Hard Rock

Wayne27

Member
Which guitars would be better for Hard Rock, Gibson Les Paul Custom Pro or Ibanez RGA42fm? I know both guitars can play any genre but if you had to choose, which would you choose for Hard Rock?
 
Re: Hard Rock

Those are two beasts that do much the same thing in very different ways. Try to play both guitars, then make a decision. If this is impossible, I would quite simply have gone by which type of neck you like better: an Ibanez shredstick neck is likely to be wider, thinner and narrower, and probably with a satin finish that feels dryer and less slippery than a Les Paul. A LP Custom is also likely to have very small frets, which you may like or dislike.
 
Re: Hard Rock

Well, I'm a bit biased as a huge Les Paul fan, but for hard rock there is nothing like a LPC with a Duncan Custom in the bridge for a seriously fierce hard rock machine. Tight and crunchy with plenty of balls and bite. I would go for a neck pickup that is a bit brighter since the LPC can sometimes be a bit dark. A PG or even a Jazz would be a good match.
 
Re: Hard Rock

I'd choose the Les Paul if it is between those two...but hey, I like playing with unconventional choices, so the 'obvious choice' is usually my last choice. I'd say to find a guitar that works for you ergonomically, and play whatever music you want on it.
 
Re: Hard Rock

Play both and see what feels and sounds better to you, both are versatile guitars and can do pretty much any style of music.
 
Re: Hard Rock

I was also wondering if it's true that it's hard to do bends on the Les Paul on frets 17 to 22 because of the single cutaway. If it's true how do I overcome this?
 
Re: Hard Rock

Bending should be fine; speed runs might be a problem, if you are into that sort of thing. The only way to overcome it is to work on it: it never hindered Jeff Watson or John Sykes!
 
Re: Hard Rock

I think the Ibanez here is incorrectly characterized as an out-of-the-box choice. On paper it wins for me, even if "RGA42FM" does not have the name cachet of "Les Paul." Something like a Schecter C1 with a set neck might be a better compromise/middle ground. But should come down to personal preference anyway.
 
Re: Hard Rock

I was also wondering if it's true that it's hard to do bends on the Les Paul on frets 17 to 22 because of the single cutaway. If it's true how do I overcome this?

It’s not because there is only one cutaway, the issue is a lack of room to maneuver your fret hand. Tight quarters up there.
 
Re: Hard Rock

I really dig Les Paul Custom guitars because of their ebony fret board and I think they handle hard rock very well. Just ask Randy.;)




;>)/
 
Re: Hard Rock

I was also wondering if it's true that it's hard to do bends on the Les Paul on frets 17 to 22 because of the single cutaway. If it's true how do I overcome this?

I play like a Cello player would - "Thumb" position.

You rest your thumb on the bottom of the neck instead of anchoring it over the top. Massive access to the entire upper fretboard.
 
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