Greetings all -
I am celebrating my 40th birthday by getting the Les Paul style guitar I've lusted after since I saw Jimmy swaggering about with his. I will not take a chance on Gibson's quality or their silly prices. I was set to go with a Heritage, but they've shuttered their doors (supposedly temporarily).
Anyway, Tokai Les Pauls look to be the best thing available. I am confused, tho, as to what to look for. Here are the features I am looking for:
Cherry Sunburst
made in japan
original tuners or Grovers
no veneer on the top
*some* flame would be a real plus
as long a neck tenon as possible
pickups don't matter to me since I intend to replace them sometime with Lollars, Fralins, or something.
I see the Les Paul Reborns and Love Rocks from various eras and get completely baffled. I also see that many of the Reborns don't have figured tops.
Would an early '90's Love Rock fit my bill? Or should I hold out for a Reborn? Or an early Love Rock? Yikes!
Any and all guidance is appreciated...thanks in advance!
I am celebrating my 40th birthday by getting the Les Paul style guitar I've lusted after since I saw Jimmy swaggering about with his. I will not take a chance on Gibson's quality or their silly prices. I was set to go with a Heritage, but they've shuttered their doors (supposedly temporarily).
Anyway, Tokai Les Pauls look to be the best thing available. I am confused, tho, as to what to look for. Here are the features I am looking for:
Cherry Sunburst
made in japan
original tuners or Grovers
no veneer on the top
*some* flame would be a real plus
as long a neck tenon as possible
pickups don't matter to me since I intend to replace them sometime with Lollars, Fralins, or something.
I see the Les Paul Reborns and Love Rocks from various eras and get completely baffled. I also see that many of the Reborns don't have figured tops.
Would an early '90's Love Rock fit my bill? Or should I hold out for a Reborn? Or an early Love Rock? Yikes!
Any and all guidance is appreciated...thanks in advance!