What body construction does the Gibson Slash 'Jessica' use?

The guitar features a solid, non-weight-relieved mahogany body. This is topped with a three-piece maple cap, adhering to traditional Les Paul build standards for maximum sustain.

Which pickups are installed in this model?

It is equipped with Custom Burstbucker pickups. these units use Alnico 2 magnets to provide a warm, vintage-inspired tone suitable for expressive lead playing.

What neck shape does this guitar have?

The guitar features a 50s Vintage neck profile. This is a thicker, more rounded profile compared to '60s slim-taper designs, offering a classic feel for players who prefer a substantial neck.

What is unique about the finish on the 'Jessica' model?

It features a Honey Burst top paired with a Red Back. This specific combination recreates the look of Slash's original stage guitar which had been refinished.

Does the guitar come with any security features for stage use?

Yes, it comes with Schaller Strap Locks pre-installed. These allow for a secure connection between the guitar and the strap, preventing accidental drops during active performances.

What accessories are included with the purchase?

The guitar includes a Gibson hardshell case and a USA leather strap. Additionally, it comes with a specific Slash pick set.

How is the wiring handled in this Les Paul?

The electronics are hand-wired for precision. The circuit incorporates Orange Drop capacitors to maintain tonal consistency and high-end clarity.

What is the typical price for this signature model?

The typical retail price for this instrument in the UK is approximately £2,399. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer or regional taxes.

How does this compare to the standard Les Paul 50s P90?

While both share 50s-style construction, the 'Jessica' uses humbucking Burstbuckers rather than P90 single coils. This results in a thicker sound with better noise cancellation at high gain.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

While any player can use it, it is a high-end professional instrument priced around £2,399. Beginners might alternatively consider models like the Squier Mini Stratocaster or Stagg SES-30BK for lower-cost entry points.

What tonewoods are used for the top?

The top is made from a three-piece maple construction. This wood choice adds brightness and 'snap' to the warm tonal foundation provided by the mahogany body.

Is the mahogany body weight-relieved?

No, this model specifically avoids weight relief. This makes the guitar heavier than some modern Les Pauls but provides the traditional resonance and sustain Slash is known for.

Gear article

Gibson Slash "Jessica" Les Paul Standard

The Gibson Slash "Jessica" Les Paul Standard is a signature electric guitar designed as a tribute to the primary stage instrument used by the Guns N' Roses guitarist. It features a non-weight-relieved mahogany body with a three-piece maple top, finished in a distinctive Honey Burst with a Red Back to replicate the original guitar's refinished aesthetic.

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Background and History

The "Jessica" Les Paul is a recreation of a specific 1980s guitar that became Slash's main stage instrument during the height of his career. Unlike many of his other instruments which were replicas or different year models, the original Jessica was known for its unique history, including a specific refinish that resulted in the Honey Burst top and Red Back combination. This signature model aims to replicate the physical characteristics and reliability of that road-worn original for contemporary players.

Construction and Design

This model adheres to traditional Les Paul specifications, prioritising mass and sustain. It uses a non-weight-relieved mahogany body, which is significantly heavier than 'modern weight-relieved' alternatives but offers the resonance associated with vintage builds. The top is constructed from three pieces of maple. The neck features a '50s Vintage profile, providing a thicker, more substantial grip compared to the slimmer '60s style necks found on other Gibson models.

Electronics and Hardware

The guitar is equipped with Custom Burstbucker pickups utilising Alnico 2 magnets. These are hand-wired to Orange Drop capacitors to ensure a high-quality signal path. The hardware is vintage-inspired but includes modern practicalities for the performing musician, such as pre-installed Schaller Strap Locks. The instrument is finished in a nitrocellulose Honey Burst with a contrasting Red Back.

Sound and Performance

The combination of the solid mahogany body and Alnico 2 magnets produces a warm, expressive, and punchy tone. It is designed to deliver the rich sustain required for hard rock leads while maintaining clarity in the mid-range. The 50s neck profile and lack of weight relief contribute to a substantial feel that suits players who prefer a guitar with significant physical presence and traditional feedback characteristics.

Target Audience and Comparison

This instrument is primarily aimed at hard rock guitarists and fans of Slash's specific tonal palette. Compared to the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90, this model offers the higher gain capability of humbuckers. While professional alternatives like the Fender Custom Shop '61 Telecaster offer different tonal textures, the "Jessica" is focused on the heavy, sustained output synonymous with stadium rock. It is a premium professional tool, reflected in its inclusion of a hardshell case, leather strap, and specific Slash-branded accessories.

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Frequently asked questions

What body construction does the Gibson Slash 'Jessica' use?: The guitar features a solid, non-weight-relieved mahogany body. This is topped with a three-piece maple cap, adhering to traditional Les Paul build standards for maximum sustain.
Which pickups are installed in this model?: It is equipped with Custom Burstbucker pickups. these units use Alnico 2 magnets to provide a warm, vintage-inspired tone suitable for expressive lead playing.
What neck shape does this guitar have?: The guitar features a 50s Vintage neck profile. This is a thicker, more rounded profile compared to '60s slim-taper designs, offering a classic feel for players who prefer a substantial neck.
What is unique about the finish on the 'Jessica' model?: It features a Honey Burst top paired with a Red Back. This specific combination recreates the look of Slash's original stage guitar which had been refinished.
Does the guitar come with any security features for stage use?: Yes, it comes with Schaller Strap Locks pre-installed. These allow for a secure connection between the guitar and the strap, preventing accidental drops during active performances.
What accessories are included with the purchase?: The guitar includes a Gibson hardshell case and a USA leather strap. Additionally, it comes with a specific Slash pick set.
How is the wiring handled in this Les Paul?: The electronics are hand-wired for precision. The circuit incorporates Orange Drop capacitors to maintain tonal consistency and high-end clarity.
What is the typical price for this signature model?: The typical retail price for this instrument in the UK is approximately £2,399. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer or regional taxes.
How does this compare to the standard Les Paul 50s P90?: While both share 50s-style construction, the 'Jessica' uses humbucking Burstbuckers rather than P90 single coils. This results in a thicker sound with better noise cancellation at high gain.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: While any player can use it, it is a high-end professional instrument priced around £2,399. Beginners might alternatively consider models like the Squier Mini Stratocaster or Stagg SES-30BK for lower-cost entry points.
What tonewoods are used for the top?: The top is made from a three-piece maple construction. This wood choice adds brightness and 'snap' to the warm tonal foundation provided by the mahogany body.
Is the mahogany body weight-relieved?: No, this model specifically avoids weight relief. This makes the guitar heavier than some modern Les Pauls but provides the traditional resonance and sustain Slash is known for.