Epson?

[Securb]

Are they simply bootlegging their own stuff at this point? When does this cross the line and become a Les Paul? I think it did, but they forgot to change the name on the headstock

https://www.epiphone.com/en-US/Collection/inspired-by-gibson-custom-shop-collection

[Hsb]

Epiphone is Gibson's company, they own the name, they can name the models what they want. I had an Epi LP years ago, late 90s and I believe it had Les Paul on it.

Is it ok that Squier says Stratocaster on it?

[Securb]

It is fine but with the headstock change and the $1200 price tag they might as well just call these Gibsons.

[Mincer]

I guess they can do what they want. I don't think I am the target market, but those do look better than the older Epi headstocks, and might be good for those wanting to spend less than $1.5k on an LP vs $3.5k.

[ehdwuld]

Gibson should start a new middle brand
like ibanez with the premium
Like fender with MIM
like PRS with the S2

[ErikH]

Just like I said in the ES-335 thread, these go thru the Custom Shop in Nashville and get a once over and upgraded everything nearly. That's as close as you'll get to a Custom Shop Les Paul without forking over the $3-4k price. I have no issue with them doing this.

[ehdwuld]

I remember back in 16 they had some Epi
with Gibson hardware and pickups

classic 57s

I liked the one I played

Kinda heavy

[Securb]

Gibson should start a new middle brand
like ibanez with the premium
Like fender with MIM
like PRS with the S2

They did with Sonex, XR-1, and later Studio, Faded and Tribute. I just saw an XR-1 online I was seriously thinking about grabbing

https://reverb.com/item/80671548-gibson-les-paul-xr-1-1981-1982-goldburst

[ehdwuld]

I was thinking something

at <$500

but hey they may think there is already plenty of < $500 Chinese guitars on the market

[Mincer]

Gibson should start a new middle brand
like ibanez with the premium
Like fender with MIM
like PRS with the S2

I have to say that PRS has navigated the USA and non-USA models well. It is clear what you are getting, and you have many different price points.

[Seashore]

I was thinking something

at <$500

but hey they may think there is already plenty of < $500 Chinese guitars on the market

They could bring back the Orville brand for their $1000+ Epiphones. And maybe treat their new signature models to the same QC these "Inspired By Gibson" guitars are getting, since it's the same price point.

[ehdwuld]

But then they would have to devalue the currently overpriced Epis and thats like giving away money

[Securb]

I was thinking something

at <$500

but hey they may think there is already plenty of < $500 Chinese guitars on the market

The Gibson Sonex started at $350 and the deluxe model was $600 it was a screaming good guitar. Amazing freaking pickups.

[ehdwuld]

I saw one of those locally some years back
in a brown walnut

they wanted a bit more than that one

but I confess

it does look very very nice

[ErikH]

I remember back in 16 they had some Epi
with Gibson hardware and pickups

classic 57s

I liked the one I played

Kinda heavy

Yup. I remember those. Difference was they still had the Epi hardware and such. These go to Nashville where they are overhauled really and given the top notch treatment with hardware, electronics, setup.