newbie question

[Pej]

Sorry for such a naive question. My studying of the heritage website hasn't really shed much light on this. I'm looking for a Les Paul and can't quite figure what are the important differences between h140, 150 and 157 (looks like 157 is the heaviest).

 

Again, apologies for the simplicity of the question but I'd appreciate some insight into the relative strengths of these beasts.

[eljay]

welcome! in brief, the 140's body is slightly less deep than the 150. the 157 is to the 150 what a lester custom is to a standard.

[DetroitBlues]

A 140 is a thinner body LP type typically with Dot inlays. One step above is the 150 which is more like a LP standard, bound fretboard and trap inlays. The 157 is like a LP custom. Multi layer binding on the front and back of the body as well as the head stock being bound and inlayed. The neck also has block inlays as well. Hope that helps

[Pej]

welcome! in brief, the 140's body is slightly less deep than the 150. the 157 is to the 150 what a lester custom is to a standard.

 

Thanks for that LJ -- one more question: what's the difference between lester custom and standard? (sorry for my ignorance)

[tulk1]

 

Thanks for that LJ -- one more question: what's the difference between lester custom and standard? (sorry for my ignorance)

LPC = Multilayer binding, front and back, ebony FB, bound headstock, block inlays, gold hardware -- generally.

LPS = Front binding, traps, chrome/stainless hardware - generally.

 

Weight will vary by wood, not necessarily by model.

[Pej]

LPC = Multilayer binding, front and back, ebony FB, bound headstock, block inlays, gold hardware -- generally. LPS = Front binding, traps, chrome/stainless hardware - generally. Weight will vary by wood, not necessarily by model.

 

Thanks so much.

[noonesperfect]

Other than esthetics (which I know really do matter!), are there differences that would affect playability or sound?

[eljay]

^^^

 

i've not played a 140 but past discussions on this forum suggest that 140s play and sound a lot like 150s. i know my 157 plays and sounds like my humbucker-equipped 150.

[TalismanRich]

I have both a 140 and 157. They are definitely in the same family in term of overall tone, especially if you have the same pickups. The 140 is lighter, but doesn't seem to lose much in terms of body compared to its thicker brothers.

 

Of course you can drastically modify the overall sound by changing pickups, strings, caps, etc.