doyster15 Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Hey Everyone, sitting at work and thinking about my sons Epi LP Custom which I had purchased for his birthday a few years ago. At that time he was turning 14 years old, and I remember we went to the guitar shop and began to play some guitars. Now, he had picked up strats and teles and different epiphones including the LP custom in black which he has now. Well, i was trying to sell him on the Gibson LP Studio, the one that has no coating on it. The price was only 100 bucs more at that time. But after playing one guitar he would come back to the LP custom. I tried to convince him that the Gibson Studio was a better guitar but I remember him telling me the Epi felt better. Well, we purchased the Epi, I went ahead and had my guitar tech install a set of duncan Jazz pickup in the neck and JB in the bridge, and I have to tell you in these 2 1/2 years that heck yea this epi plays great! He was right that the Epi had a better feel to it. And with the Duncan pickups it absolutely sings.... Does anyone else feel about the same way? Please share.... thanks Doyster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Moore Tribute Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 You effectively added Gibson standard pickups to an Epiphone the results are great as you would expect. I myself am after Gold ones for my Custom and the build of Epi's shouldn't be ignored. YES Studio's will hold their value better (Over £500+) compared to an EPI but like you I love a guitar with looks to go along with the growl... You definately did the right thing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigneil Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 You effectively added Gibson standard pickups to an Epiphone the results are great as you would expect. I myself am after Gold ones for my Custom and the build of Epi's shouldn't be ignored. YES Studio's will hold their value better (Over £500+) compared to an EPI but like you I love a guitar with looks to go along with the growl... You definately did the right thing You really aren't on form tonight Solid, He said he put in Duncan Jazz and JB set not Gibby Pickups! Every guitar maker no matter the quality or the prestige, or lack of, will occasionally put out an absolute lemon of a guitar or vice-a-versa and produce an absolute beauty. ... Its all in the playing it to see how it feels. Sounds like you got one of the beauties Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Moore Tribute Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 You really aren't on form tonight Solid, He said he put in Duncan Jazz and JB set not Gibby Pickups! Every guitar maker no matter the quality or the prestige, or lack of, will occasionally put out an absolute lemon of a guitar or vice-a-versa and produce an absolute beauty. ... Its all in the playing it to see how it feels. Sounds like you got one of the beauties Guess not from what has been said on here I did get the impression Duncans produced a good equivalent compared to Gibsons. I must be over excited I guess, after finally acquiring the Gib LP Std at a good price.. so sorry for that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigneil Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Guess not from what has been said on here I did get the impression Duncans produced a good equivalent compared to Gibsons. I must be over excited I guess, after finally acquiring the Gib LP Std at a good price.. so sorry for that LOL, you still High on GAS. Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. Doyster, I sure would like to see some pics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyster15 Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 LOL, you still High on GAS. Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. Doyster, I sure would like to see some pics! I will try to post some pics tomorrow. I haven't poster pics in some time. I haven't used Photobucket in over one year. Does anyone know if I lose my account? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Moore Tribute Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 LOL, you still High on GAS. Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. Just the SG and the Gibson now im officially NOT BUYING SQUAT (Sold alot to buy them so have no choice) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midiman56 Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I just can NOT bring myself to like those faded Gibsons! Baseball bat necks and all the charm of a fireplace log ... I know it says "Gibson" on the headstock and should therefore retain it's value (we'll see about that ... they only made about a million of them!), but I wouldn't care if it said, "Hand-crafted by Jesus the Carpenter" if it meant playing that dud! Wow ... where did that come from? I'm glad you and your son are happy with your decision, Doyster ... I agree completely! Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Moore Tribute Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 I just can NOT bring myself to like those faded Gibsons! Baseball bat necks and all the charm of a fireplace log ... I know it says "Gibson" on the headstock and should therefore retain it's value (we'll see about that ... they only made about a million of them!), but I wouldn't care if it said, "Hand-crafted by Jesus the Carpenter" if it meant playing that dud! Well I did SAVE ALOT on a 02/03/09 with no wear! At the price I bought it for, its not going to lose much money if any so I'm lucky. Yes NEW its alot of money but many sell these unused within less than a year its crazy! I still have 2 Epis and Yes I do respect their build. The main point of the GIBSON was INVESTMENT, I'll hopefully have it for decades to come along with my other guitars which I have no intention of just sticking in a cupboard for 10+ years. As one man said "A guitar is ment to be played, so to hell with the imperfections". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LP Fan Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 Hi, I've just registered and this is my first post on this forum. Though, been involved for years., and owning some gear as well. I'm a big fan of Gibson LP guitars, actually all LP guitars. I regularly playing the whole nine yard of Gibsons besides other guitars at the local music store and I must say, you made the right decision when you went for the guitar that felt and played better. Changing the electronics on the Epis is a great idea as well, since they're really far away from the real high quality stuff (with the exception of some models, of course). Today's Gibson LP Studio has quite average quality - to put it mildly - and a good Epi (especially a Custom) with some nice mods can beat most of them with no question. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midiman56 Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 Woah ... hang on! I'm not down on ALL Gibsons ... far from it. I'm practically a fan-boy! I simply detest those "faded" models. I suppose I just dislike the cynical attitude displayed by selling that unfinished plank of wood for $800 just becase it has that name on the headstock. For some reason that guitar just gets me "pissy" at a company that I otherwise admire and support. Anyway ... it's just me blowin' smoke ... pay no attention! Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Moore Tribute Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 Woah ... hang on! I'm not down on ALL Gibsons ... far from it. I'm practically a fan-boy! I simply detest those "faded" models. I suppose I just dislike the cynical attitude displayed by selling that unfinished plank of wood for $800 just becase it has that name on the headstock. For some reason that guitar5 just gets me "pissy" at a company that I otherwise admire and support. Anyway ... it's just me blowin' smoke ... pay no attention! Jim I have to say actually I agree with you, I was trying out a the faded & PLAIN and frankly they did nothing for me, reminding me of the CHEAP guitars I have long since got rid of. Take this one: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2008-Gibson-Les-Paul-Standar-Faded-/330529030891?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item4cf510c2eb I took one look at it and though UGHHH! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midiman56 Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 I have to say actually I agree with you, I was trying out a the faded & PLAIN and frankly they did nothing for me, reminding me of the CHEAP guitars I have long since got rid of. Take this one: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2008-Gibson-Les-Paul-Standar-Faded-/330529030891?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item4cf510c2eb I took one look at it and though UGHHH! That one doesn't even look all that bad, Solid. THIS is the mess I'm talking about: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LPSTWBCH?utm_source=MSN&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=guitars&utm_term=les_paul_studio_faded Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyster15 Posted February 11, 2011 Author Share Posted February 11, 2011 I agree about the baseball bat neck which frankly on a dot doesn't bother me as much. I guess it must have to do with the finish. There isn't any. :-) but the Epi custom's neck is real comfy and smooth. And the fret work is really nice. I have nothing against Gibson heck I wish I could afford a really nice one but my 14 year old son liked the feel of the Epi custom better than the faded les Paul. And when he plays it at church on the worship group it sounds divine. :-) Can someone give me an amen? Doyster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_edward Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 Last year I bought my son a Korean custom and I can tell you it's an incredible guitar, a real work of art in every way. I did switch out the pups and electrics, but it's really the feel and the way it plays that make it so sweet. I'm so impressed with that one that I'd snap up a deal on another one if given half a chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyster15 Posted February 11, 2011 Author Share Posted February 11, 2011 I'm with you James on that. And I have looked around and played different epis but haven't found one that plays like my sons. But I will keep looking.. same thing with my MIK Peerless factory Sheraton. It just feels right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Moore Tribute Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 Just got my Gold Gib Pickups sorted :) Definately get Epi Pickups upgraded I highly recommend it. A guitars looks and feel are your own preference after all, Epi's are well made and look great but as many will testify upgrades really improve the experience. I'm gonna have a very happy weekend now :) Doy you definately did the right thing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyster15 Posted February 16, 2011 Author Share Posted February 16, 2011 Hey Solid, how are you enjoying your goldtop? any pics coming? is it the P-90 version? Doyster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karine_plays Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Can someone give me an amen? Amen! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_-5SfaoY_c These guitars are a fantastic value, I plan on swapping my pickups for Gibson's, but in the meantime, I spent some time getting the right pickup height and adjusting the individual pole height to get it balanced ... oh man what a difference that made! The pickups are actually very good, I just want even better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matiac Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I kinda like the faded standards, they play nice, sound nice, if I could afford even a used one, I'd no doubt scarf it in an instant. I agree about the faded studios...fireplace log...hehe, good one. When I had my Epi (Les Paul Classic), the only thing electrically I did was swap the stock pickups for an old set of Gibson "T-Top" pickups that opened that guitar up sonically, left everything else stock (pots, caps, etc.). That was THE best looking guitar I've ever owned, and one of the best sounding guitars too (the SG Standard I had to sell was the best sounding). I don't think I'd mind having a Korean Custom, they're pretty nice guitars, especially those 3 pickup Black Beautys... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Upiory Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Greetings, All! Just a personal opinion, but I could never get myself to drop several thousand dollars on a Gibson. We are, after all, talking about wood. I think many folks approach guitars as others would old motorcycle parts or 18th-Century chairs. Asian guitars do tend to have crappy electronics, so I generally swap out the pickups and wiring harness, but there's no longer a vast difference in quality of workmanship between a Gibson and a good Epiphone, Agile, ESP, etc.--certainly not a $1,500 difference. Most of us are players rather than collectors, and we play the guitar, not the headstock. So I for one am not at all surprised to hear about a high-end Epiphone taking out a low-end Gibson in looks and playability. I'm ga-ga over hollow and semi-hollow Epiphones. I love the danged things! I would have a hard time exchanging my Sheraton for a 335. And the Broadway? The Broadway is one hell of a guitar for the price. And we all adore the Casino. No hate intended toward collectors. Heck, I spent $80 on a used hockey puck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyster15 Posted February 23, 2011 Author Share Posted February 23, 2011 I am in agreement with you Upiory. we play the guitars not stare at them(well not just stare) The Epiphone Custom is an excellent value for the money. I was just playing it the other day in Church and it sounds great through my deluxe reverb reissue. i also have an 1997 Peerless factory Sheraton that i replace the pickups with duncan 59's and thats another guitar i wouldn't part with. the action is low and the guitar plays smooth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Lunatic Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 Every time I go to a music store, I check out expensive guitars, like anybody else. They are generally stunning in appearance - nice woodgrain, beautiful finish, handsome inlays, etc., etc.. Yet, when I play them, I am not as overwhelmed by their playability and/or tone as I might think I'd be. Blindfolded, I'm pretty sure that I couldn't tell the difference between a Gibson LP and a Epiphone LP. This is not to say that expensive guitars are a waste of money. Any of us would certainly be proud to own one, but not all of us are willing or able to shell out that kind of money. We are very fortunate that there are Epiphones and other imports which are so playable and affordable. While some may damn the cork sniffers, my opinion is that if you feel somehow shamed or inferior about your gear, it's not really about your gear - it's about you. And when I need a reminder of just how silly cork sniffers are, I watch an episode or two of Frasier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyster15 Posted February 23, 2011 Author Share Posted February 23, 2011 Well said..... and i hope that Epiphone continues to put out some interesting and affordable models like the nighthawk and the traditional pro and the tribute series. all seem really nice..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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