Les Paul or ... ?

[Thom]

Hi,

Advice needed here, please.

I've had a UV777BK for 6 years. I love it to bits and I will never ever part with it.

The thing is I'm currently looking for a 6 string guitar and I'm in the position to make a pretty good deal on a Gibson Les Paul Standard.

However, after having played the Les Paul in question it seems that I would need quite a lot of time to get accustomed to it : compared to the UV's neck, the LP 50s neck absolutely sucks.
But that guitar sounds good, is very beautiful and has some cachet and presence Ibanez have not, IMHO.

At first I was thinking of buying a JEM, but I get the feeling it would not be different enough to the UV, and I can't justify buying some "6 string UV".
I'm looking for a guitar really different in character to the UV, both in terms of sound and look, but somehting that is at least as enjoyable to lay the fingers on.
Right now the solution would be to fit a JEM neck on the Les Paul ... (laugh).

Should I buy the Les Paul and really try to get used to the neck or should I try something else before making a choice and let the deal pass ?

Thanks in advance.

[Wis Redz of Silvanost]

truth be told, i was rolling on the floor when i was reading the part about fitting a jem neck on a les paul

anyway, i say you buy a good fender strat... they are just great...

[kent]

You need to decide if you want THAT Les Paul or A Les Paul in general. If you don't have a good vibe about the neck of the particular LP in question then I would suggest waiting until you find one you like. If you find the right Les Paul you won't even think about the differences in the neck. You also would probably be happier with a 60s profile neck and not a 50s although both will be a great deal different than your UV. The playability and vibe of Gibson guitars can vary a great deal. You can find two indentical appearing '95 Les Paul Customs that play and sound completely different. However, I have four Gibson guitars and I would have more if I could justify it because I think when they get it right you just can't beat them.

[jim777]

Try an Ibanez Artist.

[Rotti]

Try an SZ720

[data187]

try a prs with a wide thin neck...
the mccarty sounds alot like a les paul but does not have a wide thin so the next best thing is probably a standard 22 or a custom 22 with a set of burstbucker pickups.

[BeastofLove]

An SC1620 would probably do you right... quite a bit more comfortable than a 'Paul to boot.

-Ben

[Thom]

Thanks for the various answers.

I eventually dropped the Les Paul opportunity. I'm too much concerned about the possibility not to get used to the neck.

As suggested by Kent maybe the model tried did not fit the bill - or maybe I am just not in the right mood for a Les Paul right now.

[dex]

As Kent said you might like the 60's slim taper necks that some LP have.
Just have a look around your local store and try a few different guitars.
See if you can have a go on a SZ520 or SZ720 - they have that LP/PRS vibe.

ilia

[zEr0]

Originally Posted by Thom

Thanks for the various answers.

I eventually dropped the Les Paul opportunity. I'm too much concerned about the possibility not to get used to the neck.

As suggested by Kent maybe the model tried did not fit the bill - or maybe I am just not in the right mood for a Les Paul right now.

I think that's not a wise choice. You are obviously gonna have trouble adapting to a Les Paul neck if you are used to a Universe. I can relate a lot to what you are saying because if I had to choose 2 guitars to have for the rest of my life they would be a Universe and a Les Paul. I've tried both and loved them but of course they are completely different axes. It's not like you can't get used to one of them, it just takes time. A Les Paul's tone is surely worth the wait and I find the fat neck quite comfy once used to it.

[RCB]

As sombody else suggested, try the SC 1620 or the SC620.

Also try the (early 90s) Yamaha weddington custom (if you are lucky enough to find one).