Yea Gibson is overpriced thats why, when you get a les paul, get one of those beatiful ones, like my dream les paul would be a les paul standard premium plus (*drool) or a les paul '59 reissue, because you will probably get your money's worth for those kind of guiars...i like fenders too...My first electric was a Squier StratII, and i still have it and cause i love the sound on it...but as soon as i can afford it im gonna get one of those Les Pauls...i just LOVE the looks and sound...