Whatcha know 'bout 80's LP's?

andrizzle

New member
I've got a guy locally that wants to trade me an 1989 Les Paul Standard (Cherry burst) for my 1995 ES135 (Cherry). The 135 plays really well and I recently added a bigsby (I'm at work, or I'd share pics) and is a real looker... but it's just not my thing. I've checked out the serial and looked (in pics) for all the signs of a fake, and it's legit. This would be my first LP and I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion of that era... If I'm not in love with it, it'll eventually be trade bait for the next one, which I believe is more appealing than the 135 (and a higher trade value)... Last thing, it's got a "Rio Grande Texas BBQ neck pickup, but the stock one is included in the trade as well...

So, opinions? Go! - And Thanks!
 
Re: Whatcha know 'bout 80's LP's?

While that period's Les Pauls were – in general and IMO – the best ones made from '69 to today, Les Pauls are common as dirt and nowhere near as *****in' as 135's. No way I'd give up a 135 for a Paul unless the 135 just wasn't that hot.
 
Re: Whatcha know 'bout 80's LP's?

While that period's Les Pauls were – in general and IMO – the best ones made from '69 to today, Les Pauls are common as dirt and nowhere near as *****in' as 135's. No way I'd give up a 135 for a Paul unless the 135 just wasn't that hot.

Yes... I totally agree with you... And the one I've got is a real looker! However, I've got the stock P100's in there, and they just don't do it for me. I have changed the 'pups out to SD Hot P90's which I wasn't a huge fan of... after putting the P100's back in this guitar I vowed to never change the darn things out again... SUCH A FRIGGIN PITA. You have to solder through the F-holes (something I could probably explain better in a much lengthier post, but don't want to at the moment), you cannot (as far as I could tell) remove the pots to solder anything... I really never want to have to do it again.. It plays really well and is a heck-of-a-guitar, but it just ain't me. Knowwhadimean? I really wish I could bond with it better because of how awesome it looks. I've had it out there on CL for a while and am just not getting the offers I'd like. This has been the best of the offers so far and ultimately I want to continue trading up to a CS Strat or something along those lines (I'm more of a solid body / single coil guy). I'm really just in the mood to try a bunch of stuff, and the 135 is tonally getting beaten out by my MIM strats every single day, so I don't mind parting with it.

I've never owned a Les Paul for the sheer reason that I like singles better, but since I have other great guitars and don't mind playing them out when I'm playing right now, I'm interested to see how I feel about a LP.

Because I'm a glutton for punishment, here's my guitar:

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Re: Whatcha know 'bout 80's LP's?

Solder extended leads. Makes pup changes much easier.

I also agree, late 80s, thru mid 90s best Gibsons in consistency since the early 60s, but no way I would get rid of a 135 for one. Solder some leads and throw some Lollars or regular Gibby 90s in itbefore you get rid of it.
 
Re: Whatcha know 'bout 80's LP's?

There should be a nice amount of cash coming from dude before you even think about getting rid of the 135.
 
Re: Whatcha know 'bout 80's LP's?

LP Standards are more expensive than 135's, so it should actually be the opposite... You dudes are making me seriously reconsider. I've gotten 2 people interested in it on here.... Maybe I'll post it here instead. Hmmm.
 
Re: Whatcha know 'bout 80's LP's?

I think there is a lot of mindless BS going around the internet about various years for good or bad Gibsons and more specifically Les Pauls...

Go play it and if you dig it make the trade...I know that sounds dumb but it really is that easy.

I think 135's are killer but I'd MUCH rather have one with buckers and I have a good LP so my opinion is biased either way.

If you want any help drop me a line, I'd be glad to go with you to check it out and see if it throws up any red flags...
 
Re: Whatcha know 'bout 80's LP's?

IMO it's what trips your trigger that matters. If you like the LP and will get more use of it and YOU feel that it's worth the one you have, then go for it. If his is beat up or something to where you feel its not of equal value, then ask for a few dollars on top.
 
Re: Whatcha know 'bout 80's LP's?

I would not trade it. But as BloodRose said if you are gonna use the LP more and don't use the 135 much then I think it would be a good trade. But I would keep the 135.
 
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