Player WTB a LP that at least holds value on the long run.

[Snappy Joe]

Hi everybody,
I haven't been up to date on Gibson LP marketing model terminology for decades. I noticed Historic and true Historic l but I have only very little knowledge about what contemporary models are named. Long story short,....I want to purchase a quality burst that is under 5K which would also keep its' value on the long run.
How does Gibson call their most authentic LP models, those w. all the bells and whistles. I do not care for insanely prized artist sig. guitars nor CC, nor interested in extra expense on aged models.
Anybody in the house that would point me into the right direction?
Thanks in advance
P.S. I'm picky and usually very satisfied w. my early 1968 GT since 1977. However after all these years I'm finally able to pull the trigger on a HB LP

 

[Wilko]

Buy used and the value will most likely stay level or increase.

 

[bursty]

what is your ball park budget top end? What specs are you looking to obtain? What is "HB" LP?

 

[Wilko]

OP wants a humbucker Les Paul.

 

[bursty]

OK, HB = humbucker ...... that makes sense kinda like spelling words ........

 

[Snappy Joe]

Sorry for being short, yes I meant humbucker Les Paul. I'm looking for the most authentic in specs and color at about 5000 Euro. I have lurked and checked listings only a few days ago and was shocked, still am, of how many fugly Les Paul guitars go for insane prices. At least from my perspective. I like a burst to be somewhat like the originals that I used to watch on stage back in the days. None of the tops was as curly into your face as many being offered these days. However, depending on the top it cam be very attractive to some extend. I was offered a 2020 59 RI today. Looks nice but I I have to test ride it tomorrow and see how it compares to my 68 in terms of tone wood. I'm not expecting it to be as nice as my Gold Top, but if it somewhat sounds close that'll be OK for me I guess. But then, I've never spent such an amount of money on guitar. So I remain a bit hesitant.

 

[bursty]

so, sounds like your are in the EU, LOL aka European Union .,,,,,,, sorry, I'm in the US; can't ship to Europe as it is too expensive and you guys have that nasty VAT to boot. the only thing I have to offer prolly aint up your alley but it rivals Historic Gitsom blah blah blah specs .........

good luck

 

[Wilko]

The Traditional Standard model is a good bet for the basic Les Paul formula. The wood is great and the better neck joint narrows the gap that used to be between standard and Historic lines. I've gone from many '68s with humbuckers, many Norlins and a 1956 that was converted. Now my main guitar is a traditional that I made over with nickle parts and a top-only refin to look more 50s.

 

[Snappy Joe]

The Traditional Standard model is a good bet for the basic Les Paul formula. The wood is great and the better neck joint narrows the gap that used to be between standard and Historic lines. I've gone from many '68s with humbuckers, many Norlins and a 1956 that was converted. Now my main guitar is a traditional that I made over with nickle parts and a top-only refin to look more 50s.

What is the exact trade model name? "Traditional" or is it "Traditional Standard"? Maybe you can post a link to that model in particular. These Gibson marketing terms are really confusing. In the old days it was just LP STD. or LP. Custom.
I just went to Gibson Germany and there is no such a model listed like Traditional. All it is listing is :

Custom Shop Historic

Custom Shop Modern

The Modern Collection

The Original Collection

Custom Shop Artist

The Master Artisan Collection

The Murphy Lab Collection

The Exclusives Collection


Holy smokes, do they do drugs?

​

 

[Wilko]

Apparently they are not a current model. What Gibson did is modernize the standard with more tapered necks, ceramic pickups, two-piece bodies, switching, etc. SO trhe good ol' regular Les Paul model got called "traditional". If you're shopping used, look for "Les Paul Tradtional" Traditional Pro had push-pull pots.

current is back to more traditional spec, so I guess they no longer make a modern standard and traditional. Les Paul Standard

Here's a site made by third party about the Traditional guitars: http://www.gibsontraditional.com/

Here are threads about mine that I re-worked:
Headstock/tuners
Tinted Clearcoat
Top Refin

Got the guitar on eBay for 2k (USD) then added about 600 in parts

 

[Wilko]

2012 GIBSON Les Paul Standard TRADITIONAL immaculate ! | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2012 GIBSON Les Paul Standard TRADITIONAL immaculate ! at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Snappy Joe]

Interesting built you did. I wonder if you recarved the top by hand or by some template. I guess that's a lot of work that can go wrong if you mess it up. Needs a lot of patience, trial and error I guess. But how many guitars you got to mess up until you got it right. Whew. Also, did you sand off the orig. lacquer and sprayed your own or did you put an other darkening layer on the orig. top?

 

[Snappy Joe]

2012 GIBSON Les Paul Standard TRADITIONAL immaculate ! | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2012 GIBSON Les Paul Standard TRADITIONAL immaculate ! at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

Not my cup of T this one. I'm very picky when it comes to tops and flames. Generally dislike when the flames form a V when they meet at the center seem.

 

[Snappy Joe]

I wish I hadn't sold my 1969 LP Custom back in the days. I sold it for 700 DM and now it's at 20K Euros.

 

[Wilko]

Interesting built you did. I wonder if you recarved the top by hand or by some template. I guess that's a lot of work that can go wrong if you mess it up. Needs a lot of patience, trial and error I guess. But how many guitars you got to mess up until you got it right. Whew. Also, did you sand off the orig. lacquer and sprayed your own or did you put an other darkening layer on the orig. top?

I heat-gun stripped the top then used a powered palm sander to subtly change the shape. Mostly to get a bit of a "dish" around the perimeter and flatten the "deck". Anyline dyes and tinted clearcoat for color.

 

[jb_abides]

5k?

If you don't mind slightly beefy necks you could search for a used R8 aka 1958 Historic Reissue Standards from the Custom Shop, they are generally plain-top or have toned down flame when compared to 1959 aka R9... which might exceed your stated budget.

New Original Collection 1959 or 1960 "Standard' (slim taper neck, grovers) models are essentially replacements for 'Traditional' in the new product architecture since reboot after bankruptcy [... the older era 'Standards' being realigned into the Modern Collection albeit with less "bells and whistles" modern specs as they once offered...].

These new Standards from the Original Collection should be plentiful enough if picky about flame and color... assuming you want new, or can't find a used Reissue that you like.

 

[Wilko]

Not my cup of T this one. I'm very picky when it comes to tops and flames. Generally dislike when the flames form a V when they meet at the center seem.

Totally get it. Just an exmple of the model out there in the market. A real bargain. Many of the Traditionals got great tops. Mine is the perfect look for me. Most of the pictures I post are accentuating the flame. Looks different from all angles.

Back to topic, any quality used Les Paul will hold it's value pretty well. The new price is just an added expense that only gives you bragging rights. If you want to actually play it, buy used.

 

[DutchRay]

If you're near to the Netherlands, marktplaats.nl is great for used guitars, RJV guitars has some nice stuff, Max guitars has some nice ones.
I was looking at this one but after a quick look around my living room, I have come to the conclusion I have more than enough guitars, for now

In Germany, Gregor Hilden has a very nice selection.

 

[Snappy Joe]

5k?

If you don't mind slightly beefy necks you could search for a used R8 aka 1958 Historic Reissue Standards from the Custom Shop, they are generally plain-top or have toned down flame when compared to 1959 aka R9... which might exceed your stated budget.

New Original Collection 1959 or 1960 "Standard' (slim taper neck, grovers) models are essentially replacements for 'Traditional' in the new product architecture since reboot after bankruptcy [... the older era 'Standards' being realigned into the Modern Collection albeit with less "bells and whistles" modern specs as they once offered...].

These new Standards from the Original Collection should be plentiful enough if picky about flame and color... assuming you want new, or can't find a used Reissue that you like.

I have been browsing adds in various places and finally got a somewhat insight of how the latest product line looks like. So Gibson has tried to make things less complicated it seems. Good for old timers like me. Feeling home again. The new Standard LP seem to be a quite reasonable option and w. some artistic effort they can glam. However it's hard to find one w. a really nice top, but that's just me.

 

[Snappy Joe]

If you're near to the Netherlands, marktplaats.nl is great for used guitars, RJV guitars has some nice stuff, Max guitars has some nice ones.
I was looking at this one but after a quick look around my living room, I have come to the conclusion I have more than enough guitars, for now

In Germany, Gregor Hilden has a very nice selection.

I'm in ol' Germanica. Will definitely check these sources you mentioned. THX bunches.