Tremmy Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 I'm interested in buying my first les paul, and was wondering how the quality compares between say an epi lp custom and a gibson lp studio faded. Ideally I'd like a gibson, but an epi custom looks a lot nicer aesthetically (except for the headstock) so if the quality is comparable, I'd go with that. I would go with a Gibson LP standard but they're a little out of my price range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pauline Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 I'm interested in buying my first les paul' date=' and was wondering how the quality compares between say an epi lp custom and a gibson lp studio faded. Ideally I'd like a gibson, but an epi custom looks a lot nicer aesthetically (except for the headstock) so if the quality is comparable, I'd go with that. I would go with a Gibson LP standard but they're a little out of my price range.[/quote'] The quality is comparable in relation to the price, IMO. I never bought a guitar only for the look of the headstock, The sound and the feeling is more important to me. Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max2343 Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Go with the Gibson. The Epipy's are made out of Alder unlike the Gibsons that are in Mahogany with a Maple cap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Go with the Gibson. The Epipy's are made out of Alder unlike the Gibsons that are in Mahogany with a Maple cap. My Epi LP Ultra II has a mahogany neck, body and maple top. There's no getting around the fact that Epiphone is Gibson's "B" line, but Epi still makes a nice guitar. I own a Gibson and an Epi LP. Very comparable in quality. Gibson's fretboard inlays are done better and the stock pups are usually nicer. If you're looking at the level of eye candy (binding, inlays, finish), you're comparing completely different models - the Gibson LP Studio is made without the eye candy - for the studio, not the stage (hence the name "Studio"). If you really want a Les Paul, look for a Gibson, and don't leave out purchasing a used instrument. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 I had a beautiful Epiphone Les Paul Special Edition with a bigsby and when I bought my Gibson Vintage Mahogany I never played the Epi again. If you however want the looks you should definitely try both, the problem I see with epi is the range of their inconsistency in their quality is much wider than that of Gibson. If you like the Epi better value wise the pickups have to go, they are very OK. I personally do not like epiphone necks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max2343 Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 The Ultra's are nice but are right up there in price. I've seen some with real nice tops but still no USA Electronics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tremmy Posted May 23, 2009 Author Share Posted May 23, 2009 Thanks guys. From your input I'm leaning towards a studio. I'd buy used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max2343 Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Here is an Ultra II. Real nice I wished Gibson added these to it's line-up. I think they are hard to beat and are a good deal even with the cheep hardware. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmeds Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 I have both; a Epi Custom Plus LP, a Gibson Trad and an R8. The Epi is a pretty guitar and very similar in appearance to the Gibby's. I changed the pickups in the Epi to Duncan Pearly Gates in the neck and a Custom Custom in the bridge; the others are stock. I would say that the tone is about 85-90% there compared to the Gibbys. The real difference is when you have the guitars in your hand. Even with your eyes closed, you'll know which is which. The feel of the Gibby's are so comfortable and natural. I think that if you try both and have the extra cash your choice will clearly lean towards a Gibson. Still Epi LP's are great in their own right; just try several before buying one as there is sometimes huge variations even in the same model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max2343 Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 That's not bad for Gibson Copies made in China Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recsec Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 I have a Epi LP Custom Silverburst, once I had it set up it played and sounded as good as the Gibson Studio that my friend has. True it does have a little different neck however to me it's not really that noticiable, I am not a pro and just play with friends and at church and it is a great Guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockstar232007 Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 My Epi LP Ultra II has a mahogany neck, body and maple top.Actually? ALL Epiphone LPs that I've ever seen, have been of the Alder/Maple veneer kind, with the exception of maybe, the early Orville models, that were made in Japan. I've owned, about, 7 Epi LPs over the past 7 years or so, and NONE of them had a, solid maple top. The best way to know for sure though is to, take off the p/ups (not all the way), and look at the top inside the cavity, if you don't see a seem line, than it is a solid Alder top, with a maple veneer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeoConMan Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 I'll leave the whole wood debate thing out here, if you are okay with the quality and caliber used to build an Epi, then.... Cold, hard fact; You WILL be replacing pots and a switch on an Epi because they are junk. Problem is, the control cavity may be too small to fit a good Gibson pot - get out the grinder. The pickups seem to last okay, though they tend to suck compared to those from Gibson and good aftermarket companies. I've repaired at least a dozen Epiphones for people, and the electronics could NOT be cheaper made. When I see an Epiphone (no matter HOW proud the owner is) the first thing that crosses my mind is the guy is either a cheapo tightwad or just can't tell the difference between that and a Gibson. I can't recommend an Epi to anybody - and I've owned a few myself. You can find a nice Les Paul Standard or Classic used for not much over $1,000 if you're patient. Spend $600 on an Epi then start pricing the electronics you will replace. Then there's the wood used to make them.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crossroadsnyc Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 I'll leave the whole wood debate thing out here' date=' if you are okay with the quality and caliber used to build an Epi, then.... Cold, hard fact; You WILL be replacing pots and a switch on an Epi because they are junk. Problem is, the control cavity may be too small to fit a good Gibson pot - get out the grinder. The pickups seem to last okay, though they tend to suck compared to those from Gibson and good aftermarket companies. I've repaired at least a dozen Epiphones for people, and the electronics could NOT be cheaper made. When I see an Epiphone (no matter HOW proud the owner is) the first thing that crosses my mind is the guy is either a cheapo tightwad or just can't tell the difference between that and a Gibson. I can't recommend an Epi to anybody - and I've owned a few myself. You can find a nice Les Paul Standard or Classic used for not much over $1,000 if you're patient. Spend $600 on an Epi then start pricing the electronics you will replace. Then there's the wood used to make them.... [/quote'] I have to agree w/this up until the last point. I would recommend an Epiphone LP under two conditions: 1) You are buying a first guitar for your son/daughter and don't want to make an extravagant investment in a new hobby you're not sure they will keep up, yet you still want to get them a decent guitar to get started with. There is nothing at all wrong w/spending the first 6-12 months playing through an Epiphone LP to see if it clicks and they stick w/the guitar. As far as a "starter" guitar is concerned, I think you'd be hard pressed to find something better in that price range. 2) In the event that you simply can not swing the cost of a Gibson. Not everyone is on the same financial footing, and if the cost of a Gibson is prohibitive (which for some it just simply is), there is nothing wrong in my opinion with playing an Epiphone as an alternative. Frankly, I'd prefer seeing someone on an Epiphone rather than a fake Chinese "Gibson" copy. Having said that, I'd go with the Gibson if you can swing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acewarslave Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 epis are great guitars i have 3 i tend to like the unsung korean ones,not everyone can afford gibbys ..if want to push your budget a little more go for a orville by gibson just 4 days ago i bought obg standard,the only difference between my obg standard and my 95 gibson standard is the neck the gibson neck is much chunkyer... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max2343 Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 Neoconman you say Epiphone owners are Cheepo-Tightwads or just cant tell the difference in a Gibson. Sounds real Conceited to me. Do you Hear Tone or is Tone only Found in a Name Brand For You? Can tone only be found in something that cost only 1000 Dollars or more for you? Or is Tone Found in the right combination of the right tone woods together with the right combination of Quality Electronics and Superior Craftsmanship. What's wrong with a Epiphone Ultra II with is Chambered Mahogany Body and neck, Quilted Maple Top, LockTone tune-o-matic and Stop bar, NanoMag with Seperate Treble and Bass and Gain controls, 2 output jacks and of course full body and neck Binding? What the wrong Brand name? Not made in the USA? Change out the Pickups and Pots and Wiring and with only a minor modification it's up to one hell of a Tone Monster. Cheep, but it wouldn't have the correct big Expensive name or Headstock, Right? Think Gibson could offer something like that under 5 grand? What about the Epiphone Zack Wylde Les Paul Custom? How about the Epiphone Tony Iommi SG? Cheepo-tightwads that can't tell the Difference, Ha? O.K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 ...ALL Epiphone LPs that I've ever seen' date=' have been of the Alder/Maple veneer kind, with the exception of maybe, the early Orvil models, that were made in Japan. I've owned, about, 7 Epi LPs over the past 7 years or so, and NONE of them had a, solid maple top. The best way to know for sure though is to, take off the p/ups (not all the way), and look at the top inside the cavity, if you don't see a seem line, than it is a solid Alder top, with a maple veneer. [/quote'] I really don't think Epiphone/Gibson would be printing lies on their spec sheet. :) The spec sheet plainly states: Body: Mahogany, Chambered; Top: Quilted Maple; Neck: Mahogany, Slim-Taper, Satin Finish, Glued, Set. In the future if repair or upgrade work is needed, I'll take a look at the cavities, but for now, I'll take Epiphone/Gibson's word for it. You can check the specs out here (click "specs"): http://www.epiphone.com/ultraII/default.html Apparently, you haven't seen ALL the Epi LPs out there. :- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eracer_Team Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 Actually all the Epip's are listed as mahogany/mahogany on the Epiphone site, except for the Les Paul Special II which is listed a basswood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmeds Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 +1 As I stated earlier, I own a Epi LP Custom Plus. When I did the mods to it, I certainly saw a mahogany body with a maple cap. The obvious difference between the Epi vs Gibby is that the maple cap on the the Epi was on about 1/8" thick vs. I believe 1/4"-1/2" on the Gibby. Is it a tone monster? Not really. Still, the Epi holds it's own with the mods I put into it. It is a LP with the distinct LP tone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeoConMan Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 Neoconman you say Epiphone owners are Cheepo-Tightwads or just cant tell the difference in a Gibson. Sounds real Conceited to me. Okay.Now that we've established that I'm some horrible Elitist snob' date=' why would you pay for a guitar that says [b']ELITE[/b] on it when it's not? There's NOTHING elite or superior about those guitars. You're gonna pay all the extra money for that Elite name but not for it to say Gibson on it..... There's logic I don't quite get. Here's a test; Strip the pots, switch, pickups, jack and wiring from a Gibson and install it in the nicest Epiphone you can find. First, some of it may not fit so get ready to remove some wood. Second, once you've installed Gibson electronics in it you still have a guitar made of Mystery Wood. Just as good, eh? Do you Hear Tone or is Tone only Found in a Name Brand For You?I tell people all the time - if you can't tell the difference' date=' don't [i']pay[/i] the difference.Just don't start this "Epi is just as good" bullsh!t. I think we ALL know the truth there, and nobody understands it better than Gibson. They reap the profit no matter which guitar you buy, they understand what people are willing to pay for and how much it's worth to them. They know this WAY better than I do, and probably better than ANYBODY buying an Epiphone. Epi is a second rate guitar, priced as such and positioned in the market that way. They WANT Epi owners to have some pride in the product they buy, because if they don't it won't keep selling. Can tone only be found in something that cost only 1000 Dollars or more for you?Seems to help....I own several guitars right now that cost less than $1k' date=' I've had dozens in the past, 3 Epi's and several other imports. I have four killer Fenders that cost less than $1k and they would be regarded as inferior by most Gibson owners. Why? Bolt on neck for starters. Or is Tone Found in the right combination of the right tone woods together with the right combination of Quality ElectronicsUh-huh...and Superior Craftsmanship.Yeah' date=' right.... What's wrong with a Epiphone Ultra II with is Chambered Mahogany Body and neck' date=' Quilted Maple Top, LockTone tune-o-matic and Stop bar, NanoMag with Seperate Treble and Bass and Gain controls, 2 output jacks and of course full body and neck Binding?[/quote']Price. How much are you paying NOW for a Chinese Gibson copy? WAY too much. Think I'm wrong? Try the same test I've done over the years - try to SELL one. Nobody cares what you did to it - it's STILL an Epi and the only reason they will buy it is for the cheap price. You'll lose your ***. What the wrong Brand name? Not made in the USA? BINGO! Change out the Pickups and Pots and Wiring and with only a minor modification it's up to one hell of a Tone Monster.So' date=' now how much money do you have in a guitar that is STILL worth no more than it was? Cheep, but it wouldn't have the correct big Expensive name or Headstock, Right?Think Gibson could offer something like that under 5 grand? If Gibson sells it for $5k, what's it worth next year when you sell it?Probably somewhere near $5k. What's the Epi gonna be worth? What about the Epiphone Zack Wylde Les Paul Custom?How about the Epiphone Tony Iommi SG? If they're such a great deal' date=' buy ten of each!Then try to sell them and see if you get back half your money. You wanna party with the Big Boys? Buy ten Gibson ZW's or TI's and then turn them [i']for a profit[/i] even.... Cheepo-tightwads that can't tell the Difference' date=' Ha? O.K. [/quote']Very often, yes.Disagree all you want, get pissed if you have to, but Epiphones are STILL cheap Chinese Gibson copies. The only difference between these and all the fakes is that Gibson still makes money from them. If that's all your budget allows, then by all means go for it. No shame there. Of course, you could sell that old Plymouth 'Cuda and buy a cheaper K-Car. Put a turbo on it and some nice wheels... Just as good, eh? :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max2343 Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 The Nano-mag is nice and those sound Good man. Everything in a Guitar is not about Who made it and Where it was made. A guitar that Plays and Sounds Great is all that Matters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmeds Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 Touche' Max, The other day I was watching Elvis Castello on Palladia. He pulled out a guitar that he said cost him $150.00. It was truly a "beater"of a partscaster guitar. It was ugly, cheap and suffered from extreme microphonics. He sure made that thing sing and made me appreciate all my guitars regardless of the maker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loneguitar Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 That's a fact, that cannot be denied, every Epi I don't care what model is still loaded with cheap Jap parts and although she may look pretty, you still have to upgrade all to get it right Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeoConMan Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 Few, if any parts are of Japanese origin. That would be an improvement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FennRx Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 couple things to keep inmind when dealing with the epi vs gibson thing. there are MAJOR differences between a MIJ Epi Elitist and a regular Korean/Chinese made Epi. the Elitists are well made guitars that can rival if not exceed those of the Gibson USA line. they have good electronics and a real nitro finish. the fit/finish is excellent. I personally dont like the regular Epis. i dont like the way they feel, play and usually sound. that doesnt mean they arent worth buying, especially when a Gibson LP Std costs $2600! personally, if i had $800-1000 to spend, i'd get an Elitist over any low end Gibson or cheap Epi. if i had $1500, i would buy a used Gibson Std or Classic. If i ha $2k or more, i would buy a used Historic and skip the USA line all together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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