• Registered: 2010-09-04
  • Posts: 5

Topic: Please help me choose a Les Paul

Hey guys, first post here,

Well, I never thought I would be asking this question because I am an avid Stratocaster user and, apart from a Prestige Ibanez, never used anything else.
I was blown away by Joe after hearing those opening notes from Stop! and have been hooked ever since.
Couple of years back, I was looking at getting a Lester, but the influence from David Gilmour and Pink Floyd steered me off one and onto a EJ Candy Apple Red Strat.
Now, with my 18th birthday approaching and hopefully some kind generosity from the relatives, I should hopefully be able to look at a new guitar.

I will have roughly £2500 to spend and with that, would look for a guitar that I would NEVER sell. Obviously a Gibson Custom Shop would be the business, but they are truly extortionate in terms of prince, however I have noticed the Bonabursts, which look the dogs...

I look forward to your replies, and maybe Joe if you could sneak one in there, would make my month  big_smile

Thanks,
Phil

  • Registered: 2009-07-16
  • Posts: 105

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

As a hardcore Gattonite I gave up on Les Pauls in the 80s and only used Strats and Teles and it was not until I tried the JB Inspired by series Les Paul that I am once again a believer.

It is an amazing guitar. If you are playing a EJ strat you will like the JB Les Paul. The neck is nice and Beefy-

Spend the $$ up front. It's a killer axe and I personally think the Bonabursts are outstanding looking. Go aged/relic'd so that you don't have to sweat every nic and bump your guitar takes.

The cool thing is that these big '57/'59 style Les Paul standards do more than just rock out. If you want to go for a straight ahead vibe like Pat Martino or Clint Strong that guitar will get you there. A Strat or Tele just won't. So- as much as the LPs rock for a good bit of chunk you can all country or straight ahead and have an interesting tone to boot.

I started out thinking the Burstbucker pickups were too hot (and many times I still think so) but as a clean platform they are actually quite clear and work well for clean tones and not just riff rock.

Your likely younger than I am so let yourself be enlightened as I am now 41 and only think that there are some days that I really could have used a LP.

PhilRobinson wrote:

Hey guys, first post here,

Well, I never thought I would be asking this question because I am an avid Stratocaster user and, apart from a Prestige Ibanez, never used anything else.
I was blown away by Joe after hearing those opening notes from Stop! and have been hooked ever since.
Couple of years back, I was looking at getting a Lester, but the influence from David Gilmour and Pink Floyd steered me off one and onto a EJ Candy Apple Red Strat.
Now, with my 18th birthday approaching and hopefully some kind generosity from the relatives, I should hopefully be able to look at a new guitar.

I will have roughly £2500 to spend and with that, would look for a guitar that I would NEVER sell. Obviously a Gibson Custom Shop would be the business, but they are truly extortionate in terms of prince, however I have noticed the Bonabursts, which look the dogs...

I look forward to your replies, and maybe Joe if you could sneak one in there, would make my month  big_smile

Thanks,
Phil

  • Registered: 2010-09-04
  • Posts: 5

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

Billion81 wrote:

As a hardcore Gattonite I gave up on Les Pauls in the 80s and only used Strats and Teles and it was not until I tried the JB Inspired by series Les Paul that I am once again a believer.

It is an amazing guitar. If you are playing a EJ strat you will like the JB Les Paul. The neck is nice and Beefy-

Spend the $$ up front. It's a killer axe and I personally think the Bonabursts are outstanding looking. Go aged/relic'd so that you don't have to sweat every nic and bump your guitar takes.

The cool thing is that these big '57/'59 style Les Paul standards do more than just rock out. If you want to go for a straight ahead vibe like Pat Martino or Clint Strong that guitar will get you there. A Strat or Tele just won't. So- as much as the LPs rock for a good bit of chunk you can all country or straight ahead and have an interesting tone to boot.

I started out thinking the Burstbucker pickups were too hot (and many times I still think so) but as a clean platform they are actually quite clear and work well for clean tones and not just riff rock.

Your likely younger than I am so let yourself be enlightened as I am now 41 and only think that there are some days that I really could have used a LP.

PhilRobinson wrote:

Hey guys, first post here,

Well, I never thought I would be asking this question because I am an avid Stratocaster user and, apart from a Prestige Ibanez, never used anything else.
I was blown away by Joe after hearing those opening notes from Stop! and have been hooked ever since.
Couple of years back, I was looking at getting a Lester, but the influence from David Gilmour and Pink Floyd steered me off one and onto a EJ Candy Apple Red Strat.
Now, with my 18th birthday approaching and hopefully some kind generosity from the relatives, I should hopefully be able to look at a new guitar.

I will have roughly £2500 to spend and with that, would look for a guitar that I would NEVER sell. Obviously a Gibson Custom Shop would be the business, but they are truly extortionate in terms of prince, however I have noticed the Bonabursts, which look the dogs...

I look forward to your replies, and maybe Joe if you could sneak one in there, would make my month  big_smile

Thanks,
Phil


I appreciate your reply. Yes, the EJ neck is like holding a tree trunk, it is huge, but I like that in a neck, gives me a sense of security in fact to know that there is a huge chunk of wood and it will not not snap.
I have decided that as long as Wildwood still have the BonaBurst instock when I can afford it, I will purchase this guitar - should be in that position in a couple of months, if not, then I'm not sure which is the next best option. Fingers crossed they will have #7 or #10 still - they are HOT!


Thanks,
Phil

  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

Dare I say this on here, but ESP LTD makes a very nice playing/sounding LTD EC100 Deluxe.  Very affordable and they (some) come with Duncan PU's.  The neck is thinner like an Ibanez, but not quite as thin.  They have some weight to them and give a nice thick tone.  Give one a try if you can. -Seth

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

In the states, you can find used Les Paul Classics for around $1200 that absolutely smoke.  Consistantly, the Classic LP's are the best non-Custom Shop Les Pauls out there IMO.  If you can find a used Traditional with a nice flame top for a decent price I'd also consider one of those.  But as Ted (Billion81) mentioned, there's nothing like reaching the summit.  You'll never be happier than you'll be with a top of the line Custom Shop RI or Bonamassa model.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • RickB
  • RickB
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
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  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

If you wish to get a Bonaburst, you will have to arrange for an intermediary to purchase and ship it. Wildwood won't sell or ship to a non US address.
Rick

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  • Registered: 2010-03-09
  • Posts: 422

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

Good point....Where are you?  I'm traveling to Italy in a few weeks if your near Rome or Naples I can help.


RickB wrote:

If you wish to get a Bonaburst, you will have to arrange for an intermediary to purchase and ship it. Wildwood won't sell or ship to a non US address.
Rick

8 Reply by chooseyourblues (edited by chooseyourblues 2010-09-05 02:28:26)

  • From: Belfast
  • Registered: 2010-02-01
  • Posts: 110

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

Hey, the best thing to do is go and play a bunch. They are the most inconsistant guitars on the planet.
Pick a good one and she will stay with you for ever. Order a internet dog without playing it, and you can bet your bottom dollar it will be howling at you backdoor and kickin in your stall.

I've played some standards and studios that were revelations and likewise Ive played some that played worse than a cheap China made knock off.

Guitars: 95 Les Paul Standard, Relic Strat,
Amps: 1973 Marshall JMP 50 head and Vintage Modern Cab. I use no effects other than a Cry Baby on occasions.
  • Registered: 2010-09-04
  • Posts: 5

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

xcorporate wrote:

Good point....Where are you?  I'm traveling to Italy in a few weeks if your near Rome or Naples I can help.


RickB wrote:

If you wish to get a Bonaburst, you will have to arrange for an intermediary to purchase and ship it. Wildwood won't sell or ship to a non US address.
Rick

I am based in the UK, but I have a friend in the US who I might be able to arrange shipping to...

  • From: Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-02-11
  • Posts: 453

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

How about a PRS Single Cut. Better than an Les Paul imho.

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

Fuzzblues wrote:

How about a PRS Single Cut. Better than an Les Paul imho.

Better....ehhhh apples and oranges man.  They are both really nice but after playing dozens of both I found that overall the Les Pauls rocked harder.  I have to say though, I like the knobs, pots, and the clarity of the neck pickups on most PRS guitars better.  Most guys will agree if you are hearing a Les Paul in your head, get a Les Paul.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • LP59
  • Bronze Member
  • Offline
  • From: Hampshire, UK
  • Registered: 2009-12-01
  • Posts: 49

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

chooseyourblues wrote:

Hey, the best thing to do is go and play a bunch. They are the most inconsistant guitars on the planet.
Pick a good one and she will stay with you for ever.

+1 on this advice. I spent 6 months trying Les Pauls until I found the one I wanted. You'll know - it'll call you!

Time spent on this activity is time well spent.

You would never believe some of the other ones I tried which were the same spec and the same price but nowhere near as good. Forget an internet buy - you need to see it, feel it and try it

Here's the one I ended up with BTW - a '59 VOS which I adore.
http://toon.smugmug.com/Music/My-music- … xemy-L.jpg
Good luck

I AM NOT YOUNG ENOUGH TO KNOW EVERYTHING
  • From: Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-02-11
  • Posts: 453

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

stratpaulguy86 wrote:
Fuzzblues wrote:

How about a PRS Single Cut. Better than an Les Paul imho.

Better....ehhhh apples and oranges man.  They are both really nice but after playing dozens of both I found that overall the Les Pauls rocked harder.  I have to say though, I like the knobs, pots, and the clarity of the neck pickups on most PRS guitars better.  Most guys will agree if you are hearing a Les Paul in your head, get a Les Paul.

Agree stratpaul, each to their own. Those PRS singlecuts seem to be much more consistent than the production line gibson stuff. Gibsons custom shop is a different matter I would imagine.

  • From: The Gates of Delerium
  • Registered: 2008-05-07
  • Posts: 1,412

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

Gibson USA will be producing a Joe Bonamassa Gold Top. How many? How much? Probably more than the 300 from the custom shop and fewer than the 1000 from Epiphone. I'd guess around $2000 street price give or take a couple of hundred.

Major Tom to ground control...
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

RICjunkie wrote:

Gibson USA will be producing a Joe Bonamassa Gold Top. How many? How much? Probably more than the 300 from the custom shop and fewer than the 1000 from Epiphone. I'd guess around $2000 street price give or take a couple of hundred.

I'm going to want one of these.


But to answer the question, they're made by hand, so I'd go by feel 1st, price 2nd, and looks 3rd.
It might take a lot of different ones to get one that feels right. I never played a bad one, but there's some out there that have real mojo.

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

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

RICjunkie wrote:

Gibson USA will be producing a Joe Bonamassa Gold Top. How many? How much? Probably more than the 300 from the custom shop and fewer than the 1000 from Epiphone. I'd guess around $2000 street price give or take a couple of hundred.

where did you hear about this?

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.

17 Reply by ZeyerGTR (edited by ZeyerGTR 2010-09-05 19:32:23)

  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2010-04-15
  • Posts: 1,373

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

I bought my first LP a year and a half ago after playing strats & teles for 20 years, and I just love the guitar more every time I pick it up (2008 LP Traditional).  I spent six months going to various shops, trying out all kinds of guitars - mostly LPs, but I tried some PRSs, a few Flying Vs, etc.  I actually wanted a Faded Standard originally, but a week before I finally saved up the money to buy it, it was sold.  Fortunately for me I found my Traditional, which clicked with me right away and I know it was "the one."

What's important is that you should try a lot of guitars - what you actually like may not be what you think.  I really thought I wanted a thinner 60s neck.  I would have swore up and down that's what I was looking for until I got my hands on my guitar.  It's not quite a baseball bat, but it's thicker than a 60s.  There were also several other Traditionals I played that I didn't like nearly as much.  Who knows what the differences were, but when I played the specific Traditional I found it was one of those guitars you just can't put down.  I pretty much knew right away I was in love with it.  I played LPs that cost twice as much that I didn't like as much, and the Faded I originally wanted (and would have been very happy with) was $600 less, so don't worry too much about price.  With your budget you have quite a few choices.

Enjoy taking your time shopping and trying out as many different guitars as you can.

My music & music blog: https://vincedickinson.home.blog/
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  • Registered: 2009-07-16
  • Posts: 105

Re: Please help me choose a Les Paul

Fuzzblues wrote:

How about a PRS Single Cut. Better than an Les Paul imho.

NO