New SE245 vs Used Bernie Marsden

[Bahnzo]

I'm debating this right now. I play blues and really want a good solid body LP style guitar. I can't afford a real LP, and don't really want an Epiphone. I just sold my PRS Zach Myers, and my choice is between a 245 or a BM.

I've played a couple 245's in person, but never a BM. And I probably won't find a BM I can play locally, so I'm hoping some of you fine folks can give me some ideas of what a BM might bring that's different from a 245.

 

[Boogie]

They are essentially the same guitar. The Bernie has a bound neck and in-line 3 control layout vs the SE245’s more traditional (but completely NOT like a Les Paul) controls. For me, it would come down to the individual instrument..with looks being the last criteria.

 

[Going Modal]

Some of the Bernie Marsden guitars were distributed in Europe with 53/10 pickups, which sound great and are currently "unobtainium." And they're fabulous pickups; might be worth checking whether the used BM has those pickups--and if so, jump right on that!

 

[bodia]

Can't go wrong either way. The Bernie is a fantastic guitar. Punches way above its price point.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

The Bernie is sexier looking IMO.

… and really, two tone knobs? For why?

 

[EdSevered]

Chris Robertson

Oh wait, that wasn't one of the options. Was it?

 

[Bahnzo]

Can't go wrong either way. The Bernie is a fantastic guitar. Punches way above its price point.

I've read that many times, which is why I'm really considering the BM. But if you have one, can you maybe elaborate on why?

The Bernie is sexier looking IMO.

… and really, two tone knobs? For why?

It's one reason I like the BM as well. Something that just makes good sense is a nice little selling point, eh?

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I love my Bernie! Any time I get GAS for a SC or an LP I go grab mine and the feeling goes away.

Literally everything I want/need out of a singlecut guitar. I modded mine to remind me of an old LP Deluxe I once owned that I was particularly (nostalgically) fond of, but this is 100 times better of a guitar.

 

[Bahnzo]

I really like the gold top. I'm reading the black ones are maybe a little better due to not being a veneer top. Do you know if the gold ones are the same, just a solid maple top?

 

[Alnus Rubra]

I love my Bernie! Any time I get GAS for a SC or an LP I go grab mine and the feeling goes away.

Literally everything I want/need out of a singlecut guitar. I modded mine to remind me of an old LP Deluxe I once owned that I was particularly (nostalgically) fond of, but this is 100 times better of a guitar.

Plus it’s kick @ss gold!

 

[bodia]

I've read that many times, which is why I'm really considering the BM. But if you have one, can you maybe elaborate on why?



It's one reason I like the BM as well. Something that just makes good sense is a nice little selling point, eh?

Well, it just plays like butter, and sounds awesome. I modded mine quite a bit. Phase III tuners, Core nut, Amber lampshades, MannMade 2300 bridge, and Bare Knuckle Abraxas pickups. Screams. Plus, I like the Explorer control layout. Not a huge fan of four knobs.

When I bought it, I was looking for an LP. I played every Epi and LP my local Guitar Center had under $3k. Nothing moved me. I grabbed the Bernie, never plugged it in, and played it for 5 minutes. Done deal!

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I really like the gold top. I'm reading the black ones are maybe a little better due to not being a veneer top. Do you know if the gold ones are the same, just a solid maple top?

This was a black one.

 

[Bahnzo]

This was a black one.

So you had it refinished, or painted? Either way, that's a real nice look.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

So you had it refinished, or painted? Either way, that's a real nice look.

Hey thanks!

Jeez… the cheapest Bernie I can find is…. $700?!?!!! I think I just turned into an old man.

 

[bodia]

Hey thanks!

Jeez… the cheapest Bernie I can find is…. $700?!?!!! I think I just turned into an old man.

Holy crap! I think mine was $650 new. No gig bag, of course, cuz, GC

 

[bodia]

Hey thanks!

Jeez… the cheapest Bernie I can find is…. $700?!?!!! I think I just turned into an old man.

I really should take advantage and sell most of my stuff…..

 

[Fullmoon 1971]

Bernies all the way

The 245's are fantastic but to me the Bernie's feel just that little bit more vintage.

Heres a couple of reviews on the bernie from Guitarist Magazine - first comparing against a stripped 58 & a SE 245

this one compares it to the 2012 Gibson classic custom and Bernies Les Paul "The Beast"

 

[Bahnzo]

Thanks, some good info. I'm still going to try a few different guitars (I've always wanted a Tele as well) but the BM is really the one I have my eye on. Just wish I had one I could play locally as I'm always leery about buying guitars online. I'm in no hurry tho, so you never know what might turn up.

 

[alantig]

I love my Bernie! Any time I get GAS for a SC or an LP I go grab mine and the feeling goes away.

Literally everything I want/need out of a singlecut guitar. I modded mine to remind me of an old LP Deluxe I once owned that I was particularly (nostalgically) fond of, but this is 100 times better of a guitar.

You know, there wouldn't be so many knicks and dings in that guitar if you didn't store it in gravel.

 

[Boogie]

None more vintage…