Price check on 1997 LP Classic Premium Plus

[Alan]

I'll ask the experts here:

Found a dealer with a pristine 1997 LP Classic Premium Plus in Honeyburst and nickel hardware. (Called Gibson this afternoon on the serial number to confirm date of manufacture.)

Dealer is asking $1699 w/ HSC. It is in absolute pristine condition...but does that seem a bit high to you or just about right?

[Soujurn]

That sounds about right. Sorry I didn't see this thread before. You could probably pay less in a private sale, but LP's don't come around that often anyway, so if you like this one, grab it up.

[Alan]

Thanks for your help. The guitar has been at this shop for quite some time. That's sort of what worries me. Why has it been there that long without someone snatching it up? Makes me wonder....

[Soujurn]

Maybe the universe is conspiring to get you this LP? :)
The price is not totally out of line, and if you like the guitar, you'll get much more enjoyment out of it than you would a few hundred dollars, spread out over the years you'll probably own and play this guitar. Thats the way to look at it.

[Alan]

Since posting, I've actually had the chance to go in and fondle this particular guitar. It's in great condition, plays well, seems like a pretty good deal, the wood has aged 10 years, but it just didn't speak to me. Know what I mean? I currently have 2 strats. When I was out looking...they spoke to me so I snatched them up. This LP just doesn't have the IT factor for me.

The quest continues....

[Soujurn]

I own a couple Strats myself, and I love them. I consider myself a Strat guy more than an Les Paul guy too. But, I own a '98 Les Paul Standard, in Ebony finish.
And I know what you mean about a guitar speaking to you. It is hard, maybe impossible to explain to someone who hasn't felt that way about an inanimate object, but they do seem to have a vibe and when you feel it, you feel it.

I suspect that is why John Lennon stuck with his Casino for so long, he just felt "right" when he played it.
I am on a quest for another Les Paul as well. It will probably be the last one I ever buy, and I want it to be a LP Standard, in Heritage Cherry Sunburst.
But not too red, but still not too yellow either.
It has to be perfect. And if it has the right neck, and sounds and feels as good as my current LP, then it'll be mine.
Good luck with your quest.

[Alan]

I'd sure like to see one of those LP Classic coppertops in person, but I believe they stopped using that color sometime in 2005. Not very popular, but I hear they are a bit darker than the goldtops. Love those goldtops!

Let me know if you find your Holy Grail.