New Guitar... I Can't Decide

[danger5oh]

Hey everyone...

I was hoping for a little help on an upcoming guitar purchase.  Here's the story... I had finally decided to sell the majority of my collection and just keep the handful that I play on a regular basis.  I would then take that money and buy one final jaw-dropper... something that looked like a work of art, but played even better.  I had found a great deal on a Paul Reed Smith Singlecut with a transparent black 10 top, and since I have never owned a PRS before, I thought that it would be a good purchase.  I got a chance to play the PRS and I was sold... until a friend of mine decided to throw a wrench into my plan.

I go to his guitar shop to talk about my new plan and my new "Excalibur" and he drops this bomb on me.  He tells me that he's finally decided to sell his Gibson Zakk Wylde Camo Bullseye Les Paul... and if I want it, he'll sell it to me for half of what he's asking... which basically makes it about the same as the PRS.  Now, I'm not a big Zakk Wylde fan by any means.  He's definitely one of my favorite guitarists, but I'm always a bit uneasy about playing a guitar that is so obviously a signature guitar... I mean, what am I supposed to do with a Zakk Wylde guitar that he hasn't already done a thousand times better?

So here's my dilemma... which one do I buy?  I've owned 4 Gibson's now, and as much as I don't really like where Gibson is heading as a company, I have always loved playing all of mine, especially my Les Paul Voodoo.  The PRS is definitely a looker, and with the Zakk Wylde you either love it or you hate it, but it is definitely worth a hell of a lot more.  Will the PRS hold it's value as well or possibly better with time?  I think looks-wise I'm drawn more to the PRS, but my hands and my wallet are leaning more towards the Zakk.  Or should I say screw both guitars and just buy a Gibson Les Paul Standard?  I think any serious musician needs to have at least one Standard in their inventory.

I apologize for this very long and drawn out story, but I really cannot decide.  Any input will be appreciated, even if it is unnecessary flaming lol.

[gwEm]

definately not the Zakk, its not so versatile I think

[Philly Q]

It's tough to suggest anything, they're very different guitars.  Personally (for what it's worth) I'd never want to buy the Zakk guitar, I think all his signature models are hideous.

If resale value is a major concern, as it seems to be, I think a Gibson will hold its value better than a PRS.  Just going by eBay, the resale value of PRS guitars isn't that great at the moment (which isn't to say that they won't be the "vintage" collectibles of the future).

I've never bought anything based on resale value (probably why I've lost many thousands of pounds selling guitars over the years.... :roll:), so I'd go for whichever one you actually like best.  From your first paragraph it sounds like you're keen on the PRS, but you must have reservations about it.  So maybe you should go for that Les Paul Standard - but shop around until you find a really good one!

[danger5oh]

Thanks for the input so far.  The PRS pretty much checks all of the boxes for me (playability, comfort, tone, looks, price range, etc.)... but my only reservation for buying it is that small place in my heart that has always wanted an LP Standard.  I'm not so much worried about resale... it's just the "collector" in me... it would be cool to have a few guitars that I could pass on to my kids, and if they decide that playing is not for them, they could throw them on eBay and pay their college tuition lol.  The PRS may very well be the LP of the future... or the LP could very well still be the LP of the future haha.

And that is one of the only reasons I'm even considering the Zakk... and as goofy as this is going to sound... I also kind of like the fact that a lot of his guitars are gaudy.  I will probably get flamed for even admitting this, but I DO own an Epiphone Graveyard Disciple too.  Now, before any of you pass judgement on me, or think that I am some 15 year old "metal is the brootalz" type, I'm not... but I am a front man in a metal band and playing guitars like that on stage is kind of fun. And if you've never picked up a GD in person, it is actually a very comfortable guitar and has one of the best necks I've ever played.

So there are reasons why I am being pulled in all three directions... even if they're not very logical reasons.  :lol:

[tomjackson]

I voted LP Standard.  Why get a copy when you can have the real thing?

[Philly Q]

I will probably get flamed for even admitting this, but I DO own an Epiphone Graveyard Disciple too. 

I'm not going to flame you, but that is one UGLY guitar.  Not quite as ugly as this one:



Anyhow, I voted for the PRS.  I can see the attraction of the LP, but every time I've owned one (apart from Juniors) I've ended up selling it, never had a "great" one.  PRS are much more consistent in quality than Gibsons.

I voted LP Standard.  Why get a copy when you can have the real thing?

Ah, gotta disagree there!  :P

I don't think the PRS is a copy (although of course I wouldn't deny it's most definitely based on the LP). 

And even when it comes to actual copies, call me perverse but I would almost prefer a good Orville, Tokai, Greco or (MIJ) Epiphone copy to a real Gibson LP.  Provided the price was right, of course.  I think they're much better value for money.   And I just think they're really cool brands (I may be alone in this, of course :lol: )

[38thBeatle]

Of the options, I went for the LP.That is what I would choose in your position. I don't fancy the Zakk guitar much and whilst i like PRS guitars( at least the ones I've played) the LP would be the one that, in my opinion, would hold its value-I have no way of proving that of course, merely opinion.

[tomjackson]

I knew that would get a reply!

My mate has a Singlecut, you're right it's not really a copy at all, it has quite a different vibe to an LP.  Which is the real reason not to but one if an LP is really what you want.  That said it's a lovely guitar.

I think you hit the nail on the head about getting a great one, they are out there but you have to try a few otherwise other cheaper  LP guitars offer much better value....

[PPPMAT]

The PRS and les Paul are quite different guitars (although look similar) What I would say though is that in my humble opinion the PRS is ona par quality wise with a custom shop Les Paul which is vastly more expensive. I dont think that a LP standard or SInglecut would be much different in holding value. Which singlecut btw SC245?

[danger5oh]

Thanks guys... and I am most definitely NOT trying to turn this into another Gibson vs. PRS thread lol.  It is cool to hear the different view points though, as all of you seem to have valid opinions.  I'm heading to the guitar shop right now to go sit down with a few other options, and I'm also meeting up with someone later to check out a PRS CE 22.

I'm not going to flame you, but that is one UGLY guitar.

And beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder when it comes to guitars sometimes lol.  For some strange reason, I like both the Graveyard Disciple AND that other Zakk Wylde abomination... you should see my collection... it definitely has some sort of Jekyll and Hyde vibe going on.

[danger5oh]

The PRS and les Paul are quite different guitars (although look similar) What I would say though is that in my humble opinion the PRS is ona par quality wise with a custom shop Les Paul which is vastly more expensive. I dont think that a LP standard or SInglecut would be much different in holding value. Which singlecut btw SC245?

I'm not exactly sure which model it is... I'm not really that educated when it comes to PRS guitars.  All I know is it has a 10 top, bird inlays, 22 frets, and nickel hardware.

[viking]

I think the Zakk could be difficult to resale in a few years .If you're really dreaming about a LP,get one but ,If the price is about the same for a LP Std,buy the Zakk  :)..If it was for me,though,i would probably go with the PRS SC...The original PRS SC with n°7 pu's is a great guitar !

[asianaxeman]

First of all are you a zakk wylde or a nick cantanese?

if it had to be one of the 3 you listed I'd go for the PRS, however..

for a better price, BLS influence and LP shape, how bout this -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jszdEdM7WMY

Just remember a 2 grand guitar like custom LP, signature LP or expensive PRS can soon lose their novelty if you don't actually enjoy playing it, I'm not a fan of fixed bridges but the cantanese model looks a lot of fun!

[Telerocker]

When it comes to quality, I think PRS is the better investment. A Gibbo Standard is nice too, if you can find a good one. Personally I would look for a good Les Paul Classic (used cheaper than standards) and pimp it with some good parts and BKP's.

[Philly Q]

for a better price, BLS influence and LP shape, how bout this -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jszdEdM7WMY

Just remember a 2 grand guitar like custom LP, signature LP or expensive PRS can soon lose their novelty if you don't actually enjoy playing it, I'm not a fan of fixed bridges but the cantanese model looks a lot of fun!

I'm not much of a BLS fan, but I quite like the look of that PRS SE.  Not keen on the red bits, logo or EMGs, but the ebony board, control layout and hardware are very appealing.