dqazwsx Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 Hi, I'm new to the forums and have already learned a ton from them. I'm in the market for my first Gibson Les Paul (something I've wanted since I was eleven and finally - at 33 - have the means to get). I've narrowed it down to two guitars, both for about the same price used (around $900) and both in the same condition. The two in question are a Smartwood with a Curupay top (see picture) or a Les Paul Studio in wine red (I didn't include a picture because I figure everyone knows what these look like). Any thoughts? I've heard that the Smartwoods are a little brighter sounding. Will it still sound like a Gibson LP (and keep my inner 11-year old happy)? Also, the Smartwood would be an on-line purchase (from a reputable dealer), but the other I can play in advance - how much should that factor into my decision? Thanks in advance to everyone who's willing to help out a new initiate into the Gibson Les Paul club! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevoT Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 Get the smartwood! I'm an SG man so I have no idea on how this one would sound, but it sure looks nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryUK Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 I agree. The above looks nice. If you can't play it. Never mind. Have it set up professionally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 Normally I'd say try before you buy but that Smartwood gets my vote. As you say; everyone knows the Studio range but that Smartwood has a rarity which would really appeal to me. And it will sound like a Gibson Les Paul. There are variations in sound between different instruments of exactly the same type so just because the Smartwood will sound, possibly, a bit brighter doesn't mean that it wouldn't sound like a Les Paul. It Is a Les Paul ergo it Must sound like one! Welcome to the Forum and keep us informed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 Wow I love that Curupay top. Man, that is beautiful. The dots leave all the attention on the gorgeous body. I vote for the Smartwood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Plains Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 I don't like that smartwood, sorry. In on mind, Les Pauls need trapezoid or block inlays...not dot. Have you played a Les Paul yet, any Les Paul? If it were me, I'd start with the Studio, go play it and see how I like it. Unless you are familiar with Les Pauls and generally know what to expect with them, I'd stay away from buying on-line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wild_Rose Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 ^+100% agreed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dqazwsx Posted June 12, 2010 Author Share Posted June 12, 2010 Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I've found the whole experience to raise a weird sort of philosophical dilemma. As I said before, I've wanted a Gibson Les Paul since I was a kid, but what defines a Les Paul? Obviously, that's a personal question to some extent, but I've found that the uniqueness of the Smartwood is both really appealing and a little worrisome. I love the wood look, but I miss the trapezoid inlays. Basically, the Les Paul appeals to me in part because of its tradition, so is it a contradiction to go for a really non-traditional Les Paul? Yes, this is a lot of silly hand-wringing, probably for nothing, but such are the things that I think about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 ... Yes' date=' this is a lot of silly hand-wringing, probably for nothing, but such are the things that I think about.[/quote'] Not silly. It's good thinking. Get away from the Smartwood and spend some time on a Studio and a STD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Natural Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 Not silly. It's good thinking. Get away from the Smartwood and spend some time on a Studio and a STD. I agree. The Smartwood IS a Les Paul and, I suppose, will sound like a Les Paul, but it just doesn't look quite right to me. It might be a good choice to add to a collection after one has started with a Standard, a Studio, a Custom, a Historic Reissue, etc., but not as a first Les Paul. But, that's just me. I'm kind of an "old-school guy". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dqazwsx Posted June 12, 2010 Author Share Posted June 12, 2010 Thanks to everyone for the help. In the end, I decided to go with the Smartwood, mainly for two reasons: 1. The LP Studios aren't hard to find - if I decide I want to get one of them in the future, it won't be hard. The Smartwood, on the other hand, is harder to come by. This might be one of the few chances I have to get one. 2. If I do end up finding that the Smartwood isn't the guitar for me, I think it'll be a lot easier to swap it for the Studio than it will be to make the swap in the other direction. All of that being said, I just watched a couple of old Guns N' Roses videos and every time I saw Slash's fingers on those trapezoid inlays I wondered if I made the right choice. Why can't I just be loaded and capable of getting both? Someday, someday... Anyway, I'll be sure to post a full review once my new guitar arrives in the mail. Thanks again, everyone - I look forward to reading more on these boards! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 It's not uncommon, of course, for people to swap-out non-authentic-looking traps for a set of 'correct' shape ones on a re-issue or as a swap for the greenish ones on some 1960 Classics. If the dots are a problem for you it's possible to get them changed. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yaff Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 Thanks to everyone for the help. In the end' date=' I decided to go with the Smartwood, mainly for two reasons: 1. The LP Studios aren't hard to find - if I decide I want to get one of them in the future, it won't be hard. The Smartwood, on the other hand, is harder to come by. This might be one of the few chances I have to get one. 2. If I do end up finding that the Smartwood isn't the guitar for me, I think it'll be a lot easier to swap it for the Studio than it will be to make the swap in the other direction. All of that being said, I just watched a couple of old Guns N' Roses videos and every time I saw Slash's fingers on those trapezoid inlays I wondered if I made the right choice. Why can't I just be loaded and capable of getting both? Someday, someday... Anyway, I'll be sure to post a full review once my new guitar arrives in the mail. Thanks again, everyone - I look forward to reading more on these boards![/quote'] I think there is sound logic to your decision making process, assuming you are not in a position to try before you buy. Although looks are important, the way it feels in your hands and the tone is what will inspire you to play it. With so many neck profiles, wood and electronic combinations out there, its always going to be a bit of a gamble buying this way. The two that have it the spot for me, is the 08 Standard and Studio worn brown. The fat neck and natural finish on the Studio, plus the fatter tone of the all mahogany construction got me back in to playing after 20+ years. And the Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish, binding, weight and brighter tone on the 08 Standard, is simply outstanding. Anyway, I hope it turns out to be your dream LP and as you say, you can always resell it if its not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dqazwsx Posted July 21, 2010 Author Share Posted July 21, 2010 Not sure if anyone is still interested in this thread, but I thought I'd go ahead and post some pics now that I've had my LP for a few weeks. I still miss the trapezoid inlays, but the sound is great and I like the uniqueness of the wood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny V Posted July 22, 2010 Share Posted July 22, 2010 Congratulations on your purchase. I think your decision based on your logic was the correct one. I would have bought the smartwood LP too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted July 22, 2010 Share Posted July 22, 2010 Congrats. Too bad about the trapazoids, but beautiful top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted July 22, 2010 Share Posted July 22, 2010 Good choice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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