I've Joined the Les Paul Army!

[bverse98]

Hello. I've lurked here for awhile, mostly for the purpose of learning about which models to focus my search for a Les Paul on. I'm a large Beatles nut, so I come from mainly Rickenbacker. However, I got a new job that allowed me to go out and source some stuff for their later sound, so this is the final piece after a nice MIJ Ca$1n0 and a Strat for Rocky. Maybe some day I'll be able to snag a nice rosewood tele too. That being said, the market for LPs was super foreign to me. This place was an immense help. I finally ended that search with a 2017 Les Paul Traditional T in cherry sunburst. I've got it set up and have played it enough to know it's a keeper. I was heavily drawn to the 'old fashioned standard' inspired specs of this model. Coming from Rickenbacker, potentially uncomfortable stuff doesn't matter at all to me. And this example has a solid top for being AA flamed maple. Here it is:



Thanks again to this forum for being such an invaluable source on Les Paul and other Gibson related information. Also, thoughts on leaving the pickguard off? I was planning to add it, but I kinda like the look without one. I added a poker chip already.

 

[jb_abides]

Congrats, enjoy in good health. Nice dark board, too.

Looks are subjective, however: this one could easily go 'pickguard off' but I think it would look good with one on.

Also, maybe change TRC to a blank to complete the "old fashioned Standard" look you cited.

 

[Tollywood]

My rule of thumb is poker chip and pickguard go together, and no poker chip if there is no pickguard.

I thought I preferred no pickguard, but I like resting my pinky on the pickguard so now that is my preference. Without a pickguard my pinky sort of grabs the edge of the pickup ring.

 

[bverse98]

You guys are right, the pickguard kinda matches with the poker chip. And with the comfort of it all. I think I'll try and install it over the weekend.

 

[El Gringo]

Hello. I've lurked here for awhile, mostly for the purpose of learning about which models to focus my search for a Les Paul on. I'm a large Beatles nut, so I come from mainly Rickenbacker. However, I got a new job that allowed me to go out and source some stuff for their later sound, so this is the final piece after a nice MIJ Ca$1n0 and a Strat for Rocky. Maybe some day I'll be able to snag a nice rosewood tele too. That being said, the market for LPs was super foreign to me. This place was an immense help. I finally ended that search with a 2017 Les Paul Traditional T in cherry sunburst. I've got it set up and have played it enough to know it's a keeper. I was heavily drawn to the 'old fashioned standard' inspired specs of this model. Coming from Rickenbacker, potentially uncomfortable stuff doesn't matter at all to me. And this example has a solid top for being AA flamed maple. Here it is:
View attachment 18480
View attachment 18481

Thanks again to this forum for being such an invaluable source on Les Paul and other Gibson related information. Also, thoughts on leaving the pickguard off? I was planning to add it, but I kinda like the look without one. I added a poker chip already.

First off welcome to the party/show ! Mega congrats on a super fine beauty of a Les Paul ! As she is super fine and I love her color and figure . The Trad model is a most fine Les Paul . Rock out and enjoy and Play her in Great Health !

 

[jrgtr42]

I know i'm late to the party, but I'm partial to flametop / burst finish LPs with no pickguard, but solid finish, like ebony or gold, with them on.
Like to hear from the OP and see which way he went.

 

[Drayve85]

Congrats, and WELCOME! About the pickguard; I’d say, if it’s isn’t drilled for one from the factory, then leave it off. But, that’s just me.

 

[bverse98]

I know i'm late to the party, but I'm partial to flametop / burst finish LPs with no pickguard, but solid finish, like ebony or gold, with them on.
Like to hear from the OP and see which way he went.

OP here, I ended up leaving the pickguard off. My apprehension on that is I'm a pretty aggressive picker, so if I start to notice that I'm screwing up the finish pretty badly I might change that. For example, the sound hole of my acoustics always get pick bites on the down strum side. On the other hand, I want to keep this guitar till the day I'm in the ground and stuff like pick marks just adds character in that case.

 

[garywright]

Hello. I've lurked here for awhile, mostly for the purpose of learning about which models to focus my search for a Les Paul on. I'm a large Beatles nut, so I come from mainly Rickenbacker. However, I got a new job that allowed me to go out and source some stuff for their later sound, so this is the final piece after a nice MIJ Ca$1n0 and a Strat for Rocky. Maybe some day I'll be able to snag a nice rosewood tele too. That being said, the market for LPs was super foreign to me. This place was an immense help. I finally ended that search with a 2017 Les Paul Traditional T in cherry sunburst. I've got it set up and have played it enough to know it's a keeper. I was heavily drawn to the 'old fashioned standard' inspired specs of this model. Coming from Rickenbacker, potentially uncomfortable stuff doesn't matter at all to me. And this example has a solid top for being AA flamed maple. Here it is:
View attachment 18480

I like this look

 

[-JB-]

Looks great as is - I wouldn't personally want to drill a new hole either. Rock on!

 

[CptFnMarvelous]

Terrific looking guitar. Good call leaving the pick guard off I think. Why hide that lovely Sunburst?

How does it sound with bridge tone around "3", neck tone "5" and volumes about "7"?

 

[jb_abides]

Poker chip off..?