Best Les Paul

fiftycalibre · 09-06-2007, 03:23 AM

Les Paul's are popular around here. I'd like to get one but it's said the current production leaves a lot to be desired. Weight relief holes and chambers to make up for lesser quality wood. Spotty quality control. These are just some of the things I have read about regarding the latest guitars. How true? Might just be the stuff sent over here? One thing I've heard is the best exports go to Japan. (Makes no sense though)
Can you guys with years of experience playing them give your opinion?
If it's true,when were the last good LP's made? 70's 80's?

.50

JCM800 · 09-06-2007, 03:54 AM

i never was a big les paul fan, but now they have just sealed the coffin. i will NEVER buy a 2007 les paul. you can probly find better qualtiy instruments in higher quality epiphones (once you replace the pickups).

the only les paul i will ever buy will be a les paul jr.perfect weight, no anoying pickup switch, and one P-90 pickup. one of the best guitars ever made

gibsoncustom.com

Adwex · 09-06-2007, 09:57 AM

Just because he was never a fan of Les Pauls, doesn't mean they suck. The 2 basic problems with Les Pauls is that..

1- You need to do a little searching to find a good one. Once you do,
NOTHING CAN BEAT IT.....NOTHING !!!!! Sorry JCM800, the best Epiphone might come close to a crappy Les Paul, but a good LP is in another leaque that Epiphone cannot even come close to. I don't know anyone that collects Epiphones, and I never heard of an Epiphone selling for a million dollars.

2- They aren't cheap. The Historic (Custom Shop) Les Pauls can be magical, but you can buy 4-8 Epiphones for the same $. I've found that most people who bitch about Les Pauls, can't afford them.

The custom shop Historics are NOT weight relieved, only the standard USA production ones are. As someone who is somewhat obsessed with them, I read/write quite a bit about them on other forums, and happen to know that the people who actually know what they are talking about, have been saying that 2007 is turning out to be an exceptional year for Historics.

Adwex · 09-06-2007, 10:16 AM

.50,

The best bang for the Les Paul buck is the '57 Historic Reissue Goldtop (R7). They are great guitars, but the maple top might not look the greatest, so they paint them. Fat neck, longer neck tenon joint, lighter wood, nitrocellulose lacquer, superior materials, and craftmanship. This model represents the cheapest of the Historic line. The better looking woods go to the '58 reissue (R8), and the best looking figured maple and the lightest mahogany goes to the flagship '59 reissue (R9).

What else do you wanna know? Wanna see some pics? I have a bunch.
Here's my R7, I got it for $1700 on ebay, and it'll kick the crap outta any Epiphone:

JCM800 · 09-06-2007, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adwex

Just because he was never a fan of Les Pauls, doesn't mean they suck. The 2 basic problems with Les Pauls is that..

1- You need to do a little searching to find a good one. Once you do,
NOTHING CAN BEAT IT.....NOTHING !!!!! Sorry JCM800, the best Epiphone might come close to a crappy Les Paul, but a good LP is in another leaque that Epiphone cannot even come close to.

2- They aren't cheap. The Historic (Custom Shop) Les Pauls can be magical, but you can buy 4-8 Epiphones for the same $. I've found that most people who bitch about Les Pauls, can't afford them.

The custom shop Historics are NOT weight relieved, only the standard USA production ones are. As someone who is somewhat obsessed with them, I read/write quite a bit about them on other forums, and happen to know that the people who actually know what they are talking about, have been saying that 2007 is turning out to be an exceptional year for Historics.

1) i didnt mean all les pauls suck. just the 2007 ones. i no that epis wont come close to a good les paul, but ive played these new chambered les pauls and they are crap, even if i was a les paul fan i wouldnt like them. the sound realy weak compared to the older ones.

2)if you pay a bit more and go for the custom models then yea, you cant beat them, but as far as production models go, your better off buying an SG. and also, when im getting a guitar, price isnt a barrier for me, ill pay anything to get what i want.

so yea, custom is good, but the new usa production models is a step back for them.

fiftycalibre · 09-07-2007, 12:57 AM

To get back on track and clarify my position:
I like Les Pauls, I want a LP (iced tea). How do I increase my chance of getting a good one?

.50

JCM800 · 09-07-2007, 01:44 AM

where bouts in australia are you? and with the random quality checks, body chambering etc i wouldnt recomend buying any guitar without playing it first, expecialy at the price as a gibson. there is one les paul i like at my local guitar shop (1 outa about 4). its vintage burst les paul standard.
they do deliverys and its a good guitar

(its been sitting there for a few years, the strings are kinda dead, but its a nice les paul)

Haworth Guitars: Gibson Les Paul Standard 50's Neck
check it out

JCM800 · 09-07-2007, 01:50 AM

and reading back on my other posts, i stand by what i said, but i did exadurate a bit, les pauls sound great, dont get me rong, but i cant see the point of paying $3500+ on a guitar where im just going to rip out a pickup switch and put it where the tone control is.

id rather find alternitives, such as finding a guitar that doesnt get in the way of my playing, or just customise a upper clased epi or ibanez. new pickups, rearanging the controls and all that jazz

konrad gibson · 09-21-2007, 09:41 AM

Go for a reissue!

Konrad

MySpace.com - Conny Martin - DE - Rock / Blues / Other - www.myspace.com/connymartin

Adwex · 09-21-2007, 12:44 PM

Like Konrad said, get a reissue.
Guess which guitar gets played most:

Sorry. Took these pics last night, couldn't resist.

Adam

fiftycalibre · 09-22-2007, 04:37 AM

Thanks for the advice guys. (Danke to Konrad. Der LP ist sehr gut. Mein Deutsch ist kaput.)

Thats a great guitar room Adam.
Is it a room in your house or a converted shipping container?

.50

chasenblues · 09-22-2007, 11:10 AM

it ain't a gibson... its what i could afford.

Adwex · 09-22-2007, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiftycalibre

...
Thats a great guitar room Adam.
Is it a room in your house or a converted shipping container?

.50

It's a rehearsal space we rent monthly at a studio complex that has 12 rooms total. It's a little small, but it's ours, and we have 24/7 access. That pic only shows half the room, on the other wall we have a desk with a computer (8 track digital recording, and internet access) and PA amp. Even got our own little fridge for keepin' the beer/water cold.

lpaholic59Don · 09-22-2007, 01:58 PM

Fifty I have found that Orville, Orville By Gibson and some mid 80s Greco's with long tenon necks to be VERY good buys for the buck . a Gibson dealer friend of mine replaced the pickups in my Orville LP and then last week played it live on stage when I lent it to him at a blues jam, I quote from him" Damn, its as good as any Les I have on my wall( in his store) " Included on that wall one R7 and R8

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiftycalibre

Les Paul's are popular around here. I'd like to get one but it's said the current production leaves a lot to be desired. Weight relief holes and chambers to make up for lesser quality wood. Spotty quality control. These are just some of the things I have read about regarding the latest guitars. How true? Might just be the stuff sent over here? One thing I've heard is the best exports go to Japan. (Makes no sense though)
Can you guys with years of experience playing them give your opinion?
If it's true,when were the last good LP's made? 70's 80's?

.50

Adwex · 09-22-2007, 02:42 PM

.50,

If your biggest concern is "getting a good one" without being able to play it first, I might be able to steer you in the right direction.

Take a look here:
Mark's Guitar Loft ~ Your source for vintage guitars, amps and accessories

I've never bought anything from Mark Bishop, but he's very well respected in the Les Paul world, and I've read MANY MANY forum posts here:

Mark's Guitar Loft - Les Paul Forum

...from people who have had very good experiences with him. One common thing many people say is that he can give you an honest, accurate, detailed "report", describing the tone and feel of a guitar. You can email him, or call him on the phone to ask about a guitar you see on his site (he takes great pics of guitars too). You may pay a little more for a used guitar, but everyone who has dealt with him has nothing but good things to say. I don't know his policy on shipping overseas though, you might want to ask about that (his shop is in the North East USA).

You'll most likely have a good experience with any of the other dealers found here:
Dealers Boulevard - Les Paul Forum

Saul, from Centre City gets alot of good reviews too.
Centre City Music - Les Paul Forum

Adam

fiftycalibre · 09-22-2007, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lpaholic59Don

Fifty I have found that Orville, Orville By Gibson and some mid 80s Greco's with long tenon necks to be VERY good buys for the buck .

I have heard good things about Greco. A couple of other brands that get high praise is Tokai and Edwards. Seems like the Japanese really know how to make guitars.

Thanks for the links Adam. The cost of getting a guitar into Oz is a bit difficult. Once the price is over AUS$1000 you get hit with all sorts of taxes and customs fees.
Unless someone sends it under valued.

.50

lpaholic59Don · 09-22-2007, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiftycalibre

I have heard good things about Greco. A couple of other brands that get high praise is Tokai and Edwards. Seems like the Japanese really know how to make guitars.

Thanks for the links Adam. The cost of getting a guitar into Oz is a bit difficult. Once the price is over AUS$1000 you get hit with all sorts of taxes and customs fees.
Unless someone sends it under valued.

.50

Havent yet played a Tokai and only a few Edwards, of Grecos , I have owned two, Orvilles, four, Still have my fav Orville LP, now has a Classic 57 in the neck and a Burstbucker3 in the rear , I'd play it on any stage or recording anywhere for anyone

coldsteal2 · 09-25-2007, 01:18 PM

I think people dont like Les Pauls because they cant afford one ;o)

JCM800 · 10-02-2007, 06:44 AM

i still say that you should get a custom shop 1957 les paul JR re (the VOS series). 1 P-90 pickup is all you need.

its loud, agressive and just has that unique P-90 "growl" that i just love. and they sound great for Punk, metal and blues, and it only has 1 pickup.

and also, coldsteal, its not a price thing. i prefere strats and les paul jrs becuase of playability and sound (juniors cost more that les paul standards nowadays)
and as far as hollowbodies go, gretsch are easyly the best.

fiftycalibre · 10-03-2007, 03:18 AM

I'd never buy a guitar with one pickup. It's just not my thing.

.50

JCM800 · 10-04-2007, 10:56 PM

its personal preferance, but this is just me
its why i bought a 1 channel amp. i want this 1 sound, and the JCM 800 combined with a les paul jr (or another P-90 guitar) is that punk sound that i aim for.

it will be a while before i get a LP jr tho

fiftycalibre · 10-05-2007, 04:00 AM

Yeah, some great guitars have only one pickup.
Are you a Greenday fan?
Do yourself a favour and have a listen to the Ramones and the Sex Pistols. 'Never mind the bollocks, here's the Sex pistols' is a great album.
That is real punk music.

.50

coldsteal2 · 10-05-2007, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCM800

i still say that you should get a custom shop 1957 les paul JR re (the VOS series). 1 P-90 pickup is all you need.

its loud, agressive and just has that unique P-90 "growl" that i just love. and they sound great for Punk, metal and blues, and it only has 1 pickup.

and also, coldsteal, its not a price thing. i prefere strats and les paul jrs becuase of playability and sound (juniors cost more that les paul standards nowadays)
and as far as hollowbodies go, gretsch are easyly the best.

I have an Epi Limited Edition 57 reissure LP Jr, love it, also have
a 60th anniversary Fender Strat, love it to, and a Warmoth
Strat with one Invader pu and floyd rose love it to. Love having the versitility
i like all the sounds

JCM800 · 10-06-2007, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiftycalibre

Yeah, some great guitars have only one pickup.
Are you a Greenday fan?
Do yourself a favour and have a listen to the Ramones and the Sex Pistols. 'Never mind the bollocks, here's the Sex pistols' is a great album.
That is real punk music.

.50

i like most punk rock. green day, Rancid, the ramones, a bit of the sex pistols, the clash, all those types of bands. the P-90 just nails that sound.

601 Blues · 10-08-2007, 10:19 AM

My 1980 custom!

601 Blues · 10-08-2007, 12:11 PM

I have several Gibsons,that cost some bucks!!My problem is travlin in the Blues Circle thaks me to a lotta Jukes ,and one night I caught a guy walkin out the door with my 345! man!! So I decided to pick up some Stuff that was not so tempting and if I did loose it it wouldn't be such a big deal, So I was invited to peavys artist relations meeting and got to try some of there new stuff, I was very impressed with the JF1 and picked up a couple, now thats what I play at juke joints,

JonnyGator · 02-21-2008, 05:46 PM

OK, so I'm a sissy, but the reason I never bought a LP has been because the necks were all too fat for me... I like em skinny....

But a week ago I was in a local shop and saw a newish(2005?) Goldtop soapbar on the rack on consignment. I've always wanted a Goldtop since I heard Martin Barre play one in 1969 or '70 with Jetho Tull. Fell dead in love with the tone. I tried a lot of them but figured the necks were gonna keep me from getting one---until last week. This neck was nice, not skinny, but extremely lovable. Yeah, it's not cheap at $1.8, but I'm convinced that they can be great guitars, and that will be my next one....

09-06-2007, 03:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
fiftycalibre Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 151	Best Les Paul Les Paul's are popular around here. I'd like to get one but it's said the current production leaves a lot to be desired. Weight relief holes and chambers to make up for lesser quality wood. Spotty quality control. These are just some of the things I have read about regarding the latest guitars. How true? Might just be the stuff sent over here? One thing I've heard is the best exports go to Japan. (Makes no sense though) Can you guys with years of experience playing them give your opinion? If it's true,when were the last good LP's made? 70's 80's? .50 __________________ Whats wrong with Jack the Riffer anyway....

09-06-2007, 03:54 AM	#2 (permalink)
JCM800 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: wollongong, australia Posts: 39	Re: Best Les Paul i never was a big les paul fan, but now they have just sealed the coffin. i will NEVER buy a 2007 les paul. you can probly find better qualtiy instruments in higher quality epiphones (once you replace the pickups). the only les paul i will ever buy will be a les paul jr.perfect weight, no anoying pickup switch, and one P-90 pickup. one of the best guitars ever made gibsoncustom.com

09-06-2007, 09:57 AM	#3 (permalink)
Adwex Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 648	Re: Best Les Paul Just because he was never a fan of Les Pauls, doesn't mean they suck. The 2 basic problems with Les Pauls is that.. 1- You need to do a little searching to find a good one. Once you do, NOTHING CAN BEAT IT.....NOTHING !!!!! Sorry JCM800, the best Epiphone might come close to a crappy Les Paul, but a good LP is in another leaque that Epiphone cannot even come close to. I don't know anyone that collects Epiphones, and I never heard of an Epiphone selling for a million dollars. 2- They aren't cheap. The Historic (Custom Shop) Les Pauls can be magical, but you can buy 4-8 Epiphones for the same $. I've found that most people who bitch about Les Pauls, can't afford them. The custom shop Historics are NOT weight relieved, only the standard USA production ones are. As someone who is somewhat obsessed with them, I read/write quite a bit about them on other forums, and happen to know that the people who actually know what they are talking about, have been saying that 2007 is turning out to be an exceptional year for Historics. __________________ Band Websites: www.loudrocker.com/ www.myspace.com/rockerlivemusic

09-06-2007, 10:16 AM	#4 (permalink)
Adwex Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 648	Re: Best Les Paul .50, The best bang for the Les Paul buck is the '57 Historic Reissue Goldtop (R7). They are great guitars, but the maple top might not look the greatest, so they paint them. Fat neck, longer neck tenon joint, lighter wood, nitrocellulose lacquer, superior materials, and craftmanship. This model represents the cheapest of the Historic line. The better looking woods go to the '58 reissue (R8), and the best looking figured maple and the lightest mahogany goes to the flagship '59 reissue (R9). What else do you wanna know? Wanna see some pics? I have a bunch. Here's my R7, I got it for $1700 on ebay, and it'll kick the crap outta any Epiphone: __________________ Band Websites: www.loudrocker.com/ www.myspace.com/rockerlivemusic

09-07-2007, 12:57 AM	#6 (permalink)
fiftycalibre Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 151	Re: Best Les Paul To get back on track and clarify my position: I like Les Pauls, I want a LP (iced tea). How do I increase my chance of getting a good one? .50 __________________ Whats wrong with Jack the Riffer anyway.... Last edited by fiftycalibre; 09-07-2007 at 08:12 AM.

09-07-2007, 01:44 AM	#7 (permalink)
JCM800 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: wollongong, australia Posts: 39	Re: Best Les Paul where bouts in australia are you? and with the random quality checks, body chambering etc i wouldnt recomend buying any guitar without playing it first, expecialy at the price as a gibson. there is one les paul i like at my local guitar shop (1 outa about 4). its vintage burst les paul standard. they do deliverys and its a good guitar (its been sitting there for a few years, the strings are kinda dead, but its a nice les paul) Haworth Guitars: Gibson Les Paul Standard 50's Neck check it out

09-07-2007, 01:50 AM	#8 (permalink)
JCM800 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: wollongong, australia Posts: 39	Re: Best Les Paul and reading back on my other posts, i stand by what i said, but i did exadurate a bit, les pauls sound great, dont get me rong, but i cant see the point of paying $3500+ on a guitar where im just going to rip out a pickup switch and put it where the tone control is. id rather find alternitives, such as finding a guitar that doesnt get in the way of my playing, or just customise a upper clased epi or ibanez. new pickups, rearanging the controls and all that jazz

09-21-2007, 09:41 AM	#9 (permalink)
konrad gibson Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Germany Posts: 10	Re: Best Les Paul Go for a reissue! Konrad MySpace.com - Conny Martin - DE - Rock / Blues / Other - www.myspace.com/connymartin

09-21-2007, 12:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
Adwex Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 648	Re: Best Les Paul Like Konrad said, get a reissue. Guess which guitar gets played most: Sorry. Took these pics last night, couldn't resist. Adam __________________ Band Websites: www.loudrocker.com/ www.myspace.com/rockerlivemusic

09-22-2007, 04:37 AM	#11 (permalink)
fiftycalibre Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 151	Re: Best Les Paul Thanks for the advice guys. (Danke to Konrad. Der LP ist sehr gut. Mein Deutsch ist kaput.) Thats a great guitar room Adam. Is it a room in your house or a converted shipping container? .50 __________________ Whats wrong with Jack the Riffer anyway....

09-22-2007, 11:10 AM	#12 (permalink)
chasenblues Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: west babylon ny. Posts: 2	Re: Best Les Paul it ain't a gibson... its what i could afford.

09-22-2007, 02:42 PM	#15 (permalink)
Adwex Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 648	Re: Best Les Paul .50, If your biggest concern is "getting a good one" without being able to play it first, I might be able to steer you in the right direction. Take a look here: Mark's Guitar Loft ~ Your source for vintage guitars, amps and accessories I've never bought anything from Mark Bishop, but he's very well respected in the Les Paul world, and I've read MANY MANY forum posts here: Mark's Guitar Loft - Les Paul Forum ...from people who have had very good experiences with him. One common thing many people say is that he can give you an honest, accurate, detailed "report", describing the tone and feel of a guitar. You can email him, or call him on the phone to ask about a guitar you see on his site (he takes great pics of guitars too). You may pay a little more for a used guitar, but everyone who has dealt with him has nothing but good things to say. I don't know his policy on shipping overseas though, you might want to ask about that (his shop is in the North East USA). You'll most likely have a good experience with any of the other dealers found here: Dealers Boulevard - Les Paul Forum Saul, from Centre City gets alot of good reviews too. Centre City Music - Les Paul Forum Adam __________________ Band Websites: www.loudrocker.com/ www.myspace.com/rockerlivemusic

09-25-2007, 01:18 PM	#18 (permalink)
coldsteal2 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 973	Re: Best Les Paul I think people dont like Les Pauls because they cant afford one ;o) __________________ http://www.myspace.com/coldstealii http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page...?bandID=678085 http://www.youtube.com/user/kroftkarl

10-02-2007, 06:44 AM	#19 (permalink)
JCM800 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: wollongong, australia Posts: 39	Re: Best Les Paul i still say that you should get a custom shop 1957 les paul JR re (the VOS series). 1 P-90 pickup is all you need. its loud, agressive and just has that unique P-90 "growl" that i just love. and they sound great for Punk, metal and blues, and it only has 1 pickup. and also, coldsteal, its not a price thing. i prefere strats and les paul jrs becuase of playability and sound (juniors cost more that les paul standards nowadays) and as far as hollowbodies go, gretsch are easyly the best.

10-03-2007, 03:18 AM	#20 (permalink)
fiftycalibre Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 151	Re: Best Les Paul I'd never buy a guitar with one pickup. It's just not my thing. .50 __________________ Whats wrong with Jack the Riffer anyway....

10-04-2007, 10:56 PM	#21 (permalink)
JCM800 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: wollongong, australia Posts: 39	Re: Best Les Paul its personal preferance, but this is just me its why i bought a 1 channel amp. i want this 1 sound, and the JCM 800 combined with a les paul jr (or another P-90 guitar) is that punk sound that i aim for. it will be a while before i get a LP jr tho

10-05-2007, 04:00 AM	#22 (permalink)
fiftycalibre Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 151	Re: Best Les Paul Yeah, some great guitars have only one pickup. Are you a Greenday fan? Do yourself a favour and have a listen to the Ramones and the Sex Pistols. 'Never mind the bollocks, here's the Sex pistols' is a great album. That is real punk music. .50 __________________ Whats wrong with Jack the Riffer anyway....

10-08-2007, 10:19 AM	#25 (permalink)
601 Blues Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 119	Re: Best Les Paul My 1980 custom!

10-08-2007, 12:11 PM	#26 (permalink)
601 Blues Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 119	Re: Best Les Paul I have several Gibsons,that cost some bucks!!My problem is travlin in the Blues Circle thaks me to a lotta Jukes ,and one night I caught a guy walkin out the door with my 345! man!! So I decided to pick up some Stuff that was not so tempting and if I did loose it it wouldn't be such a big deal, So I was invited to peavys artist relations meeting and got to try some of there new stuff, I was very impressed with the JF1 and picked up a couple, now thats what I play at juke joints,

02-21-2008, 05:46 PM	#27 (permalink)
JonnyGator Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: southern cal Posts: 10	Re: Best Les Paul OK, so I'm a sissy, but the reason I never bought a LP has been because the necks were all too fat for me... I like em skinny.... But a week ago I was in a local shop and saw a newish(2005?) Goldtop soapbar on the rack on consignment. I've always wanted a Goldtop since I heard Martin Barre play one in 1969 or '70 with Jetho Tull. Fell dead in love with the tone. I tried a lot of them but figured the necks were gonna keep me from getting one---until last week. This neck was nice, not skinny, but extremely lovable. Yeah, it's not cheap at $1.8, but I'm convinced that they can be great guitars, and that will be my next one....

02-22-2008, 08:10 AM	#28 (permalink)
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