Checked out new LP Special and LPJ

[NHTom]

Looking for some opinions.............

 

Went to the store today to look at Les Pauls.........I don't have a HUGE budget, but also would rather wait to afford more than rush into something I don't like.

 

The two I looked at today were the Les Paul Special and the LPJ.

 

the special was 599 and the LPJ was 699. Both played and sounded well.

 

For the 100 price difference, I think I'd get the lpj because of the stop bar tail instead of wrap around, carved top instead of slab, and what looked like better tuners............seems like it would be worth the 100 extra.

 

Here is my true dilema...........I HATE the look of these. They had the Cherry, Chocolate, and Vintage Shade. After looking at pics online, my least favorite was the chocolate, but in person, I liked it best. (Goes to show you have to see in person). They did NOT have the white and gold top wich would be my first two choices.

 

I guess my issue is that I would gladly pay 100-150 more for even a solid color with gloss on the same guitar.

 

Looking for thoughts on this.......Do I "settle" for one of these, drive an extra hour to the store with the white and gold top, or just hold off and save longer for a used studio?

Thanks,

NHTom

[NHTom]

I saw some pics on the gibson site of a lpj that someone had rubbed with lemon oil and it looked way better.

 

Does anyone know if the pickup covers are removable?

 

Thanks,

NHTom

[Rabs]

Theres a good review here...

 

 

I think they sound great and I personally like the look of them.. But I think that what you should base your decision on is how they play and sound.... Look of course is something but I think that playability comes first then sound the looks.. For me anyway :)

 

Play each of them through a similar amp to what you have at home and see which one sound best to you and go for that

 

Happy hunting.. let us know which one you go with.

[NHTom]

Cool video. Thanks for posting.

 

I did find a store in my state has one in white....I think I'll make the extra long drive and check that one out in person.

 

I'm thinking if I got the white one, removed the pick up covers and perhaps played with the look some.......perhaps chrome covers, 5 ply black pickguard or something like that to make it "mine" I could deal with the finish.

 

I really liked the ones I saw today, just not the color, so since I've always had a thing for white les pauls, might be the way to go.

 

NHTom

[Rabs]

Cool video. Thanks for posting.

 

I did find a store in my state has one in white....I think I'll make the extra long drive and check that one out in person.

 

I'm thinking if I got the white one, removed the pick up covers and perhaps played with the look some.......perhaps chrome covers, 5 ply black pickguard or something like that to make it "mine" I could deal with the finish.

 

I really liked the ones I saw today, just not the color, so since I've always had a thing for white les pauls, might be the way to go.

 

NHTom

Yup.. sounds like the right idea to me... The are cheaper cos they don't have all the bling.. And with just a few small and cheap mods you can make this look how you want it too... If you have any spraying skills you can get spray cans of Nitro lacquer and gloss it yourself (or just polish it up which ive seen a few people do with faded finishes and they can look really smart :)).

 

Oh and yes.. Always best to go play them if you can.. Each guitar sounds and plays slightly different...

[NHTom]

Yes, I'd always play them in person to be sure. I worked for several years in a guitar shop and as a stage hand for a couple bands, and it always amazed me how guitars can sound so much different compared to one another. Over the years, i've had some really awesome guitars in my hand that I just couldn't buy because either the sound or feel just wasn't right.

 

I always refer back to my explorer.......yellowed, check cracked, chips, dings, etc......but plays like a dream and sounds like heaven....wouldn't trade it for most of the perfect ones out there!!!

 

Thanks for the help and advice. I'll post here if I end up grabbing one.......which I really think I will.

 

NHTom

[BigDave78]

Or you could just wait and save more money and get what you really want. The guitars are not going anywhere and if any store you go to doesnt have the colour you want it is simple enough to just have them order it for you. i saved for over a year to get my traditional and I couldn't be happier, you will appriciate it much more if you get the one you really want instead of getting something that before you even have you are thinking of all the changes you want to make to it.

 

Dave

[NHTom]

Yes, I agree.......if I walk in the door and feel the same way about the white as the other colors, I will likely wait for something else. There are some decent used lp studios in the area for only a few hundred more.

 

If the white is ok, I'll get it because I did like them, just not the color.

 

NHTom

[crazytrain513]

Cool video. Thanks for posting.

 

I did find a store in my state has one in white....I think I'll make the extra long drive and check that one out in person.

 

I'm thinking if I got the white one, removed the pick up covers and perhaps played with the look some.......perhaps chrome covers, 5 ply black pickguard or something like that to make it "mine" I could deal with the finish.

 

I really liked the ones I saw today, just not the color, so since I've always had a thing for white les pauls, might be the way to go.

 

NHTom

 

I personally would advise you to go with the chocolate (because you liked it) or the gold (because you like it more). The white one was my favorite online but when it saw it in person, I personally thought it looked AWFUL. The paint was exactly what it says...rubbed on. It just didn't look like a guitar of that price at all. I'd say take one of the other choices and change out the covers, maybe nitro up the finish, etc. and you'll have a nice, clean axe!

[rct]

Guitars that guitar players have to buy and then paint is pretty sad.

 

rct

[NHTom]

Yes, I agree. That is why I want to see the white in person. After seeing the others in person, it changed everything. Sadly, no one in my area has a gold top in stock.

 

 

I also agree with rct's post..........don't really want to have to mod the thing right out of the box, but it is such a jump in price to the next model, that I may have no choice.

 

Thanks,

NHTom

[NHTom]

also had a new thought............I've been looking at wraps.

 

I wonder if you put a wrap over that finish if it would ever come off or if it would remove the finish with it?

 

NHTom

[Greg Jacob]

also had a new thought............I've been looking at wraps.

 

I wonder if you put a wrap over that finish if it would ever come off or if it would remove the finish with it?

 

NHTom

 

I know it is blasphamy, but have you considered the ESP LTD EC-1000 in sunburst with the SD pickups? Gibson is the cream, but if you are not a fan of the cheap ones and cannot afford the big boys, this might be an affordable compromise.

 

Personally, I like the LPJ in chocolate.

[mastersja]

For whatever reason, the gold LPJ is an added $150, and at $850, I'd rather watch ebay for a nice used "regular" studio.

 

I recently bought a new LP Studio 50s Tribute with the humbuckers, and a satin gold top. The guitar is awesome, looks, tone, setup and action right out of the box.

Mint ones are selling on ebay for the original price of $800.

 

The only drawback to the 50s Tribute is that for the past few years, the satin finishes of the bottom-dollar Studios is very thin. Way better than the LPJ finish in my opinion, but still will end up with dings easier over the years.

 

But I'll take my super thin finish over having to spend hundreds more for a new "regular" LP Studio right now. Though I looked at and considered a used ebay one before buying the 50s Tribute w/humbuckers.

 

So, if I were in your shoes, I'd watch ebay and craig's list or even the major music store's used departments for a lightly used regular studio for about $750-$850, or a 50s Tribute Studio with humbuckers in mint condition for $700-$800.

 

I don't mind working on my own guitars, and if I were to buy an LPJ, I'd personally dismantle it and get some Stewart-MacDonald aerosol spray nitro finish and add at least a decent satin clear coat to it. Again, I personally like doing such things, and have done so on other guitars.

 

That LPJ finish is OK at best, and feels like a chalk board to me, not nearly enough clear coat. Again, my opinion.

 

Or you could just buy the LPJ of your choice and be happy with it, knowing its a great playing, great sounding guitar and that you could buy a "prettier" LP some time in the future.

 

As for me, I know I'm going to want more Les Pauls in my arsenal. My dream is a lightly flames honeyburst Standard with a 50's style neck, and I plan on getting one in the years to come.

 

Good luck and report back with your choice when you decide, OK?

[NHTom]

Thanks,

 

I appreciate the thoughts.

 

No Descision yet, but at least a game plan. Been eying the white LPJ, and thinking if it is ok in person, I could work with it...maybe trick it out a little, etc.

 

I hope to make a run this weekend and on the way to the dealer with the white LPJ is another dealer with a Studio Gem for sale used.....its a little more money, but I'm going to compare the two and decide from there. The GEM has had the bridge P90 replaced with a humbucker......at first, the thought of "modded" turns me off, but I'm thinking if the job was done properly, that might make for a very interesting combination....bucker bridge and P90 neck...........

 

I'll post what I find. Thanks again for all the opinions.

 

NHTom

[Val666]

It's really cool how everyone has different tastes in things, to me the stripped down LPJ look is gorgeous! I'm gonna get the rubbed vintage burst version this weekend.

[NHTom]

I think my problem is I still have a bit of the 80's glam metal in me......glossy, sparkly, stripes, crackles, loud and obnoxious.....lol. I'm looking for a little more subtle, but can't give it all up........lol!!!

 

NHTom

[Val666]

I understand that man! I'm a shredder too, I have a large collection of eye catching guitars. That's why I fancy something a little different. I'm gonna take the LPJ, route a battery cavity in the back (if there isn't enough room already) and stick some active SD's in there. Use it as a grungy looking rhythm guitar.

[crazytrain513]

I know it is blasphamy, but have you considered the ESP LTD EC-1000 in sunburst with the SD pickups? Gibson is the cream, but if you are not a fan of the cheap ones and cannot afford the big boys, this might be an affordable compromise.

 

Personally, I like the LPJ in chocolate.

 

This is not blasphemy at all! These are fantastic guitars and IMHO blow all the cheaper Les Paul models out of the water. Build quality is phenomenal, as is the value. But the Les Paul tone isn't there of course...

[NHTom]

actually got to check out a few things in the last week.

 

I think I'm leaning towards putting a few bucks with my money and getting a good used studio.

I'll post asap.

 

NHTom

[Canuckblues]

SO can you change the pickup covers ?

[JAC]

I love a good Explorer! Consider yourself fortunate to have a good one! No, I don't have one but, maybe someday!

[NHTom]

I never did find out about the covers..........

 

I ended up with this instead of the lpj

 

 

I know they have dropped the pickup covers for 2014 and now even have a minitune LPJ

 

I did finally play one and liked it, but when I was weighing the LPJ vs. a used Jr Special, and the used studio, I went with the studio.....it just seemed more bang for the buck.

 

NHTom