Gibson vs Epi LP tone question

Re: Gibson vs Epi LP tone question

blueman335 said:
The flame is a maple veneer, on top of a maple cap.
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Yep. The maple cap used may technically be maple, but might not always be a top grade selection that would be as 'pretty' as what people expect in a trans finish.


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Re: Gibson vs Epi LP tone question

darthphineas said:
Yep. The maple cap used may technically be maple, but might not always be a top grade selection that would be as 'pretty' as what people expect in a trans finish.
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Right, although wood is graded mainly for cosmetic purposes, not potential tonal qualities. An ugly piece of lumber may sound a lot better than a pretty one. Spending more on wood doesn't guarantee a better sounding guitar, just a better looking one (if it has a translucent finish).
 
Re: Gibson vs Epi LP tone question

Every guitar is different. I would not generalize tone by brand. I'm sure that in any given sample of a large enough size, and given identical electronics, you could find Epis and Gibsons that sound identical, as well as Epis and Epis that sound very different from each other, and Gibsons and Gibsons that sound very different from each other. That's why the concept of buying a guitar you haven't played is kind of insane to me...though it has become the norm, and I have certainly done it.
 
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Re: Gibson vs Epi LP tone question

ItsaBass said:
Every guitar is different... That's why the concept of buying a guitar you haven't played is kind of insane to me...though it has become the norm, and I have certainly done it.
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I've gotten most of mine on eBay, and with what I've earned on this forum, can get most of them dialed in to play and sound the way I want. I'm not an advocate of playing-before-buying, as you turn down guitars that have poor set ups, intonations off, nasty strings, etc that really may be great guitars. Or they don't have the most complimentary PU's in them. I do so many adjustments to mine once I get them home, that I don't count on any guitar being what I want until I've gone thru that process.
 
Re: Gibson vs Epi LP tone question

I will disagree completely on "Better" Different, yes. Better? That's pretty subjective.

Epiphone will certainly have gems, and way more objectively crappy sounding guitars. But the middle ground? Just depends on your taste, your ears, your preferences.

As I always say - we really NEVER do the "Blind" test that would tell for sure. But I have seen enough "blind" tests in other areas show that you will often surprise yourself.

And I have owned an Epiphone with Duncans that EVEYONE who heard it (guitar players) agreed sounded way way better than my T-Top loaded Gibson.
 
Re: Gibson vs Epi LP tone question

I think you can hear a difference between a Gibson LP and an Epiphone version, but you might not notice it with high gain.

There are certainly differences in construction; it's not just the wood. The glues are different, many of the joints are different, headstock angles, hardware, frets, finish, etc.

There is a great deal of difference between the Historic Les Pauls and the Standard and Traditional models. I can hear it, and I can FEEL it.

The feel is what does it for me.

Love my Gibsons.

Bill
 
Re: Gibson vs Epi LP tone question

I'll tell you this about my experience. I've owned 2 Gibson Les Pauls, One standard and one 60's Tribute (or something to that effect). I've also owned an Epiphone Elitist Les Paul, and an Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plain top plus. I no longer have the 2 Gibsons or the Elitist, and the Epi Plain Top is one of the best sounding guitars I own... after the addition of the Whole Lotta Humbucker Set of course.
 
Re: Gibson vs Epi LP tone question

Mr. B said:
I'll tell you this about my experience. I've owned 2 Gibson Les Pauls, One standard and one 60's Tribute (or something to that effect). I've also owned an Epiphone Elitist Les Paul, and an Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plain top plus. I no longer have the 2 Gibsons or the Elitist, and the Epi Plain Top is one of the best sounding guitars I own... after the addition of the Whole Lotta Humbucker Set of course.
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:bigeyes: even the Elitist !?!?!?!?!?!?

Oh well - tone is tone. That's how it goes. If you listen with your EARS.
 
Re: Gibson vs Epi LP tone question

Let's just talk about differences; Gibson has a steeper head stock angle. Gibson has a more eye pleasing headstock in general. Gibsons are made with fewer pieces of wood. G's are made with the right woods. Gibsons use the right electronics and construction. Gibsons are finished in the right Nitro and Polyurethane. Gibsons are made in the USA Gibsons are made with the right hardware. Gibsons always go up in value. That being said maybe you have the golden epiphone. :headbang:
 
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