Good cheap LesPaul copies?

i_got_a_mohawk · #1 10-11-2007, 06:32 PM

Im looking for a LP copy for not much over £100.

Just for playing about with, will end up ripping out the electrics probably, so, as long as its a good/decent build quality

Any recommendations?

Cheers

-Will

Skel · #2 10-11-2007, 08:32 PM

I would check out "ESP" brand, or maybe a beat up Epiphone. I really think you could buy a beat up Epi for what you want to spend. And it would be decent, I'm sure.

Nappa · #3 10-11-2007, 08:34 PM

Do you already have an amp? Or are you going to use your bass amp?

Nappa · #4 10-11-2007, 08:36 PM

Have you tried Rondo yet? Or is that out of the question?

If not then I suggest an AL-2000 model with your finish of choice.

erochelle77 · #5 10-11-2007, 09:03 PM

I know where you can get amazingly accurate counterfeits...not that I condone such things.

i_got_a_mohawk · #6 10-12-2007, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nappa

Do you already have an amp? Or are you going to use your bass amp?

Ive got an amp

, older trace elliot speed twin H100 custom shop, sweeeeeet as valve amp (recently revalved with JJs, a half power switch added aswell as the pentode triode which was already there, so its 25, 50 or 100 watt

)with an older peavey 4x12, which is being replaced with a 2x12 loaded with V30s

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nappa

Have you tried Rondo yet? Or is that out of the question?

If not then I suggest an AL-2000 model with your finish of choice.

I have looked, and if im going to spend a bit more, i'll see if rondo still ship abroad. I quite like the natural spalted top AL2000 and the tribe blue AL3000

Quote:

Originally Posted by erochelle77

I know where you can get amazingly accurate counterfeits...not that I condone such things.

Counterfeits as in Les Pauls, or Gibsons? I know a few places in asia selling cheap "Gibson" les pauls etc, but i've always heard they are pretty poor? Or if your meaning les pauls, then shoot away, i condone it!

Baryonyx · #7 10-12-2007, 03:41 AM

I was going to suggest Epiphone until you specified your budget...

mvw356 · #8 10-12-2007, 03:42 AM

Tokai!!!

IanStephenson · #9 10-12-2007, 05:25 AM

Check on ebay for an old Hohner L59, L59T or L74(I think).

They were the top end of the hohner "pro" series (whatever that means) in the late 80's. They're built to real LP style designs, rather than just LP shape - the 59;s even have glued necks. You don't see that in many copies, and as the brand isn't well known for guitars the prices are in your range.

i've got the 59T which has a trem (not my first choice, i never use it!), and the trem setup on mine is so far out that it needs a proper repair to make it playable, but otherwise it punches well above its weight (or rather it weighs well above its price - they're as heavy as real LPs).

Ian

Bard2dbone · #10 10-12-2007, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvw356

Tokai!!!

Dingdingdingdingdingdingding! We have a winner!

The BEST Les Paul type guitar I've ever played is a Tokai Love Rock. You would absolutely never regret getting one of these

oldrookie · #11 10-12-2007, 03:47 PM

Played a used Epiphone Les Paul Signature short-scale the other day. Pretty nice sound, but you'd have to like a thin neck. $249 asking price. used. Has very similar neck to that on my Brice HVB 600 (Beatle bass copy.)

CrazyArcher · #12 10-13-2007, 05:58 AM

A guitarist in my band got a LP-Studio clone, dubbed Kimberly... It really delivers for the money. I doubt you'll find it, though.
As for more known stuff, I'd join those recommending Tokai.

phxlbrmpf · #13 10-13-2007, 12:20 PM

I hear Epiphone Les Pauls usually have terrible tuners. Does anyone know if they now come with better ones?

Skel · #14 10-13-2007, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phxlbrmpf

I hear Epiphone Les Pauls usually have terrible tuners. Does anyone know if they now come with better ones?

I've owned two Epi's and I have had no problems with the tuners at all. I don't know if they are now "better", because I've never seen the "bad" ones.

i_got_a_mohawk · #15 10-13-2007, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phxlbrmpf

I hear Epiphone Les Pauls usually have terrible tuners. Does anyone know if they now come with better ones?

It depends on what model. The higher end epiphones tend to have Grovers. Lower end ones are dire tho.

We were practicing with a new guitarist (contemplating having a second guitarist) and he had a cheaper epi, and was having to tune it every couple of songs!

James_B · #16 10-13-2007, 03:22 PM

The problem with buying cheap copies is I just bought one the other day and now I want a real 3 grand Gibson Les Paul.:'(