Why a Lespaul?

Re: Why a Lespaul?

I think that les pauls look fantastic . . . and that may be one of the reasons that they've always sold well. I mean, it's a classy enough guitar that you could suit up and play jazz, it's heavy duty enough that you don't look out of place playing hard rock, you can get a cool reggae look from the simpler finishes available. There's probably a Paul that will look cool no matter what style of music you're playing. As for sound, that's each to his own . . . but most of the Les Pauls that I've ever touched have felt very nice to play (except for the weight!).
 
Re: Why a Lespaul?

You know what I found guys?

LPs have this karma - that is always there. It's a combination of style and sound. Chicks dig them so much. I think it might as well be the sexiest guitar shape ever. I think if you play a Les Paul - you automatically don't have to be as good as if you played a strat. Does anyone else feel this way?
 
Re: Why a Lespaul?

What's an R8?

But getting back to the original topic, I think Les Pauls are desirable because of their looks, tone, and reputation. To be honest, the last time I played a couple Les Pauls I was actually disappointed. They're built up to be nothing short of incredible. I played a Classic that had ugly looking light-colored streaks in the rosewood on the fretboard. I also picked up a Standard, which I think sounded better, but wasn't the most incredible thing I've ever played. The neck pickup was kind of weak and dull sounding. The bridge pickup (burstbucker?) was a lot less rich sounding than I expected from this guitar. I also don’t like how bulky the neck joint is. I have short fingers so it’s really hard for me to get to those higher frets on a Les Paul. It’s easier on a Studio, which doesn’t have binding.

I think there's sometimes too much emphasis on their fancy tops, too. If you go on www.musicansfriend.com you'll notice that most of the Les Paul product descriptions center around the looks and finishes, and not so much on the tone. To me, they almost look too fancy for a functioning instrument. Like you’re playing a fine-crafted cabinet or something.

I was all ready to drop $2,000 plus on a Les Paul, but decided it wasn't the right guitar for me after I went and played a few. I still go on Gibson’s website and drool over them though. They ARE beautiful.
 
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Re: Why a Lespaul?

I'm not really that keen on them if I'm honest.

There are too many controls which are too far away from my picking position, they aren't very comfy to play sitting down, they don't sit well on a strap for me standing up.. The tone is nice, but I'll stick to strat type guitars because they're more comfortable and easier to work with. I prefer the tighter string tension from the longer scale length also.

I don't really care if my guitars don't sound like les pauls, they work for me and a paul doesn't to the same extent.

They do look quite cool though ..
 
Re: Why a Lespaul?

Frantic_Rock said:
I think if you play a Les Paul - you automatically don't have to be as good as if you played a strat. Does anyone else feel this way?
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This has been common statement on the forums - and I think that's a positive thing. I think its also been said that due to a Strat having single coils which are lower in output and hence less compressed, that it allows more dynamic and playing character to come through, whilst also revealing mistakes more clearly.

Not sure whether that's true or not, but it has been said.
 
Re: Why a Lespaul?

RiffGuy said:
What's an R8?

But getting back to the original topic, I think Les Pauls are desirable because of their looks, tone, and reputation. To be honest, the last time I played a couple Les Pauls I was actually disappointed. They're built up to be nothing short of incredible. I played a Classic that had ugly looking light-colored streaks in the rosewood on the fretboard. I also picked up a Standard, which I think sounded better, but wasn't the most incredible thing I've ever played. The neck pickup was kind of weak and dull sounding. The bridge pickup (burstbucker?) was a lot less rich sounding than I expected from this guitar
Click to expand...

An R8 is a 1958 reissue r=reissue, X=year of production (1950s, and 0=1960)

Honestly, I think unless you are going to a really nice store that sets up these guitars before they hit the shelves, most people are NOT gonna be blown away by a Les Paul, or any other Gibson for that matter. Or pretty much any guitar. They just don't come setup very well from the factory or go out of adjustment during transit, etc.

My Deluxe and my 92 Standard were both perfect out of the box, but thats rare. My 2005 standard required some tweaking before it got to that "godly" LP status. Not only action, truss rod, and intonation, but also alot of PUP adjustment....but once ya get it right..WHOAHHHH :eek2:
 
Re: Why a Lespaul?

for me there's nothing magical about the words on the headstock.
i love the LP style, gibson or not, depending on the build and components of the axe not the brand.

basic ingredients:
24.75 scale, mahogany with carved maple top, fixed bridge and single cut.

spices:
mixed em with earvana nut, tone pros bridge , sperzels and duncans.

put em together, thats magic for me.
 
Re: Why a Lespaul?

Of the different guitars that I've played it is the one that when I played it made me go......whoa.....that's sweet.......

It may have just been the particular Standard that I was playing, but the fit, the feel, tone, action....whatever was perfect for me. Too bad I didn't have the cash at the time, but it will be mine....oh yes it will be mine.....
 
Re: Why a Lespaul?

The "why's" for a Les Paul are the same "why's" as for a Strat, a Telecaster or a Super-Strat.

Different voices, different designs and different angles.

I own both Gibsons and copies. Rarely do the copies measure up; there's more to it than just a singlecut body and mahogany wood.
 
Re: Why a Lespaul?

To each his own. I just bought a R8 from Musician's Friend for full price ($2500) and had to turn around and send it right back. There was a problem with the neck. Every note above the twelth fret buzzed and fretted out while bending strings. The neck had a kink in it where it joined the body. Also the guitar was filthy. It came from the factory like this because it was in its original packaging and had not been opened. I had a 68 LP Custom that was a superb instrument and the quality was exceptional. When I bought that R8 I was expecting the same quality and what I got was a real disappointment. IMO, Gibson's quality control is not what it use to be and for the price you have to pay they are not worth it. I took my $2500 and bought two guitars with it, a 52 RI Tele for $1329 and a Gretsch Nashville Jr for $900. I bought the Gretsch from Guitar Center and it was a steal. Needless to say I am very happy with both. Fender is much better with their quality control.

Gretsch Nashville Jr

52 RI Tele

Both together
 
Re: Why a Lespaul?

rombola said:
just get yourself a original ESP shreder ( is that the way you spell it?) machine man
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LMAO. I'm sorry, but since when was ESP original?
 
Re: Why a Lespaul?

I know, but even then, ESP has always ripped off Jackson/Charvel for the 'shreder machines.'
 
Re: Why a Lespaul?

my LP is so freakin heavy, that whenever I try another guitar, it feels like a toy guitar... now I cant go back.

the thing that go me hooked originally? +1 for mojo
 
Re: Why a Lespaul?

Johtosotku said:
To me, LPs are one of the ugliest guitars on the market. I can't really picture myself playing one.

I think that it's mostly a social thing. They are so common and highly regarded that most people buy them because of it. That they should be good if so many play them. Like artists in modern pop music?

Of course they have a sound that has been heard quite often in the history of guitar music. The above is just my opinion, and we all know what opinions are like.
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Ugliest??? Tell me, is there anything ugly on this Les Paul? You know you want one :laugh2: Look at the picture.....you're getting weak.....must...get...one.... :dance: :32: :burnout:
LPStandardPremiumPlus3.jpg

LPStandardPremiumPlus.jpg
 
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