I am going into my local guitar shop to choose my guitar on Monday and if I go for a Les Paul, which I probably will, I was wondering apart from the hardware difference specs on LPC and the LPS, is there any magnificent sound difference. Because I am willing to pay the extra 50 for the custom if it will sound better. But if it sounds the same as standard then I will make do with that.

Also, if I change my mind about buying the les paul, is there any alternatives to a strat (i've heard cort guitars are great) or a tele?