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Which LP Style Guitar for Under $1000?


islesdon

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I'm currently saving up for a guitar, and decided to get a Les Paul style guitar. What do you think is the best LP you can get for under $1000?

Please keep in mind that I will need part of that money for a case. These are a few that I was looking at. Please feel free to make your own suggestions!

 

ec-401vf_tsb.jpg

 

EC-401VF ($629. I like this one, and it comes with nice Seymour Duncan pickups!)

 

* Set-Neck Construction

* 24.75" Scale

* Mahogany Body

* Flamed Maple Top

* Mahogany Neck

* Rosewood Fingerboard

* 42mm Earvana Compensated Nut

* Thin U Neck Contour

* 22 XJ Frets

* Chrome Hardware

* Grover Tuners

* TOM Bridge & Tailpiece

* Seymour Duncan JB (B) /

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As a Gibson LP Standard owner, I was really impressed by the PRS SE Singlecut, despite being completely disappointed by the double cut models.

The Tremonti version was meh though, but the run of the mill Singlecut SE is worth a look.

 

Oh, and they're 400$ cheaper than your budget ;)

 

prs08se-singlecut-sb.jpg

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Thanks for the suggestions so far! I was leaning towards the LTD, but now you've given me more options to consider.

 

The Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded looks cool, and has Burstbuckers. I'm not really crazy about the finish though (Which is funny, because I like the way the faded SG guitars look!)

 

The PRS Singlecut SE looks pretty nice. I've actually considered this one as well. I imagine that it is lighter in weight compared to the others as well?

 

The Edwards Les Paul. I'm not too familiar with the brand, but I've heard it mentioned a lot before. It's at the top of my range, but looks pretty sweet!

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Another vote for the real thing. Gibson LP studio faded. I have the worn cherry one and it kicks ass.

 

If you're open to something a little different, I would also look into a Michael Kelly Patriot Limited. I have one of those also and imo it's every bit as good as the LP.

 

MMKPLSPSX_lg.jpg

 

499.00 at sam ash. They come in a couple of different finishes. This one's spalted maple. Since it's a natural spalted, each one looks a little different.

 

Lately I've been playing it more than my LP.

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I have a Gibson Les Paul Studio that was my primary guitar for 10 years. I got it in 96 and it was a 92. Right around I swapped the pickups for a 59/JB combo and it made a huge difference in the sound. Your already in the price range for a used Studio in mint condition. If you can wait awhile and get a few more dollars you could increase your budget to get something with a nice top like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/1994-Gibson-Les-Paul-Classic-1960-PREMIUM-Duncans-/150505257185?pt=Guitar&hash=item230acff8e1

http://cgi.ebay.com/2000-Gibson-Les-Paul-Classic-1960-Excellent-condition-/190455630065?pt=Guitar&hash=item2c580a48f1

http://cgi.ebay.com/2001-Gibson-Les-Paul-Standard-/300480787367?pt=Guitar&hash=item45f60cf3a7

 

I think if you are saving up $1,000 you should get a Gibson. I have tried some copies and they are excellent guitars, but for that kind of cash I'd want to buy a Gibson.

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The PRS Singlecut SE looks pretty nice. I've actually considered this one as well. I imagine that it is lighter in weight compared to the others as well?

 

 

The one I played was similar in weight to my non-chambered LP Standard, maybe a tad lighter (the body is almost as thick)

 

The Tremonti version however (which has LP style controls) was really light, similar to a new chambered LP Standard

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Thank you everyone for your suggestions! :thu:

 

I know, I originally set a $1000 limit. I was wondering though, what do you guys think is the best around the $600 mark?

 

I actually am digging the PRS Singlecut SE idea right now. If you had to choose between the LTD, Epiphone Les Paul Standard, and the PRS...which one would you go with?

 

Ultimately, I have to try these out if I can before purchasing. I'm just wondering in terms of overall construction, quality, sound, etc.

I'm actually thinking that if I do spend over $700 or whatever, that I would probably go with the Edwards.

 

I'm not a brand snob. It could say Fischer Price on the headstock, as long as it is a great guitar! :)

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The LTD product is great but for $1000 limit I would head directly for a used but in great condition Gibson Les Paul Studio.

 

 

I think if you are saving up $1,000 you should get a Gibson. I have tried some copies and they are excellent guitars, but for that kind of cash I'd want to buy a Gibson.

 

 

+1

 

I've played them all and the Studio is worth the $1000...but since you can get them for $800 or so...the time is now.

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Buy used right now there are all kinds of guitars for low prices. Iv'e seen Lp studios/Specials for under $600 in my area. They also hold their price if you want to get rid of it in the future you'll break even or even make a little $$.

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Thank you everyone for your suggestions!
:thu:

I know, I originally set a $1000 limit. I was wondering though, what do you guys think is the best around the $600 mark?


I actually am digging the PRS Singlecut SE idea right now. If you had to choose between the LTD, Epiphone Les Paul Standard, and the PRS...which one would you go with?

 

I know ESP/LTD gets a lot of love here, but I don't know, every time I've A/B'ed one against a Gibson, it was just completely dead and unresponsive while the Gibson was punchy and bold. Hard to explain... they sounded good, but it was like driving a 4-cylinder automatic car vs a 5-speed V8.

 

When I tried it, the PRS SC SE didn't have quite the same mid complexity has a Gibson, but it was surprisingly responsive compared to the usual imported "mahogany" planks.

 

Of course, a used LP Studio remains a killer idea, it will keep it's value when you want to upgrade to a Standard or Traditional (IF you ever want to upgrade...).

 

My first LP-style guitar was a Godin LGX, which was really amazing quality (forgot it in the car for two nights in a row at -20 and it was still in tune), but it just didn't have the special something (responsiveness, mix complexity, etc). I really wished I had put that money towards a real LP Studio (around the same price) which is what I ended up trading it for... at a loss. Then when I fell in love with a LP Standard at my local store, I was able to trade up from the Studio for only 800$ (we're talking used LP Studio vs brand new LP Standard). Killer deal!

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