Gibson Les Paul Robot

Overview Robot Les Paul Studio
The Robot Guitar invasion continues! Gibson’s 12-7-07 launch of the Limited Edition Robot Guitar redefined the power and possibility of a guitar to capture the imagination of players all around the world. Gibson is now proud to answer the demands of thousands who wanted another chance at owning the ground-breaking technology with the introduction of the Robot Les Paul Studio, which combines with power and performance of Gibson’s iconic Les Paul model with the revolutionary Robot Tuning System.

Features
*Robot Tuners*
Gibson’s revolutionary Robot Les Paul Studio Limited is unique in many ways, but the “robot-like” Robot Tuners™ that grace the headstock are extraordinary. Pull out the Robot Les Paul Studio Limited’s Multi-Control Knob (MCK) and watch the Robot Tuners™ spring into action. It takes only a few seconds for the Robot Tuners™ to tune the Robot Les Paul Studio Limited to the desired tuning. Each tuning peg is equipped with a tiny, but powerful, servo motor that kicks into action once the system is activated. The Robot Tuners™ rely on the strings themselves to send the signals, eliminating any potential for interference. Made of lightweight metal with a satin nickel finish, the Robot Tuners™ weigh only 46.5 grams each. A standard Gotoh tuner weighs in at 49 grams. That means a set of Robot Tuners™ weigh a full 15 grams less than a set of Gotoh tuners, which is another indicator of the Robot Les Paul Studio Limited’s true innovation.

*Controls*
At the heart of Gibson’s revolutionary Robot Les Paul Studio Limited are its ground-breaking controls. At first glance, the four control knobs seem to be indistinguishable from those on any other Les Paul. But look again. While the four knobs do provide the standard tone and volume controls for each of the two pickups, the Multi-Control Knob (MCK)—the one with the illuminated top—serves as the master control for all aspects of the Robot Les Paul Studio Limited’s amazing, self-tuning system. The MCK is what is commonly referred to as a “push-pull” knob. When in the normal position (down), it behaves as a regular volume or tone pot. When the MCK is pulled out, the Robot Les Paul Studio Limited’s radically new self-tuning system is activated and ready for use. It immediately places the Robot Les Paul Studio Limited in standard tuning mode (A440). A quick turn of the MCK presents six factory presets, all of which can be customized. At any time, you can also restore the tunings to the factory presets and start all over again. The LED display on top of the MCK also lets you know when a string is out of tune, or when all strings are in tune, and even when the tuners are turning to get them in tune. It even guides the setting of accurate intonation. At the end of the tuning process, the blue lights on top of the MCK flash. Push the MCK back in and it’s ready to go. The only thing you have to do is play.

*Gibson’s 490R and 498T Pickups*
The mid to late 1960s saw the emergence of a very different type of music coming from the clubs of England. This new genre’s players were demanding more powerful amplifiers with increased volume outputs to satisfy their sonic explorations. This led to a call for a more versatile pickup, and Gibson answered the call with the 490T and 490R pickups (“T” for treble, and “R” for rhythm), humbuckers with the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, but with a slight increase in upper mid-range response. The Gibson 498T bridge pickup is the 490’s ideal complement. Taking the 490 one step further, the 498 swaps the Alnico II magnet to an Alnico V, thus making it slightly hotter with emphasis on mid-ranges and highs. The pole pieces on the 498T are also aligned a little further apart to accommodate the spacing of the strings at the bridge, which is different than the spacing of the strings at the neck.

*Tune-Control Bridge and Data Transmitting Tailpiece*
The revolutionary Robot Les Paul Studio Limited sports a new and unique, highly specialized Tune Control Bridge which acts as one of the main components of the self-tuning robotic system. The new Tune-Control Bridge is a modified Tune-o-matic that measures the individual tuning of each string via special saddles. The signal from each string is then transmitted to the control CPU in the control panel, which then transfers the signal to the Neck CPU and the Robot Tuners™, which, in turn, tune the strings. At first glance, the tailpiece on Gibson’s ground-breaking Robot Les Paul Studio Limited looks like a normal tailpiece. But look a little closer and you’ll see that it’s far from ordinary. Gibson’s new Data Transmitting Tailpiece is a hub of activity. First, each string is separated by ceramic insulators that isolate each individual string signal and avoids confusion as to which string is being processed and tuned. There are also special isolating inserts that keep the ball ends commonly found on electric guitar strings from making contact and disrupting signal flow. Underneath the tailpiece is a tiny circuit board that processes each individual signal to the ribbon cable, which is then transmitted to the on-board CPUs. Both pieces work with each other to help balance all the information being transmitted between the various points, and makes sure every string is in tune.

*Locking Neutrik Jack*
Neutrik has been making superior electronic interconnection products since 1975, making them the logical choice to supply the performance safeguarding jack in Gibson’s revolutionary Robot Les Paul Studio Limited. Like many Neutrik products, the jack in the Robot Les Paul Studio Limited is manufactured from strong, high-grade thermoplastics and housed in a rugged diecast nickel shell. A retention spring inside the jack ensures optimum grip on any guitar cable, thus avoiding the chance of lost connection.

Specs
*Body*
Body Style : Les Paul Studio carved top
Body Species : Maple Top - Mahogany Back
*Hardware*
Plating Finish : Chrome
Tailpiece : Data-Transmitting Tailpiece
Bridge : Tune-Control Bridge
Tuners : Powertune Satin Nickel
*Electronics*
Neck Pickup : 490R
Bridge Pickup : 498T
Pickup Covers : Yes
Controls : 2 Volume - 2 Tone - 3-Way Toggle - (includes Master Control Knob)
Control Knobs : Black Speed
Control Pocket Cover : Smoky Transparent Acrylic
Other Electronics : Locking Neutrik Jack, Charger with Powerplug, Rechargeable Battery Pack
*Neck*
Species : Mahogany
Nut : Corian
Nut Width : Standard Gibson: 1.695" +/- .050"
Silkscreen : Gibson Logo + Les Paul Model
Truss Rod : Gibson Adjustable Truss Rod
Truss Rod : Cover Bell-shaped cover, stamped "Studio"
*Fingerboard*
Fingerboard Species : Rosewood
Inlays : Figured Acrylic Trapezoid
Number of Frets : 22
Scale Length : 24 - 3/4"
*Case*
Type : Gibson Hardshell
Case Interior : White
Case Exterior : Black
Silkscreen : Gibson USA Logo

source : Gibson

Posted in: Gibson