I Guess I'm Really Just Not an LP Guy.

[Agileguy]

I went to GC before work today to check out some Les Pauls. Since I won that Whole Lotta Humbucker set, I figured I need a guitar to put them in. I was thinking about trading my Y2D for credit on a nice Les Paul.

I played a few Traditionals (on sale for $2300) and something that had three push/push pots (I don't remember the model but it was like $1900). As much as I wanted to like them, I just couldn't dig in with them. I dug the way they sounded when playing power chords, but every time I moved my hand up and down the neck I just felt that it was so much more of a struggle compared to playing my PRSi, my strats, and especially my Music Man. I didn't mind the 50's necks on the traditionals as much as I thought I would, but there was just something about the way that they played that just turned me off.

And then I picked up my Music Man and the effortlessness I've become accustomed to was right there. I dunno, I guess I'm just not a Les Paul guy. Which is probably a good thing, because the Traditional I was looking at would have been $1350 taking into account trading in my Music Man. That's $150 MORE than the PRS McCarty on Craigslist I've got my eye on. (It will be mine if it is still available in 6 weeks. If not I'll probably get another one before the year's out anyway)

It's funny, I've heard a lot of people say that they have to fight a Stratocaster to get the great tones out of it, and the same guys often say that an LP is much easier to play. I couldn't be of more of an opposite opinion - strats are home to me, but playing an LP is just not right. Maybe I've just not found the right one yet.

[CTN]

yep, I can't get into LPs either. Most gibson designs for that matter. Except Explorers. Them things are so comfy, they practically play themselves.

Too bad they are about as big as me and make me look like a toddler when I play em.

[Agileguy]

I picked up an explorer for a minute and was surprised at how comfortable it was. I'm going to a different guitar center next week and hopefully they'll have a better selection of Gibsons that I can try. I've not got high hopes though, as I've more or less got my sights set on that McCarty.

[lreese]

I've found the McC a little like the LP's in feel I played way back when - a little awkward. I'm inspired to get it back out now I think with the new amp.

How about a booteek Twin Hummer Tele instead? Like a TeleGib.

[Big Flannel]

Am I doing something wrong? I adapt to guitar designs woth little effort and love them all. Granted, there are some I like more than others but I've never understood people like Blueman that just hate certain body types.

[Agileguy]

It wasn't so much the body type for me - I love the look and feel of the LP body. On the 3-4 I tried today, it was just the neck that I couldn't get around. It may have been the finish. I'm not quite sure, I wasn't paying attention to why I didn't like it so much as I was trying to figure out if I could get over what I didn't like about it just so I could have an LP.

And then I realized how ridiculous that was and left the store. I'll try some LPs again on Monday, but I've not got high hopes.

Though it could have been that the ones there weren't in the best condition from having been played by everyone that comes through the store. One of the "new" traditionals I played had a big scrape on the side from some numbnuts that must have dropped it or something. The GC I'm going to has a better reputation, so we'll see. But honstly, it would have to be a hell of a guitar that convinces me to go LP over McCarty, because most of the LP's I want are near twice the price of the PRS.

[lreese]

Nah - we're just old and set in our ways. Especially Agile. ;)

[Agileguy]

How about a booteek Twin Hummer Tele instead? Like a TeleGib.

That's not a bad idea, but I'm not seeing too many pop up in my price range. It's a good idea though. I'm keeping my options pretty open even though I really want that PRS.

[lreese]

I think you should consider getting one built for you to your spec. ;) That lifetime keeper.

I'm betting with the right dealer and 6 months you can get a custom built Suhr for $2300 if you get plain jane woods. (I think you can actually do a bit better than that) I actually prefer the look of a quarter sawn neck over birdseye - nice and clean... and understated. That is if you can afford the scratch.

That said - if someone offered me a Parnell GoldTop LP for a good price... Its as good as mine if the there are no major goofs on the quality control!!!! I'd like to have a R9 in the stable but the quality control horror stories keep me from looking. I don't care for going to stores...

Truth be known - A lot of my stable came from the Gear Page emporium. Bought sight unseen. I've had good luck there - and some iffy transactions.

[Agileguy]

I'd love a Suhr, but I don't think I want to spend that kind of money again for a while. I can swing $1200 for the PRS (especially since I've got the WLH set and I can shave ~150 off the price by selling the stock pickups) but spending two grand again is definitely not high on my list.

It's an interesting option though and I'm going to keep it in the back of my mind. Honestly the only reason I'm considering getting another guitar is to have something to put the WLH set in.

---

And to be perfectly honest, I do want a nice flamed top and the lovely burst on that McCarty, options which would put any Suhr out of my price range. Though the option to go with a simple paint job and get those incredible stainless frets is VERY tempting... At that point though I may as well just get another D'avanzo.

Hmm......