nfreddy Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 Hi guys- I REALLY need some help- you all seem to know your Gibson stuff. So here's the deal...I wanna totally surprise my husband for his December Bday + Christmas with a new guitar. This is really risky stuff I realize but hey, I'm going for shock value here. He's recently borrowed a Gibson Les Paul from his buddy...didn't think he'd really love it at first but came back from band practice and said "they got along really well" and said he'd want a Les Paul or a ES 335. I don't know what year the LP he borrowed is---I can't even get the damn case open to look at it while he's gone (these things lock- seriously?) At any rate, I've checked out some 335's online and they seem to be super pricey...and are they still making em'? I'm basically down to deciding between a vintage 1975 Gibson Les Paul (that year is of particular interest because he's always wanted a guitar of the year he was born--cheesy I know, but I kinda dig it too); OR a newer Les Paul of some sort.... he told me he doesn't really want a brand new one cause he doesn't wanna worry about that first scratch... However some of the brand new ones on Sam Ash are pretty reasonable. So, here's my basic question: If I go vintage, am I basically just paying for the fact that it's vintage? Or is there some value to the old ones over the newer ones? This is not going to be a guitar that he sits around and looks at....he's a solo singer/songwriter plus he plays in a band, so I'm sure it will get plenty of use. I don't want to sacrifice sound and quality necessarily for the whole vintage thing. This thing needs to rock! He plays like anything from older to modern rock, maybe slightly alternative... influenced by Radio Head, Bob Dylan, the Beatles...even David Gray maybe. He currently has: 1) a Fender Telecaster, 2) Pilot De Armond electric bass, 3) an acoustic Martin, and 4) an acoustic Epiphone 12 string. The Tele is his favorite but he's not totally in love... I wanna get something "better" than all these... .definitely don't wanna buy him the loser of the pile, ya know? I'm lookin' for some non-partisan opinions here... don't really wanna ask his band members or his best music buddy (for various reasons) and I don't wanna ask him any questions that would be suspicious because I want it to be a total surprise (I think I can pull that off since I ***** every time he even LOOKS at guitars online ;-) So is that enough info for some good opinions here on which way I should be looking? And either way... what should I expect to pay for a 75' LP or a newer model in good-great (not necessarily perfect) condition? Are there any tricks I've gotta look out for? I saw a 75 on Ebay that had some "minor" dents and scratches but also some "button worming"...what the hell is that? It looked pretty ugly in the picture. But there's another 1975 Les Paul local to me in Chicago that is supposedly in great condition- here's what the ad says: "I have an extremely clean 1975 Gibson Les Paul Standard. 100% original minus pro refret. All solder is untouched. Has the transitional 60s style gold tophat knobs and Kluson double ring tuners. Plays and sounds perfect. Comes with its original Gibson hardshell case." It's listed at $2,400.... is that good, bad or ugly? Then I also saw a 2000 LP Supreme for the same price that was also quite beautiful. Which is better? What's better based on what he'll do with it? And is there any way I can protect myself from getting a phony other than calling Gibson and running the serial number if I buy private party? Or should I be buying brand new from a guitar center/Sam Ash type place with a lower end model? So sorry for the EXTREMELY long post. I appreciate any opinions or help... the more detail the better! Thanks!
leopold Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 Not sure about how you can evaluate the used ones. You could get a new Gibson Custom Shop model. For example, a really nice lower priced Les Paul would be a 1960 Single Cutaway VOS. The features your husband would probably like are the P-90 pickups and the 1959 neck profile. Final negotiated price at a GC should be about $2200. Its is made like vintage models but with a lifetime warranty. Its not a super fancy Les Paul like the Supreme but its a good working guitar. See what others have to say about the used ones also. Good luck.
daveinspain Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 Hi and welcome to the forum... First off what is your budget? How much do you want to spend and what is your top? Be very careful buying on ebay, there are lots of fakes out there... If you are looking for a 75 Les Paul ask the seller for the serial number to make sure it is a 1975 serial number.. Also ask for the code number written on the pots (volume and tone controls) each pot will have a number on it that includes the date it was manufactured. A pot code will start with 137 the next two numbers indicate the year made. So you want to see 13775** or 13774** as some 75 guitars may still have some parts left over from the previous year. If you see 137 followed by a number higher the 75 you know the guitar was not made in 75. If you ask an Ebay seller for pics showing the pot codes they should send them to you no problem, its a normal thing to ask for them. If you find a guitar and want to make sure its a good deal post some photos and ask us what we think... Get a Photobucket account so you can upload pics and post them here. Ask if the guitar has any issues... That covers all things that could be wrong with the guitar... Beware of and cracks, headstock repairs, refinish job, refret, non original electronics or hardware. Ask how the neck is, if its strait and plays well, what shape are the frets in....etc On a 1975 some nicks and dings will be normal, some worming on the back and/or buckle rash is common and not a problem unless its really bad. Those are the wear marks on the back of the guitar form playing it and it rubbing up against your body/belt buckle. A 75 could have some checking as well... That is cracks in the clear finish that run across the body of the guitar. Happens from exposure to temperature changes. Its not necessarily a bad thing, some people like it... adds character or "mojo" so they say... To be safe buy the guitar from a reputable dealer.... New or used. Try to find out what color (finish) he likes. If you go new there a several models to choose from i.e. Standard, Traditional, classic, studio, custom, reissue... You can't go wrong with a Custom or reissue but they are more expensive. I bet he would love a 1959 reissue or sometime called an R9. R means reissue and the number after it is the year of the original year of the guitar. R7 = 1957 R8 = 1958 R9 = 1959 etc... Hope this helps...
Tim Plains Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 Tell ya what...look at this. http://www.paylessguitar.cn/product_detail.asp?Pid=1170 If you can't immediately tell that this guitar is fake, forget about anything used. Buy only from a licensed Gibson dealer that will offer you a return/exchange if your husband doesn't like it. Use this to find any Gibson dealers in your area. http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Divisions/Gibson%20USA/Products/Dealers/USADealerSearch/ Personally, I'd forget about the '75. That era is referred to as the Norlin era and there were probably more bad Les Pauls than there were good. Unless you play guitar yourself and know what to look for, pass. As for new guitars, I'd say these two are your best bets: Les Paul Traditional or '58 Les Paul reissue. http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-Les-Paul-Traditional-Plus-Electric-Guitar-104912340-i1400047.gc http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-Custom-1958-Les-Paul-Reissue-Plain-Top-VOS-Electric-Guitar-515530-i1373305.gc If you can afford it, get the '58. It may look the same, but it's constructed like the old '50s Les Pauls and is supposed to mimic a vintage guitar. Lastly, you're a woman and I deal with your kind every day! If you buy your husband a Les Paul and he doesn't like it...be it, it doesn't sound right, he doesn't like the neck, etc...don't get offended if he decides to exchange it. Maybe asking your husband's best friend wouldn't be such a bad idea...provided he can keep his mouth shut. The guy may know exactly what your husband wants.
AXE® Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 Lastly' date=' you're a woman and I deal with[i'] your kind [/i]every day! After reading this I understand why yo have so many guitars. You never get laid....
MikeRom Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 Will you marry me? No, me! Me next! +1 What daveinspain and R9 said. I would steer clear of ebay all together if I were you simply becasue you don't know enough about these guitars to recognise if it's fake or a good deal. And hang the fear of the first scratch, ding, whatever on a new guitar as it can be a badge of honor as in hey, I remeber what I was doing when it got that. Just go new. The Les Paul Traditional model or Standard model are two excellent choices and for just a bit more the re-issues are also quite nice. R8 and R9 models in particular. Only difference between the two is how fancy the wood on the body looks, assuming it's not a solid color, so when it comes to that use your own judgement. I'm sure he'll love it too. Good luck and have fun looking. Any questions just post here. Somebody's always around -
Tim Plains Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 After reading this I understand why yo have so many guitars. You never get laid.... Well' date=' there is some truth to this...I am getting married. Once I say those dreaded words "[b']I do[/b]" I can kiss my sex life good-bye...
ChanMan Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 Once I say those dreaded words "I do" I can kiss my sex life good-bye... Not much truth to that, in my experience....
AXE® Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 Back on track here gentleman.... You will probably get several suggestions for this. Just look around on Ebay for pricing and models, if it seems to good of a deal to be true"It Is" Check back with your choices and we will help from there... Happy hunting....
ChanMan Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 I'd go with the "enlist the help of a trusted friend" if possible. But if not, have you considered just wrapping up a note... make it like a coupon... "Good for one Gibson Guitar of your Choice". You can add what ever flourishes or touches suit you. I mean... I don't think anyone here would be disappointed with a guitar shopping trip.... even AXE and Tim... and BOTH their middle names are "Richard". /chuckle
Bluemoon Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 Back on track here gentleman.... You will probably get several suggestions for this. Just look around on Ebay for pricing and models' date=' if it seems to good of a deal to be true"It Is" Check back with your choices and we will help from there... Happy hunting.... [/quote'] I would buy it from a Gibson dealer and make sure he can exchange it if he wants a different model.
cob666 Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 +1 on the ability to exchange. When I purchased my current Les Paul I played quite a few guitars before I found one that felt just right.
AXE® Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 Ebay was for pricing and ideas, I agree on purchasing from an authorised dealer.
Silverbursted Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 I agree with the previous recommendations to avoid buying used. Your budget is the biggest influence on the particular model, they aint cheap, but they are worth it. There are lots of pictures on this forum of different models and finishes (nobody here is shy when it comes to that) so just look around. There are so many variations as to what he may like, I would suggest that one afternoon you suggest that he comes out to help you pick out some new shoes or something that he may not particularly care to do, and just drop into guitar shop and let him choose. Good luck, let us know how it goes, and BTW pictures are required.
nfreddy Posted November 22, 2008 Author Posted November 22, 2008 Wow! Thank you guys soooo much for all the helpful info. It seems to be a consensus that I may be in over my head buying a 75 or even private party if I want to make this a surprise. You're probably right- which is why it's causing me so much stress. Problem is, I'm unsure what I'm comfortable spending.... has he been a REALLY really good boy this year? ;-) I did see some LPs on Sam Ash that were on sale big time but i was afraid they're too low end for him- but according to some posters, maybe a Studio would be alright. I might just go over to the local guitar center/Sam Ash and check out what they have for used models as well. Now that you mention the 75' thing....while my husband did mention he'd like a guitar in the year of his birth he also said in the same breath what one poster said which is that guitars of that era weren't that great. I'm still checking out some local Craigslist postings as well, so if I see something I'm interested in I may just re-post with some details and pics to get an opinion. Thanks again for the great info and thoughts here guys!
FennRx Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 maybe i missed it, but how much are you looking to spend? if you ask me what to buy without a price in mind, i will always recommend a Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue- which in my opinion is the best of the best...but it has a sticker price of about $5600 and that is a helluva lot of money for most people. i agree with other posts, don't buy used since you're not an informed buyer (lots of fakes and jerk sellers out there). so given the range, here's what i would do for a new instrument that he can take back/exchange: <$1000 Les Paul Vintage Mahogany $1000-1500 Les Paul Studio $1500-2000 Les Paul Standard Faded $2000-2500 Les Paul Traditional (i am personally not a fan of the new Les Paul Standard, but that's an option) >$2500 go with a Custom Shop Les Paul for sure. i would look at the 1958 Reissue or the Les Paul Custom.
lpdeluxe Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 The great thing about craigslist is that you can check out the guitars locally. I recently bought a beautiful blond 335 on craigslist and paid roughly half what it was worth. I would have been reluctant to buy had I not been able to meet the seller and play the guitar first. In the event I got **THE** Gibson 335 for me. On the other hand, eBay is where the sharks swim. An option to online is local music stores: my dealer here in town is always ready to provide advice (as though an old guy like me would take it!) and to bargain and haggle when he's got something I want or vice versa. I'm a staunch believer in dealing in person, especially with someone you can develop a rapport with, so they know what your budget and tastes are and can keep an eye out for sweethearts for you.
FennRx Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 and something i forgot... i would NOT go to Guitar Center and let them know that you know little to nothing about guitars....the GC by my house will rip you off if you're not careful. i would recommend calling these guys and ask for Saul: http://www.ccitymusic.com/ Saul is a stand up guy. he is very honest and provides excellent customer service and will beat Guitar Center or Sam Ash any day of the week. I would call him.
KSG_Standard Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 What a great woman! I wouldn't want my wife to buy me a guitar though. Choosing a guitar is personal, does it sound right? Does it look right? Does the neck feel right? Etc.... I'd get a gift certificate or surprise him with a trip for 2 to the guitar shop where you let him pick it out. Just my opinion.
AXE® Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 Choosing the right guitar is very much like choosing a wife. Thank god I made the right guitar choices, cuz my wives all sucked...
surfpup Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 Choosing the right guitar is very much like choosing a wife.Thank god I made the right guitar choices' date=' cuz my wives all sucked...[/quote'] Been my experience that guitars are a lot less painful to swap out - usually cheaper too!
Silverbursted Posted November 22, 2008 Posted November 22, 2008 Choosing the right guitar is very much like choosing a wife. Thank god I made the right guitar choices' date=' cuz my wives all sucked...[/quote'] It's too bad we can't put some of them on ebay. "Vintage model, very little wear showing, just take over payments"
Thundergod Posted November 23, 2008 Posted November 23, 2008 I would go for a les paul standard or les paul traditional. Another option is a les paul standard faded, but some people dont like the faded/satin finish. The studio is a good guitar but sometimes when people want a les paul (from gibson) they look for some things, like flame top, body binding and neck binding, that the studio doesn't have.
MikeRom Posted November 23, 2008 Posted November 23, 2008 Call me crazy but I don't think she's listening any more.
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