jeff6898 Posted July 23, 2011 Share Posted July 23, 2011 Looking to get my son his first Gibson. Can not afford the nice $3,000 models. Been looking at my local music shop and am thinking about either the Gibson Studio 60's tribute Faded Cherry burst @ $799 or the Les Paul Studio Joe Bonamassa Signature model golt top at $1,199 I don't know a whole lot about guitars. Is it worth it the extra $400 for the Bonamassa model? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I am still learning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanH Posted July 23, 2011 Share Posted July 23, 2011 Looking to get my son his first Gibson. Can not afford the nice $3,000 models. Been looking at my local music shop and am thinking about either the Gibson Studio 60's tribute Faded Cherry burst @ $799 or the Les Paul Studio Joe Bonamassa Signature model golt top at $1,199 I don't know a whole lot about guitars. Is it worth it the extra $400 for the Bonamassa model? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I am still learning. Hi, The thread below might give you some pointers as to whether it's worth buying either guitar for your son as opposed to something significantly cheaper: http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/70323-gibson-or-epiphone/page__p__956074__fromsearch__1&do=findComment&comment=956074 As to which of the above two, you need to consider what music styles he plays (for the P90 vs humbucker pickup choice), whether he likes Bonamassa (signature models are cheesy IMHO, even if you're a big fan of the player) and whether he prefers a 'full gloss' finish with 8 or 9 layers of nitro lacquer or the 'faded' finish of the tribute with its one or two nitro layers. Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil White Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 Why not just a normal Studio? It's an awesome base model. I have an alpine white one with an ebony fretboard. To me signature models are only cool if you actually like the signature artist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris. Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 dont buy sig models if you can though get the 60s studio goldtop it looks the best out of the 60s model studios Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff6898 Posted July 24, 2011 Author Share Posted July 24, 2011 I actually looked at a regular studio wine red color. IT was $1,399 . $200 more then the Signature model. It still could be considered though. It is a good looking guitar as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G McBride Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 Does your son play already and how old is he. I would pick either the 60's tribute or a Studio model. I agree with the others to stay away from the signature models. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Plains Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 To me signature models are only cool if you actually like the signature artist. I'm the opposite. For me, this is the dumbest reason to buy an expensive guitar. "Well, the guitar doesn't sound very good and is awkward to play but it's his signature model; so, it's got to be good." LOL I own a Pearly Gates Les Paul. I'm not in love with Billy Gibbons and listen to ZZ Top once every blue moon. The only reason I bought the guitar is because it's an amazing instrument. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Plains Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 Jeff, you should take your son to a music store and let him pick out a guitar in your price range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff6898 Posted July 24, 2011 Author Share Posted July 24, 2011 Yes he has playing for a couple of years. He alrady has a USA Fender Strat in 3 tone sunburst, and a Epiphone Ace Frehley model. He is 16. He has always talked about getting a real Gibson one day so I was gonna try and surprise him. Guess I am better off letting him try them out though so I get what he wants. He plays mainly 80's rock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanH Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 He plays mainly 80's rock. Unless that includes punk, I'd therefore steer clear of the P90 equipped models. There are lots of other great Gibbys in your price range than the two models you've thought about. If he really likes Les Pauls then what about regular studios, the Raw Power, the BFG (which has one p90 and one humbucker) or the very nice looking Les Paul Studio Deluxe. Since he already has a LP and a strat, what about another Gibson model such as the SG standard or the Explorer (non-faded, 'full gloss' version) which are both very fine '80s rock machines. All the options mentioned can be had for around the MSRP of the Bonamassa or less. The Bonamassa has the burstbucker pickups going for it but, unless he's a fan of this guy, I'd avoid it. Check out this link and stick it all in to low to high price order to see your full range of options: http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Gibson-USA.aspx Overall, I would say the established models would be more sought after in any later sale (as opposed to special editions, signatures and gimmicky versions like the robot.) In that case, 'full gloss' LP Studios, SG Standards or Explorers would be a great purchase for any guitar player. I'm sure anybody on this forum would very gratefully accept either of those three. Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff6898 Posted July 27, 2011 Author Share Posted July 27, 2011 well after tryng out several he decided on a the Goldtop Studio 60's tribute. Surprised me that he chose a cheaper one, but as long as he likes it thats what counts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yameto Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 well after tryng out several he decided on a the Goldtop Studio 60's tribute. Surprised me that he chose a cheaper one, but as long as he likes it thats what counts. Hi Jeff, Just wanted to let you know as a player and a fan of Les Pauls that I got the same model as your son, had been waiting to get it since feb and did not get get it until early may. And I can say that it has not only exceeded my expectations but that I've grown my appreciation for the instrument even more since I got it. I own a 77 Les Paul that right now would sell for over 2K easy and I can tell that I love my tribute 60's gold top just as much, I play it even more, the P-90's have such a unique tone and such dynamics that it's making me fall in love with playing electric guitar even more each day that I play it. So, your son is wise in his choice. must be a good player as he clearly made the wisest choice regardless of the price. Cheers, Fer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yaff Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 well after tryng out several he decided on a the Goldtop Studio 60's tribute. Surprised me that he chose a cheaper one, but as long as he likes it thats what counts. Congratulation and a I think you made a good decision to let him try before you parted with your cash. Regarding price, paying more doesn't always result in better tone or feel. Sounds like your boy has got is priorities right. All the best Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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