Best Les Paul style guitar under 800 Euros

dilney

dilney

New member
Hi guys.

I am seriously considering pre-ordering one of the new Joe Bonamassa Epi LP's that are supposed to be launched this year. They come in Goldtop with Gibson Burstbuckers 2 & 3.

However, I have lately been also considering the Edwards Les Paul that can be bought from Japan. They come with SD 59 + JB.

I already have 1 guitar with a 59 set and wanted to get something different (hence the first option). I could also get a Epiphone Appetite for Destruction that comes with a set of Alnico II Pro Slash.

Do you think there is a big enough difference in quality in favor of the Edwards that would justify going through the trouble of ordering it from Japan (I'm in Spain) and taking the risk of paying import duties or getting a damaged guitar from transportation?

What other alternatives should I consider? Are ESP LTDs in the same league as ESP Edwards?

Thanks for your input.
 
Re: Best Les Paul style guitar under 800 Euros

dmandude123455 said:
If your considering an Epi, get a standard and just swap the pickups
Click to expand...

I've had an Epi standard and really liked it. I wonder if the "signature" would be of higher quality (e.g., wood, fretwork, finish, etc) than the standard or if it would be the same?

Do you think the Edwards is of similar quality?
 
Re: Best Les Paul style guitar under 800 Euros

dilney said:
I've had an Epi standard and really liked it. I wonder if the "signature" would be of higher quality (e.g., wood, fretwork, finish, etc) than the standard or if it would be the same?

Do you think the Edwards is of similar quality?
Click to expand...

The Edwards will be all over ANY Epi i've seen.

We get them for really good money here in Australia, about 600 Euros
equivalent, however, if you have to pay customs in Spain, then that
may change the value somewhat.

Edwards has a few different models also. You might want to also look
at Orville by Gibson which is the Japanese domestic market product,
much better than the jap export stuff.

Salud, Guille.:friday:
 
Re: Best Les Paul style guitar under 800 Euros

How about a Gibson Les Paul Studio? Are those out of that price range?
 
Re: Best Les Paul style guitar under 800 Euros

dilney said:
I've had an Epi standard and really liked it. I wonder if the "signature" would be of higher quality (e.g., wood, fretwork, finish, etc) than the standard or if it would be the same?
Click to expand...

I'm willing to bet all Epi's are built on the same platform (wood, fretwork, finish, etc). Most of the time the only differences in Epi's are cosmetic.

+1 ---> save up for a Gibson, new or used. No regrets.
 
Re: Best Les Paul style guitar under 800 Euros

will s-t said:
the edwards will be all over any epi i've seen.

We get them for really good money here in australia, about 600 euros
equivalent, however, if you have to pay customs in spain, then that
may change the value somewhat.

Edwards has a few different models also. You might want to also look
at orville by gibson which is the japanese domestic market product,
much better than the jap export stuff.

Salud, guille.:friday:
Click to expand...

+1
 
Re: Best Les Paul style guitar under 800 Euros

Find a seller on ebay who ships to France and buy a used Gibson. If that's not an option then I'm with Will on this. A orville or edwards would be way better than an epi.
 
Re: Best Les Paul style guitar under 800 Euros

Thanks for the replies.

I will see if I find a decently priced Gibson around here. If not, I'll probably go the Edwards route.
 
Re: Best Les Paul style guitar under 800 Euros

dilney said:
Thanks for the replies.

I will see if I find a decently priced Gibson around here. If not, I'll probably go the Edwards route.
Click to expand...

The Gibson Les Paul Studio Worn is not the prettiest you've seen, but it's a solid workhorse that only needs a magnet swap to be the best it can be.

Here in Italy you can get'em as low as € 550,00, gig bag included. Brand new!

I don't think the prices will be that much higher in France.

HTH,
 
Last edited:
Re: Best Les Paul style guitar under 800 Euros

Jeff_H said:
How about Spain where he actually lives? :chairfall:
Click to expand...

Guess I have to update my profile :banghead:

Hot Octopus: Thanks for the offer, but I guess if I stick with Epiphones I'll buy one locally (with shipping + taxes for importing yours will cost me the same as a new one in Europe).

Any thoughts on ESP Ltds or other brands (that will play better than an Epi, look good, and be cheaper than a Gibby)?
 
Re: Best Les Paul style guitar under 800 Euros

Never rule out the MIJ Tokais.
Good materials and hardware, top fit and finish and should be within your price range.
You can get them from Richtone Music who I'm sure ship all over the place. The Standards and Custums start at around £700 in a wide range of finishes.
I've not seen many Gibson standards go that low second hand, but you may be lucky.
Orville and Edwards are also good but not as easy to get hold of.
 
Re: Best Les Paul style guitar under 800 Euros

FWIW, the Edwards are made in China. Not saying that makes them worse but should be mentioned since they are often counted along the MIJ crowd.

I don't have any newer MIJ but I have several vintage MIJ Les Pauls and they easily run circles around anything else I have seen in the LP market - if you pick the right one, which is non-trivial. You won't get flame mape or ebony boards.

If you'd force me to buy a new one I'd probably go with a wine red Tokai LPC. Never played one but at least it looks awesome. Data looks meh but what the heck.
 
Last edited:
Re: Best Les Paul style guitar under 800 Euros

Hey dilney,

Can you post a linky to that upcoming Bonamassa Epi? I'd like to check that out....


Thnx
 
Re: Best Les Paul style guitar under 800 Euros

uOpt said:
If you'd force me to buy a new one I'd probably go with a wine red Tokai LPC. Never played one but at least it looks awesome. Data looks meh but what the heck.
Click to expand...
The wine red does look pretty sweet, bit brighter than ya average wine red.
The pups are not that great mind... then again some people love em.
 
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