This January, during the "International Blues Challenge", in Memphis, I also toured the Gibson factory. They only make the "B.B. King" type guitars there.

Your right, their store at the factory had the guitars at full list price.
But, there were models that I had not seen before and I also learned a lot about the Les Paul guitars models and neck sizes, that I did not know.

I want to tour the Gibson factory in Nashville, where they make the Les Paul guitars, within the next couple of months.

I'm sure Memphis and Nashville is NOT the place to buy a Gibson guitar at a good price. If you are in Memphis or Nashville checking out guitars, they think that you will be willing to pay more.

If I keep shopping, I am sure I will be able to buy a Les Paul, that I want, for a price a little over cost. Meanwhile I will keep enjoying playing my Stratocaster. Check out the attached picture of my Strat. :cool: