Swamp Ash or Platinum?

dvadneau

New member
Ok, I realize there's already a thread going where someone's asking for opinions about a choice of LPs, but I've also got a choice and am looking for some advice.

I've got a line on 2 LPs: 2004 Gibson Les Paul Studio Platinum and a 2003 Gibson Les Paul Studio Swamp Ash.

Both have ebony fretboards. From what I gathered the 2003 was the first year for the Swamp Ash Studio and was the only year to feature an ebony board.

The Platinum is a 2004 and so has the silver coloured headstock to match the back of the neck and body, which I dig - black Gibson logo and Les Paul sig.

Both have 498/490 pickups, although that's not really a factor anyhow.

The problem is the Platinum was a 2nd chance offer through ebay, so I've never played it. The Swamp Ash is local and I have played it - used music store.

I've been saving up for the Platinum - the guy was nice enough to wait for me. However, the Swamp Ash really caught my eye as well.

They are very different aesthetically, of course - I like each for a different reason.

I was able to try the Swamp Ash today and compare it to my Epi LP Custom - on my way to band practice. My Epi is considerably heavier and not just because of the Bigsby. It's solid mahogany with a maple neck/board. My understanding is that Swamp Ash is much lighter than mahogany, but I was surprised by how much lighter it was. Were they chambered, or weight relieved?

I only tried the Swamp Ash acoustically, since playing through completely different gear from mine won't help anyhow (at least that's how I see it). The focus of the EQ is obviously different from my Epi, but I found it less resonant. I chalk that up partly to the fact I've set mine up as I like it, with 11-50s and the action I like.

I have a G&L Rampage that is soft maple body, hard maple neck, and ebony board and it has a nice overall tone. My ear tells me the Swamp Ash will most likely sit somewhere in the middle of my Epi and the Rampage in terms of EQ. Does that sound logical? Does it sound right?

For the Platinum, I can only guess at the sound. My understanding of the Platinum Studios is that they weren't weight relieved or chambered, and had mahogany bodies with maple caps, mahogany necks, and ebony boards. Anyone know differently?

I guess I'm wondering which will have the most overlap with my current guitars sound-wise, and what may be a better deal long-term. I know you guys don't know what my guitars sound like, but my Epi has a pretty good range with an emphasis on the lower mids, no surprise. There isn't a lot of low end and it has a soft but present high end.

The Rampage is mid-focused when playing in a band setting. It really cuts through even with power chords on the E and A strings. That's up against the singer's Ibanez artcore hollow body going through a YCV40 Traynor - big sound.

Both of the Gibsons I'm looking at are around the same price. The Platinum could cost me a little more because of customs and the shipping, although they'll be within a hundred bucks or so of each other.

Any thoughts or opinions? Be brutal, be honest. I expect nothing less.

Pics of the actual guitars:

2003_LP_SwampAsh.png


2004_LP_Platinum.png


I'm not a fan of pickguards on LPs, but both of these look "right" with them for some reason.

The Swamp Ash is a 2-piece body and 2-piece top. The 2 pieces of the body aren't split in the middle - one piece is about 2/3rds to 3/4 of the body. The top is split down the center, but really not obvious.
 
Re: Swamp Ash or Platinum?

I have wanted one of the swamp ash studios since they first came out. Drool. I didn't know they went to a different fretboard material later on. That's too bad.
 
Re: Swamp Ash or Platinum?

The silver one looks weird. Too much silver really I think. I'd need to add black knobs, guard and pickup rings for my taste.
 
Re: Swamp Ash or Platinum?

That Swamp Ash LP is one of my all-time favourite LP's (without the pickguard). I always loved the no-inlay thing and natural wood colour I've always preferred. And, also, I think the Silver/Platinum looks odd. It's a badass idea but something is just not right for me. I'd totally play both in a heartbeat though, cool guitars.
 
Re: Swamp Ash or Platinum?

Tl;dr.
Get the Platinum and add black bell knobs, black pickup rings and quality black hardware, but with pearl button tuners, and then sell it to me for cheap.
:D

Ok, I did read your post and my first impression is to go with what you can play first.
Play it through your own rig, or similar if you can.
If you hate it, don't get it.
If you don't hate it, get it.

That said, I've purchased quite a few guitars without playing them first and from my perspective, if I've spent less than $1000, I can always flip it pretty quick if I don't dig it.
 
Re: Swamp Ash or Platinum?

I would go the swamp ash route, bad ass look, very natural. Something looks off on the platinum one. Almost looks cheap.

More importantly, you played the swamp ash. Did it feel right?
 
Re: Swamp Ash or Platinum?

I would also test the swamp out electronically to make sure everything works fine pot wise. Also it may not be ur tone, but it should give u an idea how it plays.
 
Re: Swamp Ash or Platinum?

The Platinum does have a different look, which is cool with me - I have a bullseye camo LP with a Bigsby :)

The thing with the Platinum is all of the hardware is either chrome or brushed chrome/satin. The pickguard is brushed aluminum (I think) - looks a little off in the photo. The case is even a silver colour. Here's a shot I found online:

P1010202.jpg


And a shot I found online that probably better represents the look of the hardware:

9331-gibson-les-paul-studio-platinum--large.jpg


And a pro shot:

36766_l.jpg


I guess what intrigues me about the Platinum is the look and the combination of woods (typical LP but with an ebony board). The Swamp Ash is a different beast.

Good advice about the hardware test and sound test. I'll be going back to the music store tomorrow with my gear.

The tuners are Grover, so I'm not sure what an upgrade from that would be - they've always worked for me.

I am leaning towards the Swamp Ash. Mostly because I can actually play it. I don't doubt I could sell either of them if things don't pan out.
 
Re: Swamp Ash or Platinum?

Platinum, imho, looks cooler. In that first pic, it looks like it has a charcoal grey guard. It looks much better in the newer pics. I have a LP copy made of ash and it doesn't sound much like a LP at all. It's very bright and snappy. I miss the mids of the real thing, sometimes. I'd rock the Platinum.
 
Re: Swamp Ash or Platinum?

The Platinum does have a different look, which is cool with me - I have a bullseye camo LP with a Bigsby :)

The thing with the Platinum is all of the hardware is either chrome or brushed chrome/satin. The pickguard is brushed aluminum (I think) - looks a little off in the photo. The case is even a silver colour. Here's a shot I found online:

P1010202.jpg


And a shot I found online that probably better represents the look of the hardware:

9331-gibson-les-paul-studio-platinum--large.jpg


And a pro shot:

36766_l.jpg


I guess what intrigues me about the Platinum is the look and the combination of woods (typical LP but with an ebony board). The Swamp Ash is a different beast.

Good advice about the hardware test and sound test. I'll be going back to the music store tomorrow with my gear.

The tuners are Grover, so I'm not sure what an upgrade from that would be - they've always worked for me.

I am leaning towards the Swamp Ash. Mostly because I can actually play it. I don't doubt I could sell either of them if things don't pan out.


That's way to much silver for my taste, but if you dig it, that's all that matters in the end. Although putting some black pickguard, open pickups, black knobs could really open the look up.



If you really wanna upgrade from Grovers, go Sperzels. Like you said, Grovers are good. No problems there.


Does the swamp ash have a return policy?


Also, you said the platinum is on EBAY? I don't trust ebay, esp for guitars. You don't know what the eff they do to them. Get something you can feel and see and play.


Moreover, in terms of resale, it would be easier selling the swamp ash, platinumn seems more of a novelty.
 
Re: Swamp Ash or Platinum?

Get both, ha.
I wish ;) If I had enough for both I'd probably be looking at a Traditional Ebony or Gold Top.

Moreover, in terms of resale, it would be easier selling the swamp ash, platinumn seems more of a novelty.

I hear ya. It's definitely one of the reasons I didn't just jump on that one.

Now, that said, I do own an Epi Zakk Wylde Camo, but I didn't get it expecting it to retain/gain any value. That, and I can paint it and it'll still be a kick ass sounding guitar - I bought it for the sound and playability.

No point in getting the Platinum if I'm just going to repaint it - unless I KNEW it sounded awesome.

The Swamp Ash is on consignment and I made an offer. It was accepted, so I'm on my way to test it out with some of my gear. I'll have to check the return policy. It's on consignment, not purchased by the store, so I'm not sure if I can return it. The bonus is that I'm on my way to band practice, so if I do pick it up I'll be throwing it into the lion pit right away :) A string change and action adjustment would be nice to do beforehand, but gotta have some patience, I guess.

I'll check back in tonight and let you guys know either way.

Thanks guys.
 
Re: Swamp Ash or Platinum?

Swamp ash, the silver looks way too brite, it's just too much silver.

Yes, I know I misspelled bright.
 
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