Equal Time for Les

[Phoebe]

So what's so perfect about a Les Paul anyway?

Everybody talks about Strats like they're handed down by the gods. Is it that they're indestructible and Gibsons are frail?

[daddyo]

Lots of guys worship LPs. They each have their own thing.

[burner]

I dunno man.....
Last month I went down to the music store with close to $3k with full intent of purchasing a LP.
I tried several out and each of them felt 'ceap', for lack of a better descriptor. I couldn't really put my finger on what it was but none of them particularly played or felt outstanding and only one of them sounded good.
In contrast I found several Strats that were very good, particularly for stock guitars.
Now admittedly I've gravitated more towards Strats historically but I went in with my heart set on a new LP.....it just didn't happen.

Years ago I had a couple of LPs that I *did* like, so perhaps the manufacturing changes have turned me off.
The weight/balance of each LP I played seemed kind of out of whack and th necks just had a 'cheap' and very unsolid feel.

[phoenix 7]

Strats and LP's are both fantastic at the different things they do. I own and love them both. I like the quietness, clarity, girth and richness of a great PAF-type humbucker on an LP. LP's make a huge powerful sound, but also sound beautiful played clean. I also like the slinky feel of the shorter Gibson scale. And to my eye LP's are the best-looking electrics ever made. JMO.

[tjmicsak]

When looking for a guitar it is sometimes hard to see through what you might already be accustomed to. I played an H-S-H strat for several years and got both strat and LP tones -or close to it due to the ability to use bridge, neck, and both humbuckers. That was the reason I routed out the guitar and try for the best of both worlds.
But having them both on one guitar brought me to realise that those who don't have both are missing out either way- with just a LP or just a strat.
Now I have a Strat, my custom, a Tele, and a LP -but with P90s for something with a different flavor.
After all, that is really what they are is flavors, characters, and voices chosen to play a role. After you hear them for what they are you appreciate the differences as these various characters and realise they all have their place. It is kind of like being the guy with all those voice talents behind the cartoons. They can't all sound like Elmer Fudd.

[Joe L]

I agree with burner. I've played some new LP in Sam Ash and just do not like them (fit/finish/feel, tone) compared to my '92 LP Standard. As far as tone, my '92 came new with classic 57 pups. The new ones come with Burstbuckers which I find harsh compared to the 57's

[CharAznable]

Must not have been here long. This board is a Les Paul/Tele orgy.