Gibson LP Custom for a USA Jackson Kelly

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JKingV2

JKingV2

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HELP!!!.... I've been offered a tempting trade. I have a 2008 Gibson LP Custom in the rare oxblood color, not a Jeff Beck model, just an LP Custom in oxblood. I've upgraded the pickups to Bareknuckle Nailbombs and upgraded the bridge to graphite saddles (all original parts retained.) I have no COA with the guitar, the clowns at Guitar Center had lost it and because so, discounted the guitar for me. Anyways, that's the back story on that and I'm getting an offer to trade for a USA Jackson KE-2 Kelly in see thru black, flame top (not sure if it's an actual maple top or just a veneer) with Duncans and a Floyd. I've always been a fan of Jacksons, love the neck thru constructed guitars and the Kelly is one of my favorite shapes. Problem is, I'm trying to justify a straight up trade here. My LP Custom just happened to be that 'right' guitar out of like 20 LP Customs I've played, but I've never played a USA Jackson that was a dud. Any thoughts? I've posted pics below...
 

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Duuuuude. I love both guitars but a good LP is something i would hold on to
 
Well a USA Jackson goes new around $2699-$2999, maybe you're thinking import, but we're talking USA here
 
Even with the USA Jackson at $2700-$3000 new it will not hold value like a Gibson Les Paul Custom.

IMO, if you love the Les Paul Custom do not trade it. They are awesome guitars. If you do decide to trade it, definitely do not trade it straight up/even. IMO that is not even close to a even trade on the used market. For me it would have to be one sweet deal cash wise on the Jackson to even consider that move.
 
I bought that exact same KE2 mode (finish and all) for $1200 used a few years ago. Keep the Les Paul or get money on top of the deal. Look at Reverb.com or eBay for Closed Auction/Sales and compare actual value. If you REALLY want a KE2 and don't want to shell out any money, then hey, it's your guitar.

I would not do it though. You could sell the LPC, buy a REALLY nice, used KE2 and have money left over.

Here you go:
https://reverb.com/item/2209374-jackson ... thru-black

You're welcome! LOL!
 
That's why I like getting a second opinion here. Sometimes I wanna make a move on a trade offer but don't think it through. Think I'm gonna hang onto that LP Custom. It is a player and I've had it for six years now. The USA Kelly is a guitar I've always wanted, but think I'm gonna start throwing money into the guitar piggy bank again and save up for a nice used one. Thanks for the replies, I've been seeing some nice used ones in the $1400-$1700 range.
 
I think you are doing the right thing. I am not an LP guy but I buy, trade and sell a TON of gear. I have bought and sold Les Pauls. You need to hang on to that Les Paul. Not only will it hold better value but it will gain in value over time... that Jackson likely will not... especially a Kelly because they are not as widely sought after as say a Soloist. Only a custom shop Kelly is worth what that Les Paul is worth without it being a special color.
 
Yeah bad trade, especially if that LPC is a winner from others you've played.
 
I had an oxblood LPC, and that thing rang out like a tuning fork. Keep the LP. I love the Kelly too, but nothing compares to a good LPC...
 
I also have both a LPC and a KE2 and they're both awesome guitars but from a financial perspective this is not even close to a straight up trade ($$ speaking - both guitar are in the same league quality wise)!
 
I like both guitars but the only LPC you will find under 2k is going to be all beat to shit. You can find used USA Kellys for 1200-1800 all day. That exact same guitar is for sale on Chris's guitars out of Albany for 1400 mint condition with case etc. Just not a good deal for you in my opinion.
 
Thank you all for the replies and getting a better perspective here.. Keepin' the Gib'!!!!
 
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