I recently got an Epiphone Special II (my second guitar) because my mom won a contest and gave the guitar to me, and I found out that I love the Les Paul style guitars. But the thing is, that's kind of a beginner guitar and I'm not a beginner guitarist anymore. I've looked around at Guitar Center, Sam Ash, and a bunch of other various guitar shops, and have pretty much decided that I want a Les Paul Studio rather than a Standard. Simply because, since 1. I am paying for the guitar, am only 14, and can't get a job yet, that saves me a good few years of money-saving. and 2. I don't see too many differences important to me in between the standard and the studio.
So my question is, do you think I should go with the studio or standard? I'm leaning towards the studio, but I'm not sure. And also, if I get the studio, there's a limited edition faded line that apparently is the exact same guitar, but with a different finish, and therefore, a lot cheaper. I talked to the people at Guitar Center and that's what they said. Here is a link: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-Les-Paul-Studio... (The satin black and faded cherry are the ones I'm most interested in. And also, I can't decide on the color: red or black? Or do you think I should just pay more money and buy a new normal finish, or a used normal finish? The new ones come with a hard case, and I would definitely need one, and they generally don't come with used guitars, right?)
Update:I'm not really worried about scratching the guitar, I'm generally a pretty careful person and besides, I think scratches give guitars character, and they show that they've been loved and such. Plus they can look cool. I'd just rather not spend $500 more for a shiny finish when I can get the exact same guitar with a faded finish for a lot less.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
The hardware and the electronics are the same for both guitars. There is some difference in the woods and definitely in the finishes. These are mainly cosmetic differences and do not generally affect the playability of the instrument. The flame maple top of the standard does affect the tone somewhat but not dramatically. Color is a matter of preference so that is up to you and yes, most used Les Pauls do come with a case. My preference is the Les Paul standard or the custom. I am into the classic look and feel. The studio does not have the binding on the neck like the standard does. Play them both before you decide. The Epiphone Les Paul custom is much cheaper than the Gibson and is definitely NOT a beginners guitar. It costs about as much as the studio so you can have the classic Les Paul for the price of the studio. You should also see about using the special II as a trade in.
Epiphones are excellent for the price, but they really don't match up to a real Gibson (although Gibsons ARE often overpriced). The biggest difference between the two is the wood. Epiphone and Gibson both source their wood from the same places. The better samples are sent to Nashville to be made into Gibsons while the rest goes to Korea, Indonesia, Japan, and China to be made into Epiphones. Sometimes a piece of wood will just barely miss the Gibson cut and one Epiphone guitar will be WAY better than the others. If you get lucky and find one of those, swap the pickups out and you've got a killer guitar for a nice low price. That 60's tribute LP gives a lot of bang for your buck. It's loaded with P-90's though, so if you're looking for a humbucker tone, that might not be for you. I've got an Epiphone V and Les Paul, both of which cost less than $400 and they sound AWESOME for that price... especially the V (but I switched out the pickups on it). The hardware is top-notch. Both came with Grover tuners (which are some of the best on the market) and the same exact Tune-O-Matic bridge you'll find on the Gibsons. First Class Jackass doesn't have a damned clue what he's talking about. I've never had any problems with either guitar, and while I could probably do any necessary repairs myself, I can't imagine any shop turning you away because it's an Epiphone. They aren't bottom-of-the-barrel instruments by any means.
You can find used Gibsons that come with the cases. I mean, if the guy had a nice Gibson, he probably had it in a case too.... and if he's selling the guitar, will probably need to get rid of the case.
If you're worried about the money, then don't spend it. You'll be playing this guitar, and if you scratch it, you'll be pretty pissed off.
I'd like to suggest another guitar that is cheaper, but pretty comparable to the Gibson.
Agile guitars from Rondo music. I've heard nothing but good things from these guys and this style guitar. They are WAY better than Epiphone. I played a lower end model at a guitar store and it was one of the better LP's that I've played. The higher end models are pretty nice. SO, they may not be quite as good as a real Gibson, but they are pretty close, and to be honest, a lot of people have told me that they like these better than Gibson too... so, at least check them out. Also, you'll get a nicer finish, instead or a faded red color, or solid black. Personally, I like the second one, because of the Seymour Duncan pickups that are already installed.
http://www.rondomusic.com/al3000m2ts.html
http://www.rondomusic.com/al3000hsbduncansh.html
If you still want a Gibson, it doesn't matter if you go Standard or Studio. There's almost no difference. But remember, just because it has a well known name on the headstock, doesn't mean it's the best guitar out there.