Hello all,
I am trying to decide on which Les Paul to buy. I already have an R8, Lemon, 2013 with Custombuckers. I want an ebony with the cool inlays, the diamond, 50s neck, and perhaps a mahogany top. Please help me with the following questions:
1. WOOD TOP: What is the difference in tone in Les Pauls for those that are maple top vs mahogany? Assume mahogany is deeper, darker, les sparkly, more nasal.
2. PICKUPS: 3 vs 2 pickups - not sure if there's a material difference?
3. BRAND: this a big one, I'm looking at the Bonamassa black beauty. It's only $900 shipped vs. a Gibson which is >$3,400. Is there a material difference between Gibson and Epiphone?
What options would you consider, what would you recommend?