Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: _tom_ on November 05, 2007, 02:35:25 PM

Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 05, 2007, 02:35:25 PM
I'm sure theres been loads of threads on this subject but the search feature on this forum is a bit cr@p and I cant find anything specific.

Anyway, I'm looking for a new LP and would like a MIJ one of some kind. Price roughly £400, give or take £50. Basically, which brands are considered the "best" MIJs? Edwards look nice but they only do really flamed models by the looks of things, I think I'd like a plaintop tobaccoburst but not totally sure yet.

Theres a Burny on Japan Guitars but I dont know if its overpriced or not, what do you think? http://www.japanguitars.co.uk/page%205%20Burny.html (the last one on the page for £455)

Edwards would cost me less, how does the quality compare? I've also been looking at the John Sykes models but cant decide whether all that silver is too tacky and shiny or not!

Cheers


edit - another thing - how much customs could I get charged?

Oh, and I just found this on ebay, good price?  http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ORVILLE-Gibson-Les-Paul-Standard-Maple-Top-Guitar_W0QQitemZ320177642929QQihZ011QQcategoryZ33040QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

Just noticed the outline of the inlays on that look a bit dodgy on second thoughts, the guitar looks great except for that :(
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Will on November 05, 2007, 04:45:54 PM
The edwards customs have ebony fretboards which would make a differnce I guess.

For customs, add 20% to the price including shipping usually I think

17% VAT, and something else like duty is 3-5% maybe?
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Iron Horse on November 05, 2007, 05:04:55 PM
Well, I myself have a J Tokai, it's good, although it's poly finished. The stock pups aren't very impressive, but they can be changed to some nice bk's. :shock: I think Epi Elitists are also very good. Then there's Edwards, and old Ibanez and loads of othr 80's copycats.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: indysmith on November 05, 2007, 05:18:32 PM
that burny looks very nice (apart from that oddball d-string tuner)! If it's on Japan guitars it's bound to be a good example - he only seems to buy the better ones.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Ted on November 05, 2007, 07:24:55 PM
Quote from: indysmith
that burny looks very nice (apart from that oddball d-string tuner)! If it's on Japan guitars it's bound to be a good example - he only seems to buy the better ones.


Didn't one of the boys here buy that Blue Custom from this chap and he wasn't 100% happy with his "Mint condition" description...
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Philly Q on November 05, 2007, 09:37:37 PM
Quote from: Ted
Didn't one of the boys here buy that Blue Custom from this chap and he wasn't 100% happy with his "Mint condition" description...

Sambo got the blue Burny and was, I think, very happy.

I bought an Orville by Gibson goldtop from the same guy and didn't agree at all with the "near mint" description.  Of course a term like that's subjective, but it had 5 or 6 loose fretboard inlays which really should have been mentioned.  I got the inlays repaired by Feline - then sold the guitar (and kept my Edwards LP).

Quote
Oh, and I just found this on ebay, good price?
 http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ORVILLE-Gibson-Les-Paul-Standard-Maple-Top-Guitar_W0QQitemZ320177642929QQihZ011QQcategoryZ33040QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

I'd guess that's a very fair price, but he says it had a "K" serial number which means it may be Korean (or at least wasn't built at the Fugi-Gen factory in Japan).  Also it doesn't have the long tenon neck joint, which is seen as very desirable.  It's no lightweight either, over 10lbs.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 05, 2007, 09:40:27 PM
hmm I think I'll give that one a miss then. I think Edwards would be the best bet as they seem to be great quality but I cant decide whether I want a flame or plain top now!

edit - I think I may end up getting the same honeyburst edwards as indy and dave_mc, it looks awesome on these pics

http://cgi.ebay.com/Edwards-ESP-LP-Super-Flame-HONEY-DUNCAN-PU-S-Brand-NEW_W0QQitemZ120176917813QQihZ002QQcategoryZ33038QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: HTH AMPS on November 05, 2007, 10:14:01 PM
I know you've already got a black custom, but this one looks NICE...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Edwards-ESP-LP-CTM-EB-W-S-DUNCAN-PU-S-Brand-NEW_W0QQitemZ120179153883QQihZ002QQcategoryZ33038QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

and what about this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-Tokai-Love-Rock-LS-450CS-w-Tom-Holmes-pickups_W0QQitemZ180175838296QQihZ008QQcategoryZ47072QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

or a Goldtop with P90s (yum!)

http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-Tokai-Love-Rock-LS-450CS-w-Tom-Holmes-pickups_W0QQitemZ180175838296QQihZ008QQcategoryZ47072QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

actually, screw all those - this is f'in amazing...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Orville-By-Gibson-Rare-Explorer-in-Natural-w-Dimarzio_W0QQitemZ200168960793QQihZ010QQcategoryZ33040QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

or an Epi (Japan) LP, this is really smart...

http://cgi.ebay.com/EPIPHONE-JAPAN-ORVILLE-GIBSON-LES-PAUL-STANDARD-MIJ_W0QQitemZ170166069252QQihZ007QQcategoryZ38086QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I can vouch for the Epi Japan quality, I have one of their LP juniors and it's a great guitar.

 :twisted:
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: ilÿti on November 05, 2007, 10:22:53 PM
That second one (Tokai love rock) just might have the prettiest top I have ever seen.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: indysmith on November 05, 2007, 10:31:29 PM
Quote from: ilyti
That second one (Tokai love rock) just might have the prettiest top I have ever seen.
tackyyyyyyyyyyy
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Philly Q on November 05, 2007, 10:35:47 PM
Quote from: ilyti
That second one (Tokai love rock) just might have the prettiest top I have ever seen.

It is a beauty, but almost too pretty for rock'n'roll I think.

Look at the lovely clean routing in the neck pickup cavity - that's a good example of a long tenon.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 05, 2007, 10:42:23 PM
Yeah thats really tacky and ugly, I cant stand quilt tops. I think so far the Edwards LP standard in honeyburst is winning but if possible I'd like to find a nice tobacco burst plain top.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Philly Q on November 05, 2007, 10:53:08 PM
Quote from: _tom_
I think so far the Edwards LP standard in honeyburst is winning but if possible I'd like to find a nice tobacco burst plain top.

There's this one (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2004-ESP-Edwards-SLASH-LES-PAUL_W0QQitemZ330184334877QQihZ014QQcategoryZ33038QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem), but it still has a bit of flame, not really a "Slash" model.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: ilÿti on November 05, 2007, 10:54:52 PM
But I like tacky  :oops:
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 05, 2007, 10:58:54 PM
Quote from: Philly Q
Quote from: _tom_
I think so far the Edwards LP standard in honeyburst is winning but if possible I'd like to find a nice tobacco burst plain top.

There's this one (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2004-ESP-Edwards-SLASH-LES-PAUL_W0QQitemZ330184334877QQihZ014QQcategoryZ33038QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem), but it still has a bit of flame, not really a "Slash" model.


Yeah I saw that, shipping from Switzerland though so am unsure about that :?

I'm gonna go to sound control on friday and play a load of guitars anyway to see what I like, I might even end up going with a 2nd hand PRS Santana SEII in tobacco sunburst, I like how those guitars play and feel, they just dont look as cool as Les Pauls :P
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: dave_mc on November 05, 2007, 11:01:40 PM
Quote from: _tom_
edit - I think I may end up getting the same honeyburst edwards as indy and dave_mc, it looks awesome on these pics

http://cgi.ebay.com/Edwards-ESP-LP-Super-Flame-HONEY-DUNCAN-PU-S-Brand-NEW_W0QQitemZ120176917813QQihZ002QQcategoryZ33038QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


yeah, the honeyburst is very nice. :) EDIT: i think mine is more orange and less cherry than that one, though.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Philly Q on November 05, 2007, 11:05:25 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Yeah I saw that, shipping from Switzerland though so am unsure about that :?

I bought my Epi LP Jr from that guy (Dave Boyles) and there were no problems at all.  

And somehow he wangled it so there was no VAT to pay, even though Switzerland isn't in the EU.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 05, 2007, 11:10:47 PM
Oh right, cool. This one he sells looks nicer I think - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1995-Orville-Gibson-Japan-Les-Paul-Standard_W0QQitemZ330183449765QQihZ014QQcategoryZ33040QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

decisions decisions

Anothing thing I was thinking was getting the p90 black custom - I havent actually played a proper p90 guitar but I can try some out on Friday and if I like them it may be an option :)
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Philly Q on November 05, 2007, 11:17:33 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Oh right, cool. This one he sells looks nicer I think - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1995-Orville-Gibson-Japan-Les-Paul-Standard_W0QQitemZ330183449765QQihZ014QQcategoryZ33040QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

I agree, that's a nice one!  :)  And I really like that kind of no-flame maple top, it still has a nice grain pattern.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Jonesy76 on November 05, 2007, 11:20:09 PM
My main Les Paul these days is an Orville By Gibson (always go for the 'By Gibson' models as they got the nitro finish, the long neck tenon, and were made in the FugiGen factory in Japan rather than Korea).  
It's a rare flame topped custom in probably something akin to honeyburst, the only difference to a Gibson Custom Shop Custom being that it has a rosewood fretboard rather than ebony - which is good as I like rosewood boards better.
I stuck a matched pair of Stormy Mondays in it complete with 4 CTS 500K pots, switchcraft switch and bumblebee capacitors and it now absoltely kicks ass! :twisted:  It's an utterly superb guitar and it's never going to leave my possession............now if only I could afford a nice Orville By Gibson gold top to go along with it :roll:
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: indysmith on November 05, 2007, 11:22:43 PM
Quote from: Jonesy76
............now if only I could afford a nice Orville By Gibson gold top to go along with it :roll:

oh how i yearn for one
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 05, 2007, 11:44:16 PM
I cant decide if I want a goldtop or not. Some times I think they look good, and others I cant help but think "tacky" :?

Another one I cant decide on, an off-white LP Custom

(http://www.katanaguitars.com/guitar/g010/g012_3_bla.jpg)
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Will on November 06, 2007, 12:00:34 AM
The off white LP would be my choice.
I agree about the tackiness of a goldtop, but sometimes it is nice.

Then again, i have a 'goldburst' guitar, that looks horrible(chips etc), but I don't look at it in an arty sort of way... I play the damn thing  :twisted:
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: gingataff on November 06, 2007, 02:17:45 AM
Edwards do a reliced tobacco sunburst with a flame top (no plain though), it's not on Ishibashi's site but Ikebe have it. Ishibashi may be able to get one though if you ask. I've seen them in person and they're very nice for the money. I haven't tried one yet though.  The model number for the relic is E-LP-130-LTS/RE(TSB) and there's a cheaper non-relic version E-LP-98-LTS(TS).
Here's a link, scroll down and there are a few examples, you can click on the orange buttons on the pop up windows for more pics.
http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/shopping_20.php?cate=1&brand=57&shop=&c_time=&h_price1=&h_price2=&fair=&keyword=&u_time=&state=1&s_cate=1&state2=&img_flg=1&order=1&page_cnt=48
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Henk on November 06, 2007, 08:34:22 AM
Kind of interesting top side discussion. I believe you can hear when a guitartop is properly matched soundwise, often those tops dont look very good because the stripes dont match up, or look much differently. Maybe its something you get from making a top from a single piece of flamed maple which can be less pleasing when sawed trough the middle.

Maybe now this is all different, but i still think those AAA tops are not the best match soundwise.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Twinfan on November 06, 2007, 09:18:20 AM
On these guitars, the flame top is a very thin veneer - it will do nothing for the tone.  Beneath it is a hunk of solid plain maple.

You can't say that the look of the top affects tone.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Twinfan on November 06, 2007, 09:22:23 AM
Whoa - love the TS relic!:

(http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/img/goods/1/1/82981_b.gif)

(http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/simages/27/82981/sub1.jpg)

(http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/simages/27/82981/sub2.jpg)
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: kevincurtis on November 06, 2007, 10:43:33 AM
oh man - all these beautiful guitars...my GAS for a Les Paul which I try and keep in check is going into overdrive! :) (although I'm not sure when quilted maple became tacky! : :roll:  )

What sort of neck finish do the edwards have? all the Tokais and Epis Ive tried have a gloss finish which I can't get on with :(  In my ignorance i would assume it is the same as the body for set neck guitars?
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Ted on November 06, 2007, 10:49:04 AM
I really like this one...

(http://i13.ebayimg.com/08/i/000/be/2f/4abe_1.JPG)
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Ted on November 06, 2007, 10:50:22 AM
Quote from: Twinfan
Whoa - love the TS relic!:

(http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/img/goods/1/1/82981_b.gif)

(http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/simages/27/82981/sub1.jpg)

(http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/simages/27/82981/sub2.jpg)


Is that a Nitro finish?
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Twinfan on November 06, 2007, 11:01:34 AM
I doubt it, it's more likely to be a thin poly...
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Twinfan on November 06, 2007, 11:04:21 AM
Tom,

There's also the option of the Tokai Love Rock Relic at Coda Music priced at £749.  I love mine, they're great guitars.  It's also in the country so you can try it out before you buy.  It's been there for AGES so I reckon if you go in waving cash you should be able to get it for around £700 with a hard case thrown in.

(http://www.coda-music.com/catalog/images/tokaireliclp.JPG)
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Henk on November 06, 2007, 11:12:50 AM
Quote from: Twinfan
You can't say that the look of the top affects tone.


 :lol:

I certainly didnt say that. I do think that when comparing different samples of the same guitar, there are noticable differences in tone quality.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 06, 2007, 11:23:39 AM
Quote from: Ted
I really like this one...

(http://i13.ebayimg.com/08/i/000/be/2f/4abe_1.JPG)


Which model is that and where may I purchase one from?

That edwards aged TSB looks awesome as well, thats more like what I'm after! Looks like ikebe-gakki have more models than ishibashi etc, has anyone dealt with them? I think that ones winning at the minute as the colour is perfect. Will see if Ishibashi can get that in as more people seem to have dealt with them than with ikebe.

Twinfan, £700 is a bit much for me at the minute as I will be paying with some of my student loan :P

Kevin, about the gloss finish, my Epiphone had that and I just took some steel wool to it to take the shine off, much better :)
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Philly Q on November 06, 2007, 12:10:05 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Which model is that and where may I purchase one from?

It's a '79 Tokai, and it's in the eBay shop of that guy in Switzerland we were talking about yesterday:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1979-TOKAI-Japan-LES-PAUL-REBORN-LS-50_W0QQitemZ330184276433QQihZ014QQcategoryZ112670QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Quote
Looks like ikebe-gakki have more models than ishibashi etc, has anyone dealt with them? I think that ones winning at the minute as the colour is perfect. Will see if Ishibashi can get that in as more people seem to have dealt with them than with ikebe.

I have the same problem with the Ikebe site you were having with Ishibashi  :lol: - I've never managed to find any info in English, or even a way of contacting them.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: sambo on November 06, 2007, 01:24:27 PM
ello ello chaps.

Indeed I did buy the blue Burny LP custom from Japanguitars, and (as Philly said) I was ecstatic with the guitar. (still am).

But yeah his description was a bit silly. Mint condition it certainly was not. (not that it bothers me much- just seems a bit silly to claim something like that when it obviously isn't).

I'm pretty sure whatever you get you'll love. These MIJ LPs have gained such a good reputation.
 

There's always 'Signatures' that Dakine/Nick brought up a while ago. Really love the look of them. Usually come up on ebay from time to time, and there is one shop that sells them retail (only 1 or 2 finishes though).

Basically, Burny, Tokai, Edwards, Orville; all will do the job. I chose mine purely on the fact that I loved the Blue finish, am a fan of Jerry Cantrell, and wanted something a bit different.

Different people will give you different opinions on which out of the lot of them is 'the best', (I tried asking around). Remember; it also depends a lot on the actual time period they are from (if you're going for old ones).

Anyway, good luck, hope you get something you like; I'm off to school for double-history now. YAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWN.

p.s. I'll try and find that shop that sells the Signatures- I think they look VERY nice, and remember Nick absolutely loving his.


EDIT: http://www.guitarbitz.com/602.htm


Nick's thread (scroll down and see a picture of his own one):

http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5295&highlight=signature+les+paul
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: sambo on November 06, 2007, 01:28:35 PM
sorry for double post,

quick ebay search gave this:


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SIGNATURE-LES-PAUL-ELECTRIC-GUITAR_W0QQitemZ330184167590QQihZ014QQcategoryZ33040QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Henk on November 06, 2007, 02:20:01 PM
This english guitarshop is having a sellout on Edwards' Jimmy Page relic, i would call him and HAGGLE if i lived on your side of the herringpond.

http://mcguitars.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=12&zenid=191d5597453e6f5c58d5dbf42d116955

Shame the Tokai is the cr@ppy Alder body one from Korea (well i think it is).....

PS: He also has several Burny's in his used section, including a RR Custom!
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 06, 2007, 05:26:16 PM
Well I just emailed Ishibashi and Katana to see if they can get in that relic'd tobacco sunburst, thats the one I'm most drawn to right now, but I cant understand the Ikebe-Gakki site at all and cant even see where to email them!
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: dave_mc on November 06, 2007, 08:11:07 PM
i think those edwards relics are nitro... and from what i hear the lacquer tastes are poly, with a nitro top coat...

the edwards neck feels kinda nitro, i guess (on mine at least). it doesn't feel unfinished, but it's a lot nicer than a lot of the painted gloss necks I've tried.

that tokai is nice too, but a lot more. just don't forget about customs, tom. :)
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: LazyNinja on November 06, 2007, 09:13:57 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Well I just emailed Ishibashi and Katana to see if they can get in that relic'd tobacco sunburst, thats the one I'm most drawn to right now, but I cant understand the Ikebe-Gakki site at all and cant even see where to email them!


Guitars page: http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/shopping_10.php?state=1&cate=1

Click on the top right button when you're viewing a product. A new window comes out. That's the enquiry form.

From top left:
-Name
-Email address
-Your question
-sex (male, female)
-DOB (yyyy/mm/dd)
-How long have you been playing the instrument? 年 means years
-Who is your favourite artist?

Submit or Reset

Hope that helps. Last time I asked them about shipping I think it was about 20000 Yen.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Philly Q on November 06, 2007, 10:18:28 PM
Quote from: LazyNinja
Guitars page: http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/shopping_10.php?state=1&cate=1

Click on the top right button when you're viewing a product. A new window comes out. That's the enquiry form.

Excellent, thanks for that!  :D
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: LazyNinja on November 06, 2007, 11:14:49 PM
You're welcome  :wink: Gimme a shout if you need anything translating.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: horsehead on November 07, 2007, 07:03:35 AM
posted this in the other LP thread, but might be better here

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Burny-Les-Paul-Custom-Randy-Rhoads-Model-Japan_W0QQitemZ300167738172QQihZ020QQcategoryZ33040QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 07, 2007, 10:26:35 AM
Ishibashi can get that relic'd tobacco sunburst one in sometime this month, they're just out of stock at the supplier at the minute apparently :) I may go for that as it looks really nice.

I'm also looking at this Tokai, which looks awesome, just depends how expensive it is - http://www.tokaiguitar.de/vintage.php?folder=vintage_guitars&kat=014
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Twinfan on November 07, 2007, 10:43:18 AM
That's a '79 Reborn Tom - it'll be over your budget for sure.

I reckon that's around £700+.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Henk on November 07, 2007, 11:24:12 AM
That would be a great opportunity if reasonably priced. Im getting a feeling they will cost so much i would rather save up some more for a good old Gibson. I have found some 80's Tokais, but a good sample would still cost around 900 euros (about 600 pounds) which is way too much IMO.

Still this guy has 2 80's Tokais with stunning tops, and i dont think those were laminated back then.

The ones that have a reborn logo on the headstock could be a reissue model, i also doubt some can be from the 80's or late 70's judging their appearance. Ill look into that a bit.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 07, 2007, 11:28:51 AM
Bugger :( Well including shipping, the relic'd tobacco sunburst is about £500 from Ishibashi. Features duncan antiquity pickups and nitro finish apparently, probably why its more expensive than regular Edwards? Not sure if I can afford that or not :( (well I can, but I dont want to use up all of my loan as I still need to live until christmas :lol: )
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Philly Q on November 07, 2007, 11:37:25 AM
Quote from: _tom_
Bugger :( Well including shipping, the relic'd tobacco sunburst is about £500 from Ishibashi.

And don't forget you'd have £100+ of VAT and import duty on top of that!
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 07, 2007, 11:43:51 AM
:cry:  :cry:

Think I'm going to have to leave this guitar idea for a while, or until a nice one comes up on Ebay UK.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Henk on November 07, 2007, 11:57:30 AM
Quote from: _tom_
(well I can, but I dont want to use up all of my loan as I still need to live until christmas :lol: )


I ate rice and spagetti so much in my student days the smell of it makes me sick now..... I did however have nice guitars  :roll:

Anyway, im sure something will come up if you keep looking occasionally, i did for many years and always felt lucky. It does take a bit of discipline to controll the occasional GAS attack though.

On the subject of vintage Tokais, i have found several samples of which i really dont believe they are ~30 years old. Like this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140159750726&indexURL=0&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting

Im guessing here but maybe they are copying their own copy's? Owell maybe im just a bit mistrusting.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: jt on November 07, 2007, 12:46:53 PM
:D The problem with MIJ LP copys are there becoming highly sort after. This means there going up in price so if your gonna jump in then you should be looking at spending around £400 to £450 as a standard price before things like shipping, postage, VAT/import taxe`s etc. & thats for all of the pre lawsuit models [ mid 70`s to early 80`s ] As more & more players get to hear about these makes this will increase demand & in turn push up prices. As for new build MIJ LP copys then the Tokais & Edwards seem to have the best reputations.

 :D  8)
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 07, 2007, 12:54:44 PM
Yeah I'm a bit sick of rice and spaghetti allready, its only been 6-7 weeks :lol:

If you reckon about £450 is a decent price for one, maybe that Burny on Japan Guitars is a good deal (£455) - http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a278/generalunrest/Burny%20Les%20Paul%20FLG-80%20TBB%201982/

Any idea how much it'd be for a replacement tuner (the D string tuner is odd)? If I remember right, Japan Guitars is actually in France, so if I remember right, I'd get no customs charges with it being in the EU? Also its free European shipping all of November :D


edit - Twinfan you were right, that Tokai was about 1250 euros!
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Twinfan on November 07, 2007, 01:05:14 PM
Dunno about replacing one tuner - it'll still look odd.  I'd get a new set.

Try these - a third of the way down the page:

£22.00 WILKINSON SILVER NICKEL OR BRONZE ROTO ANTIGUITY 3X3 MACHINEHEADS

http://www.axesrus.com/axemachine.htm
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Philly Q on November 07, 2007, 01:16:32 PM
Quote from: _tom_
If I remember right, Japan Guitars is actually in France, so if I remember right, I'd get no customs charges with it being in the EU? Also its free European shipping all of November :D

Yep, no Customs charges in the EU.  But he will insist on you buying a £55 hard case for insurance purposes (maybe he'll ship uninsured without a case, I don't know).  They're good quality cases, basically unbranded SKB types.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Henk on November 07, 2007, 01:20:08 PM
Well, this guy offers a goldtop Burny at 340 pounds and its in the UK.

http://search.ebay.nl/_W0QQsassZmcguitars_co_uk

All seems pretty nice and thrustworthy with this guy, good pics also.

I myself will probably look out for a more modern MIJ Tokai, i have heard there are plenty of those around so probably one will pop up soon enough. Often they are like 250-300 pounds or so, they do have a laquer finish which kinda sucks but anyway.

All korea made Tokais have an S/N starting with an F so it wont be a problem indentifying the nasty alder ones.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 07, 2007, 01:28:36 PM
Quote from: Philly Q
Quote from: _tom_
If I remember right, Japan Guitars is actually in France, so if I remember right, I'd get no customs charges with it being in the EU? Also its free European shipping all of November :D

Yep, no Customs charges in the EU.  But he will insist on you buying a £55 hard case for insurance purposes (maybe he'll ship uninsured without a case, I don't know).  They're good quality cases, basically unbranded SKB types.


hm thats not too bad then, as I'd need another hardcase anyway. Will see if I can talk him down a few quid seeing as the tuners are odd, but even so that seems like it may be a good price?
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Henk on November 07, 2007, 01:34:34 PM
Found a Tokai in the UK

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tokai-LS60-Les-Paul-1980-Vintage-Made-in-Japan_W0QQitemZ200170109937QQihZ010QQcategoryZ33038QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 07, 2007, 01:39:55 PM
Yeah I saw that one. Dont think I'm really looking for another black LP though, although I do quite like the look, would prefer a nice burst of some kind.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Henk on November 07, 2007, 01:42:48 PM
Im looking for a black one though, just not looking for a vintage one. Still ill keep an eye on it.......

Ebay shop with new MIJ imported Tokai's

http://search.stores.ebay.co.uk/Rich-Tone-Music-Ltd_tokai_W0QQfcdZ2QQfciZQ2d1QQfclZ3QQfromZR10QQfsnZRichQ20ToneQ20MusicQ20LtdQQfsooZ2QQfsopZ3QQftsZ2QQsaselZ38660718QQsbrsrtZdQQsofpZ0
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 07, 2007, 01:57:56 PM
Nothing to do with Les Pauls, but I just realised that the Fender Baja Tele is only £400 from thomann, more gas to add to the list :lol: I'll see if I can find somewhere to play one of these, I also remember back home the shop that sells loads of Fenders also has loads of Tokais, so will have to give a load of guitars a play!
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: indysmith on November 07, 2007, 01:59:45 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Nothing to do with Les Pauls, but I just realised that the Fender Baja Tele is only £400 from thomann, more gas to add to the list :lol: I'll see if I can find somewhere to play one of these, I also remember back home the shop that sells loads of Fenders also has loads of Tokais, so will have to give a load of guitars a play!

funny you should say that - i played one a couple of hours ago. very nice guitar - felt very les-pauly and sounded fantabulous through the jtm45 i was playing.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 07, 2007, 02:04:50 PM
Was that in sound control again? Sound control in leicester is cr@p, they only have really expensive stuff or really cheap stuff it seems, couldnt see any Baja Teles in there either :(
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Philly Q on November 07, 2007, 02:16:20 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Will see if I can talk him down a few quid seeing as the tuners are odd, but even so that seems like it may be a good price?

I think it's probably a bit overpriced - you see Burnys in that sort of condition going for less on eBay, but then they'd have shipping and probably Customs charges to be added.  So overall not a bad deal, I guess.

The ObG I bought from him was definitely overpriced - I took a fair loss when I sold it.  I think he prices his guitars right at the top end of market value, even if they're not in the best condition.

(Edit:  Looks like you've changed direction to Tele-land!  :lol:  The Baja looks very cool, I'd like one of those in due course, if I can find a fairly lightweight one)
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: indysmith on November 07, 2007, 02:23:03 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Was that in sound control again? Sound control in leicester is cr@p, they only have really expensive stuff or really cheap stuff it seems, couldnt see any Baja Teles in there either :(

nah this was in PMT (awesome shop)
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 07, 2007, 02:23:05 PM
haha well I havent really decided what I'm doing yet.. Les Pauls are expensive and its hard to find a good one it seems. Will have a play on some whenever I go home next as theres a shop near there which sells loads of Fenders. They also have an MIJ Tokai SG there but I think it may be a bit overpriced at £600.

PMT is a great shop, the one in Northampton has loads of guitars. Shame shops are so expensive, I feel kinda bad about going in just to play their stuff then order online :lol:
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Ted on November 07, 2007, 02:40:28 PM
Quote from: indysmith
Quote from: _tom_
Was that in sound control again? Sound control in leicester is cr@p, they only have really expensive stuff or really cheap stuff it seems, couldnt see any Baja Teles in there either :(

nah this was in PMT (awesome shop)


PMT in brum is class, feckin huge. beat that denmark street...
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Ted on November 07, 2007, 02:45:16 PM
Quote from: Henk
Found a Tokai in the UK

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tokai-LS60-Les-Paul-1980-Vintage-Made-in-Japan_W0QQitemZ200170109937QQihZ010QQcategoryZ33038QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem


WTF???

(http://i21.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/c1/b1/730a_1.JPG)
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Twinfan on November 07, 2007, 02:46:49 PM
Quote from: indysmith
Quote from: _tom_
Nothing to do with Les Pauls, but I just realised that the Fender Baja Tele is only £400 from thomann, more gas to add to the list :lol: I'll see if I can find somewhere to play one of these, I also remember back home the shop that sells loads of Fenders also has loads of Tokais, so will have to give a load of guitars a play!

funny you should say that - i played one a couple of hours ago. very nice guitar - felt very les-pauly and sounded fantabulous through the jtm45 i was playing.


JTM45?  Baja Tele?  Les Pauls?  How has this thread got round to the rig I'm using in my new blues band?

I'll just mention the Blackstar HT Dual, Vintage 30s and G12Hs and that's the entire rig listed  :D
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: dave_mc on November 07, 2007, 03:53:31 PM
just to add, if you're into more fendery guitars now, you can generally find second-hand tokai MIJ teles and strats for between £200-£300...

FWIW, I'm probably going to get an edwards tele and strat (bad taste in my mouth after being lied to that a tokai second-hand strat was actually new...  :evil: plus i'm not convinced I could live with 21 frets... they have the vintage radius too (doesn't annoy me, but might annoy you))
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Jonesy76 on November 07, 2007, 04:33:35 PM
Just for the TOkai lovers out there I can definately vouch for Rich Tone Music on eBay and the net.
They deliver exactly what they take pics of, and you get exactly what they say it is.  Couldn't be happier with my Washburn I got from them.

I have GAS for one of their Tokais too, but the wife will kill me if I get yet another sunburst LP! :roll:
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 07, 2007, 04:52:36 PM
Quote from: dave_mc
just to add, if you're into more fendery guitars now, you can generally find second-hand tokai MIJ teles and strats for between £200-£300...

FWIW, I'm probably going to get an edwards tele and strat (bad taste in my mouth after being lied to that a tokai second-hand strat was actually new...  :evil: plus i'm not convinced I could live with 21 frets... they have the vintage radius too (doesn't annoy me, but might annoy you))


Well I'm not sure what style guitars I'm into anymore! Whenever I play someone elses strat or tele it usually feels pretty nice but when I get to mine at home its hard to play. I've got the action as low as I can get it without buzz and the neck is pretty straight. Maybe the 9.5" radius on the board, I kinda want to get a Warmoth compound radius so I have the 16" for shreddage (well, trying to :P). I've played a load of teles in shops before and always liked how they felt. I can live with 21 frets, I never actually use the 22nd.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Henk on November 07, 2007, 05:46:09 PM
Quote from: Ted

WTF???

(http://i21.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/c1/b1/730a_1.JPG)


After the lawsuits Tokai needed to change all elecronics to non-Gibson alike stuff, they could houwever keep the appearance of the guitars.

Would rip that lot out offcourse, 250K pots  :shock:
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: indysmith on November 07, 2007, 06:07:50 PM
Quote from: Ted
Quote from: indysmith
Quote from: _tom_
Was that in sound control again? Sound control in leicester is cr@p, they only have really expensive stuff or really cheap stuff it seems, couldnt see any Baja Teles in there either :(

nah this was in PMT (awesome shop)


PMT in brum is class, feckin huge. beat that denmark street...

the best thing about it is it's less than a 5 minute walk from my uni
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Twinfan on November 07, 2007, 11:55:49 PM
Here's a cracker for you Tom, but £750!!!!  That's used Gibson Standard money.....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1992-Orville-by-Gibson-Les-Paul-Reissue-Mint_W0QQitemZ120180879200QQihZ002QQcategoryZ33040QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

(http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w221/jc_anderton/DSCF0011-5.jpg)
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Philly Q on November 08, 2007, 12:03:27 AM
I think asking £750 is more than a little optimistic, but I'm going to watch it and see what happens.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Henk on November 08, 2007, 07:01:52 AM
Quote from: Twinfan
Here's a cracker for you Tom, but £750!!!!  That's used Gibson Standard money.....


Indeed, very offputting, it does push me towards a standard especially considering that their resale value is so much better.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Twinfan on November 08, 2007, 08:45:08 AM
I've got a mid-nineties Standard (bought new) which is a cracking guitar - made when Gibson quality (on average) was very high.  They're pretty reasonable money used, probably around £800-£900 depending on condition, and I'd buy one over a Japanese LP for that amount of cash.

A copy (to me) is always worth less than the original.  The Japanese LPs are great if you can get them for under £500, otherwise I'd go for the Gibson every time.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: martinw on November 08, 2007, 10:00:53 AM
Quote from: Twinfan

A copy (to me) is always worth less than the original.  The Japanese LPs are great if you can get them for under £500, otherwise I'd go for the Gibson every time.


Me too, unless it's a Tokai LP Reborn, or one of the very first Love Rocks. A friend of mine has a Love Rock from the first month after Reborns stopped and it's amazing. Lighter and more resonant than any other LP I've ever seen, nothing like a modern Gibson, and more like I imagine the originals to be. Built in the days when that kind of mahogany was still around. He's been offered over £1000 for it, and turned it down. So would I.
I had a Gibson 2001 Standard at the time, and after playing the Tokai, sold it in disgust.

PS Hi Dave!  :wink:
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Henk on November 08, 2007, 01:45:35 PM
My standard cost me about 900 euro's(600 pounds), but that was about 8 years ago. Its an '91 and its the brightest guitar ive ever played. It did have some finish marks on the neck though.

Still i rather play a custom, it just has all the standard goodness toned down a bit plus that wonderfull clarity and smoothness. Especially when recording resonance is quite irritating.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Twinfan on November 08, 2007, 01:58:23 PM
Quote from: martinw
Quote from: Twinfan

A copy (to me) is always worth less than the original.  The Japanese LPs are great if you can get them for under £500, otherwise I'd go for the Gibson every time.


Me too, unless it's a Tokai LP Reborn, or one of the very first Love Rocks.

PS Hi Dave!  :wink:


That's fair enough matey!

Who hell are you anyway?   :wink:
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Roobubba on November 08, 2007, 02:19:37 PM
Am I alone in thinking that Les Pauls just look nasty?
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 08, 2007, 02:26:30 PM
Yes :)

edit - I dont see how anyone can find a Les Paul ugly really.. to me they are the best looking guitar you can get.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Philly Q on November 08, 2007, 02:27:03 PM
Quote from: Roobubba
Am I alone in thinking that Les Pauls just look nasty?

Yes.

Well... no, I suppose.

But you are most definitely in the minority.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Jonesy76 on November 08, 2007, 02:38:39 PM
A very small miniority :P
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: dave_mc on November 08, 2007, 02:41:36 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Well I'm not sure what style guitars I'm into anymore! Whenever I play someone elses strat or tele it usually feels pretty nice but when I get to mine at home its hard to play. I've got the action as low as I can get it without buzz and the neck is pretty straight. Maybe the 9.5" radius on the board, I kinda want to get a Warmoth compound radius so I have the 16" for shreddage (well, trying to :P). I've played a load of teles in shops before and always liked how they felt. I can live with 21 frets, I never actually use the 22nd.


yeah, that's strange... maybe you just don't like yours?

No idea. I know i'm into most guitars too...
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: hunter on November 08, 2007, 03:14:43 PM
My Jimmy Page Edwards is stuck in customs - I faxed the bill to them today and have to wait for shipment, they wouldn't let me come and pick it up (stupid)

I WANT IT NOWWWW!!!!!
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Philly Q on November 08, 2007, 04:33:48 PM
Quote from: hunter
My Jimmy Page Edwards is stuck in customs - I faxed the bill to them today and have to wait for shipment, they wouldn't let me come and pick it up (stupid)

I WANT IT NOWWWW!!!!!

I thought you'd have that by now - looking forward to your review!
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: hunter on November 08, 2007, 05:28:00 PM
Quote from: Philly Q
Quote from: hunter
My Jimmy Page Edwards is stuck in customs - I faxed the bill to them today and have to wait for shipment, they wouldn't let me come and pick it up (stupid)

I WANT IT NOWWWW!!!!!

I thought you'd have that by now - looking forward to your review!


Imagine it was in Belgium from Japan within 2 days!! Yasuo is a great guy to deal with.

But then this is Belgium, so you gotta be patient with things over here...
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 09, 2007, 10:29:39 PM
I know its not MIJ, but has anyone had any experience with the Indie Les Paul styles? The natural one looks like it may be pretty nice (without the pickguard obviously :P)

(http://www.indieguitars.com/guitarshop/images/electric_guitars/Electric_Designer/standard2000.jpg)

All mahogany body with a maple neck, any idea how that'd sound?
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: dave_mc on November 10, 2007, 04:07:37 PM
don't think i've tried an indie les paul... i tried one or two of their other models and they seemed decent... though i'd say edwards is a lot better. probably more money, though.
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Henk on November 10, 2007, 09:22:51 PM
Ive tried several indies a couple of weeks ago, pretty decent guitar actually but it does feel rather rough around the edges. Pickups sound like cheap burstbucker ripoffs, i found the whole package rather agressive.

Still, it could be a great guitar if you play PUNK!
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: _tom_ on November 10, 2007, 09:48:58 PM
Ah right, I dont think I'll bother going cheap with them then. May order something around xmas time as I'll be able to see how much money I have leftover from my loan to see how expensive a guitar I can afford. Still undecided on finish though, I love tobaccoburst, honeyburst and aged white!

And of course I'm also tempted to get a Baja tele if I can find one to try out first - not sure if I'll like the neck on it or not yet. And theres that nice Tokai MIJ SG in my local shop I want to try out! Would probably make more sense to get a tele or SG as I allready have an LP :lol:
Title: MIJ Les Pauls
Post by: Henk on November 10, 2007, 10:15:25 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Would probably make more sense to get a tele or SG as I allready have an LP :lol:


I agree, i put a tele together myself, a walnut/maple body and neck, it sounds alot better then the usa models IMHO and i could pick all options myself. Didnt even cost half of an usa tele in the end so that was a big + also.

To get a good Gibson SG is very hard IMO. The cheap ESP Vipers are often better then the gibson sg specials.

Still i really think the best thing is to save up for something exeptional, a real keeper. I drove over 6 hours today to check out a new guitar, expect a report tomorrow, it might offer a different perspective.