I thought I had tried a Tribute before, but I also thought that they were much cheaper than that. The one I played was one of those with a satin finish and had a gold top. I personally prefer and non-gloss finish on the neck. I think you'd really have to go to a store and try them out for yourself. (Update: I tried a Les Paul Tribute T which apparently has been discontinued)

I didn't like the Les Paul I tried because I can't get over the neck joint. I love the way they look and sound but coming from super strats, it's hard to get high up on the fretboard. I now know why so many have a long strap and play with its neck right in the air.

What guitar did you have before?