Fender Stratocaster VS Gibson Les Paul (player Series VS STudio)
Our pick: Gibson Les Paul Studio
Though a Strat to Les Paul comparison requires more context, in most comparisons the Les Paul is going to be both more expensive and a better value, higher-quality guitar. Comparing the Les Paul Studio to the Player Stratocaster is a pretty good example of that.
To compare a Les Paul and Stratocaster, you need to add some more context, specifically the type of model you're using for each one. In this comparison, we're using the Gibson Les Paul Studio and the Fender Player Telecaster. Based on the higher quality of the Les Paul Studio, we think it's definitely worth the investment to go in that direction and spend the extra money to get a better guitar.
Buy the Gibson Les Paul Studio instead of the Player Strat.
While other models or series would perhaps lend a different result, we think the Gibson Les Pauls are usually going to be a stronger option than the Fender Stratocasters and worth the upgraded price tag. We could have compared one of the American series Strats, but in most cases we'd compare that to the more expensive Les Paul Standard, in which case the result would be pretty much the same (we like the Les Paul better).
Fender Stratocaster VS Gibson Les Paul Comparison Tool
You can see in the price comparison that the Les Paul hovers around $1200 while the Stratocaster retails around $700. However, we'd argue that the nicer guitar with the Maple top, nicer humbuckers and a higher overall quality threshold is worth the added investment.
GuitarS | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gibson Les Paul Studio | n/a | |
 | Fender Player Stratocaster | n/a |
Video Demos
You can hear a distinctly more lead-centered tone in the Strat and a more versatile, warmer tone profile in the humbucker-equipped Les Paul.
Specs Sheet (side-by-side)
Note that the Les Paul has a top piece that's made out of maple. That's a good thing. We're also partial to dual humbucker pickup setups, unless you're looking for a tone that's more focused on brighter EQs and lead guitar playing styles.
Header | LP | Strat |
|---|---|---|
Body Type | Solid Body | Solid body |
Body Tonewood | Mahogany | Alder |
Top Tonewood | Maple | n/a |
Neck Material | Mahogany | Maple |
Bridge/Tailpiece | Nashville Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar | 2-point Synchronized Tremolo with bent steel saddles |
Tuners | Grover Rotomatics | Fender Standard Cast/Sealed |
Neck Pickup | 490R Humbucker | Player Series Alnico V Strat Single-coil |
Middle Pickup | None | Player Series Alnico V Strat Single-coil |
Bridge Pickup | 498T Humbucker | Player Series Alnico V Strat Single-coil |
Controls | 2 x volume (push/pull coil-tap), 2 x tone | 1 x volume, 2 x tone |
Case | Softshell case | None |
Two popular guitars, but what are the main differences?
S0 which one is better?
If you're looking specifically for a single coil pickup arrangement for more bluesy, or lighter lead playing styles, the Player Stratocaster is probably your better option. Otherwise, we'd argue that the Les Paul Studio is a better overall choice for most situations, because it can handle both light and heavy styles (lead and rhythm), fairly well.
Both are decent guitars, but we think the Les Paul is better overall and worth the higher price tag.
Questions and Comments
When it comes to comparing the Fender Stratocaster VS Gibson Les Paul, do you agree or disagree with our assessment?
Let us know in the comments section below.
You can also drop questions about the two guitars there as well.
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