Don't know about Chibson Les Paul's but my AXL 1216 (MIC) is just fantastic! I mean the tone is amazing with the stock "EMG designed' pickups & it was the best-playing guitar out of the box that I've ever bought...hands down, regardless of price. I have'nt changed a thing except strings on that guitar to date (not even adjusted pickup height)...
Then there's my 'Grote' semi-hollow ... again MIC, played perfect out of the box, sounds sweet as **** .. really warm & fat with a soft/mellow attack (..but still tons of clarity) & beautiful fit & finish.
I mean you hear horror stories about Chinese-made guitars being firewood & stuff, but that has'nt been my personal experience at all..quite the opposite.
...did I say "sounds sweet as ****" ??? :bigthumb: