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mooseherman
Published on 01/26/10 at 14:23
The Gibson Les Paul is an American Classic. The guitar has the classic Gibson set up, two humbucker pickups, a volume and tone knob for each, and a switch in the upper left corner for switching. The guitar has 21 frets, a tune-o-matic bridge, a mahogany neck and a rosewood fingerboard (typically).
UTILIZATION
I am in the minority when it comes to these guitars in that I do actually think that the weight and neck positioning are a hindrance. Being used to lighter Fenders, I can't stand and play my friends' Les Paul Studio without really getting tired after awhile. Having a thicker strap, as another reviewer mentioned, does help this problem, and of course experience will make it easier on just about anyone, but the guitar is a really heavy beast. And the last frets, especially on lower strings, are much harder to reach than most guitars I'm used to. Getting a nice sound, however, is generally a snap, as long as you're a fan of what a Les Paul can do (which is a lot!). I also think that the guitar is one of the smoother guitars I've played, which is saying a lot. Plays like a dream.
SOUNDS
I use it through a Fender Twin mostly, but when I get the chance, I play it through a Marshall stack or combo with built-in Marshall Distortion. This and other quality tube high-gain amps are where this thing really kicks as far as I'm concerned. The sheer power of a good distortion pedal and Les Paul is untouchable by Fender and most other companies, no question about it. While leads don't have the high-end that I can get with my Strat or Tele, and thus aren't as bright, they have enough midrange and level to cut through just about any kind of muck and noise. This is invaluable when playing with a loud band, as lighter sounds aren't able to be heard above the rhythm. Beyond my obvious preference, the distorted, rocking sounds, the clean tone is also quite phenomenal, though not always what I prefer. I have heard rock players use this guitar in this context with good results, almost emulating the hollow-body sound though with a slightly less warm result. The result is definitely a thick, fatter tone that's great for lighter rock stuff, while still being able to kick it with a good lead sound. I'd have to be honest and say that the sound is less appealing to me than my Strat, and not as versatile as my Tele, but without a doubt it is more powerful and louder.
OVERALL OPINION
I know that this guitar is perfect for many guitarists, as so many people prefer a good Les Paul to any other guitar. I personally think this is one of the more perfect Les Pauls. Contrary to what many of my naive friends say, Epiphone Les Pauls really don't hold a candle to Gibsons, and most Gibsons aren't as good as this model. Getting one at a good price is a steal, so get on Craigslist and look away. Be wary of a suspiciously low price in the stores, especially the bigger ones. They are probably trying to sell you on a sub-par product. The sound and feel of a great Les Paul is a treat, no doubt about it.
UTILIZATION
I am in the minority when it comes to these guitars in that I do actually think that the weight and neck positioning are a hindrance. Being used to lighter Fenders, I can't stand and play my friends' Les Paul Studio without really getting tired after awhile. Having a thicker strap, as another reviewer mentioned, does help this problem, and of course experience will make it easier on just about anyone, but the guitar is a really heavy beast. And the last frets, especially on lower strings, are much harder to reach than most guitars I'm used to. Getting a nice sound, however, is generally a snap, as long as you're a fan of what a Les Paul can do (which is a lot!). I also think that the guitar is one of the smoother guitars I've played, which is saying a lot. Plays like a dream.
SOUNDS
I use it through a Fender Twin mostly, but when I get the chance, I play it through a Marshall stack or combo with built-in Marshall Distortion. This and other quality tube high-gain amps are where this thing really kicks as far as I'm concerned. The sheer power of a good distortion pedal and Les Paul is untouchable by Fender and most other companies, no question about it. While leads don't have the high-end that I can get with my Strat or Tele, and thus aren't as bright, they have enough midrange and level to cut through just about any kind of muck and noise. This is invaluable when playing with a loud band, as lighter sounds aren't able to be heard above the rhythm. Beyond my obvious preference, the distorted, rocking sounds, the clean tone is also quite phenomenal, though not always what I prefer. I have heard rock players use this guitar in this context with good results, almost emulating the hollow-body sound though with a slightly less warm result. The result is definitely a thick, fatter tone that's great for lighter rock stuff, while still being able to kick it with a good lead sound. I'd have to be honest and say that the sound is less appealing to me than my Strat, and not as versatile as my Tele, but without a doubt it is more powerful and louder.
OVERALL OPINION
I know that this guitar is perfect for many guitarists, as so many people prefer a good Les Paul to any other guitar. I personally think this is one of the more perfect Les Pauls. Contrary to what many of my naive friends say, Epiphone Les Pauls really don't hold a candle to Gibsons, and most Gibsons aren't as good as this model. Getting one at a good price is a steal, so get on Craigslist and look away. Be wary of a suspiciously low price in the stores, especially the bigger ones. They are probably trying to sell you on a sub-par product. The sound and feel of a great Les Paul is a treat, no doubt about it.