LP '56 Goldtop vs. Hollowbody w/ P90's

jonnymangia

jonnymangia

New member
I want to start playing more roots-rock, rockabilly, blues type of stuff. Want to take it from T-Bone Walker, Scotty Moore, and Mickey Baker up to George Thorogood and Izzy Stradlin.

One thing is certain - I am getting a guitar with P90's.

So I'm trying to decide between splurging on a Gibson '56 goldtop or some type of hollowbody with soapbars. Maybe a Casino. Or an ES-style guitar. I understand Hamer also makes a P90's hollowbody.

What do you guys think?
 
Re: LP '56 Goldtop vs. Hollowbody w/ P90's

I love the look of hollowbodies, I have an ES-135 with P-100's in it and it's truly a unique sound in my collection. I bought it as a stepping stone to an ES-335, figuring I'd just get rid of it when I was ready to upgrade. Now, I don't think I could do that. It's just such a unique and cool guitar that I'd feel guilty getting rid of it. :laugh2:

I don't think you can go wrong either way, solid or hollow, even if it isn't a Gibson. My personal preference would be a hollowbody though.

Another thing you could consider, if maybe you have something with humbucekrs in your collection that doesn't get all that much play. Gibson sells an aftermarket P-90 in a humbucker size, they call it a P-94. From what I've read and heard, it's identical to the P-90 in everyway except for the shape.
 
Re: LP '56 Goldtop vs. Hollowbody w/ P90's

The Casino is a very nice axe for the price & might be a good option to see if you like the thing or not before splurging on the Gibby....but of course the Gibby will hold resale value.

If that doesn't matter, check the Epi Goldtop or Dillion makes a really nice Goldtop knock off. :bigok:

And changing pickups & pots on the Goldtop is a lot easier that the hollowbody!!!! :D
 
Re: LP '56 Goldtop vs. Hollowbody w/ P90's

I would choose the lp 56 goldtop because it has more weight and increased sustain. You might want to check out for edwards 56 goldtop copies on ebay or anywhere you may fine them. They're alot cheaper than the real gibsons and still pretty good, but if you got money for a gibson go for it.
 
Re: LP '56 Goldtop vs. Hollowbody w/ P90's

If $ are an issue.....

Go buy yourself a MF LP Deluxe...and put some P90s in it....and you can get a goldtop, wine red, or ebony. They have the same neck profile as your SG. Identical to a Gibson LP standard other than the minis and plaintop.
 
Re: LP '56 Goldtop vs. Hollowbody w/ P90's

i have a '56 ri and it is amazing. i would think you could cover all that ground with one no problem. that said, i would look into a hamer. for less money i think you get a better guitar.

if it were me i wouldnt cheap out on the epi or the edwards. a friend of mine has one of each and they are nice guitars but not even close to my historic.

get a hamer
 
Re: LP '56 Goldtop vs. Hollowbody w/ P90's

jeremy said:
i have a '56 ri and it is amazing. i would think you could cover all that ground with one no problem. that said, i would look into a hamer. for less money i think you get a better guitar.

if it were me i wouldnt cheap out on the epi or the edwards. a friend of mine has one of each and they are nice guitars but not even close to my historic.

get a hamer
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Wow, it's amazing how much hype Hamer's get on this board. I'm going to have to try one.

Here's another I am GASSING for, though I quesiton whether it's going to get the vibe I am looking for....

sg95.jpg


...sweet guitar but no P-90's.

Jeff, weren' you sweating an SG Custom recently? Did you get to play one? I've always wondered what they sound like compared to Standards.
 
Re: LP '56 Goldtop vs. Hollowbody w/ P90's

jonnymangia said:
Jeff, weren' you sweating an SG Custom recently? Did you get to play one? I've always wondered what they sound like compared to Standards.
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I had one about 14 or 15 years ago...just like The Chris' though at the time they were a production model and not a Historic. But I have not been looking for one.

I didn't care for the 3 pups. Middle one gets in my way unless I roll it all the way down and then it's useless. Tonewise, I remember it being less "raunchy" and beefy with the ebony board. Good lead instrument, but not enough "balls" for my style..kinda the way Jacksons are (for me)

Hamers are fantabulous guitars, no doubt :bigthumb:They don't make anything though that will sound like a Les Paul. Monaco Elite will be close, but it's not quite there. Might sound better or worse given the individuals taste and pref, but its not the same.
 
Re: LP '56 Goldtop vs. Hollowbody w/ P90's

If you like SG's, there is also a Gibson SG with P90's that looks nice -- SG Classic I believe, and the price isn't too bad for Gibson.
 
Re: LP '56 Goldtop vs. Hollowbody w/ P90's

I used a R6 goldtop for four gigs from Thurs thru Sun...it did everything from Hank Garland and Luther Perkins thru T-Bone, Robert Nighthawk, early Chess, and Freddie/BB King tones...there's a reason so many people are playing these things...
 
Re: LP '56 Goldtop vs. Hollowbody w/ P90's

JeffB said:
Hamers are fantabulous guitars, no doubt :bigthumb:They don't make anything though that will sound like a Les Paul. Monaco Elite will be close, but it's not quite there. Might sound better or worse given the individuals taste and pref, but its not the same.
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I own a Hamer Monaco III and in no way it refers to Gibson territory, think more on a superfat Strat-type sound. But also a lot more versatile with the typical Hamer tone and volume pots. Strange guitar, not really comparable with anything else. But really a great guitar.
monacoIII011.jpg

marinomonaco019.jpg
 
Re: LP '56 Goldtop vs. Hollowbody w/ P90's

grrrrrrrr.....Why'd you have to bring up a '56 RI just when I was getting over my gas for them? Oh well, I reckon I'll go look at some more of them.
 
Re: LP '56 Goldtop vs. Hollowbody w/ P90's

CCC said:
I own a Hamer Monaco III and in no way it refers to Gibson territory, think more on a superfat Strat-type sound. But also a lot more versatile with the typical Hamer tone and volume pots. Strange guitar, not really comparable with anything else. But really a great guitar.
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You've got that AND the Newport?!?! You suck! :D



J/K. I love the Monaco III, and I think you're right - there's really nothing else like it. I've yet to be able to play a Newport, but I expect nothing less than amazing.

Hamer makes some other P90 guitars, too, if you want to go that route.

JeffB said:
Hamers are fantabulous guitars, no doubt :bigthumb:They don't make anything though that will sound like a Les Paul. Monaco Elite will be close, but it's not quite there. Might sound better or worse given the individuals taste and pref, but its not the same.
Click to expand...
I'd think of it kind of like a Bogner vs. a Marshall. It's like a Marshall - better in some people's opinions - but it's different enough that it may not be what you're looking for.

Heritage makes a good LP style guitar that's a little more budget friendly, especially in the used market.
 
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