There are videos on youtube with people playing the Vintage Mahogany. A Les Paul does sound different than an SG. Here is a guy thats a good player giving a demo.YouTube - Gibson Les Paul Vintage Test
A VM has absolutley amazing tone. I personally couldn't believe how easy to play it was. The Burstbuckers are very versatil. An all mahogany guitar sounds very dark. For me the guitar sang when I played first tried it, so I knew that was the one to get. My advice would be to try several guitars out including the VM and then compare and you'll know when you've found the right one.