Les Paul freaks - your advice please.

Algiman · #1 02-04-2006, 06:27 AM

To complement my collection a guitars, I'm off to "invest" in a Les Paul.
I'm not hugely knowledgeable about Les Pauls but I have always loved the look and sound.
What I want to know is, are there any specific things I should watch for when I'm shopping for one? Any typical faults I might not spot? Any other useful info?
I'll almost certainly be buying new, so I'd not expect to worry about breaks etc, and I'd have the warrantee for any faults that appear later on, but given the reputation Gibson have for poor quality control these days I'm treading carefully.

Jem7RB MK · #2 02-04-2006, 06:47 AM

Delete which one numpty

I searched for over 5 years to find the right one, Just play as many as you can and the right one will find you bro, About the best advice i got, Oh and Gurj Maybe selling his, PM and i'll fire his email to ya Geeza (unless he spots this already)

Rob

Algiman · #3 02-04-2006, 06:54 AM

Delete the other one with the dodgy title!

Yep, I recon this might be a long shopping process. All those hours, playing new guitars, no idea how I'll cope!

Your advice aside, what are the common faults causing so much frustration to buyers?

shredfreak · #4 02-04-2006, 06:54 AM

Some cheap Les Paul copys may have alder bodies instead of mahogany body.

I would give a try for a Tokai Love Rock, they are great guitars. Many people say that Japanese made Tokai Love Rock models like LS80F or LS85Q are on par with real Gibson Les Paul Standards. Les Paul Standards cost usually twice as much as Tokai Love Rocks.

And then there is always those Custom Shop Tokai's which cost from 2000 to 3000 euros but they are as good as Custom Shop Gibsons.

http://www.tokaiforum.com/

http://www.tokairegistry.com/

Algiman · #5 02-04-2006, 06:55 AM

I'm going with Gibson.

the.godfather · #6 02-04-2006, 06:57 AM

Thats exactly what I am looking for too.
Thats why I am selling my Yngwie Strat.

I have wanted a Gibson Les Paul Custom since I can remember, so........I thought I would put some effort into finding one.

Jem7RB MK · #7 02-04-2006, 07:04 AM

Common faults as far as I was concerned, Was just not having the typicle LP sound, Just lack of playability, tone not being there, kind of airy sounding, general feel, and comfyness (you get used to the bruises on your ribcage)

Rob

the.godfather · #8 02-04-2006, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jem7RB MK

Common faults as far as I was concerned, Was just not having the typicle LP sound, Just lack of playability, tone not being there, kind of airy sounding, general feel, and comfyness (you get used to the bruises on your ribcage)

I have heard some really BAD reports about Les Pauls. Especially the newer ones, say 2001 onwards. Mostly about the sound - some reviews say that the "fat sound" is "missing" and just isnt there. But from what I have read - the older ones are slightly better, around the 70's models.

Algiman · #9 02-04-2006, 07:24 AM

I've heard similar, but the magazine reviews of the 02/03 models said that Gibson had finally sorted out their QC problems and were producing great instruments again. Since then I believe they have gone back downhill.

And a lot of the late 70s and 80s ones were awful!

Jem7RB MK · #10 02-04-2006, 07:28 AM

I have actually only owned 2, a 72 custom in natural, maple neck and fretboard, fooking awesome, but got stolen years ago (mental maths occuring) and my 96 LP Standard, which Had it all, Sound, and bite, Sustain and Presence, but debts caught up and had to sell her

(about 15 yrs ago was stolen, make me 16 so about right)

mid 70's can have weaker headstock joints, some early 80's are just plain firewood, etc... You just have to play them, Out of i suppose 150 odd LP's i've played, i only ever owned 2. and i am a crap guitarist so i am sure you'll find better ones quicker

Rob

Jem7RB MK · #11 02-04-2006, 07:29 AM

Will keep my ears open for any local guys

Rob

Jem7RB MK · #12 02-04-2006, 07:30 AM

Did that last msg sound like an advert for cottaging eep

Rob

the.godfather · #13 02-04-2006, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Algiman

I've heard similar, but the magazine reviews of the 02/03 models said that Gibson had finally sorted out their QC problems and were producing great instruments again. Since then I believe they have gone back downhill.

I may have to go and try out a few of the new ones then. Its about time they sorted out the QC issues, as its been going on for years. But a newer one may actually be better. Because that way, it can be taken back if anything happens to it.

Rotti · #14 02-04-2006, 08:52 AM

I hear Gibson has good customer support so a new one may be the way to go. There are a LOT of choices now when it comes to LP's. If I were buying I would try out a couple of the Les Paul "classic"'s. I think they look great and have the slim taper neck, and I'd love to play a "Supreme" and an "Elegant".

This is a Les Paul Elegant.

the.godfather · #15 02-04-2006, 09:02 AM

I have never really been into the Standards or the Classics much. The Customs are the only ones that have interested me. I really like the old Deluxe models from the 70's too, with the mini-hums.