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Post by homicidalzen on Jan 1, 2007 15:59:55 GMT -7
I've been rockin strats for a long time, but it's time to buy a humbucker/les paul style guitar.
I've considered Tom Anderson (cobra)/Gibson, don't really know what's out there. Which Gibsons are the best? Historic Reissues? Are there certain eras that are higher quality (ie 80s models)? My price limit is around 2500, however, if I could get a great sounding guitar for around 1500 that'd be awesome. I don't care at all about looks, I just care about the quality of craftsmanship, quality of woods used and the sound of the guitar. I play blues, classic rock primarily.
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Post by nitehawk55 on Jan 1, 2007 16:19:39 GMT -7
Pre 1997 LP Standard would be my choice if you go with one but if you are used to Strats it may not fit you well . I would recommend a PRS CE22 with the 3 way switch instead of the 5 way rotary . You can pick a CE up used at good prices and a very under rated guitar in my opinion because some think the bolt on neck takes away from it but I have a custom and McCarty both with set necks and no noticable difference if any at all . Strat is my main go to guitar.....never fell in love with LP's , found them heavy and uncomfortable , also don't care for having 2 volume and tone . JMHO
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Post by (8^D) on Jan 1, 2007 17:51:44 GMT -7
Love Gibbies, but be sure to play each one - fit/finish has been REALLY hit-n-miss w/recent builds. I recently went thru this too....mostly tele/strat guy. Wanted a LP but decided to go with a PRS McCarty and haven't looked back. I wasn't a PRS fan at all (have since become one) but couldn't find a Gibson that fit the bill (after about 2 years of looking). Gibbie's I did find (good workmanship) were outrageously priced - wanted a player, not a wall/closet/studio queen. Also wanted to keep in the $1200 range new/used - either way. If it doesn't trip my trigger for under $1500 I'm not interested (that's amps, guitars, basses, etc.). Ran across the PRS mentioned used locally (individual rather than retail) and went that route. Great neck, great tones, nice weight. Lots of short-scale LP type guitars out there...take some time to look online, visit some nicer music stores, and play a bunch. Might even find a Peavey or Musicman EVH type guitar does the trick (hit up Jayson Chance on the forum - he has a really nice new production line Peavey LP/PRS bucker guitar - another one on the recent LP type hunt - he'll give you some details). Who knows.
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Post by mudskipper on Jan 1, 2007 19:45:36 GMT -7
don't really know what's out there. Which Gibsons are the best? Historic Reissues? Are there certain eras that are higher quality (ie 80s models)?..... it just depends. but if you aren't going to take time trying them out before buying, go with something like PRS Singlecut, Grosh Set Neck, or similar from boutique type manufacturers. they are a lot more consistent from guitar to guitar, making them ideal for internet sales. for better or for worse (depending on your perspective), they all play (and possibly sound) about the same at a higher level of product quality than, say, Gibson.
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Post by skydog958 on Jan 1, 2007 20:06:58 GMT -7
I'm a big Gibson guy (check my sig.), so this is what I know about Les Pauls...
For new(ish) models, if you have to pick between the "Classic" or the "Standard," my money's on the Stardard. Better stock pickups. I heard pre-'97 were good, but I can't personally attest by how much.
Don't by anything from the '70s UNLESS you tried it out and it seemed alright.
The HRs are very nice, but their pickups are not *quite* to the standard as the rest of the guitar. Mucho $$ too.
If you find a Cloud 9 LP, with CR being the first two symbols on the serial number, buy it instantly! These are rare custom shop models that are chambered.
I'm looking to get a P-90 guitar, but I'm leaning towards the 25.5 scale personally.
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cosmo
Full Member
Posts: 156
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Post by cosmo on Jan 1, 2007 23:15:56 GMT -7
I used to play Les Pauls back in the day, but my only twin-hum guitar right now is a Hamer Monaco Superpro. Chambered, mahogany single cut with flame maple top, so it's light; super-high production quality (and this is true of all late model Hamers I've played); and really does the LP thing. If you keep a sharp eye out you can find one used for under $1500. Oh, and it's a 25.5 inch scale.
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Post by mudskipper on Jan 2, 2007 7:17:34 GMT -7
I'm looking to get a P-90 guitar, but I'm leaning towards the 25.5 scale personally. oh, why is that?
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Post by billyguitar on Jan 2, 2007 9:01:19 GMT -7
I always liked the Guild Bluesbird better than a Les Paul.
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Post by skydog958 on Jan 2, 2007 14:17:37 GMT -7
billyguitar said somewhere on the forum that he believes that harmonics "ring out better" on Fender scale guitars (that's not a direct quote, but it's something like that). I later got my Zion, a strat style, and I've been playing it alot, and I'm really liking the scale's feel. I like a good amount of tension (I play with .011-.049 gauges), so now my Gibby's feel a little under-tensioned. Now I still love 'em and play 'em but I'd like to stick with the Fender scale for my next few guitars.
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Post by billyguitar on Jan 2, 2007 14:39:56 GMT -7
I totally believe in the longer scale, and I ONLY played 24-3/4" scale guitars for almost 30 years before switching. 24-3/4" scale just makes the strings feel loose and undertensioned. There is a difference in the harmonic overtones too between the scale lengths. For some reason the Tom Anderson Atom sounds more like a 25-1/2" scale guitar to me than any other shorter scale guitar that I've played. I would think there would be a market for traditional body shapes like a 335 or a Les Paul but with the longer scale.
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Post by mudskipper on Jan 2, 2007 17:58:37 GMT -7
sky and billy, yeah, with all things being equal, i tend to agree with billy on the tension/overtone thing on a longer scale guitars. i do have a semi-hollow i put together with hum-sized p-90s and 25.5" scale neck. the guitar doesn't get mushed out like something similar with 24.75" scale. there's a little more "snap" to the sound (coming out of the amp). i do love my beat up Goldtop and LP Jr, though. do Bluesbirds (old or new) have 25.5" scale?
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Post by billyguitar on Jan 2, 2007 19:58:48 GMT -7
I think they're 24-3/4" but I like the body size better than a Paul.
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Post by nitehawk55 on Jan 2, 2007 20:05:47 GMT -7
I think they're 24-3/4" but I like the body size better than a Paul. Plus they are chambered so they are lighter . I had an all natural maple top....sounded killer , stupidly traded it off several years back .
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Post by skydog958 on Jan 2, 2007 20:34:48 GMT -7
I'd kill though for a Cloud 9 LP. There was one on the 'Bay that was a '54 RI with a Brockburst finish that was stunning. Too much $$ though. They have a pic of it on the "official" Could 9 website.
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Post by Ryan (shorty) on Jan 3, 2007 20:48:42 GMT -7
Has anyone tried a Les Paul Double Cut? The body and electronics are more in line with a PRS and are about $1500. I've heard they retain that LP sound, but in a lighter package.
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Post by nitehawk55 on Jan 3, 2007 21:33:30 GMT -7
Has anyone tried a Les Paul Double Cut? The body and electronics are more in line with a PRS and are about $1500. I've heard they retain that LP sound, but in a lighter package. I don't think they never really caught on and I don't believe Gibson is making them anymore ?. I heard there was some build/quality issues too as has been with with recent Gibson products . Seems a shame and for the price thier products demand they should be getting quality sorted out and living up to thier name .
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Post by skydog958 on Jan 4, 2007 6:38:55 GMT -7
I almost bought the DC before I redecided on my LP Standard.
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Post by billyguitar on Jan 4, 2007 9:03:15 GMT -7
Isn't the neck pickup in a slightly different position on the DC. That MAY have a negative affect on the tone.
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Post by Ryan (shorty) on Jan 4, 2007 23:29:27 GMT -7
Has anyone tried a Les Paul Double Cut? The body and electronics are more in line with a PRS and are about $1500. I've heard they retain that LP sound, but in a lighter package. I don't think they never really caught on and I don't believe Gibson is making them anymore ?. I heard there was some build/quality issues too as has been with with recent Gibson products . Seems a shame and for the price thier products demand they should be getting quality sorted out and living up to thier name . Looks like they still make them (or are making them again). www.gibson.com/Products/GibsonElectric/Gibson%20Electric%20Guitars/LesPaul/Double%20Cuts/Les%20Paul%20DC%20ProI'd at least consider one at $1500 - $1600.
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Post by mudskipper on Jan 5, 2007 8:09:02 GMT -7
that looks better than the older ones. they used to have 24 frets (which threw the proportion of the guitar off), didn't they?
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Post by Ryan (shorty) on Jan 5, 2007 17:26:52 GMT -7
They did have 24 frets, but not sure when they changed them.
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Post by nitehawk55 on Jan 5, 2007 18:09:54 GMT -7
Well I'm sure they were discontinued for a time . Seems logical they might have tried to make changes to it and add it to thier model line up again . I think thier biggest mistake is calling it a Les Paul just like they originally did with the SG when it was first introduced . Gibson needs to get a little more creative and a lot more realistic in what they are offering .
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Post by zuperman on Jan 8, 2007 21:49:48 GMT -7
www.duesenberg.deI use a Starplayer. Phenominal instrument. Dual humbuckers, which are simular to Seymour Duncan JB's, with a little bit more clarity. Furthermore, the guitar is wired to where you can choose between series and paralel within each pick-up, so you still can get a Tele-esque tone. Also, the neck, which is a bit chunky, has a 25.5 scale and is bolt-on.
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Post by ke4unr on Jan 9, 2007 9:48:40 GMT -7
I've been rockin strats for a long time, but it's time to buy a humbucker/les paul style guitar. I'm a long time LP player. If you can find a good Gibson, go for it. But, for Les Paul "style" guitars, I'd also take a serious look at Hamer (Studio model) or Heritage while your at it. Funny you should mention this. I had been jones'in for a Tom Anderson Cobra for a good while. Finally, I decided it was time and started searching. Not one to be found anywhere. So I had to take a 2 1/2 hour drive to get to my nearest Anderson dealer. He had (2) '06 Cobra S guitars, along with an Atom and a Crowdster model. I personally was not taken with the thin necks on either, which was a disappointment. Anderson does offer over sized necks. So when things settle down at his shop, I'd like to take another look at one with a different neck. So, I played several other "boutique" guitars (Melancon, Suhr, Grosh, etc.), and a PRS/soapbar. I was pleasantly surprised with the '06 Grosh Bent Top Custom that I played. Fit/finish, pickups (Fralins). There is something to Don Grosh's "vintagizing" of his necks. Even though it was a new guitar, the neck/frets/fingerboard feel very nice! Grosh also builds a set neck guitar. Btw, I traded in a couple of guitars for the Grosh. One was a Gibson Gary Moore Signature. These are very nice discontinued models, but they are going for crazy money right now! Paid $1300 for mine used, in MINT condition about 3 years ago. They are going for $2000 - $2500 now! Why would I trade in a nice Gibson? I've been playing a long time and I'm tired of the weight. Playing one for a few songs, or a set is OK, but not a full gig. I'm getting to be worthless in my older age. Just my suggestions/opinions. Good luck. Ray K.
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Post by guitarstan on Jan 9, 2007 12:16:56 GMT -7
I played Les Pauls exclusively from 1969 to 1973 gigging usually 5 nights a week. I loved a Les Paul, could not get used to a Strat's neck altho loved the tone. Prior to '69 I used a Gibson 355, wonderful guitar, wish I still had it. Now my favorite guitar depends on which song I am playing . For general noodling I usually pick up the Tom Anderson Hollow T, thin neck but somehow it is just the thing! For a more aggresive kick butt attitude geetar I'll pick up a PRS usually my triple soapbar, Man that's the ticket! I will also use a McCarty PRS with coil tap to get Les Paul and single coil in one package, great all in one geetar! I have a nice Strat that is a joy to play and love that tone, great for certain songs. My Les Paul I love to look at because it's a beautiful 1990 '59 Reissue heavy flame almost book matched. Bought it used at Gruhn's back in 1999, he personally hand picked it at a guitar show as having the mojo and it does, it is amazing, best Les Paul I ever had and I've had a few of the good ones from the 50's. Now at least I don't have to beat myself up for selling them . It is imperative to play a modern day production Les Paul both with and without an amp in a quiet environment not out in the middle of the room at Guitar Center. At Gruhn's they have private rooms with amps and go there during the week it's quiet. I tell ya for $1,500 I'd be looking at used PRS's. New ones that cost $2,000+ can be had on ebay for $1,100 +, all the one's I've played made in 1999 +/- have been excellent, not perfect but worthy of the money spent. I have 4 PRS's, yet only one Les Paul, only one TAG, and only one Strat (altho I would love to have a Grosh). Bang for the buck, IMHO go with a used PRS. I have been tempted to change pickups from time to time, that is, until I got my first Z amp. No need to monkey with pups now, tone to spare with all my geetars. Yea maybe I'd like to try some aftermarket pups but the "unsanity" has got to stop somewhere so says the little lady ;D.
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Post by dock66 on Jan 9, 2007 13:00:34 GMT -7
I love LPs,but man the weight is killing when you play all night.Until several years back when I picked up a few PRS Cust 24.These guitars are versatile enough that I don't need to haul a Strat and LP with me to the gigs.
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Post by nitehawk55 on Jan 9, 2007 14:01:03 GMT -7
To add to guitarstan's suggestion for a used PRS ( which I totally agree with ) if you get the right used PRS guitar ( or any good used guitar ) you will never lose money on it . Get out and try some if you can as well as some other guitars that have been suggested and HAVE FUN !!
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Post by Joey Beverages on Jan 9, 2007 14:33:51 GMT -7
fwiw, I would say take a look at the Heritage (started by former Gibson staff) or Hamer guitars. I've had the chance to 'test drive' a couple of these in the past and thought they were pretty hot-stuff. nothing wrong with Gibson in my opinion, but I think sometimes it's a good idea to check out the competition. good luck and happy shopping Joel
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Post by Hohn on Jan 9, 2007 19:55:25 GMT -7
Another vote for Heritage or Hamer. Gibby doesn't deserve the love they get, and hasn't since the early 80s imo. Only two LP's I've played in eons were even near worth the price, and only because they were marked waaaaay down.
Yes, that LP has more re-sale, but I never factor in re-sale. I never plan to get rid of a guitar unless I absolutely have to. I say buy the right guitar the first time. Buying an inferior guitar because it has higher re-sale is foolish, imo-- because with the right guitar, you will NEVER sell it!
Hamer makes two scale length versions of the Monaco-- one is LP scale, the other is Strat scale. The three-piece neck that Hamer uses gives the guitars an incredibly rigid feel from stem to stern.
The Hamers I have played have all been remarkably consistent-- and consistently GOOD. Also, Hamer's quality has actually *improved* since they moved from IL. There wasn't much room for improvement, but they found it. I would actually buy a Monaco sight unseen and unheard, so consistently good are their guitars. For example, the Artist model may be the best playing and sounding 335 on the planet, and at a bargain price to boot.
Even my budget Hamer Special has incredible attention to detail and sound really good. Give a listen to some of my P-90 clips with this guitar. I paid $550, NEW-- AMERICAN MADE! No $550 has a right to sound that good, never mind something often a grand more or higher.
I'm longing for a Humbucker LP style guitar in the worst way also, But Gibson is way down on the list of providers. Here's my personal list to take or leave:
1) Hamer Monaco 2) Zion Primera 3) PRS McCarty (overpriced when new, but still a great guitar) 4) JET, Briggs, Grosh, etc high end boutique axe.
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auratnik
New Member
Brain busting and darkly seductive.
Posts: 38
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Post by auratnik on Jan 10, 2007 6:29:11 GMT -7
Edwards!!! Made in Japan by ESP folks. In my opinion better than anything around $2000 price point by Gibson, highly recommended.
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