Inspired by the popular but short-lived Raw Power Les Paul of 2000-2001, the newly revitalized series of 2009 includes both the Les Paul Studio Raw Power and SG Raw Power, both in the dressed-down styling and meaty performance package that so many players loved in the original release, but with notable added features to update the theme.
The new Raw Power guitars follow the no-nonsense ethos of Gibson’s popular Studio series, and their down-to-business looks are packed with performance features that the hard-gigging modern musician will appreciate. These are grab’n’go workhorse guitars for tone-conscious rock and blues artists, and they wear their attitude on their sleeves. Both the Les Paul Studio Raw Power and SG Raw Power feature unbound solid maple bodies, with a traditional carved top on the former. This sturdy tonewood offers a clear, well-defined sonic response, as well as looking great with minimal cosmetic treatment. Their solid mahogany necks are topped with unbound maple fretboards, which are dressed with simple dot position markers, and graced with a traditional trapezoid marker at the 12th fret.
The Les Paul Studio Raw Power
None of this simplicity means that the Raw Power guitars suffer cosmetically, however, and just like the original Raw Power Les Paul — and the Les Paul Studio — these instruments are destined to be admired for their visual purity as well as for their power and tone. A Natural Satin finish denotes the cornerstone of the series (with smoky acrylic pickguard to enhance the natural elements in these guitars’ tops), but both models are also available in a range of finish options, including Satin Gold, Satin Yellow, Satin White, Satin Blue/Platinum, Satin Trans Ebony, Satin Aquamarine, and Gloss Platinum. Furthermore, the Les Paul Studio Raw Power is available in either chrome or gold-plated hardware.
The advanced electronics on the 2009 Raw Power models speak volumes about their intentions. A pair of 57 Classic humbucking pickups offer a broad appeal for a wide range of playing styles. One of Gibson’s most popular pickups of all time, the 57 Classics employ Alnico II magnets, vintage enamel coated wire, nickel-plated pole pieces, nickel slugs, maple spacers and vintage-style, two-conductor, braided wiring, just like the legendary PAFs that they are based on. In a variation from the majority of original PAFs, however, the ’57 Classics’ coils are wax potted to combat microphony and feedback squeal at high volumes so, while vintage voiced, they are also suited to high-gain playing.
The SG Raw Power
The Raw Power Series carries a hardware complement that cuts straight to the core of its intentions. The legendary Gibson Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece pairing aid tuning stability and enhance sustain, while green-key Grover Kluson-style tuners add subtle vintage elegance to their superior performance. A Corian nut helps to ensure excellent resonance and sustain, as well as hitch-free performance. Both guitars feature glued-in necks and are built to Gibson’s traditional 24 3/4″ scale length, with a neck width of 1 11/16″ at the nut, although the SG Raw Power carries 24 frets to the Les Paul Studio Raw Power’s 22. All Raw Power Series guitars come equipped with a Gibson gig bag, so they’re ready to hit the road and roll.
This is a Press Release
I had an SG it was light & comfortable to play. Like having a girlfriend who’s a fashion model: nice to look at & touch up but not a great deal of personality!
The main thing which let the raw power down for me was the shocking build quality.
The frets were uneven & very poorly seated – it buzzed at almost every fret. Would need hours & hours with a good guitar tech to get it playing like it should.
The all maple build gives a distinct crystal clear & bright sound but sadly very tinny sounding, probably due to cheap quality wiring & hardware.
The finish: the lacquer is very thin & will wear through quickly. Worst of all the headstock Gibson logo is printed on, again with a very thin coat & won’t last long.
I sold it after 4 weeks because it needed too much work & money to get it to the standard you’d expect from a Nashville built guitar.
If you can get a used one that’s been well setup for less than about $700 then great.
Otherwise I’d say save your money & get a Korean made Epiphone as they’re almost as good.
Why is every moaning about the maple, don’t like it, don’t buy one, simple, why moan
Arent Gibson noted for the all mahogany body?
Is this not where some of the classic sound comes from?
I’m thinking this was an April Fool’s Day Joke-
Am I reading this right? Solid Maple bodies? How heavy are these things going to be? I like the idea of putting ’57 classics in a lower end model though. My favorite humbucker!