What would I be better off buying?

[epi]

A Chapman Guitar ML-2 (Les Paul style I am really dying for one)
A Epiphone Les Paul Standard or Ultra
A LTD Eclipse 256-400 series

Which one would you say is better? I used to own a epi les paul but I sold it since I hated the pickups, the condition and I found it heavy (that was a while ago I am a lot stronger now I was just getting out of recovery when I had it)

I really like the look of the Chapman and I am looking for something different but I do not get to try it before I buy it which kind of concerns me.

So I ask you beautiful people for you're opinion (DON'T SAY USED GIBSON blah blah I want something new ):lmao:

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

I'm not familiar with the Chapman, but the Epi LP Ultra is a very fine guitar with lots of tonal options. I think it's much better than the LTD.

 

[chewpac]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

the chapman guitars look very cool.

for Epi's, i'd look at the Tribute series. there are some late model used 1960 and 2010 tributes that are even cooler than the current run if you're cool with a plain top and buying used. honestly the best value in a Paul that i've seen. killer guitars. all gibson electronics, 57 classic pickups, full sized maple cap, locking tuners, long neck tenon, etc.

the PRS SE series is awesome, as well. swap some pickups to your preferred flavor and have at it.

 

[Gone_Shootin]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

The one in my avatar pic is my Epi Les Paul Custom, and I love that guitar. But if you're more used to shredsticks, you'd like the ESP better. Thinner neck, lighter body, ect.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

hmm... Well, do you have a preference of the control layout? If so, that narrows it down. I had an LTD model once, but prefer the standard LP 2 vol/2tone control layout. on of the LPs mentioned above would be good. Iv heard good things about the chapmans too, although Ive never played one

 

[BloodRose]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

the chapman guitars look very cool.

for Epi's, i'd look at the Tribute series. there are some late model used 1960 and 2010 tributes that are even cooler than the current run if you're cool with a plain top and buying used. honestly the best value in a Paul that i've seen. killer guitars. all gibson electronics, 57 classic pickups, full sized maple cap, locking tuners, long neck tenon, etc.

Didnt realize those had the long tenon.. hmm

 

[Masta' C]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

Is the Les Paul Ultra the one with the Nanomag? If so, I'd avoid it. Picked one up for my dad...plays "ok", but not as nice as my own guitars, and the nanomag has only had problems. Go with the Standard instead.

I'm a big fan of the LTD Eclipse series. They don't have the feel of a real Les Paul as they are lighter and thinner with a much slimmer neck, but you might like that if your Epi was too heavy. Personally, I'd spend the little bit extra for a 1000-series model.

No experience with the Chapman guitars, but they are nice looking.

While you're shopping around, take a look at the new Washburn Parallaxe series single-cuts. Some really good deals on eBay in the price range of those other models and they come fully equipped with Seymour Duncan pickups, etc. Haven't tried one myself yet, but I intend to.

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

Another vote for the LTD.

...and to buy a better instrument used (ESP).

 

[genethomas]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

I had the same dilemma a few weeks back. People always say to go down to your local store and try some out so I did. My preference at the time was a PRS SE245. When I played it I just couldn't get over how thick the body and neck was. I then played a 2014 LPJ and it was awesome in comparison. The Chapmans are nice guitars with decent hardware and pickups but the LPJ would be my choice.

 

[epi]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

I hate the look of the LPJ so no go for me The Epi LP Standard is on my hit list I can get one used for $300 and all I would do is swap some electronics and pickups and I have a new beast. and used in almost mint condition...

 

[epi]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

I just got off the phone with the retailers in Canada for Chapman and it will be $714 after taxes for a ML-2 cherry or I could get a used epiphone and guy the electronics or a total of $500 the epiphone is cheaper but the chapman (personally) has nicer components... So idk they both have ups and downs. I may go chapman since I'll be buying it brand new and I want something different that people won't have once I get my money rounded up I'll think about it.

 

[Chocklit_Thunda]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

Is there a reason for wanting to buy brand new? Personally I'd look at second hand because it allows you to get a great instrument while someone else takes the knock of having bought it new.

 

[jon the art guy]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

I would put money on the Chapman being the best out of the group. Those guitars are serious business.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

 

[epi]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

Is there a reason for wanting to buy brand new? Personally I'd look at second hand because it allows you to get a great instrument while someone else takes the knock of having bought it new.

There are no used ones so it's either new or none.

 

[epi]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

I may end up buying a epiphone since I need to save some money and I need to buy a new cab also so the Epi is more reasonable at the time.

 

[jon the art guy]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

if you aren't going for the Chapman, I'd suggest the Eclipse. The Epis are supposed to be great now, but I like the sharp florentine cutaway on the Eclipses, and pickups are always changeable. I'd DEFINITELY look for used too. You can step up several layers of quality on an LTD for the same price as a new, say 300 series. The Epiphone is about as good as it can get unless you buy an Elitist somewhere.

Where are you buying? If you're buying blind, see if you can get a better price at all the big online vendors. I've ended up buying a bunch of stuff thru zzounds because they would do payment plans for stuff I wanted too, for like an extra 5 bucks.

 

[epi]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

I am buying at a store and there are no used LTDs in Ottawa so I have to buy used.

 

[epi]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

New****

 

[synzzzer]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

Well, if you want Epiphone, but different, you can always try out the 1956 Les Paul. It's the one with the big honkin' soapbar pickups. I have been wanting to pick one up for some time. (But it's hard to justify another guitar when I just grabbed two recently.)

 

[Rockstar216]

Re: What would I be better off buying?

Make sure you check the scale lengths. The Chapmans have a 25" scale and the Epi's I think have a 24" I'm not sure on the LTDs but scale length may not be a big deal to you.