I’m afraid that I may be falling out of love with my Les Paul. There. I’ve said it.
There are many great qualities to this instrument. It has really great sustain, it sounds really nice into a dirty amp, and it’s pretty much perfect for chunky rhythm guitar parts. Unfortunately, it has it’s share of issues that I can’t really come to terms with.
Number one with a bullet is that it just won’t stay in tune. I have to retune after every solo, and that just shouldn’t happen. There’s not much worse than playing a solo, then going back to the rhythm part only to realize that your B string is about 1/4 step flat because of that big bend that you ended the solo on.
Another issue is that the neck is just too big. I liked it at first, but it has started to get on my nerves lately. It’s really hard to play fast on this guitar. It’s one of those guitars that fights you tooth and nail. There’s something inherently rock and roll about that, but I’m just tired of fighting it.
The last thing that I’m going to mention is that the cleans are weak. This is a pretty common complaint about Les Pauls in general. I guess the mahogany body paired with the humbucking pickups makes the guitar really dark-natured.
Ugh, I don’t know. I feel like I have been making excuses for this guitar for a long time because I have always wanted a Les Paul.
I’m not really sure what I would replace it with. The main contender is an ES-339 with the 30/60 neck. This would pretty much be an even trade, but I’m unsure about doing modern rock with a semihollow.
I have heard a lot of great things about the Hamer Studio, but it seems kinda generic. A lot of people have suggested a PRS Singlecut, but I have always been leery of those. I do not like those highly figured maple tops – they just look gaudy. Maybe a Gretsch Duo Jet? I want something kinda classic, but with a modern sensibility. Does that make sense?
I anyone could give me any leads or anything about this, I would greatly appreciate it.
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I know on mine (95 Epiphone) had similar problems until I changed my tuners and the pickups. I love my cleans now and it stays in tune. The pickups now have a touch of high end sparkle and react to the tone control— you probably did this, but lower/raising the pickups made a huge difference. As for the big neck– i think that’s something that won’t change. I love it for rhythm, but fast leads is a bit hard, however mine seems easier to be fast the higher on the neck I go.
I wouldn’t recommend it, but I did have a buddy who had a luthier put a strat neck on his LP to get the guitar he wanted.
I am with you on the semi-hollow– but I think it would do fine with rock. Some of (dating myself) Collective Soul’s hardest stuff was with hollow/semi-hollow LP humbucker style guitars. (“Heavy” “Why”) The resonance makes for great, thick chops, sustain for days with controlled feedback…. only problem is maybe feedback. The 339 would make me completely jealous….
I totally know the feeling! I got rid of my LP after much debate. I had always dreams about LPs when I was a kid but it just wasn’t what I wanted anymore. Semi hallows can totally work for rock! You have to be careful of feedback though, make sure it has a solid block – not basa wood. They have an almost-out-of-control quality when you crank the gain, I happen to like it
I think the 339 would be a good choice. I have a 137 but if we both have bluesboys and 137s it’s be like wearing the same dress to the prom.
balsa wood*
@Larry – I could change the tuners, I guess, but that’s only part of the problem. The pickups have already been changed. I have a set of WCR pickups, which are some of the best humbuckers you can get.
@Mike – I’m glad I’m not alone. I’m still bummed about it. I feel kinda like I’ve been making excuses to myself about this guitar ever since I bought it and I’m just now realizing it. I’m definitely not gonna get a 137. They’re cool, but I’m not really into those “full-figured” guitars if you know what I’m saying.
I’ve already received several trade offers on TGP – a Heritage 335, a Zemaitis, and a cherry 339. I’m looking into the 339, but the other guy is new to the forum, and you never know about random dudes on the intarwebs.
“I’m unsure about doing modern rock with a semihollow.”
You’d be surprised! I used an Epiphone Dot (I know, it’s not a 339, but still..) for some recording sessions, and that puppy can scream. Cleans sound a bit better than with a Les Paul, too.
Have you tried an Anderson Cobra? Tele shape, Gibson scale, perfect fretwork, humbuckers with 4 leads so you get all of the switching options for better clean sounds. I like it better than the PRS guitars I’ve tried before (Singlecut, Standard 22, friend’s early PRS before they were marking 10 tops). I’ve used a LP Custom and 70′s Deluxe for recording but they are not as playable for me.
If you’re looking for a classic/modern guitars, you may want to check out Duesenberg and Koll.
I’ve never tried an Anderson, but I’ve heard nothing but great things about his instruments. I would love to own a Koll someday, but they’re pretty spendy.
I see it’s too late (awesome PRS BTW!!), but did you give the Taylor Solidbody a look? I got the Standard and it plays great and Taylor is doing some cool stuff with the Pickups.
I have played the Taylor solidbodies in the past, and I didn’t fall in love. They just didn’t really feel like electric guitars to me. I remember the necks being especially bulky. Granted, it has been a while, and they have probably made a lot of improvements since the first generation, but I can’t get over that initial first impression.
And yes, this PRS is awesome. It sounds great and it’s really comfortable. I just need to see how it sits with the band. We’re practicing again on Friday and I can’t wait…