Is a new Les Paul Classic worth $2K?

[ledvedder]

Hi guys, I'm looking to get myself a Les Paul. I currently have more superstrat like guitars (Peavey Wolfgang and Charvel So Cal). I want a guitar to get a more versatile, classic sound. I'm looking at the Les Paul Tribute, which is considerably less expensive, but it's missing all the asthetics of a true LP. I'm also looking at the new 59 Epiphone, which has all of the great component upgrades. But, I'm wondering of the LP Classic is almost $1K better? Looking for some recommendations.

 

[MatrixClaw]

Personally, I'd skip Gibson all together. Get an Edwards or Fujigen (FGN).

 

[Rick Lee]

Or a Heritage.

But I have $2500 into a very sweet LP Custom and it's worth every penny. And I'd be able to get that back out of it, if I had to sell.

 

[Beyond Black]

Personally, I'd skip Gibson all together. Get an Edwards or Fujigen (FGN).

Totally agree, or a Bacchus. He could buy two and they’d be just as good.

 

[ErikT]

What about a 90's LP Studio? Can usually grab those from $600-900.

 

[romanianreaper]

The new LP Classics are awesome. Trust me, I own an older one and the two I've played in the store absolutely smoked. They feel and play like Standards. Gibson has come a long way since a few years ago. I love my newer Standard and was really impressed with the Classics. I don't disagree with everyone else because I love those other brands as well.

 

[skullfxr]

What about a 90's LP Studio? Can usually grab those from $600-900.

Those are the best bang for the buck on the market if you want Gibson on the headstock.

 

[Junk Yard Dog]

I went through this last year. I played 8 2019 LPClassics here in DFW. I didn't love any one of them. I did love the features, except the PCB controls as I'm pretty much keep it simple.

Some felt cheap and some felt great, but I struggled with the pickups. So it was just personal taste on that, but overall, I picked up more 'cheaper' feeling 2019 LPC's than substantial feeling ones.

When I was looking, I followed the 2019's on Reverb and in the last two months I noticed a LOT of 2019's being flipped on there. That also gives me some pause. I mean a lot of them are on sale and in great condition, so YMMV, but I'd check for Reverb for a good deal on one.

I got on two of the LP forums and upon my research, the 2017 LPCs were highly regarded as one of the best to come out of the factory in years--it must have been a fluke. I ended up getting a 2017 that I love. It's 9.6 lb's/oz's and feels great. Grover tuners. Orange drops, I replaced the Gibby pups, but it's just a great guitar. It definitely felt less cheap to me than the 2019.

Again, that was my experience. I did play a few really good and solid 2019's, so it would try before you buy or make sure to get a return policy.

 

[napalmdeath]

Hi guys, I'm looking to get myself a Les Paul. I currently have more superstrat like guitars (Peavey Wolfgang and Charvel So Cal). I want a guitar to get a more versatile, classic sound. I'm looking at the Les Paul Tribute, which is considerably less expensive, but it's missing all the asthetics of a true LP. I'm also looking at the new 59 Epiphone, which has all of the great component upgrades. But, I'm wondering of the LP Classic is almost $1K better? Looking for some recommendations.

Anything less than a real Les Paul, will just leave you still wanting a real Les Paul.

Personally, I'd go for a Studio. A step up from the Tribute. The Classic would be a step up from that.

Buying used is a crap-shoot, new, a Studio is the best value. I like the pickups more. I gutted my Classic, didn't care for the 61R/61T. The Studio's 490R/498T have more bite, and tighter.

 

[LP Freak]

Gibson all the way but buy used

 

[romanianreaper]

Here are some of the Les Pauls I have had that were great years and absolutely loved them:

- 1993 Les Paul Studio. My first Les Paul and shouldn't have gotten rid of it. Just a great guitar
- 2008 Les Paul Standard. Picked this one out at a buddy's store. He brought out a bunch and I chose one with a great top. Again, I got rid of it like a dumbass
- 2019 Les Paul Standard. This guitar is heavy but that is the only thing I don't care for. It is a phenomenal guitar and thankfully a return to quality.

I have a 2013 Les Paul Classic that was traded with me thinking it was a Standard (faceplate trick). It is ok but doesn't knock me out. I don't like the Kluson tuners. I like the way they look but I'm more of a Gotoh guy.

I can't remember the time period, but somewhere between 2010 and 2015 or so, it seemed like every Les Paul I picked up sucked ass. Would go out of tune easily, would have really noticeable defects, fretboard felt "off", and noisy as hell.

 

[Findthetone1]

I haven’t played the new Classics but there’s a gold top p90 model with a Bigsby that I reeeaaally want. I have a 96 gold top classic that I will never get rid of. Like others said though, don’t count out the Japanese brands. I have a Bacchus Les Paul custom that absolutely smokes.

 

[LP Freak]

How can you resist such beauty

 

[Findthetone1]

How can you resist such beauty

Oof that is pure sex right there

 

[Racerxrated]

Personally, I'd skip Gibson all together. Get an Edwards or Fujigen (FGN).

Totally agree, or a Bacchus. He could buy two and they’d be just as good.

I've had 3 Greco LPs and an Edwards, all fantastic guitars for twice or even 3X the price(paid less than 600 for each, shipped from Japan). 2 of the 3 Greco are Sykes versions, and sound killer and play even better. The Edwards Sykes I'd put a notch behind the Grecos. All of these I'd rate right at a Standard or Classic, maybe even a step up...

If you're an LP guy get a real Gibson. If you're like me and dig Superstrats the most, save some cash and buy from Japan.

 

[Junk Yard Dog]

...I checked Reverb this morning and there are a LOT of used, Mint and Excellent, 2019's at prices starting at $1500+ shipping. If you've had success/luck buying used unplayed online, maybe go that route.

 

[ledvedder]

I went up to Sam Ash today to try some LPs. Man, I'm loving the Classic! I just wish it came with a more brown burst finish. The Tribute was good. I liked the satin neck, but again, to me, not a proper LP. The Standard was heavy as hell, but I loved its finish.

My only issue with the Classic was that it wouldn't stay in tune.