The JB Ox is very different from the Greeny, that's for sure. My first impressions were: 'This sounds old!' It sounds like Les Pauls on 70's records. I like that. I also like the hefty neck, even though my hands are not that large. It plays very well. I didn't have to tweak anything other than lowering the bridge - which by the way, intonates pretty much perfectly - a turn and half. With my usual 11-49 set of NYXLs, it plays effortlessly. I really like the very slight sitar-like ring that the wraptail gives off on certain notes. I'm a fan of the feeling of solidity and connection this bridge design often yields, and it shines on this guitar. The bridge setup is certainly part of the tone here.
And what a tone it is. I have never had a Les Paul that sounded anything like this before - and I had some serious ones. This guitar rings in a certain way on single notes. They seem to bloom and give that little snarl that I love, a tone I find very inspiring.
So there is the playability and the tones. The looks also draw me in. The finish seems a bit fragile and could be prone to wear and dings - I don't mind that at all. Dirt and specks show instantly, as does grease. The tuners are butter-smooth and stable, unlike the Grover set on my Greeny. The trussrod-cover seems to have been installed by a blind man, but that's the only real fit and finish issue I can find. I can't deduct a star for something this small, when the rest of the guitar is so great. Finally, the JB Ox seems significantly lighter than the Greeny. I haven't had a chance to put it on a scale, but the weight is comfortable and the guitar feels handy to yield. All in all: Best LP I tried. Top marks for build, electronics and - last, but not least - sound.
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