Best year for LP Standards?

[zoommutt]

2002 Standards smelled great too!

 

[Jersey Doug]

Henry started making changes the minute he walked in the door, if not before.

Agreed. I finally dug out the book and read that section again. Funny how the "facts" can get confused in one's memory. Regardless, my 1988 LP Standard (Heritage Cherry Sunburst) is a fine guitar. It is the only one I never had any interest in selling.

 

[papersoul]

Maybe something did change for the better in 2002 because my tech called me today and his bandmate had his 2002 black standard in his shop this weekend. In addition, my tech had his 1988 as well. I brought my 2004 over. Honestly, everyone was equally good. The 2002 and my 2004 were almost identical, it was scary. Both felt and sounded like a dream. The 88 was also great but different. You could tell it was different.

 

[Magnum]

Agreed. I finally dug out the book and read that section again. Funny how the "facts" can get confused in one's memory. Regardless, my 1988 LP Standard (Heritage Cherry Sunburst) is a fine guitar. It is the only one I never had any interest in selling.

I totally know of what you speak about "facts" getting confused! Been there a few times.

 

[Jersey Doug]

The 88 was also great but different. You could tell it was different.

Of course. The better guitar will always standout from the crowd.:hee

 

[Fretty]

I own 4 LPs presently which include two Historics (58 and 59), a 2007 Standard, and a 1994 Standard (all bought new). The 94 is my favorite. Build qualtiy, materials, and sound are all top notch.

 

[papersoul]

I own 4 LPs presently which include two Historics (58 and 59), a 2007 Standard, and a 1994 Standard (all bought new). The 94 is my favorite. Build qualtiy, materials, and sound are all top notch.

Just goes to show how they all vary. My 94 Standard was not as good as my 2004. Plus, I can't get into those flat frets they used then. Mine sounded like cardboard. Glad you got a good one!

 

[Black58]

The best years fer Les Paul Standards, let's see. ... Uh, ... ALL of 'em!

All depends on the guitar and you.

All depends on YOU and the guitar!

:jim

 

[Magnum]

Just goes to show how they all vary. My 94 Standard was not as good as my 2004. Plus, I can't get into those flat frets they used then. Mine sounded like cardboard. Glad you got a good one!

My '94 didn't have flat frets. Did you buy yours new or used. Just curious.

 

[27sauce]

My '94 didnt/doesnt have flat frets either

 

[wooderson]

Every guitar is different. If you have a good one, then that one is good..... doesn't matter about the year.

Communist.

 

[Fretty]

My 94 didn't have flat frets either. In fact the nicely crowned and detailed fretwork is one of the things that sets this 94 Standard apart from the other years.

 

[bigomw]

Maybe I just got a good one but my '91 rings like a bell. I tried some 2002 + guitars and didn't get on with either neck type. The '91 is somewhere in the middle.

 

[Triplet]

Funny, there's a bunch of fans for the early '90s and for the early '00s. I wonder if Gibson started a new wood contract or something during those periods.

You know how a new contractor will send you the best stuff to start and then eventually send you the junk...

 

[D'Mule]

Seeings as there appears to be nothing authoritative or scientific going on in this thread, why not try a different approach from testamonials: a poll. Maybe a pattern will emerge. :hmm

Just carry this forward and edit as you see fit.

POLL: What is the best year for Modern-Era humbucker-equiped Gibson Les Paul Standards?

1971-
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1988-
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1994-1 vote
1995-
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2002-
2003-
2004-
2005-
2006-
2007-
2008-
2009-

 

[Elmore]

All of the years are good. The secret is this: Find one that you think looks good. Then make sure you like the way it plays. Then listen to it unplugged (primay tone). If that is vibrant and resonant, you are there. You can change the electronics on everything else. Cheapest path to your dream guitar.

 

[papersoul]

My '94 didn't have flat frets. Did you buy yours new or used. Just curious.

Mine was bought used from a friend who had bought it new. He barely played it and it was mint when i got it. The frets were wider, way wider than those on my 2004. In fact, that was part of why I sold it.....hard to get under the strings for bends. My 04 is a dream in that sense. Weird.

I really hate buying LPs online but that is what I am trying to do....buy another LP. I just have a hard time buying another Standard because mine is so nice to me. That is why I have been checking out Studios. But, you say very few LPs locally used.

 

[Kutt]

Not to muddy the waters or cause confusion, but can we loop the current Traditional into this discussion since, truss rod cover aside, they are so similar to the 80s / 90s Standards?

My Ebony '08 Trad is the cream of the crop in my collection. I'm scared to gig with it for fear of damage or theft. Not so with any of my other guitars. Feels like all the stars are in alignment when I play this particular one.

 

[57Lefty]

We don't get great tops on lefty Std's as a rule. Lightburst LP 2002 Std.

 

[Magnum]

Mine was bought used from a friend who had bought it new. He barely played it and it was mint when i got it. The frets were wider, way wider than those on my 2004. In fact, that was part of why I sold it.....hard to get under the strings for bends. My 04 is a dream in that sense. Weird.

I really hate buying LPs online but that is what I am trying to do....buy another LP. I just have a hard time buying another Standard because mine is so nice to me. That is why I have been checking out Studios. But, you say very few LPs locally used.

That's strange about the frets. My '94 and '02s had the same frets. Maybe they were on credit hold and used something else the day yours was made! :spabout