68Kustom
Member
- Joined
- May 13, 2024
- Messages
- 52
- Reaction score
- 56
I tested a LP Standard Bourbon Burst, locally, which played not very well. Then I drove two hours to another shop to try a new 2023 Iced Tea Standard ($2,699 USD) with a beautiful top and back. It played better, but its action felt like a trampoline. That seemed just an issue of setting to neck relief.
But what really had me questioning my desire to 'trade up' from my LP 50s Trad Honeyburst was ... pickups! My LP was WAY louder than the Iced Tea Standard. I mean, same pickup heights, but mine made the shop's Marshall combo BARK. I noticed too how the rosewood on the Standard was sandy pink whereas my Trad is almost ebony in shade and feel!
While I tested the Standard, the shop guy was very curious about my very-used 2011 'Long & McQuade' model. He even brought out his repair tech for a look at it. They ran the serial number. I was given this advice:
"The differences between your old Trad and this new Standard are its gloss finish, Grover tuners, flame top, and price. Your used Trad was a steal and is the better guitar, in our opinion. You won't be happy with trading it, paying another thousand down, and the further two-year payment plan. Yours has mojo--go home and play it."
He also said something like "people pay Murphy Lab for that faded finish ..."
I am very happy with my non-purchase!
But what really had me questioning my desire to 'trade up' from my LP 50s Trad Honeyburst was ... pickups! My LP was WAY louder than the Iced Tea Standard. I mean, same pickup heights, but mine made the shop's Marshall combo BARK. I noticed too how the rosewood on the Standard was sandy pink whereas my Trad is almost ebony in shade and feel!
While I tested the Standard, the shop guy was very curious about my very-used 2011 'Long & McQuade' model. He even brought out his repair tech for a look at it. They ran the serial number. I was given this advice:
"The differences between your old Trad and this new Standard are its gloss finish, Grover tuners, flame top, and price. Your used Trad was a steal and is the better guitar, in our opinion. You won't be happy with trading it, paying another thousand down, and the further two-year payment plan. Yours has mojo--go home and play it."
He also said something like "people pay Murphy Lab for that faded finish ..."
I am very happy with my non-purchase!