Potential first time Les Paul buyer

[NateD81]

I know I don’t *need* a Les Paul, but since I’ve never owned one and I think I’d like a hum bucket guitar in my collection, trying to get some feedback from those with more experience.

I went to GC yesterday to play. LP Standard 50s. I liked the chunky neck, the guitar sounded great through a deluxe reverb. It felt relatively easy to play, just takes some getting used to as I’m a Fender lifer. Anyway, 2800 is a lot to pay for an electric guitar (for me, anyway), so I’m just wondering if anyone has other suggestions that won’t destroy my bank account? I play almost completely clean, fingerstyle most of the time, so I don’t need a rock machine. I had an Eastman 335 clone which was nice, but I guess I’m searching for something a little different. Any suggestions would be great!

 

[hotcoffeenochill]

I have an Eastman SB59, which is their version of a 50s LP. Pretty much all the same specs and you can find them used for $1200-$1400 pretty regularly. You can see it in my profile pic, made a whole post about it too.

The differences from a Gibbo, aside from the name on the headstock are that the headstock and lower bout are a bit differently shaped, they use ebony fretboards, and they stopped using nitro in 2021.

I haven’t touched my other guitars since I bought it. Worth a look, especially since you already have experience with the brand.

 

[6stringcowboy]

Try a Gretsch Pro Jet. <$1000 Not sure what exactly you're looking for but same basic shape, humbuckers and great fit/finish.

 

[uriah1]

I know I don’t *need* a Les Paul, but since I’ve never owned one and I think I’d like a hum bucket guitar in my collection, trying to get some feedback from those with more experience.

I went to GC yesterday to play. LP Standard 50s. I liked the chunky neck, the guitar sounded great through a deluxe reverb. It felt relatively easy to play, just takes some getting used to as I’m a Fender lifer. Anyway, 2800 is a lot to pay for an electric guitar (for me, anyway), so I’m just wondering if anyone has other suggestions that won’t destroy my bank account? I play almost completely clean, fingerstyle most of the time, so I don’t need a rock machine. I had an Eastman 335 clone which was nice, but I guess I’m searching for something a little different. Any suggestions would be great!

Just get a used Paul or a Tribute Paul.

 

[dswo]

Get an Epiphone for a fraction of the cost and see if you like the Les Paul design. Or look at Gretsch Streamliners and Electromatics. The quality to price ratio is high, and a Gretsch will stand out on stage. A Pro Jet will be directly comparable to a Les Paul, and probably lighter. Gretsch humbuckers are all over the place. Broad'Trons will sound similar to Gibson-style humbuckers. Filter'Trons are also a humbucking design, but typically have lower output.

 

[LowCaster]

What do you want: price range, Gibson or not, traditional look (binding, maple top…), woods?

Some Les Paul Tribute today have a maple neck. I’d prefer a Studio. In fact I’d prefer a Double Cut Les Paul Special with P90s and a wraparound bridge, but sadly they are even more expensive…

Ultimately the choice should be based on the neck shape and what you feel when playing the guitar in the store.

 

[Wallaby]

The Standard 50's are excellent, excellent guitars.

Your playing habits ( mostly clean, fingers, etc. ) are similar to mine, and I can't keep my hands off it, I just love mine. I normally just plug right in and work the amp with the guitar alone, it's very versatile and can make a lot of different sounds. That big neck really makes it feel and sound great IMO.

I don't have any suggestions other than to find a good one used. If you already have one that you know you like, though... it's not always an easy search I hear :/

I recommend a careful, end-to-end setup with extra attention to the nut, saddles and tailpiece.

Good luck in your search, I hope you're successful!

 

[giogolf]

I know I don’t *need* a Les Paul, but since I’ve never owned one and I think I’d like a hum bucket guitar in my collection, trying to get some feedback from those with more experience.

I went to GC yesterday to play. LP Standard 50s. I liked the chunky neck, the guitar sounded great through a deluxe reverb. It felt relatively easy to play, just takes some getting used to as I’m a Fender lifer. Anyway, 2800 is a lot to pay for an electric guitar (for me, anyway), so I’m just wondering if anyone has other suggestions that won’t destroy my bank account? I play almost completely clean, fingerstyle most of the time, so I don’t need a rock machine. I had an Eastman 335 clone which was nice, but I guess I’m searching for something a little different. Any suggestions would be great!

I dont buy new guitars.. I think thats ridiculous.. That being said.. on the Mid East coast, you can buy a 2019-2022 Used Les Paul Standard any day of the week on MarketPlace or Craigslist for $2000, and if you are patient they pop up for sub $2000..

So instead of buying a "new" cheaper model that gets away from the vintage version of the Les Paul from 58-60 just buy a second hand one..

 

[SixStringSlinger]

The Studio Les Pauls are just as great, just with less aesthetic flash. They can be had for very reasonable prices used.

 

[Killing Floor]

LP are still great. Good to play a few as the assembly isn’t consistent. If you find one you bond with it is a lifer.

 

[Jakedog]

If you don’t care about the bling factor, get a clean used Studio. Excellent quality instruments at reasonable prices. Especially used.

Hint: 90’s models are especially nice, IME.

 

[middy]

You can still be a Fender lifer. A Gibson through a Fender amp is always a good combination.

 

[middy]

If you don’t care about the bling factor, get a clean used Studio. Excellent quality instruments at reasonable prices. Especially used.

Hint: 90’s models are especially nice, IME.

The Tributes and Studios won’t keep up with inflation, I’m afraid. There are tons of them used for sale.
Good news for players!

 

[Strat Jacket]

I'm also a Fender lifer, but recently sprung for a Epi Les Paul Standard in cherryburst with quilted maple top and couldn't be happier. Less than $500.00 and trust me, the quality is there. And if you love it (you will) you can always trade up to a Gibson down the line.

 

[IowaTeleGuy]

I picked up this Epiphone a couple weeks ago. Love it

 

[Ron R]

I know I don’t *need* a Les Paul, but since I’ve never owned one and I think I’d like a hum bucket guitar in my collection, trying to get some feedback from those with more experience.

I went to GC yesterday to play. LP Standard 50s. I liked the chunky neck, the guitar sounded great through a deluxe reverb. It felt relatively easy to play, just takes some getting used to as I’m a Fender lifer. Anyway, 2800 is a lot to pay for an electric guitar (for me, anyway), so I’m just wondering if anyone has other suggestions that won’t destroy my bank account? I play almost completely clean, fingerstyle most of the time, so I don’t need a rock machine. I had an Eastman 335 clone which was nice, but I guess I’m searching for something a little different. Any suggestions would be great!

Harley Benton has some excellent LP offerings that will only set you back a couple hundred bucks. And then if you determine Les Pauls are absolutely your thing and you have to have a Gibson, you can do so at a later date.
Another option, not tuly a Les Paul, but they are getting rave reviews, would be the PRS SE version of the David Grissom signature model. $849. As Grissom tells it, he blind tested many many many studio engineers and evey single one of them chose his PS over his '59 Les Paul for tone.

 

[TokyoPortrait]

Hi.

If it were me today, I’d be looking at two Epiphone models, the 50s Standard and the 1959 Standard. I believe they’re essentially the same guitar, except the 1959 has Gibson pickups. And they come in different colour choices. Also, even though the necks have different profile names associated with each model, they are apparently the same.

I only know this stuff from being a curious (online) window shopper. But, having examined the matter a little, that’s the way I’d be leaning. Probably the 50s model, as with the money saved, I could try a couple of pickup options from Bootstrap.

Pax/
Dean

 

[kuch]

I've had quite a few Gibson LPs over the years. Standards, studios, DCs, and a few Epis too. They're all great guitars. I don't own any today, not my preference but if you want one, as said above, find a good used one. The only thing I would caution you with is be careful, there are a lot of foreign knockoffs/fakes floating around the used market. Check online for ways to spot a fake.
good luck in your search.

 

[arlum]

When my desire to own a Gibson Les Paul hit me I tried the more affordable route first. I bought a brand new trans black Epiphone Les Paul. It didn't satisfy the urge. I traded it a few years later for a used 2002 black Gibson Les Paul Studio that was five times better than the bought new Epiphone. That kept me happy for a number of years but never hit the mark. My internal image of a Les Paul was the Standard model. The binding and all the rest. Down the road I came across a new Gibson Les Paul Traditional. Basically a Standard with the true solid body ,(and weight), of the original late '50s Standard. A Wildwood hand picked quilt top in heritage red sunburst. I bought it, (I do still own the Studio), and I've never felt the slighest desire to purchase another Les Paul. If money is a big issue ..... do what I did. You probably won't be satisfied with the first or second purchase but you'll be on the road. If you can afford a top end Gibson Les Paul you'll regret not having bought it first. I'd bet the vast majority of those players who desire / dream about owning a Gibson Les Paul have the image of the Standard in their mind.

 

[Marc Morfei]

Just get a used Paul or a Tribute Paul.

Or a Les Paul Studio.
Honestly, some of the higher-end Epiphones are excellent.