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Well I played a few guitars yesterday: McCarty, Faded LP Standard, Elitist LP Standard Plus, Elitist 335 Dot and and Standard with the regular glossy finish. The McCarty was the lightest and most comfortable. It was very resonant played unplugged and it worked well when played in a seated position. Pickups let me down a bit though.

The LP Faded was odd in that it was a 1-piece back (most are 2-piece) and it was heavy, easily over 10 lbs. Not a bad guitar, but not as loud and resonant as others have reported. I also found a Lester will work in a seated position as long as it is closer to 8 lbs. The ax had a top that had flame, but the finsih did not let it come through. Neck was skinny for a 50's neck and felt a lot like the neck on my just departed 89 Les Paul.

The best LP was an Elitist from 2004. between a 50's and 60's neck, nice ribbbony flame to the top with a few mineral streaks. Faded Cherry Burst finish and the baby was close to 8-8.5 lbs, comfortable to play in any position and very resonant: close to the McCarty. This had it; great tone, comfort and great playability.

A regular finish USA Lester came in last. Heavy, OK top, but just not as good as the Elitist. An Elitist 335 Dot 63 RI was a great guitar too. As heavy as a LP, but more comfortable to play when seated. Great fretwork with a neck that was just on the skinny side. Nice quality on this Japanese import too.

I am going to try a Heritage and a Hamer Monaco Elite in the next few days. I will let you know how it goes.

gt5litre

I may try an Edwards LP as well. Most of their recent models are close to 8 to 8.5 lbs and have a matte finish top sprayed with Nitro. These are veneered flametops so they are not always as beautiful and 3D as a real flametop. Prices seem great even with Japan to US shipping added in.

gt5litre

i think you'll like the Monaco...i'm really interested on how you think it compares to the McCarty and Paul...!?

can't wait to hear your review!

I'd go for the 335 for a quot;slightly differentquot; axe. You can do lead with it, and it's much better than an LP for rhythm, IMO. An LP and a 335 are 2 great guitars to have playing together, and give you a good range of sounds to work with.


Originally Posted by JimbojsrYou can do lead with it, and it's much better than an LP for rhythm, IMO.

Eh? quot;Leadquot; and quot;rhythmquot; are extremely loose terms man..

I agree though, it's a nice axe, and probably what I'd be drawn to myself out of those choices.

McCarty's Rule!

I actually like the pups. You may just want something hotter.

Think of what you're after. Think of how long you'll be happy with it. Think of what you're going to get out of it if you do sell it. You're almost guaranteed a decent resale value with most any Gibson or US made PRS. As good of guitars Epi Elites, Hamers or Heritages are, their resale values are nowhere near Gibson's or PRS'.


Originally Posted by The Golden BoyThink of what you're after. Think of how long you'll be happy with it. Think of what you're going to get out of it if you do sell it. You're almost guaranteed a decent resale value with most any Gibson or US made PRS. As good of guitars Epi Elites, Hamers or Heritages are, their resale values are nowhere near Gibson's or PRS'.

Agreed....

......but all the more reason to play a whole ton of guitars and buy one from the used marketplace.


Originally Posted by Skarekrough......but all the more reason to play a whole ton of guitars and buy one from the used marketplace.

Even more than agreed!

There's so many great guitars out there that are being sold for any myriad of reasons- it's almost irresponsible to buy a guitar new.

I'd go with the McCarty, and if you don't like the pups, buy a pair of Dragon IIs, they rule.

I'd go for the Mc Carthy or the 335 just to have something different from your former 59 LP.

go the 335 dot. If u want a little differnt tone, put a Alnico 2 in the neck. Yumminess.


Originally Posted by nuntiusEh? quot;Leadquot; and quot;rhythmquot; are extremely loose terms man..

Fair enogh, coming from a Muse fan . I'm thinking more of the quot;classicquot; band lineup with 2 guitars - one doing chordal / arpeggios, the other soloing / riffing.