Help choosing my first Gibson Les Paul

[Tinpan]

Get the Les Paul Custom....my vote.

 

[pblanton]

I know Gibson Les Paul's are nice. They're "THE" guitar for many people, but I just cannot understand spending that kind of money on a single instrument; not with so many options out there around the $1k mark or even lower.

That said, I do have a 2008 Gibson les Paul Standard in Iced Tea Burst (My avatar) but I bought it lightly used in 2010, and paid about $1500 for it. I say "about $1500", because I traded a 1976 MGB Roadster for it, for which I was asking $1500. It came in the original hard-case with all of the case-candy. The only thing "used" about it was that it had a single ding in the middle of the back. The pickguard had not been installed on it so it has never been drilled. It was absolutely perfect when I got it and I am still in love with it. When the guy showed up with it to make the trade, I had to work hard to conceal my excitement.

I like it a lot. I really do. but if I was to have paid over $3k for it, it'd piss me off every day, up to today. I also have some other Les Pauls that I have acquired over the years, but the '08 standard is the one I gave the most for.

I have been Jonesing for one of the new Epiphone '59 Les Paul Standard. It is made by Epiphone in collaboration with Gibson's Custom Shop and costs $800.

The first collaboration between the Gibson Custom Shop and Epiphone is here: an affordable take on the '59 Les Paul Standard

Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop have teamed up for the very first time to launch the Epiphone ‘59 Les Paul Standard.

guitar.com

Hunter Engle's review on it

He's a metal guy so his review may have more cachet with you.

 

[InTheEvening]

Wow, thank you so much for the responses guys! Definitely a lot of good things to consider that i hadn't.

So neck profile wise, I do prefer thinner necks as I play a Charvel and Kramer now. Didn't realize the 57 Reissues had such thick necks, so I will rule that out. I was so focused on pickups, but you guys are right that neck profile, and feel are just as important if not more as pickups can be changed. Though I'd love to find one that has the look, feel, and tone from the start. I'll check out the SGs too and see if I like them, I never actually played one.

I wish I could play a lot of the guitars, but my local stores don't have a lot for me to try right now beyond the standards and classics, so I'm glad I'm getting some opinions and suggestions here.

Well you could get an SG Standard for the price of a Studio.
Shouldn't cost you more than $1k.
Upgrade the pickups to your choice, and enjoy.
The whole thing for $1500
Heck, with that budget I'd buy an SG, add some nice Seymour Duncan Custom Shop Angus Young pickups to it, and buy a Les Paul Standard.
Still less than $4500

Thanks, I never actually picked up the SG before, so I'll make sure to play one in the store soon and see if I like the feel. I'd be more than happy to play one if it'll bring me the same tones or better.

Les Paul custom is a lot nicer then a studio....You definitely want the 490/498 combo for the heavier stuff but honestly you can buy a set and swap them into any les paul. I love the 498 for heavy stuff.

Good to know, I'll probably lean towards the custom then. I like to go big and get the best guitar i can find from the start so I don't feel any need to upgrade later.

And I hadn't considered pickup swaps, but that will definitely open more options to me. Like the standards and just change out pickups.

grab option 4,take it to a luthier and have it set up really well and keep the extra money around in case something thats a really great deal pops up later.

It's a bit of a drive, but I may go out to try out that studio in that case. I'm a sucker for a good deal, so I'm happy to wait until something really amazing pops up.

Hi,

Why not buy a SG 61 and a Les Paul?

Honestly, if the quality and sounds from the SG 61 and Les Paul standard are just as good as the customs and more expensive models, I would love to get both of those instead of spending everything on a custom shop model.
Will need to try an SG, I've never actually played one surprisingly. I saw so many of my heroes from the 70's and 80's playing Les Pauls more often, I figured that would fit my needs better than an SG.

Your budget allows for many options. My suggestions based on budget and what your looking to play.
1) buy a standard that the neck feels most comfortable to you. If you're only gonna have one, have a standard. The 2016 to 2018 models have great tops, great necks, and with any model you can easily swap whatever pickups you want.

Options 2) look for a studio shred or access model with a floyd. Great for hair metal stuff

Option 3) find a 90s classic with the 500t pickup.

Thank you, I saw the studio shred in the classifieds and it looks awesome. I like that it's full thickness body instead of the thinner ones on the axcess. Though the axcess guitars look gorgeous.

I'll keep an eye out for 90's classics since I'd like to go used, I think the 500T is up my alley since I like the 498/490.

And yes, I do plan to just have one Les Paul in my arsenal. A standard would leave me leftover funds to get a nice set of pickups too. Is the standard overall better than the classics/tributes/studiods/customs from 2016-2018?

"Am i obsessed with it saying "Gibson" on the headstock?"

That's the first thing i'd ask myself.. If the answer is no, i'd try:

- a PRS Core McCarty 594 (not the McCarty SC 594, just McCarty, ie the dual cut). Don't let the shape fool you in terms of tonality, they use a thicker Maple top than Gibson does. You can get that Gibson one trick pony tone out of a McCarty, on top of many others the Gibson cannot. Right up your alley too, price-wise. Around $4400 for a new one.
* And you do want a new one. Unlike Gibson, they do something better, they include it in their base models, no issues with "purists" complaining about changes; if they've improved on something, they'll incorporate it in their next year models, unchanged model name notwithstanding.
They're out of my league, but i had the chance to try two different ones. They dance circles around the Les Paul; much more comfortable to play (and hold standing) as well. Cherry on top, who'd have thought, they even intonate right out of the box. Quality control one does not even need to mention, they're renowned for it.

- An Eastman SB59V. With a good amp, you'll be unable to tell which is better. And you get around 2 grand left over to spend elsewhere, at your leisure.

If the answer is yes, it has to say Gibson "because", i'd go with the custom shop option. You get the best they can do.
You will then proudly be able to say you're one of those people keeping global investment firms (KKR).. global i guess. At the expense of honest, proper business models that is, but hey, what's in a logo

Thanks! I looked at the Eastman for a while, but I really like the les Paul shape and I didn't like that the Eastman looked similar but was slightly off.

I'll check out the PRS, like the SG, I never played one or considered it before but I think it's about time I try it out.

As for the Gibson custom shop options. Are the Les Paul Customs considered custom shop guitars? I don't mean the historic reissues but the regular customs with the 498/490 pickups.

If you are looking for a Studio shred, there is one listed here in the classifieds.

Gibson Limited Run Shred Les Paul Studio - Floyd Rose - Price Reduced!

2012 Gibson Limited Run Shred Les Paul Studio - Floyd Rose Guitar is in great shape. Just some normal playwear - some minor dings, light surface scratches, and 2 tiny paint chips at the bottom of the trem spring control cover. This guitar is super resonant with a well balance tone and really...

www.mylespaul.com

I also would encourage you to look at Eastman and MIJ.

Thanks! I'll look at the listing. I like the shreds being full thickness versus the axcess.

Well the 2019 and 2020 models are great too

Good to know, I'm looking used if i can but I'll try out one of the new guitars if Gibson's been doing an extra good job lately.

Question...what guitar(s) do you play now? Gibson has done a lot of tinkering over the years. Previous models may suit you more than current, etc.. For example, you may prefer an asymmetrical neck carve, compound radius fretboard, high performance features or traditional. Without knowing your personal preferences outside of musical styles you're going to get a myriad of recommendations. For example, if I were buying my first Les Paul and had a budget like yours, I'd personally be shopping for an older Custom in silverburst or white/cream or something in a local shop that just blows my mind that I didn't even know I wanted.

Thanks, yeah good thought on considering the neck prfile and feel.

Right now I'm using a Kramer Baretta, Charvel So Cal, and Ibanez RG550. The ibanez neck is almost too thin for me, but I love the Kramer and Charvel necks. So I think I'd prefer a slimmer neck profile but it doesn't have to be super thin.

I’d choose a modern Les Paul, Standards or Classic, affordable and pleked. And the right thing absolutely...

What year did they start Pleking the guitars from?

That's true. The modern collection would be good for him. Les Paul modern?

I thought about this one! I love the Pelham blue. The website says it has Burstbucker pros, are those better for heavier sounds compared to 57 classics or 498/490?

Find some place were you can the guitars in your hands! Neck profiles are the most important, first step in choosing.

Internet spec sheets for any product aren't any help for how you'll interact with the real deal.

Thanks! Will definitely be running the racks on my next day off. The local stores don't carry a lot, so my options for trying are limited but I'll check out what they have.

Yea the burst buckers are "clangy" IMO.... I just ordered a set of 490/498t for my standard. The Slashbuckers are great tho... smooth and clear but still retain that alnico magnet 2 sound.

The 498T just sounds so good when you play with a lot of gain and boost in front of the amp.

Got it, yeah I'm leaning towards the 490/498. I played a studio a few years back with them and loved the sounds i was getting. Felt nice too.

Check Out the Goth Les Paul.

Interesting, I knew Epiphone did a run but I didn't know Gibson made these too. Will definitely check out in more detail.

I am selling my 2017 1 of 10 Custom, you can contact me if you're interested. Here is a link to the specs on this guitar.

Les Paul Custom Figured Top Widow (gibson.com)

View attachment 508618

Thanks! Will take a look. I saw these on trogly's show and looked really cool.

4.) The Studio ("pocket the extra cash") option should be fine. Later on, you can "hear" if you really want/need something on the higher end...

Thanks, I'm gonna see if i can try the studio out and compare to the standards in the store too.

I find the 490/500T pickups muddy myself. I’ve always liked the 57 classics and 57 classic + pups. Iommi signature pickups are really good and hotter. That’s one reason I like the previous suggestion of the SG. Get a 61 reissue in a white or black with the wide flat neck and 57 classics. They have the SG supreme and deluxe models with carved thicker bodies, tremolos and even 24 fret models. They of course have a custom model SG as well..... Don’t forget about the SG, I’ve always preferred those to Les Pauls and almost always had one in my Arsenal


The standard SG has a little more chunky neck and different pickups but would be fine. I really like the Duncan 59, distortion combo in a lot of Jackson models and they sound great in Gibson’s too. There are also the pearly gates pickups that sound great for lots of stuff. EMG actives are good I went through that phase. The new fishman active/non active combo (Fluence ?) are really good better than the EMG in my opinion. There are WAY better sounding pickups than the 490/500T (but I’ll admit I’ve never liked those so I’m bias).


Les Paul customs always sound muddy to me which is another reason I went to a PRS. Love the R7 with p90 and haven’t had one of reissue customs yet. If you’re dead set on a custom I’d look at those or maybe one of the custom access. If you like the Axcess they do have a standard and a custom model just like the other lines. I don’t like Floyd’s though but if you do those are really nice guitars with the extra care of the custom shop.

There is the Les Paul Dark Knight which is actually really cool to me, $3000 and a darker more metal look to it.


The Les Paul Modern HP has a sculpted heel like the axcess but with a hard tail. Most people hate them for the weird non traditional look and hardware but they actually are pretty great guitars. They have modern sounding pickups, push pulls, bigger frets with no nibs, some weird metal nut, auto tuners, with flatter necks and that high fret access neck joint. They are overpriced but actually like I said pretty awesome sounding to me.


I mean why not get a Zakk Wylde model bullseye!!


For cheaper Les Paul models for more modern sounds and looks:

Les Paul Gothic: matte black with no inlay ebony board, I forget the pickups and varies by year (maybe 490/500) but they are darker heavier sounding.

Les Paul BFG: humbucker P90 combo with a unique finish and a chambered body. They sound really good to me
I like the natural distressed wood body.

Les Paul Voodoo: satin black red accent body with a single fret inlay on an ebony board. Another interesting finish non traditional more modern sounding Les Paul.

Personally I’ve always found the really overwound stuff for “metal” to not sound better for metal. The 57 classics in an SG sound great for AC/DC, ozzy, Metallica etc. I played an SG for years, I got a little tired of the droopy headstock balance and kind of moved up to a PRS modern eagle with narrow field pickups that just does a lot of differnt sounds between and SG and Les Paul. I have been wanting an SG again badly though and have been looking. They are plenty “metal” of a guitar!


In your price range there are so many options and you could even get two really nice guitars!

For my metal stuff I have a custom shop Jackson Gus G model that looks like an 80-90s metal guitar. Active pickups I like the crazy shapes when chunk away on my thrash favorites.

I have a couple of nice fender custom shops for blues and whatever when I want that sound.


For classic rock then I have an SG, Paul and now a PRS Modern eagle for that “sound”.
Why stop with one guitar . My ears like the PRS sound and I haven’t been impressed with the late model Gibson’s (though the very late models seemed to have upped the game a bit)


Maybe you already have other guitars and you’re trying to fill one void - you now have lots of suggestions for that darker sounding Gibson.

Wow thanks for the detailed response! Gives me a lot to think about and consider. I've heard people say that good metal tone actually come from not oversaturating the gain, you get more clarity and definition.

The guitars you mention are completely different beasts. The 57 Custom neck has the biggest baseball bat profile of any guitar I’ve played, and that includes some real 50’s LPs, and my old R7. It also has tiny frets, and a mahogany top which are both currently out of favor.

Best to go try your options out in person. You can always change out pickups, but neck profile, frets, and top are tough to swap out.

That's really good to know. None of the stores near me had the 57, so I didn't realize the neck was so thick. It probably isn't for me then, I tend to like slimmer necks.

I'll see what my local store has and play whatever I can find.

A few notes:

-Do a google image search for 'broken headstock' and you will see that most of the fractures happen to Gibson LPs and SGs. Make sure you are comfortable with the potential drama of this particular design problem of Gibson guitars. Many players have played for thirty years without troubles and then they go to sell the guitar and the headstock breaks in shipping where the buyer ships it back for a full refund. Shipper insurance only covers repair cost (that you have to find a guy to repair it) not the fifty percent value loss of unbroken vs repaired used guitars. Some players are tough-guy-ok with that and they will post about it up next. You need to figure out your comfort level.

-Watch out for undisclosed repaired Gibson headstock guitars on the market. You can get stuck with the 50% value loss instead of the original owner unless you are vigilant. Perhaps you seek out repaired guitars for the low price, but you will field a thousand questions when you try to sell it for any price. Do you want to get involved in that drama? Epiphone, owned by Gibson, has put in place all the design changes that greatly reduce their headstocks breaking.

-Fakes in the market -- so many fake Gibsons are made and after a few owners someone 'forgets' what they have and they sell it for the real thing. You need to get educated to spot the tell-tale signs. Do you have the time and willing to take the risk?

-Epiphone, PRS, and Reverend are good alternative HH options. Have you seen the Harley Benton SC 450 or 550 models? The new Custom SC they have? Check them out. You can even find Telecaster HH models. If you need 'the Gibson LP tone!' then get Gibson pickups plus Gibson wiring harness (pots 'n caps are as important as the pickups) and install those in whatever guitar you get. I see many Gibson buyers soon install Duncan or boutique pickups -- they wanted the vanity of the Gibson logo and the sound of another pickup maker...

.

Thanks, Will look at those brands. And since I'm looking to buy used, you're definitely right that the risk of headstock breaks, or getting fake are there. I''m hesistant to order from ebay or reverb for those reasons.

My playing styles and band preferences are very similar, if not identical, to yours (Motley Crue, Ozzy, GnR). I have two 97 Studio's with the 490R/498T, and a 2011 Traditional with 57 and 57+. Any combo will do what you want well. As someone else mentioned, determine the neck profile you like first. I prefer the 50's style, chunkier necks over the slimmer 60's neck, it just fits my hand better. If you honestly don't care about the binding, I played the Studio for years and never wanted for anything else. The 490R/498T are a tad heavier, although a bit muddier. I think the 57 and 57+ match more of a GnR dynamic and less 'raw distortion'. Either will clean up nicely if you roll the volume back.

Thanks! That's good to know about the 57 classics, I liked the Les Paul classic line but didn't know if those pickups would fit my needs. If they're working for those tones, I'll check them out.

Hi, When I could afford my first Lester, I was advised very kindly by a knowledgable
guitar shop owner, look at the Standards, pick the one that you feel comfortable with.
Pick ups and electrics can be uprated but you cant go wrong with a standard.
I've stuck to that and never regretted it.

Thanks, someone else said something similar earlier. That if I just one want good Les Paul, get a standard.

Geez, no love for the Norlins? Considering that pretty much every band he mentioned used 70s and 80s Les Paul’s, I would definitely try some out. There is some absolute rock machines out there from that era. New are nice, but lets not act like life began in 2000. My personal favorites are the Heritage 80 Standards, but there are many others. You may be very surprised if you have not tried any older guitars. Just trying to help. Good luck!

I would love a Norlin era Les Paul with T-tops, but I haven't found a lot except for 1-2 on reverb. is it safe and reliable to get one online? I wish I could try one out before buying.

I keep hearing good things about mid 80s to 90s guitars the stuff they were making in the original Gibson Factory before they moved to Nashville. I would definitely look for a flight assistant or I can find but that's because I'm 59 and my love Paul weighs 10 pounds and lighter makes quite a difference it's a great sounding guitar but I have to Les Paul's and one of them is 8.5 and I play that one more than I play the other one just for my back if you buy a new one it'll go down in value if you buy it only one it possibly will go up in value keep any parts that you take off it to keep it original play the s*** out of it. Having said that the new Las Palmas that they're making right now. They're calling the standards with the flame tops look pretty darn nice if that'd been out when I was looking I don't know that I ever would have bought my R9 Les Paul 2 mm Plus and if you can find a used one that might be a hell of a player

Thanks, I'll try to get one from those eras then. It's good to know which years were better for Gibson.

even tho I play a Standard, if I was in the market for another LP it'd likely be a Classic. it's got many of the features of a Std. at a lower price (new). have a look on Reverb as there are many choices of models in all price ranges. and good luck!

I love the look of the classics, and another use said the 57 classic pickups should work well for me too. Will look at those too.

 

[jaycoyoyo]

If you like black, go with a used black Custom.
If you like white, go with a used white Custom.
Look at Les Paul Supremes if you want more bling.
Another flame finish option, look at the new Slash series.

Hope this helps.
-Jay

 

[InTheEvening]

I know Gibson Les Paul's are nice. They're "THE" guitar for many people, but I just cannot understand spending that kind of money on a single instrument; not with so many options out there around the $1k mark or even lower.

That said, I do have a 2008 Gibson les Paul Standard in Iced Tea Burst (My avatar) but I bought it lightly used in 2010, and paid about $1500 for it. I say "about $1500", because I traded a 1976 MGB Roadster for it, for which I was asking $1500. It came in the original hard-case with all of the case-candy. The only thing "used" about it was that it had a single ding in the middle of the back. The pickguard had not been installed on it so it has never been drilled. It was absolutely perfect when I got it and I am still in love with it. When the guy showed up with it to make the trade, I had to work hard to conceal my excitement.

I like it a lot. I really do. but if I was to have paid over $3k for it, it'd piss me off every day, up to today. I also have some other Les Pauls that I have acquired over the years, but the '08 standard is the one I gave the most for.

I have been Jonesing for one of the new Epiphone '59 Les Paul Standard. It is made by Epiphone in collaboration with Gibson's Custom Shop and costs $800.

The first collaboration between the Gibson Custom Shop and Epiphone is here: an affordable take on the '59 Les Paul Standard

Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop have teamed up for the very first time to launch the Epiphone ‘59 Les Paul Standard.

guitar.com

Hunter Engle's review on it

He's a metal guy so his review may have more cachet with you.

I love Hunter's videos. Will definitely check that out, thanks.

 

[InTheEvening]

If you like black, go with a used black Custom.
If you like white, go with a used white Custom.
Look at Les Paul Supremes if you want more bling.
Another flame finish option, look at the new Slash series.

Hope this helps.
-Jay

Thanks, it did. Any benefit to getting the regular Custom models with the 498/490 pickups versus the historic reissue customs?

 

[jaycoyoyo]

Thanks, it did. Any benefit to getting the regular Custom models with the 498/490 pickups versus the historic reissue customs?

I don't really know, sorry.

But here is an example of a Supreme. I have no affiliation with this seller.

Les Paul Supreme '04 - Dave's Guitar Shop

Desert Burst, Carved Flame Maple top and back, Slim taper shaped Mahogany neck, Bound 12″ radius Ebony fingerboard and medium frets, 24.75″ scale length, Factory Gibson 498T bridge and 490R neck pickups, 1 11/16th” nut width, The neck thickness is .83″ at the first and 1.00″ at the 12th frets...

davesguitar.com

 

[pblanton]

Wow. I've never seen anyone so thoroughly go through thanking everyone and replying to each person's comment specifically. That's really above and beyond.

Go you!

 

[questionman]

Just my .02, from a bedroom player who plays that kind of music on occasion

I cannot stand the 490/498 pickups. They are so bland and dull and do absolutely nothing for me

I would recommend a Custom though, my hair metal guitar is a Edwards LPC type - full hog body, hog neck, ebony board, maple top - with a set of hot PAF clones I got from some guy in Germany 6 years ago, no idea the brand. Rich, warm, very vibrant and open tone. I swap them out periodically with a set of SD Slash humbuckers, a little darker but snappier

 

[KStopper65]

Y

Thanks, I never actually picked up the SG before, so I'll make sure to play one in the store soon and see if I like the feel. I'd be more than happy to play one if it'll bring me the same tones or better.

DO that.
best to get a feel of the options around

 

[Standard 64]

You will love the SG.Also their is nothing wrong with Gibson 490r and 490t pickups. A lot of people like them and some hate them.You know how pickups go.Swap o rama

 

[Wise Guy]

One of the new Standard models is always a great option. Or, a used Traditional.

Ditto. I was going to recommend the same thing with a 496R/500T pickup swap.

 

[smallstar67]

Hi! First time posting in a long while but I’m finally in the market for my first Gibson Les Paul and could use some advice.

I mainly play hard rock and hair metal, e.g. Motley Crue, Guns N Roses, AC/DC, Ozzy. So a Les Paul more suited to heavier genres is what I’m looking for.

Budget is anywhere up to $4500. I’m aiming to buy used to get a better deal.

On the higher end of my budget, I’ve been told to look into these for hard rock genres
1) An actual vintage 70’s/80’s Les Paul with T-Tops
2) A current production Les Paul custom with the 490R/498T
3) Historic 1957 reissue Les Paul Custom

4) On the lower end, I found a $900 Les Paul studio from 2003 in a really cool and somewhat rare chameleon green/blue color from a local seller. It has the 490R/498T pickups which I heard are better suited to the heavy genres I play. I don’t care for binding or bling one way or another.

Should I get the studio and pocket the extra cash? Or go for something on the higher end?

Which of the above would you say is best for the genres I like? Or is there another model I should look into that’s better?

Early 70's or early 90's LP Custom. there is no comparison.

 

[rjwilson37]

My Custom has the pickups you're looking for, I think they sound great and are very versatile. Mine also has a medium C neck, which is not to thin and not to chunky, perfect in my opinion.

 

[2Muchgear]

Hi! First time posting in a long while but I’m finally in the market for my first Gibson Les Paul and could use some advice.

I mainly play hard rock and hair metal, e.g. Motley Crue, Guns N Roses, AC/DC, Ozzy. So a Les Paul more suited to heavier genres is what I’m looking for.

Budget is anywhere up to $4500. I’m aiming to buy used to get a better deal.

On the higher end of my budget, I’ve been told to look into these for hard rock genres
1) An actual vintage 70’s/80’s Les Paul with T-Tops
2) A current production Les Paul custom with the 490R/498T
3) Historic 1957 reissue Les Paul Custom

4) On the lower end, I found a $900 Les Paul studio from 2003 in a really cool and somewhat rare chameleon green/blue color from a local seller. It has the 490R/498T pickups which I heard are better suited to the heavy genres I play. I don’t care for binding or bling one way or another.

Should I get the studio and pocket the extra cash? Or go for something on the higher end?

Which of the above would you say is best for the genres I like? Or is there another model I should look into that’s better?

my first Les was/is a ‘91 Studio. Honest guitar without binding. You can get in for low $, have $ for a PUP change if you want and always get your $ back out if you find your grail at some point.

 

[cherrysunburst00]

Awesome thanks, so the 490R/498T is the way to go then.
Other than aesthetics, is there any major difference in quality/tone between the Custom and the Studio? If it's just aesthetics, I'll probably go the studio route.


Thanks! Will go and play some in the store. I read the Burstbuckers would be bright and not suited for heavier stuff but if it does the job as well as the 490R/498T I'll definitely give the new ones a look.


I totally forgot about those, they look amazing. Especially the custom models. Do the bodies being thinner than a standard Les Paul make it sound dramatically different from a full thickness LP?

On that note of suped up Les Pauls, would the Les Paul Modern be worth a look?

I love the Axcess. I have both a Floyd'd and a stopbar version.

The Floyd'd comes with the 490/498 pickups.

And yes, they are thinner than Standards, Tradirionals, Customs. They are uber comfortable to play as well.

 

[E.T.]

I'd say it depends on whether you want to replicate that '70s hard rock sound (in which case a maple neck and t-tops a la Norlin are your friend) or bring something of your own tone to it, in which case the studio would be a good basis upon which to build. You can always swap pickups and magnets and things, and you might be surprised at what you end up liking!

 

[ErictheRed]

Hi! First time posting in a long while but I’m finally in the market for my first Gibson Les Paul and could use some advice.

I mainly play hard rock and hair metal, e.g. Motley Crue, Guns N Roses, AC/DC, Ozzy. So a Les Paul more suited to heavier genres is what I’m looking for.

Budget is anywhere up to $4500. I’m aiming to buy used to get a better deal.

On the higher end of my budget, I’ve been told to look into these for hard rock genres
1) An actual vintage 70’s/80’s Les Paul with T-Tops
2) A current production Les Paul custom with the 490R/498T
3) Historic 1957 reissue Les Paul Custom

4) On the lower end, I found a $900 Les Paul studio from 2003 in a really cool and somewhat rare chameleon green/blue color from a local seller. It has the 490R/498T pickups which I heard are better suited to the heavy genres I play. I don’t care for binding or bling one way or another.

Should I get the studio and pocket the extra cash? Or go for something on the higher end?

Which of the above would you say is best for the genres I like? Or is there another model I should look into that’s better?

I would get Option 4 (the studio), and keep the cash for now. See how you bond with it and decide what you like and don't like, then go out and buy a higher end one that has the exact specs that you want later. I wouldn't worry too much about pickups, you can always change them out later if they aren't high output enough for you or whatever.

I think that you should start with a Studio if you aren't sure of what specs you want. There are some great Les Paul Studio VM (Vintage Mahogany) models from the early 2000s that came with the exact same electronics and pickups as the Standard, I might start with one of those if not the Studio that you're already looking at. The older ones came with a hard shell case, but the newer had different pickups than a Standard and a gig bag. Something like this:

Gibson Les Paul Studio Vintage Mahogany 2003 - 2007 | Reverb

First iteration of the all-mahogany bodied Les Paul Studio, featuring a Rosewood Fretboard and Burstbucker Pro pickups Available in Worn Cherry and Worn Brown Rolled into the full Les Paul Studio line in 2008.

reverb.com

though that one comes with different pickups. You should be able to find one for $700-800 all day long. These are great because they really do have similar specs to a Standard, just no binding, nibs, or flamed maple top.

No offense, but you seem too ignorant about Les Pauls to be spending $4,500 or thereabouts. You'll likely buy something nice that people recommend, but not like it because of the neck shape, profile, weight, whatever. If you can't try a bunch out, start with a Studio and go from there.

 

[moreles]

Since the bands you mention do not all use the same model LP, there is no real answer to your too-broad question. You can get the tones you want out of any decent LP; in fact, I think it's a big mistake to think you need to get one with so-called "hard rock/metal" pickups. The sounds associated with the bands you mention are easily attainable in a variety of ways. Personally, I'd get whatever LP feels best to you as a player, and which you like cosmetically, and then work on making sure you have a suitable amp, which is probably mnore important to the sound.

 

[Oddball667]

I have a 1993 studio , and mainly play black Sabbath type stuff (doom) on it .
IMHO a studio is the way to go if your not intrested in "Bling" .
I mean if you really think about it most of the bands you mentioned play les pauls not SG'S accept AC/DC .