Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

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Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

guitarrob said:
What is "MIJ"? The reason I mentioned the Ultras is because they seem like the lightest quality out of the lineup...but perhaps there are others that are better as I am not that familiar with their lineup.
It would be nice to go shopping for a used Gibby but I don't have much money probably just enough to afford a used Gibson LP Studio.
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MIJ = Made In Japan. Some of the best craftsmanship ever on electric guitars was and is done in Japan.

You see a lot of used Studios around. They're great values.
 
Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

I think I am leaning more towards the Gibby Studio.
Now I just have to decide between the "normal" and the faded models.
These two come with different pups correct?
Unless I am confusing the different models of studio's.

I appreciate you help so far guys.
 
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Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

I've got both, Gibson and Epi Les Pauls, all of them at different price points. As someone else already stated, newer Epi's now are miles better than Epi's from years ago. Especially in the electronics department, althought you'll still probably want to upgrade the pcikups. I recently purchased a LP Ultra II, and plan on getting an Ultra 3. They're just really super nice to play. You can't go wrong with the excellent value on an Epi.

With all that said, you'll still be yearning for a Gibson. There's just something about them that feels like the perfect tool. Sure they're more expensive, but once you've played one for a while you know it was well worth it.

IMO, if you're on a budget for a quality guitar get the Epi. If you have the extra few $$ to spare and want a quality instrument for years to come get the Gibson.
 
Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

lex666 said:
IMO, if you're on a budget for a quality guitar get the Epi. If you have the extra few $$ to spare and want a quality instrument for years to come get the Gibson.
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I am on a bit of a budget which is why I can only go with the studio instead of the '59 burst I was looking for ;)

I was just trying to figure out if an entry level Gibson was better then the higher end Epi. I think the Gibson is the ticket for me though but I am still open to opinions and I might end up trying out a Epi LP later on to...
Can you ever have too many guitars?
 
Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

lex666 said:
As an owner of over 20 guitars, the answer is no.


Get the Gibby. No regrets. Buying the Epi will leave you wishing you had gotten a Gibson.
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Yep, and buyers remorse when it pertains to guitars is a *****.
It is not like the Studio models are some junk guitar, they are pretty sweet looking IMO.
I am more interested in what type of tones I can strangle out of it though:)

The GF seen one and said, you should get that one...good eye on that girl. Although she choose it for the faded paint and body shape.
 
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Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

Tease: Maybe this will help. From left to right: Epi Ultra 2, Epi Les Paul Classic Limited Edition, Gibson Les Paul Studio Pro Plus, Gibson Les Paul Studio.
 
Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

Find one that feels good in your hands and, when played unamplified, generates plenty of volume and sustain. The name on the headstock ought to be secondary but, deep down, we all aspire to the high status brand.

Do not confine your search to Gibson and Epiphone. ESP/LTD, Hamer, Yamaha and PRS SE guitars are just as worthy of your attention.
 
Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

I appreciate the suggestions but I think I am just going with the Real McCoy so to speak.
I know there are many great brands out there to check out but I am looking for a Gibson Les Paul. I considered Epiphone as they are still Gibson more or less but that Is about as far as I want to go into other brands takes on the Gibson design.

That is on the chance I can find one locally that gives me the sound and feel I want.
We only have a couple of shops locally and both are rather limited in what they offer.
I may have to travel to find what I want.
 
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Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

formula73 said:
The Gibsons are better materials in every way and that comes through.
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Not on the lower-priced models. They cut costs on wood and hardware. You think you're getting the same materials in a $1,000 Gibson as a $3,000 one? Yeah right. And the difference between them isn't totally different from a better Epi.

Yes a Gibson has a better resale value, but only because you have to pay more for it in the first place.
 
Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

lex666 said:
As an owner of over 20 guitars, the answer is no.

Get the Gibby. No regrets. Buying the Epi will leave you wishing you had gotten a Gibson.
Click to expand...

Yes, you can never have too many guitars, and No, buying an Epi won't automatically make you wish you had a Gibson. Gibson's quality control is famous for being all over the map. This forum is full of guys complaining about theirs.

Here's what I do: buy a used Epi LP Std Plus, in great condition for $300 give or take. Put in a set of used Duncans or Gibsons, also purchased used. On stage, no one can tell by the sound if it's a Gibson or Epi. Don't assume that every Gibson is the pinnacle of tone quality, especially the cheaper ones. Every time I play out I get compliments on my tones, and from guys with Gibsons, PRS, and MIA Fenders. They come up to me, look at the name on the headstock and scratch theirs heads. They don't know how I do it. It's all about PU's, baby (almost invariably, they know squat about aftermarket PU's or mag swapping; big advantage in my favor).

Spend within your budget, and don't let anyone make you feel bad if you get an Epi. I love mine. :14: Either way, at least you're not getting a Fender! :lmao:
 
Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

blueman335 said:
Not on the lower-priced models. They cut costs on wood and hardware. You think you're getting the same materials in a $1,000 Gibson as a $3,000 one? Yeah right. And the difference between them isn't totally different from a better Epi.

Yes a Gibson has a better resale value, but only because you have to pay more for it in the first place.
Click to expand...

I KNOW you get better materials but you can think what you want.
 
Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

Buy a Carvin instead. If I was in the US I would certainly make Carvin my main guitars, affordable but high quality and they are still American made aren't they? Epiphone will always be a second liner. As for Gibson, I think it's mired in its past glory, not thinking forward, you know.
 
Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

You might also want to take a look and see if a Hamer, Heritage, Larivee, or Taylor make sense for you, as an alternative to a Les Paul.

Back before I acquired my Gibson Les Paul collection, I found an Ibanez GR-520 Ghostrider that gave me the 2HB sound I was looking for. So there are alternatives to Epi, too--Schecter and ESP come to mind, and there are many others. My Ghostrider might be an inexpensive guitar, but it is still one of my favorites to play and gig with.

Personally, I'm now in a financial place where I can afford a Gibson, and that is my preference. Epi's don't hold much interest for me. If you have the money, I would tell you to go buy a Historic LP, like a '58 or '57 Reissue. I think these guitars have tremendous value, even though they are darn expensive. It's a guitar you'll keep for a lifetime.

Good luck in your quest.

Bill
 
Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

I'd look at the MIJ Gibson copies by Orville and Epiphone. They are made the same way as Elitists, but they use the Gibson head stock. I got my 2001 MIJ Epi SG for half the price of an Elistist, and it is every bit as good, if not better because of the more attractive head. Construction quality, paint quality, and quality control is better than a Gibson IMO, though Gibson's are better in terms of wood, electronics, and finish type. (Gibsons use nitro, which is far more attractive IMO.) However, some Orvilles were made with lacquer finishes.
 
Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

formula73 said:
I KNOW you get better materials but you can think what you want.
Click to expand...

Personally know this? How can they afford to have such significant differences in prices between models, just by doing away with a few cosmetics like shiney finishes? You're either paying way too much for the high-end models, or you're getting a lot less with the cheaper ones. Flame tops aside, are they using the same quality of wood in the bodies and necks of $3,800 LPC's, $2,500 Stds, $1,200 Studios, and $800 faded Studios? Gibson's going to maintain their margins.
 
Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

We'll just have to agree to disagree, man. Yes, for all that extra $$, a modern LPC is basically an appearance package on top of an ebony-boarded Studio, and yes, a cheapass 'worn' finish cuts a ****load of time out of the finished product, making it significantly cheaper. The difference between that $300 Epi Studio and the $700 LPC is exactly the same: appearances. Flash. That said, they have bodies made of multiple pieces of mystery wood, tops made of whatever (maple? alder? who knows?), thick, plasticky finishes, and junk hardware (tuners aside). Hand me the real deal, any day. I'll play the cheapest box stock Gibson over the most blinged-out, block-inlayed, gold-plated, piezo'd, dubbed-out, wheel-spinnered Epi, without a 2nd thought.
 
Re: Entry Gibby or higher end Epi?

I appreciate the thoughts guys and I have considered them.
I can already see what will happen, I will go to the shop with my money, play some LP's for Gibby and EPI and not find what I want and end up leaving the store with a great sounding awesome playing guitar I never thought of looking at before.
Who knows...

I may go through every LP they have in the place within my budget and not find what I am after.
I really think I might have to wait until I have more cash to buy a model a bit higher up the ladder on the Gibson side.

Thanks for the advice.
 
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