Gibson Les Paul- Biggest Bang for the Buck

[DetroitBlues]

I was in my local Guitar Center (again) today.  Decided to try the Orange Tiny Terror ($549) and Egantor Tweaker (399) 15w amp heads.  (Orange sounded best to me).  But I was playing a Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded Cherry.  (I'm not sure how many have tried this particular guitar, but I must say I think it’s the best bang for the buck.)   Back to the story, I jammed away for a while, actually got a few compliments  .  Had this guy come up to me to talk Les Paul's.  He was buying his first guitar and loved the way the faded sounded when I was playing it.  First thing I told him was, it doesn't matter how great the guitar is when you’re playing through a crappy amp.  It will always sound like crap.  Anyway, I discussed the other LP Studios in comparison to the faded.  The PU's on the normal glossy studios are Gibson 490R and 498T's.  Decent PU's, but the faded models (except ebony & burst) are BurstBucker Pros.  I explained to him how I had the faded ebony (490R and 496T) and an Epiphone LP Standard with Gibson BB pro's in it.  I told him how the BB's make a huge difference in tone and kept the Epiphone over the Gibson because of the tone.  Then he asked about binding on the neck.  I told him it looks great, but when you will need the frets replaced (inevitable), the fret wires will stick out and it the guitar won't look so nice.   I showed him how to feel a good fretjob.  The faded had two or three fret ends that needed some attention, but nothing to serious.  Afterwards, he asked why people look down the neck.  I explained to him about straight fretboards and truss rods.  Then we talked about necks, glossy or satin.  I told him how hands will stick to a glossy neck and how on high end models, the necks are being produced with a satin finish.  He asked me about Nitro finishes which I responded all Gibson's are Nitro finished.  Just to prove it, I pointed out the wear marks on the neck of this LP Studio Faded from the wall hangers.  I tried to talk to him about Epiphone Les Paul’s, but just like almost anyone looking to buy a Les Paul, its Gibson or nothing.  I told him to try to find a used one first by looking on Guitar Center's used gear site.  But if he wanted new, never pay full price.  Get a 15% discount because those are being mailed out to customers now.  Either way, I sure hope I helped the guy make an informed decision about buying his first guitar.   So I stand by the idea that a Faded Gibson LP studio (Cherry or Mahogany) are the best Les Paul's for the money.  Cool day to be a guitarist.  I think I should work at Guitar Center! 

[DetroitBlues]

I forgot to mention looking for a Heritage guitar, but he brushed that off.  I'm more interested in a Heritage guitar than a Gibson.  But man, that Gibson should did feel and sound great!  The Orange Tiny Terror is $549 new, but you can get it for less than $400 used.  All of this is the upper end of my imaginary budget.  Lots of money to be spent if you have.  But just like always, I go into a store, try out some great stuff, and walk away empty handed.  Fun day at the guitar shop..... 

[zagatron1]

The Epi Les Pauls are okay for what I do now, so I don't worry about Gibsons. I have the 490R/498T combo in my Epi Les Paul Studio Deluxe. Got 'em free, so no complaints. Don't those Tiny Terror amps have EL84s in 'em?  I love my Mack Skyraider 15 watter! Pure 6V6 joy! But that's just me. I'm sure you can understand.

[DetroitBlues]

That's why I only have two guitars.  One electric and one acoustic.  Can't afford anything else right now...

[zagatron1]

I can dig it DB! I can no longer afford to sit on gear I don't use. I just have five electrics (and that's too many). I let these forums (with all this "gas" talk) get to me, knowing damn well I can't afford to do that. Keeping up with the "Big boys" will get you in trouble! I know you've heard that expression " I'm gassing"! It's costly like a "Mo Fo". What else can I say? That's life.

[creekster52]

That's why I only have two guitars.  One electric and one acoustic.  Can't afford anything else right now...

I would actually love to find one electric and one acoustic guitar that I could really bond with, and do away with the rest. I know that sounds kinda Zen but...

[DetroitBlues]

My choice came down to a matter of necessity.  I had to give up some of my other gear to keep what I have.  I had a Gibson LP Studio (faded ebony), Epiphone LP Standard (ebony w/ Gibson BB pros), Squire Strat (with mexi pu's), and 1970 Epiphone 12 String acoustic.  Also sold were Digitech RP350, Digitech RP500, Digitech Bad Monkey, Ibanez PH7 Phaser, Behringer Pedal Tuner, EH Holy Grail, Dunlop GCB-95, Dunlop GCB-535, Marshall MG15, Fender Superchamp XD, Fender Champ 600, Fender Frontman 10G, and a 1991 Aria Pro II JS Series.  So I kept the guitar I wanted the most.  2007 hybrid of a Fender Deluxe Lonestar Neck and Roadhouse loaded body (Texas Specials), a Peavey Valveking 112, Line 6 Pocket Pod, and a 2002 Ibanez Performance Series Dreadnaught.  So buying another guitar is a big, big deal for me.  Guilt may take me if I buy another guitar.  Best advice to those is a similiar situation, buy used! With exception to Wah pedals, buying used gear makes a lot of sense.

[creekster52]

I know what you mean. I'm paying $100/month to keep my stuff in storage. I need to get rid of some, but just can't make myself do it yet. I sold off a bunch of stuff 2 years ago and still regret losing some of it. If I could just find that one special acoustic and one special electric it would be a lot easier for me to let the others go.

OMG...I think I'm a junkie (LOL)!!

[DetroitBlues]

I want my next guitar to be my "it" guitar.  Once I have it in my hands, I won't want another guitar, period.  So I'll wait until I have the money to buy exactly what I want with no compromise....

[GreyBee]

Once I have it in my hands, I won't want another guitar, period. 

To quote Paul Simon- Who Do You Think You're Fooling?   

[DetroitBlues]

You're right... Thought about it later after the post.... Gibson Les Paul with humbuckers.... Heritage H535 with humbuckers, Gibson SG with P-90's.  Martin D-18 Acoustic/Electric.  Already have a sweet Strat.  Plus I like the PRS line too.... Lots of choices and lots of time to chose.