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

Topic: decisions, decision...

Hey all-

Just sold a guitar to partially fund the purchase of another and I come to you all to help me decide. My choices... continue to save for a '59 Les Paul jr (original, and should be able to afford in 2-3 months), a Kauer Banshee (an updated firebird clone with a stronger neck joint... not as fragile as the originals, or have the same guy that made my Korina V make me a Korina Explorer (prototype spec with split headstock) will have a one piece korina body instead of two. Ready... set... go!

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.
  • Registered: 2010-11-16
  • Posts: 366

Re: decisions, decision...

Hmm, tough choices to be sure.

The original '59 LP Jr. would be a rock-n-rolla for sure but having a hand crafted guitar build to your specs sounds like a really nice option as well.

For me it would come down to two things; 1) are you going to keep it? and 2) what are you playing with it?

conorb

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

Re: decisions, decision...

the 59 LPJR would hold its value more. But the Firebird would be less attractive to thieves at a gig.

- 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: decisions, decision...

Conor- yeah, I'd keep it. The explorer would be vintage-spec... The V he did for me is absolutely spot on. Haven't played the banshee but have always been a fan of firebirds... Especially one that'd not so fragile. The '59 would definitely hold its value.

I primarily play through a bassman. But I'll be saving for a Marshall too. Probably a JMP.

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: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: decisions, decision...

The SG needs a big brother jr.  My vote is anything 59' Les Paul and Gibson has gotta have some mojo.

AD3THREE's Website

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

Re: decisions, decision...

That's what I'm leaning towards... They're pretty expensive. But not as expensive as they once were/will be when we're out of this recession. Thinking that's the way to go. The others can be had at anytime.

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: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: decisions, decision...

Not to mention that if you live long enough and keep it you could have a priceless instrument from the 1950's the golden era of Gibson 47 more years and it will be 100 you might be too old to play it but wouldn't that be cool!

AD3THREE's Website

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

Re: decisions, decision...

Yeah, they ain't making any more 59s... but you can get your custom built next year if you'd like to defer that! smile

kestrou

  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 1,168

Re: decisions, decision...

Definitely buy vintage if you can.... They hold their value much more consistently and are timeless ... Any issues with the LP Junior? When getting into the vintage world the straighter the better even if you pay a little more.   A 100 percent guitar you can't argue with and is easier to trade or sell when the day comes you want to upgrade....(seems the addiction has taken hold here)...  Good luck... Post some pictures of the candidate..
Have fun!!
Joe B

  • Registered: 2010-11-16
  • Posts: 366

Re: decisions, decision...

Joe Bonamassa wrote:

Definitely buy vintage if you can.... They hold their value much more consistently and are timeless ... Any issues with the LP Junior? When getting into the vintage world the straighter the better even if you pay a little more.   A 100 percent guitar you can't argue with and is easier to trade or sell when the day comes you want to upgrade....(seems the addiction has taken hold here)...  Good luck... Post some pictures of the candidate..
Have fun!!
Joe B

That should settle it for you Logan.

conorb

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

Re: decisions, decision...

Well, I suppose Joe made up my mind for me!! http://www.gbase.com/gear/gibson-les-paul-junior-1959  .... that's the one I'm digging at the moment. The wear is nice, it's all original (aside from a fret job), and the price is better than a lot of others I've seen floating around (though they are in better condition). I'm a player before a collector.

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.
  • Registered: 2006-06-30
  • Posts: 2,835

Re: decisions, decision...

Logo33 wrote:

Well, I suppose Joe made up my mind for me!! http://www.gbase.com/gear/gibson-les-paul-junior-1959  .... that's the one I'm digging at the moment. The wear is nice, it's all original (aside from a fret job), and the price is better than a lot of others I've seen floating around (though they are in better condition). I'm a player before a collector.

Logan

.
Yep-has that vintage/ worn look to it....I guess in today's market you could pay a lot more...but's this one is a player..
Good luck with her....Do they have a return policy if something is wrong...like a 24-48 hour window ?

And so castles made of sand melts into the sea, eventually.........
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: decisions, decision...

If that was a new guitar relic'd you'd pay that much and it was made in 2012!  This is not a costly toy, its the real deal.  This is a no brainier for me.   

Logo33 wrote:

Well, I suppose Joe made up my mind for me!! http://www.gbase.com/gear/gibson-les-paul-junior-1959  .... that's the one I'm digging at the moment. The wear is nice, it's all original (aside from a fret job), and the price is better than a lot of others I've seen floating around (though they are in better condition). I'm a player before a collector.

Logan

AD3THREE's Website

  • Registered: 2010-11-16
  • Posts: 366

Re: decisions, decision...

Logo33 wrote:

Well, I suppose Joe made up my mind for me!! http://www.gbase.com/gear/gibson-les-paul-junior-1959  .... that's the one I'm digging at the moment. The wear is nice, it's all original (aside from a fret job), and the price is better than a lot of others I've seen floating around (though they are in better condition). I'm a player before a collector.

Logan

That's really cool Logan and you should totally go for it.

I'm taking a guitar building class right now and I'm basically building the same exact guitar. Of course mine won't have more than 50 years of tone into it, but I'm hoping it'll be playable.

Good luck with the purchase.

conorb

15 Reply by macg1 (edited by macg1 2012-09-22 14:18:49)

  • macg1
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,020

Re: decisions, decision...

Kauer is an amazing builder and a heck of a nice guy to boot.  Now, I would strongly recommend putting the '59 through its paces.  Make sure you dig it.  I have played a few 59-60 Jr's and LPS's and some are stunning, others underwhelming.  NO point in being underwhelmed by a vintage guitar.  Also play it through your amp if you can when test driving anything (or something very close to it).

If the store is not within distance from your house, well if you regret the purchase the resale value will not go down and Doug Kauer is not going anywhere.  I am saving up for a Banshee myself.  The other alternative is to ask JB very kindly to stop by the store and give it a test drive, but then again he may buy that from under you

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: decisions, decision...

Joe Bonamassa wrote:

seems the addiction has taken hold here
Joe B

It's not just with guitars either, thank you. wink

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

Re: decisions, decision...

I've definitely been bitten by the vintage bug haha. I am definitely guilty of buying before I try, but only because there are no great vintage shops in the Cleveland area. I got very lucky with the '65 SG jr. It plays just like I like it, and the p90 is amazing. I'm gonna email them later and see if i can put a down payment just to have them hold onto it for me.

Best,
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: Ohio
  • Registered: 2007-09-10
  • Posts: 957

Re: decisions, decision...

I don't know what the SG is... But is 8.15 good for a 53 year old p90?

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.