Reconsidering the Les Paul Studio...

[Closed Eye]

As you may know, or I guess if you don't, I'm currently holding on a 2000 Les Paul Studio at a local music shop. I've put down $200 so far but have about $600 left to pay on the LP but now, with this new Ibanez, I'm really reconsidering my decision.

While having a Paul is cooler than hell I've been wanting to focus more on playing the guitar rather than the "look" or "prestige" of playing a more expensive instrument (as great an instrument as it may be)...plus, with the money, I could invest in a new amp and a few pedals I'd need to round out my collection.

I also really, really like the new guitar I got and as cheap as it is (and regardless of my tuning problems with that damn Edge Tremolo), I can't really see playing anything else right now.

Will I regret this in the future? Is a new amp and some pedals really worth more than a Paul?

Help me out here!

 

[rinse_master]

Re: Reconsidering the Les Paul Studio...

Studios are good guitars, they will last well and take a fair few knocks and not exactly rare, so getting parts isn't gonna be hard (although I'd choose an Edwards over a Gibson anyday, but that is a whole 'nother story...)

Another plus, TOM/STP, much friendlier to me at least.

 

[kherman]

Re: Reconsidering the Les Paul Studio...

The guitar is only as good as the amp it's going through.

If your happy with the Ibanez, and are having a great time playing it,
I would look into upgrading the amp then.

Not sure what your playing through right now.
But, if it's not satisfying you, then time to try some new amps.

For $800 there are a lot of nice choices out there.

You can always pick up an LP or LP replica down the road.

Kent

 

[CronoDL]

Re: Reconsidering the Les Paul Studio...

I think it depends on what you're playing and your playing style. If the main reason you're getting the LP is for the "look" and/or "prestige," then I'd say forget the LP and put the money towards an amp instead.

Also, if you really like the playability and feel of the Ibanez, then you should spend more time with it instead of having the LP in a few weeks (or whenever) and switching around.

As the others have said Kherman said, you can always pick up another LP in the future.

Personally, I like strat-style hardtail and trems more than tune-o-matics. My LP and LP copy are starting to collect dust.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Reconsidering the Les Paul Studio...

You know what's ridiculous? I've been playing for a long time and have accumulated a lot of toys, but the most useful piece of gear I own is also one of the cheapest.

After buying the Vox Valvetronix AD60 head for around $420 at Sam Ash, it's become the most useful tool to me. I would have killed to have this amp when I was starting out!! Owning a bunch of guitars is a luxury, not a necessity. Same with high wattage amps.

The reason the Vox head/2-12 cab is so useful is because you can dial in great sounds at any volume level, thanks to the variable wattage selector on the back panel.
Also, the headphones, recording out, tuner, FX. It's an amp that'll give you every sound, from the Beatles to Pantera. I prefer the head/cab setup, because the gain tones are tighter and more realistic than a small combo.

Do yourself a favor, and turn your deposit money into an order for the AD60VTH head and the Vox 2-12 or 4-12. You'll get WAY more use out of that than anything else, IMO.

 

[Jimbojsr]

Re: Reconsidering the Les Paul Studio...

I like LP Studios. I know I'm in a minority, nut I like 'em. Not flashy, but they do the job, especially if you decide to splash on some Duncans in there.

 

[JumpMarine]

Re: Reconsidering the Les Paul Studio...

+1, the Vox is by far my best spent $ on gear yet.

You know what's ridiculous? I've been playing for a long time and have accumulated a lot of toys, but the most useful piece of gear I own is also one of the cheapest.

After buying the Vox Valvetronix AD60 head for around $420 at Sam Ash, it's become the most useful tool to me. I would have killed to have this amp when I was starting out!! Owning a bunch of guitars is a luxury, not a necessity. Same with high wattage amps.

The reason the Vox head/2-12 cab is so useful is because you can dial in great sounds at any volume level, thanks to the variable wattage selector on the back panel.
Also, the headphones, recording out, tuner, FX. It's an amp that'll give you every sound, from the Beatles to Pantera. I prefer the head/cab setup, because the gain tones are tighter and more realistic than a small combo.

Do yourself a favor, and turn your deposit money into an order for the AD60VTH head and the Vox 2-12 or 4-12. You'll get WAY more use out of that than anything else, IMO.