To carry Gibson brand, the company forces retailers to buy and carry their top of the line products. Hell their standard Les Paul is $3500...ridiculous. just way out if the range for working musicians.
Working musician? Oh, performing. LOL! I have my Strats, a Tele and a 65 Epiphone Riviera I bought brand new. They all get to go out and play on occasion at local jam nights. 55+ years and I’m still trying. LOL!
I paid $700 for a flat finish Gibson Les Paul Studio that was equppied with the same electronics as the $3500 shiny Standard. The only reason to buy the $3500 Standard is if you want to look cool on stage.
I think the one I bought sells now for about $1000. If you close your eyes there is no way to tell it from the Standard. It’s just not very pretty.
And yes it is made in the USA.