Anything current similar to a 2013 Traditional?

[Mesamay2003]

I've got a 2013 LP Traditional in honeyburst that I love...solid body, normal med-jumbo frets (I don't like the new low frets being used on a lot of models), fat 50's neck, etc. It's a little on the heavy side at about 9.5 lbs, but I can deal with it. Are there any current models that are close in specs, or should I just look for a nice used 2013. I would get an R9, but I can't justify spending that much on a guitar at this stage of life...and my traditional works great for me. No slim taper necks...

 

[Macronaut]

I've got a 2013 LP Traditional in honeyburst that I love...solid body, normal med-jumbo frets (I don't like the new low frets being used on a lot of models), fat 50's neck, etc. It's a little on the heavy side at about 9.5 lbs, but I can deal with it. Are there any current models that are close in specs, or should I just look for a nice used 2013. I would get an R9, but I can't justify spending that much on a guitar at this stage of life...and my traditional works great for me. No slim taper necks...

I'm curious why you would want two of the same when there's so much variety to endeavor?

I was so certain of what I liked and what I wanted, that it kept me from exploring other options. Once I did, it opened Pandora's box to a great many things I love that are quite different from each other. I love the differences, I just love them different.

YMMV

 

[Mesamay2003]

I've got a bunch of guitars, so there's plenty of variety, but I don't like LP's with thin 60's style necks...just doesn't feel right to me. I've only got 1 LP right now, recently sold my other one due to the thin neck, but I love the traditional I have, and am wanting to pickup another LP that is similar feeling. It seems that a lot of the current models have 60's necks and low frets...

 

[cherrysunburst00]

You can probably find a real nice used R8 in the low to mid $2000's if that is in your price

 

[Mesamay2003]

You can probably find a real nice used R8 in the low to mid $2000's if that is in your price

That's a good idea, I will definitely put those on the list to check out...

 

[GibsonKramer]

You can get R8s for a steal.

I still kick myself for letting one get away. It was offered, I said I'd think about it. Gone the next day.

 

[zombiwoof]

All Trads except the custom ordered versions from certain stores have a rounded 50's type profile. The new ones look great, and have an ABR bridge which some years don't. They are non-weight relieved, and the closest to a vintage 50's LP IMO than going to Historic/Custom shop. Or look for a recent used one to save more money. 2018 had more finish options, so you might want to look for one of those on the used market, or new 2018 stock still at stores if you want to go for a new one.
Al

 

[Mesamay2003]

All Trads except the custom ordered versions from certain stores have a rounded 50's type profile. The new ones look great, and have an ABR bridge which some years don't. They are non-weight relieved, and the closest to a vintage 50's LP IMO than going to Historic/Custom shop. Or look for a recent used one to save more money. 2018 had more finish options, so you might want to look for one of those on the used market, or new 2018 stock still at stores if you want to go for a new one.
Al

Don't the newer traditionals have the smaller frets?

 

[Macronaut]

Don't the newer traditionals have the smaller frets?

I do believe that the 2019 Trads are supposed to have lower frets. That’s one of the reasons I was going to get one. But I ended up getting a Custom with low frets instead. I really like my frets and action very low.

 

[zombiwoof]

So get a 2018 either used or I assume there is still some stock at some stores leftover.
Al

 

[RicOkc]

My Trad Pro has a 60's neck.

 

[The Birdman]

The R8 is really the only current offering that is close to a 2013 Traditional (I've had both). Look for a good used (or new, if you are willing to pay for it) R8, buy it, and be happy.

 

[zombiwoof]

My Trad Pro has a 60's neck.

The Trad Pros were specially ordered by GC or some other store, they have the slim taper neck but the regular Trad is spec'd for the rounded 50's style. I would just look for a recent Trad or a used one from the last few years, they are all very similar. What would make 2013 any different?.
Al

 

[The Birdman]

2013 has a much fatter neck than the newer Trads. More like an R8. From 2015 on, I believe, they went a little slimmer. I've owned 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 Trads, and have played a 2018. The 2013 is different.

 

[Angus Blackmore]

Does the Trad ‘13 neck vary from the Trad ‘14 neck? My ‘14 is a proper baseball bat. 3 years on, I still don’t know how I feel about it.

 

[The Birdman]

I did not own a 2014, but I believe the 2013 and the 2014 necks are the same. I remember playing a few, and they did not seem different from the 2013 that I owned at that time.

 

[Rando375]

Does the Trad ‘13 neck vary from the Trad ‘14

but I believe the 2013 and the 2014 necks are the same

Both years share the same neck profile and are solid body with no weight relief. The big difference is the 120th Anniversary inlay at the 12th fret and the 59 Tribute pu`s for 2014.

 

[Angus Blackmore]

Thanks lads. Here she is, my gorgeous fat bottomed girl, weighing in at almost 10 pounds.

For a couple of years she couldn’t top my MIJ Lesters in tone or performance, until I summoned the couraged to work on her myself (with help from my MLP chums): I changed the dreadfully cut nut - which was applied with enough glue to fell an ox; I fixed the nibs that kept catching the higher E string using the superglue and sandpaper fix; and went through various pickup upgrades.

After all that she caught up the MIJs, but the neck girth and weight sometimes gets on my nerves. Other times I swear we’ll never part.

 

[zombiwoof]

View attachment 340846 Thanks lads. Here she is, my gorgeous fat bottomed girl, weighing in at almost 10 pounds.

For a couple of years she couldn’t top my MIJ Lesters in tone or performance, until I summoned the couraged to work on her myself (with help from my MLP chums): I changed the dreadfully cut nut - which was applied with enough glue to fell an ox; I fixed the nibs that kept catching the higher E string using the superglue and sandpaper fix; and went through various pickup upgrades.

After all that she caught up the MIJs, but the neck girth and weight sometimes gets on my nerves. Other times I swear we’ll never part.

I was watching the 2018's for a while at Sweetwater, where they list the weights of each guitar, and they had them as low as 8 1/2 lbs. and as high as 10 lbs.+. Most are in the 9-10lb. range. You can find one in the weight range you prefer if you buy from a store that lists the weights. The under-9 lb. Trads always go quickly, you have to move fast to score one. I've checked the 2019's at Sweetwater and it's the same story, you can get a light one if you wait and are prepared to jump on it.
Al