1 Topic by LesPaul4 (edited by LesPaul4 2010-11-05 11:06:58)

  • From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Topic: JBLP vs 50's RI Les Pauls

Hey everyone,

As I struggle with my playing and tone I want to get your opinions on something that is driving me nuts.  I love the looks and the features of Joe's BonaBurst's over at Wildwood.  I actually already picked out my fav.  Right now I don't have the $$$$ for it unless I sell my other Les Pauls.  Part of me wants to and part of me doesn't.  So as I drive myself nuts over this I'd like to hear from those who have experience with JBLP's (BonaBurst or Goldtops) and have played either of the 57RI, 58RI, or the 59RI.  I specfically own a 58RI but for the most part all three RI's are really close with some subtle differences.

So what I'd like to know is your thoughts on any that you have played..the differences in tone.  I am playing mostly classic blues rock but with a little dabble in smooth jazz.

Not sure what to do..keep the 58ri and the Goldtop Traditional or sell them and get a BonaBurst....

Love to hear your opinions....

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1
  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: JBLP vs 50's RI Les Pauls

My opinion is DON"T sell your guitars, & lose your a$$ just to buy another guitar.  They're all Les Pauls, and all have similarities with one another.  Nothing wrong with buying a new guitar, it's fun and everything, but I wouldn't expect your playing and tone to come full circle just by buying a JBLP..  Think practical: The smart move financially is to keep what you got.  Find another way to build up funds for a new guitar.  -Seth

  • From: braintree essex
  • Registered: 2010-02-22
  • Posts: 221

Re: JBLP vs 50's RI Les Pauls

Hi i dont have a bonaburst but would like one and will get one one day yikes
I have an 58ri and other bits, and i was also going nuts about this very same thing but i decided to stick with my 58 as i really do like it and it s mine ,it hasnt got anyones name on it (accept les) and i make it my own with a few bonamassa mods, which include nylon saddles top hat vol and tone , it looks like a bonamassa sig model without the name on the truss rod cover!! At the end of the day its up to you , if your not really happy with the guitars you have then id say trade them in! But if not wait (like me) until you have enough cash to buy one without stripping your nice collection down and get an bonaburst ! you never know buy the time you have the cash ready there will be about 10 different bonamassa models to choose from!       we hope!!!!   Have a good think! big_smile  big_smile  big_smile  big_smile

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

Re: JBLP vs 50's RI Les Pauls

Of the LP's I own, my black 2000 LP standard with a custom wound set PAF clones get's more use than the rest. After that the gold top JBLP, 59RI, 58RI, and lastely the JBLP Burst.

If your serious about owning a JBLP, I suggest the gold top. Maybe you can save a bundle and be satisfied with a Epiphone JBLP? Good luck in your search. Every guitar, even from the same production line, will have their differences. I suggest if you order one and it's not to you liking, send it back. Wildwood Guitars is great to work with. Ask for Troy and tell him Andy sent you. Again...good luck

Stay Safe
me

  • vim
  • vim
  • Platinum
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  • From: Norway
  • Registered: 2009-06-03
  • Posts: 108

Re: JBLP vs 50's RI Les Pauls

Can't tell you what to do, but I can tell you what I did  smile
And that was to sell JBLP #157 and keep my R8.

I found the JBLP to a bit to heavy, less "lively" and dark sounding compared to the R8, which is quite light and relatively bright sounding.
I installed an RS kit w/Luxe Bumblebees in the JBLP, and it cleaned up the tone a little.
Also found the BB2+3 to be a little to hot. My R8 neck is really slim compared to other Rx's I've tried. Actually felt slightly thinner (marginally) than the JB, but both have great necks.
Finally, I didn't care so much about the vinyl e-string bridge saddle. It felt like some sustain was lost.

So the R8 (w/Duncan Antiquities, RS kit and graphtech saddles) was, to me, a much better guitar all in all.

  • From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Re: JBLP vs 50's RI Les Pauls

vim wrote:

So the R8 (w/Duncan Antiquities, RS kit and graphtech saddles) was, to me, a much better guitar all in all.

So did you put the RS kit in the 58RI?  What did that do for your tone?  Anyone else do that to their historics?

I was thinking about doing that for the Traditional and leaving the 58RI as is....

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1
  • vim
  • vim
  • Platinum
  • Offline
  • From: Norway
  • Registered: 2009-06-03
  • Posts: 108

Re: JBLP vs 50's RI Les Pauls

LesPaul4 wrote:
vim wrote:

So the R8 (w/Duncan Antiquities, RS kit and graphtech saddles) was, to me, a much better guitar all in all.

So did you put the RS kit in the 58RI?  What did that do for your tone?  Anyone else do that to their historics?

I was thinking about doing that for the Traditional and leaving the 58RI as is....

Allready had an RS kit in the R8 (w/Jensen caps). I do that to all my guitars except for the PRS DGT. Improved pots and caps works great on Fenders and Gibsons. Better string separation and volume/tone that works from 0-10 without so much loss of tone when turned down.

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

Re: JBLP vs 50's RI Les Pauls

I'd say keep the reissues. Joe Bonamassa sig models are rare, but reissues are wider known and more easily able to be sold, etc... I don't know. Maybe just start saving money or buy lottery tickets?  lol

- 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: Manchester, UK
  • Registered: 2008-04-07
  • Posts: 136

Re: JBLP vs 50's RI Les Pauls

If you like your 58 then hang onto it. If you were considering selling it anyway then go-ahead.

In my opinion the R7 R8 And R9 and the Bonamassas  are all pretty much in the same ball park. Yes there are differences but there are also differences between 2 R7s or 2 R9s, I've been lucky enough to play an Aged, Un-aged, Blue and Sunburst Bonamassa. They are all different in small ways. If I had to choose one LP to keep then it would be my R9, but not because it's an R9, Just because I love that individual guitar. Have to say my Bonaburst and the R8 come a close second.

I suspect the question was posed to get endorsement/justification to change and sometimes change can be good in itself....

  • Registered: 2008-08-24
  • Posts: 181

Re: JBLP vs 50's RI Les Pauls

After 30+ years of selling and buying guitars and amps, and pedals, etc.  I can tell you that I wont sell a piece that I cherish to get another, anymore.  I'll sell off stuff that has fallen out of the starting line up in a heartbeat, but not the special ones that really mean something to me.  I've let some great stuff slip thru my fingers.  My income now, requires that I keep a closer tab and clearer head about this stuff. hmm

  • From: Vienna
  • Registered: 2010-01-16
  • Posts: 408

Re: JBLP vs 50's RI Les Pauls

Don't sell the R8 - it's a better investment, than a Bonaburst (with all my due respect to the father).  cool

I own a JBLP GT and R9 - they have different tone and feel - can't really compare them - they are separate breed.  smile

If you love your guitar - why sell it?  hmm

  • From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Re: JBLP vs 50's RI Les Pauls

Thanks Guys for the replies....I am gonna hang on to my R8...I am going to us the cash I have to do some upgrades to my Traditional and my Vox ac15.....

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1
  • Registered: 2007-11-04
  • Posts: 404

Re: JBLP vs 50's RI Les Pauls

Dont fall into the trap of letting your head convince you something else is better.  If you play a JBLP and it destroys your R8 then I say trade or sell your other guitar for a better guitar.  But if you sell your R8 for a random JBLP you havent played you run the risk of regret.  You might get lucky but then again your odds are not good.

I say Keep the R8 and Mod the Traditional to your liking.  I would love to have a traditional that I could experiment with as far as pickups and tuners and whatever.  I am hesitant to change things on my R8.  I just dont change guitars I love.