BoyVader Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Just wanted to know from those who own both Gibson USA and Gibson Custom, if a Custom is really worth the extra money? Is the difference in build quality that different? Is moving from a Gibson USA guitar to a Custom like going from say an Epiphone to Gibson USA? Trying to stop my GAS for this : Black Beauty Any input appreciated...thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbreslauer Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I think it really comes down to how much you're willing to spend. The Gibson USA stuff is certainly high quality. I have an '08 LP Standard and a VOS R9, they are both wonderful instruments and I would not part with either. I prefer my R9, but that's just because it's perfect. That black beauty is gorgeous btw... Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Plains Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Just wanted to know from those who own both Gibson USA and Gibson Custom, if a Custom is really worth the extra money? In my opinion, yes. Is the difference in build quality that different? F**k yeah! Historics get the best wood. Also, read this. It explains the major differences. http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gibson-les-pauls/50210-gibson-les-paul-101-a.html Is moving from a Gibson USA guitar to a Custom like going from say an Epiphone to Gibson USA? In my opinion, yes, most of the time but there are some USA guitars out there that are just as good. You have to search for them or get lucky. My Traditional is a better sounding and feeling guitar than many CS LPs I've played but it's not better than any of the CS LPs I own. Phenomenal instrument in its own right. Really, don't take anyone's word for it here. Go to your local music store and play both side-by-side. Also, play a few and not just one of each. If you can't tell the difference then don't worry about it. Some people can't tell the difference just as some people can't tell the difference between Gibson and Epiphone. This is my '68RI. Hope it helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dub-T-123 Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 That thing is awesome. The nickel hardware looks so much better than gold IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoyVader Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 Yeah thanks R9....It helps me want your guitar... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbreslauer Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 This is my '68RI. Hope it helps. Wow that's awesome! :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketman Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Great adivice from R9 as usual. I wish Murph would answer too (inside joke). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canon_mutant Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 You really do need to A-B them on the same great amp. When I got my R9, I was fortunate to have a friend at the local GC and was able to A-B probably around 10 different guitars all on the same Bogner Shiva in a back room. Great amp, BTW. YMMV but next to my R9 I found the Traditional to be the next best and am currently in the market for one since I am afraid to leave the house with my R9. Played an R7 that had issues sadly, a Classic Antique, several Customs, a Supreme, a Studio, a Standard, and a Traditional and yes I thought the Traditional was even better than any of the Customs I played even though it was virtually 1/2 the price. In the end, the only reason I went with the R9 was that the R9 and I both turned 50 in 2009 and the serial number on the guitar actually had the month and year of my birthday in it. Also got it at my friend's employee price. Tell me that wasn't meant to be? Best value for me was easily the Traditional. However, I think I just liked those 57 Classics better than the 490/498s on the Customs and Supreme or even the BBs in my R9. The Supreme was the eye candy of the bunch, no doubt about that, but I buy 'em to play, not to look at. enjoy your search . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 ...there are some USA guitars out there that are just as good. You have to search for them... Of my LP's two are Historics. The other two are both early '90s '1960 Classics'. Along with Flight's G0 they are the five best LPs I've ever played. 3 - 2 to the Custom Shop... As I've said before, from my experience there seems to be far more chance of an Historic being a really great instrument than one from the regular USA run. And there is something intangible about the Historics...they do seem to be better made, somehow. It's strange. That's just my opinion, of course. I wouldn't believe it had I not experienced it for myself, however. This is why you must decide for yourself. And it's not mere cork-sniffing. Yes, Really. P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrosurfer1959 Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Historic for sure - and yep there's a difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoyVader Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 Thanks for all the advice....the reason I ask is I did see a pretty big difference from Epiphone to Gibson..first with an SG, and then on to my first real LP, a Std Trad...she is a real beauty and I've posted pics on here before ( search for "Lily") anyway, I need to find a decent authorised dealer here in Oz to try a few Customs...they are like hen's teeth here! I'm gonna do it though..always wanted a BB...I stopped playing for about 10 years! had a few payouts from various jobs and bought my first Gibsons...I bloody love them... After every tedious day at the boring office job, I come home, crack a beer, and then the guitar case....that smell,..that wood, that design...ah you guy's know what I mean.. Oh, and Pippy, I think I might be becoming a cork sniffer?! :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Oh, and Pippy, I think I might be becoming a cork sniffer?! :lol: Think Penfold's 'Grange' as opposed to their 'Bin 28'... LOL! P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnastynebr Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Better? Custom Shop Historics are only better than USA if you want a classic reissue. Gibson USA has actually explored some alternate technology and developed modern features that have been incorporated in newer models over the past 50 years. Dont buy a 59 just becuase its a 59, buy a Les Paul that has the features that you want. The custom your eyeballing has an ebony fretboard, which is a very nice feature, IMHO. You also get a bunch more binding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnastynebr Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Think Penfold's 'Grange' as opposed to their 'Bin 28'... LOL! P. Not a great example. Grange is a shadow of its former self. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoyVader Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 Yeah, the ebony board and the block inlay's...tasty.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Not a great example. Grange is a shadow of its former self. As it's $470 per bottle for the '05 I suppose I'll just have to take your word for that... P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnastynebr Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Penfold's winemaker Gago has yet to craft a Grange that scored as well as Duval, the last guy. Not saying its something to shake a stick at, though. For the record Ive only had it twice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 ... For the record Ive only had it twice... Well, For the record that's exactly double the number of times I've had it (and even then it was only one glass at a tasting)... LOL! I can't remember being that impressed, I'm afraid to say...certainly I expected better. Hmmmm.....Perhaps that proves your earlier post......... P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamman Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Yes, there is a difference Between the USA and Custom shop A big difference. The quality of the woods used are better from the custom shop, with a RI, the designs are, imo better, and to me the most important thing is the level of skill of the Craftsmen that make these guitars. Of course, Not everyone is perfect , nothing is in life. But imo , You should try a Custom shop and a USA, side by side and you’ll see. Is it worth the money? That is a personal thing . Sometimes you don’t have a choice. But for an LP go with a Custom shop. You’ll be happy you did. Gibson has always been on the expensive side . So the used Market is a good alternative. This is a buyers Market now , use that to your advantage. There are good deals to be had. It’s a great time to buy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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