Gibson started their "Smartwood" Series in the mid-90's, utilizing sustainable woods which are both tonally acceptable, and eco-friendly. While many of these were exotic woods (such as Muira Piranga) we had never heard of, this is one of the newer models featuring good old Swamp Ash, a name that's been synonymous with guitars since the 50's. The Swamp Ash Les Paul is a limited edition model, although Gibson hasn't released total production numbers. The tone isn't radically different from a "regular" mahogany/maple body, but it does seem to have more punch, more pronounced in the mid-range; Billy Gibbons comes to mind. Most remarkably, this guitar weighs in at a remarkable 6.4 lbs., which would be light for a Strat or Tele, and unheard of for a Les Paul. Features include: satin natural finish, figured swamp ash cap over swamp ash body, rounded mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard, 490R and 498T Alnico II humbuckers, rosewood fretboard, chrome hardware, green leaf truss rod cover, dot inlays, Gibson Deluxe tuners, and satin finished Mahogany neck. A regular black Studio is going to run you $1319 and will probably weigh around 9 pounds or more. This beauty is immaculate and at 6.4 lbs. is one of the lightest guitars, much less Les Pauls, you'll ever play - for just $1179. If you're looking for a Paul that you can play for 3 long sets without any shoulder fatigue, this is it. Includes black reptile case, manual, and paperwork.