No more chopping from this axe

I have to send back my Epi Les Paul. I went to play it real quick last night and the neck pickup stopped working. I couldn't believe it only lasted through one service. I had everything set up for church with the Les Paul and I had to tweak every setting so it would work with my Strat. It's not like I spent $50 for this guitar. It should have lasted MUCH longer than this. Anyway, I'm sending it back tomorrow or Tuesday.

So, now I'm onto finding a replacement for my backup. Steve is also looking for an electric guitar so hopefully I can help him find a good one through my mistakes. My top two choices are a Squier Telecaster or an Epiphone Les Paul Junior. They're both pretty cheap and I'd have to swap out the electronics and change the tuners. This way, at least I know what's inside of them when I do that. This guitar would primarily be a backup and also add a little different flavor.

I'm really digging on the Les Paul Junior. It's real simple (one pickup, one volume knob, one tone knob) but since I run through the PODxt, I have plenty of sound options. I've always wanted a guitar with a P90 pickup. Great snarl on them suckers. With this guitar, I could put one in since I have to junk the stock pickup. Just an option for me.

The Telecaster would be a little more expensive to buy, and to fix up. There are two pickups (maybe I wouldn't have to replace them) but the tuners have to be changed. They also look a little cheap...almost like Pine wood. You can get more sound variety out of them, but I think it is running in second place. Now, it's like what Steve said..."I need to get out and start playing some guitars."

I will keep you posted on my search.