Help me choose my new Les Paul? I need opinions!

[Telstar]

So I'm trying to choose between these two new Lesters. They're very similar but a little different and I was looking for input from you guys one way or the other.

They both play great. Pretty well the same. One is 9lbs 6 oz the other 9lbs 12oz. The lighter one has a little more sustain, and rings a bit better acoustically. Though I'd say is a little less focused sounding and is darker.

The heavier one doesn't ring quite as much acoustically, has a little less sustain, but has a nice focused bite when plugged in and a real classic woody sound in the middle position. Its sound has more definition over all.

Both are 2016 Trads. I've set them up identically. The lighter one also has slightly less tension to the strings, but is setup the same as the other.

I'm really torn here guys and could really use some input. I dunno which to keep.

 

[Jester]

I think it really comes down to what kind of tone you would like to achieve and the style of music you play. From what you described and for my style (heavy blues and some rock), I'd be leaning towards the lighter one.

 

[foxtrot]

Based on what you've said I might gravitate towards the lighter one, but it's really hard to say just based on descriptions.

Play both as much as you can and go with the one you'd be saddest to let go!

 

[Veeing Fly]

The one that sounds better plugged in.

 

[Christosterone]

First off, 2016 is maybe the best year for Gibson in a quarter century imho

As for me, I love boat anchors and always go with the heaviest...always have, always will

can't say why exactly but the only light guitars I own are hollow bodies...everything else is the heaviest choice I had at the time of purchase...

But need to see for absolute certainty...

-Chris

 

[Telstar]

First off, 2016 is maybe the best year for Gibson in a quarter century imho

As for me, I love boat anchors and always go with the heaviest...always have, always will

can't say why exactly but the only light guitars I own are hollow bodies...everything else is the heaviest choice I had at the time of purchase...

But need to see for absolute certainty...

-Chris

I only own Les Pauls, no hollow bodies. And I will say this, I've noticed with good consistency that heavier Les Pauls tend to have more bite and definition. More clarity.

I picked these two from about 8 that I was interested in. A few I passed on were heavier and I did notice from trying them out lighter to heavier that the heavier ones were characteristically as described above.

This lighter one really has a sound all it's own. It's very pretty, especially the neck sound however after playing it for hours it's starting to irk me that it lacks definition.

Almost like its tone is stuck at 7 or 8 and just will not go to 10.

 

[JM2112]

The heavier one doesn't ring quite as much acoustically, has a little less sustain, but has a nice focused bite when plugged in and a real classic woody sound in the middle position. Its sound has more definition over all.

Your answer is right here.

 

[Telstar]

The airy sound of the lighter one is pretty cool too though.

 

[Babylon]

Choose the one that plays best and tweak your amp.

 

[ArchEtech]

I can't offer much. I guess I'm not a good enough player to dissect a fine instrument like wine! . They sound pretty even to me so I'd go with whichever one looks better. I mean turn it into a blond vs. brunette thing if they both are good on the sac. Did I mean sac or sack....you be the judge?

 

[Macronaut]

I can't offer much. I guess I'm not a good enough player to dissect a fine instrument like wine! . They sound pretty even to me so I'd go with whichever one looks better. I mean turn it into a blond vs. brunette thing if they both are good on the sac. Did I mean sac or sack....you be the judge?

What's wrong with blonde "and" brunette .....oh wait, you can only play one guitar at a time .

 

[Telstar]

Believe me.. I seriously considered buying both. But I can't afford two Les Pauls AND a divorce. Lol

My mind is made up. I picked one