Les Paul Special Single Cutaway w/ P90'

[Bryan Sutherland]

I don't have the luxury of going down to a GC or other large music store with walls and walls of guitars, so to fuel my GAS, I rely solely on the WWW. That being said, I've been kicking around the notion of getting an inexpensive LP and slapping a pair of P90's in it. Then, lo and behold, I stumbled upon this little guy:

 

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/gibson-les-paul-special-single-cutaway

 

It has everything I am looking for, and an ebony board to boot. Does anyone have any experience with this particular model? It seems like a really good deal to me, I just don't have the option of going down to a music store and trying one out. I've had good luck thus far buying sight unseen, and don't have a problem doing so, just wanted to see what my fellow members of the forum had to say.

 

Thanks in advance for any input! Cheers,

 

BryanS

[Greg Jacob]

I test drove one and it was nice, wasn't blown away. I don't remember it having an ebony board though. You will not confuse it with a $2000 Les Paul feel-wise.

 

If you are looking for a P90 guitar, have you considered the maple-capped 50's tribute? Being sight unseen, I think this would be a better buy. If it is your thing, you can get it with robot tuning for $200 more.

 

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/gibson-les-paul-50s-tribute-electric-guitar

[Twang Gang]

Should be fine especially if you like the P-90 tones. Although the special doesn't have the maple cap so the tone is a little different than a full LP. Easy play neck, ebony board and great price - I don't think you can go wrong. Musician's Friend is pretty well known and reliable so if there are any issues once you receive it they will take it back and make it right.

[Bryan Sutherland]

Thanks for the input Greg and Twang Gang... Was about to pull the trigger when the opportunity to go to Thailand for a week popped up. NGD was trumped by beaches and Thai food!!

I checked out the Tribute (as much as can be done via the Matrix) and think I would prefer the Special... just looking for something completely different than my Studio and my Traditional.

[StLucifer]

I already just bought me a 2011 Gib. LP Standard LTD with an AAAA+ quilted cap. Nice, but with the fat 50's neck, Burstbucker pups & large high frets. Much thicker than Fender Tele or Strat. Blackberry Smoke's Charlie Starr plays an old black Gibson Les Paul Special or Junior or Studio...it's got the dots on the fretboard instead of those mother of pearl inlays, but it comes with two P90's pick-ups. They's half the price of a Standard, new or abused, but apparently and evidentially, they work just fine. I want one...for all that means. Buy it...or I will.

[Bryan Sutherland]

Just ordered one... no authorized Gibson dealer here in the sandbox, so I have to rely on MF. The price just dropped a bit, so I pulled the trigger. Think I'm gonna have to sell one of my Strats to make room for it... I've been looking at this guitar for a while, seems like a great deal with an ebony board, P90's, case, etc. Will post pics when it arrives. Cheers!!

[Bryan Sutherland]

Just ordered one... no authorized Gibson dealer here in the sandbox, so I have to rely on MF. The price just dropped a bit, so I pulled the trigger. Think I'm gonna have to sell one of my Strats to make room for it... I've been looking at this guitar for a while, seems like a great deal with an ebony board, P90's, case, etc. Will post pics when it arrives. Cheers!!

 

I also have a set of Sheptones (Brian Kahanek custom set) coming for my Traditional, and a set of SD Custom Shop Joe Bonamassas for my LP Studio JB... Christmas is coming early this year!!!