Jeffery112 Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 My 13 year old son took up guitar approx. 6 months ago. I originally bought him a Peavy starter guitar in case he lost interest I would not have that much invested. Too the contrary, he has taken an interest and gotten pretty good in that amount of time. I would like to upgrade his guitar to a Gibson Les Paul but since I can't afford that, I would like to buy him an Epiphone Les Paul. The problem is, I don't know that much about guitars and the price range for the Epiphone Les Paul ranges from $139 up to $1000 or more. A representative from American Musical Supply told me that an Epiphone would not be that much of an upgrade from what he has now, but a Gibson would be best and only get better. (Like I didn't know that! Again, Can't afford Gibson) So, I need to know what the differences are between them and could someone suggest a good middle of the road Epiphone Les Paul guitar for him. I will appreciate any help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverside Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 Take your Peavey out for a good $50 setup. It'll be useful, and probably better than any $3-400 guitar you might be thinking about. Guitars can be better based upon labels and shiny bits, but after all, playability trumps all that. There is no rule that says a $1,000 guitar is better... than one that plays well. And when you start buying the multi-thousand pieces, a good setup is even more important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ne14t? Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 Take your Peavey out for a good $50 setup. It'll be useful, and probably better than any $3-400 guitar you might be thinking about. Guitars can be better based upon labels and shiny bits, but after all, playability trumps all that. There is no rule that says a $1,000 guitar is better... than one that plays well. And when you start buying the multi-thousand pieces, a good setup is even more important. If I am not mistaken the Les Paul started as a 2x4 with some electronics put on it and a cut up body of a hollow body guitar to give it some style. The price you pay shouldn't determine the guitar you get, I played a mexi-strat for almost ten years cause my parents refused to buy anything and it worked great for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverside Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 If I am not mistaken the Les Paul started as a 2x4 with some electronics put on it and a cut up body of a hollow body guitar to give it some style. The price you pay shouldn't determine the guitar you get, I played a mexi-strat for almost ten years cause my parents refused to buy anything and it worked great for me. My point exactly! Take what you have and make it the best it can be. Move on from there - knowing what you want after that. My favorite guitar of them all is an old MIM Telecaster - and while I can believe that there may be some way-more expensive, shinier, and all-around more publicly-sought-after pieces, the one that let's me play it well is the one I like the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 . Hmmmm . . . . up to $1000 ? $799 - New Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded - http://backstage.musiciansfriend.com/Guitars/Electric-Guitars/Solid-Body-Electric-Guitars/Les-Paul-Studio-Electric-Guitar.site1prod517030.product No bling. Great guitar. Great deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverside Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/67499-buying-my-first-electric/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibson Artist Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/67499-buying-my-first-electric/ Good link! I think Epiphone les paul standards are sweet if you can em used but id caution the poster to stay off ebay as there are a number of fakes and if you dont know what to look for dont buy. The people on this forum are quite helpful, whenever i doubt the authenticity of a guit i post it here and people can often tell if there's enough pictures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ne14t? Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 Good link! I think Epiphone les paul standards are sweet if you can em used but id caution the poster to stay off ebay as there are a number of fakes and if you dont know what to look for dont buy. The people on this forum are quite helpful, whenever i doubt the authenticity of a guit i post it here and people can often tell if there's enough pictures. Extremely good point, even if you are unsure snap some pics or something and share with us, lots of people have good eyes for picking those things out, I think somewhere in the Epiphone forum too Gibson/Epi has made an offical post about knock offs and how to tell them apart from real guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lazarusvt84 Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 if your kid really has the bug...buy a quality guitar....a Gibson...NOT an EPI....buy used...buy eBay...buy Craiglist....but get the real deal. USA Fenders are good too...go used. Consider it an investment. Besides, compared to guitar lessons...the instrument is cheap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffery112 Posted May 5, 2011 Author Share Posted May 5, 2011 Thanks for all of the suggestions so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffery112 Posted May 5, 2011 Author Share Posted May 5, 2011 The Epiphone thats cost a $1000 was the Epiphone limited edition Slash Les Paul which was 999.00. . Hmmmm . . . . up to $1000 ? $799 - New Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded - http://backstage.mus...d517030.product No bling. Great guitar. Great deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff-7 Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 The Epiphone thats cost a $1000 was the Epiphone limited edition Slash Les Paul which was 999.00. You pay an increased price on "signature" guitars. If you tell us what kind of music your son is interested in, and what your price range is that can tell us a lot. I'll second what Riverside said, a good setup could mean a huge difference in playing capabilities of the guitar. Save the money for lessons and a good amp if at all possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 . Hmmmm . . . . up to $1000 ? $799 - New Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded - http://backstage.mus...d517030.product No bling. Great guitar. Great deal. Yup, or an Epi Nighthalk or Epi Studio, both 399.00......(does not include pick).......:unsure: ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffery112 Posted May 5, 2011 Author Share Posted May 5, 2011 He is extremely interested in Rock music of all kinds but he especially loves the Beatles music. Most of the songs that he is getting pretty good at are Beatles songs. You pay an increased price on "signature" guitars. If you tell us what kind of music your son is interested in, and what your price range is that can tell us a lot. I'll second what Riverside said, a good setup could mean a huge difference in playing capabilities of the guitar. Save the money for lessons and a good amp if at all possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingarmadillo Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 He is extremely interested in Rock music of all kinds but he especially loves the Beatles music. Most of the songs that he is getting pretty good at are Beatles songs. Then buy him an Epi Casino instead of the LP! I caught McCartney's tour in '09 and while Paul usually played an LP, Rusty Anderson was doing most of the lead work on a hollow body (okay so it was a vintage 335 and not a casino but still...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oopssorryy Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 Depending on the Peavey I might just keep it, and work on it. If it has 3 knobs, a whammy bar, and three pickups, keep it they are very nice guitars. Even better if you've got the one with the humbucker in the bridge position. These are very nice guitars, and just need a bit of upgrading to play with the big boys. I would just get the guitar set up (or learn how to do it/teach your kid how), upgrade the pickups to hum cancling Strat style pickups, Seymour Duncan has nice ones, and upgrade the tuners, and strap buttons. Then spend the remaining money on a nice tube amp. This, IMO, will give you the best bang for your buck, as your making the Peavey, which is a nice guitar, play better and sound better, along with getting a good amp. You can buy a Gibson or expensive Epiphone, but if your still hearing it threw the practice amp that came with the Peavey your not going to hear a large increase in sound quality. If the Peavey only has the one humbucker at the bridge position, or only has 2 knobs, I would get a Epiphone G400 or Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro. Both are great guitars, and you'll still have money left over (if you go through Musicians Friend) to get a nice tube amp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgphoenix211 Posted May 6, 2011 Share Posted May 6, 2011 Hmmm..... under $1000, well les pauls are pretty cool, but you should get an sg, to be exact get a Gibson SG Special Faded $699 at the guitar center buy one they're epic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibson Artist Posted May 6, 2011 Share Posted May 6, 2011 My 13 year old son took up guitar approx. 6 months ago. I originally bought him a Peavy starter guitar in case he lost interest I would not have that much invested. Too the contrary, he has taken an interest and gotten pretty good in that amount of time. I would like to upgrade his guitar to a Gibson Les Paul but since I can't afford that, I would like to buy him an Epiphone Les Paul. The problem is, I don't know that much about guitars and the price range for the Epiphone Les Paul ranges from $139 up to $1000 or more. A representative from American Musical Supply told me that an Epiphone would not be that much of an upgrade from what he has now, but a Gibson would be best and only get better. (Like I didn't know that! Again, Can't afford Gibson) So, I need to know what the differences are between them and could someone suggest a good middle of the road Epiphone Les Paul guitar for him. I will appreciate any help. Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plain Top (heritage cherry) 479 bucks and free shipping from musiciansfriend.com 399 if you buy it in black :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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