Tradtional vs Standard

[Stretch90]

Hey everyone,

I was wondering what some people's thoughts are about these guitars. I'm trying to decide between the two and I think I'm leaning towards the traditional mainly because of the 57s.
I guess the main thing I'm wondering is the if there's any difference in build/sound quality since the standard is around $500 more, even tho I'm sure a lot of that is because of the chambered body.

[Backstage]

You hit it, the big difference is the chambered body and of course the neck shape.
Some said the new Standard sounds a bit more modern than the Traditional, so it's up to you but I highly recommend to play them both, feel them and listend to their sound. Hope you got the chance to do that.

And there is another thread that might help a little:
Traditional VS. Standard?? I Don't Get It!!!

[drew365]

One other difference is the Standard has the long neck tenon. I would think the asymmetrical neck would be the main feature you need to decide on.

[colchar]

Don't get a guitar just because of the pickups as they can be easily changed any time you want.

[nauc]

go play both, buy what you like better

[carydad]

As stated above, I wouldnt choose based on pickups or other things that are easily swapped. I came across a goldtop standard used and couldnt resist. It's turned out to be one of my main guitars. A-Sym neck is very comfortable and it sounds amazing. Tonepros hardware and locking tuners are nice-but can be added. Long tenon is a selling point to some folks, me included, or at least I would rather have it than not have it. I had an issue with the circuit board, but since I always swap wiring and pups, not a big deal. One of the pots was a little funky, stiff and it the volume dropoff was erratic.

[Ides of March]

I went through this when I was choosing between the Standard and Trad. I went with the Trad. The standard has pcb board and not pots and caps in the cavity. It also comes with BB Pro's I believe. The Trad as you know comes with the Classic 57's. Which I changed out the bridge cause it wasn't hot enough for me. The Standard is Gibson's newest model of the Standard, the Trad is more based on the 80's and 90's Standard.

[blackie2]

I've had short and long tenon necked LP's and anyone who can hear a difference is blowing smoke up your ass.

[Fsalas199]

I was on the same fence. I decided to go with the traditional plus in Honeyburst. Played both. Liked the feel of the neck l and the weight of the body on the traditional. Ordered my Les Paul Traditional Honeyburst Plus online and waiting to unwrap that bad-boy.

[Street-Survivor]

Originally Posted by drew365

One other difference is the Standard has the long neck tenon. I would think the asymmetrical neck would be the main feature you need to decide on.

Unless something changed since the last time I looked at Standard specs, it definitely doesn't have a long neck tenon.

[drew365]

Originally Posted by Street-Survivor

Unless something changed since the last time I looked at Standard specs, it definitely doesn't have a long neck tenon.

Apparently somethings changed:
New Enlarged Neck Tenon
The 2008 Les Paul Standard sports a revolutionary enlarged neck tenon designed by Gibson’s team of pioneering engineers. The expanded neck tenon features an innovative interlocking joint that allows the neck to be dropped into the body from the guitar’s top side, as opposed to sliding the neck in from the rim. When the glue is added, a solid unyielding bond is created that maximizes the wood to wood contact between the neck and the body, offering increased stability and superb transfer of vibration for enhanced tone, improved sustain, and superior resonance. It is also the largest neck tenon in the history of the Les Paul.

[Street-Survivor]

Enlarged, not long.

[SixAngryStrings]

The Traditional is cheaper, cooler and more PURE... Get a Traditional Pro at GC and cover the ugly exposed pickups and save a ton of dough... you'll be happy.

[jojo]

I Don't want a chambered lp

[Justin_Case]

Originally Posted by Street-Survivor

Enlarged, not long.

It's the largest / most secure joint in a Les Paul

[tothemax]

go for the standard. one hell of an axe. i tried both and it was an easy choice. standard all the way. tried at least 4 different trads and they all felt different not bad , but not consistent. picked up a standard and really there was no comparison. the new neck design feels great. but try to each his own.

[Latearrival]

Originally Posted by Justin_Case

It's the largest / most secure joint in a Les Paul

I thought it was pretty much agreed that the length of the neck tennon matters not a jot! It may aid Gibson in manufacture, but sound-wise there is no difference, and from a robustness point of view, LPs never break here anyway!

[Ochlocracy]

I like the neck, pups etc of the Trad. I pick the Trad. But what matters is what you like better, so pick what you want.

[LPV]

Originally Posted by Street-Survivor

Enlarged, not long.

Its as long as the historic tenon so that would make it long right ?

I tried them both, went back and forth and just could not warm to a traditional. The new standards are really great guitars. If I feel like playing something more "traditional" I just play my historic.

[Stretch90]

Thanks for all the input guys. I know that pickups aren't a huge reason to choose one guitar over another but I'm also considering price here. The standard is about $500 more than the traditional and if I have to change the pickups in addition to that then it's another $250.
The main thing that I was considering is the difference in build quality. I noticed that the standards I've tried do seem to be more consistent and may feel slightly better but I don't know if it's worth the extra money to me.

So, in terms of sound between the two, is it only the pickups that make a difference or is there anything else? Does the chambered body do anything to it?

[John Vasco]

Originally Posted by Street-Survivor

Enlarged, not long.

If it was any longer on the Standard, it would be inside the feckin' neck pickup...!!!

[John Vasco]

Originally Posted by Stretch90

Thanks for all the input guys. I know that pickups aren't a huge reason to choose one guitar over another but I'm also considering price here. The standard is about $500 more than the traditional and if I have to change the pickups in addition to that then it's another $250.
The main thing that I was considering is the difference in build quality. I noticed that the standards I've tried do seem to be more consistent and may feel slightly better but I don't know if it's worth the extra money to me.

So, in terms of sound between the two, is it only the pickups that make a difference or is there anything else? Does the chambered body do anything to it?

1. If price is a major driver for you, then you obviously go with the cheaper guitar, regardless of the intrinsic individual qualities of both.

2. Build quality is something you examine on an idividual basis, with each guitar in your hands. You cannot get a definitive statement on that from a guitar forum...

3. As far as sound goes, no two guitars sound exactly the same. A multitude of variables go into producing a guitar's ultimate sound. It is not only the pickups. The chambered body makes it lighter. Getting back to sound, if you are going to try the two types out in a shop, make sure you play them through a top quality amp, on the same amp settings. Don't play them through an amp with lots of effects (such as a Cube 60), since that will mask the sound and volume of the guitars. If possible, go through a valve amp on the clean and then on the overdrive/gain channels. That will then give you good pointers as to the respective merits of each one.

4. Forgive me if I am incorrect here, but from your questions I feel you are seeking to build up your knowledge of the types, and may not know a lot about them. If that is the case, I would suggest you take someone along with you to the shop who knows quite a lot about Les Pauls and can give you the correct guidance and pointers, while leaving you to make the final decision. Again, forgive me if I am incorrect on this point.

I hope the above helps in some way.

[joec63]

Originally Posted by Stretch90

I noticed that the standards I've tried do seem to be more consistent and may feel slightly better but I don't know if it's worth the extra money to me.

At the end of the day this is what it comes down to. What is it worth to you and you're comfortable with. There aren't any wrong choices, just different. I'm stating the obvious of course. I like the '08 Standard and the chambering, others disagree. Play a bunch.

[Stretch90]

Originally Posted by John Vasco

1. If price is a major driver for you, then you obviously go with the cheaper guitar, regardless of the intrinsic individual qualities of both.

2. Build quality is something you examine on an idividual basis, with each guitar in your hands. You cannot get a definitive statement on that from a guitar forum...

3. As far as sound goes, no two guitars sound exactly the same. A multitude of variables go into producing a guitar's ultimate sound. It is not only the pickups. The chambered body makes it lighter. Getting back to sound, if you are going to try the two types out in a shop, make sure you play them through a top quality amp, on the same amp settings. Don't play them through an amp with lots of effects (such as a Cube 60), since that will mask the sound and volume of the guitars. If possible, go through a valve amp on the clean and then on the overdrive/gain channels. That will then give you good pointers as to the respective merits of each one.

4. Forgive me if I am incorrect here, but from your questions I feel you are seeking to build up your knowledge of the types, and may not know a lot about them. If that is the case, I would suggest you take someone along with you to the shop who knows quite a lot about Les Pauls and can give you the correct guidance and pointers, while leaving you to make the final decision. Again, forgive me if I am incorrect on this point.

I hope the above helps in some way.

I know that no two guitars sound exactly the same because of many factors that aren't easy to quantify, but given that I'm asking if there's any significant difference in sound between the two besides the pickups. And similarly for build quality, I was wondering if the Standards are known to be built better because of the higher price point.
And yes price is a factor, but it doesn't mean that it is the deciding one, so obviously I won't just choose the trad only because it's cheaper.

And finally, I don't know that much about les pauls because I mainly play strats, which is why I'm here. My final decision will always be based on how the guitar actually feels and plays but I want to gain as much knowledge as I can as well.

[LOSTVENTURE]

I really have to laugh at this tenion propaganda. This is overkill if i've ever seen it. Just try pulling the neck off of your Les Paul, any (set neck) LP for that matter.
Don

[LPV]

Originally Posted by Stretch90

I was wondering if the Standards are known to be built better because of the higher price point.

No, absolutely not. You'll get better guitars coming out of the custom shop "generally" but you could have a studio that sounds better than the standard or trad beside it. Get out and play them the way we used to buy guitars. Preconceptions will screw you out of your money.

[tothemax]

i am glad to have the chambered body. hell why do you need it heavier than it has to be. played a prs ce24 for over 16 years and its solid and got some good weight to it. my new standard chambered body is just as heavy. balance is very nice on the standards also. the guitar seems to hang where you want it, very comfortable.
dont let the chamber body scare you. its your back.
good luck

[Justin_Case]

I've reached a stage in life where I can have the luxury owning multiple guitars, and I own both a Traditional and an 08 Standard. In world of Les Pauls, from Top to Bottom they are very different guitars - some things are deal breakers to a lot of players, be it mind sets as to what a Les Paul should be / and or practical such as installed hardware. Which is better, neither they are just different.

Should a Les Paul be Heavy or Light ? The most coveted 58-60 bursts were light by today's standards. Big money guitars - the standard by which all LPs are judged against

Gibson uses the lightest woods on the Historics and gets big bucks for them. A light Traditional will still be heavier than 08 Standards. How's your back??

Should a Les Paul be Chambered ?? Well Les Paul had chambered ones built for Mary Ford, and they made a quite living at with them.

Neck Shape - total personal taste - What's your favorite color?? WRONG!

Locking Chrome Tuners vs the Klusions on the Traditional ?? Advantage ?? No disadvantage. Looks?? Ginger or Maryann

Pickups ?? Total taste choice - Neither good or bad, just a like Pizza, NY - Chicago - Thick - Thin - Spicy.... Dam I hungry

Locking input jack - Advantage ??? Solved a problem I did not know i had Nothing negative except to remember to unlock - Doh!

PC Board mounted electronics - Certainly not Traditional, but the quality of the components is there on the 08 Standard and they work well. I believe in future PUPs will come pre-wired with connectors for these boards, and if you don't need them cut them off and soldier the leads in as usual.

Mods and repairs on a PC board is no big deal - the amp guys do this all day long. A $5 solder sucker is all the added equipment needed. In the big picture - pulling the entire electronics out of an 08 Standard is quicker than a Traditional - no un-soldering to be done - and easy to put back to original too.

Should your LP be heavy like a 12 lb Norlan Custom?? Lightweight like a real 59 Burst ? Solid like an Historic?? Weight Relieved like the last 30+ years?? Chambered for lightweight??? I have all the styles, but I don't pick my guitars by style of build, but by sound and feel - is one better than the other - no, but again I don't have to choose which to own.

So in conclusion let me leave you with this..

This is my Les Paul.

There are many others like it, but this one is mine.

My Les is my best friend.

It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.

Without me, my Les Paul is useless.

Without my Les Paul, I am useless. I must play my Les Paul true.

I must play better than my enemy, who is trying to out play me.

I must out play him before he out plays me.

I will.

Before God I swear this creed:

My Les Paul and myself are defenders of my country, we are the masters of our enemy, we are the saviors of my life. So be it, until there is no enemy, but peace.

Amen.

[John Vasco]

Originally Posted by Stretch90

given that I'm asking if there's any significant difference in sound between the two besides the pickups. And similarly for build quality, I was wondering if the Standards are known to be built better because of the higher price point.


And finally, I don't know that much about les pauls because I mainly play strats, which is why I'm here. My final decision will always be based on how the guitar actually feels and plays but I want to gain as much knowledge as I can as well.

1. I answered that for you. Go read my post again.

2. Sell your Banjocasters...!

[Chinese Knockoff]

Originally Posted by blackie2

I've had short and long tenon necked LP's and anyone who can hear a difference is blowing smoke up your ass.

The mantra of people who can't hear the difference between a short and long tenon Les Paul. That's okay, though. I'm sure that there's no difference between 1995 and 1996 Chateau Margaux either.