1 Topic by wvgirlinky (edited by wvgirlinky 2012-10-03 13:58:04)

  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Topic: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

First let me say thanks in advance from myself and my husband Rick

Our son, will graduate from college next May (fingers crossed). This will be a huge milestone for him as he has had to work his way through school.  He loves the guitar and taught himself to play when he was 12.   He discovered Led Zepplin, Jimi Hendrix and Cream and had to play the guitar.   Currently he is a fan of Fender guitars.   he has around 7 guitars.   Mostly cheap knock off brands but The two he plays most often are a  Fender Telecaster and a Fender Stratocaster.  He is a huge fan of Jam Bands like Umphries McGee, Stringcheese incident and Govt Mule. 

My question for you is what would be a good  economical Gibson to buy him as a graduation present.   Most of the artists we like play Gibson and of course we love Joe's music. We can spend around 1000 dollars for it.  I know nothing about guitars other than I love the way the Les Paul sounds when Joe or Warren Haynes play them. 

He is a gifted young man if I do say so myself.  Has taken some formal lessons.  He has played in a couple of garage bands and of course his dream is to someday be a full time musician.

Thanks for your advice or tips you may have for us.

2 Reply by datam0nk3y (edited by datam0nk3y 2012-10-03 14:39:47)

  • From: Brisbane, Australia
  • Registered: 2012-05-08
  • Posts: 29

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

Hi wvgirlinky, that's a great achievement for your son and a great way to celebrate the occasion.  see if you can find a JB LP Studio signature model  http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/ … ric-guitar  it's a bit higher than the money you specified but the finish and playability is truely awesome for the money.  My wife got me one for my 40th knowing what a fanboy I am of Joe.  It puts a smile on my face everyone I pick it up to play  :-)

  • From: Bristol, UK
  • Registered: 2011-10-20
  • Posts: 237

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

Living in the UK I'm not sure what prices are in the USA but I would guess in that price range you are looking at Studios or the Tribute series.

  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

These are exactly the type of things I wanted to know.  If we start looking now for something in particular, we may be able to  find it for less or have time to save up.  If you have any other thoughts let us know. 

I know he likes Joe and a JB guitar would probably blow his mind.

  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

You speak of what "he" plays but then go on to say what "we" like. Are they both the same? What are the other guitars your son plays?  Does your son want a LP? Has he expressly asked for one? I don't ask this to be intrusive or belligerent. I don't want you wasting hard earned money and your son looking at you when he opens the box with a "are you freaking serious?" look on his face.

There may be something else he would need more?

You are more than welcome to PM me. I have two grown sons. What they show and really want are very different. Sometimes species. ;>)

Good Luck!!! ..and welcome too!!!!

  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

Spider wrote:

You speak of what "he" plays but then go on to say what "we" like. Are they both the same? What are the other guitars your son plays?  Does your son want a LP? Has he expressly asked for one? I don't ask this to be intrusive or belligerent. I don't want you wasting hard earned money and your son looking at you when he opens the box with a "are you freaking serious?" look on his face.

There may be something else he would need more?

You are more than welcome to PM me. I have two grown sons. What they show and really want are very different. Sometimes species. ;>)

Good Luck!!! ..and welcome too!!!!


Sorry if I was not clear.  I am speaking for my husband and myself when I say we.  He would be meaning my son.  Yes I have spoke to him about Gibson guitars.  He likes them just has never had the right opportunity to buy one.  The Fender's he owns were traded/ bartered for.
You know a college student does not have much cash.

Our son would be excited to get any guitar.  You are right though.  we should get more info from him before making a final decision.  Still I need to find out what is out there and talk to him about it.  Lately he has been playing more blues.  He writes his own music as well.

7 Reply by guitar_guy (edited by guitar_guy 2012-10-03 18:25:42)

  • Registered: 2009-12-12
  • Posts: 57

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

wvgirlinky wrote:

First let me say thanks in advance from myself and my husband Rick

Our son, will graduate from college next May (fingers crossed). This will be a huge milestone for him as he has had to work his way through school.  He loves the guitar and taught himself to play when he was 12.   He discovered Led Zepplin, Jimi Hendrix and Cream and had to play the guitar.   Currently he is a fan of Fender guitars.   he has around 7 guitars.   Mostly cheap knock off brands but The two he plays most often are a  Fender Telecaster and a Fender Stratocaster.  He is a huge fan of Jam Bands like Umphries McGee, Stringcheese incident and Govt Mule. 

My question for you is what would be a good  economical Gibson to buy him as a graduation present.   Most of the artists we like play Gibson and of course we love Joe's music. We can spend around 1000 dollars for it.  I know nothing about guitars other than I love the way the Les Paul sounds when Joe or Warren Haynes play them. 

He is a gifted young man if I do say so myself.  Has taken some formal lessons.  He has played in a couple of garage bands and of course his dream is to someday be a full time musician.

Thanks for your advice or tips you may have for us.

my advice is to get the highest quality guitar you can afford. for a fantastic guitar for under a grand, this is your best, imo:

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos- … 9406_n.jpg

i've owned lots of guitars ranging in price from $500 to about 6000 a piece.  the larrivee's just do it for me and the price has nothing to do w/ it.   if the prices were twice as much, i'd still consider these guitars a bargain in terms tone and quality.  checkout there website for the other electric they make if you're interested.  oh, the guitar above can be ordered w/ humbuckers, too.  anyway, that's my opinion.  and, fyi, i'm just a happy larrivee customer and have no affiliation w/ the company. the rs-2, which is the guitar above, can be had for around 800 depending on where you buy.

  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 1,996

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

Faded Studios and Tribute Studios are both well under $1000.  I have one of each.

Gibson 60th Anniversary 1959 Les Paul Reissue, Gibson LP Standard Faded CSB, Gibson Gary Moore LP Standard, Epi Joe Bonamassa GT LP, Epi Zakk Wylde LP, Dean Michael Schenker Flying V, Jackson Randy Rhoads V, ESP/LTD George Lynch Kamikaze, EVH Striped Series R/B/W, Fender/Squire John 5 Telecaster, Fender Joe Strummer Relic Telecaster
  • Devan
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  • From: Darwin, Australia
  • Registered: 2010-04-13
  • Posts: 1,304

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

Gibson Les Paul Studio seems to be the best fit here... Gibson also recently introduced a line of gold top P-90 equipped Les Paul model guitars with a really nice low price - can't seem to find the designation on the catalogue at the moment.

But don't underestimate the value you can get from a second hand guitar... Plenty of pre loved Les Pauls, SG's and 335's abound.  Check the marketplace on here and on eBay and sites like The Gear Page.  You can find some great guitars, and you won't take a big hit on the price you pay if you decide to sell and upgrade later.

JBLP Gold Top #129 - redubbed "#1 in Oz"
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

Don't get a brand new one, I would recommend shopping for used. Les Paul Standard is a step up from a studio model, and you should be able to find a Standard model (used) for $1000-1200. They are like $1400 new

Something like this would be amazing, but I runs the possibility of getting bid out of your price range.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2011-GIBSON-LES … 1e72c140b0

Les Paul Studios are good guitars though. Every guitar collection could use a Gibson Les Paul. cool

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool

11 Reply by masque (edited by masque 2012-10-04 09:21:08)

  • From: kentucky
  • Registered: 2008-03-06
  • Posts: 304

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

i would also look at the Gibson SG standard and the firebird.

I also wouldnt close the door on getting him an american made strat or tele.

all of those guitars will be close to the price range you are looking for.


find a way to get him "the real thing"....there's a reason you dont see professional musicians playing epiphones and squier's on stage.  those are great guitars for folks on a budget and hobbyists.  but it sounds like your son is fairly serious about what he is doing and how much he plays......if you buy him an epiphone or something similar he will just be aching to get his hands on the next level up or the real thing later on and you will take a loss on selling the guitar you are getting ready to buy.

trust me, if you just buy what you know he will truly like and want now there is a much better chance he will hold onto it longer and you wont get lost in the "trade up" situations that all of us musicians get into all the time.

masque's Website

  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

Thanks for all the tips.  I had not thought of the second hand idea.  Really that would totally fit our son's personality.  He is into the Recycle, Reuse or  Re-purpose mindset.

My husband and I love the Les Paul idea.  We will start our hunt on here and other online sites.  I am  so proud of him and really love the idea of helping in his musical goals.

  • From: Adelaide, South Australia
  • Registered: 2011-10-14
  • Posts: 1,339

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

The Joe Bonamassa Epiphone Les Paul is a great guitar and brilliant value(Comes with great Gibson Burstbucker Pickups!) You can score one on eBay for around $600-$700!!

I love mine and it is on par with a Gibson Les Paul Standard in my opinion.

Definitely have a long and hard look at these!!

All the best,

Stefan.

http://www.stefanhauk.com

stefanhauk's Website

  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

stefanhauk wrote:

The Joe Bonamassa Epiphone Les Paul is a great guitar and brilliant value(Comes with great Gibson Burstbucker Pickups!) You can score one on eBay for around $600-$700!!

I love mine and it is on par with a Gibson Les Paul Standard in my opinion.

Definitely have a long and hard look at these!!

All the best,

Stefan.

Thanks Stefan. I will add this to our short list as we start to look for that special guitar

  • From: Ohio
  • Registered: 2007-09-10
  • Posts: 957

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

Hello-

Does it have to be a Les Paul? I wouldn't completely dismiss SG standards. I have one and I think it's every bit as good as my custom shop les paul and they can be had for right around your budget.

Logan

Block inlay Gibson ES-335, 50th anniversary American Strat, '61 RI White SG, '62 RI Relic Strat, Replica Korina Flying V, Gold Tone Paul Beard Resonator,  '58 Les Paul RI, American Highway 1 Fender Strat, Breedlove Acoustic, Stonetree Joe Bonamassa Custom, HIWATT Lead 100R, Reeves Custom 30.
  • From: Glasgow, Scotland
  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 170

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

Ill be honest just ask your son, young guys (as a 20 year old who's first guitar was picked for him as part of a surprise when i was 14, i speak from experience) don't like surprises to begin with, so in the long run you'd be doing him justice by letting him choose his own guitar within your given price range.

My dad and Uncle picked my first guitar for me, and as a guy who's dream guitar was always a Gibson SG (or any form of SG guitar) i was gutted to see a cheap Fender Squier waiting for me when i got home, only a guitar lover can understand the disappointment and unfulfillment that can stem from such a let down. It sounds ungrateful but when you're 14 you are less diplomatic in your reactions.
Only last year did i finally get my dream guitar, bought it with my own hard earned money and haven't even looked at another guitar since, i LOVE it!

Just my thoughts, Good luck

Me playing Joe's actual Ibanez Tubescreamer pedal - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76jk58_vl2s

frazerburns19's Website

  • From: Danville, IL
  • Registered: 2012-02-18
  • Posts: 458

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

I'll echo frazer(side)burns smile here

Make the present to him not just "here's a $1,000 guitar", but "we're all going shopping for a $1,000 guitar!"

You'll all enjoy the trip and the experience - and it can be more "bonding time".

kestrou

P.S. - I hope he picks out a Les Paul, but don't love him any less if he doesn't! smile

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

kestrou wrote:

I'll echo frazer(side)burns smile here

Make the present to him not just "here's a $1,000 guitar", but "we're all going shopping for a $1,000 guitar!"

kestrou

+1

It sucks to have nothing to give him on the spot, so you could design him a little certificate or a big fake foam check that says he's getting a Gibson Les Paul and his gift card limit cool photo ceremony, shaking hands, hugs, etc.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool