If you had to get a Les Paul

[catzodellamarina]

I have heard/read not good things about Gibson quality as of lately. Aside from a vintage model or signature/artist model, what years are decent quality? What years to avoid? From time to time, I used to play a 90's LP Studio that was owned by my singer. It was decent and had that LP tone. Headstock broke 3 times (accidents) and after the third, it was sold to make a clock

[xenophobe]

You need to play them individually to find the good ones. Check the fretboard to see that it's not warped, check fret ends and to see if any are exposed or lifted, play it.

[PowerTube]

Headstock broke 3 times (accidents) and after the third, it was sold to make a clock

Here's some info about Gibson headstocks. They'll break if you so much as give them a dirty look:

http://www.edroman.com/rants/les_paul_necks.htm

I wouldn't personally buy an Ed Roman guitar, or ANY guitar for that matter, without handling it first.* But there are many great alternatives out there.

What price range do you want to be in?

*Except Carvin/Kiesel.

[catzodellamarina]

I would not mind LP alternatives. I like the look of the PRS bridge because it seems like it would be more comfortable. I would expect to pay at most $1k but I prefer $900 because it sounds better when mentioned in my house.

[paranoid]

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=...Q9aACCHM&adurl=

[paranoid]

how about a desolation? if not those I would have a look at a esp If I had to buy an LP, but I would not let any one tell me I had to buy anything other then Charvel.

[pianoguyy]

I happen to like the new(er) LPs.
For me, I agree with the others that say to play it first. But not just for quality. There are so many options today, you may like one thing and not another. Even the same model in a different year makes a difference.

[Vass]

Has anyone had a chance to try one of the new “high performance” Les Pauls? My studio is just too rounded. Had a shot at a LPC that was a little molested, Norlin era for $1200 that I walked on for a day to see it disappear the next day (duh). Had a nice thin neck. Wondering how the HPs are.

[metalhobo]

Has anyone had a chance to try one of the new “high performance” Les Pauls? My studio is just too rounded. Had a shot at a LPC that was a little molested, Norlin era for $1200 that I walked on for a day to see it disappear the next day (duh). Had a nice thin neck. Wondering how the HPs are.

richlite fingerboard, low frets, and an ugly "fade" finish? no thanks.

[Vass]

richlite fingerboard, low frets, and an ugly "fade" finish? no thanks.

They have LP Standards in that config too...

www.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/2018/USA/Les-Paul-Standard-HP-2018.aspx

[lynchfan6]

I'm not much of a Les Paul guy, but I have a Les Paul Classic from 1996 that I will never part with. It was a graduation gift from my parents. I hear those were amazing years, and this thing is just impeccable. But this was back when Gibson would send you a personal letter, signed in real ink by an public relations person, thanking you for your purchase. So, based on my one experience, I'd say a mid 90's Les Paul would be probably built quite well. It was a whole different company then.

[Vass]

My LP Studio is great as well- it’s a 91 or 92 as I recall- but the 59 neck isn’t my thing. I’ve heard the classic necks from that era are about as shreddy as you’re going to get on an LP.

[eakinj]

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=...Q9aACCHM&adurl=

THIS! Edwards are amazingly nice!

(I sound like a fanboy now. weeee)

[skullfunkerry]

My main gigging guitar for years was an LTD EC1000, I'd take that over a Gibson any day

[markD]

I was after the Les Paul sound and bought a Les Paul Traditional. It was awful. I ended up with these instead:





They are MEGA comfortable to play, even with the fat necks, and sound gorgeous.