No, never!! :)  Actually, I have owned several Les Pauls - a less expensive Studio model (not the same) and 'the real deal' (can't remember if it was the Custom Plus or Standard Plus - about $2600 w/case).  Beautiful guitars, beautiful sound, smooth play... schreech... no double-locking tremolo system and weighed a ton.  The weight took a toll on my back as lower-back problems run in my family - and I wasn't spared.  As great as they are, I'm a 'technical' player.  I need a whammy bar on a floating bridge within reach or the sweats start. :)

The Music Man Axis or Peavey Wolfgang are sort of touted as the best alternative to Les Paul when you want that extra hardware but the same tonal quality/sound and playability.  I wasn't as impressed with the Axis - neck was a little too fat and the sound a little too muddy for my style.  Could be the same for the Wolfgang - will see.  I've only had a chance to hold and play a Wolfgang once way back in the early 90's when a friend purchased one.  But it was just a quick check, not plugged in.  It was his baby, you know what I mean.

The local guitar shop, unfortunately, only carries a very limited selection - mainly Fender.  I tried out a Hamer USA Artist (I believe, about $1400).  Smooth and amazing tone, but no hardware.  That's the problem with the local shop - only a couple of guitar with double-locking trems and they are mid-range Ibanez.  Already have a JEM to fill that slot.

C makes it easy to shoot yourself in the foot. C++ makes it harder, but when you do, you blow your whole leg off.

 -- Bjarne Stroustrup

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