57 RI Les Paul Custom vs CS Les Paul Custom

[guitarstan]

Gentlemen,

I need some help getting off dead center and pulling the trigger on one or the other. First let me say I am 58 years old and I don't play any metal except when I've had way too many beers . I play mostly classic style rock, rhythm & blues, blues.....

I currently have 3 RI Les Pauls, a 56, 58 & 59, so I need a 57 in black. I know I would be happy with a 57 RI, but I have the rare opportunity to trade even-Steven for a modern Custom Shop Les Paul Custom, you know, the one with modern appointments, hotter pups, slimmer neck, Nashville bridge and speed knobs, white binding. Most of the differences seem cosmetic, the hotter pups may actually be interesting especially since I have the general humbucker territory pretty well covered. Not sure about liking the Nashville bridge though, it doesn't look right? Is it "better" than the ABR?

Considering I am old and decrepit, I will probably only keep this guitar for 10 to 15 years then sell it. If I were looking only at resale value and the emerging youth of today wanting, what, a more modern or a more vintage guitar in 15 years? In other words, what would likely be more marketable in 15 years, the Heritage style or the modern style?

Any one care to offer a few pearls of wisdom?

Much appreciation!!

 

[Boleskinehouse]

The main difference is that the '57 has a mahogany top as well as the body, so they sound a bit darker. Other Customs have maple tops.

 

[guitarstan]

The mahogany top is prolly warmer than the maple? Would this be all that noticeable playing mostly classic rock and blues with not much in the way of gain just a little overdriving the amp from time to time?

Any opinion on the 490R & 498T pups?
Someone on another forum recently commented they weren't liking them too much.

Thanks!

 

[Boleskinehouse]

And to answer your question about ABR-1 vs. Nasville.. One is not any better than the other really.. I prefer ABRs for their looks and I believe the posts screwing directly into the wood enhances tone. If you prefer a maple top, there is also a '68 reissue that has everything a '57 has, but with a maple top and many more finish options.

That being said, there is certainly nothing wrong with a regular, modern Custom. The best thing to do would be to try all three varieties.

I don't think the 490r/498t sound good in Pauls. I love them in SGs though. Pickups are too subjective to for me to recommend. And yes, mahogany tops are warmer and darker.

 

[guitarstan]

Nice cat btw Boleskinehouse....we have 5 .

I'm with you on the appearance of the ABR vs Nash TOM.

I don't know that I prefer maple over mahogany tops or that my aging ears could even tell the difference, they ring like crazy from decades of abuse .

As for pups, there certainly are lots of choices out there these days, so if I don't like the 490/498's I can swap em out for another 3 or $4 hundred .

Edit:
I live far out in the woods of a rural town, not much opportunity to "try em out" before I buy.

 

[Boleskinehouse]

Well... I would suggest going with a '57, because it should sound very different from your Standard type Historics. I'm sure you'll hear a difference. I'd like one myself for that reason. I have five Customs and they all have maple tops! I'm the resident '68RI junkie.

 

[moff40]

Boles, you're just an LP junkie in general. And a slut junkie....

Sorry, bud. Had to

 

[Boleskinehouse]

Boles, you're just an LP junkie in general. And a slut junkie....

Sorry, bud. Had to

Les Pauls are slutty. The lefty ones are slutty, only mirrored.

 

[Tim Plains]

Stan, read this http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gibson-les-pauls/50210-gibson-les-paul-101-a.html. Should explain most of the differences between the two.

 

[fretout]

I think the best option for your needs would be to get the '57RI.

IMO, I love the Customs. They are everything that I want in a guitar. I personally like the hotter pickups because it accentuates my pick attack (or fingerpicking) and the subtle nuances of my playing. Keep that in mind when guitar shopping. Just because the hotter pickups drive the amp harder, thus creating more overdrive are great for Rock and Metal, doesn't mean that they don't sound great with other styles.

And I for one love the 490R and 498T pickup combo. I have switched from EMGs to these...

 

[The_Sentry]

Les Pauls are slutty. The lefty ones are slutty, only mirrored.

Now you're talkin'! (It's like sluttin' with a mirror on your ceilin' mang!)

 

[moff40]

Les Pauls are slutty. The lefty ones are slutty, only mirrored.

Yes, LPs are slutty. But if the lefties are the same only mirrored, would that imply that they're the inverse of slutty, and therefore virtuous? Gawd, I hope not...