What is considered Gibsons BEST years for the Les Paul?

[VESmedic]

I know this is probably a very subjective topic, and people probably have alot of different opinions but...

What I am getting at is, if you were considering purchasing a Les Paul unseen (pics only), having never played it, what years would you think "Well I haven't played it, but given the year, this is probably a good/great guitar"????? "Good" meaning, its got a big thick tone, playability is good, quality is great etc. I'm sure the heavier in weight also is good. I don't mind weight, that is a non issue for me. For instance, my 2006 les paul studio fireburst is one of the best gibsons I've played, and also the heaviest in weight. I can't say enough good about it. However, if you walk into your local GC, I am sure you will find a few (read: ALOT) of duds....

Oh, and a 50s or 60's les Paul is DEFINETLY out of the question for obvious financial reasons ....How about the early 90s? 80s? Thanks!

 

[eddyrox]

My advice is to "try before you buy" - especially IF you've never played a LP before.
Andersons, Suhrs, PRS' - I would buy off of ebay without thinking (assuming authentic). Why? because I know their build quality is very consistent (CNC routing, QC, etc.)

However, Gibson is not as consistent as the aforementioned.
Are they worse? NOT at all!
In fact, I just picked up a Custom Shop Gibson Historical Reissue Black Beauty Custom (to my spec) today.

The reason you need to play a Gibson before you buy a Gibson is that only you will know what works - for you.
For example - I cannot play a '58 or a '59 because the neck's not comfy for my left hand. Not better not worse, just me.
However I play an Axess, and that neck is similar to a '59 in terms of girth (but the shoulders are softer) - YMMV.

If you 2006 works for you, then I'd seek out another LP that is similar in feel and sound, unless those are not the qualities you seek. With Gibson the variations are endless, and I personally have not heard that there's a preferred decade (other than 1956-1960)

From a body perspective, the Norlin years will be heavier due to the pancake construction vs other periods (headstock is altered as well).

Personally, I believe that Henry and the boys got it right with all of the Historic Reissues in the early 2000's.
Those are ones I go for, and A LOT of others as well. The build is a tad more consistent and the parts are authentic.

However Fuzzyguitars has picked up 3 USA models (GT, sunburst Classic, etc.) with no issues whatsoever.

Just be aware that chambering, weight relieving, short neck tenons, fret and binding bleed issues are seen more frequently on the the USA vs the Historics.

Good luck!

 

[fluff191]

....How about the early 90s? 80s? Thanks!

I am not saying they are the best yeas ever, but I always liked the early 90's Customs and Standards. Just really felt and played great.

 

[thiswaythatway]

1936 - 1941 for sure.

 

[supersonic]

Obviously a '59 is the most valuable. Realistically, I have a 2000 model"Classic" which is a '58 reissue I think. Fantastic guitar, slim neck great tones, best I've played. I've owned 4 Lps' BTW.

 

[reverymike]

My '89 Standard is great. It was before they started chambering, and it stays in tune (and sounds FAT).

 

[Tone Zone]

1936 - 1941 for sure.

+1

 

[VESmedic]

Thanks for all the great help guys… I really appreciate it!!

 

[MikeT]

Late 80's is a good LP era.

 

[locoed]

If I had to pick in terms of decades I'd say 70's and early 2000's just my opinion.
I has 3 from the 80's I didn't like and 2 from the 90's that just didn't feel or sound like my
Others,but in all honesty I'd say try them all and pick which one suits you. There's
A TON to be had,I have 2 customs but prefer the standards,there are so many variations.
I'd stick to the norm just to get a feel.
Or get a Heritage and call it quits.

 

[londaxe]

Late 80's is a good LP era.

I agree with this - I've had a few different LPs which were from 1988-1990...all very nice...especially a particular 1989 (much like the one pictured above) which just sounds huge.

And also, I've had these two from 1999 which were pretty killer. A double cut (probably one of the best newer gibsons I've played) and also a standard...which believe it or not, didn't appear to be weight relieved at all.

 

[roodboy]

2007 seems to have a lot of nice tops.

 

[Laura]

1979...

 

[parntz145]

I know this is probably a very subjective topic, and people probably have alot of different opinions but...

What I am getting at is, if you were considering purchasing a Les Paul unseen (pics only), having never played it, what years would you think "Well I haven't played it, but given the year, this is probably a good/great guitar"????? "Good" meaning, its got a big thick tone, playability is good, quality is great etc. I'm sure the heavier in weight also is good. I don't mind weight, that is a non issue for me. For instance, my 2006 les paul studio fireburst is one of the best gibsons I've played, and also the heaviest in weight. I can't say enough good about it. However, if you walk into your local GC, I am sure you will find a few (read: ALOT) of duds....

Oh, and a 50s or 60's les Paul is DEFINETLY out of the question for obvious financial reasons ....How about the early 90s? 80s? Thanks!

The best Les Paul I have ever played is my 1991 Limited edition custom. Check out the split block inlays. I changed the pickups to a80's Duncan distortion in the bridge and a jazz in the neck. Killer guitar.

 

[LP Freak]

I've owned quite a few lesters and have good luck with '01's.

 

[VESmedic]

Thanks alot guys. Would like to keep this thread going, as there are lots of valid opinions, and valid reasonings behind them

 

[joepete77]

I dig the les pauls from say around 88 to 2000 best, u r morel likely to find a keeper in this period and they werent using 1 piece bodies, not gluing 2, 3,or 5 piece back bodies together like gibson started doing from around 06 on i believe. They also had nice finishes.

 

[Anonymous]

Quick question... but are the early 90's quality in gibsons line just limited to les pauls? I have a few gibson explorers that came from 91 or 90 and I havent gotten a chance to play them yet. I hope they are killer guitars!