Many times we tend to be very attached to certain brands that have built a very particular and well-defined sound which then becomes one of the "must have" for the guitarist.
Today we do something completely different, let's try a brand that follows a sound that we all know, but tries to build it in its own way and with its own constructive philosophies.
La Maybach is a German lutherie brand of a certain level, which has made attention to detail and construction refinement its trademark, attributed to models that are defined as “historic” both for the stratoid and Les Paul models.
Today we are dealing with a very interesting model that is inspired by the Les Paul of 59, the Lester 59.
Aesthetic Considerations
The eye in this case has a lot on its side. a very nice guitar to look at, even in its version Aged, despite not being a lover of the relic, this effect of the broken paint as if to simulate an instrument always left in case and played once in a while I must admit that I like it, very light nitrocellulose paint and lets the veins of the two-piece body shine through .
I still can't figure out how it manages to weigh just over 3kg, even on their website they claim they don't build guitars weighing more than 4 kg and at least from the outside I didn't notice any tonal chambers of any kind, currently a mystery.
Beautiful to look at, very vintage and the aged effect that makes this war ax even more beautiful years 50.
Technical Considerations
Directly from the manufacturer's official website, the construction follows the standard of Gibson of the golden age, so the shape of the neck and the shape of the body are at least the same.
So we list:
Sound Considerations
A very soft guitar, obviously follows a certain type of very bluesy sound and rock and roll years 60 e 70.
I pickup they do not have a terrifyingly high output, this is because the guitars of the time did not have a hallucinating output volume compared to today's ones, but it gains in warmth and sound roundness.
The calibration of the pickups also allows you to have substantial tonal differences but without having impressive outputs in terms of volume;
Handle: I would have expected this pickup to be too dark compared to the one in the bridge, but I was wrong, it manages to convey a nice depth and a sound spectrum slightly more pushed towards the medium - low, but without having that typical sound of "off" or of "Very dark", especially when playing with the tone potentiometer.
Great attack, a particularly polite and soft sound, it performs well for less "extreme" rhythms and solo solutions or where you don't want to get out of the mix with particular violence, very interesting.
Recommended genres:
Anything that has a sound rock e sincere and authentic blues you have a lot of fun with this.
Bridge: Particularly present in the mid-high spectrum, it obviously gives the best of itself with a sound capable of expressing the best of itself when you bring the amplifier to saturation or with a light crunch, the final sound has a nice presence and a decent attack, I would have expected a more nasal sound from this position, but the highs are kept somewhat at bay and don't give that annoying power saw sound.
Recommended genres:
Highly recommended for the typical sound of Cream and ZZ Top, but not for more "bad" genres, I think the very concept of the vintage instrument would be distorted, it manages to get to more intense timbres, but because I'm almost imposing it.
Economic Considerations
Final sale price of approx 2000 €.
In my opinion, a ridiculous price for what it offers, the choice of woods, electronics and pickups make it a very attractive Pes Paul if you don't care about having the Gibson logo on the headstock.
Economically promoted with full marks, it is currently one of the best Les Pauls ever tried for value for money.
Final considerations
Currently I find it the best alternative to a Les Paul that traces the sounds and attitude vintage oriented, the construction does not allow compromises on any front, exceptional choice of woods, high-level painting, electronics and pick-up that cannot be asked for better.
Want a vintage sounding Les Paul? we currently do not know how to recommend better.
PRO
- Choice of woods
- High level electronics
- Very soft pickups
- Very enveloping sound
AGAINST
- Keys too small
- Difficult handle for those who come from modern handles
Author's Note
I admit that it is one of the guitars that I would like to have in my arsenal, it does its job very well, it is very beautiful to look at and despite the small frets it allows you to have that range of sounds at a price that I would define rather ridiculous compared to its other "sisters. ".
Currently buying a high-end Les Paul is a very difficult thing without shelling out an amount equal to that of a used car, I am very happy that they are able to keep this rather competitive price for a very high quality product.
A fantastic guitar, it is difficult for me to add more, would be a very interesting ax to keep in your arsenal.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
- Producer: Maybach Guitars
- Model: Lester 59
- Price: 2000,00 VAT included
