Gibson Les Paul Futura 2014

The new Les Paul Futura 2014 shows Gibson’s innovative side, packed with modern features at a relatively reasonable price point.

Gibson Les Paul Futura Min-ETune

This model may not have the same visual flair as standard Les Pauls, however it makes up by having a unique pickup configuration, split-coil capabilities and it comes with the Min-ETune automatic mechanical tuner.

It starts out with familiar elements expected of a Les Paul, having a mahogany body cut into the traditional single cutaway shape. However closer inspection of the body reveals that it has Gibson’s modern weight relief system, a series of mini-chambers that makes the guitar lighter and more resonant. The carved plain maple top complements the body and completes the guitar’s LP look.

Instead of using mahogany for the neck, Gibson used maple for this particular model, and it probably has to do with its pickup configuration. The maple neck is carved into a ’60s SlimTaper shape, glued to the body and is topped by a rosewood fretboard. Nut width is 1.695″, fretboard radius is 12″ and it comes with figured acrylic trapezoid inlays, with a special 120th anniversary banner on the 12th fret. All the 22 frets are now “cryogenically tempered”, the same technology used on airplane parts, rifles and brake rotors! According to Gibson, you will never need a fret job ever again, unless you live for several centuries.

Gibson Les Paul Futura Min-ETune

Unique to the Les Paul Futura model is the pairing of a “hot-vintage” style BurstBucker 3 in the bridge position and a new P-90H Sidewinder humbucker in the neck position. At first glance, you’d think they’re traditionally wired with independent volume and tone controls and a three-way selector switch. Closer inspection again reveals modern implements that include coil-split switching for both pickups and Gibson’s new onboard 15 dB boost.

Discretely working behind the headstock is the factory-installed Min-ETune tuning system. It automatically tunes your guitar as you prefer in seconds, and you can use it to change your tuning into any one of 12 factory or 6 user presets with just one a simple strum of the strings. This modern robot tuner is then paired with the traditional pairing of a tune-o-matic bridge and a stopbar tailpiece. Other new features for this 2014 model include full PLEK setup, larger no-slip strap buttons, black Max Grip Speed Knobs, a black GraphTech nut and long-life proprietary coated guitar strings.

The new Les Paul Futura 2014 comes in a choice of colorful finishes – Bullion Gold Fade, Champagne Fade, Inverness Green Fade, Brilliant Red Fade, Plum Insane Fade, and Pacific Blue Fade. Figured AA maple is used on the Brilliant Red and Pacific Blue models. Finally, the new Les Paul Futura is currently retailing for$1,149, a reasonably lower price considering its brand and features. For more information, visit Gibson.

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