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View Full Version : So if I want a Les Paul style guitar...



Robert
January 3rd, 2008, 12:41 PM
Which one should I get?

Probably can't afford a Gibson.

Tone2TheBone
January 3rd, 2008, 12:52 PM
Which one should I get?

Probably can't afford a Gibson.


You can afford a used Gibson LP Studio. Most people love their Vintage Mahoganys too.

You can easily afford the Epiphones but I'd suggest either the Elite series Standards or the '56 Goldtops. You would LOVE the '56 Goldtop trust me.

just strum
January 3rd, 2008, 12:53 PM
Boy, there are so many out there

A lot of people like the Agiles, I am partial to the Ibanez ARC100 or ARC 300 (price and cosmetics the only difference).

duhvoodooman
January 3rd, 2008, 01:14 PM
Man, an Agile AL-3100 for under $400 looks awfully good! Love my Epi Elitist LP Std., but the model I have isn't made any more....

Guitar Gal
January 3rd, 2008, 01:55 PM
I really love my Agile 3100 with the slim neck profile. Sounds and looks fantastic :R A real steal for the price :D

Only negative I can think of is that it is a HEAVY guitar. Weighs a solid 10 lbs. But since I am just a bedroom jammer, it's not really an issue for me. :dude:

GG

Brian Krashpad
January 3rd, 2008, 02:08 PM
Another possibility is a used DeArmond M-series guitar. I just sold my M-72 for $300 w/hsc:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/31/64238476_14f19c75b3_o.jpg

This one is a setneck, mahogany, flat maple top, chambered. They also had the M-75, which was agathis, with a carved maple top, but a harp tailpiece.

Btw,with used Gibsons, ya never know what you can find pricewise. My LP Studio Doublecut was $525 US w/hsc 4 or 5 years ago, and I got a Les Paul Classic w/ohsc for $750 US a couple years ago.

just strum
January 3rd, 2008, 02:23 PM
Brian, nice guitar. Do you use it often?

Same body shape as my ARC300

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/auroraohio/Picture.jpg

Tone2TheBone
January 3rd, 2008, 02:48 PM
Ooooo that's a cool guitar Brian.

bigoldron
January 3rd, 2008, 03:04 PM
You need to check out the Washburn Idol series. The 66's, 68's and 70's are what I feel to be reasonable substitutes for the Paul. But, that's just my opinion.

Brian Krashpad
January 3rd, 2008, 03:18 PM
Brian, nice guitar. Do you use it often?

Same body shape as my ARC300

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/auroraohio/Picture.jpg

Actually lack of usage's sorta why I sold it. At one point after the Great DeArmond Blowout (when you could get their nice setnecks for $200 US new) I had 3 setneck DeArmonds: M-72 (above), M-75 (similar body shape but in black with a carved top and harp tailpiece), and a Jet Star (funky Gumby-shaped gutar based on old '60's Guild Thunderbird). All had the same US Fender-made DeArmond Goldtone humbuckers, so they all had pretty similar tone. I sold the M-75 to my lead singer in a side band to raise funds for another purchase, as it was a bit heavier and I preferred the stoptail on the M-72.

This left me with the M-72 and the Jet Star. I subsequently bought a couple Gibson Les Pauls, which kind of made the M-72 redundant since I still had the Jet Star for the same sound. In the interim I had taken the M-72 to my church and used her sparingly as my "universal backup" in case I had problems with either of the guitars I brought to play at services, or if I didn't want to bring a couple. As a result the M-72 had only been played at a couple gigs, and afterward only sparingly in church.

At the start of last year I lost my church gig, and didn't want to tear up the M-72 by putting her back in the bar-gig rotation, so I decided to let Honey go and get some playing time elsewhere.

Here she is in action before I painted the underside of the clear pickguard:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v26/BrianKrashpad/72701BKlean.jpg

And after the pickguard mod:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v26/BrianKrashpad/Shamrock62002BKwM72Honey.jpg

Radioboy950
January 3rd, 2008, 03:50 PM
Robert, how about something like this....

http://reverendguitars.com/reverend/guitars/set_neck_series/roundhouse_hb_fm.html

Checked out a bunch of Revs last week, although I did not plug in this particular guitar.

Brian Krashpad
January 3rd, 2008, 04:12 PM
Robert, how about something like this....

http://reverendguitars.com/reverend/guitars/set_neck_series/roundhouse_hb_fm.html

Checked out a bunch of Revs last week, although I did not plug in this particular guitar.

I have an online bud who has 3 of the import Revs (they no longer make the US ones) and loves 'em. Iirc I've played one in a store as well, but it was one of the P-90 models.

Robert
January 3rd, 2008, 04:26 PM
Ahh, good idea. Me been getting Reverend-thoughts already before you posted that...

How about a Hagstrom Deluxe? http://www.hagstromguitars.com/deluxe.html
Not sure how close to a Les Paul they would be in sound.

The reason for this whole tread is that people are bugging me saying "you need a Les Paul dude - you've got enough single coil guitars now - get a Les Paul - we want to hear you play one!", etc...

LowEndWonder
January 3rd, 2008, 04:32 PM
Agile AL 3100 series. The wide necks are awesome. lots of room for making those tricky chords. That guitar has american wiring, pots, and pups. Bone or graphite or graphtech nut, ebony fretboards, abalone or mother of pearl inlays, grover tuners, hand filed frets, for $369.00 you can't go wrong. They beat an epiphone hands down. www.rondomusic.net (http://www.rondomusic.net) :AOK:

Brian Krashpad
January 3rd, 2008, 04:44 PM
Ahh, good idea. Me been getting Reverend-thoughts already before you posted that...

How about a Hagstrom Deluxe? http://www.hagstromguitars.com/deluxe.html
Not sure how close to a Les Paul they would be in sound.



If I got a Hagstrom I'd go for a Swede or Super Swede, those should fit you perfectly, haha!

t_ross33
January 3rd, 2008, 04:50 PM
How about a Hagstrom Deluxe? http://www.hagstromguitars.com/deluxe.html
Not sure how close to a Les Paul they would be in sound.

+1 for Hagstrom, but I'd opt for the Super Swede to get you more in LP territory if I were you, plus includes a coil-tap switch for added versatility. :master: You'd make this puppy dance - can't wait for the vid. Besides, you'd love saying "Super Swede" - don't tell me you wouldn't :D

I have my eye on one at my local shop. Should be able to pick it up for around 600 bones, much more cost efficient than a "capital-G" LP.

Robert
January 3rd, 2008, 04:53 PM
Yah, but I just hope Super-Swede doesn't sue me for getting a guitar that wears his name! :D

My local store has Hagstroms, so it would be an obvious choice in some ways.

That Reverend Roundhouse is gorgeous though... look at that flame maple faded burst.... I'm already drooling all over my keyboard... arrh.

warren0728
January 3rd, 2008, 05:00 PM
call me silly...but i would look for a nice used gibson (and unlike the knockoffs...they usually hold their value pretty well)....nothing like the real thing baby! :AOK:

ww

sunvalleylaw
January 3rd, 2008, 05:25 PM
Man, an Agile AL-3100 for under $400 looks awfully good! Love my Epi Elitist LP Std., but the model I have isn't made any more....

For my own shopping, I had narrowed it down to an Agile 3000 or 3100 or an Epi Standard or Elitist.

Brian Krashpad
January 3rd, 2008, 05:58 PM
call me silly...but i would look for a nice used gibson (and unlike the knockoffs...they usually hold their value pretty well)....nothing like the real thing baby! :AOK:

ww

But... a good deal is a good deal, including holding value.

I bought my DeArmond M-72 new for $199 with no hsc.

A hsc can be got for $40-50 from Musician's Friend, and that's what I did.

I sold the guitar and case for $300, after having the guitar for over 5 years.

Zero loss of value. Arguably, an appreciation on the guitar of 25%.

Again, this is coming from a guy with 2 LP's (and who previously owned a third).

warren0728
January 3rd, 2008, 06:16 PM
wasn't implying that you couldn't make money of lower priced guitars....just that on the average a gibson (or sometimes fender) will more likely hold or surpass it's original value than the lower price copies.

This coming from someone who owns mostly lower priced copies!

ww

just strum
January 3rd, 2008, 06:18 PM
and if you burn a Fender with a cigarette, the price goes up about $23K. Let's see you do that with one of the clones:D

warren0728
January 3rd, 2008, 06:19 PM
and if you burn a Fender with a cigarette, the price goes up about $23K.
now that's funny....i don't care who you are! :rotflmao:

Brian Krashpad
January 4th, 2008, 10:55 AM
wasn't implying that you couldn't make money of lower priced guitars....just that on the average a gibson (or sometimes fender) will more likely hold or surpass it's original value than the lower price copies.



Agreed that the above is generally true. My point being that with smart shopping a person buying inexpensive guitars can be in the minority of those who don't lose money on resale.

I actually have some mental rules of thumb I apply to see if I've got a good deal (which also usually means that I won't lose money on resale, though I don't buy guitars looking towards flipping them, with, so far, only one exception).

So, here's are Krashpad's Deal Formulae:

1. New Guitars: to be avoided, as used guitars represent better deals, but sale price should be no more than 50% of MSRP (in contrast "street price" or standard discounted price in places such as Musician's Friend is 60% of MSRP, a discount of 40%).

2. Used Guitars: there's a bit more play in this formula, since used guitars can run the gamut in terms of condition, but it's a starting point. Sale price should be no more than 50% of "street price" (in other words, take MSRP, subtract 40% to get street price, then cut that in half).

:AOK:

Algonquin
February 4th, 2008, 09:27 AM
http://www.epiphone.com/ultraII/

This one looks interesting.

sunvalleylaw
February 4th, 2008, 09:42 AM
Yeah, sure does! That vid is cool. Internet price (MF, etc.) appears to be $699.

Robert
February 4th, 2008, 11:59 AM
That is one great looking guitar! Thanks for the tip!

Tone2TheBone
February 4th, 2008, 02:23 PM
Ooooo now that's a classy looking LP there. I always loved black Les Pauls but that one looks wicked with the curly top and gold hardware! I wonder how that pickup system sounds though.

Jimi75
February 5th, 2008, 05:15 AM
I can not believe it! They sell this guitar here for 498€ which is approx. 730 USD?

Wow, what a great instrument for that price. I think the possibility to mix the NANO with the humbuckers offers totally new and awesome sound ranges. And the guitat looks very cool, I like the black version really - I'd only change the gold hardware.

For those here who still have no Les Paul, this could be THE choice.
If I saw it correctly on the pictures they already use the chambered body for the Epiphones, as they do for the Gibbies now. I have heard only positive comments on that procedure so far. I have very "light" Paula and the resonation and sound spectrum is wider and breathes more, it's not that thick and muddy.

I'll keep an eye on that guitar - come on, it's not that long 'till Christmas :bravo:

abraxas
February 5th, 2008, 05:25 AM
http://www.espguitars.co.jp/edwards/original/E-LP-130LTS.html

:D :D :D

sunvalleylaw
February 5th, 2008, 09:28 AM
I can not believe it! They sell this guitar here for 498€ which is approx. 730 USD?


For those here who still have no Les Paul, this could be THE choice.
:bravo:

It certainly has made it on my "learn more" list for when I add an LP type.

Lev
February 5th, 2008, 11:38 AM
sweet guitar - I'll be keeping an eye out for these!
Steve, I think this could be a real contender for your second guitar. From the reviews I've read the playability is quite similar to that of a strat.

Algonquin
February 8th, 2008, 12:56 PM
I rec'd an email from Epiphone about this guitar's official release today.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Nashville, Tennessee): The Epiphone Guitar Company of Nashville, TN. announced today the introduction of the new Les Paul “Ultra-II” electric guitar. Based upon Epiphone’s top-selling Les Paul Ultra, the new Ultra-II adds a proprietary NanoMag™ low-impedance pickup embedded into the fingerboard and custom electronics to create a Les Paul that is not only capable of blistering, electric guitar riffs but also shimmering acoustic-like tones and when combined, greatly expanded frequency range and tonal capabilities...

Some of the shops in the US have the Midnight Ebony onsale for $599 ($100 off)

List on this guitar in US $1,165

sunvalleylaw
February 8th, 2008, 03:31 PM
I saw them on MF for $599 for a black type of finish, and $699 for a burst style.

marnold
February 8th, 2008, 03:45 PM
I saw them on MF for $599 for a black type of finish, and $699 for a burst style.
The black is terminally sharp.

sunvalleylaw
February 8th, 2008, 03:57 PM
The black is terminally sharp.


I liked it too. It is on the A list for adding a Paul type someday. A 3000 series Agile would be quicker into the herd though. But it might be worth being patient and saving the extra and getting the chambered body and Nano pups.

wingsdad
February 8th, 2008, 10:58 PM
I rec'd an email from Epiphone about this guitar's official release today.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Nashville, Tennessee): The Epiphone Guitar Company of Nashville, TN. announced today the introduction of the new Les Paul “Ultra-II” electric guitar. Based upon Epiphone’s top-selling Les Paul Ultra, the new Ultra-II adds a proprietary NanoMag™ low-impedance pickup embedded into the fingerboard and custom electronics to create a Les Paul that is not only capable of blistering, electric guitar riffs but also shimmering acoustic-like tones and when combined, greatly expanded frequency range and tonal capabilities...

Coincidentally, Epiphone launched a 'mini website' for the LP Ultra II. I put the link in a thread on it in the 'Epiphone Room':
LP Ultra II Website Thread (http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?p=62583#post62583)

mechanic
April 9th, 2008, 05:45 PM
Dillion makes a smokin' LP copy for not much cash.
I was checking out a gold top LP last week.
Pretty sweet guitar,but I'm more of a SG guy so
I just bought a SG copy of theirs and its AMAZING! (not "for the price" either,just flat out impressive!)
If you have a dealer near you, check them out.
You just might like them.
Eric

Robert
April 11th, 2008, 08:37 AM
Don't have a Dillion dealer here. I am leaning towards a Super Swede, but I'd like to be able try some other brands too before I jump the gun.

Bloozcat
April 11th, 2008, 12:58 PM
Don't have a Dillion dealer here. I am leaning towards a Super Swede, but I'd like to be able try some other brands too before I jump the gun.

Potential deal here on a Super Swede, Robert...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hagstrom-Super-Swede-Cherry-Sunburst-w-Gig-Bag_W0QQitemZ220221877564QQihZ012QQcategoryZ2384QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Edit to add: Hmmm, on second look, it says ship to USA only. But, it wouldn't hurt to e-mail him, Robert.

Robert
April 11th, 2008, 01:13 PM
Thanks Blooz, but my buddy runs a local music store, and he will give me a good deal on a brand new Hagstrom. Lucky me. :)

SuperSwede
April 12th, 2008, 12:21 AM
I am leaning towards a Super Swede

:eek:

Robert! Please! (behave) :canada:

Brian Krashpad
April 12th, 2008, 05:37 AM
:eek:

Robert! Please! (behave) :canada:

Get a room, you two! :eek:

















:D

Katastrophe
April 12th, 2008, 05:56 AM
I am leaning towards a Super Swede, but I'd like to be able try some other brands too before I jump the gun.

I like the looks of the Ultra Swede, and the Super Swede is growing on me (the guitar, not the fretter - we already get along well, and I enjoy his playing). I'm even starting to get used to the funky Hagstrom headstock. Give us a report on how they sound if you play one!

Blaze
April 12th, 2008, 06:37 AM
http://www.ibanez.com/eg/guitar.aspx?m=AR300RE


http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/product/Ibanez/AR300+Artist/10/1

I m playin a Ibanez Ar 300 , it does not have the entire Lespaul look , but it sounds just the same for $700.00 -$800.00..In the 70 s the Ibanez Lespaul copy were just awesome, i wish i could find one .

Love it

Blaze:dude:

just strum
April 12th, 2008, 07:16 AM
Blaze,

I have the Ibanez ARC300 and I love it. I actually tried different LP's after I purchased the ARC300 (I know, you should do it the other way around), but I will attest I am not disappointed in my choice. It was actually a suggestion/recommendation from Wingsdad that got me gassing for it.

For now it's on my "Do not sell" list, so it will be with me for at least a year or two, if not longer.

TS808
April 13th, 2008, 02:31 PM
I've REALLY been digging my Agile AL-3000's. They are worth every penny, if not more, in terms of quality and tone. No matter what amp I run them through, whether it's my Vibrolux, Bluesbreaker clone, Vox AD50VT or even my Line 6 POD XT, they sound excellent.

I owned a Gibson Les Paul studio that I later sold, and I'm not kidding, the Agiles are just as good.

sunvalleylaw
April 13th, 2008, 07:32 PM
Yeah, I really want one. It is either an Agile AL-3000 or one of the new Epi's we were talking about above I think. One of these days.

jbviper4
April 23rd, 2008, 12:07 PM
Which one should I get?

Probably can't afford a Gibson.

You would be surprised - I got my 93 Gibson LP Special with buckers for $475 with OHSC out the door last year.

Its a plank that needed $75 of set up and mods but for $550 I have a 10+ lb sustain monster.:dude:

Tone2TheBone
April 23rd, 2008, 01:33 PM
If I haven't said it already I will say it now. I absolutely love my Epi '56 Gold Top. It's one of the sweetest, nicest playing guitars I've ever owned. It's quickly becoming my "signature" sound. When I get famous (yeah right) I'll be known as the dude that plays the '56 Epi with either the Marshall or the BJ. :D :rotflmao:

Robert
April 23rd, 2008, 01:35 PM
You are already (in)famous, Tone... :)

Tone2TheBone
April 23rd, 2008, 01:44 PM
You are already (in)famous, Tone... :)

Hey infamous is good. I'll take what I can get. hahaha ;)

warren0728
April 23rd, 2008, 04:42 PM
'56 Epi with either the Marshall or the BJ.
i'll take the bj :AOK: :eek: :rotflmao:

ww

sunvalleylaw
April 23rd, 2008, 05:09 PM
Ok, Warren, you can have that and I'll take the Jubilee to go along with my Peavey!

warren0728
April 23rd, 2008, 07:15 PM
Ok, Warren, you can have that and I'll take the Jubilee to go along with my Peavey!
oh i'm sorry....were we talking amps....my bad.... :thwap:

ww :rotflmao:

just strum
April 23rd, 2008, 07:21 PM
i'll take the bj :AOK: :eek: :rotflmao:

ww

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/auroraohio/banhim.gif:rotflmao:

Robert
April 23rd, 2008, 07:41 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bj
Lotsa bj's...

warren0728
April 23rd, 2008, 08:20 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bj
Lotsa bj's...
yep...some better than others! :beer:

ww :pancake:

Tone2TheBone
April 23rd, 2008, 09:07 PM
BJ and the Bear I remember that.

The show Warren....not, oh never mind. :rotflmao:

warren0728
April 23rd, 2008, 09:13 PM
this thread is going downhill fast!! :beer:

one of my favorites!! :bravo:

ww :rotflmao:

Tone2TheBone
April 23rd, 2008, 09:23 PM
Now you need to go find your other monkey brothers...hear no evil and speak no evil. LMAO