Chris Pile
Well-known member
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
Sounds like a good tagline for Seymour's next ad campaign....
Sounds like a good tagline for Seymour's next ad campaign....
Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
- Thread starter UTGrad
- Start date
ExplorersRock
X-Files Duckbucker
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
A good set of pickups can seriously change a good playing, okay sounding guitar into a tone monster. I have an Epiphone Dot I installed Seymour Duncan Antiquities in. It is a classic rock machine now! Seriously that thing sounds amazing!
A good set of pickups can seriously change a good playing, okay sounding guitar into a tone monster. I have an Epiphone Dot I installed Seymour Duncan Antiquities in. It is a classic rock machine now! Seriously that thing sounds amazing!
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
'Setup work' as in action/PU height, intonation, and truss rod? That's normal with any brand due to shipping, weather, temp, and humidity. I expect to have to do those things to any guitar, along with changing strings. Players have different preferences for actions, there's no one-size-fits-all.
'Setup work' as in action/PU height, intonation, and truss rod? That's normal with any brand due to shipping, weather, temp, and humidity. I expect to have to do those things to any guitar, along with changing strings. Players have different preferences for actions, there's no one-size-fits-all.
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
One thing I've noticed in recent years is that the Epiphone artist signature models come with a better setup. My Epiphone Tommy Thayer White Lightning came with not one, but two full sized JBs as well as full sized pots. It was also fairly light and didn't get a busted pickup switch, which is common with the cheaper models.
One thing I've noticed in recent years is that the Epiphone artist signature models come with a better setup. My Epiphone Tommy Thayer White Lightning came with not one, but two full sized JBs as well as full sized pots. It was also fairly light and didn't get a busted pickup switch, which is common with the cheaper models.
voggin
Well-known member
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
The last few new epiphones I've played have been really, really good. Very good fretwork, great feeling necks. I played an absolutely beautiful Sheraton about a month ago, which I guess is sort of their top of the line, and it was a killer guitar. They've really got their s#!t together.
The last few new epiphones I've played have been really, really good. Very good fretwork, great feeling necks. I played an absolutely beautiful Sheraton about a month ago, which I guess is sort of their top of the line, and it was a killer guitar. They've really got their s#!t together.
FuseG4
Our Neighbor Totoro
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
Many of the lower end (as in most of them that are non-Gibson Custom) Gibson LP models have the 300k pots, most Epis have the 500k.
For a lot of people who like a thick, dark sound and mostly play the bridge pickup, this makes a Gibson sound "better" out of the box than a lot of other guitars. Makes the whole guitar sound darker, more growling, with the pickups resonant peak pushed lower.
I think this counts for a lot of difference in off-the-shelf Epiphone vs Gibson comparisons.
On one epiphone I owned, I put a Duncan 59 with a 250K volume pot in the bridge and it closed so much of the tone gap between that guitar and the average stock Gibson LP studio or standard or whatnot.
In the end, I haven't done that since, and I have come to really prefer the brighter sound of 500k pots, especially with the neck pickup. You can always roll back the volume or tone but you can't do the reverse so easily.
Many of the lower end (as in most of them that are non-Gibson Custom) Gibson LP models have the 300k pots, most Epis have the 500k.
For a lot of people who like a thick, dark sound and mostly play the bridge pickup, this makes a Gibson sound "better" out of the box than a lot of other guitars. Makes the whole guitar sound darker, more growling, with the pickups resonant peak pushed lower.
I think this counts for a lot of difference in off-the-shelf Epiphone vs Gibson comparisons.
On one epiphone I owned, I put a Duncan 59 with a 250K volume pot in the bridge and it closed so much of the tone gap between that guitar and the average stock Gibson LP studio or standard or whatnot.
In the end, I haven't done that since, and I have come to really prefer the brighter sound of 500k pots, especially with the neck pickup. You can always roll back the volume or tone but you can't do the reverse so easily.
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
Fixed
With the same pickups the copy will sound near the Gibson but what about the feeling, sustain, vibrations, or the joy of staring at your headstock, etc ... ?
If you want a Les Paul or an SG and want so spend $$$, buy a Gibson, if not buy an Epi.
Fixed
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
Well, I think this thread is focused on the sound, only. There are other factors (to the actual player) that probably matter just as much, or more. I've heard many great guitars (Eastman, Godin, Heritage, etc) that nail any sound a Gibson can make. They also feel very different- some better, some worse.
Well, I think this thread is focused on the sound, only. There are other factors (to the actual player) that probably matter just as much, or more. I've heard many great guitars (Eastman, Godin, Heritage, etc) that nail any sound a Gibson can make. They also feel very different- some better, some worse.
ehdwuld
A Ficus
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
Played the new Eastman solid body last weekend
Awesome axe
Comes with Duncans at around a grand
Soild quality axe
But folks wanting a Gibson, just won't fork over the same cash for "Just not a Gibson "
Played the new Eastman solid body last weekend
Awesome axe
Comes with Duncans at around a grand
Soild quality axe
But folks wanting a Gibson, just won't fork over the same cash for "Just not a Gibson "
Thundermtn
New member
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
My stock Epi. Hinds V destroys my stock Gibson Gothic V in all of those aspects. Both were ordered and not played ahead of time.
The Gibson Kool-aid is strong but a hand picked keeper is magic, don't buy any Gibson without playing it first.
My stock Epi. Hinds V destroys my stock Gibson Gothic V in all of those aspects. Both were ordered and not played ahead of time.
The Gibson Kool-aid is strong but a hand picked keeper is magic, don't buy any Gibson without playing it first.
ehdwuld
A Ficus
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
I wanted to buy my Gibson online it was an online exclusive
But my local dealer was able to order one in
Played it and even though it has some flaky switch issues
It had the mojo
Felt right
But even so ,
Playing it today next to the Asian Signature guitar with the Duncans
The Signature is just alive and awesome
The Duncans sound better than the double slugs that are stock in the budget Gibson
I looked up the specs and the OEM pickups are the same ones that come in the M2 Gibson
Just with Alnico 5 magnets rather than the Ceramic in the M2
When I soldered up the new ones for the Signature, did a second set for the Gibson
I'm gonna have to make the move
I wanted to buy my Gibson online it was an online exclusive
But my local dealer was able to order one in
Played it and even though it has some flaky switch issues
It had the mojo
Felt right
But even so ,
Playing it today next to the Asian Signature guitar with the Duncans
The Signature is just alive and awesome
The Duncans sound better than the double slugs that are stock in the budget Gibson
I looked up the specs and the OEM pickups are the same ones that come in the M2 Gibson
Just with Alnico 5 magnets rather than the Ceramic in the M2
When I soldered up the new ones for the Signature, did a second set for the Gibson
I'm gonna have to make the move
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
Over the decade I've been here, many members have commented on the quality control & consistency of Gibsons. Part of the cost of Gibson's more expensive woods, is because they're a higher grade cosmetically, not because they're tested for sonic qualities. In the 1950's Ted McCarty said that the same size piece of mahogany could weigh 5 lbs or 25 lbs depending on the mineral content. That was 60 years ago, and getting consistent mahogany is a lot harder today, hence Gibson's putting Swiss cheese holes in their guitars. Between the heavier pieces of wood they're forced to accept these days, and their weight relief holes to get them down to a reasonable weight, that's going to have an impact on sustain. vibrations, and tone.
Another issue is Gibson PU's which aren't the quality one would expect in high-end guitars. '57's are the most disappointing PAF I've ever owned, 490's are lackluster, and the bizarre 498T/490R set has polar opposites in EQ. Who approves these things, the accounting department? They also retail for ridiculous aftermarket prices; looking at Sweetwater prices with nickel covers: BBP $185, '57 Classic $176, 498T $135, & 490's $135. You can get a pair of Seth's for what ONE BBP costs.
Over the decade I've been here, many members have commented on the quality control & consistency of Gibsons. Part of the cost of Gibson's more expensive woods, is because they're a higher grade cosmetically, not because they're tested for sonic qualities. In the 1950's Ted McCarty said that the same size piece of mahogany could weigh 5 lbs or 25 lbs depending on the mineral content. That was 60 years ago, and getting consistent mahogany is a lot harder today, hence Gibson's putting Swiss cheese holes in their guitars. Between the heavier pieces of wood they're forced to accept these days, and their weight relief holes to get them down to a reasonable weight, that's going to have an impact on sustain. vibrations, and tone.
Another issue is Gibson PU's which aren't the quality one would expect in high-end guitars. '57's are the most disappointing PAF I've ever owned, 490's are lackluster, and the bizarre 498T/490R set has polar opposites in EQ. Who approves these things, the accounting department? They also retail for ridiculous aftermarket prices; looking at Sweetwater prices with nickel covers: BBP $185, '57 Classic $176, 498T $135, & 490's $135. You can get a pair of Seth's for what ONE BBP costs.
hotsauce57
New member
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
FWIW, I think we guitarists are way too quick to start changing electronic parts and way too slow to try turning the knobs on the amp instead of assuming they should be set in a particular way (myself included.) If the guitar is properly set up and and plays well, it may not require anything beyond a few EQ adjustments.
FWIW, I think we guitarists are way too quick to start changing electronic parts and way too slow to try turning the knobs on the amp instead of assuming they should be set in a particular way (myself included.) If the guitar is properly set up and and plays well, it may not require anything beyond a few EQ adjustments.
L
Little Pigbacon
Guest
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
I’ve made my Epiphone Les Paul Custom a pretty great guitar by replacing stuff on it, my LP100 was really good, and my Gibson Faded V was pretty sweet as long as it had zero neck relief, but my Gibson Explorer just fell out of the sky as an amazing guitar. A sample size of four isn’t science, but clearly some things were done right all around.
I’ve made my Epiphone Les Paul Custom a pretty great guitar by replacing stuff on it, my LP100 was really good, and my Gibson Faded V was pretty sweet as long as it had zero neck relief, but my Gibson Explorer just fell out of the sky as an amazing guitar. A sample size of four isn’t science, but clearly some things were done right all around.
Last edited:
B
Ben1962
Guest
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
The short answer is yes, and it could sound better with the right pickups. I have several Epis, they all sound great. But I also always wanted a Gibson Les Paul. I got a good deal and took the plunge. If you have always wanted a Gibson, chances are that you will buy Epis, make em sound killer and play em. But you still will want a Gibson someday, and thats cool too. My kids are grown, so I paid for a Gibson. When they were younger, I never would have. All my Epis sound awesome, and so does my Gibson
The short answer is yes, and it could sound better with the right pickups. I have several Epis, they all sound great. But I also always wanted a Gibson Les Paul. I got a good deal and took the plunge. If you have always wanted a Gibson, chances are that you will buy Epis, make em sound killer and play em. But you still will want a Gibson someday, and thats cool too. My kids are grown, so I paid for a Gibson. When they were younger, I never would have. All my Epis sound awesome, and so does my Gibson
B
Ben1962
Guest
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
Poor? You do know some younger people may have more pressing needs at certain times in their lives
Poor? You do know some younger people may have more pressing needs at certain times in their lives
Jeff_H
Dean Hardtail Fanologist
Re: Can an Epi Les Paul Sound Like a Gibson?
Unfortunately, most budget guitars and many higher end guitars come stock with less than acceptable pots and wiring, even some very high end guitars. I think upgrading to quality pots (CTS, Bournes, etc.), quality wire runs and your choice of cap values is an inexpensive and reasonable upgrade that most guitars will benefit from. With this upgrade people can then evaluate their current/stock pickups with well functioning tone and volume controls to see if they may need changing to meet their needs. Many times, new pots and caps reveal that the stock pickups are just fine.
Even though most of us here are well versed in modding our guitars, a great many buy guitars and never touch a thing. I nor anyone else can tell someone else what will sound good to THEM, or what upgrades are worth it. We can only offer suggestions based on our experience using similar equipment. You can certainly make a budget guitar sound much better and even get good examples up to par with stock offerings of higher priced instruments. There is a difference in feel and sound when you have a high quality instrument built to very exacting standards with upgraded electronics and pickups that is difficult to duplicate with a budget instrument, regardless of what upgrades are done. It's all personal preference though, right?
However, it's easy to forget that not everyone can or will spend the type of money required for the top tier instrument. So, there is nothing wrong with upgrading a more budget friendly instrument to make it all that it can be. How good it plays and sounds is ultimately in the ear of the listener, but for most live band situations the budget upgraded instrument will be more than adequate and in the hands of a truly talented player the sky is the limit.
Unfortunately, most budget guitars and many higher end guitars come stock with less than acceptable pots and wiring, even some very high end guitars. I think upgrading to quality pots (CTS, Bournes, etc.), quality wire runs and your choice of cap values is an inexpensive and reasonable upgrade that most guitars will benefit from. With this upgrade people can then evaluate their current/stock pickups with well functioning tone and volume controls to see if they may need changing to meet their needs. Many times, new pots and caps reveal that the stock pickups are just fine.
Even though most of us here are well versed in modding our guitars, a great many buy guitars and never touch a thing. I nor anyone else can tell someone else what will sound good to THEM, or what upgrades are worth it. We can only offer suggestions based on our experience using similar equipment. You can certainly make a budget guitar sound much better and even get good examples up to par with stock offerings of higher priced instruments. There is a difference in feel and sound when you have a high quality instrument built to very exacting standards with upgraded electronics and pickups that is difficult to duplicate with a budget instrument, regardless of what upgrades are done. It's all personal preference though, right?
However, it's easy to forget that not everyone can or will spend the type of money required for the top tier instrument. So, there is nothing wrong with upgrading a more budget friendly instrument to make it all that it can be. How good it plays and sounds is ultimately in the ear of the listener, but for most live band situations the budget upgraded instrument will be more than adequate and in the hands of a truly talented player the sky is the limit.
Last edited:
Similar threads
