To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

[báratta]

To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Guys, I’m looking at picking up a Les Paul Gem in the next week. I’ve yet to own a P-90 Lester, and thus I was wondering if I would be able to swap out the bridge P-90 for a Mini Humbucker with an LP Deluxe style mounting ring). I’m not keen to modify the guitar in a way that is not reversible. If it is not a straight forward operation, I think I’ll leave the Gem in the guitar shop…

If you have experience with the Gem series, be sure to chime in.

Samuel

 

[MVI]

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

I am not familiar with the gem series. It looks like a cool guitar. I like the P-90 sound myself, and would buy a used deluxe to get that sound, rather than mod the gem. The blue finish doesn't do anything for me, but I'm sure they have a color that you like.

 

[Butch Snyder]

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Very cool indeed...

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

The Gems are p-90 Studios with "GEM" coloured paint jobs...IMO they are great guitars...I always thought that the 90's Studios were great guitars and the Gems are just as good, and you can't loose with P-90's!

 

[báratta]

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

I am not familiar with the gem series. It looks like a cool guitar. I like the P-90 sound myself, and would buy a used deluxe to get that sound, rather than mod the gem. The blue finish doesn't do anything for me, but I'm sure they have a color that you like.

The Gem is considerably cheaper than any deluxe I might be able to source. Blue is not my thing, though it may grow on me.

How about the pickup swap, guys. Also, what holds a P-90 or mini HB screwless mounting ring in place?

 

[Tom M]

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

I've never seen one of those before, but I really like it!!!

 

[WhoFan]

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Since LP Deluxes are a thing of the past i too have been wanting to find a P90 LP and change it to Mini Humbuckers... That is if i can't find a 1999-2002 LP Deluxe reissue..... The Reissues are double the guitar my 76 Deluxe is.....

WhoFan

 

[Scott_F]

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

I like them, but I find that you need to play them, just like any mass produced guitar. Check the fret ends. If they feel pretty good, it's probably been taken reasonable care of.

If blue doesn't do it for you now, it will likely not grow on you. Don't spend money on something that doesn't really float your boat.

Dropping mini's into P90 slots is not rocket science. They make mini pup rings that are the same size as a P90. That being said, I have a set , but I've ever done it.

 

[báratta]

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

I like them, but I find that you need to play them, just like any mass produced guitar. Check the fret ends. If they feel pretty good, it's probably been taken reasonable care of.

If blue doesn't do it for you now, it will likely not grow on you. Don't spend money on something that doesn't really float your boat.

Dropping mini's into P90 slots is not rocket science. They make mini pup rings that are the same size as a P90. That being said, I have a set , but I've ever done it.

Thanks Scott, I have lived with many guitars that have not really appealed to me aesthetically. It’s not a big deal purchase, just a cheap option for a P-90 in the neck and a hummer in the bridge. I think the blue may even be growing on me…

Samuel.

 

[Hot _Grits]

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

The topaz one would be my pick from that range. Nice guitars...

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

I had a dark dark purple Gem Series several years ago, which I got a screamin deal on for $550 from a desperate seller. They normally sell for $700 - $850 used. I wish I'd kept it in retrospect, since it was a very good sounding guitar, even with the stock pickups. The Gems were a limited release between 1995-1997 approximately. If I were you, I wouldn't try to retrofit it with Deluxe pickups, but order whichever Duncan P-90 set suits your needs. They sound better than Deluxe pickups IMO.

 

[báratta]

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

I have access to a cheap SM-3, and I will be sticking with the Gibson P-90 in the neck as long as it doesn’t offend me.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

You might be pleasantly surprised by Gibsons p90s. I love mine to death in my LP Special DC.

 

[báratta]

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Since LP Deluxes are a thing of the past i too have been wanting to find a P90 LP and change it to Mini Humbuckers... That is if i can't find a 1999-2002 LP Deluxe reissue..... The Reissues are double the guitar my 76 Deluxe is.....

WhoFan

Yeah, I have a Deluxe RI on my list of things to buy. They’re fetching good money- too close to R6 prices. Though the Gem with P-90 neck and Mini Hum bridge would provide me with a versatile LP that would have it’s own particular charm.

You might be pleasantly surprised by Gibsons p90s. I love mine to death in my LP Special DC.

Let's hope so!

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

Re: To buy or not to buy…Les Paul Gem

I've never been a big fan of the mini-hums. In fact, I have a great, burning dislike for them.

I've been very pleased with my Duncan Custom P-90s in all my P-90 and mini-hum guitars.