Get yourself a Japanese Tokai LP and you have some money left for installing BKP's.
Yeah, as pointed out in my post, I want something genuine for a change, not saying Tokai is bad, think that old strat I mentioned above is a Tokai, or an Akai, atleast that's what the guy I got it from told me. Ofcourse, he removed the decal many, many years ago so I got no idea how to tell. Not particular playable guitar at the moment though, needs a tuneup. Mostly just the string action beeing too high and the nut is totally shot. Neck looks straight and nice but the string buzz is horrible on the upper frets, I blame that on the nut though. And I'm rambling again.
As for saving money for BKPs, I get a decent monthly paycheck, and got no problems waiting a month with getting some BKPs for the Les Paul. So whether it's a Gibson or a Tokai doesn't matter in that particular department.
BKPs are not that expensive, thankfully.
I love gibsons! The les Paul standard plays great but the sound lacks (I blame burstbuckers). If you are willing to give up aesthetics and a few minor details the LP Studio is absolutely amazing for the money. I love mine, great woods, great sustain and stays in tune really nicely. The bridge pickup isn't too shabby either (BKPs destroy it though).
Also take a look at the carvin CS-6. Absolutely beautiful, fast playing guitar custom built in the USA for the same price as the gibby. Having played one, it's high up on my GAS list. Anyway, they are all great options.
Cheers for your thoughts. I too would blame the burstbuckers, as noted earlier I'm not a big fan of them. Then there's the weight relief which I've heard nothing but bad things about, but I chose to believe it's all personal preference, and don't make a bad influence on the sound. But as said, if I hate the Pickups if/when I get that Guitar, and it feels and plays nice, I will change them for BKPs. So the sound from a pickup point of view isn't really that important to me. That is my opinion on all guitars, they may sound like shite, but if they play like I'm stroking a womans thigh. Arousing and delightfull. Then I'm happy, very happy.
I've looked at Studios aswell, and sadly, no flame maple top, which is sorta essential, or I'd go with the Traditional which strangely is pretty much the same price as the Studio (Over here). About 160 of your dollars difference or roughly 100 pounds, trad got abit more flash ofcourse.
As for the Carvin, it may be good, but no retailers that carry that brand over here, so shipping and import fees are gonna ruin me. And I do not, in any way trust any airline with the handling of my Guitar. I'd barely trust em with getting a pair of pants shipped in one piece.
