[lefty64]

Originally Posted by tpaul

Well, you ask for opinions around here, you're gonna get 'em!

I have to admit I did own a Les Paul once. I think it was the deLuxe model (the one with the mini-humbuckers). It was a very nice sounding guitar, and pretty, and easy to play, but I didn't keep it very long.

I think that there's a lot of talk about the difference in TONE between the LP and the Tele, but for me, there's also a big difference in FEEL. Part of that is the neck shape, and part is the different scale length, and part is the way you set them up. I remember when LPs were referred to as "fretless wonders" because the low fret profile made them so easy to play. To me, it seems that the LP neck is easier (once you get used to it) than the Tele neck, but at the same time, the humbuckers cover up a lot of mistakes on the part of the player... the result (again, I'm speaking only for myself) is that playing a Tele feels like driving an old pickup or a sports car, where you can feel every bump in the road, while playing a Les Paul is more like driving a Caddy with power steering and lots of cushioning in the suspension. The Caddy will cover your mistakes and give you a nice soft ride, but if you want a performance vehicle, you NEED to feel those bumps in the road. Somehow, I feel more connected to the Tele, even though that means all my mistakes are obvious and I can't rely on the instrument to cover for me.

I'd recommend that you get hold of one and play it for a bit before you decide to buy. I'm not denying that it's a very useful instrument and certainly it is loved by many players. Personally I agree with whoever said they'd take an SG over an LP if they wanted a Gibson. The SGs I've played have felt much more alive in my hands than the LP, probably because their construction is more like a Tele (lightweight plank rather than heavy, glued-together layered body).

Also, if you like a maple neck, you're almost going to have to go with a Fender product.

Personally never heard that assessment but agree w/ it somewhat. I certainly don't construe it to mean the tele is better than the paul or vice verca. They are just different. Because the buckers will naturally overdrive an amp faster than the single coils, you will have more distortion generally speaking playing the paul, and it does cover mistakes more. Of course if you suck it doesn't matter what you play. They are both great. the sg and the 335 also are killer guitars.