how do people rate LP copies around here?

[GummiTZ]

Edwards LPs are better guitars to any Gibson Studio, IMO.

Someone at a norwegian guitar forum I hang around at brought an Edwards LP and a Gibson R8 Les Paul Custom Shop to the workshop of Øivin Fjeld (the man behind the slightly famous G-Sharp guitar), and Mr. Fjeld examined and compared the guitars. The Edwards was suprisingly close to the Gibson. This being a custom shop Gibson, I would imagine the Edwards could compare favorably to a Gibson LP Standard. And it would eat LP Studios for breakfast.

However, when second hand value comes into play, things change. But forgetting that, get an Edwards.

[nmendoza]

This is probably lower budget than you're looking at, but I just bought a used Agile AL-3000 with a few upgrades off the 'bay for ~$150. Ha. Every reviewer seems to rave about these things, so we'll see.... They're cheap to begin with, but being a no-name brand means they depreciate like crazy so they're really a steal used.... assuming it's serviceable.... I have an '09 Gibson Traditional as well, I'll let you folks know if it stacks up or makes a better paperweight than guitar. If the Agile sucks, my band does occasionally play at a 4th story rooftop bar, I could give it a pretty dramatic death for that price.....

[Alan]

I have a 1980 Tokai LS80 - nitro, FEB, 1 piece solid mahogany back and 2 piece solid maple cap as thick as it comes. It blows the socks off any modern standard and gives the custom shop stuff a run for its money. The high-end early Tokais are insanely accurate copies of a late 50s/early 60s LP.

[flvinny521]

I'm also an owner of an Edwards Les Paul copy, I have no complaints about the guitar at all. I think it's a great value and don't see myself ever getting rid of it.

[rrrajo]

Right on board with the Edwards. I am really impressed with mine.
Cannot go wrong.

[Deacon Blues]

check out orville by gibson

[brianr0131]

I can recommend Hagstrom their quality is top notch. They also make the only Les Paul copy that I could have been interested in the Super Swede. It's 25.5" scale so it makes playing a lot easier on me. I can't play regular LP style guitars comfortably.

The Select Super Swede is definitely as good or better than a Les Paul Studio. I can't comment on Edwards since I haven't tried them, but I do know they are well loved. So are the 3000 series Agiles. Bang for your buck they may be the best of the bunch.

[brianr0131]

double post

[Les Paul Lover]

I haven't really been impressed by any LP copy so far.

However, I have been very impressed with the feel of the faded/vintage mahogany worn studios they do, which can be had at very reasonable prices.

In tone/bang per buck, they're almost unbeatable.

All other copies I have tried so far were plastic and not feeling great. (vintage, tokai, epiphone).
Whereas those faded/worn gibbies felt alive and responsive.

[not_again]

If money is a real issue, the Japanese made ESP Grass Roots is killer!
absolute perfection for very little money. Some of the Michael Kelly's are
very good as well. Just a couple of names I didn't see thrown out....
I own a Grass Roots and it is way better than any Gibson Studio, IMHO....
But of all the clones....I would vote for the Tokai, hands down!

[hum-dinger]

Not sure if you have decided on what LP copy to go for but I see in your original post you were thinking of a Burny RLG 55.

My guitar is a chinese made RLG60, cost slightly more than the 55 models but with hotter/uncovered SD style pickups.

I paid £450 new and its a great guitar, well made, quality wood and hardware with 60s profile neck. Recently took it to a luthier for a setup and he commented on all of the above, even said that the neck was better than he had seen on some gibsons

I am not doubting that the old MIJ models are superior but if you are looking for a budget LP under £500 then Burny is the way to go especially when compared to other MIC Vintage, Epiphones etc

Good luck with finding your new axe!