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Elvis2 · 08-12-2008, 04:55 AM

I intend to buy a Gibson les Paul Custom and need some advice.

Is there any real difference in quality between the older model Customs and the ones made these days at the Gibson custom Shop?

I dont intend to buy an artist model / really expensive one and i dont really care that much whether its used or new as long as it doesnt look like its been run over by a train and is still in one piece.

I own a Les Paul Standard faded and its a great sounding guitar, best ive ever owned so perhaps a Custom with P90s would be the way to go to have a little tonal contrast to the Standard, any suggestions from you guys would be much appreciated.

Niallmo · 08-12-2008, 07:43 AM

My advice would be to try as many as possible both new and used and get the one you like best. Tale your time and don't buy the first one you see!

Quality will probably vary across the entire output but again the "right" one may be one from the dreaded Norlin area or a brand new one. Spending +£1k you need to find a good one whatever the spec/era/quality

It should sound a little brighter and a bit more "forward" than your standard even with HB's. I think for the past few years the only P90 versions were Custom Shop or VOS but they've always done special/limited runs.

manicguitarist2 · 08-12-2008, 10:38 AM

+1 to the above.
Also - if you have a good amp - take your own amp along to see how it sounds with your kit.

riffpowers · 08-13-2008, 09:47 AM

Being a long time custom owner I'd say not necessarily better or worse, just different.

I've played/owned some shite historics. I had an R4 that was rubbish (flame me if you like, but I've owned loads of gibbos and I stand by this assesment!!) and I recently played a historic black beauty that had a shite setup and was a pretty unremarkable guitar for the price.

Customs in general tend to be heavier and more aggressive than standards so bear this in mind. I didn't like the stock pickups in mine that much, although it was always a great player and sounded good I never really thought it sounded great. Put some dimarzios in, it is now my #1 guitar again.

08-12-2008, 07:43 AM	#2
Niallmo Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Liverpool Posts: 4,785	My advice would be to try as many as possible both new and used and get the one you like best. Tale your time and don't buy the first one you see! Quality will probably vary across the entire output but again the "right" one may be one from the dreaded Norlin area or a brand new one. Spending +£1k you need to find a good one whatever the spec/era/quality It should sound a little brighter and a bit more "forward" than your standard even with HB's. I think for the past few years the only P90 versions were Custom Shop or VOS but they've always done special/limited runs. __________________ Currently Playing: Tokai LPC Taylor 214. Squier CV 50's Strat. Squier Tele Custom II

08-12-2008, 10:38 AM	#3
manicguitarist2 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Lancashire Posts: 14,072	+1 to the above. Also - if you have a good amp - take your own amp along to see how it sounds with your kit. __________________ ------------------------------------------------ www.stircrazy.org Making the world a louder place! ------------------------------------------------

08-13-2008, 09:47 AM	#4
riffpowers Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 940	Being a long time custom owner I'd say not necessarily better or worse, just different. I've played/owned some shite historics. I had an R4 that was rubbish (flame me if you like, but I've owned loads of gibbos and I stand by this assesment!!) and I recently played a historic black beauty that had a shite setup and was a pretty unremarkable guitar for the price. Customs in general tend to be heavier and more aggressive than standards so bear this in mind. I didn't like the stock pickups in mine that much, although it was always a great player and sounded good I never really thought it sounded great. Put some dimarzios in, it is now my #1 guitar again. __________________ Marshall JCM800 Zilla 2x12 Marshall 4x12 1960AX Gibson Les Paul Custom Ibanez TS9 Morley Tremonti Wah

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08-12-2008, 04:55 AM	#1
Elvis2 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 329	Gibson Les Paul Custom advice needed.. I intend to buy a Gibson les Paul Custom and need some advice. Is there any real difference in quality between the older model Customs and the ones made these days at the Gibson custom Shop? I dont intend to buy an artist model / really expensive one and i dont really care that much whether its used or new as long as it doesnt look like its been run over by a train and is still in one piece. I own a Les Paul Standard faded and its a great sounding guitar, best ive ever owned so perhaps a Custom with P90s would be the way to go to have a little tonal contrast to the Standard, any suggestions from you guys would be much appreciated.