Question: OLP Replacement Brand & Bargains?

[Huskerbay]

Thanks for your OLP comments everyone. Great to hear about the exciting, new Sterling line-up.

Back to the "bargain" part of my subject line. When a product line goes away (like OLP), I sometimes wonder if I'll regret not buying one; "back when they were still cheap."

For example, the Squier '51 guitar (discontinued by Fender in 2006) has picked up a lot of fans lately and appreciated in price. The '51s have almost become a "cult classic" due to their versatility, surprisingly good quality and affordability for modifying.

OLPs offer a reasonable price/value combo in entry-level guitars and the word "bargain" certainly applies. I was hoping there was a "cult classic" hidden in the OLP line - with an upside potential like the Squier '51. If there is an OLP like that, I've missed it.

Sounds to me like a Sterling is a much better bet to appreciate in value and reputation as time goes on.

[jamminjim]

Husker - best advice anyone can give you. Forget the OLPs man. Do check out the Sterlings.

[redeleon]

Husker - best advice anyone can give you. Forget the OLPs man. Do check out the Sterlings.

word.

[ferdnburn]

i own an olp mm axis with rockfields and floyd rose and i like it! plays great and looks great too. dont know what the snobbery is about mm against olp , but i think i,ll join another website to get my questions answered! thanks!

[DrKev]

Welcome to the forum, ferdnburn!

True, SOME people around here won't recommend OLP. Why? Because, the Sterling line is regarded as better quality at a similar price than even the good OLPs were. The earlier OLPs were indeed very good, but they could not maintain the quality and EBMM withdrew the license to produce the guitars.

But the only thing that counts is that you like your OLP. If you're happy, we're happy too!

[Spudmurphy]

i own an olp mm axis with rockfields and floyd rose and i like it! plays great and looks great too. dont know what the snobbery is about mm against olp , but i think i,ll join another website to get my questions answered! thanks!

Hello and goodbye?
Shame - because my mate OlPlayer has a damn fine Olp Axis - plays fine - looks great sounds great.
He also has a Sterling Silo and a couple of EB Axis guitars so it's damn easy to get a good comparison.

The Olp's are no longer made but keep an eye out for a good 'un. The latest incarnation is Sterling guitars - damn fine guitars.

No snobbery here - move on.

[acwild]

OLP is what sparked my interest in EBMM guitars. When the OLP line came out, I was aware of EBMM but just never got to play one since they were hard to find around here. I had zero interest in the EBMM line as it seemed just another product in a sea of guitars. As I was waiting for my daughter to find a guitar that she was interested in, I picked up an OLP out of boredom. I still vividly remember that experience because the neck felt like it was made for my hands. The carve, tactile feel of the unfinished neck, width... All perfect! QC was great too as I couldn't find any flaws. Ever since then, necks have become a top criteria in my guitar purchasing requirements. I also had to find EBMM guitars because I knew the real deal would be my Holy Grail. That OLP is one that I really regret not purchasing.

[Jack FFR1846]

I've owned the whole staircase of guitars. OLP, Sterling, Sub 1, Axis and supersport. Each is great value for the money and each is a step up in performance as I've listed it. I am not a fan of the OLP paper thin veneer top, which many start to lift and then every time you even look at the guitar, another piece flakes off. My Sterling by Music Man had no veneer as it was a promo guitar that I refinished (thread here), which was a far better playing, sounding and feeling guitar than my OLP. The sub 1 was my entry into a "real" Music Man. I still have it and it was an excellent modding base at a low price. Any high end Music Man.....what can I say? They do play far better than any OLP or SBMM. Now....performance per dollar? You would have to do your own analysis. Depends what you can afford too.

Why go away? Based on a bunch of posts from 2009?

[beej]

Hello and goodbye ... in response to a 2 year old thread. Lol.