DaveKauz Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Hi all, I am trying to find a way to get into an LP on the cheap. I came across a 2005 Gibson Les Paul Faded Special (not a DC) that has a soft stain on it. It has dots on the frets, not traps and is fairly light compared to my epi LP Standard. I like the feel and sound. Question: The price on this new is about the same as a used LP Studio with a regular finish. Is there anything about the LP Faded Special that should worry me? I can't find anything on it on the internet. Thanks for any help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thundergod Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Hi, welcome to the forum. Is it the one with p-90 pickups? If so, the only worry is hum if you plan to use lots of distortion. Great guitar with great tone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveKauz Posted February 25, 2009 Author Share Posted February 25, 2009 Thanks! Yes, that is the issue - a guy from the store says the guitar has a 490R in the neck and a 490AT in the bridge. I am not sure I believe that... Is this PUP configuration good fro hard rock with distortion? Again, thanks so much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LPguitarman Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Welcome to a fellow St. Louisan. Go for the Studio. Its one step better than the special. IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjb5228 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 the only major difference between the studio and the special faded is the maple top. i have the special faded, an '03 model i believe, that i bought used, and it is a great guitar for the money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thundergod Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Welcome to a fellow St. Louisan. Go for the Studio. Its one step better than the special. IMO. So true... (if we are talking about the special with humbuckers). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveKauz Posted February 25, 2009 Author Share Posted February 25, 2009 Thanks guys. I appreciate the insights and welcome any more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky4 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I have a 2005 and love it! The finish will wear off the neck where you play the most. Very comfortable with the contour on the back where it contacts your body. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjb5228 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 probably the best part of the special faded is how quickly the finish fades off the back of the neck, making it very smooth and never sticky like some finished necks can be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveKauz Posted February 25, 2009 Author Share Posted February 25, 2009 Again, thanks very much. There is another issue. All of the information on LP Faded Specials I can find on the internet indicate that the guitar came in three colors: Black, Cherry Red, and Yellow. The guitar I am looking at is stained a very light brown/tan (not as much as the newer LP Studios). So, I am perplexed since I have yet to uncover any information or photos about the color of this guitar I am thinking about buying. Could it possibly be a Jr? I am worried about getting the exact model down in my head since I play a style of music in which I need HBs, not 90s or other single coils. Perhaps I can get the serial number and contact Gibson for an explanation? Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjb5228 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 i'm sure if you posted some pictures of it if you have them then someone will be able to identify it. the special fadeds are only red, yellow, and black, but the black may be very worn down. i'm not sure. i do know that they have humbuckers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveKauz Posted February 26, 2009 Author Share Posted February 26, 2009 Hi Folks - I copied down the serial number and called Gibson. They say the guitar is in fact a special faded with 490 and 498 PUPs. Lesson appears to be that some faded models don't look anything like the other. This one was the cherry red. Didn't come close to anything most would call a faded red. Again, thanks. They want $750 for it new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjb5228 Posted February 26, 2009 Share Posted February 26, 2009 That's not too bad of a price I don't think. Most of the faded studios and VM will run about 950 in most places Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Music Posted February 26, 2009 Share Posted February 26, 2009 If it's like my 2003 LP SP then its solid wood and has a 60s neck not like the studio with a chunkier neck. Same pickups though. Great sound but not shiney. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjb5228 Posted February 26, 2009 Share Posted February 26, 2009 If it's like my 2003 LP SP then its solid wood and has a 60s neck not like the studio with a chunkier neck. Same pickups though. Great sound but not shiney. Pretty much sums it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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