Are Les Pauls battle tested?

[funkyguitarman]

Hey everyone I have a question that I need help with. I am a guitar player in the US Army and will be deploying in the near future. Now for deployed musicians in a combat zone the gear in which we use must be tough or tough enough to withstand constant moving and performing. As an avid les paul fanatic I play my personal gold top traditional at work all day and gigs because I love the tone and feel. Recently I was asked by my superiors to select a guitar I would like to purchase. While I do have a budget it is quite sufficent to get about any guitar I could want and thus this question. Do you think a les paul could withstand nine months in a desert/mountain climate while being transported in a hummvee or helicopter on a regular basis. And while I am more than able to bring my own gear along with me, the last thing I want is my LP earing a purple heart.

 

[skysmash]

I don't think any guitar likes lots of changing/extreme environment.

If I were you I'd get a used beat up telecaster and not care if it got bashed about

 

[River]

I'd feel a lot better about putting a Tele through that. The non-angled head stock alone prevents innumerable injuries.

 

[jrharrigan]

get a strat or a tele, and a solid flight case.

 

[CRobbins]

Perhaps a Les Paul Studio would be the ticket.

 

[tzd]

Yeah get a Fender. The Gibson headstock is very prone to breakage even when transported in its hardshell case.

 

[funkyguitarman]

I was considering a tele but I really want something with two humbuckers and two volume and tone controls. I would love to buy a 2012 standard because of the coil taps but would hate taking it out of the case after a helicopter flight and seeing a broken headstock. Maybe I should just pack some wood glue with me and start looking into guitar repair.

 

[skysmash]

I was considering a tele but I really want something with two humbuckers and two volume and tone controls. I would love to buy a 2012 standard because of the coil taps but would hate taking it out of the case after a helicopter flight and seeing a broken headstock. Maybe I should just pack some wood glue with me and start looking into guitar repair.

Seriously, the lp neck and headstock angle make it far from ideal. Check this out. I think it's what you're after

Fender Telecaster Deluxe - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[skysmash]

Fender 1972 Telecaster Deluxe Electric Guitar Assorted Colors | Sam Ash Music 1-800-4-SAMASH

 

[jrharrigan]

i went through all of this when i was packing for some time in iraq. i ended up with a japanese strat in my hands in a very rugged case...only to find out i had to pay about $500 extra each way to take it.

sent it home with the wife. it was a very long year.

 

[CRobbins]

 

[mdubya]

Maybe one of these?

Fender Modern Player Jaguar Electric Guitar Black Transparent Rosewood Fretboard | Musician's Friend

 

[what-a-cool-username]

I'd feel a lot better about putting a Tele through that. The non-angled head stock alone prevents innumerable injuries.

River knows what's up.

 

[JM2112]

I would pass on an electric guitar and just take something like a Martin backpacker guitar.

BTW, thanks for your service, God Bless, and be safe!!!

 

[Kingdom of Nye]

i'm going to vote telecaster deluxe/dual hums.

 

[bobswinea]

Hey everyone I have a question that I need help with. I am a guitar player in the US Army and will be deploying in the near future. Now for deployed musicians in a combat zone the gear in which we use must be tough or tough enough to withstand constant moving and performing. As an avid les paul fanatic I play my personal gold top traditional at work all day and gigs because I love the tone and feel. Recently I was asked by my superiors to select a guitar I would like to purchase. While I do have a budget it is quite sufficent to get about any guitar I could want and thus this question. Do you think a les paul could withstand nine months in a desert/mountain climate while being transported in a hummvee or helicopter on a regular basis. And while I am more than able to bring my own gear along with me, the last thing I want is my LP earing a purple heart.

I fought my way out of a really bad bar years ago with a LP. Played fine for years after that. Thank you for your service!

 

[ed1996]

Get a tele with humbuckers.

 

[Electric Funeral]

A PRS Singlecut (SC245) is another good option - quite a shallow headstock angle, and would get you really close to the LP tone given it's construction, woods, electronics etc.
Very simple and robust hardware as well. I've heard nothing but great things about them standing up to multiple tours and harsh treatment.

 

[drugprowlingwolf]

Take a Tele. You can always use it as a weapon if the need arises too!

 

[Guit]

Suhr does a roasted maple which is supposed to be impervious to humidity changes and seems to have the durability of a strat/tele. They look just like strats or teles but with Suhr's excellent build quality and style. They sound fantastic. They can be expensive, however, with your budget, you'll have no problem. They usually custom build guitars but some can be bought in select shops. Check out Guthrie Govan's videos on YT and Greg's Guitars for Suhr guitars.