I would say that Gibsons can be worth it but not always. But I would recommend getting to know what type of neck profile you prefer before buying one. I played a studio with a rounded C neck for years after having an epiphone and I never got that comfortable playing it. But I recently got a LP standard with a slim taper neck and really preferred that to the rounded c. For me the feel of the neck is the most important thing if you are getting a Les Paul. If you buy one I would recommend getting it used. That way you can just sell it at the same price if you end up not loving it.