vintageguitarz
Inspired
I spent much of this past year researching the potential buy of yet another Les Paul, I have had 3 over the years, but every time I loved the look of a LP, there were craftsmanship, playability and price issues to prevent me from pulling the trigger. I have always had an itch to buy a nice 59 flame top possibly even a Collectors Choice Guitar. Having owned and sold over 80 guitars over the years, my rule of thumb is if I don't feel inspired to play it every time I pick it and don't ever want to put it down - I know I won't likely keep the guitar long term.
My rule of owning guitars as players is, If I don't play the guitar I sell it. The prices of such CC Les Paul's are extremely high, but since I am a collector I figured I would still consider buying one as they have a good residual value if you buy them used. Who knows I may buy one in the future anyway.
Earlier this year I decided to check out Tom Anderson's Bulldog after much research. I called Tom and discussed ordering one from scratch to get the features I wanted most. I was astonished to find out that mid summer he received a nasty gram from from Gibson threatening legal action if he didn't stop selling them. So I could not order one. I was bummed to say the least. I then went on a search to find and buy as many Bulldogs as possible in the used market.
If you are considering buying a Les Paul but find price, quality, playability issues, I strongly suggest you search Reverb and Ebay to snag a bulldog instead. The Bulldog feels different than a Les Paul and has many improvements and design differences from the traditional Paul, but its playability sound and rock solid craftsmanship hands down blow away 95% of the Les Pauls that cost $6K - $10.
I still love Gibsons for many reasons but I am very happy I decided to buy a few bulldogs. Also since they are no longer made I believe they are huge value and will likely escalate in value in years to come. Fine examples are anywhere from $2500 - $3500 and are like 1/2 the cost of a Les Paul custom shop. Tom Anderson only builds about 700 Guitar a year. Check out the pics and if you get a chance to play one please post your review.
Cheers.
My rule of owning guitars as players is, If I don't play the guitar I sell it. The prices of such CC Les Paul's are extremely high, but since I am a collector I figured I would still consider buying one as they have a good residual value if you buy them used. Who knows I may buy one in the future anyway.
Earlier this year I decided to check out Tom Anderson's Bulldog after much research. I called Tom and discussed ordering one from scratch to get the features I wanted most. I was astonished to find out that mid summer he received a nasty gram from from Gibson threatening legal action if he didn't stop selling them. So I could not order one. I was bummed to say the least. I then went on a search to find and buy as many Bulldogs as possible in the used market.
If you are considering buying a Les Paul but find price, quality, playability issues, I strongly suggest you search Reverb and Ebay to snag a bulldog instead. The Bulldog feels different than a Les Paul and has many improvements and design differences from the traditional Paul, but its playability sound and rock solid craftsmanship hands down blow away 95% of the Les Pauls that cost $6K - $10.
I still love Gibsons for many reasons but I am very happy I decided to buy a few bulldogs. Also since they are no longer made I believe they are huge value and will likely escalate in value in years to come. Fine examples are anywhere from $2500 - $3500 and are like 1/2 the cost of a Les Paul custom shop. Tom Anderson only builds about 700 Guitar a year. Check out the pics and if you get a chance to play one please post your review.
Cheers.