Would you buy a replica?

[katarzis]

If it is a 100% accurate (for example exact replica of 1959 les paul burst), best woods - you get to pick the top, superb craftsmanship, same materials as they used in the 50's and 60's? Brazilian rosewood??
Will you pay the bill? After all these guitars are not cheap.
Unfortunately, Gibson and Fender rarely nails it (if at all).
The custom shop makes amazing guitars (i got a 1954 masterbuilt, and R8), but they are not totally accurate.
So what's your opinion?

 

[Heinz W]

Sure, if I had the money. But since I can't spend 10k on a guitar right now I'll have to settle for my R0 to sate my LP needs.

 

[catpeople]

No, unless a guitar that was exactly 100% like a 1959 Les Paul was the absolute best match to my needs for tone and playability.

And if I somehow convinced myself there's nothing better than a 1959 Les Paul for me, I'd seriously ask myself if that's actually true or just some BS gas I got from reading too much TGP.

Once I had determined the answer to that question, I'd most likely get a different guitar.

 

[Kardula]

Honestly, only as an art piece.

 

[Colorado Mac]

Nah, I really don't think it would be worth the cost. Would love to have a real 59, but only as an investment. Modern well-made guitars are really just as good.

 

[catpeople]

Honestly, only as an art piece.

Oh. That's different then. Personally I wouldn't, just like I wouldn't put Picasso prints on my wall. If I was interested in a guitar as an art piece, I'd get an original.

 

[katarzis]

Nah, I really don't think it would be worth the cost. Would love to have a real 59, but only as an investment. Modern well-made guitars are really just as good.

I'm asking about buying replica of a 59, not a real 59.

 

[stuco]

Probably not, the replica will most likely not hold its value and it certainly isn't worth 10k to me functionally. If I were going to spend that kind of money it would be on something original like a lanquedoc or more likely a vintage guitar.

 

[Carbohydrates]

Of a Les Paul? Nah, I feel the Historics get it 'close enough'. Of some other unobtainable old guitar, of which a replica would be the only reasonable way to acquire one these days? Sure.

 

[Geek USA]

Nope.

 

[goodwater]

I bought a Rosser handbuilt Jr replica and have been very happy with it---paid less than a Custom Shop "replica" and have been very happy with it

 

[v-verb]

Yes I've had several replicas over the years - Florance and many Guitar Clinic replicas. Played a few Bobbursts which played great but not very accurate. Had a few Historics as well - R8 Braz, 08 R8 Murphy and a 09 R9 and another couple that I can't remember the years.

I got them because IMO they played and sounded better than the many Historics I've tried.I've had a couple of nice vintage conversions as well.

Since 2007/2008 Gibson has stepped up their game. Their Historics IMO surpass the Guitar Clinic replicas and BobBursts.

I do have a Bartlett in the works - with a Bartlett logo.

To me there are 2 great replica builders, Tom Bartlett being one. The Bartlett's I've tried (save one that was spec'd with a super thin neck - I don't like thin necks) hang with the vintage conversions and 57 GT I tried. The GT had some wild PAF's that did something special in the neck position that I haven't heard before however

I haven't tried Yaron but I'm told they sound good. I don't like the razor aging so I'll pass.

My opinions only

 

[MichaelSaulnier]

What would be the purpose of having an "exact" replica?

And "exact" to which guitar... each real '59s wasn't "exactly" the same as all the other '59s... so which one do you make "exactly" the same.

And what are you going to do about the impact of "aging"... not just cosmetically, but also with the magnets, electronics, etc.

I think "exact" replica's are like chasing ghosts... never really there.

M

 

[wheelywong]

Um my best bud has a 59 LP, I have a 2009 Epiphone LP std.

Both are heavy as..... and I hate to say it ??? either his 59 needs work or my 09 piece of junk was a gooden. Finish is better on the Epi but I did that lol. Way too much clear coat on them.
I love playing his 59 cause of the history...the fun nights this guitar could tell. Blindfolded.......I'm not good enough to tell.
Wonder how many would walk out with what they thought was their dream guitar if they bought blindfolded, So only by feel and sound..........

 

[jamdogg]

"His name was 'Troll-a'....he was a showgirl..."

 

[Tim Plains]

v-verb, that's a fantastic looking top.

I'm waiting on a '59 LP replica. Probably 15 months away. Les Pauls are my favourite guitars. Looking forward to picking out the woods, finish, and just having one built specifically for me.

And "exact" to which guitar... each real '59s wasn't "exactly" the same as all the other '59s... so which one do you make "exactly" the same.

Some have digitally scanned bursts and use those as templates. Everything from the neck shape, to the top carve, and exactly where each part sits. Obviously, you cannot be exact to every burst. I'm not chasing any ghosts but I do agree with you that some do.

 

[Doug's Tubes]

No.

 

[Cody]

I would, I have, and chances are I will.

 

[EADGBE]

Unfortunately, Gibson and Fender rarely nails it (if at all).

I think they do a pretty good job.

The thing is I don't really like Gibsons or Fenders that much. I like 80s Kramer, Deans, and B.C. Richs. These are the guitars I'd like to see reissued.

 

[Colorado Mac]

I'm asking about buying replica of a 59, not a real 59.

Yes, I know what you were asking. My point was, that I would like a real 59, for an investment. A replica is just an attempt to get close to the original and I don't see that even the original is worth the extra $$, as a playing instrument. As an investment yes, but not worth the $$ if you want to actually play it. Plenty of modern well made guitars that sound great too, for a lot less.