Anyone know about Les Pauls?

moro · #1 03-03-2006, 11:29 PM

I've been really wanting a Les Paul but I know nothing about them. :P

Are there common "gotchas" I need to look for when trying LPs? (I don't mean scams, but common defects.) If I'm looking at used guitars, are there certain years I should avoid?

Also, does anyone know of a site that has a breakdown of the specs for different models? I've poked around but haven't found anything useful. I think most people just assume that you know, for example, what a Les Paul Custom is. (I don't.) I do know the differences between the current models.

Thanks!

wallie! · #2 03-04-2006, 03:38 AM

you pay through the nose for one

Algiman · #3 03-04-2006, 05:47 AM

Just been through the same. This may help:
http://www.jemsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44305

moro · #4 03-04-2006, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Algiman

Just been through the same. This may help:
http://www.jemsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44305

Ah thanks. That's a nice looking Les Paul you got.

It's pretty close to what I'm looking for.

IbanezNorthwest · #5 03-04-2006, 05:39 PM

Ask me a question if you like I will trey to answer it!!

shredfreak · #6 03-04-2006, 05:44 PM

Are you looking for Gibson Les Paul or generaly for Les Paul?

moro · #7 03-04-2006, 06:43 PM

A Gibson. For a while, I toyed with the idea of getting a Tokai but I think I want a real one.

moro · #8 03-04-2006, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IbanezNorthwest

Ask me a question if you like I will trey to answer it!!

Ok. Like I said, I'm confused by the model names. From what I understand:

Standard: the basic Les Paul
Deluxe: mini humbuckers
Custom: what is this?

**elcid** · #9 03-04-2006, 08:28 PM

Custom
Block Inlays, ebony fretboard, front and back body binding, different pickups, different neck shape, mahogany body without the maple top. Made in the Custom shop as of 2003 (I think)

Dinosaur · #10 03-04-2006, 08:33 PM

If I were to buy a paula, I would go for a modern interpretation made by other companies.

moro · #11 03-04-2006, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elcid

Custom
Block Inlays, ebony fretboard, front and back body binding, different pickups, different neck shape, mahogany body without the maple top. Made in the Custom shop as of 2003 (I think)

Ah, thanks! I had no idea these didn't have the maple top.

**elcid** · #12 03-04-2006, 08:57 PM

Here's a side by side by side by side pic of a Deluxe, Classic, Standard, and Custom. The Classic has emgs the others are relatively stock.

nickcoumbe · #13 03-08-2006, 06:00 AM

I was told that the manufacturer "Signature" makes good copies, and that they are nearly as good as the real thing for less money.

moro · #14 03-08-2006, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elcid

Here's a side by side by side by side pic of a Deluxe, Classic, Standard, and Custom. The Classic has emgs the others are relatively stock.

Cool, thanks.

I was originally thinking I wanted a Classic--I really like plain tops on Les Pauls. But I was lurking on the Les Paul Forum and everyone was complaining about the green inlays. I never noticed them before, but now that they've been pointed out to me, they really bug the crap out of me.

So now I'm thinking that maybe I'll get a Standard, but then I feel like if I'm going to spend that much money, I might as well go the little extra and get a Custom Shop. But now you're talking thousands of dollars and I start looking at putting together a Strat or an Explorer from parts.

Indecision is nice because it saves you money.

**elcid** · #15 03-08-2006, 11:58 AM

If I were to buy another LP I would get an R7 or R8 (1957 Goldtop or 1958 RI)
They are amde in the custom shop but only 300-400 more than a regular standard, the Customs are quite a bit more.