1 (edited by Adrian J 2016-03-31 06:21:33)

Topic: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

Hi Guys,

So in the next week or so I'll be dropping the hammer (give it to the captain) and purchasing a new Gibson Les Paul...at long last!! This time I promise I won't go Les Paul shopping and come home with a Telecaster wink

Only thing is that I just can't decide on what route to take....I know some people are going to say "play them and see what feels best"...thing is I've done that and all feel great!!.

So here are my options:

1) Gibson Les Paul Traditional T 2016 - leave it stock (for now at least - probably upgrade pickups to BKP Mules at some point). Probably in either Iced Tea or Honey Burst. Actually, not quite stock, would be changing the knobs to vintage style with pointers and putting a plain truss rod cover on...but that doesn't really count as modding does it!!

2) Gibson Les Paul 2016 Classic Plaintop Limited Run in Goldtop - upgrade pickups to BKP Mules and change plastics for black for that "early 57" look that Joe switched me on to!!

3) Gibson Les Paul Studio T 2016  in Pelham Blue - same upgrades as to option 2, except also upgrade wiring to 50s spec (not a fan of coil splits etc)

4) Gibson Les Paul Bonamassa Tomato Soup Ltd Edition - though this has the downside of my GF kicking me out and me having to live in my car sad tongue (Sadly, this really isn't an option - I REALLY wish it was)

The Trad has a 50s neck and the other 2 have 60s necks, have played both types and both feel good to me...different, but good...

I see an R9 in my future (Andertons have one in Skinnerburst!!) but this is probably 2 years off at this point, but want this guitar to be a keeper....I like the idea of the Trad, but also like the idea of something that I've personalised...I'm also struggling to justify the extra couple hundred pounds for the Trad...

Also, question for the UK members, what would be a reasonable expectation of level of discount on a Trad? Guitarguitar in Epsom quoted me £1640 which is only £60 off ticket price...would I be a bit too ambitious to think that I might be able to get 10% off?

My other guitars are a homebrew 60's Strat, 2015 Fender American Vintage 52 Telecaster and a Martin GPCPA4R....don't have an amp at present, only gig at jam nights and live in a small flat, so amp can wait - but when I do it will almost certainly be a Fender Hot Rod ML Deville.

Guitars: Fender American Original 60s Strat, Fender American Vintage 52 Tele, Gibson Les Paul Traditional
FX: Various including - Ceriatone Centura, Fire Custom Shop Carpe Diem
Amp: Fender ML212 Deville + 212 extention cabinet

2 (edited by johnreardon 2016-03-31 04:02:56)

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

Hi

As an owner of 10 LPs, I would say 'play them and see what feels best'. smile  I know you say you have done that, but models of any make can differ from guitar to guitar..  If you are sure, then buy the best you can afford.

You talk about 'upgrading' pickups, but I would ask why?  First of all, modifications to any guitar are not necessarily an 'upgrade'. I find that many of those who do 'upgrade' tend to say the guitar is better if only to justify what they have spent.

Secondly Gibson pickups are very good.  I have what Gibson gave me in 8 out of 10 of my LPs.  The only ones that have pickups changed were two I bought used and the previous owners had changed them.  One, a Standard has Bareknuckle PG Blues, which are ok but not as good, IMO, as the Gibson pickups in my other guitars.  The other, a Catalina, has WCR Godwood and again I wouldn't have changed them.

Bareknuckle Mules are just under £200, so if it was me, I would put that money to getting the Traditional.  As for 'discounts' my experience ( am in UK) at getting any discount has not been that good.  Most seem reluctant to give you anything; usually they just chuck in a set of strings so anything you get is a bonus.

When you do look into an R9, check out the other Reissues as well.  They may save you money.  I have a couple of R9s, but to be honest I found my R8 and two R0s suit me better.  They were also cheaper.

Good luck

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

My two cents you really need to play them. The only exception would be if you purchased a Guitar from the Gibson custom shop. I have many collectors choice models and all are awesome. I have around 25 Les Pauls, yes I know G.A.S., so I do have some knowledge. Yes leave the pups alone.
Happy hunting
Cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

With regards to the pups, in the Trad I would give them a chance, but I've had Mules in previous LP's and they seemed to have a bit more top end - more like a Burstbucker I guess. The 57's seem a bit darker (is that the right word) to my ears.

In the Classic I'd be replacing them because I don't like open-coils and in the Studio it would be to go to a more traditional setup, rather than the coil splits etc.

But I get where you're coming from...I guess I was hoping that someone would talk me into one of the cheaper models...!!

Guitars: Fender American Original 60s Strat, Fender American Vintage 52 Tele, Gibson Les Paul Traditional
FX: Various including - Ceriatone Centura, Fire Custom Shop Carpe Diem
Amp: Fender ML212 Deville + 212 extention cabinet

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

johnreardon wrote:

When you do look into an R9, check out the other Reissues as well.  They may save you money.  I have a couple of R9s, but to be honest I found my R8 and two R0s suit me better.  They were also cheaper.

Good luck

Good shout...hadn't really looked at the others but it seems like the R8's are a good £1000+ cheaper than the R9's...and if a 58 was good enough for Knopfler wink

Guitars: Fender American Original 60s Strat, Fender American Vintage 52 Tele, Gibson Les Paul Traditional
FX: Various including - Ceriatone Centura, Fire Custom Shop Carpe Diem
Amp: Fender ML212 Deville + 212 extention cabinet

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

probably too early in the selling year for a 10% discount Adrian, - pretty sure that the margin on Gibson is not great and the high volume that they have to commit to makes it very tough to make a penny out of them. As has been said and I am sure you know it already go spend some time in Andertons, - they are very relaxed about it, - we spent a few hours playing this game last year, - but it being 2015 (really bad year for Gibson models) we walked away and bought a (under the bed) 1993 LP custom.

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

Ian916 wrote:

probably too early in the selling year for a 10% discount Adrian, - pretty sure that the margin on Gibson is not great and the high volume that they have to commit to makes it very tough to make a penny out of them. As has been said and I am sure you know it already go spend some time in Andertons, - they are very relaxed about it, - we spent a few hours playing this game last year, - but it being 2015 (really bad year for Gibson models) we walked away and bought a (under the bed) 1993 LP custom.

I went to Andertons had a great selection of CS LP's and Standards, but their selection of Trads wasn't that great in the showroom. How willing are they to bring them across from their warehouse?

Guitars: Fender American Original 60s Strat, Fender American Vintage 52 Tele, Gibson Les Paul Traditional
FX: Various including - Ceriatone Centura, Fire Custom Shop Carpe Diem
Amp: Fender ML212 Deville + 212 extention cabinet

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

- I would phone ahead, - Nick if he is working on the day that you are there is really helpful, although they all are, from my experience they will bend over backwards, - certainly had a lot better experiences at Andertons than the other large shop in the South in Brighton.

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

I can't think who you mean wink

To be fair, GuitarGuitar have been super helpful too...

Guitars: Fender American Original 60s Strat, Fender American Vintage 52 Tele, Gibson Les Paul Traditional
FX: Various including - Ceriatone Centura, Fire Custom Shop Carpe Diem
Amp: Fender ML212 Deville + 212 extention cabinet

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

Just to throw a different spin on things...just saw this on eBay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111952631978? … EBIDX%3AIT

Can't remember whether 2004 LP's are rated as being very good, but I am in love with the top on that thing!!

Guitars: Fender American Original 60s Strat, Fender American Vintage 52 Tele, Gibson Les Paul Traditional
FX: Various including - Ceriatone Centura, Fire Custom Shop Carpe Diem
Amp: Fender ML212 Deville + 212 extention cabinet

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

Adrian J wrote:

Just to throw a different spin on things...just saw this on eBay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111952631978? … EBIDX%3AIT

Can't remember whether 2004 LP's are rated as being very good, but I am in love with the top on that thing!!

I would forget this nonsense about good or bad years for any make of guitar.

There are rubbish vintage guitars such as there are great sounding 70s Strats & LPs.

Honestly you really need to try as many of the things out as you can and close your ears to those who say such and such a year is a 'bad' or 'good' year

12 (edited by Ian916 2016-03-31 12:46:02)

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

I would agree with the comment about good or bad years, but I understand (from reading on mylespaul.com forum) that Gibson had trouble getting hold of good slow grown wood after about 1993/4. Personally not sure how much difference that really makes. As I am sure you know they also started chambering their bodies differently at some point, from holes to cavities. If you have n’t already have a look around on mylespaul.com

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

Decided against the 2004 Standard. It's too far away to try and I guess as well that if I'm spending that amount of money then I would like a brand new guitar!!

Guitars: Fender American Original 60s Strat, Fender American Vintage 52 Tele, Gibson Les Paul Traditional
FX: Various including - Ceriatone Centura, Fire Custom Shop Carpe Diem
Amp: Fender ML212 Deville + 212 extention cabinet

14 (edited by NickelWound 2016-04-02 18:11:53)

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

I'm not a Les Paul guy although I hope to own one one day, but primarily I'm a strat guy and I just wanted to add my 2 cents to those who say try them. Go with your ear. I have played cheap incredibly low end 'strats', (Squires in various incarnations MIM as well) and have hit upon more that one that will go toe to toe with any custom shop strat. And I have heard incredibly expensive American made strats that have absolutely no sparkle at all. So go with your ears. It is highly probable that none of us will walk away with an ancient Les Paul as Joe did, but you can walk away with one that sounds spectacular all the same.

15 (edited by cindyron 2016-04-02 23:17:56)

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

Adrian J wrote:

With regards to the pups, in the Trad I would give them a chance, but I've had Mules in previous LP's and they seemed to have a bit more top end - more like a Burstbucker I guess. The 57's seem a bit darker (is that the right word) to my ears.

In the Classic I'd be replacing them because I don't like open-coils and in the Studio it would be to go to a more traditional setup, rather than the coil splits etc.

But I get where you're coming from...I guess I was hoping that someone would talk me into one of the cheaper models...!!

It does not need to be one of the high end guitars I have found that if you get a high end you can be pretty much confident it will be spot on. All that means is you just need to try more and more of the lower end models. What I am saying is out of say 20 tried you could find some real GEMS. That has happened to me. I found a R8 that was out of this world. I love that guitar.
So it just takes more looking.
Happy hunting

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

Just had to chime in here, I've owned about 45 Les Pauls over the last 15 years. ( I know, GAS BLAH, BLAH,BLAH)
Currently I have 3 in my  live/ recording rotation. I am not a strong believer in Good/Bad years. I own a modded
76 deluxe that is completely over the top as a player. Norlin era Gibbys are not known for their quality. I also own
a beautiful CS series 58 Fametop reissue. (Chambered Series). I strongly suggest That you don't discard these out of
hand. This particular guitar was pulled off a shop wall to test a Marshall DSL. I had always read all the negative posts
about "swiss cheese bodies" so I really didn't give the guitar a second thought. After a half an hour playing the amp
I left the shop with the LP and completely forgot about the Marshall. That was 5 years ago, and the guitar has been
at every gig/ recording session since. Swapping out the pick-ups is a matter of personal taste, but I have found that
different pick-ups don't always fix a guitar. I once bought a second hand Flying V that had A 60's era set of patent
number pickups installed. When I decided to move the guitar along I took the pick-ups out, and replaced them with
a modern Gibson re-issue 57 Classic set. I put the 60 patent number set in a Classic 60 L.P. and the guitar sounded
no where near as good as the Flying V. Different horses for different courses I guess. I guess what I'm saying in a
roundabout way, is the only real choice if you are buying to keep and play is to find the LP that best fits your
needs right out of the box. There is no magic bullet that is the answer to all questions. I no longer get caught up in the
whole boutique , gotta have it mentality. If the guitar "bonds' with me upon fist reaction. It comes home with me
regardless of  Good/Bad wood years, pick-up brand, chambered body, low price, etc…. Hope this helps.
Fred

Guitars..'07 Custom shop 58 flametop, '11 JB studio goldtop, Nash custom aged 63 strat, Breedlove custom shop quilted Jumbo.
Amps etc: Fuchs, Blackjack 21 Head, Retro Channel RR1 Retro wreck head, Marshall 2601 Cabs loaded with eminence
Lady Luck 75 watt 12's. J.B sig Wah, J.B. FET driver, Keeley modded TS9, Boss DD3, CE2, Tu2
Pickboy 1.50 pix, EB power slinkys.

Re: Need some help deciding on a Les Paul

happy shopping

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others