#1
|
||||
|
||||
I kinda want a Les Paul
Hey folks, I have a Telecaster Deluxe, and for no particular reason, I want a Les Paul. Just want to plug it straight into a Marshall amp and crank out Malcolm Young riffs (I know, it's a Gretsch Jet) and classic rock stuff. The tele is fine. I really like the neck and the control layout. Just want, not need.
Questions in my head:
Thanks so much you GAS enablers! |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Hello Dirk,
I've got a 2003 Les Paul Standard 59 profile in immaculate condition for sale for $2500. Maple top. Heritage Cherry sunburst. Burstbucker pro humbucking pickups with Alnico V magnets. Billy |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
A P-90 is closer to a Tele but P-90s are the noisiest pickups on the planet! The standard full size humbucker, aka the '57 Classic or '60s Burstbucker or Bursybucker 1 & 2 will give you the classic sound. The Burstbucker Pro has a carved out midrange and pronounced high end. Mine with BB Pros is like a Tele on steroids. For a first LP Id start with other ones for the standard sound. Get a Standard, because it is, well, standard. The whole basic experience. One of my LPs is weight-relieved. That means that the mahogany back is routed like this: No, I wouldn't say screw it. An LP sounds like an LP. The others have nice sounds but don't sound like an LP. Find a nice one and live long and prosper. Mine: 1974 Kalamzoo LP Standard, 2016 SG Reissue Limited Edition, 2005 Memphis ES-335 Dot, 2018 LP Standard Most folks I hear who come over to LPs from Strats or Teles seem to expect them to behave like a Fender. They just don't. Embrace them for what they are. I just did a review of a Marshall amp and included the following video for reference. Listen to it for the difference between a Tele and a n LP type that has a mahogany back and maple cap and humbuckers. Note that he talks about that AC/DC sound and demonstrates it with the humbucker guitar. A good LP will be a little more brilliant than his Ernie Ball, by the way: I'd be glad to take any more questions. Bob
__________________
"It is said, 'Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes.' " Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion, The Fellowship of the Ring THE MUSICIAN'S ROOM (my website) |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
On the other hand, why not just go full-on Malcolm and save yourself a bunch of bucks in the bargain: https://gretschguitars.com/gear/fami...ail/2509310521 - and if you're getting a hefty tax refund this year, you could the only one in the neighborhood (if not the whole state) with one of these: https://gretschguitars.com/gear/fami...jet/2410106821
__________________
"Mistaking silence for weakness and contempt for fear is the final, fatal error of a fool" - Sicilian proverb (paraphrased) |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Les Pauls are great and they make different models for different price points. It really depends on what your budget is, whether you prefer thicker or thinner necks, and if weight is a big concern to you. Typically a weight relieved Les Paul is less desirable than a solid wood model. Pickups can be swapped to whatever you want and there are gazillion independent pickup makers and models to choose from.
__________________
1959 Martin 00018 1998 Martin OM28V 1918 Gibson L1 1972 Gibson SJ Deluxe 2019 Gibson J-45 Standard 2022 Gibson 1960 Hummingbird Fixed Bridge …don’t even get me started on electrics - too many to list. |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
I have two of the cheaper but American made Les Paul models: an LP Junior Special with the 490/491 humbuckers, and a ‘60s Tribute with two P90s. Both are lots of fun to play when I put down my Fenders for awhile.
|
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Used classics are a great value. I demoed some Les Pauls last year and will buy one some day. The classics have several different iterations based on the year.
I really preferred the 60s style necks as I found the 50s a bit of a handful, but many seem to prefer the 50s style necks.
__________________
Taylor- DN8, GS Mini, XXX- KE Gibson - Gospel Reissue Takamine- GB7C |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
There can be more similarity between a Les Paul and a Tele than some might imagine,* with the right pickups they can overlap somewhat. But they feel and operate differently. I think I know where you're coming from: you want to experience a different guitar as you play it.
An LP neck will feel different from most Teles. Lead or rhythm carves are just guesses or conventions. My low-end Gibson Les Paul has the slightly asymmetrical carve and I really like the feel of it in my hand. I'm mostly a lead player. I rarely "thumb wrap"--other players can't play unless they can fret low strings with their thumb. I don't think weigh-relief is all that determinative of the sound. My body doesn't like heavy guitars, so even if there was a slight difference in sound, I take my body's advice. Luckily for my budget I'm not into the electric guitars as fine furniture thing. I'm perfectly happy with opaque finishes, satin finishes, Studio models with no binding, etc. Yes, I can look at a picture of a plus top 'burst and say "Nice guitar" but it's not where I live. I happen to love P90s, but if you don't have a humbucker guitar and you're seeking some variety, go with the regular humbuckers. My LP has 57 Classics, but I've heard some nice sounds from Burstbuckers. I'm not a huge fan of hotter pickups: I can get the crunch sounds from pedals or amp settings and the hotter pickups can't do the same kind of clean sound. *For example: the 1st Led Zepplin LP is all Tele. Folks used to think of the later Zep on stage and heard a Les Paul on the record back in the day.
__________________
----------------------------------- Creator of The Parlando Project Guitars: 20th Century Seagull S6-12, S6 Folk, Seagull M6; '00 Guild JF30-12, '01 Martin 00-15, '16 Martin 000-17, '07 Parkwood PW510, Epiphone Biscuit resonator, Merlin Dulcimer, and various electric guitars, basses.... |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
I kind of think that if you want a Les Paul, other guitars will not do it for you.
However, as Bob has noted, the Les Paul is very different from something like a Telecaster (and also a Strat). In fact, a Les Paul is quite a bit different from an ES-335. I have one of each of these guitars. I'm still learning how to use my Les Paul, but I am liking it more every day. It's awfully heavy but it really has quite a sound. It took me a while to figure out how important the tone controls are and the value of the bridge pickup. I have a 2002 Les Paul Standard with a 60s neck and 490/491 pickups, which I like a lot. Mine has a flamed maple heritage cherry top. I have played Les Pauls with various burstbucker pickups as well as 57 classic humbuckers and to me they all sound good. - Glenn
__________________
My You Tube Channel |
#10
|
||||
|
||||
Wow, so many great replies, thank you ALL!
@bob, thanks for all the details. I think in my dream I'm plugging it straight into a great Marshall amp, not that I'm sure what that would be. I've been eyeballing the DSL40 and 20 combos. I have seen comparisons to the Origin series, and those sound pretty different to me. Warmer? Thicker? Maybe a bit too much? I've also gone down the speaker rabbit hole a bit. I tend to think DSL40 but maybe it's too much. I don't gig. DSL20 with creamback replacement? I like your advice to stick with the Les Paul. I'm going to do that until the GAS passes, and make sure it's still what I want. And I'm gonna abuse Guitar Center down the hill until I'm sure. @steve, yeah, I'd thought of getting the Jet. It WOULD save me a lot of money. Which is rad, but I'd still want a Les Paul. I think. I'll always love Malcolm's playing, but there are other things I want to do as I get better. I dunno. It's a tough one. Have you seen this one BTW? Kind of a cool take, and not 10 grand! @BillyH, I'll reach out in PM. Thanks! @Frank, thanks for the thoughts on the neck, the weight, and the P90s. Helpful. @Glenwillow "I kind of think that if you want a Les Paul, other guitars will not do it for you." This is what I'm thinking. To Steve's point, I can grab the Gretsch later if I still want one. Again, thanks all. Appreciate all the help! Wish I could buy us all a round of beers! |
#11
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
I'm taking some lessons, and I wonder if maybe she'll have me adjust my technique (self taught) to speed up my playing. Kind of think I'll wait a bit until I'm more sure what I'll want. Maybe a few months of dedicated practice first, then make a call. But right now the 50's feels really good. |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
I've owned many Gibson Les Pauls in different configurations, Standard, Classic, Junior, 50s necks, 60s necks, and on and on.
I've come to prefer the Heritage H 150 to the Gibsons. I've also really like the Heritage H 535. The quality control is very good and the prices are a little better (used prices can be great). Plus, I enjoy the history behind them. Someone mentioned the Gibson Les Paul Classic. I owned one many years ago and have always regretted selling that guitar. It had the 60s neck. I sold it to buy a highly figured Standard in Desert Burst and it didn't outshine the Classic. |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
Les Pauls are really nice, especially through a good tube amp. Mine had the 50's neck, and I really liked it. They are truly iconic guitars, and if you want one, you want one (I wanted one!)...there are other, similar guitars out there, though, that you might want to take a look at, too. I'm currently playing a PRS S2 McCarty 594 Singlecut....rewired with Duncans, has a great tone, great weight, great playability, and the workmanship is impeccable...Used prices are really good, too.....just a thought!
|
#14
|
|||
|
|||
I have two Gibson USA Pauls and one Heritage H-150 (it belongs to a good friend who hadn't played it in 20 years. he wanted "someone" playing it so I'm only happy to oblige)
I have a 95 Standard that weighs close over 11 lbs, The Heritage is close to 11lbs These are HEAVY guitars, a wide padded strap is really mandatory for standup playing. my 2002 Standard isn't as heavy but it's not exactly light either 9.8lbs IMHO, there is NOTHING that compares to one of these bad boys plugged into a Marshall I have three Marshalls, JVM 50w head with 2 2x12 cabs. (Beastly!) and two combos. JTM-60 2x12 w/2x12 cab and DSL40 1x12 combo The sound, well it's heavenly really. I wouldn't hesitate to own a third one. Infact, I've been considering adding a Goldtop standard back to the fray My FIRST lp was a 74 Deluxe Gold Top I got in highschool I'm retiring soon, and I've toyed with gifting me one as a retirement gift probably wont happen, cuz I don't NEED it but like you said NEED? Pfffffffffft! My advice? DO IT!
__________________
Ray Gibson SJ200 Taylor Grand Symphony Taylor 514CE-NY Taylor 814CE Deluxe V-Class Guild F1512 Alvarez DY74 Snowflake ('78) |
#15
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
If you're not brand or logo focused be aware that like many acoustic makers have their version of a Martin or Gibson iconic model, same is true for electrics.
__________________
ƃuoɹʍ llɐ ʇno əɯɐɔ ʇɐɥʇ |