It's not called the "studio" for nothing. The Gibson Les Paul Studio is a studio recording dream; quiet, no nasty hum even at high volumes. The Studio might not look as awesome as the other LPs, but it will hold its own with any of them. Plus, you have the added advantage of having a recordable guitar to boot. I've used one of these babies gigging, and I'm here to tell you, you will not be dissapointed.