2019 Les Paul Special vs ‘50s Goldtop Standard

[Knightrich]

Hi all,

I am in the process of saving up for a good, new American guitar and have centered on Gibson. I have been collecting Sweetwater gift cards and have never bought a “new” guitar before. I really want that experience, I know I’ll pay more for that but I’ve already got that gift card train rolling through Sweetwater so I’ve got to keep it going!

I currently play an Epiphone Dot with Seth Lovers through a Princeton Fudge Brownie, and I’ve also got a parts caster strat with ‘59 Pure Vintage pickups in it. My all time favorite band is The Rolling Stones, so I’ve in the back of my mind been saving for the 2019 Gibson SG w/maestro. But, concerns about the neck joint (I’m not sure if it’s better or worse on the ‘61 reissues vs the standards) I’ve started to lean towards a LP with P90s to round out my sounds. I love the tone of my dot so much that I feel it would be redundant to get the 50s standard LP with humbuckers, though I know they’d be different. I’ve really gotten it narrowed to 3 different guitars.

1. 2019 Les Paul Special TV Yellow
2. ‘50s Standard Les Paul P90s
3. 2019 SG Special Pelham Blue

I want to get a good, durable Gibson that I can play and I’m so excited to own a real Gibson, I’m just not able to play any of these right now and was looking to get some opinions on those who have played or owned these.
My concern with the SG is that it’s fragile.
My concern with the Special is that I’d think I got a “lesser” Paul.
The standard is obviously amazing but also more expensive.
Thanks!!!

 

[Tobaccoburst83]

I do not vote as I have to tell you to try the guitars above first and not only play/try the ones you've mentioned.

 

[bad565ss]

Given the choices and if your budget allows I would do the 50s Standard P90 myself.

 

[Gtarzan81]

Every guitar is different. That said, the new Specials are about $750 cheaper in actual purchase price.

 

[NorlinBlackBeauty]

#1 or #2 would be my preference, but this is for you.

There is something special about the Special (DC for me). I might end up with one someday. I'd not consider it "lesser" in any way.

 

[Knightrich]

I do not vote as I have to tell you to try the guitars above first and not only play/try the ones you've mentioned.

Understood. Can’t wait till I can get to a store and try these out.

 

[jb_abides]

If you want a carved maple top P-90 LP, don't forget about the 2018 Classic!

 

[mdubya]

Welp.

I own a 2019 LP Special

I own an SG Classic

I will own a 50's Standard Gold Top in the future.

So, my answer is, ALL THREE.

The 2019 LP Special and the SG Classic (practically the same thing as an SG Special) are ridiculously good guitars. I have owned a P-90 LP before and the Special is the equal of that guitar (which was also a great guitar).

Just pick which ever one YOU like the most. You will not be disappointed (unless you are one of THOSE people).

 

[RocketKing]

The SG isn't delicate, but tends to neck dive. At least the ones I tried.
The les paul Special is, by no means, an inferior instrument.
And I don't think anyone here believes that either.
It's up to you if you like the finish and extra bling on the standard.
I didn't vote because all 3 are great choices.
I'd be happy to own any of them if I were in the market for one.

 

[Christosterone]

Brand new 2018 goldtop can be had for a great deal these days...
I have one and it’s bananas

though I would love a 50s standards...it’s my next guitar

-chris

 

[endial]

Welcome to the forum.

As all the above have pretty much stated, they're all great choices. I voted the Special because I want one (more than I'd want either of the others). Had one. Loved the tone. Loved the looks. Loved the guitar. Couldn't get on with the neck (2012 D-shape, flat backed and shouldery. Friggin' horrible neck.*). 2019 Specials have the neck I desire.

*-For me.

 

[Knightrich]

Given the choices and if your budget allows I would do the 50s Standard P90 myself.

It is a beautiful guitar! And it’s not necessarily out of the budget, just will take longer to accumulate the gift cards, etc. but man it’s nice.

 

[Knightrich]

Welcome to the forum.

As all the above have pretty much stated, they're all great choices. I voted the Special because I want one (more than I'd want either of the others). Had one. Loved the tone. Loved the looks. Loved the guitar. Couldn't get on with the neck (2012 D-shape, flat backed and shouldery. Friggin' horrible neck.*). 2019 Specials have the neck I desire.

*-For me.

Thanks! Yeah I remember when Gibson put out a bunch of the red and yellow double cuts in the early 2000s and I liked them but just couldn’t get on with the neck. From what I keep reading, there’s some magic in the 2019 Les Paul Specials in particular. They just seem to get rave reviews.

 

[Knightrich]

If you want a carved maple top P-90 LP, don't forget about the 2018 Classic!

That is beautiful!!!

 

[smk506]

Out of the 3 listed the LP special and the 50’s p90 standard both have pretty good sized necks while the sg has a slimmer profile. If that matters at all, it’s worth considering.

Personally I would be very pleased with any of the above, but I’d lean more towards the special personally.

 

[Injector]

Don't think of the LP Special as a "lesser guitar". I have several Gibsons and my LP Special is one of my favourites. Here it is with my Custom and Standards. It isn't a lesser guitar rhan any of them. Iove it! Total keeper.

 

[jporch316]

Don’t forget the 2020 lineup there are p90 special tributes available ......

 

[Cjsinla]

You can’t go wrong with P90ks. I have or have had all 3. The LP has more roar and thump of the all 3, the SG has less, and the LP Special is in the middle. Another consideration is that some regular LP’s can be heavy. All P90 guitars are great and have more drive than many of my humbucker equipped guitars. Did you tell us what type of music you like to play?

Here are 3 of mine, I have more...

 

[Tobaccoburst83]

And there are so many Gibsons on the second-hand market that fit into your search grid and have a surprisingly good price/performance ratio.

 

[jb_abides]

You may get lucky in the used market, looking at Historic Specials and Juniors...