[colchar]

Despite figuring that I was done with them, I have gone an given myself GAS for a LP (don't ask, just accept the fact that I am a moron who is susceptible to GAS - or that I am a moron in general). But this time I am finally going to get myself a Gold Top which is my Holy Grail when it comes to LPs. There are two models I am considering, the Classic and the 2016 Standard.

The Classic comes with open coil zebra '57 Classic pickups (I like the pickups but would eventually have covers put on), a normal 12" radius fretboard, a slim taper neck, Orange Drop capacitors, wired ABR bridge, and historic wiring (I assume they mean '50s wiring which I would have done to any Gibson I own). Those are available for $2249 and are much more vintage spec than the Standards. The only thing I would need to change on the Classic is putting covers on the pickups, adding a poker chip around the switch, and putting on gold reflector knobs (which I already have sitting here) and pointers.

Store:

Gibson - 2017 Les Paul Classic T - Goldtop

Gibson:

Les Paul Classic 2017 T



As I've just discovered in another thread here, L&M has 2016 Standards on sale for $2499 (about $900 off their original price). That guitar comes with Burstbucker pickups (Burstbucker Pros I believe, which I am not a fan of), coil tapping, a PCB board in the control cavity (I think...I know that previous models had those), an asymmetrical neck, and a compound radius fretboard (10" at the nut and 16" towards the body). If I were to buy that I would have to change the pickups and electronics as well as the knobs.

Store:

Gibson - 2016 Les Paul Standard - Gold Top

Gibson:

Les Paul Standard 2016 T


But what I am really curious about is the compound radius fretboard on the Standard. Does anyone here have one of those on their LP? If so, what do you think of it in comparison to their normal 12" radius? Do you notice the difference? I know this will be a personal thing but I can't get to a store to try one until Wednesday (I will be hitting the North York location which has both the Standard and the Classic Gold Tops in stock) so I figured I should ask to get other people's impressions before then.

 

[cheezyridr]

i have one on my '14 studio pro. it doesn't feel different to my hand. it's got great sustain, and handles bends as well as anyone might ask for. i like double stops and unison bends. my strat would fade out at the high end of the neck. this lp never does that, and chords ring out nicely too. i like my action fast, and this guitar is very fast, yet also very clear, no buzz. almost 4 yrs now, and i have zero complaints on this guitar. i don't know if the compound radius comes on other necks than the 60's slim taper that i have, but i assume it would behave the same if it does.

 

[Zeegler]

I have a Standard with the Burstbuckers and compound radius. I don't even notice the radius at all. It just feels like any of my guitars with 12" radius. I disliked the Burstbuckers very much though, and replaced them with a Duncan Custom/59 combo.

 

[CDWaterloo]

Both of them are good, but If i were you, i'd go with the classic. It seems a better fit for you. I have a 2016 classic. It's my number 1, and i have 10 guitars. With these new improvements, 2017 classic is very attractive and the price is not too bad as well.

Cd

 

[Roryfan]

+1 on the Classic. Although the Std. is on sale, it's still $250 more & will require more $ to get it how you like it. I've had a couple of LPs with BB Pros & they are awful, very harsh.

Unless I'm missing something, the "foundation" of the guitar seems quite similar: 60s neck, chambered body etc. The other differences are things that you imdicated you would change, so I can't see paying $500+ more for a compound radius when a 12" shouldn't fret out anyways.

 

[Rideski]

Having just picked up a new 2016 Standard with said specs I can attest to the fact that it's a spectacular guitar. I also have a '71 GT Deluxe and a '74 Custom which don't have these newer specs and I don't notice the compound radius difference at all. I've always been a 57 Classic/Classic Plus pup fan ( my favourite Gibson pair) but I really like the tones from the Pros in the Standard. Very dynamic and touch sensitive.
Another thing to keep in mind is the Standard is weight relived (mine is 8.8lbs). For me this is the biggest difference between the two as that's something you won't be changing/swapping after the fact.
Also, keep in mind the discount on the Standard at $900 off retail. If for what ever reason down the road you decide to sell it should get a higher resale value than the classic.
The push pull pots are actually nice on this beast. The single coil tones a great and useful. What is really great, fro me, is the push pull on the tones as it gives you the Peter Green out phase tones. Me likie those tones.
I hope this helps. Either way you won't go wrong. Both are sweet guitars.

 

[Roryfan]

FWIW the Std has an assymetrical neck profile, which you may or may not like. I took an '08 Std on a trade once & was very underwhelmed. Didn't like the feel of the assymetrical neck & it lacked the expected LP "grunt" due to some pretty intense chambering. Sorry, I don't remember the differences between the various types of weight relief but I think there's a thread on the LP forum where they've X-Rayed guitars to show "swiss cheese" vs. other types of weight relief.

Also the Classic has an ABR-1 bridge while the Std has a Nashville.

Your best bet is to play as many of these as possible before deciding.

 

[colchar]

Both of them are good, but If i were you, i'd go with the classic. It seems a better fit for you.

+1 on the Classic.

I was thinking the same thing last night. That guitar is a far better fit for me. Other than adding pickup covers, a poker chip, pointers, and putting on a spare set of knobs that I have here I wouldn't need to do a thing to that guitar. And the things that I do want to do are minor cosmetic changes.

Although the Std. is on sale, it's still $250 more & will require more $ to get it how you like it.

Yep, was thinking the same.

I've had a couple of LPs with BB Pros & they are awful, very harsh.

Agreed, I am not a fan at all. I prefer Burstbucker 1 & 2s in an Les Paul but quite like the '57 Classics in other guitars (ie. my 2013 SG Standard) so could easily live with them in the Classic.

 

[colchar]

Another thing to keep in mind is the Standard is weight relived (mine is 8.8lbs). For me this is the biggest difference between the two as that's something you won't be changing/swapping after the fact.

I only play at home and play sitting down 99% of the time so it could have the weight of a '70s Norlin and it wouldn't bother me.

Also, keep in mind the discount on the Standard at $900 off retail. If for what ever reason down the road you decide to sell it should get a higher resale value than the classic.

That crossed my mind but I'd like this purchase to be my last, at least for quite a while, so I don't anticipate selling whatever I buy.

 

[aC2rs]

I have a 2016 LP Standard and absolutely love the feel the asymmetrical neck and the compound radius fretboard - it instantly became my no.1.

I tried quite a few Studios and Classics with the regular slim-tapered necks but found the asymmetrical slim-tapered necks of the Standards to be far more comfortable in my hands.
To me the feel of the neck alone was worth the difference in price.

Of course, it's all personal preference though, try the Classic and the Standard and see which feels best to you.
If you prefer the neck on the Standard it's easy enough to change out the electronics and have the guitar exactly the way you want it, if not save the difference and go with the Classic.

 

[colchar]

FWIW the Std has an assymetrical neck profile, which you may or may not like. I took an '08 Std on a trade once & was very underwhelmed. Didn't like the feel of the assymetrical neck & it lacked the expected LP "grunt" due to some pretty intense chambering. Sorry, I don't remember the differences between the various types of weight relief but I think there's a thread on the LP forum where they've X-Rayed guitars to show "swiss cheese" vs. other types of weight relief.

The Classic is weight relieved like the image in the middle, and the Standard is weight relieved like the image on the right:

 

[Larry]

Take a look at a 2017 Gibson Les Paul tribute T , satin Gold Top, ....... it's a great buy at $1129.00

 

[Fuzzy dagger]

+1 on the GT love. Something timeless about that paint job. I have 57's in my 335 (my avatar) and quite like them. I also have a 2012 Traditional GT that I can't put down. It doesn't have a compound R neck, but it has a 50's neck, my first. I got used to it very quickly. My point is, Your fingers will prolly adjust easily to whatever new LP you get. Try a few.

 

[Tone Chaser]

I agree with @cheezyridr
I have two 2014 Studio Pro models, the compound neck is awesome. The pickups are a ‘57 and a Burstbucker Pro.
These guitars are sleepers, and keepers.