Hi, Tokai friends,
I would love some basic guidance to the higher LS models, notably a basic understanding of the LS200 and LS320. My interest specifically in these models is new, and I find the price-pegged model names getting a bit confusing with inflation over time. Apologies if not all my facts or terminology are correct.
As it happens, I seek very high actual sound/build quality and I would be prepared to pay for this – BUT on top of that I do not want to pay the large extra amounts that sometimes need to be added only for mystique that has grown around certain vintages/models or for strict true-to-original adherence when copying/reissuing some other guitar (such as a 59 Gibson). Also, I have no problem with automated CNC-produced components over manual manufacture, as long as the final result is a guitar that is just as perfect. Looks matter but playing features are most important.
Here in Europe, I see a brand new LS-200F weighing in at an attractive €3000, with used specimens going down towards €2000. What are the main observable differences compared to the 80s vintages of (what was then called) the LS-200 – spec details or just general reputation? And while on the LS-200 topic, would the LS-200 around 2005 have their own nature too? How, generally speaking?
Another thing I wonder is, overall, how to understand the difference between the LS-200 and the LS-320 (currently I look at those from around 2005 with that name), or possibly even higher models? Is the 320 higher than 200 in general specs, or is either of them particularly designed to historically resemble a 59 Gibson LP and priced higher just because of that? Then, what would be my main quality loss if I save money by stepping down from (a recent) LS-200 to LS-150?
As you notice I try to grasp the big picture here, I am not chasing exact spec lists as such (yet).
If you have, or see, second-hand guitars out there that you think would suit me, you are welcome to let me know (though I may not want to pay a lot in advance other than to sellers with a good track record).
Take care!
I would love some basic guidance to the higher LS models, notably a basic understanding of the LS200 and LS320. My interest specifically in these models is new, and I find the price-pegged model names getting a bit confusing with inflation over time. Apologies if not all my facts or terminology are correct.
As it happens, I seek very high actual sound/build quality and I would be prepared to pay for this – BUT on top of that I do not want to pay the large extra amounts that sometimes need to be added only for mystique that has grown around certain vintages/models or for strict true-to-original adherence when copying/reissuing some other guitar (such as a 59 Gibson). Also, I have no problem with automated CNC-produced components over manual manufacture, as long as the final result is a guitar that is just as perfect. Looks matter but playing features are most important.
Here in Europe, I see a brand new LS-200F weighing in at an attractive €3000, with used specimens going down towards €2000. What are the main observable differences compared to the 80s vintages of (what was then called) the LS-200 – spec details or just general reputation? And while on the LS-200 topic, would the LS-200 around 2005 have their own nature too? How, generally speaking?
Another thing I wonder is, overall, how to understand the difference between the LS-200 and the LS-320 (currently I look at those from around 2005 with that name), or possibly even higher models? Is the 320 higher than 200 in general specs, or is either of them particularly designed to historically resemble a 59 Gibson LP and priced higher just because of that? Then, what would be my main quality loss if I save money by stepping down from (a recent) LS-200 to LS-150?
As you notice I try to grasp the big picture here, I am not chasing exact spec lists as such (yet).
If you have, or see, second-hand guitars out there that you think would suit me, you are welcome to let me know (though I may not want to pay a lot in advance other than to sellers with a good track record).
Take care!