DCDetector Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 I'm going to buy me a Les Paul and I have set a budget of around $1,500, but would go higher for the right guitar. Could go $2,000 but it would have to be something really special. The problem is I'm old school and haven't kept up with all the new changes and models of LP's. I do have a couple of things I insist on but I want the best quality I can get for the buck hopefully with some of my preferred options. I want a LP that is sunburst, cherry preferred, but tea or tobacco would be an option. I want it to be a Standard, Traditional, Classic or Custom. I'm not sure which is the better quality and suited for me. I prefer the 60's style neck not the 50's. That is if my understanding is correct. It is my understanding the the 50's is a thinner neck. I have average hands and fingers so the thinner neck feels better. If at all possible I would really like a Plus/Flame top. No reason my LP shouldn't look as good as it plays right? I would prefer a little age unless that doesn't count for much anymore. It used to be the sound of a good aged guitar was hard to beat. With this information I have been watching eBay looking for that perfect match. I've found several that look to fill my needs/wants, but I'm just not confident on knowing what models I should be looking for. I don't want to buy a beauty that sounds and plays like crap. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old mark Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 A '50's style neck is thicker a bit, a little like an SG's. FWIW, I was looking at getting another Gibson LP and I'm pretty sure it would be a Traditional Pro. They have the coil splitters and are highly recommended by t a lot of owners...I'm also liking my old '99 SG a lot, and I may get one of those instead of another Les Paul. Maybe even another Epiphone hollowbody! Try playing a few if you can. Another person's ideal guitar probably won't be yours. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCDetector Posted August 29, 2012 Author Share Posted August 29, 2012 Thanks old mark, Unfortunantly, here the big city of Dodge City Kansas our only music store doesn't stock any Gibson Les Pauls at all to try. That is why I'm hoping I can get some good advice to get one from like eBay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old mark Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 Thanks old mark, Unfortunantly, here the big city of Dodge City Kansas our only music store doesn't stock any Gibson Les Pauls at all to try. That is why I'm hoping I can get some good advice to get one from like eBay. Years ago, I owned a '68 LP Custom and some years later a '74 LP Custom. I now own a LP Studio 50's Tribute with P90's. I find I really like the Studio a lot. The neck is a little fatter and fits my hand better, and I really like my '99 SG Special. It's really a very personal thing..I have owned a lot of different guitars since the early 1960's and some of the famous big name guitars were not all that great for me. I also have a Les Paul Special that has a pretty thin neck, and it's great for fast chords, but I get a bit lost on it trying to play single string stuff. Since you can't actually play them, try reading every review you possibly can...there are also lots of clips of various Les Pauls on youtube which will give you at least a rough idea of what they sound like, and if the reviewer is good, maybe a little about the guitar itself. That's about all I can recommend, other than th say that I have had far better results buying sight unseen from eBay than from Guitar Center. I have had to sent back 2 guitars in a row from them -from different stores-after being assured by the manager and tech in each case that the guitars were playable and in good condition. They were not. Look carefully, ask a lot of questions and don't be afraid to pass one up...there are always many more coming, and the next one may be much better. Good luck. FWIW, I was also looking at a Lou Pallo signature Les Paul when they were new. They are a very limited edition and I really like them a lot...they probably are available used by now. mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quapman Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 I got the Classic Custom. Very high quality for the price and it has the 60's neck. Feels great and sounds great. No bursts though. But very high quality for the money. I love the feel of mine. Good luck in your quest. It's difficult buying a guitar without playing it first. If you can swing it, travel to where you can play some. I could never buy a guitar without touching it. But that's just me. Lots of people on here have had success. You just have to really know what you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MickFromMunhall Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 Les Paul Studios are really nice, so you might want to look at those, too. You can get them new for the same price as a used Standard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 Hi,, so how far are you away from where these guys are located: http://www.wichitaband.com/guitar.html I've bought about 4 guitars and one amp from these guys and even worked a few trades. All done over the phone and via photos and email exchanges. (Located in New England) They've been always top notch and absolutely reliable. (And they usually have lots of delectable Gibby's both new and clean used ones in stock.) May be worth a call see what they have, if it's not too far, if it was me, I'd be making the ride. I have nothing but praise for these guys, worked mostly with Jon Ray, but it's a good staff. About your neck question, yes, mark is correct, 50's neck is going to be thicker. I have a 95 standard (59 round neck) and a 02 standard that has the 60's profile. The 02, is thinner, but not to any extreme measures. I have pretty small hands, I'm at home on both. be perfect if you can get some hands on exp. with each type. I'm sort of with you, prefer the old school wiring, happen to think anything you stick in there to give you more options with pickup selections, has to introduce some sort of change to the over all tone. so that said I would narrow it down to a used Standard, or a Standard Plus which usually has a more insanely figured top. A clean one on fleabay ought to be in your budget, but also, do check out Shorts, I know Kansas is pretty big.. they are in Wichita Good luck in the search.. /KB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdecantoo Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 Just a heads up, Received a flier from Guitar Center and the Traditional pro's are at $300 discount for $1699 new. You may also get a 15% discount if you haggle a bit. Selection varies by location. May be something to check out as that is a decent price for new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lazarusvt84 Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 since you seem to be in the exploratory mode...I'd definately buy used. Your tastes and preferences WILL evolve and selling a guitar you bought new will result in 'loss'. If you buy used, you can resell with miminal, if any, loss. Musicians seem to be fickle and like 'change'...always looking for something new/better/different. The world is your oyster when it comes to finding great guitars at reasonable prices. Ebay is a good source...as is Craigslist (local only). The LP Studio is great for the money, especially used. I really like the look of the Classic Custom...and the price. My LP Stnd Trad Plus is a beautiful instrument (as you can see in my avatar)...but my son's Studio sounds better even with the exact same pickups. Can't go wrong with an SG Stnd. My son's ES-137 is a wonderful hollow-body...wish they made them in lefty. I'm still not sold on 'chambered' guitars. As for necks...I guess I'm not that discriminating of a player because I can easily go from 50's to 60's to even thinner and not lose a beat. My son (smaller hands) likes a thicker neck for his jazz work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harpo Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 I'm going to buy me a Les Paul and I have set a budget of around $1,500, but would go higher for the right guitar. Could go $2,000... Thanks Saved $500 on 1 of these and it was almost perfect. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/gibson-les-paul-standard-electric-guitar?condition=used#used Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitar dog Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 I suggest you look at the Traditional Plus - 57 Classic Pick-ups, 50's neck, plus top. Here is my Iced Tea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaxson50 Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Don't tell anyone, but GC is having a sale this week end, Epiphone SG Jr's. (with a single bridge HB) are on sale for $80.00...I already tagged one. That's about as cheap a simple rig you will find. I plan to throw a HB with a tap on this little rig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender 4 Life Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 DCD, a fellow forumite absolutely SWEARS by a Kansas dealership called "E.M. Shorts".......perhaps google them for their location & travel a little to try out several LP models? if you don't try a guitar out 1st, it's always a crapshoot whether you'll really like it or not when it arrives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCDetector Posted August 30, 2012 Author Share Posted August 30, 2012 Well I bought a 2007 Standard "Premium Plus". It seemed to have most of the features I was looking for. It is non-chambered and flame top. There was one with more flame but I don't like the heavy flame look. Thanks for all the input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveinspain Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Well I bought a 2007 Standard "Premium Plus". It seemed to have most of the features I was looking for. It is non-chambered and flame top. There was one with more flame but I don't like the heavy flame look. Thanks for all the input. How about posting some pics... i have a 2007 Classic in cherry burst that i just love. Has the slim 60s neck. I think your guitar is chambered though, 2007 is when they started doing it. How much does the guitar weigh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 DCD, a fellow forumite absolutely SWEARS by a Kansas dealership called "E.M. Shorts".......perhaps google them for their location & travel a little to try out several LP models? if you don't try a guitar out 1st, it's always a crapshoot whether you'll really like it or not when it arrives. That was the exact store link in my post a few up from yours! they are also known as Witchita Band (I think Shorts is the Guitar piece of the bizz but it's the same company) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCDetector Posted August 30, 2012 Author Share Posted August 30, 2012 I actually bought 2 and will sell one of them. That way I have better odds of getting one I like LOL. Anyway, both are Les Paul Standard Premium Plus's one a 2006 and the other a 2007. I thought they started the chamber thing in 2008? The 2006 has more flame than the 2007 plus the 2006 has a 60's type neck where the 2007 has a 50's style neck. I should have them both next week but here is some pictures I got from the sellers. The 2006 The 2007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 those are sweet. the 06 pictured looks a heck of a lot like my 02, (see avatar) Good luck man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCDetector Posted October 16, 2012 Author Share Posted October 16, 2012 Well after a good month or so of playing both I have decided to keep the 07 and give the 06 to my son. Both play and sound great. The 06 I think has a tab more sustain while the 07 has a tone I like more. My oldest son is 32 and had been playing guitar for probably 10 years or more. I know at that age I would have loved to own such a guitar. The 07 is like brand new and I can keep it that way, my son plays for the local church so I'd rather see the 06 gigging since it has slight signs of use. My 07 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Sweet!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buxom Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 PLEASE! Go tobacco. I can only name one guitarist off the top of my head who used one as a go to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valeriy Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 ... With this information I have been watching eBay looking for that perfect match. I've found several that look to fill my needs/wants, but I'm just not confident on knowing what models I should be looking for. I don't want to buy a beauty that sounds and plays like crap. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Well ... What as regards the sound. I've already sent my active electronics for electric guitars in New York for a guitar player. I do not know, though, how he put it in his guitar, probably by another guitar master, since he cannot do it or solder something. But if you will buy a guitar with sound so-so I can send you my electronics with a description of how to install it. I have some experience to do sound better when the guitar is not entirely successful or very unsuccessful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaysEpiphone Posted October 17, 2012 Share Posted October 17, 2012 Yeah, Id advise against buying a guitar with out trying it out first. The rest all comes down to what amp/effects your using with it and what sound/application your looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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