P-BassPat Posted June 1, 2010 Share Posted June 1, 2010 Hi all, I am seriously considering the purchase of a Les Paul but probably like many, I am getting really confused with all the various terminologies (Traditional, Traditional Pro, Standard, etc.). And to make it even more confusing, as an example, The Traditional Pro is cheaper than the Traditional... I have to admit that I really, really like the looks of the Slash Les Paul (not the appetite one) but it costs over $6K, which is way over my budget. http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Les-Paul/Gibson-Custom/Slash-Les-Paul.aspx But I do want an American-Made LP, not an Epiphone. What is the way to go, then, to have a sound similar to Slash, Velvet Revolver, STP and the likes? I notice that both the Standard and the Traditional have ''capped'' pickups. I prefer the looks of the ''uncapped'' but does it make a difference? Will the capped pickups have as much ''crunch'' than the uncapped ones? Which elements should I avoid, not to be disappointed (I read many talking about chambered Vs. unchambered, etc.). Thanks for your precious help! Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny V Posted June 1, 2010 Share Posted June 1, 2010 Pat, Welcome to the forum. The first thing you should do is go your local music store and try out all the different LP models in the store. This will help you figure out the difference in the models and how they sound. Next determine how much money you have to spend on an LP. that should pretty much dictate which new LP you can afford. If there is nothing you like in your price range then either start saving for your dream LP or start shopping for a used LP. You will be able to afford a more expensive model if you buy used. The real trick in finding a used LP is you have to be patient. It took me over a year to find the LP I wanted at the price I wanted to pay. You also have to be aware there are people out there trying to sell fake LP's. Good luck. Kenny V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragoro Posted June 1, 2010 Share Posted June 1, 2010 Lots of people trying to sell lots of fake les pauls, be really carefull with used. If possible have some that can tell the difference look at the one ya are looking at, or post pics of body, neck, and front/back of the head stock here and ask people here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yaff Posted June 1, 2010 Share Posted June 1, 2010 I suggest you forget about what they are called and as suggested above, go and plays some. When you find some that you like, that's the time to find out what model you have been playing and the specifications. Although its fun to understand the history and differences, at the end of the day its an instruments for you. The most important thing is how it sounds and feels to you. All the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Witmer Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 When you find some that you like' date=' that's the time to find out what model you have been playing and the specifications. Although its fun to understand the history and differences, at the end of the day its an instruments for you. The most important thing is how it sounds and feels to you. [/quote'] Very well said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rogerb Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Hello P-BassPat, I agree with the others that you need to try out the Les Pauls in order to make an educated decision. BTW, the traditional pro is an exclusive model for Guitar Center. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artmaker Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Follow Yaff's advise........I totally agree. Play as many as you can........you'll find the one made just for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hutchja70 Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Everyone has told you correct- No matter what color, flame top, plain top, etc- play them all- You WILL know when you have found THE guitar for you. You can call Gibson customer support as I did in the past and they will tell you the differences- Studios + Standards- Chambered (Scientifically supposed to sound better) Traditionals + Tradionals Pros (Weight Relieved) 9 swiss cheese holes, does not change sustain. As someone posted earlier, Traditional Pros are Guitar Center/Musicians Friend exclusives- They say they are solid guitars but don't beleive them Les Paul Custom- Weight relieved. Even though they are made by the custom shop they are not 100% solid. Custom Shop Made- REAL 100% solid body guitars (BIG $$$$) unless listed as chambered. They are ALL Gibson's- they ALL ROCK! Once again, play a bunch of them!!! What can you afford? I thought I HAD to have a TRUE 100% solid body. I loved the "feel" of my Trad/Pro and once I put a set of Sheptone handwound pickups in my Traditional Pro- I have "The One" Hope this helps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deepblue Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 My advice, go historic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thundergod Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Welcome to the forum, sorry for the lack of manners of the other guys What's your budget and what features are more important to you? (is solid body a must? is flame top a must? and so on) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duckslayer74 Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 when you find the one you like check the serial number, you can sometimes tell a lot about it and might be able to tell if it were a fake. check gibson.com bout the serial number thing, i read an article on there talking about how to understand the code. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodgytoo Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 I had the same problem...solved it by buying a well recognized and very traditional style of LP that has served musicians well for decades. Go for a model that has some history to it, not something that is a fad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Plains Posted June 4, 2010 Share Posted June 4, 2010 I have all the "elements" and can tell you, you really shouldn't avoid any of them. Play them all and buy the guitar that sounds best. If you want to understand Les Pauls more, google "Les Paul 101". Read that thread and if you have any other questions, just ask. dodgytoo...that's horrible advice, sorry. lol That's something I'd expect from a person who doesn't play their guitars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S t e v e Posted June 4, 2010 Share Posted June 4, 2010 buy a standard... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lespaulj45 Posted June 5, 2010 Share Posted June 5, 2010 When I bought my 2006 Les Paul Standard I went out and played probably 50 different guitars-and I finally found the one-BB pros and all desert burst finish. Its a great guitar and a lifetime keeper.The signature models and all that stuff is just extra fluff-and money. The best Les Paul I have ever heard was a '68 P-90 equipped piece but the prices of those are in the stratospheric range now-I am happy with my standard-buy the standard.....but play a bunch! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodgytoo Posted June 6, 2010 Share Posted June 6, 2010 R9 My advice was based on the fact that certain models have been favoured over the years by artists because they are what they are and sound great. These have been chosen for their sound and playability and not dictated to by fashion. So for a newbie choosing their first guitar it is best to play it safe and not make a decision they might regret BTW My guitars get played twice a day minimum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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