I kinda want a Les Paul

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by Dirk Hofman

I'm with you, I'm in no hurry and focused on learning right now over gear. But gear is fun, and Les Paul's are are associated for me with so much music I grew up loving, and I dig the look. I'm shallow about such things, and I don't know enough about electric guitars to make a move into some ultra high-end guitar. I'll just still want a Les Paul if I don't get one.

This is what I grew up on. And look, it's a Goldtop Les Paul to kick things off...

This guy absolutely rips BTW.

Well, that is some very cool playing. However, if a person could ever get to that level of playing, it would take years of crazy dedication. And yes, the gold top Les Paul looks very cool. I have learned to appreciate that look after a lot of years.

On a lower level, you might be interested in checking out my latest video in Show & Tell on this forum. I am using a heritage cherry burst Les Paul for the Mark Knopfler solos on this song, and even to me, they sound pretty cool. And they are a lot more accessible than what I witnessed in that video you posted.

You might also be interested to know that I am not even using a real amp to get the Mark Knopfler tones. I am using Guitar Rig 7 in my computer. Cost for Guitar Rig 7 is only $200 and gives you access to a huge array of simulated amps and effects and it sounds really good, at least to my ears.

There are a lot of ways a person could enjoy a Les Paul.

- Glenn

[Dirk Hofman]

Nice playing, singing, and well produced video!

[L50EF15]

I have a Les Paul 60s Tribute similar to Steve’s, but in the satin iced tea burst finish. It killed my GAS for an electric (or at least knocked it down to a manageable level &#128521. I know the humbucker versions are the classic sound for most people, but don’t sleep on the P90 versions. They’re amazing.

That said, as excellent as my current LP is, the BEST one I ever had was the second: A Les Paul Studio Mahogany. Had the ‘59 neck with Burstbucker Pro pickups; chambered body with a mahogany cap. Absolutely gorgeous tone at any volume in any style. Blues, rock, hard rock, metal, country, jazz; you name it, this guitar could do it. The high frequencies had the kind of pristine clarity one associates with a good Tele (and I know that because I have a good one and A/B’d them). I don’t know what these go for on the used market, but if you can find one, they are GREAT guitars.

Having written the above, I have given myself GAS for a humbucker LP. And Gibson has recently brought back what looks a lot like my very first Les Paul. Mine was a The Paul SL, later known as the Les Paul Studio Lite. The current version is called the Les Paul Modern Lite:

https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Elect...TV-Pelham-Blue

It differs from the one I bought in 1997 by having a pick guard; a body colored headstock; and different pickups: the one I had featured the 498 in the neck and a 500T ceramic in the bridge. Really hot pickups, really resonant instrument. I suspect the new ones are the same. Very comfortable with the back bevel a la Strat, and thinner than any other LP. In a way, it’s more of a single cut SG than a Les Paul.

Hope this helps some!