Brands that are a serious rival to Gibson CS LP?

darthed1981

Fortheloveofguitar said:

So what brands/ models from the competition can really match Gibson’s custom shop Les Pauls R8,R9?

Fancy another Les Paul and already have 5 Gibson’s so looking to try the competition and get more bang for my buck

I'd say look at whoever Gibson is sueing, and buy their stuff.

Gibson obviously think it's easier to sue them than fix their QC, so they are probably better value to buy from as well.

rossi

SX ,GFS,Chibson ,Vintage ...............Hondo,Avon ..the list is endless.

JerkMoans

In all seriousness, +1 for @FelineGuitars ...  Jon's Slash Derrig inspired job I had is the only guitar I bitterly regret selling on, and there have been a lot of 'em. 

designerseye88

If It's MIJ you're after then Navigator, Greco, Momose, Tokai, Burny, Bacchus, Crews are good brands to look out for.

Some are more well known than others and each have their good periods but the general consensus is that if you buy the right model it will not only be a serious contender but could even be a good investment. This whole Gibson debacle will only add to these being a serious alternative.

Most of these brands offer models which have the same features as an R9, Binding, fret nibs, long tenons, sold maple tops, nitro finish, Brazilian boards etc and were meticulously hand made.

Other alternative as mentioned above is to sell what you have and go all in for a Yaron, Never heard a bad word about his LP's. Or alternatively look at some great UK builders from this site.  

CloudNine

McInturff Carolina. Prob £4K to £5k new, but maybe some used ones about nearer the mark. Mine absolutely smashes the historics I have owned or played. Not even close. 

The Bartlett non replica ones look amazing, but never seen anything remotely reasonably priced, even used.

jeztone2

Of the stuff I’ve actually spent time with.

PRS,Feline = Yes 
Maybach = The finish was nice but the two I’ve played didn’t really do it for me. I couldn’t put my finger on it. But they felt insubstantial? 

chrisj1602

I was really impressed by the Eastman SB59/V. I tried two in Sounds Great and they were both really nice.

crunchman

Some of the stuff Patrick Eggle is making is absolutely stunning.

terada

Make your own with Crimson maybe?

Whitecat

I’m a fan of Knaggs, but you’d definitely be looking second-hand at those prices. 

The SSC is the most Gibby-like, the Kenais are a little “brighter” for want of a better word. The custom bridge preserves more harmonics - a bit like an older PRS SC I guess but someone more organic-sounding to my ears. 

Jonathanthomas83

I'm yet to play anything that feels as nice to play as my R8. I hate saying that because Gibson have made me a little bit sick in my mouth over the last week or so, pricks.

poopot

Slight bias but I would take one of @Danielsguitars builds over anything gibson put out currently... excuse my shonky playing chaps!!!!

https://youtu.be/-ojrKWyUuG8

played both bursts extensively and can honestly say they piss all over anything I’ve played by Gibson... 

axisus

Just gonna mention Feline again. Awesome guitars.

KDS

Heritage or...... Feline, which has already been mentioned. I had Greco MC, which was amazing buy at the time, but as good as my historic R7. probably not, but I spend ages to find a good one. I'd check out that Feline already mentioned

tony99

KDS said:

Heritage or...... Feline, which has already been mentioned. I had Greco MC, which was amazing buy at the time, but as good as my historic R7. probably not, but I spend ages to find a good one. I'd check out that Feline already mentioned

I'd love a good R7

Nikc

I can't get past how good the Tokai's I've played are - they do make me want to buy one and I'm not a Les Paul lover 

Creed_Clicks

An ESP? I take it you’re a big fan of LPs if you have five of the same guitar already 

brooom

80s Grecos (not necessarily just the high end models, by the way), Navigators, Crews KTR and LED models, Fullertone.

ToneControl

I would have thought that in the second hand market the depreciation rates have an additional effect.
I'm assuming that Gibson guitars don't depreciate as much as boutique guitars, therefore making more expensive (RRP) boutique guitars available for the same price as Gibsons

blueskunk

Vintage (Trev Wilkinson)