I lost all of my electric guitars in Katrina and figured I owe this review to offer shopping suggestions to everyone looking to replace thier guitars. I am a former professional musician and really only play now as a hobby. I decided to replace my Gibson SG that was lost in the flood with the "Rolls Royce" of all guitars: the LP Custom. Here is what I think of it:
Of all the items I have reviewed on Amazon, the LP Custom has to be the most difficult for several reasons. First, since it is a handmade guitar, the buyer should know that no two will be exactly the same. On the same day I bought mine, for example, I noticed that the one right next to it on the wall had a sixth string groove that in the nut that was situated too close to the top of the fretboard. I also played several other custom shop models that had similar quirks, including the Jimmy Page Custom (which has a neck like a Kramer and the body of a Les Paul...yes, it's ridiculous).
Second, because my playing style is hard picking mostly, I don't know if everyone would agree with what I have to say about the action on this guitar, but it was the deciding factor in my selection. The all-black/gold Custom I picked had just a bit more resistance to "digging" than the others I tried (then again, I learned to play on a Sears and Roebuck special). Still, all the LP customs have ebony ("fretless") fretboard wire; and when the action is set right the guitar seems to "play your fingers".
Anyway, assuming that you can find one of these LP customs that has off-the-shelf action that fits YOUR playing style, the sound of the heavy cruiser will take you away. This axe has a 3-ply maple top with a mahogany bottom. You can tell its very high quality wood by the way the strings resonate.
Notes "wobble" and "swell" after being plucked even when the guitar is not plugged in. The sheer weight of the bottom guitar seems to make the neck (which is relatively thin on a basic custom)much more vibrant and responsive than it is on a single slab guitar. Since this tonal quality is coupled with a natural resonation in the ebony fretboard, the player can squeeze every ounce of juice out of a single note. Also, this resonance quality works well to enhance spooked notes in arpaggio sweeps. As as result, the LP custom can be suited out as a digitalized metal cruncher or a acoustic jazz box
The sound quality and feel give the basic LP custom some big plusses. You will also notice a change in your playing prowess from the responsive fretboard. However, there are a few small minuses that first-time high-end guitar buyers should be aware of.
First, the basic Custom is the plug-ugliest looking guitar in the world. There are only 4 color selections (Black, White, Narural and Red). The gold humbuckers on the Black Beauty only seem to make it look gaudy to me. But, again this is subjective.
Second, the basic customs come equipped with standard Gibson Alnico Humbuckers. Although these pups blow doors on most humbuckers, the clarity of the 3rd and 4th strings tends to get buried when the guitar is phased and flanged through a tube amp and there is a low note ringing. I'm going to try putting in a burstbucker to solve this.
Another obvious drawback to the guitar is the weight. Playing this guitar standing without staplocks is crazy. It is killing my lower back. If you're going to gig with this axe, drink plenty whiskey and take some cortizone. I suppose this is another price to pay for that solid mahogany sustain and tone!
In retrospect, I love this axe, but wish that I would have looked harder at the Les Paul Custom Class 5. I've heard they are about a thousand more, but I didn't come across one in any stores. Those come in many different colors and are outfitted with burstbuckers off the shelf. Also, they have chambered mahogany bodies that are supposed to make them weight-relieved. Still, I wonder if they could achive the same sustain and tone?
Rule #1 is to always make sure you can return the guitar if you find a defect! For the price of this one, you should have perfection!
Regards
Valjean
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Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar, Ebony.
