LP GAS: Decisions, decisions... *edit* Now NGD

guitargeek62

**NGD added to page 2**

Given the choice, and a fickle personality, which one of the following would you get?

- Les Paul standard/ traditional (used)
- R7/8 (used)
- Custom-build
- (high-quality) kit-build
- other

I'm well aware of the risks and pitfalls of custom / kit builds, but I'm also very fickle/fussy, so re-sale is a useful factor.

richardhomer

I played a used R7 a few weeks ago that was exceptional. There was a used Standard in the shop as well - played back to back there was absolutely no comparison.

Adamski

I think the 'R' Les Pauls, especially the newer ones with the custom buckers, are a league apart from a standard or traditional - saying that, I have played the odd 'normal' one that has come close and maybe with a pickup change may even sound just as good - I think a lot of the 'buckers put in standards and trads are way too hot for that open, clear and woody tone that I associate with a good PAF. 

Custom build has a lot of pit falls but I guess something like a Feline might offer a more sure thing in terms of quality. 

If if it were me I'd get a used R9 if you can stretch to it, or an R7-8 if you like the bigger neck 

John_P

I'd say if you have possible resale in mind then you want the Gibson badge.    
Then it comes down to want you want to spend - look out for a R from recent years for a good price and choose based on neck and aesthetics or go a little older and find a cheap standard for around 1K that you can enjoy and move on when the time comes.   

TimmyO

guitargeek62 said:

- R7/8 (used)

ennspek

Depends what you play, want it for really.
If you just want a LP I personally would go for the best Gibson you can afford.

welshboyo

R7/R8 without a shadow of doubt.

The Trads and recent Standards with coil taps etc for me take away what a Les Paul is all about.

Thicker Neck the better too IMO

ennspek

Honestly any advice you get will be blanket advice based on opinions and statistics.
Play loads, pick the one you can't put down.

guitarfishbay

Just go to a shop that has a good selection and buy the best one. Pickups and hardware can be changed at the end of the day but you'll know when you're playing a good one (and what weight you can accept as some will be heavy).

Glacial_Pace

welshboyo said:

R7/R8 without a shadow of doubt.

The Trads and recent Standards with coil taps etc for me take away what a Les Paul is all about.

Thicker Neck the better too IMO

Current Traditional's don't have any of that, just the standards.

Rebar

Have you considered a high end MIJ? 

guitargeek62

@Rebar - I have, and may well get a cheaper one (or a G Studio) as a stop-gap if I decide to go down the R8 or fully-custom route.


I haven't played any R series in quite a while, I'll find some time over the summer to try some back-to-back with some Trads & Standards though. I'm particular about are the weight (8.5lb or less) and preferably with as chunky a neck as possible, so the two together makes it a tricky search.

I'd ideally like a Les Paul Custom in black, but they're often far too weighty for me to put up with. This vid always makes me want a burst though:

sweepy

Used Trad LP every time, the best vfm "proper" LP you can buy, swap out the pickups as the Classic 57 57+ combo isn't to everyone's tastes

guitargeek62

I remember really liking the earlier ones of them, it's been close to 10 years since I last tried one properly though!

underdog

I'd also give a 2017 classic a try

guitargeek62

^ 60s neck profile, I won't get on with them

JonHosker

Help at hand.. .buy my R8 in the classifieds.
It's amazing..Jon

underdog

guitargeek62 said:

^ 60s neck profile, I won't get on with them

Ah sorry didn't realise they didn't offer a choice of profiles, shame as they are excellent guitars this year.

Evilmags

Terry Morgan surely 

zepp76

I'm biased so will say the LP Standard, I've got a '04 so it's pre-chambering but has the trad weight relief so isn't too heavy. I've also swapped the Burstbucker pickups for OX4 low winds and they have transformed the sound fantastically! It's everything I've wanted in a guitar now. Go and play as many Les Paul's as you possibly can, it's the only way to make sure you get the right one, and trust me you'll know when you've found it.

Evilmags

A friend bought a Feline and it is utterly top notch. A lot nicer than a Gibson Custom. My Les Paul alike is also amazing but don't wait 10 years for one.