After years of putting it off, blowing half the budget on something else, myself or other people convincing myself I couldn't afford it, and so on, I've finally squared that I need to satisfy my urge to own a good Lester.
The question might be a little redundant as I do know a LOT about Les Pauls (or just production guitars in general), that said I'd never assume that I don't have lots to learn from other people about them.
I'll just make a numbered list of questions, so if you have answers to all or even just one can you share with me?
1. I'm a brand snob so it has to be a Gibson. I think Tokai, etc. make great high-end guitars, but those for me are guitars that are now no longer even all that cheap comparatively and therefore have even less of an edge over a good Gibson. Am I tragically wrong?
2. I like the idea of older guitars. I can't afford a real vintage, natch, but An '88 Std's already 25 years old and can be had for not much more than a used '08 Std. Is there any reason, other than condition, I should be wary? Are there periods I should avoid?
3. I want a Std, a Classic, Trad or if I'm lucky perhaps one of the cheaper VOS models. The Std look is key. Customs are too fancy, Juniors are too basic. Is there anything else I should be looking at?
4. Is there any reason I shouldn't be after a Goldtop?
5. I'm not bothered what the neck profile is as I like all kinds of different profiles. Should I be after a specific profile?
6. I need the pickups to be as un-modern (I'm not sure what 'vintage' sounds like so I won't say that) as possible. Is there a Gibson set I want, or should I sell what's in there and be looking aftermarket?
7. The most difficult one: The Std/Trad/Classics list on the Bay for between £1025 and around £1400 (as far as £1700 for optimistic sellers, and let's say starting at £1650+ for a used R7), but the Bay isn't really a good indication of what people are actually paying (and eBayers are trying to claw back fees, too). How much money should I have available before I start listing WTB threads? Is £900 too low (it's what some people have suggested, and I know a guy did sell one privately for £950 a week ago), or are there really lots of people who would sell me a used Std for that?
Any and all info really appreciated.
Cheers!
Comments
Lester ...Lester! .... we don't know no stinking Lester .... :-S
Only kidding! I just hate the term Lester for a Les Paul. Very glad to see that you're looking for a REAL Les Paul i.e. a Gibson ... Good luck with the search!
Don't get a red Lester, it'll play like cheese.
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.
The prejudice against them is exactly why you SHOULD buy one, it makes them slightly cheaper without sacrificing anything.
The other bargain is a used R7, Goldtops are cooler than almost any sunburst other than a genuinely battered 50s plaintop, and they're cheaper too. Win/win.
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.
I have considered a '70s LP deluxe and chucking in P90s, and I have played a couple that were nice, but I've also played some proper shit ones, and I'm reliably informed that enough of them are shit to make the search for a good one very difficult - that and I personally don't think most of them will ever really increase much in value. Most early '80s Lesters I see go for more than a '70s LP, and you can usually find a half dozen Deluxes going for about a grand and a half or less. If I'm honest I'd probably avoid anything earlier than 1980. But either way I'm looking for a really nice player that will still be really nice in 30+ years.
Remember, it's easier to criticise than create!