do les pauls break easily?
I've had an epiphone less Paul for about a month now and it's my baby, so naturally I'm worried about breaking it. I have a case but no stand, is it a problem if I lean it up against the wall? I've made certain there's no possible way it could tip over while leaving against the wall trust me. I'm just worried the neck could warp? Idk much about this stuff haha, also when I play the few songs I do know (eagerly learning more) I like to jam out really hard, is this a problem for the electronics? I know I probly don't go as hard as a lot of people but still... Also, what are some maintenance tips? Does anything besides strings need to be replaced regularly? (Any internal electrics or pickups ext?)
It may not be a Gibson but it's the only one I'll have for along time, thanks for your help!!
Comments
I mainly prefer Fenders but I have an Epiphone Les Paul too (a gold top with P90s) and I like it a lot. Leaning it against a wall, or anything else, won't cause the neck to warp but isn't a good idea - it could easily fall or be knocked over. There are other safe places to put it but you ought to put it in the case when not being used.
I'm too old to know what you mean by saying you, "like to jam out really hard" but wonder what you are doing that could harm the electrical components in your guitar - sorry I can't help there.
Other than changing strings I would strongly advise you to leave the guitar alone unless something obviously needs to be adjusted and then get a competent person to do it..
Treat it like a musical instrument, not a hammer, and it should last a long time. In other words, don't beat on it. You can play aggressively without damaging the guitar, but use some common sense about it.
Dont lean it against the wall. Do store it in the case when not in use.
Wash your hands before you play, and wipe down the entire instrument with a soft clean cotton cloth before you put it away. In particular, wipe each string from nut to bridge.
Even freshly washed hands have natural oils in the skin. These oils attack the strings and the finish on the guitar. This is one of the reasons you have to change strings. Keep the guitar clean and the finish should remain intact for many years.
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@Eddie/Donny: Epis are made by Gibson. They are Gibson's cost-reduced line. Generally the differences are cosmetic, fit-and-finish things. The rumor that headstocks break more easily on Epis than on Gibsons is totally untrue. The reality is that any guitar can break if you mistreat it. The strings exert a LOT of tension on the neck; if any guitar falls face down, the headstock can snap off. This scenario should never be a concern with any guitar that is cared for properly. Stands are for keeping multiple guitars handy on stage or in the studio when you are actively playing them. A stand is not for storing a guitar that is not being played. If you aren't there to keep an eye on the guitar, don't leave it on a stand, put it in the case.
The Epi Les Paul is a nice guitar for the beginning or intermediate player. Just treat it gently - avoid temperature extremes in particular. NEVER leave it in a hot car, and if you take it outdoors in cold weather, let it warm back up for an hour or two before opening the case.
Leaning a guitar against the wall makes it vulnerable to falling or getting kicked. If you MUST do it, put it in a corner with the back facing out. That way the pressure on the neck will counteract the pull of the strings instead of adding to them (although this will probably only matter if you are habitually leaning it against the wall for long periods), and it at least won't fall sideways. It is far better to keep a guitar in the case when you're not using it.
No, nothing needs changing except the strings. Just wash your hands before you play, and wipe it down with a clean soft cloth before you put it away, and you're good to go.
I suggest you invest in a guitar stand. They are not than expesive...much less than a cracked neck or broken toggle switch or bent tuning key.
for instance:
http://www.wwbw.com/Musician-s-Gear-Tubular-Guitar...
Much better than leaning the guitar against stuff, I guarantee!
As far as the guitar breaking, it is pretty sturdy, leaning it against things won't hurt the neck. It gettng knocked over however is another matter(as has been pointed out by the others, too)
The Epiphone version of the Les Paul is a badly made copy. Sorry to break it to you.
The real LPs are made by Gibson. They are more expensive but harder to break. Believe me.
Not if it's a Gibson original.