Epiphone Les Paul Custom???

[munkee]

I'm thinking of getting a Epiphone LP Custom. Anyone have any thoughts?:thumbsup

[nightwatch]

Epiphone has come a long ways since the '90s when they were c**p. I played one of those and really liked the neck. Lots of bands are using Epis now too. I think if you like it and don't want to spend $2500-3000 on a Gibby LP custom, you can't go wrong with the Epi. I think the wood is similar. The one difference is it has a rosewood fretboard instead of the Ebony like the Gibbies have,:bananahea

[markshredder]

I picked up a epi Zakk Wylde LP custom about 3 years ago and have been really pleased with it. It was just for the novelty value at the time because I was going through a big Zakk phase, but it has consistently been my main bedroom guitar to just 'pick up and play'. It sounds great, and the finish is still perfect, if I'd been playing a Gibson as consistently over a few years it would look worn out by now.

I have a 'real' Gibson LP, but I think if I was looking for another LP style guitar I'd buy another Epiphone.

[unchained1984]

I know a good few of us who acquired the Kramer customs (read Epi) on close down have been very pleased with them. A hands down comparison with a Gibson LP isn't going to hold many surprises regards what you get, a Gibson from TN will always be top of the LP tree in my book. But I wouldn't hesitate in trying an Epi out if you're in that market and don't want to spend highly. Personally I think those maple board Zakk Epi's look like a real bargain for an everyday player.

[munkee]

Thanks for the help. I assume I should stay away from purchasing one from the bay since many are priced way too low and seem to be fakes.

[Louie Music]

If you like non Floyd guitars, then the Epiphone Les Paul is a good deal. A friend of mine is a Gibson fanatic but he swears by his 2 Epiphone Pauls all day. I've played them both and they're top notch stuff and a great alternative to the more expensive Gibsons.

[Dino]

My Epi is one of the older Korean models.
I bought it off eBay about a month ago and it's really been a great guitar.

The neck carve is slim and tapered which I really, really like ... all of the ones I've played from China feel like a baseball bat in comparison. :-x

I recently swapped out the stock pickups for '57 Classics and man ... this guitar rips!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a274/DinoBonanno/DSC00223.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a274/DinoBonanno/DSC00204.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a274/DinoBonanno/DSC00218.jpg
________
ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE (http://www.ecigarettes123.com/)

[kellcats521]

The Epi LP vs Gibson LP is a great real-world evaluation of wood/construction vs. tone..... In comparing a Gibson LP std vs an Epi LP std, you see:

1) Both have mahogany body/mahogany neck/rosewood fretboard.
2) Gibson has thick maple cap (~5/8") while Epi has photoflame or vaneer (~1/32") top.
3) Gibson will have no more than 3 pc body while Epi could have 5 pc and possibly pancake construction.

If you have same bridge and pickups in both of the guitars above, even the most descriminating player will not be able to tell which guitar is which based on LISTENING to sound clips. Obviously the guitars may not PLAY the same, but they will sound the same, showing that both the number of pieces of wood used for the body, and the presence/absense of a cap (I'll offer that 1/32" of anything doesn't effect tone) have no effect on tone.

Back to the topic - if you like the way the Epi plays, but it. In my experience, the hardware/electronics on the Epi's is 2nd rate to Gibsons, but that hardly justifies the price delta.

[Dino]

Though I really love my Epi, I'm not too thrilled with today's Epiphones made in China ...

If you want a nice LP, but don't want to drop the cash on a Gibson, I'd consider a Burny, Orville, Tokai, or even the Epi "Elitist" models that are made in Japan.

JMO
________
vapir oxygen vaporizer (http://oxygenvaporizer.com)

[_xxx_]

Save your cash for a Gibson. The special faded series are almost as cheap as Epi and are real US Gibsons with the real sound and feel and all. Really no point in wasting your money on the axe you'll resell for half the cash a few months later because you don't like it anymore.

Elitist series are of course great, but they cost as much as Gibson standard models.

[mmmtacos]

I agree with Serj. They now even have a Studio with a tobacco finish (still maple top though) for like $950 band new.

It's just one example:thumbsup

As far as the sound of an Epi they do really sound sweet. I have a Sunburst Stndard and really love the tone:headbang

The neck on mine has a scarf joint, which doesn't bother me, but I noticed the other day that it actually has 2 scarfs:yikes

It looks like the scabbed 2 pieces of wood together, then made the length of the neck, then scarfed the PH on to that:D

It doesn't effect the tone but I think it's pretty lame

[Dino]

Save your cash for a Gibson. The special faded series are almost as cheap as Epi and are real US Gibsons with the real sound and feel and all. Really no point in wasting your money on the axe you'll resell for half the cash a few months later because you don't like it anymore.

Elitist series are of course great, but they cost as much as Gibson standard models.

For resale value, I totally agree ... go with the "name".

I'm just pointing out some really nice alternatives as opposed to the poor quality copys coming out of China these days.

I'm also a little leary of Gibson's "quality control" and have a hard time justifying paying Gibson's asking price for a guitar that's just "mediocre".

At those prices, I'd probably choose a PRS Singlecut over the Les Paul.

JMO
________
RacingGirl (http://www.girlcamfriend.com/cam/RacingGirl/)

[muttznmongrelz]

had I not been a "Headstock/Brand" Snob at the time I would have held onto it. Nice player, solid and heavy like a LP should be and it sounded good at the time w/the stock pickups...but...having said that...if you truly "want the real deal"...hold out, save up and get the "Gibson"...cause you'll never be satisified w/the "Epi" if you really want a "Gibby".

[_xxx_]

That was not making Epi's look all that bad up there, they're ok for the money. Just pointing out that it plays and feels differently than the real thing and you will want the real thing quite soon after licking blood. So you can skip that step alltogether ;)

[Keen Anthony]

I played an Epiphone Standard this weekend. It felt pretty good. I am an LP player ('57 Goldtop VOS and a Silverburst), and *the* Epi I played would be something I'd recommend to someone. I did have the shine I like on LPs. I've seen a lot of fugly EPis too, so the one I played might have been an anomaly.

That said, I've played many bad Gibsons this year. About the only Gibsons I would buy sight-unseen without examining it are the '61 SG reissue, the LP Standard, the LP Traditional, and the LP Custom. Basically any of your Custom shop LPs will be trustworthy. Too much crappy quality amongst the other LPs and the Vs and the SGs these days. So with that in mind, the trustworthiness gap between Gibson vs Epiphone is getting narrower IMO.

[vanillagorilla]

I would go with a jap. LP copy over a epiphone. Go with Greco, Tokai, Burny, Oville, Edwards or aria. A lot of people like agile too.

[BeN5150]

Dino, your Epi looks like the Japanese Elitists or whatever?

the Twister Sister Epi is supposedly badass as hell, great great, but again, that is Epiphone Japan

[Rick S]

Yup, what Ben said.^^^^Nice guitar there for sure.:thumbsup Those Japanese Elites are sweet machines.:thumbsup

[spider94r]

I've never been an LP guy - never wanted one, didn't like the look or the feel. But last year my bias started to fade and I decided to get some sort of LP just for the sake of having a more complete collection and because I have a ton of respect for the contribution Les Paul made to modern music in the 20th century. All that said, there is basically no way I can spend the kind of money that a Gibson LP commands and I don't like those cheaper ones with the worn finish. So, I went down to Guitar Center (even though I hate them) and walked out with an Epi Classic Quilt Top for $379. It's really nice, guys. I'm not shitting you. The frets are finished nearly perfectly (way better than my Korean-made Schecter or my Indonesian Kramer, and as good or better than my USA Kramers and my Focus). The body and neck binding is quality work. The real MOP inlays are beautiful. The hardware is *almost* top notch (I think the tuners could be better). The finish is flawless and the maple top is really pretty.
The neck is quite thin, not too unlike my Kramers, actually. The body is 3 pieces of mahogany with a veneer on the back for appearance's sake. The neck is one piece of mahogany with a joint at the headstock. The stock EPI pickups actually sound great and the signature Les Paul tone is there.

I even did a bit of research about Gibson's manufacturing plant in China and found that it is state of the art. Gibson didn't just outsource construction to a contract manufacturer. They built their own plant and sent Gibson USA people over there to get it going and oversee the quality.

In summation, I agree with those that say a Gibson LP is the real thing and I don't doubt they are worth the money. However, for someone who wants an LP but chooses not to spend this month's mortgage payment on a guitar, the Epi is an incredible instrument in its own right. I don't mean to say that "for the money" it's good. I mean to say that it is just good, period.

[TommysGs]

I have a SG Les Paul Custom and I had the EPI version of the guitar.
I sold the EPI after I bought the full on gibson.
I bought the EPI for $350 and the Gibson for $2100.
Frankly I sold the wrong guitar.
The finish and the feel of the neck on the EPI is actually better than the Gibson.
The Gibson does sound slightly better but for the money difference the EPI pickupd can be upgraded and still be allot of money ahead.

However a Hundia is just not a Honda no matter how similar they drive.

Gibson has been surviving on thier name for a long time now. Some say Gibsons quality has improved recently but the cost difference to other guitars really makes them hard to justify.
Especially when cheaper guitars have a better more durable finnish on them.

[TommySixGun]

If you buy an Epi Paul, you should go see it at the store. I love the way mine plays, but it's way too heavy. It's heavier than a double-neck SG

http://www.tompurpura.com/paulie.jpg

Tommy

[wreckingcrew]

Save your cash for a Gibson. The special faded series are almost as cheap as Epi and are real US Gibsons with the real sound and feel and all. Really no point in wasting your money on the axe you'll resell for half the cash a few months later because you don't like it anymore.

Elitist series are of course great, but they cost as much as Gibson standard models.

The Elitists cost less than a Gibnson Standard dude.... Unless your buying the Standard used. You can scored a used Elitist for like 800.



the local gutiar shop has a Gibson les Paul Standard that I'm in love with. slim 50's style neck, gold hardware, red with a flamed top:drool

[Dino]

the local gutiar shop has a Gibson les Paul Standard that I'm in love with. slim 50's style neck ...

Is there such a thing as a "slim 50's style neck"?
I thought the slim necks were the 60's. :scratchhe
________
Website Design (http://hostndesign.com)

[Talusmonkey]

I have a Korean Epi LP Custom and love it. It plays great and has that LP sound. I have played Gibsons in the past and I can not say they play 1500.00 or so better then my Epi. For what a Gibson cost I would rather buy a Lynch tiger or something along those lines.

[Ripley7t]

You could always try a ESP or Michael Kelly single cut. Funny story, The local manager of the music store I frequent received a nice Les Paul for his graduation present. I brought in my Michael Kelly Patriot Q and he was very sad indeed. The Michael Kelly sounded much better and had a better action, lol. So much so that they are currently thinking of becoming a MK dealer. A couple of the ESP EC 1000's that I have tried were great guitars as well. I know several people that have Epi's too. If you have a store that stocks more than one, try them all. I am constantly surprised just how different each guitar of the same model can be.

[ferengi-bri]

The Gibson Faded series are a great USA made choice for a fair price. Have you guys seen the new Gibson USA Melody Makers? All USA made, single bridge pickup for approx $300? It's a rock and roll sleeper! One could easily install a bridge humbucker of choice and have the perfect Gibson stage guitar.....

[Talusmonkey]

Y If you have a store that stocks more than one, try them all. I am constantly surprised just how different each guitar of the same model can be.

It took me awhile to find mine. Like you said so many played different. They went from terrible to awesome.

[slashrox]

My Epi is one of the older Korean models.
I bought it off eBay about a month ago and it's really been a great guitar.

The neck carve is slim and tapered which I really, really like ... all of the ones I've played from China feel like a baseball bat in comparison. :-x

I recently swapped out the stock pickups for '57 Classics and man ... this guitar rips!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a274/DinoBonanno/DSC00223.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a274/DinoBonanno/DSC00204.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a274/DinoBonanno/DSC00218.jpg

My Uncle's Epiphone LP Custom (Black) has the exact same headstock shape!! Year 1992 I think so I'm assuming his would be Korean too?

His epi lp plays great. Has SD pickups :thumbsup

[Dino]

My Uncle's Epiphone LP Custom (Black) has the exact same headstock shape!! Year 1992 I think so I'm assuming his would be Korean too?

His epi lp plays great. Has SD pickups :thumbsup

I was told they made these models from 1988-1992.
I sorta found mine on eBay by accident.
Something just told me to hit the BIN, and I'm so glad I did.

I'd acually like to find another one!
Can I get your uncle to sell me his? :)
________
Lovely Wendie (http://www.lovelywendie99.com/)

[slashrox]

I was told they made these models from 1988-1992.
I sorta found mine on eBay by accident.
Something just told me to hit the BIN, and I'm so glad I did.

I'd acually like to find another one!
Can I get your uncle to sell me his? :)

I don't think my uncle will ever part with it. His guitars (Gibson LP Standard, Epi LP, 79 USA Fender Strat & 2007/2008 Custom Shop Fender Strat) are his babies :happy1

[wreckingcrew]

Is there such a thing as a "slim 50's style neck"?
I thought the slim necks were the 60's. :scratchhe

it says that it has a 50's style neck I beleive...whichever it is, its not a baseball bat:thumbsup

[Motley_Rocker1]

Great thread:thumbsup

I was wanting to ask the same thing, I got the holiday issue of Musicians Friend and they have a Silver/Dark Epiphone Les Paul Custom for $599.00 and lately I've gotten into the design. Kramers will always be my favorite but I need a second guitar, are these guitars worth the price? Are they light or heavy, good hardware ect??:whistle

[wreckingcrew]

Dammit I want another Les Paul so bad:drool

[Motley_Rocker1]

they any good? i know it aint no gibson but still worth it ,?

[ChrisPC1984]

I found an Epiphone LP Ultra a year ago, and it blew me away. I had worked for Gibson and seen thousands of LPs, but never one this nice. Maple neck, chambered body, one piece quilt top, etc.

The neck feels fretless and the action is super-low. The tone is amazing, and it sounds great no matter what type of music I play.

It was used, but looked brand new. I paid $369 with case, which is a total steal. They now know what they're worth and are asking $799 for a new one. :D

[PacerMedic]

Everybody's entitled to their opinion, but I will never, ever spend 2-3 grand for a Les Paul when I can get one as nice as my Epi for under five hundred bones. It looks/feels/sounds like a real Gibson LP without the price. If I had not stumbled upon it, I still wouldn't own any LP-style guitars. I am a confirmed strat/superstrat guy and I have no problem spending money in that direction, but for something I wasn't sure I'd even like; plus, my girlfriend eventually bought it for me!

Sergj: I tasted blood and I must admit that if I ever buy another LP, I hope I can find another Epi as good as the Gibsons I tried out! :lol Seriously, I can have 4-5 vintage Kramers for the price of one Gibson, plus I have other hobbies and cash drainers. If I bought a couple of those per year, I wouldn't be able to afford guns, motorcycles, a social life, etc... A man's gotta have his G.A.S., but he's gotta do other stuff too! :toast

[Motley_Rocker1]

This is the guitar I was talking about nice design, price is good, I might buy it in the future, just want ur opiniions..of course u can buy them used for less what do you think?

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Limited-Edition-Les-Paul-Custom?sku=519391

[wreckingcrew]

This is the guitar I was talking about nice design, price is good, I might buy it in the future, just want ur opiniions..of course u can buy them used for less what do you think?

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Limited-Edition-Les-Paul-Custom?sku=519391


Those things are sexy!

[KramerTamer]

Everybody's entitled to their opinion, but I will never, ever spend 2-3 grand for a Les Paul when I can get one as nice as my Epi for under five hundred bones. It looks/feels/sounds like a real Gibson LP without the price. If I had not stumbled upon it, I still wouldn't own any LP-style guitars. I am a confirmed strat/superstrat guy and I have no problem spending money in that direction, but for something I wasn't sure I'd even like; plus, my girlfriend eventually bought it for me!

Sergj: I tasted blood and I must admit that if I ever buy another LP, I hope I can find another Epi as good as the Gibsons I tried out! :lol Seriously, I can have 4-5 vintage Kramers for the price of one Gibson, plus I have other hobbies and cash drainers. If I bought a couple of those per year, I wouldn't be able to afford guns, motorcycles, a social life, etc... A man's gotta have his G.A.S., but he's gotta do other stuff too! :toast

I so agree with this.........I've had Les Paul Standards and still own a Custom but My '92 Epi Les Paul Standard is equal to my Custom and better than my Standards. I did load it with Duncan Alnico Pro II's though. The early Epi Les Pauls are so well built. I use mine as my default guitar, meaning if I'm ever in doubt about which guitar of all of them I'm going to take with me it's my Epi Les Paul or my Stagemaster. Period.

[Motley_Rocker1]

I agree with the last post. I would never spend over 2 grand for a Gibson when you can get these for less, and hey switch the pickups, you got yourself a nice guitar right>?

I want one, I think I'll skip on that Jackson and save for one of these. :idea

[KramerTamer]

I agree with the last post. I would never spend over 2 grand for a Gibson when you can get these for less, and hey switch the pickups, you got yourself a nice guitar right>?

I want one, I think I'll skip on that Jackson and save for one of these. :idea

Good choice bro. USA Kramer's are better than Jacksons anyway.......IMHO (I have Jacksons no hate) A Les Paul is a must have for any guitar player's collection. You will play the crap out of it.........:thumbsup

[Motley_Rocker1]

I gotta be honest this is where I spend most of my time when I'm online. I love coming here and learn new stuff everyday about guitars, amps, so much knowledge here. I want to say thanks for everyone here, you all been great to me and I just want to give a shout to everyone and of course our mods. Thanks for keeping this place alive and running so that we can come on here and enjoy oursleves and learn something new on guitars:toast

Since we're talking about Les Pauls, I had to include a picture. My amigo the ones who plays the yellow Paul Dean started off playing a Gibson Les Paul I don't know what model exactly. Here is a picture of his band in 1985 as you can see the young boys wanting to be rock and rollers;)
http://i37.tinypic.com/282124o.jpg

He had ordered a Gibson Custom but since the shop never made it in time, he needed a guitar for a gig, and there was a yellow Kramer, picked it up, played a few chords and said he said, wow, I'll take this one"http://i37.tinypic.com/wqr0jl.jpg 1989
So I'm assuming that Les Pauls are great, but not as great as a USA Kramer:lol

[Kramerican]

I bought this Epi LP Custom used for under $300. It sounds and plays great - I'd put it up against any of the other Les Pauls I own or have owned, and the flame top is as good or even better (although somebody said it may be a veneer).