Which one?

[Neco]

So i'd like to buy a les paul - my first one. Since i cannot afford something like a Traditional, i have an eye on the Tribute and Studio series. In particular the LP 50's tribute 2016, the new LP tribute 2017 and the LP studio 2016 (which is out now for good prices)
So whats the difference between the three listed guitars in terms of build quality and tone? is the higher price of the studio worth it or are the tributes better value?

 

[BrianB]

Comparing those three is close akin to comparing a 1974 Ford Pinto, Mustang and Mercury Bobcat.

Do you have the ability to go to some stores and play them? Also, have you considered checking the used market in your area?

B.

 

[Neco]

The Tribute doesn't seem available in any stores here... But in basic, will i hear a big differenece in sound quality between the studio and the tribute 2017 or is the studio basically just a guitar with glossy top and soundwise comparable?

 

[stupendous silly]

I came across a utube video on that, I will try to find it, you too might search it out yourself. In the video I saw the studio had a markedly different sound than the tribute, I liked the Studio better for my part.

 

[stupendous silly]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYSsZ52DSpc
Actually it is hard to tell which one I like. Studio sounds fuller and smoother to me, Tribute seems to have a better grind, if that makes sense. There may be other good videos on this.

 

[Telstar]

I think either would be a great choice. I don't think there's much difference between them quality wise. The tributes and faded models will be quite a bit cheaper than the studio. You could use some of the cash you saved on a hard case and some pickups/plastics if you felt the need to change them. The 2017 tribute goldtop is amazing value for the money. I strongly suggest you consider it. Plus the faux binding makes it look like a higher end model.

You'll be within budget and turn a lot of heads with that one. Win win!

 

[apfelbaum]

I have both of the ones you listed, a studio would be a better overall choice. Lots of tone options and should have all the extras included. The studio is more like a traditional without binding then the tribute models. Either way you'll be happy with either one of your options.

 

[Neco]

Thanks for your opinions!
A local store has a discount on a LP Traditional 2015 for just 1050$. I know the 2015 series aren't popular and get bad reviews. Do you think this deal would be a good alternative for the 17' tribute even though it's a 2015?

 

[fiveightandten]

Thanks for your opinions!
A local store has a discount on a LP Traditional 2015 for just 1050$. I know the 2015 series aren't popular and get bad reviews. Do you think this deal would be a good alternative for the 17' tribute even though it's a 2015?

The width on the 2015 necks is gigantic compared to any other year. Personally, I wouldn't be able to deal with it. Many people feel the same way. You have to play it and decide for yourself.

There are a number of other differences as well, but that's the big one.

 

[Neco]

After some time of thinking about all thes great les pauls I'm still at the same point. On one hand the LP Tribute 2017 seems like a very nice guitar when I read the reviews here and there. On the other hand I don't buy a LP every year, so why not spend some more money and get a Classic 2017 or so? All I want is a more or less "traditional" looking les paul (that means something like sunburst/honeyburst) and of course - the LP sound.

I like the satin finish look of the tribute, but when I see a beautiful LP with binding and glossy finish.. wow.. I'd prefer that.

 

[starscream]

My honest advice - if this is your first Les Paul, buy a used one. Let someone else shoulder the depreciation. When the day comes when you want to sell it to move up and buy a higher priced model (and mark my words, that will happen), you'll get more of your original investment back.

 

[1allspub]

Get the Tribute... they are a killer value.

Seriously, they are really excellent value. You might be able to score a 2016 50s Trib for an especially good price now that the 2017s are out. The 2017s do have a light/natural back (which I prefer), but they also have a Slim Taper 60s neck (apparently the 2017s are more 60s Tributes than 50s even though they look more like last years 50s Tributes). That said, the difference between the 2 neck profiles isn't all that drastic in reality, so pick the one that looks/feels/plays/sounds the best regardless of year (which is always the correct advice ).

 

[frozenotter]

"Since i cannot afford something like a Traditional"

Did you try the popular guitar stores? They can give you 0 interest 12 months. The payments should be pretty low, I would think.

I just got a Traditional and It's really in your best interest that you get one too.

 

[Donal]

All I want is a more or less "traditional" looking les paul (that means something like sunburst/honeyburst) and of course - the LP sound.

That`s a Tribute, the Tributes are great, if not the best, LPs for their money.

I like the satin finish look of the tribute, but when I see a beautiful LP with binding and glossy finish.. wow.. I'd prefer that.

If "just" looks, look out for a nice used Traditional or similar, there are some great value ones out there.

At the end of the day it more or less depends on what you like playing more than what you like looking at. My number 1 is probably one of my uglier guitars, but hell it sounds and plays great

 

[Phusion974]

How much are you willing to spend?

 

[stupendous silly]

I'd get a 2016 50s tribute having seen this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ8kNQmrtiA
Also this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egg42a8k1So

 

[starscream]

If you do buy new, unless things have changed in the last couple years, don't pay full retail list price. I've always been able to deal on a new Gibson like buying a new car.

 

[Christosterone]

2017 tribute is a no brainer...

Unfortunately u will become obsessed with binding...

By 2019 u will be wanting a classic, trad, or standard...

Then by 2021 u will want the custom binding on top and bottom...

Welcome to the les Paul cult and get the 2017 goldtop tribute....
It's a steal and a goldtop Gibson les Paul is the most iconic piece of art in planet earth...

-Chris

 

[rjwilson37]

I don't like 50's necks and prefer the 60's Slim Taper necks like on the 2017's. This is something you should really get to the guitar store and try a 50's neck Gibson LP compared to a 60's neck Gibson LP and see which you like better. All my guitars are Slim Taper necks and I wouldn't want it any other way. I had a 2011 Studio that sounded great and had a great setup, but just never bonded with it because it was like a baseball bat neck to me overall. Ever since I found the Slim Taper necks, I just love the Gibson Les Paul Guitars more than any other guitar.

 

[pheederphish]

If you are talking about the discounted Studio 16 for about a grand, I would pump in an extra $100 and buy the honey burst 15 deluxe. It's got a set of 57s in it with a book matched maple top. It also has the same hotrodded mods as a trad pro with db boost and coil taps. It plays and handles just like a trad pro but without bindings.

Here's mine.

Here's also another tip. You can only get these at GC, so I hope you're stateside. Bring in an old worn out pedal to trade in. Once you get the 10% off on it, it takes the price right to a grand.

But here is another tip. If you can swing the $1,000 - $1,200, buy a used Signature model T or a Les Paul Less Plus. These are two very different guitars, but are a bit better than the Studios and will cure the itch for bindings before it starts.