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Guitar chord forum - chordie → Electric → Gibson Les Paul.
I've got the buy another guitar bug again. I've got 3 acoustic and a banjo. For some strange reason I have decided if I buy an electric it will be a Les Paul.
I have to admit to not knowing alot about the different models and would like a bit of advice or some views on the Les Paul range. It would be a new one, not second hand, and a maximum of around £3000 ($6000).
Any help out there?
Hi Charlotte is there any particular reason you want a Les Paul? Do you like the sound, the look, the history?
Picking one is a real bear pit at present. All the respected makers do a Les Paul alike. Some insist that Tokai's 'Love Rock' copy is as near perfect as you can get even next to a current Gibson. Gibson for their part have confused things with various reincarnations of the Les Paul, so last year we got the BFG and others.
I would strongly recommend you pick up and play your various candidates as the sound can vary with the pickups used and the weight of wood. With 3K to spend you have lots of quality choices, have you looked at the reintroduced PRS single cut? Not strictly LP shaped but it has that vibe...
Hi Charlotte is there any particular reason you want a Les Paul? Do you like the sound, the look, the history?
No particular reason, maybe the look.
In the local shops they tend to have just one or two models rather than a good range. The internet seems to be the best option and the best prices.
I should explain I know sod all about electrics and it is for use in my front room only but I do like to buy the best I can afford.
OK Charlotte here's the lowdown on Les Pauls compared with other electric guitars.
Les Paul's are heavy, that body is a big hunk of wood. This creates sustain, the guitar notes go on ringing a real long time. This is really good for blues solos. Les Pauls vary in weight due to the depth of body or in the case of Gibson's new Classic Antique model the presence of tone chambers.
In comparison stratocaster type guitars are light, original Fender strats were thin plywood. Original stratocasters came with 3 single coil pickups, which gives that waspish, ethereal solo sound. Les Pauls originally came with humbuckers, these are more powerful hence only 2 are needed and this leaves a nice gap between that's a natural to play into. Humbuckers as the name suggest give a strong signal without buzz, the single coils on strats tend to pick up hum from computers, neon bar signs etc.
If you know nothing about electrics I would certainly recommend you find a friendly shop on a quiet afternoon. Ask to try out a telecaster, stratocaster and Les Paul. I'd guess since you've got a banjo and acoustics you can play single notes runs or rolls. Try these out with a standard amp clean channel moderate gain. The different sounds of the 3 types should reveal themselves.
You may find the shop assistant will be quite cagey when you start getting high value instruments down but explain you are already an acoustic player and are looking in the thousand pound zone and they'll understand if you don't immediately buy.
You may find going from acoustic to electric that the new sound is very different and a bit of a shock (I did). I would almost recommend you purchase a Line 6 Variax and a Line 6 Flextone amp as a trial electric before you put down the big bucks. The Variax has digital electronics inside so impersonates all the major types of electric guitar, likewise a modelling amplifier can give you all the classic amp types and again these make a big difference. Les Paul through a 60s Marshall gives the Eric Clapton BluesBreakers tone. Same Les Paul through a Roland Jazz Chorus 120 gives that sterile 80s art rock sound.
Let us know the kind of electric playing you'd like to do and we can try and narrow down what sorts of guitar you should try out. I don't recommend internet stores unless you are buying a guitar you know already (like you need a second one as a live backup, had one stolen or sold it and now regret the mistake). Real shops can let you get hands on and you'll find out if the neck is right, if the body digs in or the controls get in the way if picking etc.
That's what you call advice, many, many thanks. It has given me alot to think about.
You have set me thinking by asking what am I going to play on it, it sounds silly but I had not thought of that. To attempt the answer I would say the usual popular rock for a few months and then get down to some good ol' blues which I suppose my heart is.
Do the words..crisp..clear..quality and maybe mellow help at all. Heavy rock, apart from one or two classics is not my scene, blues, country rock, bluegrass is nearer to the mark.
The advice of get down to the shops and try them out has got to be correct instead of just ordering something that I think should be good and suitable.
Once again, many thanks.
Rob.
Charlotte,
I have to agree with Cytania about the LP. They are pretty heavy (17+lbs.) But, if you're planning on sitting down and play all the time, the weight may be a non issue. For me, I like standing when I'm playing. So, after a while, my neck started to hurt and the strap was cutting into my neck. With that said, however, the tone from the humbuckers is still quite nice.
But, as much as I liked the LP, I am now a firm believer in the Fender Strat! I love the Strat as to how it feels and the five different tone selections I have to choose from. The thickness of the neck is a bit less than the LP. So, it fitted my small hand better. It doesn't matter if what style of music you play, the Strat will work just as well.
Hope this helps.
That's what you call advice, many, many thanks. It has given me alot to think about.
You have set me thinking by asking what am I going to play on it, it sounds silly but I had not thought of that. To attempt the answer I would say the usual popular rock for a few months and then get down to some good ol' blues which I suppose my heart is.
Do the words..crisp..clear..quality and maybe mellow help at all. Heavy rock, apart from one or two classics is not my scene, blues, country rock, bluegrass is nearer to the mark.
The advice of get down to the shops and try them out has got to be correct instead of just ordering something that I think should be good and suitable.
Once again, many thanks.
Rob.
"blues, country rock, bluegrass"
The telecaster is a very country, big block of wood like the LP but with single coil pickups like the Stratocaster. Beware some teles that are more rock, some have humbuckers. The other prime tool for country players is a compression pedal. This little gizmo, equalizes the sound of the strings making travis picking sound great.
I think we're also in Gibson country here, some of their semi-hollowbodies will do blues but also rock and country.
Gretsch is the epitome of Western twang, they shout COUNTRY! from twenty paces but may not do rock, blues as convincingly.
Stratocasters can do it all. A good combination is SSH, two single coils for a fine solo sound and a humbucker near the bridge for growling rock. Likewise if you find a two humbucker guitar make sure it has a coil tap. You pull a knob and only get one of the coil pairs, hence it now sings like a single coil guitar.
Your budget gives you entry into PRS's top flight and Fender's Custom Shop models but don't forget that amp. You'll want to get a tube/valve amplifier, look at Fender's Blues Junior or Hot Rod Deville or even Torres Blues Rock which is even more accurate to the old Fender sound.
Hi Charlotte:
Just like you, I played accoustic for many years before deceiding to go electric. When I did I got a trusted friend to assist me and we looked at many of the Fenders out there and the Les Paul. As sweet as the sound was I passed on the LP because of the weight. Eventually, I chose a Gretsch Nashville (arch top) I find it sounds great plugged in to a Fender Deluxe amp/Accoustisonic amp or not plugged in at all.
Given the kind of money you are prepared to spend, if you go high end on guitar do the same on an amp which will run you around $1,300. Plus, it isn't too heavy to move.
I know about the bug. I just purchased a Taylor T5 (12 string) It sounds fantastic and it has the feature of good hard rock or accoustic sounds.
Just before you purchase, try out the Taylor T5 (6 or 12 string) I guarantee you will chose a Taylor T5.
Unfortunetly, my four other guitars are becoming wall ornaments since my Taylor purchase.
Ray Smith
Hi Charlotte:
Just like you, I played accoustic for many years before deceiding to go electric. When I did I got a trusted friend to assist me and we looked at many of the Fenders out there and the Les Paul. As sweet as the sound was I passed on the LP because of the weight. Eventually, I chose a Gretsch Nashville (arch top) I find it sounds great plugged in to a Fender Deluxe amp/Accoustisonic amp or not plugged in at all.Given the kind of money you are prepared to spend, if you go high end on guitar do the same on an amp which will run you around $1,300. Plus, it isn't too heavy to move.
I know about the bug. I just purchased a Taylor T5 (12 string) It sounds fantastic and it has the feature of good hard rock or accoustic sounds.
Just before you purchase, try out the Taylor T5 (6 or 12 string) I guarantee you will chose a Taylor T5.
Unfortunetly, my four other guitars are becoming wall ornaments since my Taylor purchase.
Ray Smith
FWIW, I absolutely hated the T5 six-string I tried. Fed back too much and I thought it played horribly.
In a nutshell there between Napoleon and SG's posts is why I recommend you take your time and try plenty of guitars. One person's hot recommendation is another person's nightmare axe. Guitars are very personal and what we demand from neck, body or pickups varies. The good news is that as an experienced acoustic player you will make a far more informed and appropriate choice of first electric than a total novice would.
I'm with Cytana; guitars are such a personal thing. Like you, I play acoustic & just landed my first electric. I love a mean growl with a ton of sustain so the LP was the right choice for me--and to me, it's just an absolutely beautiful guitar. I see it on the stand and can't believe it's mine. The lead guitarist in our band plays the Fender HSS. Has a humbucker, and 2 single coils so he gets the nice clean crisp fender sound, but can switch on the humbucker and make it sound a little meaner. But, there's nothing like the growl you get out of a 15lb hunk of mahogony & duel humbuckers!
S'pose I should weigh in here...
Obviously from my name, I play an SG. An Epiphone, but a high-end Epiphone that came stock with EMG pickups, solid mahogany body and set neck. Very soon, I'll also have an Epiphone Casino with a Bigsby. (it's on layaway). I love the SG's, but the Les Pauls are very cool guitars soon. If at all possible, I'll add a Gibson LP Studio soon. I would just play everything you like, that's in your range, and pick the best-playing of the bunch.
I've got the buy another guitar bug again. I've got 3 acoustic and a banjo. For some strange reason I have decided if I buy an electric it will be a Les Paul.
I have to admit to not knowing alot about the different models and would like a bit of advice or some views on the Les Paul range. It would be a new one, not second hand, and a maximum of around £3000 ($6000).
Any help out there?
This is an easy one. You have $6,000 to spend correct? Buy a LesPaul and a Strat, top of the line(or close to it at least) and you still have some $$$ left over to buy some beers( and buy an inexpesive 5 watt class A tube amp) to throw a party for your 2 new bestest friends....................I'm a proud and very owner of one each( Gibson LesPaul and Fender Strat) and I can honestly say, in my heart, mind, and hands, there are no finer guitars made than these 2 beauties. They're kinda like salt and pepper, beer and pizza, no-naggin' from the wife and watchin' football, socks and shoes, catch my drift?...............
Was reading through this month's 'Guitarist' magazine (Current cover line 'Can One Guitar Do It All') and I think I found your ideal guitar, custom built by Chris George a British Luthier, . Les Paul shape but with F-Hole so lighter. 3 P90s with strat syle selector. If you put the effort in with volume and tone settings you can get both LP and strat type sounds, so the review says. Priced at £1800.
There are so many Les Pauls out there that it'll make your head swim. For clean clear sound with lots of sustain it would be hard to go wrong with a Gibson Les Paul Standard...from there it's mostly cosmetics. The Les Paul Classic (I've got one) has much hotter pickup and can get a clean sound but will also scream when you want it to if you're into a heavier sound. The Studio models are very good quality and sound great but aren't as pretty. I think the best thing is to simply try out several models and see what works best for you... I also think that he (or she) who is armed with a Gibson Les Paul and also an American Fender Strat is well armed!
Just to let you know I have read all these posts 10 times. Better advice you could not buy. The time and trouble you have all taken is superb.
Guitar shopping starts this weekend and armed with all this info plus what you all say 'try em out' I'm off to the shops.
I'm not one to buy the first thing I see so it could be a while before I bring one home.
A very big thanks to you all.
Rob.
Charlotte, when I saw your price = 6000$ for a Les Paul, you are really better of to order one on line (after trying it at home) and because of the €+£ versus $$ you can have a top model for 3000$, AND A HOLIDAY for 15 days, and still coming home with 1000$ left.
I had a guitaritis, a very nasty disease, and I, crazy as I am, bued 5 guitars (only the electrics) on eBay. Gibson LP supreme, an SG, and 3 PRS guitars, PRS EG US made. I think that mr Paul Reed was blinded by his success and wanted to fight with Fender. He produced 3 different models with 3 combinations. A PRS EG S-S-S (single coil) a S-S-H(umbucker) and a H-S-H. They were made only from 1990-1992 except for one 1990-1994. I have a US Strat from 1964, and most people prefer the PRS sound with Lindy Fralin domino coils (s-s-s). You can look on eBay to find one. It is extremely rare to find one now, and if you find one, the price is double, on a 16 months period. I really don't have a problem to buy one on eBay, you have to pay for import, but even then it's worth thinking about.
HOLIDAY+GUITAR, sounds so nice. I have one from GRUHN, I phoned, got even the serial number, and a friend gave me a document that he sold me that guitar, with that number 6 months before. NAUGHTY BOY, but it's a game.
I've got the buy another guitar bug again. I've got 3 acoustic and a banjo. For some strange reason I have decided if I buy an electric it will be a Les Paul.
I have to admit to not knowing alot about the different models and would like a bit of advice or some views on the Les Paul range. It would be a new one, not second hand, and a maximum of around £3000 ($6000).
Any help out there?
Rob,
Take a look at the Taylor T5 and try playing it through a Line 6 Spider III to get just about any sound you like.
http://www.taylorelectricguitars.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgRzOWNOG08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI5rrbBt … re=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT9eyWrUVpA
£2,000 for the top model & £200 for the amp
Some insist that Tokai's 'Love Rock' copy is as near perfect as you can get even next to a current Gibson.
These people are either crazy or have never played a real Les Paul.
A real Gibson Les Paul guitar is an absolute joy to play and own...it's unique in it's own ways and can't really be copied...Just like the Fender Telecaster... Lots of really great instruments both domestic and import, plus lots of custom...but it's an experience to play the "Real Deal"...
Good morning everybody.
- What CYTANIA writes is true. Those "LOVE ROCK" TOKAI copy is really very very close to the GIBSON LP. TOKAI produced almost an exact copy of the Gibson Les Paul. Even the headstock was the same, and from a short distance you couldn't see a difference. Gibson started a law suit, and won. I found a lot about TOKAI on www.FlyingVintage.com/gcmag/reborn.html . The pre law suit TOKAI's are a real collectors item. I know that they analyse, very detailed, a humbucker, using electronics (output, sound, everything in fact) to analyse the HUMBUCKER and make an exact replica. TOKAI lost, and the prices are sometimes higher than a GIBSON. This law suit, GIBSON vs TOKAI, was also a good thing = free publicity.
A second brand is the HERITAGE, I quote: the idea to start Heritage Guitar began when the Gibson Guitar Corporation closed its Kalamazoo, Michigan factory in September of 1984 and moved all production to its other plant in Nashville, Tennessee and the employees could start in Nashville. A disaster for some workers, 100% integrated in MICHIGAN, who couldn't move because of FAMILY reasons: 3 men, decided to start a guitar manufacturing business. 2 other former Gibson Guitar Corporation employees, joined as owners. So in fact, the employees hnew every little Gibson detail. I don't know if Gibson did a law suit.
Jay: I agree with you 100%. I have 2 Gibson LP custom, one made in 1968 (first year they started the custom production again) and a 1976. The most amazing thing for me is the Fender Telecaster, such a sound, such a simplicity.
Hi SG. What the Tokai champions are saying is that Tokai LP copies are indeed that. True copies of the late 50s, early 60s Les Pauls. Now Gibson today make some fine instruments, alot of them with the Les Paul name but many are quite different from the 'classic era' guitars. They are often not as deep in the body, often slightly smaller and often have different pickups. That's not to say any of them are bad guitars, indeed many are more adaptable, but you need to be careful picking through the Gibson range if what you are after is a replica of the classic era LP.
Aria also had a very close Les Paul copy that was caught up in the lawsuit...I had one of those and wished I had kept it. It was a great guitar... I think Yamaha had a version too!
Guitar chord forum - chordie → Electric → Gibson Les Paul.
