Custom Shop Gibson Les Paul '58 & '59...

[red5]

I played both recently. The 59 costs a whopping $4200, but Guitar Center sells the 58 for $2300 which is just as well made, the only difference being no flame on the top, a fatter neck and no extra cost to have a '59 reissue on the name.

I think I liked the 58 better to boot. Probably the most well made guitar I have ever played. Even the binding was perfectly aligned on the fretboard. The neck was straight as an arrow. Played an authentic 1960 Les Paul Black Beauty and I dont think I even liked it that much.

Just put some burstbuckers on my Les Paul Classic today (havent heard em yet!). The neck is much better than most but it's still not quite as good as either of those custom shop models. What is cool is my neck is thin though (in a way that usually gives me hand cramps since I broke my thumb years ago!).

For those of you who havent, go play one of those at your local store. DOnt forget a cloth to wipe the drool up with though!

[Rotti]

The Les Paul Classic's are nice. I wouldn't mind getting one. The customs are just too expensive.

[red5]

Originally Posted by Rotti

The Les Paul Classic's are nice. I wouldn't mind getting one. The customs are just too expensive.

Yeah after playing ther 58 for $2300, I wouldnt think about a custom or a supreme. Generally necks on the regular line are sometimes good and sometimes ****. I'm glad I got a good one. Both custom shop models I have played had perfect necks.

[sniperfrommars1]

Originally Posted by red5

Yeah after playing ther 58 for $2300, I wouldnt think about a custom or a supreme. Generally necks on the regular line are sometimes good and sometimes ****. I'm glad I got a good one. Both custom shop models I have played had perfect necks.

I own a 86 studio with a maple top and neck. Quite odd it seems. I stripped the finish of the neck and am now in serious love with this guitar. I still prefer older les pauls to any of the new ones Ive played. They just seem to be made totally different

[red5]

^^ You know the Studios in the early to mid 90s were about as well made as the standards and classics, just without the binding. Around the same time they were also solid maple so they were extremely heavy. Furthermore, I think the standards (not the classics due to some design issues they fixed since then) were better made back then too.

But the custom shop models were a completely different guitar then the standard Gibson line has been since the early 70s!