Which LP for me??

[design8r]

Hey all this is my first post,

 

i've been playing guitar since about 1989. I've mostly been into heavy metal/hardcore but also warm blues sounds. My main electric guitars to date have been Washburn and ESP. I have decided its time to get my first Les Paul but with so much out there i'm kinda stumped. What should a go for considering my kind of music? i'm willing to spend about $3500 for a new guitar.

thx

[FennRx]

Hey all this is my first post' date='

 

i've been playing guitar since about 1989. I've mostly been into heavy metal/hardcore but also warm blues sounds. My main electric guitars to date have been Washburn and ESP. I have decided its time to get my first Les Paul but with so much out there i'm kinda stumped. What should a go for considering my kind of music? i'm willing to spend about $3500 for a new guitar.

thx[/quote']

 

if you want metal, try the LP Menace that has EMGs in it. A good all around Paul is the Studio. the 490/498 PU combo gives it a bit darker sound that handles high gain better than the PAF clones (BBs, 57 Classics, etc) and it will still get warm blues or classic crunch if you want it to. some will say the Classic because of the high output ceramic PUs, but I dont use my Classic for metal.

 

Or you could do what I did, and buy an SG Std (again 490/498 PUs) or SG Menace. I think the SG is better overall for metal, but thats just MHO. Hope this helps.

[ALIEN8]

I just answered that question for myself... I've spent about 1 year patiently awaiting that moment when my next guitar would be placed in my hands.

 

I bought a 2007 LP classic custom silverburst that is awesome. It has classic '57 pups in it, and they are awesome, but they do need some attention when you need things quiet, via volume adjustments etc. but that is a moot sacrifice. Because of this, I'm suggesting the Classic Custom, or Classic antique (look for the holly on the headstock!!)

 

The EMG LP's are nice, and will accomplish the task well, but I found each EMG loaded LP to be the same guitar, each sounded identical, not necessarily a bad thing though.

 

I too agree that an SG std would be an excellent choice, I have a special faded SG (moon inlays) and it sounds awesome. A number of my buddies currently touring play SG's as well. Give it a try, seriously!! You could get two for your goal price!!

 

Here's some of my guidelines:

 

- Try to find an ebony neck regardless of LP or SG, they have bite that others don't.

- balance the guitar with your amp, sometimes vintage pickups with low output will sound better than a high output p/u.

- try the guitar on a similar set-up to your own before you buy.

- listen.

 

Good Luck!!

[design8r]

thx guys this info is really helpful, i forgot to add that i'm mostly a rhythm and not a lead guitar player

[ALIEN8]

doesn't matter, any will work for rhythm or lead

 

What kind of set-up do you have, I may be able to get much more specific...

[design8r]

dont really know if i wanna go for the SG but i'm def. gonna try it. the studio LP is an option i had not thought of. thx

[GuitarGod319]

if your willing to spend 3500 then go with the custom.there are a bunch of metal players that use a custom.

[Tim Plains]

I'm a LP guy...but for metal, look to SGs...especially this one

 

You won't believe how bright and crisp this thing is!

 

[GuitarGuy503]

Hey all this is my first post' date='

 

i've been playing guitar since about 1989. I've mostly been into heavy metal/hardcore but also warm blues sounds. My main electric guitars to date have been Washburn and ESP. I have decided its time to get my first Les Paul but with so much out there i'm kinda stumped. What should a go for considering my kind of music? i'm willing to spend about $3500 for a new guitar.

thx[/quote']

 

 

Try every LP you can get your hands on (Customs, Standards, Classics, etc) and see if one in particular stands out. I would not recommend buying online since their neck profiles can differ some much in thickness. Some 50s necks are way thick, some are thinner and feel more like a 60s neck than 50s neck. I have a 04 standard with a 50s neck but its quite a bit thinner than other 50s necks ive played (Mine feels closer to a 60s neck than a 50s neck IMO).