Why Are The Les Paul Supremes Not So Highly Regarded?

[JeffBlue]

The quality is superb, although I modded mine to make it superior to the stock guitar

2012 modded with Seymour Duncan 59/JB, brass roller bridge and tailpiece, gold metal surrounds, Schaller gold metal switch tip and strap locks, vintage style control knobs and 24 karat gold strings.

 

[brandtkronholm]

The quality is superb, although I modded mine to make it superior to the stock guitar
View attachment 22811View attachment 22812
2012 modded with Seymour Duncan 59/JB, brass roller bridge and tailpiece, gold metal surrounds, Schaller gold metal switch tip and strap locks, vintage style control knobs and 24 karat gold strings.

In what way are they “not so highly regarded”?
They look great and I’m sure they sound great.
What’s your concern?

 

[JeffBlue]

Mostly they don't seem to gain value, mainly they sell for nearly what they are purchased for in any of the ads I've seen them in. Just curious why some other models sell for more the older they get.

 

[JeffBlue]

Perhaps I posted my opinion too soon. A few years back I saw them sell for the same price they sold for new.

 

[MojoJones]

I have a theory. While we all admire extremely good looking guitars, and maybe even lust after them in our hearts. Guitars are at the end of the day utilitarian tools of the trade (think Martins largely simple unadorned aesthetic!) The really fancy ones feel like museum pieces that should be hung on the wall, and a bit showy to play out with.

 

[Cholo]

I have a theory...The really fancy ones feel like museum pieces that should be hung on the wall, and a bit showy to play out with.

This. I kinda feel that way about Customs even though I have one. As a collection piece, it's probably a good bet. You won't lose your money if you're looking to cash in down the road but as an everyday player...it just doesn't draw me the same way the more common models do.

Not trying to trash your guitar!

 

[zacknorton]

too much bling?

 

[Wilko]

Yeah. Too much bling.

That's also why the Les Paul Custom isn't the flagship. The Standard is the model that most want.

 

[jb_abides]

I was always put off by the goober globe headstock -- would have preferred a flower pot -- overall I like the bones and vibe of Super 400s and the arch top + bottom with chambering. It would have worked best as a good LP-style evolution of the L5s. A bit bling-y but cool.

 

[guitplayer]

Fields of fakes?

 

[Amp360]

They're fantastic. The only person I've seen use one regularly was Bob Dylan.

 

[charliechitlins]

Because guitar players are very conservative.
The guitars we love best are ham-and-cheese models from the 1950s that hung in pawn shops for $150.

 

[jb_abides]

Because guitar players are very conservative.
The guitars we love best are ham-and-cheese models from the 1950s that hung in pawn shops for $150.

And the cheese side slice of bread gets mustard, the ham side gets mayo.

 

[Parisianwalker]

The quality is superb, although I modded mine to make it superior to the stock guitar

2012 modded with Seymour Duncan 59/JB

I never played the 59/JB combo myself but it’s a classic. I’ve listened to it several times on the internet and considered it when I changed the pickups in my 2011 SG Std which came with the 490/498 combo. I ended up putting Monty’s PAFs in it and the guitar came alive, and those are unpotted pickups.

What does the 59/JB give you over the stock pickups?

 

[brandtkronholm]

Because guitar players are very conservative.
The guitars we love best are ham-and-cheese models from the 1950s that hung in pawn shops for $150.

Exhibit A: ZZ Top.
Your argument is invalid.

 

[JeffBlue]

I never played the 59/JB combo myself but it’s a classic. I’ve listened to it several times on the internet and considered it when I changed the pickups in my 2011 SG Std which came with the 490/498 combo. I ended up putting Monty’s PAFs in it and the guitar came alive, and those are unpotted pickups.

What does the 59/JB give you over the stock pickups?

The 59 is a great sounding PAF style humbucker and the JB is hotter but a fine balance of grit and drive and still cleans up beautifully. When driven, the JB sustains well. My favorite bridge humbucker pickup. Also the story behind the JB is a good one.

 

[charliechitlins]

View attachment 22866

Exhibit A: ZZ Top.
Your argument is invalid.

View attachment 22867

I didn't realize those guys had progressed to the point where they represent all guitar players.
My bad.
BTW...who's the guy on the left?

 

[jb_abides]

BTW...who's the guy on the left?

Elwood Francis, longtime tech to the reigns over after Dusty passed.

I have not seen them in person since, but have watched video performances and all is well.

 

[Amp360]

Saw ZZ Top once for free. Most boring show ever. Backing tracks, lame dance moves, autotune, etc. Just a really boring show. Everything I see a lot of people pointing to when criticizing modern music.

If I'm going to hear canned tracks and see choreography I would rather see an Ariana Grande than some old disco guys.

I know people love them for some reason, but I don't get it. What is the seminal record that will change my mind?

 

[jb_abides]

What is the seminal record that will change my mind?

Tres Hombres, their third release.

IMO the better move is to seek out the CD of 'Six Pack' their first 6 albums with original mastering.

Great value used for all the seminal stuff. And all the Pearly Gates goodness, versus the more FX-laden Tejas chug.

The latter synth-pop 'disco' BPS click-track constraints of Eliminator, Recycler, etc. are a whole different phase entirely, where they became 'popular' and rode the MTV wave.

After that era, they started to roam around stylistically, sometime returning to the roots, and exploring other ground, but really all the essential stuff is on Six Pack unless you are a fan of the Eliminator era.