Les Paul Classic (most recent one) anyone tried/own one?

Nerine · September 2023

As per thread title really.

I’m thinking about moving my R9 on and I just fancy a cheap-ish LP for beating on, perhaps modding a bit etc.

I like the specs on these, the coil taps and the phase switching seems very cool and I really fancy one in Ebony, and they have a nitro finish so should age and patina nicely.

Just seems like an ideal blue collar workhorse of a guitar that looks pretty cool to boot. Not sure about the zebras, but I could always switch them out.

Anyone use one??

hollywoodrox · September 2023

No but they look lush , love a plaintop .

timmypix · September 2023

I've got one! I like it but it is the heaviest of my LPs, including a 90s Custom and my non-weight relieved Standard.

I like the stock pickups well enough but they're not my favourites, but seeing as the whole harness is built around the quick connect system, and I don't want to modify my stock of replacement pickup options to fit that, I need to rewire it with a traditional harness before I can try some other pickups in it.

But yeah, if that's not an issue and you reckon you'll like the stock pickups, it's a great Les Paul. Does everything you'd want a Les Paul to do and more with the wiring options, but be prepared for it to be heavy.

andy1839 · September 2023

I have this one from 2020.

I added the Bigsby, roller bridge & string butler as I didn't have a bigsby LP.

It's a very solid guitar, very giggable. The coil taps are quite usable.

I was toying with putting covers on the pickups, but quite like the open coil vibe.

I think the zebras definitely look better on a solid colour. An ebony LP Classic looks great with them, definitely the best colour for a Classic.

BigPaulie · September 2023

timmypix said:

I've got one! I like it but it is the heaviest of my LPs, including a 90s Custom and my non-weight relieved Standard.

I like the stock pickups well enough but they're not my favourites, but seeing as the whole harness is built around the quick connect system, and I don't want to modify my stock of replacement pickup options to fit that, I need to rewire it with a traditional harness before I can try some other pickups in it.

But yeah, if that's not an issue and you reckon you'll like the stock pickups, it's a great Les Paul. Does everything you'd want a Les Paul to do and more with the wiring options, but be prepared for it to be heavy.

It's easy enough to wire standard pickups to the Gibson PCB without using the quick connect system. https://www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk/news/article/using-bare-knuckles-with-a-gibson-circuit-board

You won't be able to use the push/pull switches. They'll just work as a normal 3 way dual humbucker setup.

Alternatively, if you have basic soldering skills, you can easily connect any set of 4 conductor humbuckers to these and they'll connect to your Les Paul Classic PCB and retain all the switching options. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154922149483?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=m_i4f2csqqg&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=7UozzOPoQBO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

jellybelly · September 2023

Nerine said:

As per thread title really.

I’m thinking about moving my R9 on and I just fancy a cheap-ish LP for beating on, perhaps modding a bit etc.

I like the specs on these, the coil taps and the phase switching seems very cool and I really fancy one in Ebony, and they have a nitro finish so should age and patina nicely.

Just seems like an ideal blue collar workhorse of a guitar that looks pretty cool to boot

Isn't it weird how someone who only plays Les Paul's would see an LP Classic as 'cheap-ish' and 'blue collar workhorses' when the same money would get you a top of the line AVii Strat/Tele/offset from Fender.

Are Tributes or a Faded not in contention for half the price? Or is this whole thing something that someone who buys and uses Fenders wouldn't understand?

BigPaulie · September 2023

jellybelly said:

Nerine said:

As per thread title really.

I’m thinking about moving my R9 on and I just fancy a cheap-ish LP for beating on, perhaps modding a bit etc.

I like the specs on these, the coil taps and the phase switching seems very cool and I really fancy one in Ebony, and they have a nitro finish so should age and patina nicely.

Just seems like an ideal blue collar workhorse of a guitar that looks pretty cool to boot

Isn't it weird how someone who only plays Les Paul's would see an LP Classic as 'cheap-ish' and 'blue collar workhorses' when the same money would get you a top of the line AVii Strat/Tele/offset from Fender.

Are Tributes or a Faded not in contention for half the price? Or is this whole thing something that someone who buys and uses Fenders wouldn't understand?

It's a fair point.

I did wonder what kind of "blue collar" worker could afford to drop £2k on a guitar for "beating on".

Boromedic · September 2023

Wow, why is every one a critic these days, why do you believe your opinion on these things matter? He's just on about buying a guitar like, if you wanna argue politics, and what counts as blue collar/white collar and the limits you can spend to be classed as that, there's a politics section for you. You don't have to poop on the thread, no one cares about any of that in this section.

Good luck with the search mate, sure you'll find something decent. Can't believe some ones was heavier than a 90s custom though!!

willo · September 2023

Had one but returned it due to QC issues with the finish and electrics. Would have otherwise liked to have kept it - very playable and I love a plain top. It didn't feel like anything other than a full fat Gibson to me.

Speaking of which, these are weight relieved and generally still heavier than standards. It's also harder to find the weight for an individual guitar with UK retailers than standards. Depends if that's an issue for you. All in all mine came in a 4.2kg, which was fine.

There was nothing 'blue collar' about it , unless we mean a lack of crazy flame. But on that I preferred it because it felt like more of a player's guitar, having a plain top with mineral streaks.

I do think with the last round of price increases the RRP on these doesn't make that much sense anymore, but Street prices can still throw up some OK deals.

willo · September 2023

Oh and the range is supposed to be on the way out or getting a refresh.

Which makes sense because there's a lot of overlap between these and the Standards.

jellybelly · September 2023

Boromedic said:

Wow, why is every one a critic these days, why do you believe your opinion on these things matter? He's just on about buying a guitar like, if you wanna argue politics, and what counts as blue collar/white collar and the limits you can spend to be classed as that, there's a politics section for you. You don't have to poop on the thread, no one cares about any of that in this section.

Good luck with the search mate, sure you'll find something decent. Can't believe some ones was heavier than a 90s custom though!!

Wasn't a criticism, was genuinely curious, especially about how Gibson Vs Fender fans might see value at that sort of money. No need to get offended on his behalf or start inferring political positions etc

To me it sounded like he wanted something simpler/cheaper from his description but each to there own, not my place to tell anyone what they should or shouldn't spend on a guitar.

Nerine · September 2023

Thanks for the input so far. Appreciated.

Certainly some food for thought.

The weight is surprising given the Swiss cheesing of the body, so will look out for that.

As for the other comments, perhaps don’t take things so literally. I’m more referring to how the guitar is appointed and it’s less flashy visual appeal.

BigPaulie · September 2023

Nerine said:

As for the other comments, perhaps don’t take things so literally. I’m more referring to how the guitar is appointed and it’s less flashy visual appeal.

Fair enough.

Nerine said:

I just fancy a cheap-ish LP for beating on, perhaps modding a bit etc.

I'm sure you can appreciate where the confusion arose from...

Boromedic · September 2023

jellybelly said:

Boromedic said:

Wow, why is every one a critic these days, why do you believe your opinion on these things matter? He's just on about buying a guitar like, if you wanna argue politics, and what counts as blue collar/white collar and the limits you can spend to be classed as that, there's a politics section for you. You don't have to poop on the thread, no one cares about any of that in this section.

Good luck with the search mate, sure you'll find something decent. Can't believe some ones was heavier than a 90s custom though!!

Wasn't a criticism, was genuinely curious, especially about how Gibson Vs Fender fans might see value at that sort of money. No need to get offended on his behalf or start inferring political positions etc

To me it sounded like he wanted something simpler/cheaper from his description but each to there own, not my place to tell anyone what they should or shouldn't spend on a guitar.

I wasn't offended on his behalf, I thought it was a shitty comment on a want to buy thread, hence why I said. Onwards and upwards

Nerine · September 2023

BigPaulie said:

Nerine said:

As for the other comments, perhaps don’t take things so literally. I’m more referring to how the guitar is appointed and it’s less flashy visual appeal.

Fair enough.

Nerine said:

I just fancy a cheap-ish LP for beating on, perhaps modding a bit etc.

I'm sure you can appreciate where the confusion arose from...

Not really.

I mentioned downgrading from an R9.

In that scenario the Classic is a cheap-ISH Les Paul and “blue collar” fits the description pretty accurately.

There wasn’t really any need to bring it up to begin with, especially since all context seems to have been ignored.

jellybelly · September 2023

Nerine said:

BigPaulie said:

Nerine said:

As for the other comments, perhaps don’t take things so literally. I’m more referring to how the guitar is appointed and it’s less flashy visual appeal.

Fair enough.

Nerine said:

I just fancy a cheap-ish LP for beating on, perhaps modding a bit etc.

I'm sure you can appreciate where the confusion arose from...

Not really.

I mentioned downgrading from an R9.

In that scenario the Classic is a cheap-ISH Les Paul and “blue collar” fits the description pretty accurately.

There wasn’t really any need to bring it up to begin with, was there.

Fair enough OP sorry for derailing your thread, wasn't my intention to do anything but discuss side to your original post that I found interesting but I appreciate you were being very specific and indeed talking about a relative speaking much cheaper instrument.

@Boromedic no need to be quite so aggressive, even after I attempted to clarify my position and de-escalate.

My only opinion is that Classics look like all the Les Paul I'd ever want, but I like the 'plain top' look, and if they did one in wine red without the zebra humbuckers that would look lovely. They all feel heavy to me but weight relief is certainly warranted in any modernist Gibson! Hope you get what you want for the R9 - I can imagine gigging with that is nerve-wracking!

guitargeek62 · September 2023

LP Traditionals are worth a look too

p90fool · September 2023

jellybelly said:
Isn't it weird how someone who only plays Les Paul's would see an LP Classic as 'cheap-ish' and 'blue collar workhorses'

It's a big step down from an R9 price-wise, but still a great Les Paul, in fact it's way more versatile and has a decent bridge.

I sold my Gibson J-35 because I didn't want to hack my most expensive, fragile guitar around crappy pub gigs, but the guy who bought it wanted a cheap beater so he could leave his Hummingbird, Dove and Taylor at home. He's a lovely guy and a great singer and player, so his gigs are better paid than mine, that's all.

HerbieTheRadDorklift · September 2023

Play some and see what you think

NelsonP · September 2023

It's weird that there aren't more people who know the op's question. I was lusting after these when they were a mere £1500, not that long ago. They look pretty cool to me, but I never got round to trying them.

I'm not sure how a weight relieved les paul ends up weighing more than a non weight relieved one. Do they fill the holes with lead? ;-)

I'd imagine that they are quite a downgrade from an R9, based on my experiences of other custom vs USA gibsons, but I'm sure they are still pretty great.

Neil · September 2023

NelsonP said:

It's weird that there aren't more people who know the op's question. I was lusting after these when they were a mere £1500, not that long ago. They look pretty cool to me, but I never got round to trying them.

I'm not sure how a weight relieved les paul ends up weighing more than a non weight relieved one. Do they fill the holes with lead? ;-)

I'd imagine that they are quite a downgrade from an R9, based on my experiences of other custom vs USA gibsons, but I'm sure they are still pretty great.

Just lighter woods on the solid more expensive LP's.

jeztone2 · September 2023

I’ve got a 2017 LP Classic T Goldtop. It’s now got a pair of Dimarzio’s & Jumbo fretwire courtesy of Feline. If they refresh the Classic I’d add jumbo frets & hotter pickups. Actually give the consumer some sort of choice.

I think they all come in around 10lbs in weight.

Boromedic · September 2023

What are the main stock pickups in a Classic, I've never really looked and noticed some variations just now when I did.

Roundwound · September 2023

I’ve just sold my black one, 21 or early 22 model. It was only 8.4lbs which is primarily why I bought it…and why I kept it for a year or so despite several QC issues including large gouges on the fretboard (more than usual) and a deep, palpable ridge where the binding was over scraped. Very clumsy handywork. Despite these issues and overly low frets, presumably from aggressive plecking, it played pretty well and sounded good. I found the push pull functions incl coil splits to be useless.

tony99 · September 2023

Roundwound said:

I’ve just sold my black one, 21 or early 22 model. It was only 8.4lbs which is primarily why I bought it…and why I kept it for a year or so despite several QC issues including large gouges on the fretboard (more than usual) and a deep, palpable ridge where the binding was over scraped. Very clumsy handywork. Despite these issues and overly low frets, presumably from aggressive plecking, it played pretty well and sounded good. I found the push pull functions incl coil splits to be useless.

I've got a standard with the same push pull / coil split options. I've found they can be more pronounced depending on which types of amp one uses.

BigPaulie · September 2023

tony99 said:

Roundwound said:

I’ve just sold my black one, 21 or early 22 model. It was only 8.4lbs which is primarily why I bought it…and why I kept it for a year or so despite several QC issues including large gouges on the fretboard (more than usual) and a deep, palpable ridge where the binding was over scraped. Very clumsy handywork. Despite these issues and overly low frets, presumably from aggressive plecking, it played pretty well and sounded good. I found the push pull functions incl coil splits to be useless.

I've got a standard with the same push pull / coil split options. I've found they can be more pronounced depending on which types of amp one uses.

Gibson use a "tuned tap" system where the screw coils are sent to ground through a capacitor.

It sounds ok when playing clean, but I don't like it for driven tones.

Much better to replace the cap with a resistor a la PRS partial split or for high output pickups such as the 498R just replace the cap with a jumper wire and send the whole screw coil straight to ground.

Nerine · September 2023

Hmmm. Definitely seems like a try before you buy affair, going by the above.

I mean I’d do that anyway, but y’know.

Seems typically Gibson that they can vary in weight, potentially sound a bit meh and potentially have some finishing issues…

If it wasn’t for the Thin Lizzy tribute band, I’d not even think about buying another Les Paul tbh.

Have considered a Deluxe to be fair, as it’s a bit more authentic, but I’m not massively keen on them.

jellybelly · September 2023

It doesn't sound like you're overly excited by it! Is a Traditional a lot more money-wise or same ballpark?

If you try one and come away unimpressed, would you consider something else? There's a few 'almost Gibson' options like a Heritage H150, MIJ Epiphone Elitist or a used Orville??

If it has to have 'Gibson' on it I totally understand that though, not trying to be contrary, I'd be the same with a Jazzmaster needing to be a Fender, or else it's not a Jazzmaster. More flexible with teles for some reason???

Nerine · September 2023

jellybelly said:

It doesn't sound like you're overly excited by it! Is a Traditional a lot more money-wise or same ballpark?

If you try one and come away unimpressed, would you consider something else? There's a few 'almost Gibson' options like a Heritage H150, MIJ Epiphone Elitist or a used Orville??

If it has to have 'Gibson' on it I totally understand that though, not trying to be contrary, I'd be the same with a Jazzmaster needing to be a Fender, or else it's not a Jazzmaster. More flexible with teles for some reason???

Well, I'm now wondering if I can get away with a Les Paul Special in TV yellow.

A cool guitar whichever way you slice it. Very workmanlike, no neck angle to worry about, simply constructed - surely Gibson can't even get them wrong etc.

Not sure the image is quite correct, but not far off, plus I've never had a guitar with P90's before.

roberty · September 2023

jellybelly said:

It doesn't sound like you're overly excited by it! Is a Traditional a lot more money-wise or same ballpark?

If you try one and come away unimpressed, would you consider something else? There's a few 'almost Gibson' options like a Heritage H150, MIJ Epiphone Elitist or a used Orville??

If it has to have 'Gibson' on it I totally understand that though, not trying to be contrary, I'd be the same with a Jazzmaster needing to be a Fender, or else it's not a Jazzmaster. More flexible with teles for some reason???

My H-150 is insanely good. I know it's not a big sample size but I would take mine over any Gibson

BigPaulie · September 2023

If you're considering copies, look at Maybach. Same price as a Classic, but more of a traditional build and cosmetic.

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Les Paul Classic (most recent one) anyone tried/own one?

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