Epiphone Les Pauls
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Stratman
Guitaris Maximus
Re: Epiphone Les Pauls
Nothing wrong with a Epiphone, especially since Epiphones are made by Gibson in Qingdao China by a factory owned by Gibson.
Uses the same CNC machines, just change the electronics to Seymour Duncan when you get it home and forget about the BRAND NAME CRAP.....
http://www.epiphone.com/news.asp?NewsID=868
Here is more news by Gibson on Epiphone guitars....
http://www.epiphone.com/news.asp?NewsID=1621
Nothing wrong with a Epiphone, especially since Epiphones are made by Gibson in Qingdao China by a factory owned by Gibson.
Uses the same CNC machines, just change the electronics to Seymour Duncan when you get it home and forget about the BRAND NAME CRAP.....
http://www.epiphone.com/news.asp?NewsID=868
Here is more news by Gibson on Epiphone guitars....
http://www.epiphone.com/news.asp?NewsID=1621
Last edited:
Stratman
Guitaris Maximus
Re: Epiphone Les Pauls
Buy American.....
Major misconception - American business leaders have long been purchasing good overseas, from parts, to food, to completed goods.
Then put a sticker on it MIA....
Buy American.....
Major misconception - American business leaders have long been purchasing good overseas, from parts, to food, to completed goods.
Then put a sticker on it MIA....
eschoendorff
New member
Re: Epiphone Les Pauls
Drink up your Koolaid!
Play a Gibson and an Epiphone. See what you like.
I have an Epiphone LP studio and yesterday I played a Gibson LP studio. My Epi seems to have a lot more natural resonance without even plugging in.
I am sure that there are good, bad and great Gibsons and Epiphones. But, IMO, for the money I just don't see that the Gibson is going to make the music any better. You might feel better about your guitar/yourself, then again, you'll be poorer so maybe not, lol!
Drink up your Koolaid!
Play a Gibson and an Epiphone. See what you like.
I have an Epiphone LP studio and yesterday I played a Gibson LP studio. My Epi seems to have a lot more natural resonance without even plugging in.
I am sure that there are good, bad and great Gibsons and Epiphones. But, IMO, for the money I just don't see that the Gibson is going to make the music any better. You might feel better about your guitar/yourself, then again, you'll be poorer so maybe not, lol!
astrozombie
KatyPerryologist
Re: Epiphone Les Pauls
You get what you pay for.
now the schecter...
...
is lookin nice!
seems like best bang for your buck!
"
Product Detail
A true performer's guitar.
When you pick up a Schecter Tempest-Blackjack, you'd think you're holding a $3000 custom shop guitar - and that's before even plugging it in. The construction is solid, with a mahogany body for thick-bodied tones and a set neck to increase sustain. The phenomenal combination of Seymour Duncan JB/59 pickups sure doesn't hurt either, you can even split the humbuckers via coil-tap to get single coil sounds!
* Construction/Scale: Set-neck w/ Ultra Access / 24.75”
* Body: Mahogany
* Neck/Fingerboard: Maple/Rosewood
* Frets: 22 X-Jumbo
* Inlays: Black Pearl Dots
* Pickups: Seymour Duncan JB / ‘59
* Electronics: Vol/Vol Tone (tap)/Tone (tap) 3-Wa
* Bridge: TonePros TOM w/ Thru-body
* Binding: Multi-Ply
* Tuners: Grover
* Hardwire: Black Chrome
* Color: Gloss Black (BLK)
"
You get what you pay for.
now the schecter...
...
is lookin nice!
seems like best bang for your buck!
"
Product Detail
A true performer's guitar.
When you pick up a Schecter Tempest-Blackjack, you'd think you're holding a $3000 custom shop guitar - and that's before even plugging it in. The construction is solid, with a mahogany body for thick-bodied tones and a set neck to increase sustain. The phenomenal combination of Seymour Duncan JB/59 pickups sure doesn't hurt either, you can even split the humbuckers via coil-tap to get single coil sounds!
* Construction/Scale: Set-neck w/ Ultra Access / 24.75”
* Body: Mahogany
* Neck/Fingerboard: Maple/Rosewood
* Frets: 22 X-Jumbo
* Inlays: Black Pearl Dots
* Pickups: Seymour Duncan JB / ‘59
* Electronics: Vol/Vol Tone (tap)/Tone (tap) 3-Wa
* Bridge: TonePros TOM w/ Thru-body
* Binding: Multi-Ply
* Tuners: Grover
* Hardwire: Black Chrome
* Color: Gloss Black (BLK)
"
The_Sentry
New member
Re: Epiphone Les Pauls
If you decide to buy an Epi (I don't mind 'em)...buy a used one. I always like to state that someone has taken the time to beat the fuglies out of it for you.
If it's a question of value, check out the Dot, the G-400, or the LP Standard or Studio. I'd stay away from the more expensive models. And Epiphone can be a good guitar, but if you want a great guitar....then yes, buy a Gibson.
If you decide to buy an Epi (I don't mind 'em)...buy a used one. I always like to state that someone has taken the time to beat the fuglies out of it for you.
If it's a question of value, check out the Dot, the G-400, or the LP Standard or Studio. I'd stay away from the more expensive models. And Epiphone can be a good guitar, but if you want a great guitar....then yes, buy a Gibson.
theboatcandream
dreamonologist
Re: Epiphone Les Pauls
Gibsons have a better resale value, the Gibson name, and generally better quality. A Gibson LP Standard blows an Epiphone Custom out of the water. It's also three times as expensive. With cheaper Gibsons, it's a matter of playing guitars of the same model until you find a good specimen. If you look at the used market, you'll find used Gibsons that costs less than some new Epiphones. And eventually, you'll find a reasonably priced used Gibson which is a really nice instrument. But used Epiphones are cheap as dirt (unless you buy at a shop).
If you'll be happy with an Epiphone, buy an Epiphone.
If you'll be happy with a Gibson, and you have the money, buy a Gibson.
If you'll be happy with a Gibson, and you won't be happy with an Epiphone, and you don't have the money for a Gibson, look at brands like Godin, Tokai, Hamer, Heritage, SE models by PRS, etc.
Schecter makes great guitars too, but their necks don't have the Gibson feel to my hands.
It depends. The problem is that there are some really great Epiphones out there, but there are some real stinkers as well. And their prices don't always reflect the quality of the instrument. A bad Epiphone might be twice as expensive as a good one, and there are huge differences between the new market and the used market. With Epiphone, you're paying for the look of the instrument and the association with Gibson.
Gibsons have a better resale value, the Gibson name, and generally better quality. A Gibson LP Standard blows an Epiphone Custom out of the water. It's also three times as expensive. With cheaper Gibsons, it's a matter of playing guitars of the same model until you find a good specimen. If you look at the used market, you'll find used Gibsons that costs less than some new Epiphones. And eventually, you'll find a reasonably priced used Gibson which is a really nice instrument. But used Epiphones are cheap as dirt (unless you buy at a shop).
If you'll be happy with an Epiphone, buy an Epiphone.
If you'll be happy with a Gibson, and you have the money, buy a Gibson.
If you'll be happy with a Gibson, and you won't be happy with an Epiphone, and you don't have the money for a Gibson, look at brands like Godin, Tokai, Hamer, Heritage, SE models by PRS, etc.
Schecter makes great guitars too, but their necks don't have the Gibson feel to my hands.
theboatcandream
dreamonologist
Re: Epiphone Les Pauls
If Epiphones and Gibsons were made out of the same woods, then electronics might explain the differences. But they aren't made out of the same woods. And the thick, poly finishes that Epiphones come with make a big difference as well.
If Epiphones and Gibsons were made out of the same woods, then electronics might explain the differences. But they aren't made out of the same woods. And the thick, poly finishes that Epiphones come with make a big difference as well.
The_Sentry
New member
Re: Epiphone Les Pauls
You're right about that, TBCD.
My Epi LP Custom weighs just over 7lbs.
My Gibson LP Custom weighs around 12lbs.
Sure..."same woods".....:lmao:
PS: I hope this doesn't derail the thread, but I've found Agiles by Rondo Music to be a very nice alternative to Epiphone for those looking for a cheap, good guitar....
You're right about that, TBCD.
My Epi LP Custom weighs just over 7lbs.
My Gibson LP Custom weighs around 12lbs.
Sure..."same woods".....:lmao:
PS: I hope this doesn't derail the thread, but I've found Agiles by Rondo Music to be a very nice alternative to Epiphone for those looking for a cheap, good guitar....
baritone
Well-known member
Re: Epiphone Les Pauls
There are a lot of opinions on this; here's mine:
There is a difference in quality between an Epiphone and a Gibson, but it's only worth paying for if that idfference is really noticeable.
On my Epiphone, I've upgraded pickups, bridge, and nut, and I have still spent about 1/3 or 1/4 the price of a Gibson.
There are a lot of opinions on this; here's mine:
There is a difference in quality between an Epiphone and a Gibson, but it's only worth paying for if that idfference is really noticeable.
On my Epiphone, I've upgraded pickups, bridge, and nut, and I have still spent about 1/3 or 1/4 the price of a Gibson.
Re: Epiphone Les Pauls
Very little difference in quality...better wood and electronic components in Gibson, but as good if not better workmanship in Epi. Several years ago I had a gibson that sounded great but the workmanship was so bad I returned it. I currently have 5 Epis and 2 gibsons, among many other brands as well, and the workmanship of the Epis is better than any Gibson I've owned (I have owned at least 9 Gibsons). Some Epis have really good sounding wood.
IMHO, an Epi with quality electronics (pickups, pots, caps, switches, etc) is a way better deal than any Gibson. However, if you've got loads of bucks falling out of your pockets and don't want to spend the time changing out parts, then either buy a Gibson or send that money to me and I'll get you a great Epi with quality parts.
That said, Schecters are great quality instruments at a great relative price.
Very little difference in quality...better wood and electronic components in Gibson, but as good if not better workmanship in Epi. Several years ago I had a gibson that sounded great but the workmanship was so bad I returned it. I currently have 5 Epis and 2 gibsons, among many other brands as well, and the workmanship of the Epis is better than any Gibson I've owned (I have owned at least 9 Gibsons). Some Epis have really good sounding wood.
IMHO, an Epi with quality electronics (pickups, pots, caps, switches, etc) is a way better deal than any Gibson. However, if you've got loads of bucks falling out of your pockets and don't want to spend the time changing out parts, then either buy a Gibson or send that money to me and I'll get you a great Epi with quality parts.
That said, Schecters are great quality instruments at a great relative price.
80's_Metal
Underglazed Hair Metalologist
Re: Epiphone Les Pauls
Buy an epi. With the money you save you can upgrade pickups and buy a nice hard shell case for it. . . and still have money for that killer strap and new strings for a year. . . and after you put a duncan in the bridge it will sound better than a gibby anyways.
My humble two cents worth . . . only because thats what I have done.
Buy an epi. With the money you save you can upgrade pickups and buy a nice hard shell case for it. . . and still have money for that killer strap and new strings for a year. . . and after you put a duncan in the bridge it will sound better than a gibby anyways.
My humble two cents worth . . . only because thats what I have done.
LtKojak
New member
Re: Epiphone Les Pauls
The best bang for the buck will be to find a Late 70s/early 80s MIJ LP copy.
Orville, Burny, Edwards, Aria, Vantage, Tokai, El Torres, Emperador.
My #1 guitar is one of those:
It's a early '80s Emperador, made in Japan by the Terada guitar factory.
It can hold with any Custom Shop Gibson, new or Vintage.
SD '59b in the neck, Custom 8 in the bridge, Earvana nut, Grover Imperial pegs, Gotoh hardware, CTS pots, Sprague Orange drop caps, Switchcraft toggle and jack.
It sounds like a million bucks, and then some.
The best bang for the buck will be to find a Late 70s/early 80s MIJ LP copy.
Orville, Burny, Edwards, Aria, Vantage, Tokai, El Torres, Emperador.
My #1 guitar is one of those:
It's a early '80s Emperador, made in Japan by the Terada guitar factory.
It can hold with any Custom Shop Gibson, new or Vintage.
SD '59b in the neck, Custom 8 in the bridge, Earvana nut, Grover Imperial pegs, Gotoh hardware, CTS pots, Sprague Orange drop caps, Switchcraft toggle and jack.
It sounds like a million bucks, and then some.
L.W. Badger
New member
Re: Epiphone Les Pauls
I concur........I've gone both routes......a self-customized Epi LP, and a factory mid-line Schecter, I'm happy....but I'm not stuck on names either. Quality is what you feel in your hands, and only them will tell you what is enjoyable to play.
From what I've seen of Epiphones......the Korean-made models show the best craftsmanship.....and encased in polyurethane....but the '96 I have has a singing natural sound when unplugged.....of course all the electronics got upgraded, so it totally rocks when plugged in.
However we're talking about two different tools here. An LP is good for overall playing, but not for shredding....the higher action and heavier strings slow down speed-riffs, so arpeggios compensate. That's what I got the Schecter for, since it prefers light strings (9's), and I can get the action super-low.
I concur........I've gone both routes......a self-customized Epi LP, and a factory mid-line Schecter, I'm happy....but I'm not stuck on names either. Quality is what you feel in your hands, and only them will tell you what is enjoyable to play.
From what I've seen of Epiphones......the Korean-made models show the best craftsmanship.....and encased in polyurethane....but the '96 I have has a singing natural sound when unplugged.....of course all the electronics got upgraded, so it totally rocks when plugged in.
However we're talking about two different tools here. An LP is good for overall playing, but not for shredding....the higher action and heavier strings slow down speed-riffs, so arpeggios compensate. That's what I got the Schecter for, since it prefers light strings (9's), and I can get the action super-low.
The_Sentry
New member
Re: Epiphone Les Pauls
I'll admit that even though I'm not down with a lot of new Epi's, I'd probaby buy this one if I was in the market. It is what it is, and it's probably one of the few Epi's that probably doesn't need anything beyond a setup out of the box...
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/...21058&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=403419301
I'll admit that even though I'm not down with a lot of new Epi's, I'd probaby buy this one if I was in the market. It is what it is, and it's probably one of the few Epi's that probably doesn't need anything beyond a setup out of the box...
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/...21058&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=403419301
L.W. Badger
New member
Re: Epiphone Les Pauls
I don't know the validity of this, but from what I've read on the Epiphone site......the models marked Les Paul are actually approved from the man himself, making them "signature series" no?
I don't know the validity of this, but from what I've read on the Epiphone site......the models marked Les Paul are actually approved from the man himself, making them "signature series" no?
