The Les Paul Traditional has received some modifications for its 2013 vintage, and some of these changes are essential to how the guitar sounds, making this the most authentic Les Paul outside the Historic range model.
Here are the features of this new version:
-Solid mahogany body without a cavity (not "weight relief")
Table massive maple-grade AA
Mahogany-grade ("quater-sawn") with rosewood fingerboard, profile '50
Micro-handle Classic 57 pickup 57 Classic Plus ("wax potted") Alnico II magnet
Capacity-Orange Drop
-2 Settings volume and 2 tone with insert tip selector
Of course, the instrument is Made in USA and comes with the usual high quality black suitcase, made in Canada.
The sunburst of my model is sublime. Finish without the slightest defect is worthy of Custom Shop models.

UTILIZATION

The handle sees his profile unchanged and that's good as it is to my taste! It is round but I find comfort perfect course. The back is painted as usual for these models. I appreciate that, having no problem sweating hands.
Ergonomics is one of the historical Paul, it has, so to speak, no change since the appearance of the guitar Gibson catalog. The guitar, by the wood used and the thickness of his body, has a heavy weight, but here again, I am very satisfied and since I had my first LP in 1982, I found the perfect shape . Access to acute proves less "natural" than a SG, for example, without a problem.
Getting a good sound with the Les Paul Traditional 2013 shows a breeze since you have to connect it to (almost) any amp. And yes! it will sound even on a small transistor though, obviously, it can not deploy all of its numerous features.
I found the perfect system 2 volumes 2 tones. When one has tasted that allows in terms of ability to save and sound variations, this system, there are limited other guitars (even high quality) that do not.

SOUNDS

I remain on the volume levels and tones to notice two things that are a definite improvement over the old model.
2 volumes show more progressive on this 2013 model as the previous one (I know perfectly the subject since I have a LP Traditional 2012 and another in 2011). Where he had put the volume at least virtually, at least around 2 or down to get a clear sound from a Crunch, the 2013 model allows all shades, exactly how my LP Reissue 57 Custom Shop. This is a considerable advantage which is a real plus in terms of sound nuances.
Settings now have capabilities Orange Drop. The electronics LP has always been quality (higher, for example, that offers its Fender Stratocaster guitar on which lower the volume inevitably leads to acute loss) and one step closer to perfection with these new capabilities that therefore equip the Traditional 2013. Thus, not only the two volume buttons to show more gradual but retain the frequency range. Sound at low volume is defined, balanced and rich.
2 volume and 2 tone, I said, a combination that allows an incredibly diverse sonic palette, subtle nuances such drastic changes. Everything is possible and all sounds can be obtained, the brighter the more fat. This LP is revealed at ease in all circumstances and can address all musical genres. You can really speak of versatility even if it is more comfortable in some styles.
Is it necessary to return to the set of microphones? if not to remember how they excel, whether clean or saturation, or rhythmic solo. They are especially great that the absence of cavities in the body promotes their hairline, their definition, firmness at low frequencies, their distinction in the treble, midrange richness and sustain. On this last point, the difference is obvious from the previous Traditional: the sustain is longer and the note continues without disintegrating. For example, a combo Fender Hot Rod Deluxe in "more drive" becomes infinite sustain, of course, this is also the case in a Supersonic 60, both set to maximum gain.
Globalment if I had to summarize, I think this Lp 2013 Traditional sounds with more warmth and body than previous vintages, the already excellent.

OVERALL OPINION


Here is what changes on the 2013 model:
-Presence capabilities Orange Drop
-Full body (no cavities, although previous models were far from LP Standard with their big knockouts that created real "sound chambers")
-Volume progressive
-Presence of inserts in tip potentiometers
Table-grade AA
Inning grade
Disappearance of color Desert Burst, Ice Tea, Gold Top, Ebony and Wine Red
-Appearance of colors: New Honey Caramel Burst and Burst
So this is my third Les Paul Traditional is to say if I like the highest point for this model! With the changes made to the 2013 model, Gibson wanted to meet the pressing demands of users and enthusiasts for a Les Paul with a solid body at an affordable price for a Les Paul that is closest possible to the original guitar without provided part of the Custom Shop Reissues of range. In this respect, the quality / finish / price ratio is no doubt perfect and the best brand. And for once, Gibson has played the game since all these improvements are achieved without the selling price is increased. That's rare enough to know! Especially as these improvements have consequences for an improved sound quality.
As I noted in the beginning of my opinion, my Les Paul Traditional 2013 has an exemplary finish (he also was the same for my two other 2011 and 2012): zero defects. The Heritage Cherry Sunburst is a stunning beauty and sound is enhanced by the few design differences.
Quite honestly, this LP is the level of sound quality of my Custom Shop R07. They were not quite the same sound palette but it would be difficult to say that Custom is better me.
Gibson strikes a blow, a masterstroke with this new version of its flagship model catalog. Flawless! A guitar that revives the history and origins and is positioned very, very high in the current catalog of the brand, regardless of price.