NGD: My rare MIJ (Fujigen) Epiphone Les Paul Custom (LQ Series, 2004)

[Viktorija Arsic]

I am tremendously lucky to have this incredible 2004 Les Paul Custom from the LQ series, made by the legendary company Fujigen in Japan!

This exquisite guitar was shipped to me from Osaka by a very kind seller who offered it back in January; I just happened to come across it at the right time. Enjoy some photos: 

https://ibb.co/x7FT8wH

https://ibb.co/JB6T77Z

https://ibb.co/Ks7JqdJ

https://ibb.co/HV9QM2W

https://ibb.co/k5B10gp

https://ibb.co/9hLD9bc

From what I’ve researched, the LQ series is a limited edition run from 2004-2007. What makes it distinct from the rest of the Made In Japan Epiphone Les Paul Customs is that it was specifically made by Fujigen. 

Play guitar for long enough, and you’ll inevitably come across Fujigen (FGN). The reason these Made In Japan guitars are so revered is because of the Fujigen standard of quality. It is truly mythical. Any guitars from the Fujigen factory are flawlessly crafted with impeccable attention to detail.

As you can see, my LQ has some obvious wear over the course of 16 years. I’ve replaced the truss rod cover and the tone knobs. I may replace the gold hardware in the future, only because the original parts are tarnished. The binding has aged really well though. Overall, the condition is amazing–as is the immaculate quality. All the scratches and dents are from the previous player, not a reflection of the highest care that went into the craftsmanship. From the binding and the fret work to the seamless fit and finish; I just cannot praise it enough! 

I've replaced the tone pots and the truss rod cover, as well as adding the unique gold treble/rhythm switch washer. The guitar just feels and plays amazing. Also the specs are crazy: One piece mahogany neck. Real Mother of Pearl inlays and appointments. Maple cap (yes, I checked). No weight relief, but the guitar is surprisingly light; it has just the right heft in my opinion. A nice, thin laquer finish. Bone nut. Amazing PAF pickups and wiring. 

One personal point of comparison would be my 2017 Epiphone Prophecy Les Paul Custom GX. It’s a fantastic guitar! Yet it’s hard to really stand against this LQ Epiphone Custom because they’re specced so wildly differently, for distinct playing purposes. I will freely admit that my LQ deeply shakes my Prophecy’s excellence and that my LQ certainly makes my Gibson Les Paul Studio seem like a toy. But that’s really neither here nor there; the guitars are amazing.

The point is that I’ve never played a better Les Paul. This is my holy grail guitar.

I can now safely say that all the respect and admiration for Fujigen is absolutely true. Their quality is out of this world. Clearly, they build from a philosophy of passion, joy, pride, and player consciousness that I can literally feel when I play. I honestly can’t believe it’s real, that I get to hold it in my hands. 

I’m very honoured and proud to have this masterfully built Les Paul Custom!  

Edited March 20, 2021 by Viktorija Arsic

[mihcmac]

Nice guitar..

[Stewie]

I have an Elitist Les Paul Custom, 2004 .  In Wine Red.  It was made at the Fuji Gen factory .  The only difference is the Headstock.  Mine does not have the "open book"   Gibson style.  I have owned and still do several Gibson Les Paul's, and I have always maintained the custom is the best playing Les Paul I have played.   The pickups are supposed to be Epiphone, but they are exactly the same tone and DC resistance as my 496/498s in my  1996 Standard.   I especially like the Gold Plating on the pickups.  Unlike other Epi Customs I have owned with the Gold Tone that wears off.  Really great guitars. 

[Prestachuck]

That's beautiful! Congratulations!