Thinking about a les paul

PushedCrayon

PushedCrayon

New member
Hey guys, so I've got the itch to have a les Paul type guitar around. I just got the part as a rhythm player in a band and we have some shows lined up for the stl area. Anyways, I have a couple strats, but I'm really missing out on that deep les paul growl and feel. I've been thinking about getting a les Paul, but I'm not sure what kind I really want.

My question for you guys, is what sounds like the best idea overall for a good playing guitar.

And epiphone les paul standard plus top pro, go used for around 400$ with case, but I understand I'd rip out the pickups, wiring, and probably add better tuners.

Gibson les paul studio, I would still. Rip out the 498 pickups, but could leave the tuners.

A les Paul standard, this would take a while to get the money for, but I feel like I would be paying a lot for the pretty binding, inlays, etc..

What les paul type makes for the best value in the end, when all it comes down to is the wood and how it plays?
 
Re: Thinking about a les paul

Best bet is to go play some Gibsons and Epi's if that's what you are looking at buying. If you really are in the middle of nowhere with no shops near you, consider a weekend road trip if it's at all possible. The disclaimer here is that this is coming from an older guy who does not like to buy sight unseen. Especially if I am really unfamiliar with the particular type of guitar. And, also remembers clearly when you couldn't buy from the internet because it didn't exist. ;)
 
Re: Thinking about a les paul

You mention "good playing guitar", and also "value". Those aren't necessarily the same. I agree with the post above that you need to play some. There are a lot of differences in how they play, and certainly in how they hold value (or not).

I would not plan to buy a Lester for anywhere near $500.00. I would save until I had at least a grand (if not two), and then look for the best playing one I could find at that price point. And, if you aren't wedded to the name on the headstock, take a look at Prestige guitars, the ones in Vancouver (no affiliation). They make spectacular LP-style guitars which you can get for under a grand.
 
Re: Thinking about a les paul

Name has no meaning to me, I'm just looking for the les Paul style, feel, and tone. I said epi and Gibson because they are the first names that come to mind. I'd be open to any les paul style guitar. Thanks for the point in the direction of prestige! Checking out the website now
 
Re: Thinking about a les paul

I've only played a select handfuls of Epiphone Les Pauls that felt and played almost as good as some of the best Gibsons I have played over the years. If you can try before you buy, try to find a great Epiphone and snatch it up if you do find one. It will be a lot easier to find a solid Gibson though (IMO).

My favorite Gibson Les Paul I ever owned (and played) was a 2004 studio. No chambered body, nothing funny going on, just a regular old studio. That guitar was awesome. I haven't played many Gibsons made lately though so I am not sure how they compare.
 
Re: Thinking about a les paul

Kais said:
didn't you just sell a les paul a few months ago? https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?283236-Gibson-les-paul-studio

why you keep selling all your guitars?
Click to expand...
That studio had a few issues that made me not want to keep it. Needed some nut work, the wiring needed to be redone, and a couple other small issues. Plus, I needed the money for my son at the moment. Now that I'm really back to playing, I'm looking to get another les paul back. These past few months I've really been just playing at home, and my guitars are great for that, but for live rhythm work, I don't think my current lineup is well suited for the job.
 
Re: Thinking about a les paul

I tried a 2015 Gibson LP not so long ago, and thought it rather nice. I don't remember the price being so good though. I've had a close look at some of the budget ones, that come in under a Studio, but didn't get a chance to try one.

The Epi's don't feel right to me, of the ones I've tried. Something about the necks I don't like, but haven't been able to put my finger on...

Tokai could be worth a look? I've played some nice ones, but I've no idea how old they were, as they were second hand.
 
Re: Thinking about a les paul

SnakeAces said:
If you can try before you buy, try to find a great Epiphone and snatch it up if you do find one.
Click to expand...


+1. Get a deal on a good used Epi LP for now and save up for a few years for a Gibson LP. You may just want to keep the Epi and pass on a Gibson, or you can sell the Epi when you finally get close to having enough money for a Gibson. There's some variation in Epi's, as there is in Gibsons, in quality, materials, and necks.

Not everyone wants to, or can afford to, tie up a grand or two in one guitar. There's certainly other priorities in life. I just upgrade the PU's on my Epi's; changing wiring & pots does nothing for the tone, and if the stock ones are functioning fine, why spend the money? My favorite tuners are Grover Rotomatics and they've been stock on most Epi's fro a number of years. You can have a very nice sounding and playing guitar for a modest investment.
 
Re: Thinking about a les paul

If you have a GC near by, see if they still have some Gibson Traditional Pro II's. From the front they look like a 90's Standard (the back is satin finished) good pickups excellent tone, and it has the 90's style "swiss cheese" weight relief instead of being fully chambered. They were selling for around $1900-$2000, but I was able to talk them down some. They don't have any of the stuff that the 2015 have like the brass nut, hologram in the back, or G force tuner. The on thing I like about GC is the layaway. Also don't forget to checkout pawnshops. Ive gotten a couple of LPs for good prices there before
 
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