LTD EC-256 vs Epiphone LP Standard

[greatbob6]

Anyone have experience with both the LTD EC-256 and Epiphone LP Standard? I've currently got an Epi LP that I've put P-Rails in and I like it but I happened to pick up a EC-256 at Guitar Center the other day when I was checking out the Vox Night Train and I was impressed. The extra jumbo frets were a little strange at first but I think I like them...great setup (especially for a GC guitar) and it played great. The stock pickups were pretty decent too I thought, and the coil splitting was pretty good too...although I'd probably put some P-Rails in. Anyone have a EC-256 with P-Rails in it?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: LTD EC-256 vs Epiphone LP Standard

IMO, the LTD has a nicer neck profile. P-Rails seem like a good upgrade. Just a question of which colour?

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: LTD EC-256 vs Epiphone LP Standard

The LTD is always going to be a better guitar.

They're actively competing with Gibson, whereas Epiphone is intentionally making an inferior guitar than Gibson.

for $400 that EC256 is a sick guitar. We have some EC1000's at my shop for $600 right now...i'm wishin i had some extra money laying around...

 

[Wattage]

Re: LTD EC-256 vs Epiphone LP Standard

You clean up either and it will be all right but I have to say I was really impressed with the EC256. I got my hands on the distressed black version for a bit and it compared pretty favorably to my ESP. I wasn't real impressed with the pickups but I rarely am on any import winds so I don't give it any points off for that. I did think the neck was pretty darn good.

 

[phil_104]

Re: LTD EC-256 vs Epiphone LP Standard

The LTD is always going to be a better guitar.

They're actively competing with Gibson, whereas Epiphone is intentionally making an inferior guitar than Gibson.

for $400 that EC256 is a sick guitar. We have some EC1000's at my shop for $600 right now...i'm wishin i had some extra money laying around...

+1. The LTD stuff is made really well, and feels like an instrument worth a lot more when you hold it.

 

[FuseG4]

Re: LTD EC-256 vs Epiphone LP Standard

What in particular makes LTD better than epiphone? Just curious as to what I'm missing.

Woods? Frets? Tuners? Finishes? Someone mentioned neck profiles.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: LTD EC-256 vs Epiphone LP Standard

+1. The LTD stuff is made really well, and feels like an instrument worth a lot more when you hold it.

I almost bought an EC-256 to accommodate the surplus EMGs from my EC-400. Luckily for my bank balance, a pre-owned Ibanez RG321MHBK turned up dirt cheap.

 

[jmh151]

Re: LTD EC-256 vs Epiphone LP Standard

Which LTD Eclipse is it that has the full thickness Les Paul body? Some have the thinner body, I saw one at Guitar Center the other day, distressed black, with a full thickness Les Paul body.

I have a 1986 Gibson Les Paul Custom, and if I was looking at something similar on a budget, I'd get the LTD I just mentioned. Epiphones have soft frets, and the guitar just doesn't feel as sturdy as a Schecter or LTD. Most sub $1,000 Schecters and LTD's are set up and play better out of the box than any sub $1700 Gibson.

If you absolutely need a 100% Les Paul tone, there is no substitute for an American Made Les Paul, which you can either get used or buy a Les Paul Studio.

 

[FuseG4]

Re: LTD EC-256 vs Epiphone LP Standard

I like the blue finish on the Epi LP plus top. IMO No LP copier makes a better looking blue finish (at that price level or within 4 or $500), thin-ass maple top over half-mahogany mystery wood blend or not!

 

[Rowan]

Re: LTD EC-256 vs Epiphone LP Standard

Which LTD Eclipse is it that has the full thickness Les Paul body? Some have the thinner body, I saw one at Guitar Center the other day, distressed black, with a full thickness Les Paul body.

That would be the EC-400AT or EC400/401VF would the new model.

I had one of the older archtops and it was a great guitar. Full LP thickness and heavy as hell. Its the perfect guitar for blues, jazz and classic rock. If those were the only genres I played I'd still have it. It sustains forever, and has a very warm, full tone. But because the cap is mahogany, not maple, its not as tight on the low end for modern styles.

 

[Moonsorrow]

Re: LTD EC-256 vs Epiphone LP Standard

LTD all the way! Recently played one at Sam Ash and can`t stop thinking about it. Overall excellent quality guitar.