Love at first sight?

[PuddleOfMudd25]

Alright, here's my story, though I'd share it. Before I got my Epi, I had two pretty crappy guitars. I did some research, knowing I wanted a Les Paul. Knowing I'd never have enough money for a Gibson, I searched Epiphone.
At first I wanted a Epiphone 100, but later changed my mind after seeing the Epiphone vs. Gibson Les Paul video. I ordered it from my local guitar store, not even attempting to see if it was right for me. Once I got it, I was so thrilled, and loved it instantly. Most people would say try the guitar out first and see if it was right, but I didn't even care. But, if I try to play something I can do near-perfect on my Epi (Or any other Les Paul for a fact), I can't do on another guitar. (Like my brother's Yamaha)

Has this ever happened to anyone else? I just thought it was pretty weird, I guess there is such thing as love at first site.

[Jason]

I think it all depends on your experience with guitars. My first electric was an Epi Les Paul and it was the first Epi I'd ever played. Before that I'd just messed around with some low end Yamahas, Peaveys, etc in the shop. My first Gibson LPs were both bought off of eBay (on the same day even) and one turned out to be great and the other was just so-so to me. Even the one I really liked didn't feel like that big of an upgrade from my Epiphone (I'd already replaced the pickups for Gibsons). I still hadn't really played that many guitars and so I guess I was easily satisfied. My tastes have developed over the years and I'm a bit more particular in what I look for... and I do like a good variety.

As far as only being able to play certain things on a specific guitar... I knew a guy who could absolutely shred on his Peavey Raptor, I mean he was AMAZING... but he'd been playing nothing but that same guitar for the last 7 years. I handed him my LP and he couldn't play it for shit. Needless to say, he was pretty embarrassed!

[Slone]

I got my SG faded off ebay before ever even playing a Gibson. After playing many Gibsons I still think its one of if not the best playing and sounding guitars I've ever used. Even though its fugly its a great player, I can't stand looking at it, but once I start I can't put it down.

[slash300]

Love at first sight for me was with a Guitar hero 3 gibson guitar controller..I played that game on xbox 360 for 3 months and then moved on the my first real guitar, the 'epiphone'..

[Kate033]

Definitely love at first sight for me. When I'm playing a Les Paul I can hardly put it down and I can't wait to pick it back up again. When I pick up a strat or an acoustic I lose all my motivation to play. Just doesn't feel right to me and I lose interest quickly. I like a few hollow bodies, sometimes a Tele or a Rickenbacker, and I have a bizarre affection for those ugly old retro Danelectros, etc...so I'm not completely nuts over just one guitar! but...
Show me a R8 or R9 and my heart flutters with excitement...show me some kind of fender of equal value and I might as well be looking at a new tractor or lawn mower for all the interest it sparks in me. I suppose I grew up with the image of all my favorite players w/ Les Pauls and it just stuck in my head as the ultimate guitar.
Sounds like you lucked out to find the right guitar for you the first time around! Congrats!

[calibud]

Some people just love the Les Paul. It's def my primary, but I've been wanting a PRS lately.

[diceman]

I ordered my R8 through my local Gibson dealer - since he agrees that the quality does vary, he said that he'd order 2 of them - and that I could have my pick, the other would go up on the wall. I'd played several R7's and a couple R8's w/ non-tobacco finishes before, so I was familiar with the Historic "feel." The shop called several months later and told me that one of the two R8's had arrived. I went in, and the shop owner (who I've become pretty good acquaintance-friends with) just smiled and said "you're gonna love this" and popped the top of the case open. My jaw dropped! I played it for five minutes or so, and I knew it was "the one." He said that I could take it home and wait til the other arrived, and choose between the two. I told him that it wouldn't be necessary - this one cannot be topped! I took it strait to my Luthier for a setup, and was soldering in new caps by the end of the night. The next R8 came in the next week - it played about the same - but wasn't nearly as good lookin'. These were taken the minute that I laid eyes on her:

[bluestandard]

It was love at (nearly) no sight for me. Years ago, I saw a used epiphone LP in a shop that sells used music stuff. I was mildly interested and maybe played a few chords on it. I wanted something with 24 frets, neck-thru, and a tremolo bar (as if I would actually use that stuff). The same store had a Jackson SL-3 for really cheap, so I got that. Yet, I'd always wanted a Les Paul for some reason. Maybe just because of Slash or the looks or the fact that it's Les Paul and Les Pauls are sweet guitars. A big part of it was I hated restringing the Jackson with it's tremolo and locking-nut.

A few weeks ago, I was browsing Musician's Friend and noticed the B-stock Epiphone Les Paul Standard was priced well, and was available (only) in blue, which was even better. I couldn't resist and now I have my first Les Paul, and wow. It plays and sounds much much better than the Jackson.

I've noticed that I want to play more. My Jackson would sit there and I'd pick it up and play just when I wanted to play guitar (or was bored). With the Les Paul, I look at it (a lot) and think "must... play... guitar... now!" It's very distracting.

wow, that was way too long...

[Funkwire]

Sort of...I got serious G.A.S. for a Gold Top with P-90s last spring. I couldn't justify laying out the cash for a Gibson (and I'm a cheap bastard anyway ), so I started keeping an eye out for an Epi.

I read many reviews online, and got a good sense of what people thought of them. I had never had one in my hands...then I won a used one in an e-Bay auction. It was a leap of faith on my part...real fun telling the wife about that, as well! But it all turned out fine... the guitar plays and sounds fantastic.

I just did a similar thing last month with an Xaviere. Again, a really amazing guitar for a ridiculously low price. I think I'm done for awhile...I've bought four guitars online, without trying them out first, and every one has been a good player. Good luck like that can't last forever!

Here's the Gold Top and the Xaviere...the Chinese Twins...

[LEFTY LES]

Originally Posted by slash300

Love at first sight for me was with a Guitar hero 3 gibson guitar controller..I played that game on xbox 360 for 3 months and then moved on the my first real guitar, the 'epiphone'..

now that is a 1st for me Slash. I refuse to buy that game for my kids because to me if you want to play......play a real guitar. I bought them a mini Squier Strat for just that reason. I guess there is an exception to every rule!!

[ninja.ras]

Those are great stories, as some of you know i'm only 14 so i cant just think i really like that guitar nad then buy it (not saying you all do that) but i fell inlove with guitars in general at the grand old age of 13, and im 14 , wow.
Ive been playing for 3 months so everyone is telling me its too aerly to get les, so i went on ebay with the intention to get a better fender, and then i found a epiphone les paul stndard for.... wait for it.... £76 brand new.... and its not a fake, the eller buys them in bulk then gives them a low starting price and it build up this one hasnt moved in price and its got 9 hours to go hopefully by tonight i will have my les paul, and shes a beutiful peice of kit!!! yay!!! will post pics on show off your les paull when i have it 'cuz its a xmas/ bday pesent because im also getting a line6 spider 3 15w

[slash300]

Originally Posted by ninja.ras

Those are great stories, as some of you know i'm only 14 so i cant just think i really like that guitar nad then buy it (not saying you all do that) but i fell inlove with guitars in general at the grand old age of 13, and im 14 , wow.
Ive been playing for 3 months so everyone is telling me its too aerly to get les, so i went on ebay with the intention to get a better fender, and then i found a epiphone les paul stndard for.... wait for it.... £76 brand new.... and its not a fake, the eller buys them in bulk then gives them a low starting price and it build up this one hasnt moved in price and its got 9 hours to go hopefully by tonight i will have my les paul, and shes a beutiful peice of kit!!! yay!!! will post pics on show off your les paull when i have it 'cuz its a xmas/ bday pesent because im also getting a line6 spider 3 15w

Give us the link before you bid..lots of fakes on ebay, you just cant trust them..It's not good buying a fake and then having to return it and pay for the shipping.

[slash300]

Originally Posted by LEFTY LES

now that is a 1st for me Slash. I refuse to buy that game for my kids because to me if you want to play......play a real guitar. I bought them a mini Squier Strat for just that reason. I guess there is an exception to every rule!!

I know but you should let them play it. It's a very good game. real guitar can be learned at any age, let them enjoy their childhood and they can learn how to play once they get older. I used that game as an exercise for my left hand fingers (since I wanted to play real guitar)..It really made my pinky finger really strong.

[LEFTY LES]

Originally Posted by slash300

I know but you should let them play it. It's a very good game. real guitar can be learned at any age, let them enjoy their childhood and they can learn how to play once they get older. I used that game as an exercise for my left hand fingers (since I wanted to play real guitar)..It really made my pinky finger really strong.

thats good advice as well. do you play lefty or righty??

[slash300]

Originally Posted by LEFTY LES

thats good advice as well. do you play lefty or righty??

thanks. I play righty..but still a beginner, only been playing for 9 months.

[mil182]

yeah man my guitars arnt very good yet either. i mean beside upgrades i dont have a really solid guitar so when i play epi lp's in the store (which i plan on buying after Christmas) i feel like a can just gp all out randy rhoads cuz theyre so much better than my guitars. set neck, pups, tuners and all.

[LEFTY LES]

you dont need a good guitar to play good guitar

[PuddleOfMudd25]

True. Only wish my "friend" knew that. (He doesn't want to admit he sucks)

[ninja.ras]

hello gentle men you havenbt heard from me in a while bu8t i have an update
i went into my local guitar shop to have a look and i saw this beautiful wine red les paul, i stood there staring at it when a guy asked me if i wanted to try it out, i was plugged into a huge line 6 with a acoustic guy right next to me and i started to play and he stopped, hehe, but i soon as i played i knew i had not only fallen inlove with les pauls, but this one felt right and now as i right this its to the right of me and i cant concentrate on writing this, well im done. p.s. im skint for the next five months, yep, i bought it!!!


Edit: its a epi standard limited edition wine red '07

[Jody]

[PuddleOfMudd25]

Originally Posted by ninja.ras

hello gentle men you havenbt heard from me in a while bu8t i have an update
i went into my local guitar shop to have a look and i saw this beautiful wine red les paul, i stood there staring at it when a guy asked me if i wanted to try it out, i was plugged into a huge line 6 with a acoustic guy right next to me and i started to play and he stopped, hehe, but i soon as i played i knew i had not only fallen inlove with les pauls, but this one felt right and now as i right this its to the right of me and i cant concentrate on writing this, well im done. p.s. im skint for the next five months, yep, i bought it!!!


Edit: its a epi standard limited edition wine red '07

Sounds interesting, congrats. Except instead of buying it in the store, I had to wait 3 weeks for it to be shipped. It was worth it, even though it was the most tense 3 weeks in my life.

[phillysteezsteak]

Originally Posted by slash300

I know but you should let them play it. It's a very good game. real guitar can be learned at any age, let them enjoy their childhood and they can learn how to play once they get older. I used that game as an exercise for my left hand fingers (since I wanted to play real guitar)..It really made my pinky finger really strong.

that game helped my triplets so much.

[The_Sentry]

I dunno.....

I love all of my guitars. Some of 'em...eh, it wasn't love at first sight. Some of 'em...absolutely.

As far as guitars I've owned....it was love at first sight for an '88 Ibanez RG 550 that was all black. Back then leftie guitars were unusual, and not everything was done online. To see one there....it blew my mind. I knew I had to have it, and I loved that guitar for many years despite developing an apathetic relationship with the Floyd Rose floating tremolo system.

My strats were not love at first sight, although one of 'em I still love dearly. For many years I dreamed of an Olympic white strat. I finally saw a left handed Fender...but it was a natural. I got it...and over the years it's sort of become a more preferable color for me...although I still love the Olympic white, and every once in a while I'll drool over a sunburst. I also picked up a Fender HWY1 that was in that wine red color...I didn't like the looks of it until I put a straight black pickguard, pup covers and black knobs....

My les pauls? Ha. The Gibson LP Studio played amazingly well...but looks wise I never felt that guitar was quite there. (It was also a wine red guitar) I'm pretty happy with it now that it's got a mix of classic and new stylings in it.

I loved the sight of the black Epi LP custom...eh, but that guitar was a heartbreaker. (Got a whole thread on that...no point in going into it.)

I always shied away from the cherryburst guitars (I think it was just the case of where "everyone has one"), and I still think a plaintop looks cleaner than a plus top, but my Epi standard's grown on me. I still mess around with the accessories via spare parts...she's almost there...and the color scheme has grown on me.

But as far as love at first sight? Hands down my Gibby LP custom. As soon as I saw her, I knew...she was mine.

I had to have her.

[PuddleOfMudd25]

Originally Posted by phillysteezsteak

that game helped my triplets so much.

I say if they want to play, let them. In fact, most people I know that play Guitar Hero also play guitar, and the ones that don't never think they can play for real. In fact, if I never played it, I wouldn't be here at all. When I played Lay Down for the first time, I wanted to try it, so I practiced and learned how to play. I started to learn different techniques and different songs, which brought me to this point today.

[zontar]

Originally Posted by PuddleOfMudd25

Most people would say try the guitar out first and see if it was right, but I didn't even care.

I always try a guitar out first--it might be a nice guitar, but it has to be the right one for me to buy it. I have to click with it. When I bought my last guitar back in September (An Ibanez AF95) I had already spent several months and literally played over a hundred guitars. Some did click with me sooner, but they were more than I had to spend at the time. When I had more money I went back to check on them & they were gone. But no regrets--they weren't meant to be--the Ibanez was a fit.

My Les Paul was a click immediately as well.

Originally Posted by PuddleOfMudd25

But, if I try to play something I can do near-perfect on my Epi (Or any other Les Paul for a fact), I can't do on another guitar. (Like my brother's Yamaha)

I've never had this problem. But what I do when I have trouble playing something is to try it on my Mustang--with the smaller scale & neck I find it easier to play--after I learn in on my Mustang I can pretty much play it on any of my others. (There are exceptions--I learn classical stuff on my classical & slide stuff on my Les Paul or my AF95.)

[VictorLazarus]

Before going to Les Pauls I went through many guitars (all trash mostly) then I tried a LP Special II and I thought wow this was cool, so later I sold that to get a studio - then STANDARD which is currently my best playing guitar.


Called an x-mas tree by some members, lol.

MVL.