I’m currently considering upgrading from my current electric guitar, a dirt cheap beginner’s Epiphone Les Paul (it’s the next model up from the Model 100).
I’ve set a budget of about $1500, just to keep myself from going hog wild. I have very large hands, play a fair number of dad rock covers mostly, and occasionally derp around with a few other musicians in the neighborhood.
I’ve played around with and liked both the standard Mexican Stratocaster, and found the PRS Custom 24 to be an enjoyable guitar to play. I’m wondering if there’s another model I need to consider, as I’m planning this as a Christmas present to myself.
Part of my motive for upgrading is actual frustration with the Les Paul as a model. I’ll admit that I bought this guitar under the influence of The Velvet Underground and Nico and K-On!, because I was at the tail end of my weeb phase. But after playing it for a decade, I’ve noticed that actually, the Les Paul has some problems as a design:
- The Gibson headstock sucks. Between the weird angle that makes it more likely to break and, its wide, rectangular shape, and the 3 by 3 tuner setup, intonation is a pain. And the G string is always awful. And as I’ve played this guitar and other Les Pauls, whether from the Gibson Custom Shop, their American mass production factory, or imports, I’ve come to the conclusion that my problems are design related.
- The short scale length is kind of cramped. I’m finding that sure, bends require less strength, but they’re not so much easier than they are on a longer scale length that it makes up for my very large hands making pull-offs more difficult because my hands don’t have the room they need.
Ah, alright then. Funny that you mention K-On, as I’m sure we both know by now, how many MORE kids have picked up Les Pauls because of anime again, but this time black ones because of Bocchi. Good thing I already had my guitar by the time I watched K-On back in the day!
Well, if you’re not happy with the Gibson design, did you consider similar guitars by other makers? ESP LTD Les Pauls are pretty nice, and if I personally were ever to get an LP type guitar, I’d get it from them. Or more accurately, an SG design, as I’ve always liked them more.
Or, you really just want to get something completely different, which I’d completely understand too. After so many years with an Ibanez RG style guitar, I want something different, and I think right now I’m craving a Telecaster.
