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Best bang for the buck ??

brobillard

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Dec 25, 2003
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Okay, so I posted this thread in the Sunburst Pub because I really wasn't sure where to post it... but it could have been posted in the Historic District as well... Anyways, I haven't been following Gibson recently and I'm not in the loop when it comes to the current product lines of Les Pauls. I really need a new Les Paul and was wondering what would you folks consider being the best bang for the buck at the moment? It can be a USA production or custom shop, doesn't really matter (I have +/- $3500 to spend, maybe more). What about the Les Paul Traditionnal? Are they any good? Should I go with a Standard? I remember reading the 57RI goldtops were at the top a few years ago... are they still worth the extra $$$ ?? I actually own a 1983 Les Paul Custom (my only Gibson) and would like another Les Paul to compliment it. I play mostly hard rock and classic rock.. :)

Your advice please.

Thanks,
 

D'Mule

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Apr 5, 2003
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IMHO, used R7 or R8 are the most for the least ~$2,200 for excellent condition.
 

Ryan Givhan

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the best used historic i could find for the money. unless you want to go new, then i would get an r7 or r8
 

StSpider

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Aug 24, 2002
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Used Historic.

I haven't been on the market for years now, trying out lots of stuff and deciding where to spend my money, but recently I did a shootout of Les Pauls for a friend who wants to buy one for his rcording studio, and we tried a bunch of Standards, Traditionals, and Historics, exacly to see where he'd best spend his money.

Between the best Gibson USA guitars and the Historics there's still a huge gap tone-wise, even when there's not a big gap money-wise.
 

Bluefinger

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Oct 16, 2006
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The only advice I can give is to try before you buy. Everybody has different priorities and what makes a good guitar is very subjective. Take your time and compare a lot ... then buy the one that screams "take me home!!!"

With that in mind, Historics are surely something to check out. The neck profiles might be too big for some, others love them. I liked many of the Standards I have played and there are killer used ones out there. Don't even rule out the Norlins, some of them are great, great axes with a cool vintage vibe. I wish a buddy of mine would have let me buy the '73 Deluxe I played for a year or so. I tried a lot, owned a couple and finally fell in love with a Tokai ... you'll never know ...
 

brobillard

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Dec 25, 2003
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Thanks for your advice guys. I really appreciate your input.

It's funny actually. My friend's Les Paul (a 2008 Standard) is the best sounding guitar I've ever played. He prefers my Custom for its playability and I prefer his Standard tone wise. The burstbucker pups sound really sweet. I do like the low frets and the neck shape of my Custom I must say. It plays like butter. The R7 , R8 and used R9 are definitely on my list.

BTW, I don't mind buying used and I don't necessarily have to spend all of my allowed budget.
 

andy k

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Dec 6, 2006
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Good luck on your hunt, depends where you are-- I think you're in the US, so I think the world is your oyster, but I would Definately try before you buy.
IMHO you can't go wrong with anything after 2007, and some of the later R8s could easily be R9s, I think the main variables will be neck shapes and weight.
Happy hunting dude.
Cheers
Andy k
 

shred

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Best investment/value would be a original good condition 70-73 black custom. Really, 70-74 LP's in general if you can buy low market.

For Historics, I'd go used R9 but if I had to go new, I'd go R8 with some mild figure. Good luck :2cool
 

Michael Bartee

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May 8, 2012
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I have seen a lot of used R7's and R8's that are easily in your price range. If you look hard enough you may find a nice R9 as well. If you like the old school looks.feel etc... I would go for a RI.
Good luck, don't forget to post pics when you take the plunge.
 

John Potter

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Mar 18, 2009
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The Historic-line necks tend to be larger than the USA Line. IMHO here's how I'd stack them up:

USA 60s neck skinniest
USA 50s neck larger
Historic 60s neck (about the same as 50s USA)
Historic 59 neck - in most opinions "Goldilocks". That is "just right!"
Historic 54,55,56,57,58 - lovingly referred to as "baseball bats".

The Historic line usually come with Burstbucker 1 & 2. USA are all over the map. Classics, BB Pro, Classic + BB Pro, Classic + BBs.

So... as has been said, try 'em all out. Find one that speaks to you. In most cases the build quality of the Historics is a notch above the USA (as well as better wood). The good news is that you can find them used (as mentioned, around $2200 or so).

If you like the thinner neck, you might want to check out Guitar Center's special-run of Historic 60s. Good bang for the buck.

Have fun in your quest...
 

Progrocker111

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Best investment/value would be a original good condition 70-73 black custom. Really, 70-74 LP's in general if you can buy low market.

My choice too. Great guitars and they will only go up in value.
 

brobillard

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Dec 25, 2003
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Best investment/value would be a original good condition 70-73 black custom. Really, 70-74 LP's in general if you can buy low market.

For Historics, I'd go used R9 but if I had to go new, I'd go R8 with some mild figure. Good luck :2cool


Yes, I'm with you on those early '70s LP's. But as I said I already own a (late Norlin) black custom. It'd be nice to have something different. I think I'm currently leaning towards a used historic, probably an R8 or R7. A used R9 would be my no.1 choice but I just don't know if I'll be able to find anything locally. I live in Canada (Montreal) and I rarely see any historics in the local ads, and I wouldn't buy unseen. I've seen a really nice sounding R7 in a local store a few years ago and was amazed at how good it sounded and played. It was my first experience with an historic. I couldn't afford an historic back then but I might end up going this route now that I have a little more money. I've also been drooling over a Gretsch Silver Falcon for years now, so I still haven't decided yet... too many choicessssss !!

I just want a really fun guitar that screams "play me". :)

Later...
 

Progrocker111

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Yes, I'm with you on those early '70s LP's. But as I said I already own a (late Norlin) black custom. It'd be nice to have something different.

Those early 70s Customs sound very different than 80s which you have. Totally different construction, pickups, wood etc...
 

shred

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Those early 70s Customs sound very different than 80s which you have. Totally different construction, pickups, wood etc...

+1

I've been through a lot of early 70's Norlins, and I find they stack up against anything... :2cool
 

Peter100

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Apr 28, 2012
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+1

I've been through a lot of early 70's Norlins, and I find they stack up against anything... :2cool
My believe too, i read a book and that makes the differencec before Norlin and after Norlin
 
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