Gibson Standard 50s with P90s Vs. Fender American Pro Tele

[Shades of Blue]

Thinking about selling my American Pro Tele in order to buy a Les Paul Standard Goldtop with P90s. I’ve never owned a P90 guitar.....wait, yes I did own a Les Paul Junior Special for about a week and returned it because it just wouldn’t stay in tune. I like my Tele, but I can’t help but really dig the Goldtop LP. In my mind, my LP Traditional is a bit too fat sounding, and the Tele is a bit too thin. Hoping that P90s could be right in the middle, but is it worth getting rid of a good Tele for?

 

[mdubya]

A Goldtop Standard won't stay in tune any better than a Junior Special.

Bird in the hand.

FWIW - My Original Collection LP Special with Techtoid nut stays in tune perfectly. It is a beast of a guitar, too. Something to consider. I've tuned it maybe twice since I got it in mid December 2019.

 

[Herbie74]

So it didn’t stay in tune for days/weeks or during a song or gig?

 

[LocoTex]

My Gibson with P90s stays in tune very well. You just need a setup.

And P90s are the best pickups ever!

 

[RocketKing]

With so many pick up options out there, offering all sorts of sonic flavors imaginable, I guess it's just down to what guitar shape you like.
Haven't you considered a pick up swap? If you like your Telecaster it might just be the best choice.
And if you still want a Gibson then save up and buy one when you can!

 

[EasyAce]

I'm still happy after ten years (almost) with . . .

 

[Shades of Blue]

So it didn’t stay in tune for days/weeks or during a song or gig?

That was years ago, but I played it at church twice. I had a heck of a time keeping it in tune and I probably had it 10 days total. Just didn’t bond and I probably use the tuning issue as an excuse, but I didn’t like the guitar enough to rectify the issue.

 

[Shades of Blue]

I'm still happy after ten years (almost) with . . .

View attachment 467853

thats hot!!!

 

[68Mopar]

I played a 50's P90 GT at Sam Ash some months back. Loved it! Had it been made with a one-piece body, I would have walked out with it. I'm not paying $2499.00 for a two-piece Standard.

If you want a LP that rivals (if not exceeds) a Tele, get a 2015 P90 GT Less Plus.

 

[RU Experienced]

I Have a GT with P90a as well as a Tele. Different horses for different courses. Save up and own both.

 

[Cjsinla]

P90’s in a Les Paul can sound heavier than one with 57 Classics. But you can always turn down your volume knobs as they may clean up a little better than buckers. So, P90’s May be your answer.

On a side note, all of my Gibson tuning problems started and ended with the nut with one exception.