Bongoscot Posted August 23, 2012 Share Posted August 23, 2012 I played with a Classic Custom, a Les Paul Standard, 2 Les Paul studios, and an Epiphone Les Paul ultra pro. Here are some thoughts. The Classic Custom and the Gibson LP Standard were as you would expect, both great guitars made with top notch quality, set up great right off the wall, gorgeous finish, you know, everything you expect from those guitars. Just great. I was a little more surprised when comparing the other 3 lower priced guitars. I think the finish on the studios were nice, but I think the Epiphone Ultra Pro, at $300 les than the Studios, completely smoked the studios in every other way. I was really pleasantly surprised by this Epiphone. It felt more substantial in my hands and heavier. The neck was fast, the frets were smooth, the tones from the pick-ups were nice both clean and dirty. The sustain was amazing. As far as sustain I think it may have been at least on par if not a little better than even the more expensive Gibby standard. I think it is still playing LOL. It was even being offered with a hard shell case while the studio came with a gig bag. I just thought I would mention this. I am still planning to buy the Classic Custom but if I was trying to get something under a grand I would have left the studio at the store and gone home with the Epiphone. If you are thinking about getting a studio, dont let me talk you out of it, but I would strongly suggest taking a look at what Epi is offering, you may be surprised. On the other hand, the studio is still quite nice and it is made in America which says something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markini Posted August 23, 2012 Share Posted August 23, 2012 Ditto on the Epi Ultra. I have an Epi Ultra and I am very surprised at the quality and workmanship not to mention the maple top sunburst finish. her nickname is 'Sunrise". I did however change out the neck pup for a '57 pup. Also replaced the nut. I would call this a work horse guitar. My Classic Custom is a better guitar, nicer tone by a hair, but the Epi holds her own. Good playability too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveinspain Posted August 23, 2012 Share Posted August 23, 2012 I haven't tried any Epi's, the headstock shape just turns me off... I know, it's stupid but I just can't get past it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted August 23, 2012 Share Posted August 23, 2012 I haven't tried any Epi's, the headstock shape just turns me off... I know, it's stupid but I just can't get past it. I cant get past the 3 screws for the TR cover. I haven't played many EPI electrics but the Master built acoustic Ive played are very well made and sound great.I did play a EPI Korina V and was one of the best guitars to date. Used it was $300 W/case...should have bought it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keef-riff Posted August 23, 2012 Share Posted August 23, 2012 Strange I know....but I do not like the Epi heads either!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShredAstaire Posted August 23, 2012 Share Posted August 23, 2012 You guys are weird. And picky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bongoscot Posted August 24, 2012 Author Share Posted August 24, 2012 You know, I am a bit turned off by the headstock shape myself, but after playing it I got over that quickly. Maybe not for everyone but the quality and playability is there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 When Les died and I realized I hadn't owned a Les Paul in many years I bought my Studio. I never even considered an Epi. I don't actually know why, but the thought never entered my mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slavestate Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 I'm going to have to try out that Epiphone Les Paul Ultra PRO. I just saw one at a shop near by this afternoon, but didn't think to pick it up and give it a try. There are so many things that Gibson is doing to the Les Pauls that just make me cringe. If I ever picked up a Les Paul it'd have to be an older one for sure. Thanks for your review! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izzy Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 You guys are weird. And picky. No judging! *feels shallow Seriously, I think I got my Korg because she was THE most gorgeous keyboard in the store (and Korg is the shiznat). Is it shallow to want to play a prety instrument? I think the more drawn you're to it, the more you'll pick it up, the better you get. I can't get past your pic; Batman on an elephant *teehee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowboyBillyBob1 Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 Please correct me if I am wrong but aren't all Epi maple tops just a veneer. I never played an Epi I did not hate. Back in the day when based in NYC Epiphones were premeir guitars. Gibson did not really come close to their quality jazz guitars. When Epi fell on hard times Gibson bought the name and started making garbage under their name. A bit of payback I think. Les Paul the man was affiliated with Epiphone before Gibson came out with the Les Paul guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowboyBillyBob1 Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 I'm going to have to try out that Epiphone Les Paul Ultra PRO. I just saw one at a shop near by this afternoon, but didn't think to pick it up and give it a try. There are so many things that Gibson is doing to the Les Pauls that just make me cringe. If I ever picked up a Les Paul it'd have to be an older one for sure. Thanks for your review! So I guess you don't like the asymetrical and compound radius neck. The locking tuners, bridge and tailpiece are junk and the stealth electronic options are not good either. How do these improvements make you cringe? I can understand the whole weight relief thing but quality wood like from the '50's is very hard to find and way expensive if you do find a lightweight piece of mahogany. The maple tops are gorgeous compared to the older models. Looks in this area was not important way back when. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FenderGuy1 Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 If I had a dollar for every time someone hates on a quality instrument I'd be with 759,000 k hello 59 burst!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bongoscot Posted August 24, 2012 Author Share Posted August 24, 2012 Speaking of Fender, on the same visit I saw a Squire Telecaster that looked pretty freaking cool too. I didnt pick it up so I have no idea if it is worth anything, but sure the prettiest Squire I have ever seen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bongoscot Posted August 24, 2012 Author Share Posted August 24, 2012 I may be wrong cowboy, but I think this Epi had a solid maple top with a veneer over that. Again, not for everyone but it impressed me. Im still focussed on the Classic Custom, or maybe the ES339, doh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShredAstaire Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 No judging! *feels shallow Seriously, I think I got my Korg because she was THE most gorgeous keyboard in the store (and Korg is the shiznat). Is it shallow to want to play a prety instrument? I think the more drawn you're to it, the more you'll pick it up, the better you get. I can't get past your pic; Batman on an elephant *teehee I just think its SOOO crazy to shun a guitar due to its headstock. Pick it up and play it...it might be the best feeling and sounding guitar you have ever played and you're gonna miss out on it cuz you don;t like headstock shape? Like I said...picky...and weird. hehehehe I didn't say you couldn't be that way...i just don't get it. I want to play guitars that look good too...and thats why i bought the ones i own but the shape of the headstock would NEVER prohibit me from buying an awesome guitar. And yeah...Batman on an elephant...what could go wrong?! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.R.M.30! Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 I played some Epiphone's and it's hard to find one that I like. They all sound muffled and plastic but that's my opinion. I haven't played a Custom Epi so maybe the higher priced Epi's sound better, I dunno. I like Casino's but haven't played to many of those. I don't pay attention to the headstocks as such. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quapman Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 I just think its SOOO crazy to shun a guitar due to its headstock. Pick it up and play it...it might be the best feeling and sounding guitar you have ever played and you're gonna miss out on it cuz you don;t like headstock shape? Like I said...picky...and weird. hehehehe I didn't say you couldn't be that way...i just don't get it. I want to play guitars that look good too...and thats why i bought the ones i own but the shape of the headstock would NEVER prohibit me from buying an awesome guitar. And yeah...Batman on an elephant...what could go wrong?! :) I agree. I heard alot of negatives about baked maple fretboards too. Sure the politics of what created them may suck but hey, I love the feel of my Classic Custom. For me, looks are secondary. Feel is number one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old mark Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 I have 2 Epi Dots. I love them. They are far better than their price would indicate. I also have a Gibson LP Studio 50's Tribute that is a gem. The light weight is deliberate-they are chambered. The sould and playability is very high quality. And I have owned "real" Les Pauls to compare it to... mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bongoscot Posted August 24, 2012 Author Share Posted August 24, 2012 Obviously there are some sacrifices that have to be made when looking at a lower end guitar, but I guess my whole point is that the lower end has some options that are far better than lower end options of days past. This guitar actually played really well and I would not feel ashamed in any way to own it. There are people out there who can afford to have anything they want. Sometimes those people look at things that they consider beneeth them and wont give them a fair shake. Then there are others who are skrimping and saving just to be able to afford a guitar that is acceptable to play. To that guy I really think things have gotten a whole lot better as of lately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
10K-DB Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 Didnt some of the early Beatles videos/performances/recordings use Epi's? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShredAstaire Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I would not be ashamed to own ANY guitar....as long as it plays and i like the sound and feel, everyone else can suck a lemon!!! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4Hayden Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Never owned a Epiphone for the simple reason if you ever sell it you'll not get your money back & a Gibson will hold it's value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowboyBillyBob1 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Speaking of Fender, on the same visit I saw a Squire Telecaster that looked pretty freaking cool too. I didnt pick it up so I have no idea if it is worth anything, but sure the prettiest Squire I have ever seen. If what you were checking out was a Squire '50's Vibe Telecaster than I wholeheartedly agree with you. I bought one just cause I wanted a Tele to play around with and believe it or not I would put it against almost any Fender Tele. It's looks,sound feel, and quality workmanship is unbeleivable especially when you consider it's only like $350 USD. I have an old American Standard Tele bridge pickup I was going to swap it with but decided not to. This sounds and feels way better than an '81 American Standard Tele I used to own. I got rid of it because it was just too icepick in the ear even after swapping in a Texas Special bridge pup.. The Squire is way way better. I guess my point is that I am not a cork sniffer guitar brat. I have just never met an Epi I liked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.