What is the Gibson x Loog Les Paul Special?
Originating from an academic initiative, Loog has transformed into a thriving brand through prosperous Kickstarter campaigns. Unlike traditional guitar manufacturers, Loog specializes in three-string guitars tailored for younger players, making the learning process more approachable and enjoyable.
Included with the guitar are fun stickers and a drawstring pouch that contains a set of double-sided chord cards. One side features standard chord diagrams, while the other showcases cartoon monsters, making learning more engaging.Additionally, a set of picks, a string winder, and an activity book detailing Gibson’s history, along with puzzles and coloring pages, are also provided.
This assortment is perfect for captivating my eight-year-old daughter, who is just starting her guitar journey. At least, that’s the goal!
Specifications
- Price: $229 | £212 | €239
- Manufactured in: China
- Type: Short-scale electric guitar with three strings
- Body material: Poplar
- Neck Material: Canadian maple
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 20.6″ / 524mm
- Nut Width: Bone / 29mm
- Frets: 19
- Hardware: Custom Gibson x Loog lightning bar wraparound bridge
- Electronics: Custom Gibson x Loog single-coil dogear pickup, volume control with black stop hat knob
- Strings: 1st E (.11), 2nd B (.15), 3rd G(.19)
- Weight: 3.3lb / 1.5kg
- Available Finishes: Shell Pink (reviewed), TV Yellow, Frost Blue polyurethane. SG option also available in Cardinal Red.
- Case: Not included
- contact: Loog
Construction, Playability, and Sound
The Gibson x Loog Les Paul Special features a single pickup configuration reminiscent of a Les Paul Junior, but with a unique Shell Pink finish that stands out. The poplar body construction feels robust, which is reassuring given the wear and tear it may encounter from young players.
The polyurethane finish is sleek and appears to resist smudges, while the four-bolt neck joint ensures stability for the satin-finished maple neck. The rosewood fingerboard adds a touch of luxury that is often overlooked in this price range.
Fretwork is smooth with no sharp edges, although the action is slightly higher than anticipated, which may require adjustment for easier playability for beginners. This setup process differs from standard electric guitars.
Adjusting the string height involves tightening the bridge screws with the provided hex key. While this isn’t a major drawback, it highlights that even a compact guitar may require some basic setup knowledge.
The design of the maple neck, combined with the three-string configuration and shorter scale, allows our daughter to fret and strum comfortably without any issues.
The lightweight design, weighing in at just 1.5kg / 3.3lb, showcases the thoughtful engineering by Loog. The three-string setup (tuned E/B/G) enables children to easily form one, two, and three-finger chord shapes, gradually progressing to barre chords. This approach fosters a gentle learning curve, while the higher strings are perfect for playing melodies, with reduced tension making it easier on young fingers.
Alongside the included educational materials, Loog offers a free app for smartphones and tablets, featuring optional paid content (the Backstage pass) for enhanced learning. The app includes a free tuner, which has surprisingly become a favorite activity for my daughter, who insists on checking the tuning every time she plays. A great habit to cultivate!
Loog has wisely opted for a straightforward setup with a single ’dogear’ P-90-style pickup and a volume knob.The control knob provides a satisfying click at each end, even when tested to see if it can exceed 10. The sound produced through our compact five-watt practice amp is clear and crisp, making it ideal for refining skills. The next step? An overdrive pedal!
Final Thoughts
Rating: ★★★★
As a parent, there’s a common belief: if there are no complaints, your likely on the right track. or perhaps the kids are just up to something else, but let’s set that aside for now.
From the moment we unboxed the guitar, our daughter was thrilled by the included activity book, stickers, picks, and chord cards. While these items might seem trivial, they substantially boosted her excitement even before she strummed her first note. When she finally did play, her face lit up with a huge smile.
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