I purchased this rare beast from Thomann in August 22. This was a combination of a 40th birthday present from my wife, and also a token to remember my father who passed away this year, so quite a personal item.
This exact model is unobtainium in any of the shops where I live, even the Gibson official dealers told me it would be next to impossible for them to get in. I have never bought a guitar without playing it first so was a bit apprehensive about purchasing online. I convinced myself that the Gibson Custom Shop don't make any dogs so I should be safe.
So my main concerns prior to buying (without playing) were:
- Guitar might weigh a tonne
- P90s might be unbearably noisy
- Intonation on the wraparound tail piece.
- not bond with the neck profile
I am so so glad I took the punt and ordered this from Thomann! Hands down the best Les Paul I've ever played.
Guitar arrived about a month after ordering (such is the rare beast that it is) perfectly boxed and packaged.
My specimen is incredibly light for a non chambered Les Paul, weighing in at 8 pounds 2 ounces (3.685 kg for those of you viewing in colour), lighter than my friends chambered LP!
The things sounds amazing unplugged, so loud and zingy, and plugged in it is beautiful. It does cleans so much better that a humbucker Les Paul (all in my opinion of course) and with gain can do blues and classic rock with ease. The Gibson P90s sound fantastic, the neck pick up is just so where it's at for blues soloing, so much pick attack and vocal nature. And FYI, P90s are no more noisey than a strat or tele pick up, (even with fuzz etc). They also clean up like strat pick up, which is totally class!
The wraparound intonated fine, I have no issue with it.
The neck is big and chunky, so if you like thin neck profiles, might not be for you. I love it and I think it adds massively to the tone. The whole thing just feels so solid and resonant.
The VOS finish may not be for some, however I love it, and it can be polished out to a shine if desired.
But above all else....the tone. Unreal
In conclusion, the perfect rock / blues machine! Absolutely love this guitar it's my new number 1, so glad I went with Thomann as I think I got an amazing specimen.
By with confidence, it'll be the best guitar you own! 😁
