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Opinions on Les Paul Studio

Reply from: Tafkog
Date: 07 Apr 2008, 07:47
Opinions on Les Paul Studio

All, I need some opinions.

I'm looking for new guitar. I'm a relatively new, and inept player that
is trying to get better. I currently have an old Washburn accustic
(Chinese Built) that drives me crazy. It is probably the biggest slowdown
to my learning curve. The action is hard, and it has a serious intonation
problem. What is in tune for a G chord, is out on a C, an A might not
sound bad, but the next D will sound terrible.
I'd also like to move to an electric for the lighter action.

So.. I was looking on Musicians Friend at the Les Paul Studio.
It's still not a cheap guitar, but it "looks" nice.
Does anyone have any experience with these guitars? Are they worth the
price, or am I going to get it, and hate it too?
Are the electronics of decent quality?

I'm not looking for a top end guitar, but I don't want to repeat the
mistake of my $100 Washburn either.

Thanks!! Any and all opinions welcome. I'm just looking for some thoughts
on those guitars.


Reply from: Lumpy
Date: 07 Apr 2008, 08:44
Re: Opinions on Les Paul Studio

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




Reply from: Tafkog
Date: 07 Apr 2008, 09:02
Re: Opinions on Les Paul Studio

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....


Reply from: Squier
Date: 07 Apr 2008, 10:52
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.

Reply from: General Specific
Date: 07 Apr 2008, 14:17
Re: Opinions on Les Paul Studio

On Apr 7, 1:47 am, Tafkog <taf...@some.server> wrote:
> All, I need some opinions.
>
> I'm looking for new guitar. I'm a relatively new, and inept player that
> is trying to get better. I currently have an old Washburn accustic
> (Chinese Built) that drives me crazy. It is probably the biggest slowdown
> to my learning curve. The action is hard, and it has a serious intonation
> problem. What is in tune for a G chord, is out on a C, an A might not
> sound bad, but the next D will sound terrible.
> I'd also like to move to an electric for the lighter action.
>
> So.. I was looking on Musicians Friend at the Les Paul Studio.
> It's still not a cheap guitar, but it "looks" nice.
> Does anyone have any experience with these guitars? Are they worth the
> price, or am I going to get it, and hate it too?
> Are the electronics of decent quality?
>
> I'm not looking for a top end guitar, but I don't want to repeat the
> mistake of my $100 Washburn either.
>
> Thanks!! Any and all opinions welcome. I'm just looking for some thoughts
> on those guitars.


What type of guitar music do you prefer? Electric or Acoustic?
What type of guitar do your guitar hero's play. If it's mostly
Strats, then get a strat. If it's Les Paul, then get an LP or an SG.

There are some great Squre Strats and Epiphone Les Pauls. The problem
with the low priced guitars is that quality varies wildly, so you
really have to play them. Go to the stores. Borrow a tuner from
them. And play a lot of them. Bring someone more experienced with
you. Have fun!

With an electric, you need an amp. I think the Vox Valvetronix 15w is
a great starter amp. Modelers are great for beginners because you get
to sample many flavors of amp and effect and develop your taste in
tone. Sure I could get you to spend $5000 for a full on David Gilmour
like tone, but maybe that sound is not for you.

The Epiphone SG starter package now has the Epiphone Valve jr, which
is a low wattage tube amp. I think the whole thing goes for $299,
which is a great deal. If you get that, I would suggest a Digitech
Bad Monkey ($39).

Lastly, it's a matter of personal taste. Maybe you like jazz and need
a hollow body. Only you can tell us that.


(PS, for the purists. The above is meant to be the best bang for the
buck for a beginner. It is not going to be everyone's best option, so
lets not beat dead horses, ok?)

Reply from: hcbowman
Date: 07 Apr 2008, 14:37
Re: Opinions on Les Paul Studio

On Apr 7, 8:17 am, General Specific <brad pitst...@yahoo,com > wrote:

> With an electric, you need an amp. I think the Vox Valvetronix 15w is
> a great starter amp.

Great post! I second your amp recommendation. I came by the Vox
purely by accident, and really like it. It sounds good with mild
distortion, but I really like its full, round sound on the "clean"
setting.

Good "bang for your buck," as you say.

--Cliff (where the buck is worth less each day...)

Reply from: Derek
Date: 07 Apr 2008, 15:59
Re: Opinions on Les Paul Studio

IIRC the LP Studio is their lower end made in US model.

The electronics will be fine, but Gibson's quality control currently
is at best spotty.

The good news with ordering from MF is their great return policy. If
you don't like it, you are just out shipping.

This way, you get to play it at home for a few days before deciding.

I am not a Gibbo solid body fan (I have 2 Gibbo hollows though), but
millions of users can't be all wrong.

Happy hunting.

Reply from: kitekrazy
Date: 07 Apr 2008, 23:15
Re: Opinions on Les Paul Studio

Derek wrote:
> IIRC the LP Studio is their lower end made in US model.
>
> The electronics will be fine, but Gibson's quality control currently
> is at best spotty.
>
> The good news with ordering from MF is their great return policy. If
> you don't like it, you are just out shipping.
>

If I were to spend 4 figures on a guitar, I wouldn't order it online.

Shipping a guitar back and waiting for another one is a pain in the
ass. Go to a music store and play a few.




Reply from: Muso
Date: 07 Apr 2008, 16:50
Re: Opinions on Les Paul Studio

On Apr 6, 10:47=EF=BF=BDpm, Tafkog <taf...@some.server> wrote:
> All, I need some opinions.
>
> I'm looking for new guitar. I'm a relatively new, and inept player

So you are a new player, but already you consider yourself to be fully
qualified to describe yourself as being "inept"? I wouldn't consider
you to be informed enough to make such an evaluation.

that
> is trying to get better. I currently have an old Washburn accustic
> (Chinese Built) that drives me crazy. It is probably the biggest slowdown
> to my learning curve. The action is hard, and it has a serious intonation
> problem. What is in tune for a G chord, is out on a C, an A might not
> sound bad, but the next D will sound terrible.

I would be curious to know what your tuning proceedure is, if you
would be willing to describe it to me. Since you have already decided
that your guitar has a serious intonation problem, though, I suppose
that I shouldn't be too optimistic.

> I'd also like to move to an electric for the lighter action.

> So.. I was looking on Musicians Friend at the Les Paul Studio.
> It's still not a cheap guitar, but it "looks" nice.
> Does anyone have any experience with these guitars? Are they worth the
> price, or am I going to get it, and hate it too?
> Are the electronics of decent quality?

I have a Gibsin Les Paul Student Model guitar, and I love it.

> I'm not looking for a top end guitar, but I don't want to repeat the
> mistake of my $100 Washburn either.

I don't think that the problem is the guitar. It might very well be,
but you would have to convince me.

> Thanks!! Any and all opinions welcome. I'm just looking for some thoughts
> on those guitars.


Reply from: kitekrazy
Date: 07 Apr 2008, 23:16
Re: Opinions on Les Paul Studio

Muso wrote:
> On Apr 6, 10:47?pm, Tafkog <taf...@some.server> wrote:
>> All, I need some opinions.
>>
>> I'm looking for new guitar. I'm a relatively new, and inept player
>
> So you are a new player, but already you consider yourself to be fully
> qualified to describe yourself as being "inept"? I wouldn't consider
> you to be informed enough to make such an evaluation.
>
> that
>> is trying to get better. I currently have an old Washburn accustic
>> (Chinese Built) that drives me crazy. It is probably the biggest slowdown
>> to my learning curve. The action is hard, and it has a serious intonation
>> problem. What is in tune for a G chord, is out on a C, an A might not
>> sound bad, but the next D will sound terrible.
>
> I would be curious to know what your tuning proceedure is, if you
> would be willing to describe it to me. Since you have already decided
> that your guitar has a serious intonation problem, though, I suppose
> that I shouldn't be too optimistic.
>
>> I'd also like to move to an electric for the lighter action.
>
>> So.. I was looking on Musicians Friend at the Les Paul Studio.
>> It's still not a cheap guitar, but it "looks" nice.
>> Does anyone have any experience with these guitars? Are they worth the
>> price, or am I going to get it, and hate it too?
>> Are the electronics of decent quality?
>
> I have a Gibsin Les Paul Student Model guitar, and I love it.
>
>> I'm not looking for a top end guitar, but I don't want to repeat the
>> mistake of my $100 Washburn either.
>
> I don't think that the problem is the guitar. It might very well be,
> but you would have to convince me.
>

It could be it needs new strings.

Reply from: Tafkog
Date: 07 Apr 2008, 18:31
Re: Opinions on Les Paul Studio

On Mon, 07 Apr 2008 05:47:33 +0000, Tafkog wrote:

> All, I need some opinions.
>
> I'm looking for new guitar. I'm a relatively new, and inept player that
> is trying to get better. I currently have an old Washburn accustic
> (Chinese Built) that drives me crazy. It is probably the biggest
> slowdown to my learning curve. The action is hard, and it has a serious
> intonation problem. What is in tune for a G chord, is out on a C, an A
> might not sound bad, but the next D will sound terrible. I'd also like
> to move to an electric for the lighter action.
>
> So.. I was looking on Musicians Friend at the Les Paul Studio. It's
> still not a cheap guitar, but it "looks" nice. Does anyone have any
> experience with these guitars? Are they worth the price, or am I going
> to get it, and hate it too? Are the electronics of decent quality?
>
> I'm not looking for a top end guitar, but I don't want to repeat the
> mistake of my $100 Washburn either.
>
> Thanks!! Any and all opinions welcome. I'm just looking for some
> thoughts on those guitars.

Thank you for all the replies!
This thread has given me some points to consider before I run out and buy
a new guitar.

Oh, and as has been pointed out: Yes, I meant Epiphone LP.
I'd been looking at Squire Strats earlier in the day, and had Squire on
my mind. Sorry about that one.

Also some great pointers on amps! To be honest, I hadn't even considered
that one. So that's more to think about.

This was all exactly what I was looking for.
Thank you!


Reply from: David L. Martel
Date: 07 Apr 2008, 19:05
Re: Opinions on Les Paul Studio

Tafkog,

Why don't you take your acoustic guitar down to a luthier's shop and
discuss it's problems with him. If the guitar is hopeless he'll tell you.
But it's probably in need of a set-up.

Dave M.



Reply from: Tafkog
Date: 07 Apr 2008, 19:49
Re: Opinions on Les Paul Studio

On Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:05:47 -0400, David L. Martel wrote:

> Tafkog,
>
> Why don't you take your acoustic guitar down to a luthier's shop and
> discuss it's problems with him. If the guitar is hopeless he'll tell
> you. But it's probably in need of a set-up.
>
> Dave M.

Thanks.
Been there, done that, it has problems that can't be fixed.
It is actually okay to learn on I suppose, but as I said elsewhere, if
you don't like the guitar, you won't play it (practice) as much. I've
just always disliked it's tendency to go in & out of tune on different
chords.
I realize that it can tuned for a mid-way type of thing that would
balance it out, and it would thus be just a little out of tune on ALL
chords, rather than a lot out on some.
And to be honest, even if/when I buy a new guitar, I'll probably continue
to play the accoustic. Just not as my primary guitar, and a whole lot
less often.

I'm just tired of dealing with it, and feel the need to move to a better
guitar. It must me "that time" .


Reply from: Tafkog
Date: 07 Apr 2008, 19:13
Re: Opinions on Les Paul Studio

On Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:01:59 -0700, General Specific wrote:

> On Apr 7, 10:06 am, "Lumpy" <lu...@digitalcartography,com > wrote:
>> Tafkog wrote:
>
>
>> With any guitar, any price, no matter where it's made, you won't be out
>> looking for a new neck in a year. Also with any guitar, you may or may
>> not decide to "replace the electronics".
>>
>>
>
>> Lumpy
>>
>>
>>
>
> If he progresses, he may well be looking for a "different" neck. As a
> beginner, it hard to know what you will prefer as you get better.
>
> After stalking GC for two hours, I picked up a strange Tele (set neck,
> dual HB, and huge frets). I could not put it down. I found that I
> prefer these giant frets. I bought it and it is my main guitar. It just
> fits and I could have never have guessed.
>
> One word of advice for our guy: Don't bother modding your guitars or
> amps. If it's not the one, it's not the one. I did a lot of that and
> you know..,it really wasn't the pickups or the tuners, it was my ability
> to use the gear at hand. A good player can make almost anything sound
> good.

heh heh... Yeah, it's a bit of the old "It's a poor mechanic who blames
his tools"...

I guess my biggest question here was whether the LP Studio was decent
guitar, or if it was one of the cheap Chinese built units.

Looks like the consensus is that it is indeed a good guitar, so I will
continue to consider it.

Also on the list though is a Strat.
And I have to admit that at this point in my playing, I'm looking at
guitars more from a cosmetic standpoint than a functional one. I prefer
the look and feel of an LP over the look and feel of a Strat, although
most of the guitarists that I look up to play strats, and I actually
prefer acustics over electric! But for the time being, I want the lighter
action of an electric to learn on.

And there is the weight to consider. An LP IS heavy. I wasn't really
thinking about that, as right now, I play most always sitting down.

I'm just learning, so much of the finer points of these instruments will
be lost on me, and I know it. I just need to find one that I like, and
that feels good to hold, and play, and is of good quality.
The rest will have to sort itself out over time.
But if I don't like the guitar, then I won't be as anxious to play it,
and I won't practice as much.

'tis funny the head games we play on ourselves. :)

Thanks again!


Reply from: General Specific
Date: 07 Apr 2008, 21:16
Re: Opinions on Les Paul Studio

On Apr 7, 1:13 pm, Tafkog <taf...@some.server> wrote:
> On Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:01:59 -0700, General Specific wrote:
> > On Apr 7, 10:06 am, "Lumpy" <lu...@digitalcartography,com > wrote:
> >> Tafkog wrote:
>
> >> With any guitar, any price, no matter where it's made, you won't be out
> >> looking for a new neck in a year. Also with any guitar, you may or may
> >> not decide to "replace the electronics".
>
> >> Lumpy
>
> > If he progresses, he may well be looking for a "different" neck.  As a
> > beginner, it hard to know what you will prefer as you get better.
>
> > After stalking GC for two hours, I picked up a strange Tele (set neck,
> > dual HB, and huge frets).  I could not put it down.  I found that I
> > prefer these giant frets.  I bought it and it is my main guitar. It just
> > fits and I could have never have guessed.
>
> > One word of advice for our guy:  Don't bother modding your guitars or
> > amps.  If it's not the one, it's not the one.  I did a lot of that and
> > you know..,it really wasn't the pickups or the tuners, it was my ability
> > to use the gear at hand.  A good player can make almost anything sound
> > good.
>
> heh heh... Yeah, it's a bit of the old "It's a poor mechanic who blames
> his tools"...
>
> I guess my biggest question here was whether the LP Studio was decent
> guitar, or if it was one of the cheap Chinese built units.
>
> Looks like the consensus is that it is indeed a good guitar, so I will
> continue to consider it.
>
> Also on the list though is a Strat.
> And I have to admit that at this point in my playing, I'm looking at
> guitars more from a cosmetic standpoint than a functional one. I prefer
> the look and feel of an LP over the look and feel of a Strat, although
> most of the guitarists that I look up to play strats, and I actually
> prefer acustics over electric! But for the time being, I want the lighter
> action of an electric to learn on.
>
> And there is the weight to consider. An LP IS heavy. I wasn't really
> thinking about that, as right now, I play most always sitting down.
>
> I'm just learning, so much of the finer points of these instruments will
> be lost on me, and I know it. I just need to find one that I like, and
> that feels good to hold, and play, and is of good quality.
> The rest will have to sort itself out over time.
> But if I don't like the guitar, then I won't be as anxious to play it,
> and I won't practice as much.
>
> 'tis funny the head games we play on ourselves. :)
>
> Thanks again!- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -


There are acoustics with lighter action.
Bring your acoustic to a luthier. Tell kim you want lower action and
to use lighter strings.


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