Page 45 - Guitar Classics Magazine - The Les Paul Bible 2019

VINTAGE BENCH TEST

Some describe 50s Bursts as being like Telecasters OPPOSITE The guitar has
on steroids, partly because they can be so snappy recently had a refret and
and airy. That broadly tallies with our Burst the ’board was levelled in
the process
experience thus far, but less so with the Richrath,
because it couldn’t be mistaken for anything other
ABOVE TOP The ingerboard-
than a Les Paul. binding height tapers
Despite its rocking attributes, the Richrath is not downwards towards the body
such a wild ride as the Duggie Lock Burst, which
Lucky Fret sold shortly before we featured it in early
2018. That guitar seems to have a mind of its own
that obliges players to either wrestle back control
or hang on for the ride. In contrast, the Richrath
has a milder manner and is easier to play, but by
no means lacks sonic intrigue.
It’s claimed that some sunburst Les Pauls aren’t
that special, and no doubt some are better than
others, but we have yet to play an original Burst that
truly disappoints. They are all unique, to some extent,
but although the Richrath is by far the most rock-
oriented Burst we’ve tested, it more than holds its
own against the rest of them.

LIKE THIS? TRY THESE…
Gibson Custom 60th Anniversary 1959 Les Paul Standard £5,199,
Eastman SB59/v-GB £1,999, Patrick James Eggle Macon Single Cut £4,200

THE LES PAUL BIBLE 45