uOpt
Something Cool
Re: I wanna Les Paul
Aren't people in Memphis supposed to play guitar, as opposed to post about it on the Internet?
Aren't people in Memphis supposed to play guitar, as opposed to post about it on the Internet?
I wanna Les Paul
- Thread starter KimBongIll420
- Start date
Rand-O-Monium
New member
Re: I wanna Les Paul
+1 for a used MIJ.
Might be able to get a couple/few for <$3K,unless it's a Navigator or something.
Or a Custom Build...
+1 for a used MIJ.
Might be able to get a couple/few for <$3K,unless it's a Navigator or something.
Or a Custom Build...
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: I wanna Les Paul
Though this may be a troll thread, here's my thoughts for what I would look for.....
A Gibson Les Paul Standard that speaks to me when I play it, that feels good, has good resonance, and that I know I will enjoy for a long time. I don't care if it is weight relieved or not, has the tone chambers or not, flamed top or not, ABR bridge or not. I just don't care about that stuff. If it plays good, sounds good and says "Les Paul" on the headstock under the Gibson logo, then I've found it.
Though this may be a troll thread, here's my thoughts for what I would look for.....
A Gibson Les Paul Standard that speaks to me when I play it, that feels good, has good resonance, and that I know I will enjoy for a long time. I don't care if it is weight relieved or not, has the tone chambers or not, flamed top or not, ABR bridge or not. I just don't care about that stuff. If it plays good, sounds good and says "Les Paul" on the headstock under the Gibson logo, then I've found it.
TheLivingDead
Dawn Of The Shred
Re: I wanna Les Paul
Memphis, eh?
Memphis, eh?
ItsaBass
New member
Re: I wanna Les Paul
I'd try many of them first. They are not for everyone, and are definitely a big change from a Strat.
They are made differently than they used to be, and I would argue that it is a good change in terms of making them more user friendly and general purpose instruments. So, I would say your roommate is wrong in his phrasing. They are made differently with the chambering. But I would argue that it is not wrong, just different, and that it's how they should have been made all along. It gets rid of the heaviness and the mud.
But if you want a Les Paul specifically to get that classic Les Paul buttery tone (and you can play loudly enough to get it), not necessarily to have a do-everything guitar like a Strat, then get at the very least a Swiss cheesed one instead of a chambered one. Or go to a fully solid one, which would limit you to older models or special current models that are made without any weight relief.
I'd try many of them first. They are not for everyone, and are definitely a big change from a Strat.
They are made differently than they used to be, and I would argue that it is a good change in terms of making them more user friendly and general purpose instruments. So, I would say your roommate is wrong in his phrasing. They are made differently with the chambering. But I would argue that it is not wrong, just different, and that it's how they should have been made all along. It gets rid of the heaviness and the mud.
But if you want a Les Paul specifically to get that classic Les Paul buttery tone (and you can play loudly enough to get it), not necessarily to have a do-everything guitar like a Strat, then get at the very least a Swiss cheesed one instead of a chambered one. Or go to a fully solid one, which would limit you to older models or special current models that are made without any weight relief.
J
Jessie's ghost
Guest
Re: I wanna Les Paul
A proper Les Paul will have a neck and a body, some glue, some strings, maybe a pickup or two. Any so-called "instrument" or "guitar" that lacks any of these features is clearly not a Les Paul and isn't worthy of your consideration.
There's a lot of voodoo and pseudoscience surrounding the institution of the Les Paul. You'll hear it all:
"Only Gibson makes a real LP."
"Everyone but Gibson makes a real LP."
"Nobody makes a real LP."
"Epiphones are the same as Gibsons."
"No they aren't."
"Epiphones are better than Gibsons."
"No they aren't."
"Yeah-huh."
"Nuh-uhh!"
"Plenty of companies make a real LP that puts Gibson's to shame."
"Your mother makes a real LP."
"Shut up about my mother; we're talking about guitars."
"Don't tell me to shut up, you wanker. I'll smash you in the head with my Hamer."
You'll hear it all, and most of it is probably pretty wrong-headed. I think most of us could get closer to the sound of a "real LP" by making the most of a particular guitar than by spending ten times as many hours trying to figure out who builds the best version.
A proper Les Paul will have a neck and a body, some glue, some strings, maybe a pickup or two. Any so-called "instrument" or "guitar" that lacks any of these features is clearly not a Les Paul and isn't worthy of your consideration.
There's a lot of voodoo and pseudoscience surrounding the institution of the Les Paul. You'll hear it all:
"Only Gibson makes a real LP."
"Everyone but Gibson makes a real LP."
"Nobody makes a real LP."
"Epiphones are the same as Gibsons."
"No they aren't."
"Epiphones are better than Gibsons."
"No they aren't."
"Yeah-huh."
"Nuh-uhh!"
"Plenty of companies make a real LP that puts Gibson's to shame."
"Your mother makes a real LP."
"Shut up about my mother; we're talking about guitars."
"Don't tell me to shut up, you wanker. I'll smash you in the head with my Hamer."
You'll hear it all, and most of it is probably pretty wrong-headed. I think most of us could get closer to the sound of a "real LP" by making the most of a particular guitar than by spending ten times as many hours trying to figure out who builds the best version.
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Laughing Kookaburra
New member
KimBongIll420
New member
Re: I wanna Les Paul
I didn't mean to start a fight. Just wanted to know if anyone was building them the way they used to, like exactly. Call it silly okay but thats what I want. Thanks to the guys who gave some sugestions.
I didn't mean to start a fight. Just wanted to know if anyone was building them the way they used to, like exactly. Call it silly okay but thats what I want. Thanks to the guys who gave some sugestions.
Re: I wanna Les Paul
The issue with 'building them like they used to' is that the wood origin and quality isn't what it used to be either.
We can't go recklessly cutting down rare/hard to grow trees anymore, especially as demand for guitars is exponentially higher than it used to be. The newer sources for wood make for heavier planks, and the quicker production times mean less thorough seasoning than what they used to be. The weight relief (then chambering) was designed to alleviate some of the problems of poorer wood quality and the associated weight.
The only Gibsons that use the original techniques are those they can take the time on to find the right woods and have them not be back-breakers - ie late 50's VOS reissues which carry the appropriate pricetag.
Its also fair to say that if you did get a modern guitar with the construction the same as the old ones its more as likely not going to have the tone the originals did - due to the weight and wood quality.
But once you've got it though a cranked amp its going to be hard to tell some of the minute differences anyway
The issue with 'building them like they used to' is that the wood origin and quality isn't what it used to be either.
We can't go recklessly cutting down rare/hard to grow trees anymore, especially as demand for guitars is exponentially higher than it used to be. The newer sources for wood make for heavier planks, and the quicker production times mean less thorough seasoning than what they used to be. The weight relief (then chambering) was designed to alleviate some of the problems of poorer wood quality and the associated weight.
The only Gibsons that use the original techniques are those they can take the time on to find the right woods and have them not be back-breakers - ie late 50's VOS reissues which carry the appropriate pricetag.
Its also fair to say that if you did get a modern guitar with the construction the same as the old ones its more as likely not going to have the tone the originals did - due to the weight and wood quality.
But once you've got it though a cranked amp its going to be hard to tell some of the minute differences anyway
SamusChief
New member
Re: I wanna Les Paul
What if you like... went out and played a couple, then decided!
No but seriously, some Gibsons suck and some are great playing, sometimes even the same model. You just need to make sure the quality is good yourself.
What if you like... went out and played a couple, then decided!
No but seriously, some Gibsons suck and some are great playing, sometimes even the same model. You just need to make sure the quality is good yourself.
J
Jessie's ghost
Guest
Re: I wanna Les Paul
Crazy talk. If you can't get at the truth on an Internet forum, the truth isn't out there.
Crazy talk. If you can't get at the truth on an Internet forum, the truth isn't out there.
3'scompany
New member
Re: I wanna Les Paul
This made me chuckle, as I thought the exact same thing when I read it.
I have nothing else to say in this thread.
This made me chuckle, as I thought the exact same thing when I read it.
I have nothing else to say in this thread.
MojoMonster
New member
Re: I wanna Les Paul
I've got a a Trad Pro, '50's Studio GT, and an Edwards 130.
If I'd gotten the Edwards 130 first, I probably would have stopped right there.
If money is an issue and you can't wait, get a Studio that feels right for you.
If money isn't an issue, get a Historic.
If you want the best value, get an upper end Edwards LP.
I've got a a Trad Pro, '50's Studio GT, and an Edwards 130.
If I'd gotten the Edwards 130 first, I probably would have stopped right there.
If money is an issue and you can't wait, get a Studio that feels right for you.
If money isn't an issue, get a Historic.
If you want the best value, get an upper end Edwards LP.
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thespricket
New member
Re: I wanna Les Paul
The new Traditionals and the Traditional Pros are excellent guitars. Don't listen to your roomie, or anyone else's opinion, go to GC and try out all the ones you like. People are snobby and elitist about stuff like that, especially Les Pauls.
The new Traditionals and the Traditional Pros are excellent guitars. Don't listen to your roomie, or anyone else's opinion, go to GC and try out all the ones you like. People are snobby and elitist about stuff like that, especially Les Pauls.
Boogie Bill
New member
Re: I wanna Les Paul
IMHO, these are the ones to get: Historic '57, '58, '59' '60. The flametops are really gonna hurt your wallet, but the gold-top '57 and the plaintop '58 not quite as much. Great guitars, very well made--the best guitars Gibson makes; very good vibe and cachet. The long tenon neck joint gives these guitar tremendous resonance and a lively feel. Another terrific option is the Custom Shop VOS models Gibson makes for Guitar Center. The 1960 Tobaccoburst VOS is the favorite of my 10 LPs.
I really like the mid-1990s LP Classics, especially the flametop Plus and Premium Plus models. The inlays aren't as green as the new guitars, and they have the ABR-1 bridge. A good platform for upgrading--add some Antiquitys, a LW tailpiece, and an RS Kit for a guitar that will perform nearly as well as the Historic.
An LP Standard from around 2003-2005 is a good choice, and another good platform that can be upgraded and modified--or played straight out the box.
Don't be adverse to a LP with a headstock repair. Be sure that it has had a professional repair--and it should be nearly invisible. If the headstock faceplate shows damage, walk away. You can sometimes find these cheap; and if the guitar is otherwise in good shape, you can get a great playing, "player's" guitar for minimal money.
The Epiphone Elite/Elitist Series are good guitars (as are Burnys, Edwards, Orvilles, and Tokais), but be careful not to over-pay. These mid-priced LPs are very desireable--being well-made at an attractive price point. I doubt you can find the killer deals for these, as they will hold there value well.
So keep an eye open and cash at hand--I bought an LP Elegant two year ago for HALF its blue-book value from someone REALLY hurting from the economy. I recently saw another at the same price. There are deals to be had.
Cash talks, BS walks.
Bill
IMHO, these are the ones to get: Historic '57, '58, '59' '60. The flametops are really gonna hurt your wallet, but the gold-top '57 and the plaintop '58 not quite as much. Great guitars, very well made--the best guitars Gibson makes; very good vibe and cachet. The long tenon neck joint gives these guitar tremendous resonance and a lively feel. Another terrific option is the Custom Shop VOS models Gibson makes for Guitar Center. The 1960 Tobaccoburst VOS is the favorite of my 10 LPs.
I really like the mid-1990s LP Classics, especially the flametop Plus and Premium Plus models. The inlays aren't as green as the new guitars, and they have the ABR-1 bridge. A good platform for upgrading--add some Antiquitys, a LW tailpiece, and an RS Kit for a guitar that will perform nearly as well as the Historic.
An LP Standard from around 2003-2005 is a good choice, and another good platform that can be upgraded and modified--or played straight out the box.
Don't be adverse to a LP with a headstock repair. Be sure that it has had a professional repair--and it should be nearly invisible. If the headstock faceplate shows damage, walk away. You can sometimes find these cheap; and if the guitar is otherwise in good shape, you can get a great playing, "player's" guitar for minimal money.
The Epiphone Elite/Elitist Series are good guitars (as are Burnys, Edwards, Orvilles, and Tokais), but be careful not to over-pay. These mid-priced LPs are very desireable--being well-made at an attractive price point. I doubt you can find the killer deals for these, as they will hold there value well.
So keep an eye open and cash at hand--I bought an LP Elegant two year ago for HALF its blue-book value from someone REALLY hurting from the economy. I recently saw another at the same price. There are deals to be had.
Cash talks, BS walks.
Bill
ItsaBass
New member
Re: I wanna Les Paul
I agree with the guy a few posts up who said that the construction doesn't matter in and of itself. The sound does. I think that most people wouldn't hear the differences between a solid LP, a Swiss-cheezed one, and a chambered one uless you told them what they were hearing.
I also agree that it is a great idea to get one that has had the neck snapped, and properly repaired (or even better, not repaired at all). Not only do they lose value, but they are also less prone to future breakage.
Best of both worlds? A new (i.e. chambered) one with a snapped head.
I agree with the guy a few posts up who said that the construction doesn't matter in and of itself. The sound does. I think that most people wouldn't hear the differences between a solid LP, a Swiss-cheezed one, and a chambered one uless you told them what they were hearing.
I also agree that it is a great idea to get one that has had the neck snapped, and properly repaired (or even better, not repaired at all). Not only do they lose value, but they are also less prone to future breakage.
Best of both worlds? A new (i.e. chambered) one with a snapped head.
GuitarGuy503
New member
Re: I wanna Les Paul
I strongly agree. :approve: I'd have a 56 RI (p90s) if I could afford another Historic RI.
I strongly agree. :approve: I'd have a 56 RI (p90s) if I could afford another Historic RI.
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Franknfilms
New member
Re: I wanna Les Paul
This is great advice. I have a friend who has had a les paul studio faded for about 10 years. He never plays guitar, and somehow his kids cracked the neck. I have no idea the extent of the damage, but lets assume the best case scenerio: the guitar can be fixed. How much should I offer him????
I also agree that it is a great idea to get one that has had the neck snapped, and properly repaired (or even better, not repaired at all). Not only do they lose value, but they are also less prone to future breakage.
Best of both worlds? A new (i.e. chambered) one with a snapped head.
This is great advice. I have a friend who has had a les paul studio faded for about 10 years. He never plays guitar, and somehow his kids cracked the neck. I have no idea the extent of the damage, but lets assume the best case scenerio: the guitar can be fixed. How much should I offer him????