New GEAR!!!

[trackman]

Don't want to make anyone jealous, but I have been approved to purchase a new axe for myself. It will have to be in the $500-$700 range. I'm leaning toward an Epi LImited Edition LP in the Pelham Blue.

I just want to make sure I'm getting the best for my cash. Anyone have any suggestions. I currently have a low end start copy HSS config.

[funkStrat_97]

If shopping new, and you want to go the Les Paul route, I'd likely choose an new Gibson LPJ or maybe even a PRS SE Custom 24 over the Epi.  Sure, Epiphone seems to be making some good guitars these days, but based on reviews I've read, this low-priced Gibson seems to be a bit nicer than many of the better Epiphones (not to mention the higher re-sale value).  If you decide to shop used, I'd try to see if I could make this a two-guitar deal.  Say a used Epi LP Standard (seem to go for around $250 - $350 on e-Bay) and an MIM Fender Standard Strat (or Tele).  But congratulations to you and happy guitar shopping.

[Sweetplayer]

Custom 24

[trackman]

Two for Custom 24?!?!

Is it really that much better? I've never picked one up...

[funkStrat_97]

Two for Custom 24?!?!

Is it really that much better? I've never picked one up...

The best advise is to try them both and see which one feels better to you.  Part of it might just be the whole "PRS" mystique.  But if you find an Epiphone than you like then go with it.....after trying out a Gibson LPJ.  Maybe it's just me, but if you can get a "real" Les Paul within the confines of your budget; then why settle for the Epiphone?

[Sweetplayer]

Two for Custom 24?!?!

Is it really that much better? I've never picked one up...

I don`t know.It just looks better

[trackman]

The best advise is to try them both and see which one feels better to you.  Part of it might just be the whole "PRS" mystique.  But if you find an Epiphone than you like then go with it.....after trying out a Gibson LPJ.  Maybe it's just me, but if you can get a "real" Les Paul within the confines of your budget; then why settle for the Epiphone?

I've heard that a higher end Epi can be better than a lower end Gibson. Resale values are better with Gibson, but I plan on keeping it for a good long while. Either way I will go and do a side by side by side comparison.

[funkStrat_97]

....Since I've been thinking of was to spend your money , you may want try out an Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus instead of the Limited Edition (Standard?).  If nothing else,  the Tribute Plus gives you a pair of Gibson '57 humbuckers which is a plus IMO.  It may even be a nicer guitar than the LPJ (and you get an extra $100.00 to play with)!

[gtrdave]

I've heard that a higher end Epi can be better than a lower end Gibson.

Not in my experience. I've played some high-end Epis...Slash Les Paul, LP Ultra II and III, Ultra 339...and I wouldn't buy any of them over a decent LP Faded series.

Resale values are better with Gibson, but I plan on keeping it for a good long while. Either way I will go and do a side by side by side comparison.

If you're looking for a lot of bang for the buck, check out the PRS SE series guitars. They're some of the best imports out there.
And if you have a Godin dealer nearby, you HAVE to check out their electrics. I've owned and still own a couple Godin guitars and they are, to me, the best kept secret in the electric guitar market, bar none.

[trackman]

Not in my experience. I've played some high-end Epis...Slash Les Paul, LP Ultra II and III, Ultra 339...and I wouldn't buy any of them over a decent LP Faded series.

If you're looking for a lot of bang for the buck, check out the PRS SE series guitars. They're some of the best imports out there.
And if you have a Godin dealer nearby, you HAVE to check out their electrics. I've owned and still own a couple Godin guitars and they are, to me, the best kept secret in the electric guitar market, bar none.

That's good info to hear. I'll have to start looking at some Gibsons, and watching some videos on the PRS SE, I'm really liking that too. I'm gonna get to GC and see if i can play one before I order it online... 

[funkStrat_97]

That's good info to hear. I'll have to start looking at some Gibsons, and watching some videos on the PRS SE, I'm really liking that too. I'm gonna get to GC and see if i can play one before I order it online... 

If you find one that you really like in the store; why go back and order it online?

[trackman]

If you find one that you really like in the store; why go back and order it online?

I usually order from www.americanmusical.com so that I don't have to drop the entire amount at once but I still get the gear two days (usually) after I pay the first payment. I get to play while I pay... Guitar Center is just the place I go to try out gear now-a-days...