You have $2000..

[MrDowntown]

, or so... and want a les Paul.
What do you get?
Save more money?
Buy something else ( single cut for the money)

 

[Emg77]

The new 60’s Standards are quite good. I was really impressed. You should be able to find one used for your budget.

 

[Beyond Black]

I’d buy a Bacchus LP and have another grand to blow.

 

[JimAnsell]

i'd just go for a solid players grade 90s'-mid 2000's standard in whatever color you like, and have money left over for a good set up (like a GOOD set up, from the town hot shot....new nut, fret level, the works). I've owned 30 lp's or so over the years and EVERY single one of them has potential. they ALL plays great after a new nut, and fret dress/level. so find what style lp you like in the 1800 range, and then plan on 200 of love, but after that, you're in heaven for a long time.

edit... if you HAVE to have a custom, add another 800-1000 to what i said.

 

[stratjacket]

Thought this was going to be a joke about the 3 sailors who walked into a brothel

I was in a similar boat and went with a PRS and have become a huge PRS since. I’d check out the PRS SC245, there are good deals out there under $2k. I picked up a beautiful SC245 that a couple weeks ago that’s amazing and it was under $2k.

https://www.rig-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=210107

 

[braintheory]

If it has to be a Les Paul style guitar, I say save up for either a used McInturff Carolina Custom or Custom Shop Les Paul Standard Reissue. If under 2k, maybe some of the older Japanese copies would be worth considering like Navigator

One of my friends had a few Navigator’s and other Japanese Gibson copies (I think maybe Orville or Greco, but don’t remember for sure). They were all very nice and I’d take them over any Gibson I’ve tried that wasn’t custom shop or vintage. I remember the Navigator’s being especially good

 

[SpiderWars]

I don't know how many I've bought over the years but each one kicked the previous one to the curb. I thought I had a great Les Paul until I tried one noticably better and just kept upgrading.

I guess my point is try to play a LOT of them. They may all be able to be set up well but they definitely don't all sound the same.

Also, for me if it is too heavy it is a non-starter. I tried it with a Heritage that weighed well over 12 pounds and as great as it sounded it still weighed a ton and was just uncomfortable. Don't talk yourself into it (at least ime).

 

[xzyryabx]

An ESP Navigator (might be a bit more $)

 

[paulyc]

Early Les Paul Classic. (from the early 90s)

 

[mbman]

I'd hunt around for a PRS Singlecut Trem. Core or SE model, it doesn't matter to me.

Martin

 

[Findthetone1]

I’d buy a Bacchus LP and have another grand to blow.

A very viable suggestion. I have a Bacchus LP Custom and am very impressed with it.

 

[romanianreaper]

The new 60’s Standards are quite good. I was really impressed. You should be able to find one used for your budget.

This!!! One of my favorite guitars that I've ever owned. Just phenomenal. Stays in tune, sounds killer, tone and volume pots work perfectly, not noisy, etc., etc. I have zero bad things to say about my 2019 LP Standard. Just amazing.

 

[Beyond Black]

I’d buy a Bacchus LP and have another grand to blow.

A very viable suggestion. I have a Bacchus LP Custom and am very impressed with it.

I’ve had six Bacchus guitars, all Gibson copies i.e. LP’s, V’s, and an SG, and they’ve all been amazing. My buddy who has a ton of high end shit has even bought a couple after playing mine. I’d put any one of them against ANY Gibson, and they’re roughly a half to a third of the price. And I am speaking of the Japanese ones only. I have no experience with their lower models from other countries.

 

[Findthetone1]

I’d buy a Bacchus LP and have another grand to blow.

A very viable suggestion. I have a Bacchus LP Custom and am very impressed with it.

I’ve had six Bacchus guitars, all Gibson copies i.e. LP’s, V’s, and an SG, and they’ve all been amazing. My buddy who has a ton of high end shit has even bought a couple after playing mine. I’d put any one of them against ANY Gibson, and they’re roughly a half to a third of the price. And I am speaking of the Japanese ones only. I have no experience with their lower models from other countries.

Yep, I agree completely. I wanted another Custom but just didn’t want to fork out 2-3K. Found my MIJ Bacchus on Reverb and couldn’t be happier

 

[panhead]

late 70`s early 80`s Greco

 

[MrDowntown]

Thanks for the excellent t feedback guys...lots to chew on here!

 

[Pearly Gates]

Heritage, easy

 

[Beyond Black]

I’d buy a Bacchus LP and have another grand to blow.

A very viable suggestion. I have a Bacchus LP Custom and am very impressed with it.

I’ve had six Bacchus guitars, all Gibson copies i.e. LP’s, V’s, and an SG, and they’ve all been amazing. My buddy who has a ton of high end shit has even bought a couple after playing mine. I’d put any one of them against ANY Gibson, and they’re roughly a half to a third of the price. And I am speaking of the Japanese ones only. I have no experience with their lower models from other countries.

Yep, I agree completely. I wanted another Custom but just didn’t want to fork out 2-3K. Found my MIJ Bacchus on Reverb and couldn’t be happier

If I wanted another LP at the moment, this would be mine. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bacchus-BLP-ST ... SwkeFelf7L
I have one of these and it’s an amazing guitar. Build quality, playability and sound are off the charts. https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/soa ... /10009631/

 

[GreatRedDragon]

I'd go MIJ.

I've got a Bacchus that I love and I'd definitely like to have another in the stable.

I'd also really like an old Greco.