaks, most excellent.

I'm at the point where I feel guilty having nice guitars and not playing them. Not worried about honest light wear from playing. The more you play them the better they sound and play,

I'll still use the Tele most due to the song mix of the band. The Hamer and Les Paul will be getting more playing time.

[Dave Scepter]

That's a gorgeous guitar👍🏼

[DaveH]

Yes it is.

[Kerry Marchman]

Killer guitar! Fantastic top!

[Brooks]

Beautiful

[rugby1970]

Outstanding

[draelyc]

Absolutely stunning Studio!  
 

How do your Studio and your LP compare/contrast?

 

[BoogieMKIIA]

6 hours ago, draelyc said:

Absolutely stunning Studio!  
 

How do your Studio and your LP compare/contrast?

 

The Les Paul sounds a bit fatter, the highs are a little less pronounced. The bridge PU is a slightly hot Gravelin and the neck is a PAF style Gravelin. Les Paul neck is not as chunky (it’s a 1973 Deluxe) and the guitar is heavy. I favor the Les Paul to the Studio Custom overall, perhaps because I’ve had it since it was new. 

[Travis]

Gorgeous flame on that studio. And I dig the LP, too. 

[hamerican gigolo]

On 5/3/2025 at 2:24 PM, BoogieMKIIA said:

having nice guitars and not playing them. 

If you feel that guilty, I'd be happy to take a short drive & relieve you of that gorgeous Studio... 😉

[BoogieMKIIA]

I got the Les Paul out on Saturday and played it the second half of the evening. Felt great and sounded great. Meaty is the term compared to the Tele. Not sure I could manage all three on one gig but will play one of them more often than just the Tele.

[BoogieMKIIA]

Update from nearly one year ago. I am still  working on playing more than my Tele on gigs. A bit tough since I've have a variety of sounds dialed in. Played the Les Paul the last set last weekend, always fun.

Last night, played the Studio Custom the last set which is the first time out since RS Guitarworks worked on the frets/setup and adjusted the pickups. Wow, it really screamed! The lead tones on La Grange were inspiring. I had to turn down a couple of gains since the pickups are hotter than than the Tele - another challenge to swapping guitars but that can be managed with a little work. 

In addition to the crew at RS, props to @JGravelin for the pickups in the Hamer and Les Paul. 

[ZR]

What's your take on how The LP and the studio compare sound wise?

[BoogieMKIIA]

The Les Paul’s bottom end is fuller, with or without an amp. Similar in other ways like hum buckets and overall sound. With overdrive/distortion and tweaking amp tone controls, you couldn’t tell a difference between the Studio Custom and the Les Paul in a listening test.

The fit of the guitar on your body, location of controls are the most different.

[Travis]

6 hours ago, BoogieMKIIA said:

With overdrive/distortion and tweaking amp tone controls, you couldn’t tell a difference between the Studio Custom and the Les Paul in a listening test.

THIS…. This is one of the most valuable pieces of information I’ve ever read. 

[veatch]

Yup. I tell my guitar buddies my Triple Threat is the best Les Paul I've ever had.  : )

"Less bottom end" is a good description, but in the band and in a mix, it does just fine. 

Edited 12 hours ago by veatch

[BoogieMKIIA]

While I lean to the Les Paul tone, the other Studio Custom tone possibilities are worth exploring. Mine has great resonance you can feel in the wood and strings. Maybe due to a thinner body and, of course, great wood selection. It would be fun trying different pickups, coil taps, etc. to see what gets translated to the amp.