Shopping Les Paul's: Vintage or Modern?

[freshchops]

Simply put, I'm ready to own a Les Paul. I've tried (mostly from borrowing friends) everything from L.P. studios, Epiphone models, a modern Double Cut, Current Standards and I'm now borrowing a vintage '68. I've liked them all and for sake of "a matter of opinion", I'd like to hear others opinions and why as to which to invest in. For those who have tried or own vintage and modern and specialty models, what are the distinct characteristic differences?

I'm loving the '68 and it has a classic, full, warm, gritty drive but seems to also be to it's limitation. I've thought the modern Double Cuts played the best with the Studios a close second. I have least tried the modern Standards so what am I missing?

I've got a nice 70's gear collection going and was considering a '78 L.P. They seem to be a more affordable vintage L.P., so is there something not too fabulous about them, any decline in production those years?

I saw a modern Standard in "Gecko" finish back when they came out and still have a curious interest for one. They're now harder to find. Considering either a '78 vintage or modern Standard, what differences or limitations should I expect is any?

.... BTW, although I've tried all, it was never together so no A/B'ing done and it was over time in which my taste have evolved.

[hbucker]

IMO you need to find the guitar that feels o.k. to you. That includes action, resonance, sustain and a mojo that speaks to you. Then you can put whatever pickups in it that will give you the style of tone you're looking for.

You'll probably pay more for the older guitars so if that's an issue, I'd stick with the newer ones and you'll save some $$. I'm assuming you're getting this as a player not as a collector piece.

But if I were you I'd care less about bridge style, finish, woods, etc. and just find what you like. Then make it your own.

Hope this helps.

[Blues Power]

+1. just by what ever feels and sounds right to you thats in your price range.

some may love a 78 but i find them very heavy. not that they sound bad its just the weight bothers me. and vice versa for someone else

[LoKi]

Originally Posted by Blues Power

+1. just by what ever feels and sounds right to you thats in your price range.

some may love a 78 but i find them very heavy. not that they sound bad its just the weight bothers me. and vice versa for someone else

This is it exactly. My 79 Custom is a BACK BREAKER. 12.5-13lbs. I need to get a better scale...

But the point is, it sounds incredible. Is it too heavy to use every night? Maybe. Hasn't stopped me yet. I do own a couple of Standards that I use regularly as well.

You really need to play a late 70's Les Paul to appreciate the tone, but you might HATE the weight absolutely.

All Gibson USA product is currently chambered guitars. If you want a solid body Les Paul you have to buy a Historic, and pay 3 times as much as a Standard is worth.

That is changing, soon apparently.

I'm a big fan of late 70's guitars, but that doesn't mean you'll be. Try it and if you connect with it, it was meant to be! If not, you can try 'new' Les Paul's all day long at any shop in the world.

[freshchops]

Thanks for the the opinions. Yes I did notice that the weights listed on the the 70's were 11 lbs. plus. That may be a good thing because right now I'm using it for all studio, not gigging. I'll probably wait until my friend reclaims his '68 and get one.... out of necessity.

Like I mentioned the Studios and the Strd. Double Cut played the best to me so I'll take the "whatever plays / feels best for me" approach as recommended. Thanks!

[diceman]

I'd take that '68 and run if I were you!!

[decoy205]

Yeah man play all you can and decide what suits you better. I've played old and new and like some and didnt like others its all personal prefernce tone feel etc. every year had good and bad guitars just like now.

if you find one that speaks to you pick it up and then show us the pics.

[LPNick]

Also don't forget to try the VOS series or maybe a nice Historic LP. They have great tone and are IMO overall a big imrpovement over the Standards of now-a-days