Some could argue that I did not need a 4th Les Paul, but I am pleased with this. I think it is as good, or just about, as what you get from the Custom Shop (and I have an R8 that I love). It is like a late 80's or early 90's Les Paul, except the neck is Plek'ed. The pickups are 57's If you are thinking about a Les Paul, I would really look at this. GuitarCenter has one a little cheaper called a pro, but I passed on that for various reasons; I prefer a 50's he-man neck, not a slim taper girlie man neck. Also I don't see the point in splitting coils on a LP, or locking tuners. The pro also has only a grade A top. Generally if you want something to hold value, either get something traditional, or hope that you are lucky (unlikely).
They sale them for $2,300, but Gibson had reduced the price from $2,450. They do that with some models for a time. And I got 15% off on a sale at MusiciansFriend on large items last week, bringing it down to $1,950. So I figure I had little to lose, I could sale it on Ebay for near what I paid for it, now or 2 years from now. You don't always get a top this nice. Gibson can't do that as easily as those guitars who have just a thin veneer top, it costs a lot more to come up with nice flames when you have a thick maple top as a Gibson Standard does.
And I am not sure one will be able to get a Guitar built like this for much longer, at this price, from Gibson USA. Pretty soon in the future, you probably will have to go to the custom shop for a guitar built like this, and pay more.
If you look on MusiciansFriend, a lot of reviews, and 5 Star average, people really like this guitar, I sure do. I am sure they will have a 15% off sale on large items again, but maybe not for awhile.
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gibson-Les-Paul-Standard-Traditional-Plus-Electric-Guitar?sku=519321&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=197338658
It's not a question of need, but want. It's a beautiful guitar.
That's a beautiful LP indeed. As you say the tops in the same range can be pretty different from each other.
Is the "plus" added because of the plekked frets? I know standard 2008 have plekked necks but didn't know that about traditionals. Besides, this one is not chambered/weight relieved is it?
Nice buy!
Gratz - lovely flame top .
congrats!! a dream guitar
Nice post & pics Fkalich.
So I guess LPs these days weight 9 lb if they are traditional (swiss cheese) or Custom (high quality light wood), or 7 lb (Standard 2008 chambered).
Exactly.
Some with studios say they weigh less than a standard, perhaps the maple top is thinner on those. I am not sure on that. I have a 8 year old studio with a thick top, but it is a premium plus studio, with a great flame, so maybe they game those a nice standard top.
They also have the Mahogany LP, that is my 4th LP. Those are lighter, and they sound different, more woody. But the burstbucker 1 and 2 pickups are nice, you get good pinch harmonics. They go for $799 new. But I would get a used one in good shape for about $600, because I don't think they give you the nice hard shell case anymore on the new ones, I got mine 3 years ago when they first came out, and it came with the standard like case.
Actually I got my Mahogany cheap at $600 new with lifetime warranty when they came out. Some place I never heard of was selling them at that price, so I got MF to price match it. The next day Gibson must have shut them down from doing that, or maybe MF did (they clearly have a relationship with Gibson), but it was too late, I got mine.
It's a beautiful instrument. Need is in the eye of the beholder Enjoy it!
Practice!
Todd
Beautiful top, and beautiful LP!
I love and hate Les Pauls, I love their sound but they infuriate me, Ive had three and the current one is a 2nd hand standard that is full of chips, dings and scratches, however it plays and "Feels" much better than both of my previous others, cant put my finger on it but there is a lot to be said about guitars that have been "played in" over a number of years. Currently got some Bareknickle Black Dogs in mind, I shall report back with tales of awesomeness!
Guitar looks great man, congratulations! It doesn't matter if you need - you wanted it and its what matters + you made a sweet deal when buying it.
I didn't know about these Swiss vs chambered body work. I think I would be fun of the Swiss one too
Beautiful guitar!
The Traditional is more appealing to me but I have a small grip so the, if I can borrow fkalich description, "girle man neck" would suit me better and weight is also a matter to concider since at times my back just won't work with me.
My Fender US strat deal went down the drain. My store called me today and said they ordered a Standard strat for me anyway just in case, it's two months lead time so I have plenty of time to make up my mind. I'm aiming more towards a high end Gibson now.
He asked me if have concidered a PRS. And I have, years ago but while I'm sure it's teriffic guitars if you get one same price as a LP Standard or Traditional I can't set my mind on one. After all a PRS isn't a Gibson...
While neutrik jack, straplocks and arguments like that doesn't sell me the guitar it doesn't bother me either. Not being a purist.
Hopefully next month I can buy that Les Paul Standard, desert burst.
A Traditional with a 60's neck would beat that but I think all Traditionals come with a 50's neck.
High end PRS are at least as good as high end Gibsons!
Both guitars are beautifully handcrafted down to the last detail, it all comes down to tonal preferance...
With Gibson you get really warm sounding guitars with a vintage touch to them (although a pickup swap can change them into Metal beasts if neccesary). Gibson has a very classical approach to guitars - they are heavy, they are not the most comfortable to play BUT they sound better than anything else.
PRS has a more modern approach to their guitars with higher output pickups and current day hardware. The guitars play like butter with great necks anddeep cutaways and their maple tops are the best you can get on stock gutiars. Also their tonality is very unique - you might fall in love with them!
Tried a few Custom 22/24 guitars and an SC245, they are superb instruments without doubt but they just didnt do it for me, kinda felt like a Les Paul mixed with a strat gave a PRS. If anything they are probably better quality than Gibson but the tone was a little lighter than I was expecting and they are a lot of dough to boot!
Edited for language
Micke on behalf of the moderating team
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