Epiphone '56 LP Gibson GoldTop or Epiphone Nighthawk?

ShakeNBake

Need advice between these 2 guitars. I've never played either, been reading a lot. But would prefer some insight from those with more experience than I. And those whom have actually owned them please.

I started out playing guitar in '99 with an old SG copy I bought off some old dude - should really have cared for that axe more. But over the years have progressed to accoustic guitars and its been my main outlet of playing and songwriting.

Over the last few months my writing style has changed and lending friends' electric guitars, I find myself wanting to own one, as different ideas just keep leaping up and all of a sudden I start solo'ing and practicing scales :p

Anyway, I digress. The 2 guitars I make mention of is due to me always loving the original's sound and tone from favourite musicians I've grown up listening to. I'm aware there's more to 'a sound' than just the guitar.

So inform and help me make a more rational choice between the two please. I'm not looking to gig the guitar, should only be using it for jamming in my room or for studio work. And as I can't afford an original Gibson, the Epi's are in my price range.

Thanks for your input :)

(old forum) Poll Results: Which guitar would you rather have?

Epiphone '56 GoldTop Les Paul Gibson: 13
Epiphone NightHawk: 1

MikeM

My vote is for the LP. More iconic, less quirky which would suit less experienced chap better.

Jacques_nasi

Definatly the Les Paul in my opinion. ? I'm still in the market for one, just waiting fot the cash to roll in. I'm after the Std Plus top though.

ShakeNBake

Thanks for the responses and to those whom voted. I was leaning towards the LP. Hopefully the one I've got my eye on will still be available next week. ?

giggsy

Looks like I'm the only one going the Nighthawk way ? But, as you'll see in my signature, that's the one guitar I really want at the moment

Matt-White

Giggsy wrote: Looks like I'm the only one going the Nighthawk way ? But, as you'll see in my signature, that's the one guitar I really want at the moment

Yo Gigs!
Suppose you saw this one?
http://www.guitarforum.co.za/index.php?action=classifieds;sa=view;id=477

BTW, have you ever played a Nighthawk? Im curious, since Ive never had the opportunity.

giggsy

Matt White wrote:
Giggsy wrote: Looks like I'm the only one going the Nighthawk way ? But, as you'll see in my signature, that's the one guitar I really want at the moment
Yo Gigs!
Suppose you saw this one?
http://www.guitarforum.co.za/index.php?action=classifieds;sa=view;id=477

BTW, have you ever played a Nighthawk? Im curious, since Ive never had the opportunity.

Thanks man - yeah, I have, and I;ve been chatting to the guy, but unless he agrees to paint it black for me, there'll be no sale! Haha - for some reason I need a black one not a yellowy/orangey one... but that price is seriously good and really tempting.

I've never played one though, more a looks and curiosity thing for me - the range of sounds with the possible pickup configurations seriosly interests me

ShakeNBake

Ze Gold Top - She is mine! Mwahahahahaha!
Wish I could've grabbed the Marshall amp the seller had too - what a beaut!
Though he's not ready to sell and I'm not by the means to buy either ?

Pics in the morning! ?

Ooh - and if anyone knows of a CPT seller for a flight case at a reasonable price - it'd be much appreciated.
Will be posting a "Wanted Ad" in Classifieds too.

ShakeNBake

My precious!

MikeM

Nice!! Isn't that a 57 though?

One quick recommendation.. Squeeze your budget and order some Toneriders for that baby ? They're on special for R600 per set, and that guitar will thank you. Even if you don't install them immediately, Epis have notoriously bad pickups.

ShakeNBake

MikeM wrote: Nice!! Isn't that a 57 though?

One quick recommendation.. Squeeze your budget and order some Toneriders for that baby ? They're on special for R600 per set, and that guitar will thank you. Even if you don't install them immediately, Epis have notoriously bad pickups.

Thanks for getting the n00b on the right path ?

You're quite right - it is a 57.
Been searching the web and though the 56 look similar, there's a difference on the headstock.
Well its not the only difference - but the biggest cosmetic difference at a glance.
The 56 has "'56 Gold Top" on it and mine has "Gibson"

1957

1956

MikeM

The "actual" difference are the pickups ? P90s instead of humbuckers.

ShakeNBake

Yes yes ?