Members weather.at.8 Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 Just wondering what the best bang for the buck LP copy is currently? Ideally looking for something between 200-400 bucks. I'm not looking to do a ton of mods or anything, I can handle a setup/nut change, but I'd prefer to stay away from pickup swaps. I'd like something rather low output, as close to a PAF tone as possible. So far I have my eye on the Agile 2000's, Xaviere LPs.. What else should I be looking at in this price range? I've heard very mixed things about the "crunchy" pups on the Xaviere. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Beyer160 Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 If you can swing an Agile AL-3000, they're wonderful. They don't advertise as such, but everyone I've talked to that has one (mine included) has 4-wire pickups for coil splitting. Other than adding a push/pull for that, mine's stock and I don't leave ANYTHING stock. It's not a Gibson, blah blah, but in the sub-$400 price range I think it's a no-brainer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Twebbz Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 I have an Agile AL3000. It's build quality is amazing, stays in tune and has that great Les Paul tone with it's Alnico V pickups. Very resonant with good sustain. No mods necessary here. I highly recommend it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members WKG Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 Agile 3100. $399.00 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Woody_in_MN Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 I like Agiles. I have not had a AL-3000 or above. But I recently got a Michael Kelly Patriot Decree. The fit, finish, and features are above the Agile AL-2000, and Epi's in the same price range. The bridge PUP does seem to get a bit muddy on very high gain, but the fix for this is to pop the coil tap to single coil position. That cleans it right up. It has a thick, very glossy finish that does not come out in the pics below. Price is $300 plus. - w Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Preacher Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 I've been looking at the Agiles also - especially for the trap inlays and the binding.The thing with the Xavieres, though, is that they apparently have a 3/4" maple cap, something not too common on Epiphones or Agiles...gots me thinking... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members vintage clubber Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 Used Epiphones are all over the place in the $300 or under range if you look hard enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members lovellintn Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 Squier CV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ExiledCrow Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 Any of the things mentioned so far would do you good service. I'm thinking that with some of the deals out there the Dean Soltero might come in at that price range too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cbh5150 Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 Used Epiphones are all over the place in the $300 or under range if you look hard enough. +1 - and a new Studio or Deluxe Studio in the $300-400 range ain't too shabby, either! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members vintage clubber Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 Squier CVdidn't know Squier made a LP... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bad Chile Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 +1 on the Michael Kelly.* Any time I start thinking I want a real Les Paul, I pick up my Patriot Vintage. * If you can get over the shape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members weather.at.8 Posted March 24, 2010 Author Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 Thanks for all the info so far! Out of curiosity, what stands out as the winner closer to the $200 range? Agile al-2000, Xaviere, Jay Turser? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members _pete_ Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 In that price range the Agile 3000 or 3100 have it all over anything else if you're looking at buying new.In the used market you could probably get a PRS SE Singlecut or an EPI LP Custom in that price range. Thanks for all the info so far! Out of curiosity, what stands out as the winner closer to the $200 range? Agile al-2000, Xaviere, Jay Turser? Personally I would go with the Agile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Thurston Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 +1 for Agile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Woody_in_MN Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 Thanks for all the info so far! Out of curiosity, what stands out as the winner closer to the $200 range? Agile al-2000, Xaviere, Jay Turser? I don't know why - but ergo wise I can not bond with Xavieres. I don't know Jay Turser, but Agile AL-2000 would be good in that $200 range. I actaully have a Honeyburst AL-2000 I have been thinking of selling. PM me if interested. BTW - the MK Decree has full bindings, coil tap, and very good high fret access due to a cutaway on the back of the body. (See pic above.) - w Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Funkwire Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 I've been looking at the Agiles also - especially for the trap inlays and the binding. The thing with the Xavieres, though, is that they apparently have a 3/4" maple cap, something not too common on Epiphones or Agiles...gots me thinking... Well, that's what sold me on the Xavieres...If you are looking for a PAF sound, you WILL have to swap pups on the Xaviere. The Crunchy Pats are Super Distortion-type pups. I put GFS Vintage 59s (and Orange Drop caps) in mine, and I am very happy with the sound.The Agile 3000M has a 3/4" maple (and Duncans), but they retail for $650 new, a little above your ideal budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Verne Andru Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 Tons of stuff on CL. I picked up an MRW [aisian knock-off] for $20. Solid mahogany Les Paul style with set neck. Swapped the pups for SD Jazz and JB [which I got for $80 off CL], bit of setup and I'm good-to-go. Strats and LP's are a dime a dozen on CL these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Brian Krashpad Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 Don't forget the DeArmond (used) M-series. I sold this M-72 for $300 a couple years ago, but only because I had two Gibby LP's by then: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bdegrande Posted March 24, 2010 Members Share Posted March 24, 2010 Don't forget the DeArmond (used) M-series. I sold this M-72 for $300 a couple years ago, but only because I had two Gibby LP's by then: The DeArmonds would be my first choice. The set neck models like this one are better. made in Korea and have better pickups, the GoldTones are excellent PAF type pickups. Of newer guitars, I like the Michael Kellys. BK, I sold my JetStar when I bought my first Les Paul, thinking I didn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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