Help with first Les Paul purchase

[10jeepgcltd]

Hello, I am new to the forum and have been eyeing a couple of Les Pauls that I would like to get some feedback on.

1. 2008 Gibson Les Paul Classic Limited w EMG in ALpine White - $1400 Can

2. 2008 Gibson Custom Shop Ebony sparkle - $1500 can

3. 2005 Gibson Les Paul Standard Faded Transamber - $1600 Can

Any feedback on pros or cons of the above. I will definitely be testing them before I buy but want to make sure I am getting them for a proper price.

All 3 are in like new shape.

Thanks for your help. I look forward to owning my first Gibson Les Paul.

 

[sweatyhand]

Hello, I am new to the forum and have been eyeing a couple of Les Pauls that I would like to get some feedback on.

1. 2008 Gibson Les Paul Classic Limited w EMG in ALpine White - $1400 Can

2. 2008 Gibson Custom Shop Ebony sparkle - $1500 can

3. 2005 Gibson Les Paul Standard Faded Transamber - $1600 Can

Any feedback on pros or cons of the above. I will definitely be testing them before I buy but want to make sure I am getting them for a proper price.

All 3 are in like new shape.

Thanks for your help. I look forward to owning my first Gibson Les Paul.

I have never seen them before, but I think the number 3 sounds good. Have you also looked into SG ?

 

[10jeepgcltd]

I am looking to start with a Les Paul. SGs are not really my favourite.

I have attached pics of 1 and 2.

The 3rd is not local so testing would be harder.

 

[matt_e_hyde]

Go with the 05. I've got an 04 and found it much nicer than any of the 08's I've tried. Just my opinion though.

 

[TerribleRacket]

Personally, I would wait.

Based upon those three guitars, it looks like you're gunning to buy a Les Paul, rather than buy the Lester you want.

What is your ideal Lester? The want adds here are pretty useful.

 

[HOT-BRIT]

The faded les paul standards are consistantly awesome players

 

[Olds442]

ebony sparkle is pretty damn epic. a custom shop les paul for $1500 would be very tough to pass up in my world, providing it played nice and sounded good.

just my .02.

also, check the classifieds here. there are some very good deals listed right now.

 

[Neil(UK)]

Just going by the listing the Custom shop ebony sparkle sounds lovely.

 

[10jeepgcltd]

Thanks for the input from all so far. I am torn between the custom and classic. I love the white just not sure on the EMG pickups. Is it easy to change out EMGs or is there a lot of wiring change involved?

 

[msolok]

Thanks for the input from all so far. I am torn between the custom and classic. I love the white just not sure on the EMG pickups. Is it easy to change out EMGs or is there a lot of wiring change involved?

You would have to change all the wiring. The EMG'suse 25ohm pots instead of the 500ohm that normal Humbuckers sound best with.

 

[colchar]

3. 2005 Gibson Les Paul Standard Faded Transamber - $1600 Can

The 2011 version of these, which are excellent guitars, sell for $1599 brand new at Long & McQuade so it might be worth considering buying a new one. I was told earlier today that there are still about thirty of them floating around the L&M chain so it shouldn't be difficult to get your hands on one.

Where are you located?

 

[Street-Survivor]

I agree with TerribleRacket. Maybe you're a little too concerned with buying a Les Paul than buying YOUR Les Paul. I'd wait until you're dead set on what you want instead of rushing into a purchase and regretting it. Just a thought.

 

[Satch0922]

I know you have heard this time and again, play as many as you can get your hands on and buy the one that "speaks" to you. Forget what it looks like, that will steer you down the wrong road.....unless you just want to look at it on the stand.

 

[djlogan33]

Even though I have paid a lot of $$$ for my Flametop R8, you do not have to pay a lot of $$$ for a real nice pre-owned Les Paul.

I bought the below Wine Red “Studio” Les Paul for only $850.
The 490R & 490T pickups sound great and the 50’s neck feels good.
I did add the Bigsby, which made it sound (and look) much better.

 

[10jeepgcltd]

The 2011 version of these, which are excellent guitars, sell for $1599 brand new at Long & McQuade so it might be worth considering buying a new one. I was told earlier today that there are still about thirty of them floating around the L&M chain so it shouldn't be difficult to get your hands on one.

Where are you located?

I am located near Vancouver. I had the local L&M dealer check a few days ago and he noted none in BC but didn't get back to me on any other provinces having any. It would be great if there was. I especially like the tobacco burst.

 

[roodyrocker]

Double post, sorry.

Rudy

 

[roodyrocker]

One of my Les Pauls is the Alpine White Limited with EMG's just like the one are considering. Its a great guitar! The black binding looks great on it and the fretboard is Ebony unlike the others you're considering which are Rosewood. Nothing wrong with Rosewood but I prefer Ebony. The EMG's sound good in it too although admitedly, they don't clean up well by turning the volume knob down like say a set of 57 Classics do. Gibson also put a quick access battery box in the rear cover so changing batteries is quick and doesn't require removing the cover. A nice touch I think. Mine plays great and sounds good!
BTW, from what I understand these limited white Classics were intended for Canada only. They're not commonly found here in the US.

Rudy

 

[10jeepgcltd]

Thanks everyone for your input. I actually found one not even on my list at my local dealer today. It is a 2007 Les Paul Standard Cherry Burst. When I went into the shop today and played her it just felt right. Can't believe how many Les Pauls I have tried in the last couple of weeks to find the right one.

Benefit is also matches the look of my Sienna Burst Strat. I will post pics shortly.

 

[87Standard]

2007's ROCK!

You get all the oldskool specs of a Traditional Standard PLUS the chambering.

Thanks everyone for your input. I actually found one not even on my list at my local dealer today. It is a 2007 Les Paul Standard Cherry Burst. When I went into the shop today and played her it just felt right. Can't believe how many Les Pauls I have tried in the last couple of weeks to find the right one.