Originally Posted by mr dave

the amount of time and money required to properly refinish a guitar (especially with a set neck) makes it kind of redundant to get a 2nd hand les paul to have it done on in the first place. save up a bit more and get a new black one from the get go. i wouldn't consider a refinish unless it was a really rare vintage guitar or something with lots of sentimental value that somehow got damaged.

from what i can find through google you're looking at a good $500 US and up for a strip and refinish.

as for places to find a 2nd hand guitar.

london musical instruments classifieds - craigslist

Electric guitar for sale, London UK - Cheap guitars online

it's not hard to refine the searches on those sites for cities closer to where you are. you could always try leaving a note on the bulletin boards at your local music shops letting people know you're in the market for a used LP.

Originally Posted by Pedestrian

As for me, my inbox is as of yet testicle-free, and hopefully remains that way. Don't the rest of you get any ideas.

Originally Posted by Trollheart

I'll have you know, my ancestors were Kings of Wicklow! We're as Irish as losing a three-nil lead in a must-win fixture!