which guitar

[Greg]

I have been playing blues and rock for many years. All the time playing a Jap strat, which I have grown to hate.After much saving, and my tax refund, I now have about $1200 for a new guitar. I seem to have decided on a Gibson LP studio. I know I know , but I cant afford the standard :-( Anyone here have experience with these , or any comments?

[Nathan Clay]

The les paul you bought is nice guitar.
It has a good sound. for most kinds kind of music or sound.
Some people change the pickups and put in hotter pickups.
I have played a few of them I liked them But did not have allot of time to see what it could do when you started over driving the amp with it. I like strats myself. But I also like les pauls they have a sound hard to get any where else. Allot depends now on your amp.
I am getting allot nice sounds out of almost any amp as long as it has a good strong clean channel. I first put the guitar into an Ibenez Tube Screamer. Then into a ART signle channel tube Pre amp.
The tube pre amp is only like $30.00 at musicians friend now. But what a difference it makes.
You have a warm tube sound into most any amp. Then I send the signal to a Boss SD1 distortion peddle. then a boss chorus. and then delay. That set up gets allot of sound. But the tube screamer into a tube preamp no matter where it is located is nice.
I don't think you will regreate your choice of LP guitar. What you bought is a fine guitar.
Can't wait to hear some recording of what your doing with it.
Nathan

[Howlin Howie]

Hey man,

I have an 83 japanese strat which is a re-issue of a 62 and it is one of the best guitars I've ever played. For a while the japanese fenders were better quality than the american guitars. I also have an 83 japanese tele that I will put against any american made fneder guitar.

Howie

[Richard]

Save some money and buy a 2008 American Strat. I own a number of Strats and the 08 Strat is one of the best up to date guitars for working, playing needs. But if an LP is in your dreams don't settle for less than what you want. It makes a huge difference. Also all Les Pauls are not the same. Play it and check the fit before you buy it. Don't do mail order or Ebay. It's hit or miss if you do. I've played for over 40 years From Beale St. in Memphis to the local VFW, play it before you buy it.

[Greg]

Thanks for the replies guys. Well, I didnt buy the Les Paul studio. I tried one out at G.C. Then tried a Gibson SG classic with the p90 pickups. Amazing difference. I LOVE those p 90 s. Typical single coil hum , But I am lining the cavity with copper tape this weekend. Should help a lot. Also , the neck is way better than the LP studio.In short, the S.G smoked the L.P. studio. I am playing it through a Fender Deluxe 40 watt tube amp. I bought it recently, but dont really care for it. Way too bright , and I dont like the overdrive. I want to sell it , and get an Orange tiny Terror. Oh yes , have to mention. I have been going to concerts for 40 years , and last week I saw JOE BONAMASSA here in San Diego. Blew me away, knocked my socks off. Best I have ever seen. Go see him if you get a chance. Also , new album , : the ballad of John Henry" is amazing.