Need some advice on choosing a Les Paul

[woodylong]

I have been a Telecaster player for over the last 10-15 years I'm ready to jump back into the Gibson arena. Before I started playing teles I had a vos R6 that I liked and a old 80 custom LP. I am looking for something used and I'm okay ifs been played some. I would like to find R8 or R9 so is there any years better that others. thanks

 

[Christosterone]

What’s your price range?

-chris

 

[gball]

If it's been 10-15 years since you had a Les Paul my advice would be don't limit yourself to just the reissues: get out and play the new USA models also. There may have been a time (very arguably, IME) that the reissues were objectively better, but that time is long over now and you may be able to find something that suits you better without the constraint of it having to be a CS model.

 

[woodylong]

Hey Chris, 3.5k

 

[Christosterone]

Hey Chris, 3.5k

u can basically get anything under the sun with that much…

heck, u could buy 2 pristine classics…get one with humbuckers and a 2018 goldtop classic with p90s..
thats what I would do but I love classics and 2 is better than 1

-chris

 

[searswashere]

Yep time to just enjoy checking stuff out. If one speaks to you, buy that one.

 

[mudface]

There are no good years or bad years or models for that matter,... you just have to get your hands on some and take note of which ones are a fit for you. R8s and R9s can be a tough search. I wouldn't limit yourself to the top tier models,... they are plenty of less expensive alternatives that are out there. You can always trade up or add to your stable,... don't be afraid to own more than one.

 

[Brazilnut]

The only thing to constrain your search with that kind of money to burn would be personal preference.
Which means playing a lot of guitars to find the one that's right for you.
Feel, tone, weight, and looks are all such personal factors!

 

[woodylong]

I would like to spend less than 3.5k. So what I reading is that the new standards are a good choice. I don't live close to music stores and I have no chance of trying them out. I'm buying used also. I did see 2019 standard gold top FS for $1875 shipped. Its looks nice.

 

[LPTDMSV]

Which means playing a lot of guitars to find the one that's right for you

Tediously true. Too much variations in LPs. The only short cut is to get lucky.

 

[rjwilson37]

An R8 or R9 re-issue is probably going to cost more than 3.5k, but you will be closer to the 3.5k with an R8 than an R9. Just like you stated above a Standard 50's is probably what you would be looking for to have a neck that is like an R8 or R9.

 

[searswashere]

An R8 or R9 re-issue is probably going to cost more than 3.5k, but you will be closer to the 3.5k with an R8 than an R9. Just like you stated above a Standard 50's is probably what you would be looking for to have a neck that is like an R8 or R9.

I paid about that for my G0 and I’ve seen a few R8’s up here (Canada) for less than I paid.

 

[InTheEvening]

If it's been 10-15 years since you had a Les Paul my advice would be don't limit yourself to just the reissues: get out and play the new USA models also. There may have been a time (very arguably, IME) that the reissues were objectively better, but that time is long over now and you may be able to find something that suits you better without the constraint of it having to be a CS model.

Agreed. The new standards are great and seems the gap between a USA standard and historic isn’t as big as it used to be. I planned to get an R0 or G0 historic but ended up liking a standard 60s more and that’s what I brought home.

If OP can do even one trip out to a store and try a few out to see what neck profiles and features they like etc. would be the best option to narrow down their search. If that’s not possible buying from a retailer with easy hassle free return may be second best option.

 

[InTheEvening]

I paid about that for my G0 and I’ve seen a few R8’s up here (Canada) for less than I paid.

I’d agree with RJ. I think a plain top R8 or older pre 2013 R8 could go for under $3.5K or a G0.

But most newer model R8s or anything with a nice flame top seem to be $3800 used most places I’ve looked. I can’t remember the last time I saw an R9 under $4K.

 

[SteveGangi]

Personally, I wouldn't even worry about specifics like year, R0/R8/R9/Custom/Standard etc. Instead, I'd just go to a good sized store and keep trying them all until I found the one that feels right.

 

[searswashere]

Personally, I wouldn't even worry about specifics like year, R0/R8/R9/Custom/Standard etc. Instead, I'd just go to a good sized store and keep trying them all until I found the one that feels right.

A great theory til its an ML at double the budget lol.

 

[Christosterone]

Here, I found u 2 perfect guitars for $3500

Guitar 1

Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Electric Guitar Gold Top | Reverb

Bringing it home with the Les Paul model that started it all, Gibson keeps classic Les Paul features and finishes with some modernistic perfection. This guitar has a <span style='font-weight:bold;'>beautiful maple top on mahogany body</span>, <span style='font-weight:bold;'>the...

reverb.com

guitar 2

Gibson Les Paul Classic Player Plus Electric Guitar (Columbus, OH) | Reverb

The Gibson Les Paul Classic Player Plus is a solid body electric guitar. Featuring a Satin Finish, 2 P90 pickups, and a Gibson gig bag. If you have any questions please let us know, we are here to help!FeaturesWeight:

reverb.com