what are good ones to look for?

i.e year, model, etc.

also what is a les paul special?

This post was edited by bvdlord on May 28 2010 12:46pm

Ideally a 1957 Original xD

Les Paul Standards are fine. Trads are nice imho.
Studios are fine, too. They don´t look that good, but if you only care about sound...

im looking around on eebay and i found some nice looking studios

Studios are pretty cool. Generally, earlier is better. Gibson has been cutting costs and adding "weight reliefs" in newer models.

yea thats why im hestitant around the more recent models

there are some new looking ones that im eyeing and also anyone know any good amps to accompany these guitars

Its not a "weight relief" its actually something added to improve resonance and sound, the bodies in the new studio models are chambered, and it makes a world of difference to the sound. Actually learn about it before knocking it like its a bad thing.

Simply because they are able to produce it cheaper doesn't necessarily mean it's inferior >.<

I've had an 08 studio for 2 years and i love it...but when i play the new studios they suck so bad

I would just go to a shop and try out the Les Pauls they have there. The standards sound and look good, while the studios sound good but have less flair. Generally, each guitar will sound a little different because they're for the most part handmade. I'm a big fan of the Les Paul re-issues and ended up buying a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Re-Issue about 2 years ago and I still think it's the best sounding/looking guitar I've seen/heard. However, if you aren't looking to spend over $5000 on a guitar like I did, I would once again just look at the standards.