Jump to content
Gibson Brands Forums

Which of these Les Pauls should I buy?!


ener

Recommended Posts

Hey guys I'm looking for a new Les Paul to join my rig. I really want to try out one with P-90's in it. Would you recommend it? And is it necessary to get a Gibson one or would a model from Epiphone be just fine? I want to get some classic rock tones, which are more bright but still contain of that les paul character. Has any of you some experience with something I could be looking for?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

ener,

 

What are your options near to where you live?

Are there a lot of music stores, very few music stores, or none at all?

 

My recommendation is to play each and every Les Paul you can get your hands on, and then select the one that sings to you, "I AM PERFECT".

 

My opinion on this or that guitar, or somebody else's opinion even, are all fine.

But the real test is when you take your time to sit down and play everything you can, in person.

 

When you find the one that feels right, sounds great plugged in, and stays in tune, you will know.

 

And don't bring any disinterested parties along with you.

Go alone, and don't allow anybody to rush you, or to stand too close to your personal space when you are trying to evaluate all these guitars.

They will only distract you from your primary purpose, and they will leech the joy out of your endeavor.

 

Good luck!!

:)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey guys I'm looking for a new Les Paul to join my rig. I really want to try out one with P-90's in it. Would you recommend it? And is it necessary to get a Gibson one or would a model from Epiphone be just fine? I want to get some classic rock tones, which are more bright but still contain of that les paul character. Has any of you some experience with something I could be looking for?

As you posted recently into a Gibson versus Epiphone topic, you have been playing a Gibson Les Paul Studio for five years. Posting what exact model you own, what pickups and if applicable switching options she provides, and explaining what you like to be different could be helpful for evaluating your demands and giving you tips for your search.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There are Gibson ones called 60's Tributes T's that have P-90's. I've seen them in shops and they look nice (esp in faded sunburst) but haven't tried one. Some guys here have them I think. They are in between Epi and Gibson price so might be a good place to start?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's exactly my problem.. The next big music store is far away so my possibillities are to drive many miles and spend more money or to order and if necessary send the guitar back, which is no problem. I live in Germany and most stores have a 30-day money back guarantee. I totally agree that its better to test the guitar before buying it but its difficult in my area.

But maybe you or someone can help me taking the right shot. I was looking at this Gibson 60's Tribute (http://www.e-gitarren-profi.com/produkte/gibson-2016-t-les-paul-studio-60s-tribute/ ) and this Epiphone Blues Hawk (https://www.thomann.de/de/epiphone_blueshawk_deluxe_ms.htm?ref=search_rslt_epiphone+les+paul+p-90_356217_62) which looks really more interesting to me. I would safe some money and the features and the design really get my attention. But I don't know if the sound of the guitar can really keep up with the Gibson model. And sound is really what counts right? Maybe someone here has played the Epiphone and can give some advice how it sounds comparing to a real gibson? :)

Possibly I will think about ordering one of them and try them out this way.. With the money-back service nothing really can got wrong right? Except for the time i have to wait for the guitars to arrive. :(

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As you posted recently into a Gibson versus Epiphone topic, you have been playing a Gibson Les Paul Studio for five years. Posting what exact model you own, what pickups and if applicable switching options she provides, and explaining what you like to be different could be helpful for evaluating your demands and giving you tips for your search.

 

In my current model I have some Burstbuckers which are pretty aggressive and full of warmth. I would like something more bright that sounds a bit strat like. But I'm not really the strat guy because I like the feel of a les paul more.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There are Gibson ones called 60's Tributes T's that have P-90's. I've seen them in shops and they look nice (esp in faded sunburst) but haven't tried one. Some guys here have them I think. They are in between Epi and Gibson price so might be a good place to start?

 

Yeah thats the one i was looking at too. But I dont know if I can finance it right know.. So maybe the Epi would be a nice option too. For sure its the better option for my budget. And after some time I could maybe upgrade it?! [biggrin]

 

So far thanks for your time guys! :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think I'd call Thomann and ask if they offer a hardcase with a snug fit for the Epiphone Blueshawk Deluxe. The description of the guitar reads quite promising, in particular the tonal options and the humbucking coil, but I like my guitars nicely protected.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

...I would like something more bright that sounds a bit strat like. But I'm not really the strat guy because I like the feel of a les paul more.

 

Hello.

 

A Les Paul with P-90s doesn't sound similar to a Strat. It sounds like a humbucker Les Paul with a bit more edge and noise.

 

Bence.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello.

 

A Les Paul with P-90s doesn't sound similar to a Strat. It sounds like a humbucker Les Paul with a bit more edge and noise.

 

Bence.

Yes - and sad, but true, usually more noise than edge. :unsure: That's why I'm amazed that Epiphone takes the step with the humbucking coil, not Gibson. OK, it calls for an additional routing between the pickups and thus is more appropriate for a semi-hollow like the Blueshawk.

 

As you know for sure, I'm not a fan of single-coil pickups, and next to all of my Fenders came stock or have been modded with Fender Noiseless pickups.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's exactly my problem.. The next big music store is far away so my possibillities are to drive many miles and spend more money or to order and if necessary send the guitar back, which is no problem. I live in Germany and most stores have a 30-day money back guarantee. I totally agree that its better to test the guitar before buying it but its difficult in my area.

But maybe you or someone can help me taking the right shot. I was looking at this Gibson 60's Tribute (http://www.e-gitarren-profi.com/produkte/gibson-2016-t-les-paul-studio-60s-tribute/ ) and this Epiphone Blues Hawk (https://www.thomann.de/de/epiphone_blueshawk_deluxe_ms.htm?ref=search_rslt_epiphone+les+paul+p-90_356217_62) which looks really more interesting to me. I would safe some money and the features and the design really get my attention. But I don't know if the sound of the guitar can really keep up with the Gibson model. And sound is really what counts right? Maybe someone here has played the Epiphone and can give some advice how it sounds comparing to a real gibson? :)

Possibly I will think about ordering one of them and try them out this way.. With the money-back service nothing really can got wrong right? Except for the time i have to wait for the guitars to arrive. :(

I've had an Epiphone P90 guitar and was not pleased with the P90s output, I ended up selling it. The tone was fine, and it could have just been mine because I have played a few others such as a Casino, and some Kat series with P90s that sounded good to me. Epiphone semihollows are usually decent guitars.

 

I have, and can recommend, a Gibson 60's Tribute like the one in the link. The feel is like a Studio LP and the P90's sound great to me. Personally, I like the satin finish like the Tributes have on the neck for playability. If you can afford it, the Gibson sounds like what you are looking for from your description.

 

I edited this to add, that P90's are noisy as stated, but you can minimize the hum by setting it on both pickups and playing with the volume knobs for pickup selection.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ener, I have one of the Gibson Les Paul 60's Tribute models (the earlier one with the light back)and it's a very good guitar if your ok with the non gloss finish. I actually like the semi matt finish on the neck but I'm not so fond of the unbound fingerboard.

 

One guy in the band I play with told me that he always thinks I sound better playing this (P-90) guitar than I do when playing my other Humbucker (and more expensive) guitars. I was a more than a little shocked when told that, because all the guitar players I'd been influenced by and listened to have all played 59 Les Paul's!

 

As has been previously mentioned it's far better if you can play them first but it doesn't sound like that is such a practical thing for you.

 

Good luck and happy hunting,

Ian

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guess I really have to figure out how I can test this Gibson 60's Tribute as well !

Thank you for all your advice and information :)

 

I hope you can try it out. P90's are not for everyone. Seems people either love 'em or hate 'em. I'm not a fan but you may be. I'd hate to have you purchase one online and find out you hate it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...