Rex_Rocker
Well-known member
Well, these Epis are very pretty. At least in the photos/videos. And they're 1,300.
But I honestly agree to an extent to what's been said before. I have an Epi 1959 Epiphone LP which is one of the most expensive Les Paul models they sell. I also have a Gibson Les Paul Tribute which is probably the cheapest Les Paul Gibson offer. The Gibson is light years ahead of the Epi in sounding like a Les Paul. Like, no contest at all. Even with the maple neck and thinner chambered body that Studios/Tributes have, the Gibson just sounds fatter, louder, and snappier at the same time.
The Epi does look prettier, TBH. And after getting the Frets and nut done on the Epi, they feel remarkably close. And it also doesn't sound bad either. Just not very Gibson-y.
The thing about Epis is they come with TERRIBLE hardware. At least the bridges. Rattle city from parts that fit too loose, made of the cheapest materials, and a plating that wears off so easily (especially the gold).
But for 1,300, yeah. You can easily get a Studio from the good wood era that's not in bad shape. That's if you care more about tone than looks. Because Studios certainly don't look fancy.
Or you can try to find an Edwards or other Japanese copies. I don't know how those sound, but they're certainly got a reputation for being well made.
The thing about these Korina V's/Explorers is the Gibson ones are always ridiculous money. I don't know who else makes an affordable 1958 Korina V/Explorer copy nowadays? Or who made them in the past that you can buy used nowadays? Ibanez? But Eddie's Destroyer was not Korina, was it? And even if it were, they're probably crazy money because Eddie played one.
But I honestly agree to an extent to what's been said before. I have an Epi 1959 Epiphone LP which is one of the most expensive Les Paul models they sell. I also have a Gibson Les Paul Tribute which is probably the cheapest Les Paul Gibson offer. The Gibson is light years ahead of the Epi in sounding like a Les Paul. Like, no contest at all. Even with the maple neck and thinner chambered body that Studios/Tributes have, the Gibson just sounds fatter, louder, and snappier at the same time.
The Epi does look prettier, TBH. And after getting the Frets and nut done on the Epi, they feel remarkably close. And it also doesn't sound bad either. Just not very Gibson-y.
The thing about Epis is they come with TERRIBLE hardware. At least the bridges. Rattle city from parts that fit too loose, made of the cheapest materials, and a plating that wears off so easily (especially the gold).
But for 1,300, yeah. You can easily get a Studio from the good wood era that's not in bad shape. That's if you care more about tone than looks. Because Studios certainly don't look fancy.
Or you can try to find an Edwards or other Japanese copies. I don't know how those sound, but they're certainly got a reputation for being well made.
The thing about these Korina V's/Explorers is the Gibson ones are always ridiculous money. I don't know who else makes an affordable 1958 Korina V/Explorer copy nowadays? Or who made them in the past that you can buy used nowadays? Ibanez? But Eddie's Destroyer was not Korina, was it? And even if it were, they're probably crazy money because Eddie played one.
Last edited:
