EPiphone -- FEnder

[KCW1229]

Hey guys, im trying to choose a guitar and my choices are Epiphone orfender.

IM thinking of epiphone les paul custom in AW or an Epiphone les paul Ultra 2 (if i can find this one)

(i think they;re mad in china)

 

or A fender "standard" stratocaster HSS (made in mexico)

 

SOmeone said getting the top model in a brand is better than getting the lowest model on another brand...

 

 

what do you guys think??

[lostindesert]

You're asking this question on a Epiphone Forum ?

 

Try them both, Fender or Epiphone, and then decide.

 

Peter

[charlie brown]

Hi KCW1229...

 

First, get the BEST one you can afford, and think "long term!" Even if you have to save a bit longer, it will be a better

investment, in the long run. Being a guitar player, you will (no doubt) buy several, even many, maybe? But, if you

start out with a really good one, to begin with, you'll never be sorry! Also...what type music, are you most interested in? Jazz, Blues, Hard Rock/Metal, Rockabilly, etc. The first guitar I was lucky enough to get was a '64 Fender Strat (bought new in 1964), and I still have it! Stratocaster, Telecaster, Les Paul, SG, and Thin line (335) style guitars will cover most anything you'd ever need. Within that grouping, a "Strat" is pretty hard to beat! Covers a lot of styles, and is really versitile. But, some prefer the Gibson feel/sound, too. Casino, Sheraton, Dot, G-400, or the Epi Les Pauls, are all great guitars (and reasonably priced) too... So...

 

Try them all, in various stores, find one that sounds and feels right...you'll know it, when you do, most likely.

[Nic]

There really isn't a way to compare a Strat and a Les Paul. Especially the Epiphone Les Paul Ultra Plus. I own both but am only playing the Les Paul. (Probably because its still new.) It is a phenomenal instrument with a tone unlike any other guitar I've owned.

[TheX]

Find a store that has both and spend a lot of time with them through different amps and see which one you're going to be happy with. A good investment now means that your money for the next guitar will be in addition to this one, instead of replacing it.

[RotcanX]

The only thing I would like to add is that if you are seriously thinking about a Strat, definitely check out the G&L Tribute series Legacy model. These are made in Korea with American G&L pickups and they blow away any Standard Series Mexicaster, any day of the week, and they are only a bit more expensive.

[pohatu771]

The Standard Stratocaster is the lowest-end model Fender makes under the "Fender" name. It's a fine guitar, but it doesn't compare to a higher-end Epiphone.

 

I suggest looking at what you can afford, and comparing everything in that price range. A Les Paul Custom is a few hundred more than a MIM Standard Strat.

 

In all honesty, I wasn't impressed with the Standards... my Strat is a MIM Deluxe.

[joeymetro]

I own both those guitars and I would get the Ultra.

I like how it plays and looks better.

My opinion.

[Big Norm]

I played many years with an AMERICAN Strat...and replace it now with an Ultra. It became my main guitar and I sell my Strat...but I will always say it's a matter of taste or kind of music you are playing. By the way, I also had Mexican start and found them very good for the money..

[bluesstringer]

Or if you find that you really like the strat, save a little more over the G&L and get a used USA Strat. I've seen them locally as low as $600 on rare occasions. They are head and shoulders above most Mexicans. I've had some really good playing and sounding MIM though.

 

I agree with other that say play as many guitars as you can and the guitar for you will let you know when you find it. Happy hunting.

[bluesstringer]

Or if you find that you really like the Strat, save a little more over the G&L and get a used USA Strat. I've seen them locally as low as $600 on rare occasions. They are head and shoulders above most Mexicans. I've had some really good playing and sounding MIM though.

 

The guitars you are talking about considering are very different in all aspects. While I love my Epis, I can play my Strat all night long and I find to be more versatile.

 

I agree with others that say play as many guitars as you can and the guitar for you will let you know when you find it. Happy hunting.

[RotcanX]

Yes. Comparing Fenders and Epi/Gibsons is futile. Each represents a completely different and exclusive approach to the concept of an electric guitar. So, yeah, an Epi LP might 'beat' an American Series Strat just as a Mexicaster might 'beat' a VOS 1959 Les Paul, since in both cases one offers access to tonal territories the other is unable to explore.