Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard Electric Guitar

I remember reading an interview with Eddie Van Halen in an early Guitar World magazine where he was asked to describe what lead him to nail a humbucker into a Charvel / Boogie Bodies strat body. He said something to the effect of wanting a guitar that “…sounded like a Les Paul, but played like  a Stratocaster..”. This interview came to mind when I first checked out the Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess Standard. Granted, this updated incarnation of an all time classic does not exactly embody a Strat,  but it does tap into the Strat waters just enough to tempt even the most die-hard Fender purist.

Of course the use of two full-fledged humbuckers does not in any way put you in “Bell Like Chime” town, but seeing as they are tap-able, you do have some options here. The two features that peaked my Strat sensibilities are the un-Les-Paul-ish inclusion of a Floyd Rose and a Tummy Tuck. I think the Floyd Rose stands out as the most blasphemous feature here. I’m not offended, but some might be. But let’s face it; everyone wants you to whammy…. sooner or later… the audience will want you to reach for that bar and undermine your very own sense of taste and restraint in order to conjure up that falling V-2 sound. The Floyd Rose is setup with recess ability so you can do the whole “Dive-Up” / pull-up thing as well. Steve Vai watch out.

The tummy-tuck is a no-brainer; I love Les Pauls, but they do tend to dig into your rib cage. For you speed daemons out there, this one sports a slightly thinner body that is manufactured from from weight-relieved mahogany. In addition, the neck joint has been recessed for what Gibson calls a “Heel-Less” feel. Of course the neck is Mahogany and the fretboard is Rosewood as there are a few standard features that line up with a typical Les Paul profile.

All in all, it’s really a guitar for rippers. Purists and those who are resistant to change will not embrace this guitar, but who cares; you can’t please everyone. Anyone looking for a Les Paul that really lest you shred to your ultimate ability will love this one.