I started guitar about two months ago (I'm 13) and I'm thinking of getting a job for one or two weeks so I can buy my first electric guitar after summer vacation. My first question is, should I work so I can get the guitar after summer vacation or should I stay at home and practice? The second question is how much do Les Paul Classics, Standards, and Studios go for?
I can answer your first question. Do both. At your age you are very limited to the number of hours you can work and that leaves ample time to practice.
I work 10 to 12 hours a day often 7 days a week and I still practice every day.
Work and practice.
As to cost. If you go for a real Gibson Les Paul then you are starting in the $1000 range on up to maybe $2500 or so. If you go for a knock off like an Epiphone then you are in the $400 to $600 range.
Check the prices at http://www.music123.com or http://www.musiciansfriend.com which will give you a good idea.
Studios can drop into the 700 range new. If you're interested in a Junior or a Special, those can get into the 5's.
Classics are going for 2k at GC now, with the recent 200 price hike, but you can probably get one from a specialist dealer online for something like 1400.
Standards are now 2200 at GC, or 2500 with a premium top. Again, a good shop online can get you into the 1600-1800 range.
Before you buy a Les Paul, read the Les Paul Forum, and read lots of it. Read the Sunburst Pub, Tone Zone, BayWatch, and the Les Paul Tech Area. I would consider that the base for being ready to make a genuinely smart purchase. More is better.
http://www.lespaulforum.com <-- front page
http://www.lespaulforum.com/forum/index.php ? <-- Straight to the forum pages.
EDIT:
Goodness I'm slipping, forgot a few things:
Some of your best deals come from the dealers who advertise ON the lespaulforum. Marks Guitar Loft, Wildwood, Centre City Music, etc. Some of them only have used stuff since Gibson's policy change, but I think several of them still have some new stock.
This brings me to my next point:
Buy used. Budget + LP = buying used. Decent deals are always around. Read BayWatch to get a handle on what's a good price for various years and conditions. Not only do you get the ebay listing, you also get some very educated opinions on the listing, which are very helpful in keeping you from getting suckered.
Good luck!
Do something you love and you'll never work a day in your life...
Hey Cat what is "Baywatch"
Hope David Hasslehof isn't involved 8)
Stan
My first question is, should I work so I can get the guitar after summer vacation or should I stay at home and practice?
Before you know it you're going to be forced to work practically every day for the rest of your life. Why rush it?
My first question is, should I work so I can get the guitar after summer vacation or should I stay at home and practice?
Before you know it you're going to be forced to work practically every day for the rest of your life. Why rush it?
Because if I don't work I won't be getting a guitar for a long time =|
