Re: Opinions on Les Paul Studio> Tafkog <tafkog@some.server> wrote:
> On Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:44:28 -0700, Lumpy wrote:
>
> > Tafkog wrote:
> >> ...Are they worth the
> >> price, or am I going to get it, and hate it too?
> >
> > No matter what the brand/price/manufacturer, you might get it and hate
> > it.
> >
> > What do YOU think of the guitar?
> >
> > Have you picked one up?
> >
> >
> > Lumpy
> >
> > In Your Ears for 40 Years
> > www .LumpyMusic,com
>
> Well, now that's the down side to ordering on-line, is you can't pick it
> up and play it first.
> Part of the reason I was asking here first was to see if the construction
> of the guitar, and it's electronics were sound. I've played with one
> locally, and it was a nice comfortable feel, and I liked the sound. BUT,
> even then, since I know very little about modern guitars, I'd still value
> the opinion of the pros on here that can tell me what the real quality of
> the guitar is.
>
> My fingers may not know the difference between a Squire LP, and a Gibson
> LP, but folks here would know if the electroncs, or the structures of the
> two are vastly different.
> And the above is almost not true. The Squire LP that I looked at didn't
> seem to have the feel, and sound of the Gibson (nor the price tag for
> that matter.. lol )
>
> And that's what I'm looking for.
> I've played an LP Studio, and it felt good. It was comfortable to play.
> So, now I'm looking for more detail before I run out & buy one. It's not
> a cheap guitar, but it is on the lower end of the LP scale. That's what
> concerns me about it.
> Is it actually a Gibson LP, or is it made in China under license?
> Is the construction good, with good electronics, or will I be out looking
> for a new neck, and replacing the electronics in a year?
>
> Inquiring minds want to know.
>
>
> Thanks!!
>
> Side Note:
> My daughter is in lessons at a local music shop. Thus I get to spend 45
> minutes a week standing around, looking at guitars, and playing them.
> They had a half rack full of Washburns that they had on sale.
> I'd dragged most of them down and played them (have to entertain myself
> somehow in there). And the biggest thing I noticed is that identical
> models of guitars will play differently. I found that there were a couple
> on the rack that had a really nice mellow sound, and good action. And
> others that were just .. bitchy .. They had harsh sounds, and the action
> was hard.
>
> So when it comes down to purchase time, buying from an on-line source is
> worrysome anyway....
>
> Maybe Guitar Center....
>
I didn't know that Squier made Les Paul designed guitars (???)
Maybe you are thinking of Epiphone LP's.
Squier is to Fender as Epiphone is to Gibson.
However that does not mean that you can't get a great playing Squier
or a really nice playing Epiphone.
I don't play LP's or SG's but I have friends that do.
Some play Gibsons and some play Epiphones.
One of my practice buddies plays an Epiphone LP Standard
and it plays great and sounds great. I think he paid $450 for it.
I know he eventually changed the pickups but I remember when he
first got it that it sounded punchy and not fizzed out at all
or muddy. Good stuff. And as a bonus it felt lighter than
most other LP's I've lifted up.
Wish i could help you more (I play Strats and Teles) but
maybe you should really check out some Epiphone LP's.
Lots of people I know play them and if you take the time
to find one you like -- you're all set.
Now here's the real thing to think about -
you can take a decent guitar and play it through a crappy amp
and that guitar is going to sound like crap.
You can take a barely passable guitar and play it
through a great sounding amp and that guitar can sound very good.
(as good as your playing style will allow).
So the thing is - by getting a nice Epiphone you can
use the money you save and get a nice tube amp to play through.
No use getting a nice guitar and playing it through a 10 watt
solid state practice amp. So consider this - when going out
and playing guitars to try them out - take the time to plug
into some nice amps to get a feel for how that guitar will sound
playing through a nice amp. The guitar is only part of it -
the amp/speaker plays a really important part of how its all going to sound.
Perhaps a sort of general guideline might be to consider
spending on your amp what you would spend on your guitar.
If you are willing to spend $400-$500 for a nice Epiphone LP
then that should be a ballpark figure for what you should think
about spending on a nice amp (tube recommended but SS is also possible).
I won't bet the farm on it - but I'm willing to say that
a nice Epiphone LP and a nice tube amp (wattage to suit your needs)
should put you into the tone zone - meaning if you can't get usable sounds -
it's on you - not the equipment.