• From: Charlotte, NC
  • Registered: 2008-10-24
  • Posts: 19

Topic: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

I saw the topic about the "Poor Man's" rig and I was wondering about a similar example of the JB Signature LP.  I'm an LP newbie.  I have been a Strat man for many years because of the versatility and the fact that I have small hands and found the upper position a little awkward.  Well, I'm just too damn in love with Joe's playing and his tone that I want to get one for my own.

I don't have $4k to spend, maybe $2k tops.  I find Gibson webiste, Guitar Center, Sam Ash just too intimidating with the literally 100's of "Les Pauls"  So a little insider help would be awesome.  I'd like something that I can go buy off the shelf more or less.  Not saying I"m opposed to switching a pick up or pick guard.  But don't want to hunt and peck for a 1997 '59 RI if you know what I mean.

I did search for a similar topic and didn't find it, so I apologize if this has been asked and answered in the past

Thanks in advance for the help.

Dave Schutt
Charlotte, NC

p.s. Sold gear I wish I had today.  Bought a new Gibson Les Paul Custom in the early 90's when I was 20 and traded it in for spit and a cheap Kramer guitar.

"Chicago" Dave Schutt
Main Channel Band
Charlotte, NC
  • From: South Brunswick, NJ USA
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 133

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

A used Gibson Les Paul R7 Gold Top (1957 reissue) may be able to be found at close to your budget.  They do tend to have fat necks, however.  Add black plastic, a pair of 1960 style knobs and nylon saddles to taste (great idea! - I may try this to take the edge off my high E string) and you will be pretty darn close!

Russ B.
  • From: Oakley, CA USA
  • Registered: 2007-05-24
  • Posts: 40

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

daveschutt wrote:

I saw the topic about the "Poor Man's" rig and I was wondering about a similar example of the JB Signature LP.  I'm an LP newbie.  I have been a Strat man for many years because of the versatility and the fact that I have small hands and found the upper position a little awkward.  Well, I'm just too damn in love with Joe's playing and his tone that I want to get one for my own.

I don't have $4k to spend, maybe $2k tops.  I find Gibson webiste, Guitar Center, Sam Ash just too intimidating with the literally 100's of "Les Pauls"  So a little insider help would be awesome.  I'd like something that I can go buy off the shelf more or less.  Not saying I"m opposed to switching a pick up or pick guard.  But don't want to hunt and peck for a 1997 '59 RI if you know what I mean.

I did search for a similar topic and didn't find it, so I apologize if this has been asked and answered in the past

Thanks in advance for the help.

Dave Schutt
Charlotte, NC

p.s. Sold gear I wish I had today.  Bought a new Gibson Les Paul Custom in the early 90's when I was 20 and traded it in for spit and a cheap Kramer guitar.

Know the feelin...have ben playin Strats and Teles all these years with an occasional bout with an older LP Studio I have owned since a kid and after the initial break in period with the JB Goldtop...well...I havnt sold the guitars that start with an "F" and end with an "R" and probably won't but the Les Paul is in my lap every night be it watchin a hockey game, a serious jam with the guys or at the computer figuring out new material...you won't be sorry.

I too have sold gear I wish I still had...ya only live once in this world or so they say so,
what the hell...I'm pretty sure if ya do some lookin around you'll find a decent LP for that kinda money...good luck...PS A Kramer???really???ouch!

Oh yeah...also, theres a JB thread out there somewhere that recommends a guitar that truly resonates and rings UNPLUGGED...that and a good feel/action is what I'd be lookin at first and then components(PAFs/PUPs/Pots, etc...

CURRENTLY: CAT5 JB PLEXI 50W, CAT5 1900 50W, Split 4x12 cab.
Fender Strat, Tele. Gibson LP including ole #174 JB Goldtop...

In heaven right now with the CAT5 rig!!!
  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,855

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

I'm thinking that after Joes show at the RAH, the value of the Bonamassa Les Pauls is going to increase along with Joe's popularity.
big_smile So if your going to buy one, you better hurry.

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

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

If you have to get a Les Paul, take into consideration that if you don't spend the bucks to go custom shop you are NOT getting a solidbody guitar.  There is a great debate over whether or not chambering matters but if you don't care there are a TON of Les Pauls, SGs, ES335s, Flying Vs, PRS Singlecut/McCartys that you can get into for under $2000.  Dollar for dollar you get more from a PRS guitar IMO (flame tops, solid wood, high quality electronics, perfect setup/intonation), but that being said I spent the extra dough for a R8 and never looked back.  Don't overlook the ES335 or BB King Lucille, these are often less than LP's and Joe uses them very often in place of his R9's...Good luck man and post some pics of your new axe!

'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.
  • From: South Brunswick, NJ USA
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 133

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

"If you have to get a Les Paul, take into consideration that if you don't spend the bucks to go custom shop you are NOT getting a solidbody guitar."

Correct, but like I mentioned earlier, Custom ship R7 Goldtops's can be found at or just below 2 grand if you're patient.

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

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

I have an Epiphone LP standard in Trans Amber. It looks great and plays really well. The pickups are a little muddy sounding but I haven't bothered to swap them out so far. New street price is around $550, but it's not really a Gibson then is it?  I also have a Gibson LP studio - the "plain Jane" version (no binding, basic electronics).  Street price is up around $1200 - $1300 or so I think.  With the current economic situation you might be able to swing a good deal on one.  Another option is to go with an Epiphone Eliteist. You can get one in a Gold Top model, price is about the same as a Gibson Studio. Word is they're made in Japan, but have all the American hardware on them. Quality is about the same as a Gibson, but then again it's an Epi...

Have fun shopping around!  I'm sure you'll find something you like and remember, it's a buyer's market out there right now so don't be afraid to dicker with the seller.

Major Tom to ground control...
  • Registered: 2006-05-12
  • Posts: 74

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

I think all the Epi's are made in China or Korea... even the so-called "custom shop" models. I could be wrong but I think that's where they're made. And no, it's not really a Gibson. Remember, there's mojo in the mustache !

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

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

daveschutt wrote:

Dave Schutt
Charlotte, NC

p.s. Sold gear I wish I had today.  Bought a new Gibson Les Paul Custom in the early 90's when I was 20 and traded it in for spit and a cheap Kramer guitar.


eek big_smile that's right around the time I bought my '73 LP Custom! Thanks to the hair metal genre for getting me a deal! Also thank god I was in love with 70's rock at the time.

- 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: Charlotte, NC
  • Registered: 2008-10-24
  • Posts: 19

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

Thanks for the responses.  I need a little help deciphering Gibsons Lexicon of Les Paul Models.  First am I correct in assuming JB's LP is a R7 reissue with a '59 neck?  I know the pickups aren't the stock ones but I'm just trying to get the basics here.

I know that if you buy a Les Paul Standard now you get a "chambered" body not a solid body.  If I am looking back at used LP Standards how far back do I have to go to find a true solid-body LP Standard?

Next, in the Reissues I see there is the VOS, Historic, Antique, etc  They certainly don't make it easy.  Prices seem to range a good $2k in the Reissues so I'd sort of like to know what I'm buying.  I'm sure I could comb through forums and websites and make a nice Excel spreadsheet, but I'm old, impatient, and frustrated right now.  I just want the "cliff notes" version, heck those little yellow pamphlets got me through high school so I'm sure I can get a short explanation here.

I just would like a guitar similar to what Joes was originally.

Thanks much,

"Chicago" Dave Schutt
Main Channel Band
Charlotte, NC
  • From: Northern Ireland
  • Registered: 2008-06-12
  • Posts: 13

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

If you are really lookign to get a good guitar with a budget, then i'd say maybe look at a Japanese Tokai Les Paul, i own a Korean and it's good but i played a Japanese Historic Aged one and it just felt like i owned it.

It felt like i had owned it for 20 + years , i was suprised at the tone, it would give a standard Gibson a run for it's money . . . . . and the price is considerably less too!!!!

Have a hunt about and you could pick one up around the £500 mark second hand . . .

Hunt about for a goldtop, change the pickguard and knobs and there you go, budget les paul that won't dissapoint . . .

At least it is another option for you to look into . .

Fender Strat, Tokai Les Paul, Marshall VM, Boss DD 3 (Japanese), Proco Rat (origonal) and Boss SD - 1
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

daveschutt wrote:

Thanks for the responses.  I need a little help deciphering Gibsons Lexicon of Les Paul Models.  First am I correct in assuming JB's LP is a R7 reissue with a '59 neck?  I know the pickups aren't the stock ones but I'm just trying to get the basics here.

I know that if you buy a Les Paul Standard now you get a "chambered" body not a solid body.  If I am looking back at used LP Standards how far back do I have to go to find a true solid-body LP Standard?

Next, in the Reissues I see there is the VOS, Historic, Antique, etc  They certainly don't make it easy.  Prices seem to range a good $2k in the Reissues so I'd sort of like to know what I'm buying.  I'm sure I could comb through forums and websites and make a nice Excel spreadsheet, but I'm old, impatient, and frustrated right now.  I just want the "cliff notes" version, heck those little yellow pamphlets got me through high school so I'm sure I can get a short explanation here.

I just would like a guitar similar to what Joes was originally.


I believe your right about the R7 with a 59' neck.   The Pickups are Burstbuckers #2 and #3 they are stock pickups you can buy and a new R7 Gold top will have Burstbuckers #1 and #2 in it.  Burstbucker 1 is a slightly underwound pickup that gives it a smooth creamy sound, burstbucker 2 is a correctly wound pickup from the 50's which gives a little more power to the sound and isn't as creamy smooth, last is the burstbucker 3 which is a hot pickup or an overwound pickup.  Look at 3 as your Texas Specials of the group seeing how your more of a strat guy but they are nothing like a strat.  Other guys that use them in signature guitars are Peter Frampton, Jimmy Page, and of course Joe B.  The gibson company made these pickups without wax potting them so they breath more and could be more microfonic in higher volumes.  They made 3 types to match the fact that in the 50's they didn't count the windings so it ran until the operator decided to stop the machine.  Thats why some are less, some are just right, and some are over wound.

As far as your a LP that is solid and a standard... A good collector friend of mine told me that in 2002 or 2003 Gibsons parent company was bought out and that was when they changed to chambered bodies and 2 and 3 pieced backs instead of a solid one piece.  One piece cost more so they pieced them together to cut cost but they didn't pass the buck to consumers.  Look for 2002 or earlier for Solid body guitars from Gibson.  BTW a SG, Flying V and even the the ES-335 are all made the way they used to build them only they piece the bodies together more.  I personally wouldn't turn my nose up to a Les Paul Standard of today.  My friend has one before they came out with the 2008 standard (07) and it sounds better then his Joe Perry Bone yard Les Paul which I think has the same Pickups as the Joe Bonamassa Inspired By Model.  Just play it and find a good one and you can't go wrong.  You don't have to spend $4000 on a Les Paul to get Great tone.

Thanks much,

AD3THREE's Website

13 Reply by ModTourMan (edited by ModTourMan 2009-03-01 19:31:15)

  • From: South Brunswick, NJ USA
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 133

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

I recommend searching for a used R7 Historic Gold Top.  I see them for $2000.00 (or less) on ebay and craigslist on occasion.  This will give you a quality non chambered Les Paul that sounds as good as many of the more expensive R8 and R9 Historics out there now.  The necks are on the chunky side but don't let that scare you away from trying one.  They are very comfortable and I find I can play them longer than thinner neck Les Pauls.

Edit: VOS is just an aged appearance option (no difference in tone).  Most older Historics will have the standard gloss finish.

Russ B.
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

I also wanted to add that I think setup is more important then the guitar.  I have a 2001 60's classic that runs for around $1200 to $1600 new and even though its not a gold top or has burstbuckers in it I have the strings setup as Joes les Paul is, with the strings wrapped around the tail piece.  .011 to .056 ernie balls power slinky.  I gigged out last night and it was a monster on stage.  Like I said its more important to have it setup like Joe's then to have one that is a duplicate of his.  BTW you can find a gold top in the classic's series and they have a much smaller neck and price then a historic.  If you want solid body look for 2002 or earlier.  Mine is a bear weighing in at around 8 pounds.

AD3THREE's Website

  • Registered: 2007-11-04
  • Posts: 404

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

Spider wrote:

I'm thinking that after Joes show at the RAH, the value of the Bonamassa Les Pauls is going to increase along with Joe's popularity.
big_smile So if your going to buy one, you better hurry.


Doubt it.

  • Registered: 2007-11-04
  • Posts: 404

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

daveschutt wrote:

I know that if you buy a Les Paul Standard now you get a "chambered" body not a solid body.  If I am looking back at used LP Standards how far back do I have to go to find a true solid-body LP Standard?

,


Gibson as far as I know only chambered the New Standards and the Custom shop Light reissues... Cloud 9 I think was their name. 

You can get any Standard from 2008 back and they should be solid.  Although it really doesnt matter.  Some people on here think there is something horrible about a chambered Les Paul.  Some people think they sound great. And If I played a chambered one thru my rig and then a solid one I doubt anyone here cold tell the difference if they were blindfolded.

Also be mindful that if Joe Bonamassa had a chambered signature model everyone here would want one too. 

The Standards are very well priced on Ebay right now. Most after 2002 I think have the same pickups that the custom shop uses.  Burstbucker 1 and 2's.  Before then you have classic 57's on them and they are great pickups too.

I'd get one of those if you want a Gibson Les Paul for less then a custom shop. 

Be mindful I got my 58 Reissue for 2650. Thats only 600 bucks more for a custom shop guitar. 

Good Luck.

  • From: Lancashire
  • Registered: 2008-02-26
  • Posts: 700

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

IMO an old Edwards Les Paul copy, Greco or even tokai look for older law suit models they ooze quality and are always affordable. I've played a few Edwards for the money they are simply astounding bit hard to come by in the UK though, they was made the same way the Les Paul was - Long Tenon necks, proper solid bodies etc etc

  • Registered: 2009-01-01
  • Posts: 665

Re: Poor Man's JB Les Paul

What do you guys think of the Les Paul Traditional? http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electri … ional.aspx
Has anyone played that one?