Vintage Les Paul vs NEW

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

O.K. been playing guitar On & Off for bout 20 years, & obviously know if most folks had the choice they would choose a , well let's say 79' Custom SilverBurst over the 2012 version , am I right? I want some opinions PLEASE! I have owned all kinds off guitars , heck even the cheaper Epiphone (somewhat same ballpark)

Anyways , I am trying to make a Decision tomorrow and The Whole World is saying get a Vintage , the Tone, Tuners, Value cool Green color change...heck even me being a Die-Hard TOOL/Adam Jones Fan has had me always wanting a Vintage! Even before Adam & TOOL , Watching Jimmy Page and others Hunched over with that BEEFY Guitar made me always Like that look shape, but the more Glamorous look on the Paint on the NEW Ones look AMAZING & still sound GREAT! I mean Technically I will have to buy the guitar used a few months to a Year cuz of the whole "EBONY" Finger Board thing, and I have to have one! The new boards are not bad at all and you really can't tell the difference but , someone, anyone PLZ chime in & Give a little hint of what they personally would do? I know ultimately it's my decision but advice would be most appreciated Folks, THANKS FOR ANYBODY TAKING THE TIME OUT JUST TO MAKE A QUICK SUGGESTION , WORD G! Cool

Joined: 07 May 2012 Posts: 357 Location: Hellhole

VINTAGE! It'll be worth more, mean more to ya, plus Adam might wanna buy it off ya one day! Laughing

Joined: 06 Jul 2011 Posts: 122

Go vintage!

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 12:26 pm

Nothing wrong with Norlin's

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 12:34 pm

Can you afford a vintage? I'd say try them all out, and make your decision based on what plays best.

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 12:35 pm

Northwinds wrote:

Nothing wrong with Norlin's

Agreed. Great instruments. Just not built to Gibson Purists likes. They work for me though.

Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 340 Location: cali.

Vintage was has and always would be my choice but I'm not a pro so really wouldn't make me play that much better. I think there was a time when the job making the guitar was a craft not a robotic program process. Machinery was quite different.

Several years ago ( 10-12) I was in the market to buy a replacement for a Gibson SG I once owned. I tried new ones but the older 70's SG was the only one that felt right. No re issue. I bought one on ebay. No regret except I sold it.

This being said I jumped on the limited run Dean V as my first new guitar ever.

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

ML Tib wrote:

Can you afford a vintage? I'd say try them all out, and make your decision based on what plays best.

When I say Vintage I mean late 70's , Early 80's , 79-85 to be exact. Yeah I found some between $3000-$4000 ( Usally don't talk about prices )cuz I don't wanna be rude, but just saying they actually go for what the new ones do but will go up in Value more! I have found some nice Vin. Ones in That have held up in Vrest shape over the years
Meh Confused

Thx folks

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 437

Go vintage man for sure. Like what was said above, back then even in the late 70's/early 80's these companies made instruments to be proud of. Plus a little mojo makes them look better anyways.

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

I want Vintage but the new ones look so good! Reason why I did not buy BRAND NEW is cuz of the richlight neck,(did I say that right) Mad

I am an EBONY MAN! Force to buy used anyways but either going with the 79' or early 80-85, or 2011, sometime TODAY!!! Confused

You might be right KOURY, ADAM would agree anyways, I have played one 77' Ebony Gibson YEARS AGO, I cannot remember DIK about it tho that it weighed as much as the FAT Girl I took to PROM!

Just kidding, about which part of that joke you will never know Shocked

Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 2004

Vintage ftw.

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

Thank all you guys for taking the time out to give some Advice Cool

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

ML Tib wrote:

Can you afford a vintage? I'd say try them all out, and make your decision based on what plays best.

I'm Buying out of state, so no one around here has a Vintage I can just go grab and Jam, that's why I wanna know the Difference in Feeling more than anything in this whole Decision ...Played many of New Customs, LOVE em'!

Is there any way to tell me a difference in feel , if at all possible?
Again 79' , 82' or 2011 Models to choose from , or Brand new 2013 but No EBONY Crying or Very sad

, The new "NON" Ebony's still play the same tho!

Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 1528 Location: PAris, France

I'll be the odd voice here and advise new.

-You know what you get. Buying a vintage guitar without trying it is a risky proposition. (Yes, I know, we do it all the time, so what :p )

-Gibson various QC horror stories seem a thing of the past. All recent Gibsons I've tried have been at least decent, most of them good, some outstanding. Plek setups help there.

-I have personally bought a studio 50 reissue and it is simply the BEST guitar I have ever played at that price point. (for what it's worth, I'm 40 and have played "a few" guitars in my lifetime, probably less than the pros around here but I'm not an 15 y.o internet kid either)

-The new board woods Gibson use (baked maple, richlite etc) have people up in arms@ "its not ebony" but I actually like them. (Richlite is ok. Baked maple is actually surprisingly comfortable and nice looking)

-Vintage guitars have probably already reached their maximum prices. It's likely you'll lose money or not gain any if you resell.

-Wine Red 2012 LPC :p

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

Andro wrote:

I'll be the odd voice here and advise new.

-You know what you get. Buying a vintage guitar without trying it is a risky proposition. (Yes, I know, we do it all the time, so what :p )

-Gibson various QC horror stories seem a thing of the past. All recent Gibsons I've tried have been at least decent, most of them good, some outstanding. Plek setups help there.

-I have personally bought a studio 50 reissue and it is simply the BEST guitar I have ever played at that price point. (for what it's worth, I'm 40 and have played "a few" guitars in my lifetime, probably less than the pros around here but I'm not an 15 y.o internet kid either)

-The new board woods Gibson use (baked maple, richlite etc) have people up in arms@ "its not ebony" but I actually like them. (Richlite is ok. Baked maple is actually surprisingly comfortable and nice looking)

-Vintage guitars have probably already reached their maximum prices. It's likely you'll lose money or not gain any if you resell.

-Wine Red 2012 LPC :p

EXACTLY why I was Pondering this! I played a Richlite the other day and LOVED IT!!! I have not played the guys 82 and nor can I , Buy and NO RETURNS,! SCARES me on something that old, Very Good Point Sir, all you guys!

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

Last question, a 2011 Ebony , HOT-RODDED with SUPER-DISTORTIONS & PEARLOID Tuners or a "NEW" 2013 "RICHLITE" STOCK Pickups?

My 2nd last question ....

Oh Yeah & a Washy USA SLIME or a SilverBurst?
I do have a few Slimes but I can't have enough, pretend I don't have the Slime and go back up to the question above.

Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 340 Location: cali.

when you put it that way I agree with new. you never now what your getting with out playing it. If you play a new one and liked it that might be you best choice. You are talking buying something like this traditional, that is very nice.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LPNTDCMCH-13/

I can't explain what it is i don't like about some of the new ones , I have seen a couple studio's that didn't stay in tune, A 05 "V" just didn't play all that great to me. I played a new ESP EC1000 Deluxe the same day and it played real nice so I guess the neck is what I love or hate about a guitar. I could have just needed a different set of strings and set up but for that much money you might be better off new like Andro is saying you know what you are getting.

Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 379 Location: Kent, UK

Just because its older, doesn't mean its better.

Remember that.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 2130

I don't really mind the Richlite boards but don't feel they should charge the same high price as previous ebony boarded guitars. My other problem is that the new Customs come with pearloid inlays instead of MOP. Richlite + Pearloid = same high cost? Count me out...I'll buy a custom from the 80's - 90's.

Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 4749 Location: Indiana

longhurstgb wrote:

Just because its older, doesn't mean its better.

Remember that.

Mine is.

Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 4749 Location: Indiana

Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 379 Location: Kent, UK

Goldarn' it, Kerry

Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 4749 Location: Indiana

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

ibmorjamn wrote:

when you put it that way I agree with new. you never now what your getting with out playing it. If you play a new one and liked it that might be you best choice. You are talking buying something like this traditional, that is very nice.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LPNTDCMCH-13/

I can't explain what it is i don't like about some of the new ones , I have seen a couple studio's that didn't stay in tune, A 05 "V" just didn't play all that great to me. I played a new ESP EC1000 Deluxe the same day and it played real nice so I guess the neck is what I love or hate about a guitar. I could have just needed a different set of strings and set up but for that much money you might be better off new like Andro is saying you know what you are getting.

Same with me , The NECK is what I'm ALL about!

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

Wombat wrote:

That thing looks brand new! NICE Cool

Joined: 04 Jun 2012 Posts: 347 Location: South-West Ohio

I can' dig teh richlite stuff, but that being said the baked maple stuff REALLY surprised the crap out of me - played like Ebony, sounded BETTER when compared to some ebony I've played, and looked good. I actauly really lik that baked maple.

Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 340 Location: cali.

rumbleseatmusic.com/vintage%20guitar%20pic%20pages/76GibsonLesPaulCustomNatural.html
This place has had some nice stuff .I never anything from them but there lots of reputatble guitar stores

rumbleseatmusic.com/vintage%20guitar%20pic%20pages/09GibsonLesPaulStdTradProSB.html

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 10:36 am

Zombie Apoc wrote:

ML Tib wrote:

Can you afford a vintage? I'd say try them all out, and make your decision based on what plays best.

I'm Buying out of state, so no one around here has a Vintage I can just go grab and Jam, that's why I wanna know the Difference in Feeling more than anything in this whole Decision ...Played many of New Customs, LOVE em'!

Is there any way to tell me a difference in feel , if at all possible?
Again 79' , 82' or 2011 Models to choose from , or Brand new 2013 but No EBONY Crying or Very sad

, The new "NON" Ebony's still play the same tho!

The vintage stuff I have is from 56 60 70 and 76. The 70 and 76 stuff has really nice necks.

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 2:02 pm

I tell ya' what.... the new historics (09-13) are stellar. About the best Gibson ever made, IMHO.

I've played some real "vintage" dogs. My 2010 R9 is about the best guitar I've ever owned.... Wink

Pretty authentic looking too... Smile

Joined: 11 Jan 2012 Posts: 24 Location: Morganville, NJ

Look for Gibson '68 reissue LPC, long tenon, no weight relief holes, fantastic guitars (also available in silverburst).

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

So I am use to playing V type necks or at least something sharper & not as chunky , played 2 richlites & one was good the other I had problems getting sound at the top frets on doing a sweep/solo it drive me nuts , maybe I was nit use the "CHUNKINESS" yet but needless to say I was annoyed . What year did they stop using MOP & use Pearloid, I saw BLOYD mention this cuz I am down to a 1982 or 2011 Today! Soon as I get an answer on that I am making a choice! Thx for all the Knowlwedge! Cool

Keep bringing it , if ya got some more folks!

Joined: 30 Mar 2009 Posts: 4704 Location: Dayton, OH

Wombat wrote:

Man that thing is awesome!

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

What year Wombat?

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

I just found out they don't use MOP now, along with Ebony? Shocked

So I gotta buy "Mother of Toilet" now huh? Rolling Eyes

Joined: 09 Nov 2009 Posts: 71

Wanting a vintage is analogous to wanting the "history" of the guitar, not just the vintage "sound/tone" we expect from an old instrument. There is nothing wrong with that, but remember, that vintage instrument was once new as well. Vintage or new when it comes to your guitar, nobody knows better then your hands and ears. In the end you won't be wrong...congratulations on the gift of "choice." Wahi'

...wisdom

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

Why Thank you kind Sir, I love this forum...& one of my other new babies came in Today, So I will have to post some outdoor PRON but it's Cloudy here in the "Lone Star" , so once the SUN comes out I will take PICS of her.
I went on a spending spree lately , but if ANYBODY wants to come and JAM with me , my new address is Right off Highway I-20 , under the Highway Overpass , 2nd Pillar, Across from the Liquor store...If you can't find me , just ask for MARTINEZ he will guide you in the right direction ...& look for the GOLD ,Spray Painted Shopping cart, cuz that's how I roll son,LITERALLY, WORD Cool

Joined: 11 Oct 2012 Posts: 11

I don't like the two options you want us to choose so I would like to offer you a third option.

First, let me explain my take on the first two.

VINTAGE: Inconsistent mass production manufacturing techniques back then so you never knew what you were going to get. Vintage guitars today, if authentic are usually beat to crap but not a bad way to go if you can find a god one and afford to buy it.

NEW GIBSON: Poor quality and getting worse by the minute. Substitution of quality materials for cheaper materials which may or may not hold up over time or sound very good.

THIRD OPTION: HERITAGE GUITAR
Well, what would you say to being able to buy a brand new Les Paul style guitar, which was made by one of those same guys who made the 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitars, on the same machines, in the original Gibson factory, in the same town, in the same way that they were made back then (but much slower now with much more hand craftsmanship involved and quality control), but only for a fraction of the price which Gibson would charge for a much lesser quality modern version of the Les Paul guitar?

My Les Paul style guitars are made by The Heritage and I have a H150 and a H157 which are the equivalents of the Les Paul Standard and the Les Paul Custom. Hand made in Kalamazoo Michigan.

See heritageguitar.com for more info or ask me.

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

HANGAR18 wrote:

I don't like the two options you want us to choose so I would like to offer you a third option.

First, let me explain my take on the first two.

VINTAGE: Inconsistent mass production manufacturing techniques back then so you never knew what you were going to get. Vintage guitars today, if authentic are usually beat to crap but not a bad way to go if you can find a god one and afford to buy it.

NEW GIBSON: Poor quality and getting worse by the minute. Substitution of quality materials for cheaper materials which may or may not hold up over time or sound very good.

THIRD OPTION: HERITAGE GUITAR
Well, what would you say to being able to buy a brand new Les Paul style guitar, which was made by one of those same guys who made the 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitars, on the same machines, in the original Gibson factory, in the same town, in the same way that they were made back then (but much slower now with much more hand craftsmanship involved and quality control), but only for a fraction of the price which Gibson would charge for a much lesser quality modern version of the Les Paul guitar?

My Les Paul style guitars are made by The Heritage and I have a H150 and a H157 which are the equivalents of the Les Paul Standard and the Les Paul Custom. Hand made in Kalamazoo Michigan.

See heritageguitar.com for more info or ask me.

Thanks for the advice, and I like the Deep thought process you went into...

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

ALRIGHT FELLAS, HERE WE GO:
After giving it several MONTHS of thought , heck actually YEARS , before I even wrote this THREAD I was going towards BRAND NEW, You know what you are getting, unless you buy Vintage at a Store Rolling Eyes

& I LOVE the fact that NO ONE has touched her, "LIKE A VIRGIN, OOOO, TOUCHED FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME" , Sorry for My MADONNA Reference....Anyways yeah NEW is Awesome , I love the Newer Glossier , Shinier Paint on them, etc. BUUUUUT; I CAN'T STAND that they took the Ebony away, actually you can still get it from Gibson but you have to make the Guitar from scratch and that would be about $6000! Shocked

F-THAT! I HATE They don't use MOP anymore like BLOYD Stated and charge the same , I mean bottom line there are PROS & CONS BOUT em' Both but , I am Actually going with the Vintage 79-85, one or the other , I am getting it now just wanna leave a little suspense on the Year til' I post some outdoor PRON cuz I just got my 3rd Washburn Slime and wanna show her too!

Either way , You can't go wrong with any Year CUSTOM SilverBurst, My Opinion anyways Wink

Joined: 11 Oct 2012 Posts: 11

No you don't know what you are getting with a new Gibson.
Did they chamber it?
If so, which of the three versions did they use?
What material did they use on the fretboard this week?
Who knows?

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

HANGAR18 wrote:

No you don't know what you are getting with a new Gibson.
Did they chamber it?
If so, which of the three versions did they use?
What material did they use on the fretboard this week?
Who knows?

Well either way I went Vintage , so I guess it really doesn't matter
Wink

But if you are just trying to give some Knowledge/Advice then Thank You Buddy! I am a Washburn, PRS, & Fender man, as well as Gibson but am learning more on them.

Joined: 07 Dec 2003 Posts: 80 Location: chicago

If you go to the les paul forums, the cork sniffers will tell you that only pre-1968 les pauls are truly vintage. I'll bet most those "collectors" are not players and buy guitars and store them, rather than playing them. The same is true with any brand, including dean. I have 73' les paul deluxe that absolutely plays and sounds fantastic. It is a fabulous guitar. I once had a 75 les paul that was a piece of s#%t. So, it can be hit and miss in the 70's.

Ed

Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2013 3:08 am

Ebony and rosewood are back this year AFAIK.... Gibson only used substitute fretboards after the Gov't seized all their existing stock. I am sure they will offer some of the other materials until it's all gone and I tell you there is nothing wrong with the baked maple boards unless your a purist or just looking at asthetics because it sounds the same as ebony, in fact just as hard if not a tad bit more

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

Northwinds wrote:

Ebony and rosewood are back this year AFAIK.... Gibson only used substitute fretboards after the Gov't seized all their existing stock. I am sure they will offer some of the other materials until it's all gone and I tell you there is nothing wrong with the baked maple boards unless your a purist or just looking at asthetics because it sounds the same as ebony, in fact just as hard if not a tad bit more

Yeah I played 2 richlites and one sounded & played the same as an Ebony neck, which I Liked a lot! The other sounded like and happen to feel like CRAP on the Fretboard, as I hit a note it was almost like the frets up near the body were dead. I swear that sounds weird but I speaketh the truth I say!
Maybe "Hit or Miss" on those 2 or any new ones for that matter , I couldn't tell ya Honestly Confused

I'm Not a Gibby Expert Rolling Eyes