If I like LP Standards, will a Classic disappoint?

JerEvil

JerEvil

Well-known member
Seeing some really nice deals used on Classics. I have 3 older (early 2000’s) LP Standards that I really like.

How different are the Classic’s? I mean I’ll automatically rip that stupid circuit board out and do a 50’s wiring kit…
 
For the Money a current production Classic goes for I'd go for a Faded 50s Standard for the money but that's me :dunno:
 
JerEvil said:
I’m looking at a 2019 Smokehouse Burst for $1450 on the Classic. Good price?
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IMO it could be better.......


Especially for how much a new one goes for after discount. I'd look at a new 50s faded with discount if you were set on it. Be patient but well worth it and you'll be much happier.


Given opportunity cost the faded 50s is where it's at when comparing the two IMO for overall quality and value.
 
The~Kid said:
IMO it could be better.......


Especially for how much a new one goes for after discount. I'd look at a new 50s faded with discount if you were set on it. Be patient but well worth it and you'll be much happier.


Given opportunity cost the faded 50s is where it's at when comparing the two IMO for overall quality and value.
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Ok gotcha
 
JerEvil said:
Ok gotcha
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I'm not saying you won't be happy with the Classic..... but given opportunity cost and with a discount I wouldn't be surprised if you'd be even happier with a Faded 50s...... especially given the money involved IMO it makes sense to be patient and get a nicer guitar for not a whole lot more relative to what your already looking to invest.......


Especially if it's a big everyonce in a while purchase or an important one.


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The~Kid said:
I'm not saying you won't be happy with the Classic..... but given opportunity cost and with a discount I wouldn't be surprised if you'd be even happier with a Faded 50s...... especially given the money involved IMO it makes sense to be patient and get a nicer guitar for not a whole lot more relative to what your already looking to invest.......


Especially if it's a big everyonce in a while purchase or an important one.


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I think my biggest issue is I don’t love the 2 color options for the faded.

I’m about to make an offer on a 2019 standard with a wicked top. Guy has it at $1900… thinking of offering $1625 shipped. That’s the most I’m willing to spend. He’ll likely say “pound sand” but he does also have lime 3 more guitars listed.
 
The Standard and Classic are almost interchangeable for me. Don't get me wrong, my Standard is my favorite but my Classic plays nearly as nice and is an older one. The new ones kick ass. The only "downside" is they are heavy. I was surprised how heavy they are but helps with the tone.

Gibson has done a great job with the new guitars. I have a 2019 Standard and a 2024 Studio and both are solid. I've had many Gibson Les Pauls over the years and these are nice guitars and feel and sound great.
 
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Early classics (before 2007ish) were essentially a Standard with a thinner neck, different inlay, and hotter pickups.

Since then, the Classics have become hollowed out (modern weight relief) while the Standards have become non-relieved.
 
romanianreaper said:
The Standard and Classic are almost interchangeable for me. Don't get me wrong, my Standard is my favorite but my Classic plays nearly as nice and is an older one. The new ones kick ass. The only "downside" is they are heavy. I was surprised how heavy they are but helps with the tone.

Gibson has done a great job with the new guitars. I have a 2019 Standard and a 2024 Studio and both are solid. I've had many Gibson Les Pauls over the years and these are nice guitars and feel and sound great.
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Nice! I actually prefer my LP’s heavy. Like 9+ if possible.
 
Classics basically are standards, just with different aesthetics, slightly hotter pickups, and different inlays

I disagree with the kid, for at least the brand new stuff I think the classics are much better looking than a faded diarrhea burst standard.

Just like all gibsons, the weight varies. If you're buying new, buy it from somewhere that lists the actual weight of the guitar you're going to get, because it can be anywhere from 7-9.5 lbs.

And I was surprised at how functional the circuit board is - I'm sure eventually it will shit out and ill replace it with 50s wiring, as I normally do with LPs, but it does sound quite good.

Basically, I would choose between a standard and a classic based on the color/aesthetics you want, because all of the other stuff is modd-able or inconsequential. The QC has gotten a lot better with gibson the last half decade, too.
 
Source: literally just went LP shopping a couple months ago for my "show" guitar that I wouldn't mind getting scratched up or getting beer spilled on at gigs.

I played every Gibson model currently in production and the classics (in general) killed most of the standards, though I really did like the inverness and pelham standards aesthetically. The jump in price was only worth it if i HAD to have a specific finish IMO.

This guitar is getting beat to shit because I love it and use it for everything.

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I prefer my 2022 Classic to my 2018 Standard but it's close feel wise. Finish and quality are very comparable. I do prefer the newer Standards to both but mostly because I like the thick 50s necks. I did swap out the circuit board electronics and pickups on the Classic, not necessarily because it was bad but just preference, it's a rock machine now.
 
My 02 Classic has seen a lot of other LPs come n go: R8, Slash, Adam Jones, Standard Silverburst Custom, Larry Corsa, and now my ES-335.

ABR bridge, snot green inlays, swapped ceramic pups for PAFs and refretted with jumbos once the original frets were worn out. It's heav af, 10lbs ez. Its a player, and a fav amongst my friends that come over, even the Gibby haters.
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Dunno about current Classics, but def recommend the early 2000s Classics. And highly recommend playing any new Gibson before buying, or buying from somewhere you can return. I've returned the past few. The hack job nuts and shitty fretboard work...amazes me they ever left the factory. Just played one yesterday, gorgeous guitar, glue all over the spliced nut. Disappointing.
 

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cardinal said:
Early classics (before 2007ish) were essentially a Standard with a thinner neck, different inlay, and hotter pickups.

Since then, the Classics have become hollowed out (modern weight relief) while the Standards have become non-relieved.
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ABR bridge, fwiw.

Ran the racks at GC, who had just acquired Mars stock, in 02.
Hated the looks, but that ugly Classic was cheaper and played better than any standard and most customs.
Closest thing I could find to the 78 Custom I foolishly sold to buy a PRS in 98.
I've noticed Beato, and a lot of pros play those old Classics.
 
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I look at used Classics quite often.
I want a goldtop version.
I like the slim taper neck and that seems the only way to get it unless you go custom shop version...
 
I got a newer black classic I bought used at GC. Great guitar. I actually liked the pull pot options and the pickups sounded great. I ended up returning it after I found a white studio for 800 that feels great and sounds amazing. So many good deals on used LPs don't think I would ever buy new again.
 
Chris6870 said:
I got a newer black classic I bought used at GC. Great guitar. I actually liked the pull pot options and the pickups sounded great. I ended up returning it after I found a white studio for 800 that feels great and sounds amazing. So many good deals on used LPs don't think I would ever buy new again.
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I surprisingly like the pull pot options as well, especially the blower on the bridge pickup.

I'm not confident that the PCB will last a long time, but at least for now, it's actually pretty cool
 
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