First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

[waltschwarzkopf]

Hi guys,

I have wanted a Gibson Les Paul since forever and finally I can afford it and enjoy it. I started with a cheap Strat copy HSS and then moved to a Mahogany Ibanez HH. I went to the best local guitar shop and tried a LP Classic 2017 (2190CHF) just out of curiosity, and made me remember that I wanted a Les Paul, it sounded and played great, also looked fantastic (all black, cream plastics and zebra pickups). I went to another shop and tried a LP Standard 2016 (2498CHF) and a LP Tribute 2017 (890CHF). I liked them all and made me really want to buy a Gibson, but without breaking the bank, for me that would be going over the one-grand mark; specially because I couldn’t justify to myself spending 2-6k on a guitar. The shorter scale (24.75”), felt great in comparison to my guitars (25.5”)

I looked further and found two contenders that meet my price range:

• Les Paul 50’s Tribute 2016 (900CHF)
Shop Link http://gitarrentotal.ch/de/products/gibson-les-paul-50s-tribute-satin-vintage-sunburst
Gibson link http://www.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/2016/USA/Les-Paul-50s-Tribute.aspx#LPST5HTSVCH3
• Les Paul Studio Faded 2016 (880CHF)
Shop link http://gitarrentotal.ch/de/products/gibson-les-paul-studio-faded-2016-satin-fire-burst
Gibson link http://www.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/2016/USA/Les-Paul-Studio-Faded.aspx#LPSTSFCH1
• Les Paul Tribute 2017 T (890CHF)
Shop link https://promusig.ch/produkt/19876-gibson-les-paul-tribute-t-2017-honey-burst.aspx
Gibson link http://www.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/2017/USA/Les-Paul-Tribute.aspx
• Les Paul Classic 2017 T (2190CHF)
Shop link http://gitarrentotal.ch/de/products/gibson-les-paul-classic-2017-ebony-limited-run
Gibson link http://www.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/2017/USA/Les-Paul-Classic.aspx


All three cost almost the same and I like the looks on all, the Classic is there as my "ideal goal". . I would prefer cream plastics and open humbuckers (Tribute) but the looks on the Studio are starting to grow on me; besides the plastics can be easily changed for little money. I’ve read mixed reviews about the pickups too, some saying that the Burstbucker Pros (Studio) sound fantastic and really capture the original Les Paul “tone”, but I was under the impression that the 490R/498T (tribute) would be the ideal combination of AlNiCo 2 on the neck for sustain and AlNiCo 5 on the bridge for harmonics. I have also read that the 490R/498T (tribute) get too muddy with the volume on 10. I have looked both up on youtube and the Gibson site and could not tell much difference.

This is my first expensive guitar purchase so I want to be sure of what I’m getting. I could order the Studio online for “only” 749CHF (http://shop.musix.ch/de/Gibson-Les-Paul-Studio-Faded-2016-T-SFB-Satin-Fire-Burst.html). I went to the shop and both had been sold, but they told me to come backin 1-2 weeks, as they will receive new stock. I will use it mainly for home practice and fun, played through a Marshal G15RCD, which is enough for my home or headphones when I do not want to disturb the others.
Do you own both? Have you played both? Any comments on the pickups or other aspects of the guitar?

Cheers,
Walter

P.S. For the sake of simplicity, let us say that 1CHF is equal to 1USD.
P.S.S. If you live in Zürich and want to get together and jam, send me a PM.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

I have a Studio Faded. The positives are it has Burstbucker Pros, which sound similar to Seths (though not as clear) and give a pretty good vintage Les Paul sound. Also, the wiring is a circuit board with quick connects, so you can remove everything, put whatever pickups and pots you want, then restore it to factory just by putting the circuit board back in. The only negative for me was the neck is painted with that satin 1-layer paint, but that smooths over to a gloss after a couple weeks of playing. Also, the satin paint is thin, so it's pretty easy to put dings in it if you bump the guitar around. I've been using mine to play out for about 2-3 years and I have to be pretty delicate with it to avoid turning it into a 'relic' guitar.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

There was an Andertons video
Comparing top of the line Epi with bottom of the l8n Gibson
In this case it was the Epi tribute with Gibson electronic
And the Faded LP mentioned above

The Gibson had a growl and life that was missing in the Epi
But the difference was only noticeable when played side by side

Some of the Tribute models have different neck shapes
Thin C. Thin D . 59 .

Be sure to try them before buying
There are dogs among them
Sometimes one players dog is great in the hands of another

 

[Wattage]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

I had a 2017 Classic and I have a 2017 Tribute.

The Classic was a stunning guitar, sounded great too. I didn't keep it for a couple of reasons which were strictly a matter of taste. I found that the carve of the top threw me a little, it was more 70's style than I liked. It was also a little thicker body than my other LP. The neck was a bit too thin for me as well, it didn't quite have the "shoulders" to the shape that I apparently prefer. I returned it and after thinking thru what I wanted a little more thoroughly I ended up picking up the '17 Tribute.

The Tribute is a killer guitar that matches up very nicely to my '05 Standard Faded which is my favorite guitar. As far as I know any of the guitars you are looking at will have the circuit board instead of the traditional volume and tone pots. I don't have any issues with that but some do. It makes it very easy to change pickups if you want to stay in the Gibson family. The Tribute has 490R & 490T pickups, vintage output, Alnico II magnets. I have mixed feelings about them (I mostly use A5 mag pickups) but generally like them. They sound killer thru my Orange Dual Terror so they are staying for at least the foreseeable future. The neck is a slightly different shape than the Classic though still a thinner profile and just feels right to me. I love the satin/faded finish especially as it wears in. It's not quite as precious as the Classic or Standard lines which I like too.

I like the honeyburst of the '17 Tribute over the Studio Faded finishes. I kind of think the Faded Studio looks rather blotchy most of the time.

I can't say I've played a 50's Tribute or not sorry nothing to share on that end.

The Classic will come with a factory hardshell case where as the rest of the ones you mentioned usually come with a gigbag. I'm not familiar with the amp you use but Marshalls generally love Les Pauls so I am sure you'll find a way to get a sound you like out of it.

Happy Hunting

My Tribute

 

[Aceman]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

VERY important comments:

Number one - don't be afraid to buy used. Les Paul is Les Paul. You get a LOT more Les Paul for your money that way.

Number two - do not worry about the cream or black rings etc. That stuff can be changed like a hot girls bra/panty set

Number three - and this is MOST important; PLAY it before you buy it. DO NOT buy over the internet if you are not willing to return it.
- Les Pauls are fickle in contstruct. Two can sound pretty different.
- You never know who is mailing the crap and keeping the good stuff.
- Shipping = risk!
- I'm not gonna get on Gibson QA, it'll be a solid guitar. But as you go down the line, again, potentially more issues
- If you get it and it is meh you might start trying to convince yourself it is awesome. In a shop, in your hands, next to another, you can easily tell which is the one for you.

 

[AlexR]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

Yep, try before you buy is important.

The 498/490T combo places a quite bright bridge with a much more muddy neck. As a result they are very hard to eq for. It can be remedied by swapping the mags between each pickup.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

Again, try before you buy. There are several brands of guitars I will buy off the internet, but I really want to feel a Gibson in my hands before I plunk down my dinero.

Play as many as you can.

Bill

 

[Adieu]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

Try to find a cheap 90's Studio, some of the older ones seem quite nice

Also, you really need a grownup (tube) amplifier.

PS i had a Tribute I got cheap, just to flip. I hated the thing. Its finish and materials quality were scary similar to a trashy Soviet-made acoustic I bought for $20.... cheapest worst looking trash guitar Ive EVER seen. Naaaasty.

 

[oilpit]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

VERY important comments:

Number one - don't be afraid to buy used. Les Paul is Les Paul. You get a LOT more Les Paul for your money that way.

Number two - do not worry about the cream or black rings etc. That stuff can be changed like a hot girls bra/panty set

Number three - and this is MOST important; PLAY it before you buy it. DO NOT buy over the internet if you are not willing to return it.
- Les Pauls are fickle in contstruct. Two can sound pretty different.
- You never know who is mailing the crap and keeping the good stuff.
- Shipping = risk!
- I'm not gonna get on Gibson QA, it'll be a solid guitar. But as you go down the line, again, potentially more issues
- If you get it and it is meh you might start trying to convince yourself it is awesome. In a shop, in your hands, next to another, you can easily tell which is the one for you.

Quoting this because everything is spot on. The rest of the comment is a comment is a response to OP, not this one.

IMO there really isn't a reason to buy a brand new Gibson unless you have your heart dead set on a specific guitar. It's not just guitar snobbery that older guitars sound better, and not just ones from the 50's, some of those old Norlin LPs from the 70's and the LP Standards from the mid 90's have mojo that you won't find in new guitars. On top of that you can get them for really good prices, especially the Norlins. Am I delusional about old guitars having some magical quality that makes them better?

Maybe.

Regardless though, the best option is to play a ****load of them and find one that really feels good to you. Guitars, and Les Pauls, to an even greater degree are kinda like wands in Harry Potter, they choose the wizard and not the other way around.

I would advise against buying a Les Paul online, you risk getting a bad Les Paul and there's nothing more disappointing than a bad Les Paul.

Best of luck on your search.

 

[waltschwarzkopf]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

VERY important comments:

Number one - don't be afraid to buy used. Les Paul is Les Paul. You get a LOT more Les Paul for your money that way.

Number two - do not worry about the cream or black rings etc. That stuff can be changed like a hot girls bra/panty set

Number three - and this is MOST important; PLAY it before you buy it. DO NOT buy over the internet if you are not willing to return it.
- Les Pauls are fickle in contstruct. Two can sound pretty different.
- You never know who is mailing the crap and keeping the good stuff.
- Shipping = risk!
- I'm not gonna get on Gibson QA, it'll be a solid guitar. But as you go down the line, again, potentially more issues
- If you get it and it is meh you might start trying to convince yourself it is awesome. In a shop, in your hands, next to another, you can easily tell which is the one for you.

Great advise, thanks a lot!

I'm also looking at used stuff, but so far within my price range only this has popped up. It seems ok, a little to expensive for the year and the current prices of new Gibsons. Still, I cant get over the HORRIBLE agin/relicing that the owner did...
http://www.tutti.ch/zuerich/musik/instrumente/angebote/gibson-les-paul-studio-vintage-burst_15507059.htm

 

[Taz Rules]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

VERY important comments:

Number one - don't be afraid to buy used. Les Paul is Les Paul. You get a LOT more Les Paul for your money that way.

Number two - do not worry about the cream or black rings etc. That stuff can be changed like a hot girls bra/panty set

Number three - and this is MOST important; PLAY it before you buy it. DO NOT buy over the internet if you are not willing to return it.
- Les Pauls are fickle in contstruct. Two can sound pretty different.
- You never know who is mailing the crap and keeping the good stuff.
- Shipping = risk!
- I'm not gonna get on Gibson QA, it'll be a solid guitar. But as you go down the line, again, potentially more issues
- If you get it and it is meh you might start trying to convince yourself it is awesome. In a shop, in your hands, next to another, you can easily tell which is the one for you.

Quoting this because I can't believe he didn't tell you it needs a third humbucker in the middle!

Sorry, can't be of much actual help with Les Pauls. But I'm great at sarcasm! :bs2:

 

[Red_Label]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

Again, try before you buy. There are several brands of guitars I will buy off the internet, but I really want to feel a Gibson in my hands before I plunk down my dinero.

Play as many as you can.

Bill

Yup... more than any other big brand and type... Gibson LPs are most definitely individual, unique instruments. They may look similar, but some are duds, some are good, some are better, and some are amazing. Of all the LPs that I've had, only the R0 that I just picked-up has been amazing. But I got into some nice Standards and Studios for great prices that were a great value. My current beater LP is a '91 black studio with gold hardware that I picked-up for $450 a couple of years ago. She's beat to hell, but she's got mojo.

I've also owned many Epi LPs over the years (and played many more)... and the vast majority haven't compared to even the basic Gibsons that I've had in terms of tone and mojo. Has nothing to do with the fugly headstock or logo either... just always seemed to be pretty sterile compared to my real Gibbys. YMMV

 

[Red_Label]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

Quoting this because everything is spot on. The rest of the comment is a comment is a response to OP, not this one.

IMO there really isn't a reason to buy a brand new Gibson unless you have your heart dead set on a specific guitar. It's not just guitar snobbery that older guitars sound better, and not just ones from the 50's, some of those old Norlin LPs from the 70's and the LP Standards from the mid 90's have mojo that you won't find in new guitars. On top of that you can get them for really good prices, especially the Norlins. Am I delusional about old guitars having some magical quality that makes them better?

Maybe.

Regardless though, the best option is to play a ****load of them and find one that really feels good to you. Guitars, and Les Pauls, to an even greater degree are kinda like wands in Harry Potter, they choose the wizard and not the other way around.

I would advise against buying a Les Paul online, you risk getting a bad Les Paul and there's nothing more disappointing than a bad Les Paul.

Best of luck on your search.

Spot on. I would never buy a new LP. It's like a new car. Let someone else take that first big hit by driving it off the lot. It's ridiculous what they want for their top shelf production and CS models... some of which are still "meh". I love Les Pauls, but not enough to buy one new. And the only ones that really increase in value generally have to age for 40+ years to get that way. So buying a modern production guitar as an "investment" is not a winning strategy. You buy a Gibson because it inspires you and for that reason alone. So why not find one that inspires you for $1-3K less that the new price would be?


Btw... I saw a $14K Southern Rock Tribute LP at the Las Vegas GC last week. http://www.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Les-Paul/Gibson-Custom/Southern-Rock-Tribute-1959-Les-Paul.aspxI didn't even ask to take it down. I cannot imagine being blown away enough by ANY solid body guitar to spend that kind of scratch on one. Even if I could get into an actual 1959 'Burst for that kind of money, I'd just turn around and sell it to buy my dream Ferrari... LOL!

 

[Davii]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

I've got the 2016 50s Tribute. Ignoring the fact that I ripped out the electronics, the only thing I don't like is the finish - it's very soft, and easily marked. I find the feel nowhere near as good as my '95 Standard, and if doing it again, I think I'd aim a bit higher.

I suspect it's really easy to overlook some things about the budget models, because Standards are so much more expensive by comparison.

 

[Aceman]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

Quoting this because I can't believe he didn't tell you it needs a third humbucker in the middle!

Hey now! I have exactly ONE Les Paul with a middle pickup, which isn't even wired up!!!! :lmao:

 

[Aceman]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

Spot on. I would never buy a new LP. It's like a new car. Let someone else take that first big hit by driving it off the lot. It's ridiculous what they want for their top shelf production and CS models... some of which are still "meh". I love Les Pauls, but not enough to buy one new. And the only ones that really increase in value generally have to age for 40+ years to get that way. So buying a modern production guitar as an "investment" is not a winning strategy. You buy a Gibson because it inspires you and for that reason alone. So why not find one

This should be the sign over the podium at a Les Paulaholics meeting.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

I've got the 2016 50s Tribute. Ignoring the fact that I ripped out the electronics, the only thing I don't like is the finish - it's very soft, and easily marked. I find the feel nowhere near as good as my '95 Standard, and if doing it again, I think I'd aim a bit higher.

I suspect it's really easy to overlook some things about the budget models, because Standards are so much more expensive by comparison.

Pretty sure I read that they had gone to a thicker finish after 2013 or 2014. I have a 2013 Tribute and it seemed like every single one of the 13's, and maybe 14's, that I saw hanging in the stores had some portion of the finish on the edges rubbed away to bare wood. Mine was "preserved" by a dealer who had kept it in the back. Point being, I agree on the finish. Especially the model year before yours. Definitely corners were cut to cut costs and the finish is one of the main ones. But I really love the feel of the neck on that 2013.

 

[Progbusters]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

also what do you want to play? Can't really play hard rock with a 50's style les paul unless you mod it.

 

[Adieu]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

I've got the 2016 50s Tribute. Ignoring the fact that I ripped out the electronics, the only thing I don't like is the finish - it's very soft, and easily marked. I find the feel nowhere near as good as my '95 Standard, and if doing it again, I think I'd aim a bit higher.

I suspect it's really easy to overlook some things about the budget models, because Standards are so much more expensive by comparison.

Tributes are practically unfinished.

Looks and feels like 2 coats of matte rattle can paint, sans wetsand, sans clearcoat.

Utterly "Made In USSR"-level quality

 

[Davii]

Re: First Gibson Les Paul Purchase, help deciding!

Pretty sure I read that they had gone to a thicker finish after 2013 or 2014. I have a 2013 Tribute and it seemed like every single one of the 13's, and maybe 14's, that I saw hanging in the stores had some portion of the finish on the edges rubbed away to bare wood. Mine was "preserved" by a dealer who had kept it in the back. Point being, I agree on the finish. Especially the model year before yours. Definitely corners were cut to cut costs and the finish is one of the main ones. But I really love the feel of the neck on that 2013.

I've no idea, though it's gotta be the labour cost, given how many cheaper guitars are actually finished to a better standard? The price hike (2015?) made these more attractive I guess, as before then I'd be expecting a Studio for similar...ish outlay. I like the neck profile on mine, and I'm wondering on how it'll feel given a few years abuse

Tributes are practically unfinished.

Looks and feels like 2 coats of matte rattle can paint, sans wetsand, sans clearcoat.

Utterly "Made In USSR"-level quality

The luthier I use was working on a Chinese copy someone had brought in to him to rip apart, and we were speculating on how much longer it'll be before China is producing as good, if not better Les Pauls in terms of quality. The joke is now that I should probably send mine to Bejing for a refinish :-S