JimN wrote:I have a Gibson Les Paul Standard from around 1988. I got it s/h and well-used in 2010. It plays beautifully and sounds wonderful for a mellow jazz sound. I expect it sounds OK for heavy metal too, but since I don't play that style, I can't comment.
By chance, there's also an Epiphone LP Std here as well.
It was OK for the money. Let's be clear, though: it is nowhere near the quality of the Gibson.
I had three Gibson Les Pauls, one was untuneable,(probably badly fretted, a 70s model or more likely a misplaced bridge) and one, a gold top, had a mediocre finish, all three from new. I have currently a Epiphone Standard 60s Les Paul which I can't really fault.