there is ofcourse difference in tone. but not negative. the sound is more snappy, but still warm and fatty. its imho, as a les paul should sound. not a strange ES-version in a les paul shape, which gibson now makes, or a dusty, non-vibrant sound which the customshop is. its as a les paul should sound. its not an sg, its a les paul. period. I've had customshop les pauls, new les pauls, 70ies les pauls (which I love!). and warmoth is very much like 70ies les pauls in tone. feel is very dependant of the neckshape. it can be a 50ies style sound, but then I'd have to change pickups and choose other woods.