Any new les pauls in the mix?

[Minte]

If so, pictures are required.


I screwed up this week, There was an ES-175 I was planning on ordering from Daves. It's been on the site for months and I was away on a business trip until this evening.
I logged on tonight after dinner to order it..and it has been sold.

Now I am on the hunt, again.

[2MuchMark]

On a similar note, I bought myself an ESP LTD a couple of weeks ago. I'm brand new to guitars and am teaching myself. I don't really know if this is a good brand or not but I am starting to feel I am reaching its limits already.

I just started "playing" (if you can call it that) really just .. yesterday. But should I be looking around for a Les Paul or Gibson or more "serious" guitars?

[AsianDivaGirlsWebDude]

Just talking past here...





Okay, more music already...

Les Paul...RIP...Music performed by Les Paul & the Les Paul Trio at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City with Les Paul on his 90th birthday:

ADG

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by Minte

If so, pictures are required.


I screwed up this week, There was an ES-175 I was planning on ordering from Daves. It's been on the site for months and I was away on a business trip until this evening.
I logged on tonight after dinner to order it..and it has been sold.

Now I am on the hunt, again.

Drats on missing that ES-175, that's a pretty cool guitar.

I'll take some snaps of this LP Sig Trad that got here Monday. Haven't been able to put it down for photos. It's incredible!

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by **********

On a similar note, I bought myself an ESP LTD a couple of weeks ago. I'm brand new to guitars and am teaching myself. I don't really know if this is a good brand or not but I am starting to feel I am reaching its limits already.

I just started "playing" (if you can call it that) really just .. yesterday. But should I be looking around for a Les Paul or Gibson or more "serious" guitars?

Before I make any suggestions, what is it about the guitar that makes you feel you've reached its limits in 1 day of learning guitar?

[Minte]

Originally Posted by **********

On a similar note, I bought myself an ESP LTD a couple of weeks ago. I'm brand new to guitars and am teaching myself. I don't really know if this is a good brand or not but I am starting to feel I am reaching its limits already.

I just started "playing" (if you can call it that) really just .. yesterday. But should I be looking around for a Les Paul or Gibson or more "serious" guitars?

First off, ESP is a good guitar. They can easily be set up to play very well. A guitar center or any small shop will put on non-factory strings and set the action up properly for around $100 bucks. Beyond that, the sound comes from the amp. If you gave Carlos Santana 6 different guitars you'd never hear the difference because he has his amp settings down to a science.

Any guitar that' set up properly with the right strings,,I suggest 9's. I like Gibsons and Fenders and do own a number of each, but that;s because I like them. Not that I need them.

[dyna mo]

I meant to add that it will be several hours before I take pics, waiting for some sunlight to get into the studio.

[Minte]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

Drats on missing that ES-175, that's a pretty cool guitar.

I'll take some snaps of this LP Sig Trad that got here Monday. Haven't been able to put it down for photos. It's incredible!

I found another at Daves that I am considering now. The finish is a light maple,which is anything but traditional on a 175..but it some how works for me. It's a 3 hour drive over there for me but I have to play these first. THe odds of finding a good hollow-body online is slim.

[MikeOMania]

Amazing instruments!

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by Minte

I found another at Daves that I am considering now. The finish is a light maple,which is anything but traditional on a 175..but it some how works for me. It's a 3 hour drive over there for me but I have to play these first. THe odds of finding a good hollow-body online is slim.

Have luck, it took me 2 Epi Casinos (full hollow) to get a good'n, but it was easy enough to sell the 2nd one on ebay. I'd figure most all of the Gibson Memphis line (which I think? that ES is) are gonna be quite special.

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by Minte

holy crap! That's a mighty fine looking guitar. For some reason I thought those had p-90s

[Minte]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

Have luck, it took me 2 Epi Casinos (full hollow) to get a good'n, but it was easy enough to sell the 2nd one on ebay. I'd figure most all of the Gibson Memphis line (which I think? that ES is) are gonna be quite special.

I've owned hollow body guitars over the years and the issue I have seen is the neck gets a bow that's tough to undo. When I am playing jazz I use heavy strings, like 15's and when the action isn't great, they are nearly unplayable.

The ES 175 is a Memphis guitar and traditionally they are decent.

[Minte]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

holy crap! That's a mighty fine looking guitar. For some reason I thought those had p-90s

The ES-295 comes with them and I think you can get an L5 with them. I haven't seen a 175 yet that had them, and honestly I don't know if I would want them on one. The feedback from p90's on a hollow body can be a real issue.

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by Minte

The ES-295 comes with them and I think you can get an L5 with them. I haven't seen a 175 yet that had them, and honestly I don't know if I would want them on one. The feedback from p90's on a hollow body can be a real issue.

It really is, although it's fun to play with and figure out where to stand and what direction to be pointing in, in relation to amps/speakers. But once done, dang the raunchy tones! I think it cleans up real nice too. no twang either.

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by Minte

I've owned hollow body guitars over the years and the issue I have seen is the neck gets a bow that's tough to undo. When I am playing jazz I use heavy strings, like 15's and when the action isn't great, they are nearly unplayable.

The ES 175 is a Memphis guitar and traditionally they are decent.

15s? Hah, you must need a pair pliers to fret that lower E string eh!

[Minte]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

15s? Hah, you must need a pair pliers to fret that lower E string eh!

True, you wouldn't want to be standing in front of it if it snapped, it would definitely leave a mark.

[dyna mo]

Starting to get some good light, I'll snap some pics.

In the meantime, here are a couple of that LP 60s tribute I got a deal on back in November, this is Gibson entry-level/budget line. This is the 3rd one I got, the first 2 had bigger issues than this.

[Minte]

Looking good! Isn't the sustain impressive. You can grab a note and it just sings..

[fuzebox]

I'm pretty ignorant to the rarity of these specific models. What makes the ES-175 different than any other Les Paul? Pickups? Construction? I didn't think anything varied much among specific bodies other than the electronics...

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by Minte

Looking good! Isn't the sustain impressive. You can grab a note and it just sings..

That's the *old* one, this is the new one! And the sustain on this one is significantly better in addition to the fit and finish, it's perfect really.

[iSpyCams]

Heres the latest member of my "family" unfortunately its very difficult to photograph guitars with a phone.



This custom ES335 historic dot reissue set me back a pretty penny but I have no regrets.

[Minte]

Originally Posted by fuzebox

I'm pretty ignorant to the rarity of these specific models. What makes the ES-175 different than any other Les Paul? Pickups? Construction? I didn't think anything varied much among specific bodies other than the electronics...

There are a lot of differences that put prices on anything that comes out of the Gibson custom shop all over the map. Most of the differences are subtle. Fret board material, top materials.. The costs are in the woods and the finishes. The hardware,pups,tuners etc are the easy part. The pickups that come on a $1200 studio are usually the same as the ones that come on a $8000 R9.

There are also some builders in the custom shops of all the guitar makers that are better than everyone else. Their talents in building command a higher price.

I will also say, that more often than not the difference in sound and playability between a $1200 guitar and an $8000 guitar is not really significant. Spending more money on guitars is akin to buying artwork.

I've got 5 Les Pauls. It would be someone with a very rare,incredible ear that could tell the difference in sound between them.

[Minte]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

That's the *old* one, this is the new one! And the sustain on this one is significantly better in addition to the fit and finish, it's perfect really.

Beautiful! I don't think there is anything better looking(other than a beautiful naked blonde) than a goldtop!

[iSpyCams]

Originally Posted by Minte

There are a lot of differences that put prices on anything that comes out of the Gibson custom shop all over the map. Most of the differences are subtle. Fret board material, top materials.. The costs are in the woods and the finishes. The hardware,pups,tuners etc are the easy part. The pickups that come on a $1200 studio are usually the same as the ones that come on a $8000 R9.

There are also some builders in the custom shops of all the guitar makers that are better than everyone else. Their talents in building command a higher price.

I will also say, that more often than not the difference in sound and playability between a $1200 guitar and an $8000 guitar is not really significant. Spending more money on guitars is akin to buying artwork.

I've got 5 Les Pauls. It would be someone with a very rare,incredible ear that could tell the difference in sound between them.

I think with guitars in general, the first few grand you spend are for quality, after that its just bling. A $2,000 guitar can easily sound as good as a $10,000 one, but the more expensive guitar will usually look flashier.

[Minte]

Originally Posted by pompousjohn

Heres the latest member of my "family" unfortunately its very difficult to photograph guitars with a phone.



This custom ES335 historic dot reissue set me back a pretty penny but I have no regrets.

Another fantastic guitar I have it's cousin with p90's but yours has a nicer top. Congrats!

[dyna mo]

pompous John, sweet looking dot.

Originally Posted by Minte

There are a lot of differences that put prices on anything that comes out of the Gibson custom shop all over the map. Most of the differences are subtle. Fret board material, top materials.. The costs are in the woods and the finishes. The hardware,pups,tuners etc are the easy part. The pickups that come on a $1200 studio are usually the same as the ones that come on a $8000 R9.

There are also some builders in the custom shops of all the guitar makers that are better than everyone else. Their talents in building command a higher price.

I will also say, that more often than not the difference in sound and playability between a $1200 guitar and an $8000 guitar is not really significant. Spending more money on guitars is akin to buying artwork.

I've got 5 Les Pauls. It would be someone with a very rare,incredible ear that could tell the difference in sound between them.

Sure seems to be the case.

And looking at it from the other side, it seems there's a quality of materials threshold at some point, it's around that $1200 mark as you mentioned. The tonewoods used in particular seem to make a difference in the guitars that have come through here. That 60s tribute has lesser quality wood than the Sig T and it's apparent in such things as the sustain. The sustain on that 60s trib certainly trumps that of my Epiphone LP but falls short of this Sig T, to my ear.

Originally Posted by Minte

Beautiful! I don't think there is anything better looking(other than a beautiful naked blonde) than a goldtop!

Thank you, I agree. I dig how Gibson used a lighter color wood on the Gold top compared to the wood used on the same model but with a burst finish. It also works really well with the Granadillo fretboard.

[dyna mo]

Also, it seems that, based on listening to youtube videos, there is some value in spending more (a lot more!) for something like an original 1959 les paul. There are some comparisons I've watched, John DiMarzzio's original 1959 LP v a recent 59 reissue is one, and the tones were distinctly different

[Minte]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

Also, it seems that, based on listening to youtube videos, there is some value in spending more (a lot more!) for something like an original 1959 les paul. There are some comparisons I've watched, John DiMarzzio's original 1959 LP v a recent 59 reissue is one, and the tones were distinctly different

Just got off the phone with Dave's and he guarantees me that the ES-175 is better looking in person and it's a 10/10. He said I could come up and get it but he said he'd make it worth my while if I ordered it now and let them ship it out today. And he did.

It's in their setup department now and is leaving La Crosse this afternoon. There is a first for everything.

[fuzebox]

Originally Posted by Minte

There are a lot of differences that put prices on anything that comes out of the Gibson custom shop all over the map. Most of the differences are subtle. Fret board material, top materials.. The costs are in the woods and the finishes. The hardware,pups,tuners etc are the easy part. The pickups that come on a $1200 studio are usually the same as the ones that come on a $8000 R9.

There are also some builders in the custom shops of all the guitar makers that are better than everyone else. Their talents in building command a higher price.

I will also say, that more often than not the difference in sound and playability between a $1200 guitar and an $8000 guitar is not really significant. Spending more money on guitars is akin to buying artwork.

I've got 5 Les Pauls. It would be someone with a very rare,incredible ear that could tell the difference in sound between them.

That's what I sort of always thought but was afraid to say. Thanks for the reply

[ffnK.O.]

Originally Posted by **********

On a similar note, I bought myself an ESP LTD a couple of weeks ago. I'm brand new to guitars and am teaching myself. I don't really know if this is a good brand or not but I am starting to feel I am reaching its limits already.

I just started "playing" (if you can call it that) really just .. yesterday. But should I be looking around for a Les Paul or Gibson or more "serious" guitars?

I Love my ESP, with that being said I also play the Gibson SB, very similar. LTD's are the lower grade versions of ESP's.

[2MuchMark]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

Before I make any suggestions, what is it about the guitar that makes you feel you've reached its limits in 1 day of learning guitar?

It's hard to say because I really don't know what I'm talking about, but I'll try.

Let's say I want to play a simple G major chord. I place my fingers in the correct location, near the correct fret wire to get a clean sound. If 1 or more fingers are too close to the back end of the chord (fret wire furthest away), the string will buzz of course. All normal.

What seems to happen though is open strings still sometime buzz, and I am having to retune the guitar every day, sometimes twice a day.

I'm just wondering if the car I have is more of a beginners guitar that isn't made very well? It's still hooked as its fun to play but I'm just wondering if I should consider a better brand.

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by Minte

Just got off the phone with Dave's and he guarantees me that the ES-175 is better looking in person and it's a 10/10. He said I could come up and get it but he said he'd make it worth my while if I ordered it now and let them ship it out today. And he did.

It's in their setup department now and is leaving La Crosse this afternoon. There is a first for everything.

snag!!!

pre-congrats.

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by **********

It's hard to say because I really don't know what I'm talking about, but I'll try.

Let's say I want to play a simple G major chord. I place my fingers in the correct location, near the correct fret wire to get a clean sound. If 1 or more fingers are too close to the back end of the chord (fret wire furthest away), the string will buzz of course. All normal.

What seems to happen though is open strings still sometime buzz, and I am having to retune the guitar every day, sometimes twice a day.

I'm just wondering if the car I have is more of a beginners guitar that isn't made very well? It's still hooked as its fun to play but I'm just wondering if I should consider a better brand.

I see where you are coming from now, that sounds like a setup issue imo. If so, a quick $40-$50 at your local luthier will get that sorted. If it's worse, frets uneven, for instance, that could be more.

[Minte]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

snag!!!

pre-congrats.

A few more pics.

[dyna mo]

Schnazzy. That's gonna stand out in yer collection. I'd certainly gravitate to it.

[iSpyCams]

Originally Posted by **********

It's hard to say because I really don't know what I'm talking about, but I'll try.

Let's say I want to play a simple G major chord. I place my fingers in the correct location, near the correct fret wire to get a clean sound. If 1 or more fingers are too close to the back end of the chord (fret wire furthest away), the string will buzz of course. All normal.

What seems to happen though is open strings still sometime buzz, and I am having to retune the guitar every day, sometimes twice a day.

I'm just wondering if the car I have is more of a beginners guitar that isn't made very well? It's still hooked as its fun to play but I'm just wondering if I should consider a better brand.

I played my first chord when I was 4 years old. So it's hard to relate the people having issues playing a simple chord cause I cant really remember not being able to. That's one reason I haven't been able to teach my kids to play, I cant relate to how uncoordinated their little fingers are.

That said, with an electric guitar only the high end ones ($1000 and up) are really meant to play full chords (all 6 strings) on.

I read somewhere that prior to the Stone Temple Pilots it was pretty uncommon to play 6 string chords on an electric, and there are almost no examples of rock and roll songs where this is done.

If you want to do yourself a favor get a classical guitar to learn your basic chords. With most electrics as a beginner you should focus on power chords (2 strings at a time) and scales. (one string at a time)

[Minte]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

Also, it seems that, based on listening to youtube videos, there is some value in spending more (a lot more!) for something like an original 1959 les paul. There are some comparisons I've watched, John DiMarzzio's original 1959 LP v a recent 59 reissue is one, and the tones were distinctly different

I agree about the difference between vintage and reissue. They can't do in a shop what 50 years can do. An original 59 is about the holy grail of electrics.. And they carry a price that proves it. I have seen them go for over $100k. So then the question has to be asked. If cost is an issue, is it 10 times better than an R9 or simply different?

[Minte]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

I see where you are coming from now, that sounds like a setup issue imo. If so, a quick $40-$50 at your local luthier will get that sorted. If it's worse, frets uneven, for instance, that could be more.

That actually sounds like a problem with the nut. Try the next set size of strings. If the nut is cut to wide the things you described is what happens.

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by Minte

I agree about the difference between vintage and reissue. They can't do in a shop what 50 years can do. An original 59 is about the holy grail of electrics.. And they carry a price that proves it. I have seen them go for over $100k. So then the question has to be asked. If cost is an issue, is it 10 times better than an R9 or simply different?

Well, that's the thing eh. If someone is uber-loaded with dollars and wants a truly unique tone, one that no modeling amp could model, I'd bet they could justify the price. If someone is after emulating a guitarist from the 60s that played a 59 back then, no.

I think if I were a Keith Urban type current guitarist, I could see making the investment to get both a better sound (the ones I'm looking for) and different sounds. But then that just raises the issue of how to not destroy that artifact on tour, so I see what you're saying.

Originally Posted by Minte

That actually sounds like a problem with the nut. Try the next set size of strings. If the nut is cut to wide the things you described is what happens.

There ya go, I wasn't sure which part of a set-up might be where the problem lies. Could even be shitty and/or old strings, especially for the not staying in tune issue.

Maybe a couple things, strings and nut. That is the thing about economy guitars, they don't come set-up or with good or even decent strings.

[CarlosTheGaucho]

A bit off topic, do any of you guys own or have experience with Paul Reed Smith guitars?



Hearing and seeing it made me put it up to par with Strat or LesPaul (it was more of a passive experience though, the only instrument where I have some mileage on is bass).

[Minte]

Originally Posted by CarlosTheGaucho

A bit off topic, do any of you guys own or have experience with Paul Reed Smith guitars?



Hearing and seeing it made me put it up to par with Strat or LesPaul (it was more of a passive experience though, the only instrument where I have some mileage on is bass).

I have one PRS and it's an very well made guitar. The quality is way up there. For some reason, it never became my go-to guitar. I like the way it plays and sounds. The only knock I have against them is that the finish is so slippery it's nearly impossible to practice with it sitting. It just slips around too much. I tried a PRS 22 at a store and I almost dropped it ,because it slipped off my knee.

[iSpyCams]

I have an '89 PRS that was my main guitar for a really long time. To my ears it is a great sounding guitar but in fact so rich and full that it doesn't actually mix well with other guitars. Most of the beauty is the subtle overtones and those don't cut through a mix well.

Most guitarists I see with PRS's are the only guitarist in the band, and they sound great, but when I take mine to practice I either drown out the other guitarist or he does me and its just not a good mix.

[Minte]

Originally Posted by pompousjohn

I have an '89 PRS that was my main guitar for a really long time. To my ears it is a great sounding guitar but in fact so rich and full that it doesn't actually mix well with other guitars. Most of the beauty is the subtle overtones and those don't cut through a mix well.

Most guitarists I see with PRS's are the only guitarist in the band, and they sound great, but when I take mine to practice I either drown out the other guitarist or he does me and its just not a good mix.

I'll have to take another look at some other PRS models. The quality is so good and for the dollar, no one else comes close to the finishes they do. It's just a matter of finding the correct model. They make too many different guitars.

[Minte]

The ES-175 arrived. It's nicer than the pictures show it. Can't wait to get home this aft and plug it in.

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by Minte

The ES-175 arrived. It's nicer than the pictures show it. Can't wait to get home this aft and plug it in.

gorgeous.

love the florentine cutaway!

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by Minte

The ES-175 arrived. It's nicer than the pictures show it. Can't wait to get home this aft and plug it in.

any pics of the back? Is it figured maple as well?

[Minte]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

any pics of the back? Is it figured maple as well?

I had the luthier at Daves set it up and he did a nice job. The action on this is very good.

[dyna mo]

Dang, looks like ya got a good'n!

[Minte]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

Dang, looks like ya got a good'n!

I enjoy the hunt, but in this case I think I will enjoy playing it much more.

[iSpyCams]

That is VERY nice. I love the figuring on the wood. I am guessing it's full hollow from the single cutaway and the trapeeze tailpiece.

Probably sound amazing through a nice warm tube amp, 12" speakers and a little it of spring reverb.