So, if someone wanted a replica.....

[BigJim]

Just hypothetically speaking, of course

If someone wanted to obtain a reasonably priced 59 LP Replica ($2000 to $3000), where would you point him too?

Hypothetically, this person does not want a super flamey top, a nice accurate top carve, reasonably sized neck carve, in a nice darkburst with some tasty aging. Thin nitro, don't care about accurate plastics or PAF tones, lighter weight.

Where shoud this person start looking?

 

[reborn old]

Realistically, the classifieds, and you would probably be settling for a luthier built LP that probably nobody else wants in your suggested price range ... or a body + neck husk or a kit.
I think Max replica bodies + necks stripped of all hardware have sold for around $7K.

Unless there is a luthier out there working for minimum wage, I don't think a Les Paul can be hand built for $2-3k unless it's part of a production line, such a high end kit or a manufacturer re-issue that was close to replica specs.
Even if you do find one, you would probably disappointed in the number of areas in which it falls short of the mark.

That's why premium MIJ Les Pauls are such a popular alternative to many here, in the price range you're looking for.
You're effectively paying 100%~200% (depending on desirability) of early 1980's Japan wage scale and you're still getting a quality built LP that is very close to replica quality, and only sacrificing internal routing differences in most cases.
On the outside, other than the badge name, knobs and burst color, they can be convincingly close to vintage burst specs.
You would just need to do your homework as to which vintage brands and models were closest to replica quality.

Just my 2cents .. YRMV

Not a darkburst or plain but ... 1981 Tokai LS

 

[SWeAT hOg]

Not Bruce Bennett.

 

[Udonitron]

I hear Bob Burst is awesome!

purple means sarcasm BTW

 

[RAG7890]

I would look at a MIJ. Tokai, Navigator etc. etc. The Forum has a load of knowledgeable people who can help.

You will not get a high end Replica for that price range, even if it is a Plain Top. They cost the same to build except the Flame Maple is more costly, of course.

A higher end to high end Replica will run from say $5,000 - $10,000 each depending on who made it & what hardware is on it etc. If high end with Vintage parts then a load more for obvious reasons.

If you don't want a MIJ then I'd be looking to pick up a 2nd hand MCI or a JC or a new WK maybe.

My 2c FWIW.

 

[RAG7890]

Just hypothetically speaking, of course

If someone wanted to obtain a reasonably priced 59 LP Replica ($2000 to $3000), where would you point him too?

Hypothetically, this person does not want a super flamey top, a nice accurate top carve, reasonably sized neck carve, in a nice darkburst with some tasty aging. Thin nitro, don't care about accurate plastics or PAF tones, lighter weight.

Where shoud this person start looking?

Maybe run a WTB in the FS Section but use the word "other Single Cut" not Replica. If you want a Japanese Guitar, say "MIJ Single Cut etc.

Good luck.

 

[Mosster47]

It's not an exact replica, but Larry Corsa will build you whatever you want with his head stock for $2,400 - $3,000.

A MIJ with all of the correct 59 specs will run you the top of your price range and way out of it.

 

[Matty]

I used to lust after the high end replicas until I got my LS80 and did some upgrades. Now I am totally satisfied.

Apart from the Tokai logo it seems to tick all your boxes.

 

[BigJim]

Cool beans y'all....

I'm just thinking out loud. I had a sweet "other Single Cut" years ago and stupidly traded it away. I am actually hot on it's trail, but looking for a "plan b" if I can't find it.

I do have a Bulldog kit build that I got here a month or so ago, it's kinda awesome for what it is, but I have been foolishly looking at way too many threads here and it has gotten me thinking....

 

[RAG7890]

I used to lust after the high end replicas until I got my LS80 and did some upgrades. Now I am totally satisfied.

Apart from the Tokai logo it seems to tick all your boxes.

Matty, I would be more than happy to have a Tokai if it were the right Tokai & a great Guitar. There are number of excellent Tokais around.

I could easily live with that name on the Headstock......................yep I said it.

I once had a Tokai Strat from the early '80's...........great Guitar. I should have bought one of their Lesters when I had the chance. A friend worked for the importer in Sydney, he actually offered me a killer Sonic Blue Strat.......a really special one, what did I do..........bought a new set of Skis instead............what a @ickhead I was ).

Cheers, Rudi

 

[Udonitron]

OP, I just listed this today

 

[Paul Daskal]

I have a Bacchus LP Classic FM. That is a dead on 59 copy, just needs new electronics as the pickups and wiring aren't correct. Mine is a beauty, got it from Wulfman a very prominent member here on the MIJ section. One Piece back, Single piece quartersawn neck, and correct open book headstock. I got it for under 1500$ used.

 

[Paul Daskal]

OP, I just listed this today

You always have such nice guitars, Udo!

 

[Udonitron]

Yeah many of us here do...we all have serious problems and that is why we all love and hate each other equally.

 

[CaptainT]

Just hypothetically speaking, of course

If someone wanted to obtain a reasonably priced 59 LP Replica ($2000 to $3000), where would you point him too?

Hypothetically, this person does not want a super flamey top, a nice accurate top carve, reasonably sized neck carve, in a nice darkburst with some tasty aging. Thin nitro, don't care about accurate plastics or PAF tones, lighter weight.

Where shoud this person start looking?

I would even checkout Edwards, especially Edwards ALS 135 or 130. They are nice guitars too. I found a nice one on yasoohmusic. I had GAS for this one for a long time and it is still on my list

ESP Edwards E-LP-135ALS/RE Super Flamed Relic DUNCAN Tobacco All Nitro NEW | eBay

Cheers,

Captain T

 

[chasenblues]

Not Bruce Bennett.

 

[syndromet]

The bacchus fm is a great guitar, but I wouldn't say it's a replica. It is not all nitro, and it misses the nibs. Also, the neck is bigger than your typical 59.

I would have checked out Vaschenko. His builds look great, really nice handmade instruments at nice prices. He might be able to get you what you want for under 3 grand. If not, I don't think I've ever seen anybody be not happy with their Nav or vintage Tokai.

 

[Jock]

I am far from an expert, I read the forums to learn, so my view is not from the same perspective of many of the people on this forum but... What is a 59 Replica? Reading the Gibson forums you see that every year they issue a new one and every year it is different. The more you read the more you realise that no two seemed to be the same in 59. Buying a 59 would not make me a better player or allow me to make the same sounds as all my hero's. I think I am the same as everyone else, just looking for that elusive holy grail, that one guitar that feels and sound s amazing to your ears when you hold it and plug it in. I believe I have found that in my Momose, only discovered them by reading the posts on this forum and listening to the opinions of guys here ( so thank you all) Is it a 59, don’t know, don’t care, my hands and ears are very happy.

 

[alexanderja]

I'd point this hyperthetical person to saving up some more money, being patient , avoiding wasting time and cash on interim compromises...and getting the guitar they'll eventually end up buying anyway.

 

[Ape Factory]

Honestly, if you can look past the headstock not being close, the Corsa LCPG and Corsa Manalishi are both in the $2-$3K range with the Manalishi having Honduran mahogany and a Brazilian fretboard. They sound amazing and you get to choose the specs, top and color. Can't really beat that. Plus they're made in the U.S and weigh in, generally, in the 7 pound range with some as light as the 6 pound range. Mine's 7lb. 2oz on the nose.