dude, I reckon with a guitar costing that much, you should play that exact guitar before you part with cash...some Les Pauls are better than others (or, more concerning, some are worse than others) Gibson in particular are inconsistant...they may have a good return policy...but thats always a hassle, and there is no guarantee that the next one they sedn will be any better...why not head out to your local Gibson dealer and play every Les Paul they have, then take the one that grabs you most.