Is a Les Paul Studio Model Guitar Not Suited for Live Shows? Debunking the Myth
The age-old question often debated by guitar enthusiasts and performers: is a Les Paul Studio model guitar really not suited for live shows due to a lower impedance?
Understanding Impedance
The impedance of a guitar, including a Les Paul Studio model, is generally not a major factor in determining its suitability for live performances. Electric guitars, including those with humbuckers like the Les Paul, typically have an output impedance in the range of 5 to 15 kΩ, which is standard for electric guitars.
Key Points to Consider
Sound Quality
The Les Paul Studio is designed to deliver a rich, full sound, making it well-suited for various genres including rock, blues, and jazz. Its humbucking pickups help reduce noise, provide a strong output, and make it effective for live settings.
Versatility
The Les Paul Studio is versatile and can handle different playing styles and effects, making it a good choice for live performances. It can be used with various amplifiers and pedal setups, adding to its flexibility in different performance scenarios.
Feedback and Noise
Impedance is more relevant in how the guitar interacts with effects pedals and amplifiers. While a guitar with lower impedance may be more susceptible to feedback when used with high-gain amplifiers, this can be managed with proper equipment and settings. Experienced players and technicians often find ways to mitigate these issues.
Weight and Comfort
The Les Paul Studio is often lighter than standard Les Paul models, which is a significant factor for comfort during long performances. However, this model can still be heavy, making it uncomfortable to play standing up for long durations.
Personal Experiences and Insights
Larry Peter, Jonathan Trueman, and Jon Fine all have valuable insights to share based on their personal experiences. The recording model Les Paul Studio, unlike the live model, has switchable hi/lo impedance settings and takes well to stomp boxes that increase gain, distortion, and other effects. It is also mentioned that the guitar is heavy, which led to significant discomfort over time.
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After breaking his collarbone, Larry Peter eventually relented and bought a semi-hollow body Gibson 120-T, switching from the heavier Les Paul Studio model. This experience highlights the physical factors that can influence a player's comfort and performance, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body.
Conclusion
In summary, the Les Paul Studio is well-suited for live shows and its impedance should not deter you from using it in that context. Instead, focus on how you set up your gear and manage sound to achieve the best performance. The key is to find the balance between the guitar's capabilities and your own needs and comfort during performances.
Embrace the versatility and rich sound of the Les Paul Studio in your live performances and explore the optimal setup for your playing style and preferences.