2019 Les Paul Special vs ‘50s Goldtop Standard

[filtersweep]

The SG definitely sounds different. I believe the neck joint LP vs SG makes as much difference as anything.

When I had my P-90 LP 50's Tribute, I did a blind sound test between the SG Classic and the LP. I posted it here and at the ETSG forum with a poll to guess which was which. Here, 75% picked the SG as the LP. At ETSG, 75% picked the LP as the SG.

The SG sounds darker, but it is more mid focused with less top and bottom end. The LP has all three and sounds more complex and brighter, even though it has all of the mid and bottom, too.

I listened to Live At Leeds this weekend. It is as good a reason to buy the SG as you could ever need.

I was going to say the the LP Special is inspiring every time I pick it up. But that is true of the SG, too. And the old P-90 LP 50's Tribute I had could just absolutely nail Led Zeppelin tones through my Marshall 2204 with my old Maestro Fuzz. Nailed it.

This guy superfuzzymomma should get commission on every P-90 SG sold.

I don’t know about their P90 models, but regular SGs and LPs orient their pickups differently. This has a notable impact on tone.

 

[mdubya]

I don’t know about their P90 models, but regular SGs and LPs orient their pickups differently. This has a notable impact on tone.

No doubt. But SG's can be all over the place, spec-wise, too. I have an SG Special with humbuckers with the neck pickup right up to the end of the 22 fret fretboard.

There's double cut LP Specials with different pickup placements, too.

 

[Mockbel]

I voted for the Special... less in price and does the job (P90 tone) perfectly !

 

[Cjsinla]

What do the Custom Shops run for used? I guess I’m asking what’s a fair price. Right now I’m torn between getting the Special (used vs new) or the gold top. Gold top would be a longer ways away fund-wise.

CS models are at least $2000 used, USA models will be less.

 

[Knightrich]

As long as I can get the Stones tones with any of these I’ll be happy! I keep reading that Brown Sugar was recorded with an SG and that it may have been one with P90s.

 

[Knightrich]

CS models are at least $2000 used, USA models will be less.

I did see a great 2019 Special in the classifieds here for $1,250. That’s very tempting. Problem is I have been accumulating the Sweetwater gift cards so I’m kind of tied to that route.

 

[Cjsinla]

I did see a great 2019 Special in the classifieds here for $1,250. That’s very tempting. Problem is I have been accumulating the Sweetwater gift cards so I’m kind of tied to that route.

In that case, you’re looking at $1600 for one with a gloss finish or $1000 for a worn or satin finish. The construction of the gloss models is more like the vintage ones, they’re the ones I would prefer.

 

[Standard]

Dude. Buy your avatar...


Juniors are badass and can be had dirt cheap, relatively. If you want pure p90 sound buy a junior and have at it.

 

[Christosterone]

just went to sweetwater, I’m having trouble not buying this...

Gibson Les Paul Studio - Smokehouse Burst

Solidbody Electric Guitar with Weight-relieved Mahogany Body, Maple Top, Mahogany Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, and 2 Coil-tapped Humbucking Pickups - Smokehouse Burst

www.sweetwater.com

 

[Knightrich]

Dude. Buy your avatar...


Juniors are badass and can be had dirt cheap, relatively. If you want pure p90 sound buy a junior and have at it.

Haha you’re right! I love the Pelham blue color.

 

[mdubya]

just went to sweetwater, I’m having trouble not buying this...

Gibson Les Paul Studio - Smokehouse Burst

Solidbody Electric Guitar with Weight-relieved Mahogany Body, Maple Top, Mahogany Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, and 2 Coil-tapped Humbucking Pickups - Smokehouse Burst

www.sweetwater.com

View attachment 474900

Those are beautiful.

They are waaayyy over priced, though.

 

[Christosterone]

Those are beautiful.

They are waaayyy over priced, though.

agreed. Absolute rip off...
but dang that is a cool color

-Chris

 

[mdubya]

OP...

Santie Claws Arrives Early - LP Special TV Yellow

I ordered this at 10 AM from The Music Zoo, yesterday. By 10 AM this morning it was on my doorstep. :wow: Unexpected and a very nice surprise! I've been shopping for one of these since they became available. I have had to pass on a couple of really good deals right here on the mlp classifieds...

www.mylespaul.com

 

[Knightrich]

OP...

Santie Claws Arrives Early - LP Special TV Yellow

I ordered this at 10 AM from The Music Zoo, yesterday. By 10 AM this morning it was on my doorstep. :wow: Unexpected and a very nice surprise! I've been shopping for one of these since they became available. I have had to pass on a couple of really good deals right here on the mlp classifieds...

www.mylespaul.com

Mdubya! You’re tempting me! I am now torn between this and the gold top. I would have to wait longer for the gift cards to accumulate for the gold top, but it is nice. However, one big selling point for me on the Special is the decreased weight.

 

[mdubya]

Mdubya! You’re tempting me! I am now torn between this and the gold top. I would have to wait longer for the gift cards to accumulate for the gold top, but it is nice. However, one big selling point for me on the Special is the decreased weight.

If you have your heart set on a Goldtop, I'd save up.

I got a little over 20% off on the TV Special, brand new. That made it a no brainer for me, but I was really torn between the two: I wanted both.

I have four P-90 Gibsons, now, so that itch is scratched for the moment.

 

[lpfan1980]

Because Im a vintage LP nut and have no guitars with p90's Id get the Goldtop. But any of them would be special-[pun intended] Try all three and the one that you feel fits you the best take it home.

 

[Knightrich]

Because Im a vintage LP nut and have no guitars with p90's Id get the Goldtop. But any of them would be special-[pun intended] Try all three and the one that you feel fits you the best take it home.

You are right. I just need to play them. Can’t get to any stores right now and just been watching a lot of demo videos. Can’t wait to try them out.

 

[Knightrich]

If you have your heart set on a Goldtop, I'd save up.

I got a little over 20% off on the TV Special, brand new. That made it a no brainer for me, but I was really torn between the two: I wanted both.

I have four P-90 Gibsons, now, so that itch is scratched for the moment.

Do you think the Special would be more mid-heavy than the gold top?

 

[mdubya]

Do you think the Special would be more mid-heavy than the gold top?

Maybe slightly more mid focused, not necessarily heavy.

I would put the decision down to two points:

1. Looks. Which can't you live without or might you regret not buying?

2. Price. Is the Goldtop worth the ~$900 extra $$$?

Because from a tone standpoint, both will deliver, hugely. From AC/DC to Led Zeppelin to funk and R&B, to jazz. You won't miss the maple cap if you went for the Special. IMHO. You might might the Gold finish or the carved top if that beauty is calling your name. I love the stripped down nature of the Special. No pretense. And the TV finish is its own "special" kind of goodness, on par with the Goldtop, which I absolutely love, too. (I own one).

This makes for a pretty good pair of LP's.

 

[Ph03n1x]

Does the OP mean '54 style gold top or is there an actual model called 50s p90 gold top?

I have other brand MIJ versions of the 54 gold top and special. The wrap tail bridge and p90 combination has some sort of mojo that the regular tom bridge doesn't. If the 50s gold top is not the wrap tail, I would say go for the LP special...