Historic Reissue Les Pauls worth it????

[Jon W]

Haven't played one yet.
But, I've been wanting one for a while and wondered if they are worth the extra coin over a GOOD standard.
Are they really that much better.

I know that it is on a guitar by guitar basis. So, it will come down to playing one that I CAN"T LIVE WITHOUT....

Just looking for bias and unbiased opinions.

[BrianH]

I think owning a Historic is in part having something closer to the real deal. You're also getting closer to vintage appointments that do make a tonal difference like long neck tenon. I've had a couple Historics and now have a G0 which I adore. If you're not needing a flame top and like a slimmer neck, the G0 is a great deal and can be had for $1800-$2200 on ebay.

Gets addicitive, though, and you'll be replacing plastic/inlays/hardware/pickups like crazy!

[Jon W]

Thanks Brian.

I'm not really after any particular looks. Just as killer sounding and playing guitar. So, flame or not, I don't care. I guess I'm more curious about the "better mahogany" and the long tenon.

That said, I really happy with my 90s era standards. Just wonder if the grass is greener....

[mwm523]

It depends on what you're looking for, but for me the answer is yes. The historics are closer to vintage Les Pauls in materials, workmanship, and tone than the modern standards are. They have a more vintage vibe, and that reflects in the sound.

If those vintage sounds of the '60s are what you're looking for, the historics will get you closer than a new standard. But if you're more of a Slash kind of guy, the Standard might be right for you.

The price differences become much smaller if you look for a used one. Used 54, 56, and 57 reissue goldtops, as well as 58 reissue plaintops can be found for around $2K right now. I've seen used R8's go for as little as $1800 recently. If you want a flametop, used R9's and R0's are going for about $3500 used, give or take.

Don't get me wrong, the historics are not perfect guitars. I've done multiple upgrades to both of mine, including new pickups and new pots/caps. I've also changed the nuts on both to bone, and installed pigtail hardware, etc. They were really good before, but the upgrades made them GREAT.

Here are my babies.

2007 R4:


2007 R8

[BrianH]

There are Historic duds and exceptional Standards, for sure.

+1 to everything Mike said!

[Jon W]

Thems purdy

[mwm523]

Thanks! My best advice to you would be to get out and play a bunch of them to see what they feel and sound like. You'll find they vary a little bit from one to the next, but they should all have a similar vibe.

Good luck!

[Mars Hall]

Another difference to consider when comparing Historics to normal Standards is, all of the newer Standards, the backs are chambered and are 2 or 3 pieces glued together. All Historics are one piece backs and non-weight relieved. All the choice woods are saved for Historic runs. When it comes down to it, it's all about the wood.

[Flames1950]

It is all about the wood -- unfortunately one piece of wood doesn't guarantee a nicely resonating piece. As someone pointed out above, there's killer standards and Historics that are dogs. So play the biggest crap-pile of Les Pauls you can get your hands on, and take home the one that plays, feels and sounds right to your hands and ears, no matter what price tier it's in.

[Mars Hall]

It is all about the wood -- unfortunately one piece of wood doesn't guarantee a nicely resonating piece. As someone pointed out above, there's killer standards and Historics that are dogs. So play the biggest crap-pile of Les Pauls you can get your hands on, and take home the one that plays, feels and sounds right to your hands and ears, no matter what price tier it's in.

Jon W, Flames is right. Grab the one that speaks to you. The right guitar will be real hard to put down. Play them unplugged as well, so you can hear what the wood sounds like. Good tone unplugged will translate when plugged in.

[Flames1950]

In fact, I never plug a guitar in at the store. Pickups come and go (OK, usually stock pickups only go........) but good wood is good wood and it will shine through.

[bluze81]

As discussed try em out,you will find one thats speaks to you, I have Three, I dont care for the stock Burstbuckers Pickups but they are Great Guitars.

[Roe]

I'd only buy a gibson if I come over one that's really good,

[Jon W]

Thanks all.

I actually have two standards that are really resonant. They are older (mid 90s) and I should be content with them as they are very good sounding and playing LPs. But, you know....gear lust. And, I've never payed much attention to the historics.

[Flames1950]

Well, yeah, there's no accounting for, or stopping, gear lust!!!!