NYC resident here buying first LP. Hunt one in person or buy online?

[LPplayerNYC]

That is really good to hear!

 

[LPplayerNYC]

Congrats on 10 LPs btw

 

[Subliminal lanimilbuS]

With all of the great used guitars that must be in a city the size of NY I would be looking that direction. At least if I lived there that is what I would be doing. You don't even have to buy Gibson if you want to save some bucks. You can get some really nice older copies. You can search on ebay by location in advanced search and put in the range of miles from your zip code. I did a quick look for something I would personally like and found this 1989 Burny with binding nibs and all just like a Gibson. Looks to be in really nice shape other than a minor issue with the toggle switch which is an easy fix. You could probably make an offer of 8 or 9 hundred bucks and get it. That seller also has lots of other Gibson Les Pauls and other guitars for sale. I would at least check guitars like that out because they really are just as nice.

c.1989 Burny Super Grade RLG-50 '57 Standard tribute | eBay

C.1989 Burny Super Grade RLG-50: This is a super high grade Japanese made copy of a 1957 Gibson Les Paul. It it appears to be all original(maybe a changed pot or two?). It was just set up with 10 gauge strings and plays without issue.

www.ebay.com

 

[Subliminal lanimilbuS]

Here are 3 Gibson Les Paul's that the same seller in NY has for sale. You could probably make offers on them as well.

2003 Gibson Les Paul Standard Plus, Light Weight!, New Hardware, Killer Top!!! | eBay

2003 Gibson Les Paul Standard Plus: Killer Top on this early Les Paul with new specs as of 2003. It looks great! It shows just no fret wear and plays without issue with a fresh 10 gauge string set-up.

www.ebay.com

2003 Gibson Les Paul Classic, "Good Wood" Era, Super Clean! | eBay

This guitar is super clean! 20 years old and is the cleanest example I have seen in many years! Set up and adjusted and ready to play. It looks like a one piece body. The covers have been added but can easily be removed.

www.ebay.com

2011 Gibson Les Paul Studio, Light Weight!!!!, Super clean!!! | eBay

2011 Gibson Les Paul Studio: This guitar is very light at 7lbs., 11oz! It has a '50's rounded profile neck that is. 831" thick at the first fret and. 983" thick at the 12th fret. Freshly set up with 10 gauge strings, this guitar plays without issue.

www.ebay.com

 

[Amp360]

NYC used to be the place to buy a guitar; now it's the place to sell a guitar. I get it with the high real estate prices and so forth. If it were me, I would look for one outside of the city simply because the prices (new or used) I see in NYC outside of places like GC scare me.

Maybe order one from GC used, and you can return it if you don't like it?

 

[1allspub]

In person is always better… if you have them available to play locally (which many do not). I’ve drove 6 hours (roundtrip) to play/pick my R9. And I drove 3 hours (roundtrip) to play/pick my LPC BB7. Guitar safaris are fun!

That said, I’ve also had some good luck buying online… but then again, I’ve also had some bad luck. So yeah, in person is best if you can do it. And since you live in NYC, there has to be plenty of guitar stores with LP inventory too check out and test drive. Looking for the “right” one is half the fun.

As for LPs and subways… never been on a NYC subway, so can’t say.

 

[c_wester]

Just as the title says. I am looking to purchase my first Les Paul standard after loving a Tribute model I used to own but sold when I needed the money (stupidest decision I ever made I LOVED that guitar).

I basically want to start playing open mics in NYC I am a blues player and need a guitar as I currently don’t own one.

I know all guitars are different especially Les Paul’s. If you were me, living in Manhattan, would you hunt one down in a shop new or used, or would you just order a brand new one on Sweetwater. I want to keep my budget right around the $3000 mark.

I am open to hearing opinions of certain used years to look for, or where to purchase, any info would be greatly appreciated. Recently I played a Les Paul Faded in a GC that I really liked that reminded me of my Tribute due to the finish. I’m open to the gloss ones as well.

Thanks!

I have not read the whole thread.

If your ears is not up to it. You pick a good old player that knows his stuff and he will guide you to some killer musical tones.

There is tonal gold in those mines.

 

[NickiC]

Last spring/summer, shopping in the city for Traditional I came across to many HJ era Classics going for a few hundred below reissue prices. The Trads were asking equal to a new R9. Friggin’ stupid. Take the train or drive.

 

[dju]

having the chance to play it first is the preferred method.

however as has previously been mentioned buy used from GC and return it if it doesn't meet your needs.

good luck with your search.

 

[jb_abides]

In the US, there should be zero location-specific pricing, given the breadth of the online and dealer networks.

An exception may be someone local who is willing to move something because of need or other expediency.

So I wouldn't accept any 'NYC markup'.

Just show them a bunch of comparable from elsewhere... deal or walk.

 

[Itsallmuscle]

You're not that far from the Music Zoo. I bet you find something tasty there.

 

[mcjef1976]

There are way too many beautiful Guitars in NYC fr.

 

[roaddawgie]

there are a lot of mint guitars from the lockdown that people are trying to move right now it is definitely buyers market I bet you could uncover some great deals and save significant $$.........good luck