Opinions on differences between 150 and 157 guitars

[boanerges]

What's your take on the differences between the 150 and 157 models, sound wise? I owned a Gibson LP with ebony fingerboard, and that guitar was cold, sterile, completely out of sustain -- in short: dead.

 

-boanerges

[davesultra]

The 150s' are comparable with an LP Standard. The 157s' are like the LP Custom, more ornate and the Ebony board is generally thought to be brighter sounding. I tend to like both. I've never owned a 157, but I have had an LP Custom (and Standards too), I like(d) both. Somewhat an apples & oranges comparison. I plan to get a 157 as soon as the money tree blooms again.

[Thundersteel]

I currently own an LP Custom, an H157, & an H150. I used to have an LP standard, but I sold it--it was nothing really special.

 

MY 150/157 seem to have a certain "something" that makes me want to play them more than my LP.

 

Soundwise, the 150 seems to have a "woodier" tone to it; I'm guessing because of the rosewood fretboard.

[skydog]

I've never owned a 157, but I have owned 2 150's. I like the more workmanlike appearance of the 150. I'm not a good enough player to walk out with a 157!

[golferwave]

  The H-157 is a bit brighter with the ebony board but it's so smooth to play. It's just a matter of tone preference.

[les paulverizer]

For me between rosewood and ebony it's a no brainer; I'll go for ebony any day!

I might be weird (thank you, really!) but among the G Les Paul's I've had the ones with ebony 'boards were not only waaaaaay smoother to play but also superior in tone, no question asked; I dunno why but that's what it felt/sounded to me! 8)

Tha's why the only G Les Paul I own now has got ebony, I got a H150 (my "standard", I guess....) and I plan to purchase an "157" a.s.a.p.

[Kazwell]

I noticed immediately the feel of the fretboard on my H-150. It was noticably softer than other guitars I have played, which included others w rosewood fretboards. Don't know if this is just the quality of wood, the way it is treated or the fact the neck is so damn stable, I just tend to dig in more. Or all three. All I know is I love the feel of it.

 

The softer wood could affect sustain to a degree. But let's not forget, both the 150 and 157 have those real MOP inlays that the strings are on top of evens the score to a degree. Depending on your positioning of course. Or does it?

[yoslate]

Don't own a 157 (there have been some spectacular specimens here recently), but I have an '04 custom 150 with a 1 3/4" ebony board. I've had several LP Standards and Deluxes, including a '52 Goldtop, which I dearly wish I hadn't let go.  The 150 and the '52, in terms of some technical detail, vintage, et.al. could not be more different, although both sport P-90's.  But there is some inherent quality those two guitars share --  aesthetics, stability, "workmanlike appearance" (good observation, skydog), I dunno...balance, weight, responsiveness, lively feel, carve of the top,...Parsons Street...some sort of mystical equation that results in"inspired" better playing  --  which, as swell as some of my Pauls have been, the other Pauls just didn't have. 

[skydog]

I too prefer the more blue collar/workmanlike appearance of the 150. But I'm sure glad they make both!

[yoslate]

Workmanlike, right!  My 150 doesn't even have a tune-o-matic, just a wraparound, like a Junior.

[skydog]

Workmanlike, right!  My 150 doesn't even have a tune-o-matic, just a wraparound, like a Junior.

 

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Grin

[Dick Seacup]

Workmanlike, right!  My 150 doesn't even have a tune-o-matic, just a wraparound, like a Junior.

 

Would it happen to be a gold top?  Wrap tail gold top would be awesome...truly workmanlike.  Especially with P90s. 

[yoslate]

Actually, no, not a goldtop, Dick.  Has a really nicely done Sunsetburst finish with pretty strong chevrons.  And the P-90's are phat cats, which look like humbuckers with the pole pieces in the center of the cover.  I am anxious to post pix, but have to wait until photog pal has time to do them right.  Very anxious to hear what you guys think!

[Kuz]

Just my opinion, to each his own. But I don't care for ebony finger boards on LP like guitars (including 150 & 157). I think you lose some of the warmth and the grit & grunt. I had a LP Custom Black Beauty and it got sold pretty quick.

 

Now this is going to contradict myself, but I have no problems with the ebony boards on my 555, Sweet 16, or Golden Eagle. Maybe because they are semi-hollow or hollow it gives them some of there woody sound.

 

My Cust 555 has rosewood board and I really like it. It sounds obviously like the classic 335 but comparing it to my other 555 with the ebony board, it has a little more classic LP sound.

 

Hope that makes sense ;D