Well maybe the hubris is getting to them? For the past few years I've read countless posts from people saying that Epiphones are better than Gibsons. Epiphones have better quality control. Gibson sucks. And so on. So maybe its all gone to the Epiphone executive's heads and they thought, well maybe we should start charging Gibson prices? LOL Personally I've found most of the Epiphones I've picked up have not been that great. Some of them have been at the downright Chibson quality level. To each his own, but I'd rather spend a bit more money and get a Gibson.
Several guitars I'm their lineup at 2k+ now.. I'm not really an epiphone/Gibson guy anyway, but I can get an american made fender for half of what a top of the line epiphone costs now..
Great review! The Epiphone 1959 is currently on sale for $750 in the US, has Gibson USA pickups and a hardcase. That's half price of the Epiphone Greeny. I have no clue what Epiphone is doing with their pricing. Heck, you can get the Epi 1959 and the Gibson greeny pickups and still pocket $450
Easy pass for me as well. I’ve got the 59’ Epi Les Paul, nice playing affordable guitar. The $1500 price tag isn’t justifiable! Did Kirk demand some sort of Royalties upon this release? The Greeny legend belongs to Peter Green then Gary Moore. Kirk Hammett is only a legend in His mind! The Epi Greeny is nothing more than the standard 59’ that costs $899. Even if Epi stamped the Truss cover Greeny, ( which they didn’t!) wouldn’t justify its $1499 price tag!
It feels like they are going nuts with the pricing because it's got a Gibson headstock. Does it really matter all that much? The various Epi headstock shapes never bothered me one bit ; in fact I think that was the last thing I cared about. I think it only would have bothered me if they tried to put a hockey stick headstock on it!
I bought an Epiphone '59 in lemon burst... flipped the neck magnet, turned the pickup round, changed two of the knobs... and there you go... a Greeny...
If people are that desperate for an open book headstock they could also just get a Japanese Epiphone from the ‘90s and bung some of Monty’s Greenie pickups in for under £1k. Could also do it with an Orville. It’d probably hold its value better than the new “Greenie”.
That’s a sweet fiddle, possibly the best looking new “amber” colored LP in fact it looks better than any epiphone I’ve ever seen and better than a lot of Gibson, nice dark rosewood board like the good old days and it sounds fantastic.
My god I never thought I would see the day where someone in the comment section actually said if you can’t afford an epiphone go buy something you can. It’s supposed to be their import “affordable” line of guitars. I’m not saying epiphones are bad I love my epiphones. What makes them so great is the cost to quality ratio. There is no reason an epiphone should be 1500 unless it is an exact copy of a greenie. Rosewood fingerboard, real maple cap no veneer, quality mahogany body, imperial parts not metric, and a nitro finish. Otherwise 850 to 999 is the absolute limit. I love my Jerry Cantrell epiphone and I would say for 850 that’s a good deal. The greenie is a money grab. At 1500 your 60% the way of a Gibson faded standard. Why would I not just buy the Gibson in that case. @theguitaristas great guitar would prefer that to the epiphones greenie.
Listen I'm proud of my Epiphone 2021 Lucille, I payed enough money for it but the Epiphone brand name is becoming more than the sum of it's parts. It's like the premium is in the brand name instead of the actual materials and build quality. As far as Epiphone some of their original designs are of okay quality but some of their Inspired By Gibson guitars are kind of toyish looking if you ask me, with mediocre quality, ie: unpolished frets, incorrect body dimensions and thickness. Me personally I'm sort of disenchanted with Epiphone guitars so I'm not angling to get another one any time soon. Guitarista you've got a beaut! I'm only at 1:12 before I had written this comment because I just couldn't contain my exacerbation at how much of a better example that guitar is than any Epiphone Les Paul copy I've seen and played!! I'm from the states so I'm quite sure that the Stoner guitar is well out of reach over here😅😅
People forget that Epiphone once was a high-end brand. And they've beeen working for a decade at least to get back to that level whilst maintaining the cheaper alternative to Gibson. This Greeny is not supposed to be a cheap alternative, but it's a good alternative. A case, good tuners, real mother of pearl, Gibson humbuckers, and the open book headstock. For less than 50% of the Gibson one, and still supported by Gibson. This is real good value for money.
Epiphone were indeed a high end range when they made guitars in Kalamazoo but they (Gibson) purposely moved the brand 'offshore' in 1969 and ceased production of the so called 'high grade' instruments. While it's true they have massively improved in quality in recent years, the sudden price hikes are not quite in line with these improvements and it's seen by many (including me) as a bit of a cynical cash-in on their more recent goodwill. I paid £749 for Lazarus in 2021 and this Greeny model is basically just a minor revamp of that and the '59 outfit 🤷♂️ This is still meant to be the 'affordable' alternative to a Gibson but they seem to have lost sight of what is affordable to most people. They are definitely alienating many of their core audience of players in favour of the collectors market. In any event I think 'good value for money' is a bit of a stretch for anything with the Gibson name attached to it.
@@theguitaristas You have a good point there too. Guess we'll have to see how this evolves in the longer run with Epiphone. I have a 'Greeny' from Vintage that cost me about 350 Euros and it's great. I don't need the Epi version. However I do like were Epi seems to be going. Only time will tell....
Nice one Paul that's a great guitar! 🔥 sorry I lose track of people who have given my guitars better homes because user names are different all over the place 😁👍
i love that you chuckled when you said "affordable" version yea.. 1500-1700 euros so affordable. silly thing about the greeny is that its literally, the Epiphone 59, with some new luxery added to it, like mother of pearl, different set of gibson pickups, and the Gibson headstock.. but that doesnt add in 600-800 more in vallue in my book its silly.. and ive had my eyes on a stoner with this very top for awhile now. also the source for the Japanese bodies could be FGN
That Screw..... I would imagine it's to keep the pickup parallel to the strings, by stopping the back of the pickup dropping down. It's a pretty good idea I think. As you probably know people put a bit of foam under that side sometimes, but a screw would make it easier to adjust the pickup angle.
My sg standard bridge pickup needs a screw in it to hold the pickup level ,it’s slanted towards the bridge ..mind you they’re weak as water 5.6 for a bridge pickup is low and 5.2 for the neck is low too .for a 2019 Gibson standard I’d of thought they would be hotter than that .
Exactly Right, many humbuckers don't sit parallel to the strings,foam will do the job also but deteriorate with time, saw a few Gibsons in the 70s that came in for repair with this mod, a famous repairer in London was known for recommending this if your humbuckers wouldn't sit straight.
Definetly would pick this up over the crazy overpriced Epiphones. They are losing their minds asking over £1k for an Epiphone. I don't care that its made after somebody. I bought my tribute for under £900 and my Studio under £800 used so just NO. Epiphones should not cost over £500 and we must fight to keep that number where it is. Thanks for showing this guitar Colin. Its perfect for what it is.
I can't justify the 1500 quid for the Epiphone. You can get an entry level USA Gibson Les Paul for that, and I know which I would rather buy! They're putting too much value on the fact it's a copy of a famous guitar. I hope they learn and make them more affordable going forward.
The new Epiphone greeny is waaaay to expensive. 1780$ in Europe. They lost their minds. Not to mention the satin top, which looks very cheap. I’d buy something like this instead, or buy the Epi 1959 and put the greeny buckers… The guitar that you just reviewed it’s also a great option for half the price! Nice video!
I think that top is nicer than what you can expect from the Epi Greeny. Sounds great too. It would be interesting to hear a sound comparison between them.
Have Epiphone gone bloody mad? 1699 € for the Greeny, still made in China, no nibs, Indian Laurel rather than Rosewoos. Hurray for the Gibson Open Book headstock But for that money you're not far off from a prs s2,definately a few hundred quid mor2 than the PRS SE McCarty 594 Single Cut. So, remember folks, it still is not a Gibson and doesn't feel or sound like one. Thank You Colin for showing us yet another Option. Cheers
Colin, I think you should definitely put Monty's reverse magnet humbuckers in the guitar and as you suggested replace the tone pots. My Peter Green tribute is based upon an Epi 50's LP Standard. I went with a Cherry Burst so it looks more like Peter's guitar circa 1967. I have a set of DylanTalksTone DAFs (with the reversed magnet) installed. The tuners, bridge and tailpiece have also been upgraded (Graph Tech). Total cost ~$1000 USD.
I've got a Epi 50's Std in lemonburst... also got a pair of Monty's Bethnal Green's that will be going in it... with aged Gotoh hardware at both ends... also have new pots, etc. But my workspace is too clogged up with junk, to the point where I can't actually do anything!
There are actually a significant number of people who collect Epiphones and I guess Epiphone are trying to exploit that in their signature pricing. I've said in the past that I have no problem with this as long as they don't abandon their core market of people wanting a good "regular" guitar in the $400-800 range. If they do abandon that market there are certainly a lot of other companies willing to step in. As for the guitar featured in this video, it looks and sounds great, I personally wouldn't go to the trouble of changing the pickups since it sounds so classically "Les Paul" out of the box. Thanks for the video.
Totally fed up with “greeny” this and “greeny” that. Love Peter Green but it was Gary Moore that made the guitar famous. It would be just another vintage LP in a collection somewhere if it wasn’t for Gary Moore. Moore is the reason why Peter Green wasn’t forgotten, he made the legend!
Reckon the epiphone will drop to less than a grand in the end. No-one seems prepared to pay that price. And those art backed signature silver bursts are going for £999 new now
Give it a year and they'll be 50% off for used on Guitar Center's website. They're usually like new too because ppl buy them thinking they're going to learn to play. I got my '61 Les Paul SG for $499 that way.
G'day Colin, Just a long note tonight. Maybe you're using the coil splits or trim pots incorrectly. You'll have to take some new readings with your DMM, so here are some suggestions. 1- Measure the trim pots. They'll either have 2 legs, or 3. If they have 2 legs, measure the resistance across the legs. You might have to adjust the pots from 1 extreme to the other. The highest reading will be the pot's value. If they have 3 legs, then just measure the resistance across the 2 outside legs. That will be the pot's value. 2- Measure the resistance of the pickups with the coil split off & on. Once again, sweep the trim pots from 1 extreme to the other. Note the readings. 3- Check to see if there is a 2nd capacitor for each tone pot. If these measurement checks don't make sense, let me know, & I'll rephrase it all for you. If the trim pots show appreciable values on their own, but do nor affect the pickup reading when the coil splits are on, & the pots are swept, then you might find that the trim pots work on the tone controls, & not the coil splits. To confirm that, adjust the trim pots to both extremes, & see if the tone pots work better with the trim pots in a position. If there is a 2nd cap for each pickup circuit, the trim pots might be part of an adjustable treble bleed circuit. To test that, leave the tone at 10, & listen to the tone changing as you turn the volume down a little. Try that test with the trim pots at both extremes. If the trim pots are part of an adjustable treble bleed, you'll be able to hear that the tone change with the volume drop will be different as the trim pots are adjusted. Check out the Waylon McPherson Guitar channel for more details on treble bleeds, & the different types of circuits used. The video is called "The Famous 5 Treble Bleed Guitar Mods Compared". I've paused your video at the 13:50 mark, but I can't make out if there are only 2 caps there, or 4. But, adjustable treble bleeds would make more sense to me. It doesn't make sense to add a trim pot to the coil split - all a trim pot would change is the guitar's volume. A trim pot may have an effect on a tapped coil. But, your testing showed very little difference, if any at all. In any case,give my suggestions a try, & tell us what you find. Thanks for another great video. I'll catch you next week Keep up the good work Andrew
A Greeny in Canada is $2049 (1195 GBP) but I'm not really interested in one at any price. I prefer my Les Pauls with mini hums or P-90s 🙂 I've been in the right place at the right time to buy four low end Gibsons for 250-350 GBP each There's been lots of discussions about Greeny on mylespaul forums vs the Epi '59 and other members' alternatives.
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I have one of the early Vintage Greeny models. It's a nice guitar, though I would have preferred one that hadn't had a relic treatment (they didn't do them back then). The matt clear is also a little bit too matt. Apart from that, it plays very well indeed. Picked up a couple of later ones that I thought looked nicer to pass on my one, but they were very heavy and so I kept mine.
I have a Epiphone made in Korea quilted top yellowish that I refer as an appetite for destruction copy I guess it could be a greeny as well. Got it several years ago before all this hype at a pawnshop for $225. I put a slash SD pick up in the bridge. It plays great and sounds great. I play it more than my Gibsons, and take it to gigs as well. I also have an Ebony LP Epiphone that again I bought at a pawnshop for $225. It also goes to gigs with me. The affordable guitar is where it’s at these days, as our economy is being sabotaged. Lots of greed out there as well. I recently found on eBay an Alex Lifsen signature model with a Floyd Rose. For $151. Plus $130. To ship from China. I’m anxiously awaiting it arrival. Got my fingers crossed on this one…
Giving Epiphone one more go - picked-up a Sinichi Ubukata es -355. One of the prettiest, well made axes in my collection. Plus its an Epiphone that works close to perfectly (so far)
Sorry I should have specified that the ad is there, but there no stock for this guitar. I think it's a pretty good deal at that price! Il keep checking. Thanks again. Cheers!
If the new Epi Greeny had Gibson on the headstock, I'd buy it. Because of the resale value. And because I'm that superficial. But, admit it, my fellow guitaristas, so are you.
I make a Greenie pickup set Colin. The neck pickup was rewound with the wrong wire and wrong polarity, most pickup brands do a reverse polarity neck pickup but I dont think a lot of them realise that its supposed to also have Formvar wire from a strat pickup. If they've used formvar wire it should read about 6.8k-7.0k
If I were wanting a Green, I'd honestly get the Epiphone. Not only is it cheaper than the Gibson USA model, I think it's a more accurate representation, mainly because of the red dye on the back. Yeah, it's expensive for an Epi, but it's also not really built like an Epi
@@theguitaristas One piece neck and mother of pearl inlays, I don't know of another modern Epiphone that isn't a 3 piece neck and pearloid inlay. I for one welcome the idea of higher end Epiphone models as they offer more than the low end Gibsons at similar or even sometimes lower price points. It's just that this one has the Kirk tax applied to it. So if they end up being the Gibson equivalent of Squier and Made in Japan ranges, I'm perfectly good with that. And Mat Koehler already mentioned that the open book shape will be used on future "custom shop level" models, so I'm curious what they'll come up with in the next year or two on a non-signature level
I never understood the love affair for Greenies, especially the relics. You essentially can make any LP sound like that. However, your playing and that fabulous Princeton killed me. A little late to the party this week but love this vid. A much better value for a nice looking EPI LP is the Blackback that came out a few years ago. Probably around $700. Tremendous looking and you could mod it to do this.
It’s a lovely looking and sounding guitar, I prefer the Tokai you reviewed when it was the pick guard on or off debate. However for me it’s great value and a lovely alternative. Great video as always Colin and enjoy the weekend! 🤘💜
Hi Guys/Colin if you can find a Gibson Tribute for under one thousand bucks used & they can be found that's a much better guitar imo for the money plus you're getting a real taste of Americana with a maple top/ rosewood fingerboard 490 t/490 r pups Weight is aound 3.674 kg which is of course lightweight & not for everyone nice desired & popular nitro finish Remember the single most important skill is all in the fingers with lots of practicing hours on end that's how you become a better player.squandering money on Greeny Guitars or pups is totally unnecessary
Don't change a thing on that guitar for now. It's fine as-is. An Epiphone equivalent at least. Beautiful top even if only a veneer- no problem. All in all I'd be happy with one just like yours. Cheers!
I agree with the Epiphone prices being way too high with these “special” models. Over a year ago I bought a reliced “Greeny” from China for about $240. I stripped everything out and put a 50’s wiring harness in it, Antiquities humbuckers, correct knobs and truss rod cover and tuners. Under $800 invested total. It looks better than the Epiphone or cheaper Gibson models and plays better sound wise and smooth as butter! I’m more than content and believe it’s far better than the other versions from Gibson and Epiphone. I eventually traded all my signature Epiphone models in on a 2021 Gibson Les Paul ‘58 Murphy Lab Light Aged guitar. 9 guitars for 1….. no regrets!
A few months back I purchased a Lazarus from Epiphone's site for $850 (I think I got the last one). Fantastic guitar that is specd better than the Greenie. I don't get it. I can get a variety of used Gibsons for the same price as the Greenie. In addition, Gibsons have a much better resale value. Do your homework. You can get a lot of guitar right now for $1500.
I bought a Tokai Reborn Old, tobacco burst , custom made in Japan, year 2002 in absolute fantastic conditions for 1200 euros. I would advise people to check all used occasions before deciding to buy a new Epiphone.
For the out of phase sound I pull the tone knob on my LP. Two years ago I bought a 2016 Les Paul Standard High Performance from Gibson for 1,899 US dollars. Gibson replaced the robot tuners with the nice locking tulip type. It is stamped "DEMO," but the minor issues with it are less than I would expect from a guitar someone had and played in the same time period versus sitting in a warehouse new. The aluminum case is still covered in the original protective plastics. The top of the guitar glows and is so bright it looks like it’s on fire.
I have the Epiphone Lazarus, which is a fantastic guitar at a reasonable price and the top definitely looks better on my Lazarus than the new Greeny, which is way overpriced.
Sustain for days...😃👍👍 Greenie and Santana licks are perfect for this Stoner😉👍👍 Have to agree wigh my oyher Guitaristas about yhe funcof that screw in ghe neck pocket...keeps the pup parallel to the strings. Thinking the adjustments on the pots are more for the middle position...both pups on along with split function...? Dial in more or less on each to preference...😉👍 Great deep dive Colin😎👍👍 😎✌👍❤🖖 Love Brother
I wonder if the screw is to keep the pickup parallel to the strings. I've definitely had a Gibson in the past where the bridge pickup was at quite an angle.. didn't make any difference to the sound, but it looked goofy.
I have an Epiphone Les Paul Classic which I really like and considered good value. When they start overlapping with the price of a Gibson you have to question their pricing policy. Although this video clearly show there is still value and quality elsewhere.
It's called experience and you're obviously well satisfied with your LP knockoff. To put things into perspective my CSL LP copy made in Japan with a bolt-on neck cost 100 quid in 1968, thats about 2000 quid now. How things have changed, fortunately for the better as far as guitars are concerned. Regarding the coil split/tap function , I agree with you just don't bother. Looks great, sounds authentic, plays well. Who cares about the big 'G' on the headstock? Not me. I play 'em not collect 'em. Well done. You would probably take a hit if you moved it on but somehow I don't think you will. I wouldn't.
Since you asked, I found an Epi Lazarus "new old stock" at a local shop and I will be changing out the pickups for the Gibson Greenys and knobs. Plan "B" was to get a used Epi Slash Appetite Burst, either way I win...both options cost a lot les then the new Epiphone Greeny.
Nobody would give flying @%[/=÷ about out of phase tone if it was on Kirks Hammets tone. Its Peter Green and Gary Moore. But kudos to Hammet he plays it live.
I can't complain about my old vintage Peter green guitar. Bought it s/h for £180. It's has the out of phase sound as well! I always watch to see wat u review nxt! 😉👍
Great sounding guitar Colin! Sadly Epiphone seem to be starting to view themselves as boutique style Gibsons, with pricing to almost match. There is a lot of good competition out there for £1500. Hope Epiphone get back to making decent instruments at Epiphone price levels. Considering how good the Epi 59 ltd is for £679 when I got mine with Gibson pups and wiring as standard. They seem to be changing direction with models and pricing. Loved the sound of this one, it really has that something that makes you want to play it, and not heard of these before. Nice playing and a great review as always mate.
I own and play 4 Epiphones and am very happy with them. I am also fully aware of the companies rich and interesting history. I am also allowed to have my own opinions. @@LarrytheMan-uc4ev
@@BlueberryStinkFinger62 Their business model is their choice yes. Epiphone have made great guitars for decades. Since 1957 they have made damn good affordable versions of their sister companies Gibson models. Served them very well and fullfills a great demand. If they want to compete with themselves on some levels, thats their choice too. Just my view, agree or not thats just your view. I just hope they also continue making great versions of the Gibson range. even if you think thats a ridiculous thing to say. I will still be an Epiphone fan whatever road they take as long as their quality continues matching the pricing.
Hi Mate! Long-time viewer-subscriber! After watching your review, I've been drooling all over the Stoner LP. Been going to the Vox Humana website nearing every day hoping to buy one, but they're always out-of-stock. I emailed them as well without ever receiving a reply😟 Not keen at all with $1500.00 Epiphone Greeny...Absolutely love your insightful, no bull💩💩💩 reviews and general guitar knowledge/talk. Keep it coming...THANKS!
That is a bloody nice guitar sir :) Only changes I'd make personally would be eliminate one of the push/pull controls for a normal CTS but stick a CTS push/pull (as much as using the new board type is a grind at times) as a phase switch to get that proper greeny kinda sound :) Looks a proper job though and unlike some UK based brands who build the same way, actually a fair price.
I was excited for the Epi at first, but then I saw the fingerboard (laurel), the price, and the fact that it has a chunky neck.. I'm having a bit of a problem with carpal tunnel at the moment.
@@PaperBanjo64 I used to have one of the gold John 5 Squiers and I foolishly sold it. It was almost too comfortable, and it stayed in tune really well. I've thought about looking for another on Reverb but I'm a little squeamish because I had another after the first one and it wasn't nearly as good.
Thanks for the review! My Greeny is an unburst 60's lp standard and thats as close as Ill get. The epi, gibson stanard and cs are way more than I will spend on one. For what its worth i'm curbing my G.A.S. for a while. Ive dropped about 20k this year on guitars and amps. I just can't justify spending that kind of money anymore. Between my 68 lp custom murphy lab and the wilwood cs R0 i got its more than enough for a while. If the epi was under 1k (like I think it should be) i'd think about it....😊
Recently in one of those brief promo "interview" videos Bonamassa does for his various Epi signature editions he told the interviewer that they've become $200-300 more to make. That could be so. I got a Firefly Lester last week, my first Lester in 30+ years if Jr.s count. Good body, great neck considering the cost. Flipped the magnet in the neck pickup of a set of current Epi Probuckers, 2&3, set them up with the bass side very low, 9-46 nickel wound round cores. Waiting on a particilar Pinnacle bridge, top wrapped a light weight Kluson stopbar with locking studs. Keeping myself to just a compressor and the amp (VHT Special 6 Ultra rebiased for a 6L6.) You can learn a lot about yourself and your rig without pedals...
That’s a good thought. Another option depending on how they finished the guitar, the screw might have been what they hung it from whilst spraying and drying…. However, I think your idea is more likely, as a hanging screw would likely have been removed before buffing
I just bought a used Epi LP Modern Figured a couple weeks ago. I only paid 520 dollars and a tiny bit of tax for it. But, other than looking really pretty, it also has splittable pickups as well as a phase switch, too! Plus, it has the Gibson inspired headstock, too! So, for quite a bit less, mine has the same specs as the Greenie.
Gibson really need to offer better value for money when knockoffs are this good. They seem very averse to making genuinely interesting variants of their instruments, particularly compared to what Fender does with Squier. Speaking of which, I finally got my Squier Contemporary Jaguar back from the technician today, where I was getting some wide range humbuckers and higher resistance pots fitted to it. (Tech got laid up with sciatica for several weeks halfway through the job) It really is an excellent guitar, particularly since the upgrades have sorted out the excessively dark tone Fender gave it out of the box. The series/parallel switch is an interesting alternative to a coil split that I think more humbucking guitars should offer - it cleans up like a coil split but keeps some of that humbucker compression and volume.
Nice playing Colin, you clearly were inspired by this lovely guitar. Really wanted the greeny & the Joe B SG custom, but just ain't spending 3 grand on two mass-produced-in-China guitars with Laurel fretboards. Great videos btw one of the highlights of my week :)
I think the new PRS se range are blowing all these overpriced epiphones out of the water. This greeny alternative looks great! Another fantastic, in depth review as always!
I just want to know why you only have 50k subscribers. The most informative channel on TH-cam when it comes to gear. Every other channel it's just blah blah blah please subscribe, but you're always staight forward and to the point.
hey Oldman!!! I Honestly do not need to even consider to get this Guitar AT ALL but is good to see the EPI is finally doing that sexy open book Gibson headstock shape with impunity as they should have decades ago... but i still love my black beauty custom and black custom SG by Epiphone as my fav Epis of all time bless you oldman
I really haven’t heard much good about the value of the Epiphone Greeny as far as its value. I am saddened that Gibson has deleted the tribute model of the Les Paul. Pathetic actually. I have one that is a 2017 gold top that I put locking tuners on and 50’s wiring. Heat guitar. Play it more than my 1960’s reissue standard. What can I say as Gibson greed is strong and well.
Very Cool, Thankyou. Such a Stunning Guitar and Sounds Awesome as did your playing. Love How "The Stoner" Guitar came from Amsterdam. My "Greeny' Alternative is An Artists Guitars "AP59" Apricot Burst, really a Slash Appetite Burst inspired Guitar but Close enough for me to be my "Greeny" also. And for $400- Australian with a Hard Case for a guitar that inspires me to play at my best, I am very happy. All the Best. Cheers
Big fan of the Slash Epiphones. Best guitar I ever owned. Over Firebird, Telecaster and Strat. I agree, my greenie would be a Slash burst. Not a big Slash fan, but love the Epiphones named for him. Custom Les Paul for "cheap". 31:30
Another great episode Colin. Epiphone have priced themselves above PRS SE models which is not a good move in my opinion. Younger players can’t aspire to £1500 guitars like this, I’m sure Fenders etc will be on their list rather than Epiphone. I’m glad I bought my Epiphone Traditional Pro iii for £400 only 3 years ago, which has the Peter Green out of phase switch, plus coil splits and a boost switch, with Gibson Classic pickups, all as standard!
Perhaps that screw under the neck pickup is to enhance the tone. Some reviewers say that pickups mounted directly to the body have a special tone. And the gap by the neck tenon could hold a nice little stash.
Correct truss rod cover, but incorrect metric Bridge. Dangit... I do agree that the Epi Greeny is quite expensive though. $30-100 more and you can currently get an LP Classic through the Demo shop. Crazy... BUT. If they can roll out some non signature guitars with the open book headstock priced closer to the '59 inspired by, they could be very interesting. edit: Looks like they're doing that ALOT sooner than I expected. March is the street date for an updated '59, LP Custom, Sg custom, and ES355. But they're apparently pricing them inline with the $1500 Greeny. Kind of a bummer, but I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for a used or scratch n dent LP Custom for $800-$1k down the line.
I have an Epiphone Joe Bonamassa signature Les Paul in Pelham Blue, I must say it’s a lovely guitar, I had it professionally setup and it plays great. I bought it brand new about 7 years ago for less than £500 which I considered a good price but now Epiphone are pricing themselves out of the market in my opinion. Anyway very interesting and informative video Colin 😊
I have the Lazarus which looks very similar. Was interested in the Tony Iommi SG, but Ephipone priced it way too high.Bought a Gibson SG Special instead. Haven’t even looked at an Epiphone since
I have owned an Epi les paul Joe Perry Boneyard since 2006. Its my go to for everything. Came stock with actual Gibson made burstbuckers 2 and 3 from the factory. Centre position of the switch is out of phase as well, kinda like the Peter Green idea. I have been offered twice what i have paid for it lately but nope! Keep the great videos coming sir and a happy new Year!
Colin, I went back and listened to you play again, I'm still learning how to play my first song. You have inspired me to practice and play even more today. Thank you Sir!
Hi Colin enjoying your video as I always do,I watched your bigsby video bought a second hand American made B7 and the Vibramate V7 I put it on my 97 gibson les paul standard and I m so pleased with the result,yes its added weight but I'm disabled now so sit and play so no issues withthe weight,sustains for ever,and no screw holes,cheers for the videos mate.
A very cool guitar... befitting the Mayor Of Coolsville. Nice work once again, Colin. Keep at it, and don't stop telling Epiphone how much of a mess their pricing is!
The Stoner is infinitely better looking (which counts a lot), sounds great, and has a cool story. The Epi is a mass produced guitar that has some great features, but is over priced. I believe they also discontinued the 'Tribute' series, because it's a Gibson for less than an Epi, the 59' Epi is also much better value. Bit confusing from Gibson. But, they do now have a collaboration with Hammett, which I guess will sell a lot of guitars. It'll be interesting to see if there's another (more metal) collab in the works.
Great Guitar, sounds fantastic, really nice sustain and tones, and no scratch plate, I have a Tokia, les paul, all I did was remove the scratch plate, and put proper Ct pots in it, a nice setup, and it sounds and plays really nice, and i removed the lacquer off the back of the neck feels so smooth and good now, I"m normally a strat guy, but this takes some beating, I"v had a few Gibsons in the past far to heavy for me, as I mature, great show as always thanks for all you do and share.
Seems like a great guitar for the price. i agree that the epiphone is way too expensive since you can get a gibson les paul studio for less if you shop around. i will definetly keep an eye on these stoner guitars.
Tokai LS148F Love Rock in Lemon Drop Finish with some minor changes. More or less same price like the epiphone incl. modifications, but I guess you could easily compare it with the Gibson Version.
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The Epiphone Greeny is dear. But it does have pickups that retail at more than £300 and the case is about £250.
The case is the same as the 59 LP. Looks good from a distance, but not really comparable to a Gibson case. I'd estimate £110 max RRP for the Epiphone case.
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@@keithtt7798 Given that standard Epi hard shell cases retail for between £120 and £130, I think that "£110 max" is rather unlikely.
@You might be correct RRP £130 but that's only + £20 and frankly the brown lifton style case is imo rather cheap looking/feeling compared with the older Epiphone or the Gibson. I own all of these, so easy to compare. I'd be surprised if the cost of the greeny case to the business was more than $45. The regular 59 LP has USA burstbuckers so the cost of these needs to be taken into account when looking at the delta between the regular 59 and the greeny ...cost of both sets of pickups very similar. Imao the delta between the 59 and the greeny is too high and while people continue to buy, Gibson/ Epiphone will continue to be greedy with their margins making their products more expensive for the average guitar consumer.
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@@keithtt7798 They're also pandering to the market that can't/won't pay for a Gibson Standard/special edition but won't buy a Chinese knock-off. People will pay a premium for the open book headstock. Likewise they would pay a premium for a brown case, as they are uncommon. So I still think they' retail at £130-£150 if the cheaper Epi one as you suggest. I wouldn't have one. They do sound good, but I don't think they look that great. Like Colin said, a little too perfect in the veneer. It also looks like its been scrubbed up to look like something which it is not. Doesn't mean it's a bad guitar, but it's too high a price as far as I'm concerned.
@ We agree :) be interesting to see if the market price falls in the same manner as the Joe B SG custom - although frankly I don't think it will. I was going to buy the £3k Gibson greeny - more stock early 2024, however there's been a few not so glowing reviews coming out of the US, so think with all this greeny hype I'll try and spend nore wisely.
I don't know what Epiphone is thinking with that price. If I had that kind of money to spend on a new guitar I could get a Gibson instead.
Well maybe the hubris is getting to them? For the past few years I've read countless posts from people saying that Epiphones are better than Gibsons. Epiphones have better quality control. Gibson sucks. And so on. So maybe its all gone to the Epiphone executive's heads and they thought, well maybe we should start charging Gibson prices? LOL Personally I've found most of the Epiphones I've picked up have not been that great. Some of them have been at the downright Chibson quality level. To each his own, but I'd rather spend a bit more money and get a Gibson.
They are trying to raise prices of the brand for sure even the standard ones. Thats what these prices tend us to believe.
Several guitars I'm their lineup at 2k+ now.. I'm not really an epiphone/Gibson guy anyway, but I can get an american made fender for half of what a top of the line epiphone costs now..
That does sound really fucking good though..
That’s exactly what I did
Great review! The Epiphone 1959 is currently on sale for $750 in the US, has Gibson USA pickups and a hardcase. That's half price of the Epiphone Greeny. I have no clue what Epiphone is doing with their pricing. Heck, you can get the Epi 1959 and the Gibson greeny pickups and still pocket $450
The Epi 59 is a great guitar! I'll stick to my '59 instead of getting the Greeny.
Ask gibson. It's their company
I came on here to say the same thing. You can also find these used in fantastic condition for $600-700.
Easy pass for me as well. I’ve got the 59’ Epi Les Paul, nice playing affordable guitar. The $1500 price tag isn’t justifiable! Did Kirk demand some sort of Royalties upon this release?
The Greeny legend belongs to Peter Green then Gary Moore. Kirk Hammett is only a legend in His mind! The Epi Greeny is nothing more than the standard 59’ that costs $899. Even if Epi stamped the Truss cover Greeny, ( which they didn’t!) wouldn’t justify its $1499 price tag!
It feels like they are going nuts with the pricing because it's got a Gibson headstock. Does it really matter all that much? The various Epi headstock shapes never bothered me one bit ; in fact I think that was the last thing I cared about. I think it only would have bothered me if they tried to put a hockey stick headstock on it!
I bought an Epiphone '59 in lemon burst... flipped the neck magnet, turned the pickup round, changed two of the knobs... and there you go... a Greeny...
If people are that desperate for an open book headstock they could also just get a Japanese Epiphone from the ‘90s and bung some of Monty’s Greenie pickups in for under £1k. Could also do it with an Orville. It’d probably hold its value better than the new “Greenie”.
That’s a sweet fiddle, possibly the best looking new “amber” colored LP in fact it looks better than any epiphone I’ve ever seen and better than a lot of Gibson, nice dark rosewood board like the good old days and it sounds fantastic.
My god I never thought I would see the day where someone in the comment section actually said if you can’t afford an epiphone go buy something you can. It’s supposed to be their import “affordable” line of guitars. I’m not saying epiphones are bad I love my epiphones. What makes them so great is the cost to quality ratio. There is no reason an epiphone should be 1500 unless it is an exact copy of a greenie. Rosewood fingerboard, real maple cap no veneer, quality mahogany body, imperial parts not metric, and a nitro finish. Otherwise 850 to 999 is the absolute limit. I love my Jerry Cantrell epiphone and I would say for 850 that’s a good deal. The greenie is a money grab. At 1500 your 60% the way of a Gibson faded standard. Why would I not just buy the Gibson in that case. @theguitaristas great guitar would prefer that to the epiphones greenie.
Well said 😁👍 it does seem there’s a small faction intent on defending the current pricing and I honestly don’t get why they would do that either! 🤷♂️
Listen I'm proud of my Epiphone 2021 Lucille, I payed enough money for it but the Epiphone brand name is becoming more than the sum of it's parts. It's like the premium is in the brand name instead of the actual materials and build quality. As far as Epiphone some of their original designs are of okay quality but some of their Inspired By Gibson guitars are kind of toyish looking if you ask me, with mediocre quality, ie: unpolished frets, incorrect body dimensions and thickness. Me personally I'm sort of disenchanted with Epiphone guitars so I'm not angling to get another one any time soon. Guitarista you've got a beaut! I'm only at 1:12 before I had written this comment because I just couldn't contain my exacerbation at how much of a better example that guitar is than any Epiphone Les Paul copy I've seen and played!! I'm from the states so I'm quite sure that the Stoner guitar is well out of reach over here😅😅
I bought the Epiphone Greeny, no regrets at all after having spent an absurd amount of time playing it so far.
Nice one! I have no doubt it’s a great guitar 👍
People forget that Epiphone once was a high-end brand. And they've beeen working for a decade at least to get back to that level whilst maintaining the cheaper alternative to Gibson. This Greeny is not supposed to be a cheap alternative, but it's a good alternative. A case, good tuners, real mother of pearl, Gibson humbuckers, and the open book headstock. For less than 50% of the Gibson one, and still supported by Gibson. This is real good value for money.
Shame they at least didn't use Rosewood for the fretboard.
Epiphone were indeed a high end range when they made guitars in Kalamazoo but they (Gibson) purposely moved the brand 'offshore' in 1969 and ceased production of the so called 'high grade' instruments. While it's true they have massively improved in quality in recent years, the sudden price hikes are not quite in line with these improvements and it's seen by many (including me) as a bit of a cynical cash-in on their more recent goodwill. I paid £749 for Lazarus in 2021 and this Greeny model is basically just a minor revamp of that and the '59 outfit 🤷♂️ This is still meant to be the 'affordable' alternative to a Gibson but they seem to have lost sight of what is affordable to most people. They are definitely alienating many of their core audience of players in favour of the collectors market. In any event I think 'good value for money' is a bit of a stretch for anything with the Gibson name attached to it.
@@theguitaristas You have a good point there too. Guess we'll have to see how this evolves in the longer run with Epiphone. I have a 'Greeny' from Vintage that cost me about 350 Euros and it's great. I don't need the Epi version. However I do like were Epi seems to be going. Only time will tell....
@@theguitaristas I tottaly agree. I heard a rumour that more models with the Gibson like headstock will follow.
I still have the Vintage Greeny I bought from you, it's great and I play it often. A bargain of a price as well, in comparison to the Epiphone Greeny!
Nice one Paul that's a great guitar! 🔥 sorry I lose track of people who have given my guitars better homes because user names are different all over the place 😁👍
I've a Vintage Greeny too and love it. Much less expensive than the Epiphone too.
For the price of the epi you could get a nice Tokai. That Stoner sounds amazing to me.
i love that you chuckled when you said "affordable" version yea.. 1500-1700 euros so affordable. silly thing about the greeny is that its literally, the Epiphone 59, with some new luxery added to it, like mother of pearl, different set of gibson pickups, and the Gibson headstock.. but that doesnt add in 600-800 more in vallue in my book its silly.. and ive had my eyes on a stoner with this very top for awhile now. also the source for the Japanese bodies could be FGN
That Screw..... I would imagine it's to keep the pickup parallel to the strings, by stopping the back of the pickup dropping down. It's a pretty good idea I think. As you probably know people put a bit of foam under that side sometimes, but a screw would make it easier to adjust the pickup angle.
My sg standard bridge pickup needs a screw in it to hold the pickup level ,it’s slanted towards the bridge ..mind you they’re weak as water 5.6 for a bridge pickup is low and 5.2 for the neck is low too .for a 2019 Gibson standard I’d of thought they would be hotter than that .
Exactly Right, many humbuckers don't sit parallel to the strings,foam will do the job also but deteriorate with time, saw a few Gibsons in the 70s that came in for repair with this mod, a famous repairer in London was known for recommending this if your humbuckers wouldn't sit straight.
or something to tie to when finishing.
Definetly would pick this up over the crazy overpriced Epiphones. They are losing their minds asking over £1k for an Epiphone. I don't care that its made after somebody. I bought my tribute for under £900 and my Studio under £800 used so just NO. Epiphones should not cost over £500 and we must fight to keep that number where it is. Thanks for showing this guitar Colin. Its perfect for what it is.
To me this is just another LP guitar. I come here to see what Colin is up to. He is the star.
😁🙏
I can't justify the 1500 quid for the Epiphone. You can get an entry level USA Gibson Les Paul for that, and I know which I would rather buy! They're putting too much value on the fact it's a copy of a famous guitar. I hope they learn and make them more affordable going forward.
I couldn’t do it either not that much for a Chinese guitar they might be good but they might not
Absolutely right !You can get a used traditional gibson les paul for that money on reverb.
Definitely a more affordable guitar than the Greeny. Great playing today. Nicely done Colin.
The new Epiphone greeny is waaaay to expensive. 1780$ in Europe. They lost their minds. Not to mention the satin top, which looks very cheap. I’d buy something like this instead, or buy the Epi 1959 and put the greeny buckers… The guitar that you just reviewed it’s also a great option for half the price! Nice video!
I think that top is nicer than what you can expect from the Epi Greeny. Sounds great too. It would be interesting to hear a sound comparison between them.
Have Epiphone gone bloody mad? 1699 € for the Greeny, still made in China, no nibs, Indian Laurel rather than Rosewoos. Hurray for the Gibson Open Book headstock But for that money you're not far off from a prs s2,definately a few hundred quid mor2 than the PRS SE McCarty 594 Single Cut. So, remember folks, it still is not a Gibson and doesn't feel or sound like one. Thank You Colin for showing us yet another Option. Cheers
Colin, I think you should definitely put Monty's reverse magnet humbuckers in the guitar and as you suggested replace the tone pots. My Peter Green tribute is based upon an Epi 50's LP Standard. I went with a Cherry Burst so it looks more like Peter's guitar circa 1967. I have a set of DylanTalksTone DAFs (with the reversed magnet) installed. The tuners, bridge and tailpiece have also been upgraded (Graph Tech). Total cost ~$1000 USD.
I've got a Epi 50's Std in lemonburst... also got a pair of Monty's Bethnal Green's that will be going in it... with aged Gotoh hardware at both ends... also have new pots, etc. But my workspace is too clogged up with junk, to the point where I can't actually do anything!
There are actually a significant number of people who collect Epiphones and I guess Epiphone are trying to exploit that in their signature pricing. I've said in the past that I have no problem with this as long as they don't abandon their core market of people wanting a good "regular" guitar in the $400-800 range. If they do abandon that market there are certainly a lot of other companies willing to step in. As for the guitar featured in this video, it looks and sounds great, I personally wouldn't go to the trouble of changing the pickups since it sounds so classically "Les Paul" out of the box. Thanks for the video.
Yep.
Totally fed up with “greeny” this and “greeny” that. Love Peter Green but it was Gary Moore that made the guitar famous. It would be just another vintage LP in a collection somewhere if it wasn’t for Gary Moore. Moore is the reason why Peter Green wasn’t forgotten, he made the legend!
Reckon the epiphone will drop to less than a grand in the end. No-one seems prepared to pay that price. And those art backed signature silver bursts are going for £999 new now
Hopefully you're right dude!
Thanks to the democrats we have nothing left
Give it a year and they'll be 50% off for used on Guitar Center's website. They're usually like new too because ppl buy them thinking they're going to learn to play. I got my '61 Les Paul SG for $499 that way.
@@ethanadjack5289who's paying $1,500 for a starter guitar!? Doctors and lawyers!?
Any decent guitar can be made "Greenie", the Eastman you have can be made Greenie by reversing the neck pickup magnet and save good money . Greetings
G'day Colin,
Just a long note tonight. Maybe you're using the coil splits or trim pots incorrectly. You'll have to take some new readings with your DMM, so here are some suggestions.
1- Measure the trim pots. They'll either have 2 legs, or 3. If they have 2 legs, measure the resistance across the legs. You might have to adjust the pots from 1 extreme to the other. The highest reading will be the pot's value. If they have 3 legs, then just measure the resistance across the 2 outside legs. That will be the pot's value.
2- Measure the resistance of the pickups with the coil split off & on. Once again, sweep the trim pots from 1 extreme to the other. Note the readings.
3- Check to see if there is a 2nd capacitor for each tone pot.
If these measurement checks don't make sense, let me know, & I'll rephrase it all for you.
If the trim pots show appreciable values on their own, but do nor affect the pickup reading when the coil splits are on, & the pots are swept, then you might find that the trim pots work on the tone controls, & not the coil splits. To confirm that, adjust the trim pots to both extremes, & see if the tone pots work better with the trim pots in a position.
If there is a 2nd cap for each pickup circuit, the trim pots might be part of an adjustable treble bleed circuit. To test that, leave the tone at 10, & listen to the tone changing as you turn the volume down a little. Try that test with the trim pots at both extremes. If the trim pots are part of an adjustable treble bleed, you'll be able to hear that the tone change with the volume drop will be different as the trim pots are adjusted. Check out the Waylon McPherson Guitar channel for more details on treble bleeds, & the different types of circuits used. The video is called "The Famous 5 Treble Bleed Guitar Mods Compared".
I've paused your video at the 13:50 mark, but I can't make out if there are only 2 caps there, or 4. But, adjustable treble bleeds would make more sense to me. It doesn't make sense to add a trim pot to the coil split - all a trim pot would change is the guitar's volume. A trim pot may have an effect on a tapped coil. But, your testing showed very little difference, if any at all. In any case,give my suggestions a try, & tell us what you find.
Thanks for another great video. I'll catch you next week
Keep up the good work
Andrew
A Greeny in Canada is $2049 (1195 GBP) but I'm not really interested in one at any price. I prefer my Les Pauls with mini hums or P-90s 🙂
I've been in the right place at the right time to buy four low end Gibsons for 250-350 GBP each
There's been lots of discussions about Greeny on mylespaul forums vs the Epi '59 and other members' alternatives.
I have one of the early Vintage Greeny models. It's a nice guitar, though I would have preferred one that hadn't had a relic treatment (they didn't do them back then). The matt clear is also a little bit too matt. Apart from that, it plays very well indeed. Picked up a couple of later ones that I thought looked nicer to pass on my one, but they were very heavy and so I kept mine.
I have a Epiphone made in Korea quilted top yellowish that I refer as an appetite for destruction copy I guess it could be a greeny as well. Got it several years ago before all this hype at a pawnshop for $225. I put a slash SD pick up in the bridge. It plays great and sounds great. I play it more than my Gibsons, and take it to gigs as well. I also have an Ebony LP Epiphone that again I bought at a pawnshop for $225. It also goes to gigs with me. The affordable guitar is where it’s at these days, as our economy is being sabotaged. Lots of greed out there as well. I recently found on eBay an Alex Lifsen signature model with a Floyd Rose. For $151. Plus $130. To ship from China. I’m anxiously awaiting it arrival. Got my fingers crossed on this one…
Giving Epiphone one more go - picked-up a Sinichi Ubukata es -355. One of the prettiest, well made axes in my collection. Plus its an Epiphone that works close to perfectly (so far)
Sorry I should have specified that the ad is there, but there no stock for this guitar. I think it's a pretty good deal at that price! Il keep checking. Thanks again. Cheers!
If the new Epi Greeny had Gibson on the headstock, I'd buy it.
Because of the resale value. And because I'm that superficial. But, admit it, my fellow guitaristas, so are you.
Happy to admit it... I am about as shallow as it gets! 🤣👍
I make a Greenie pickup set Colin. The neck pickup was rewound with the wrong wire and wrong polarity, most pickup brands do a reverse polarity neck pickup but I dont think a lot of them realise that its supposed to also have Formvar wire from a strat pickup. If they've used formvar wire it should read about 6.8k-7.0k
What would that cost me in those Aussie Dollars? 🤔
$450 - 20% discount .....whatever that is?
@@theguitaristas360 dolleridoos +30 shipping $390aud total
If I were wanting a Green, I'd honestly get the Epiphone. Not only is it cheaper than the Gibson USA model, I think it's a more accurate representation, mainly because of the red dye on the back.
Yeah, it's expensive for an Epi, but it's also not really built like an Epi
It is built exactly like an Epiphone though really isn't it?
@@theguitaristas One piece neck and mother of pearl inlays, I don't know of another modern Epiphone that isn't a 3 piece neck and pearloid inlay.
I for one welcome the idea of higher end Epiphone models as they offer more than the low end Gibsons at similar or even sometimes lower price points. It's just that this one has the Kirk tax applied to it.
So if they end up being the Gibson equivalent of Squier and Made in Japan ranges, I'm perfectly good with that. And Mat Koehler already mentioned that the open book shape will be used on future "custom shop level" models, so I'm curious what they'll come up with in the next year or two on a non-signature level
I never understood the love affair for Greenies, especially the relics. You essentially can make any LP sound like that. However, your playing and that fabulous Princeton killed me. A little late to the party this week but love this vid. A much better value for a nice looking EPI LP is the Blackback that came out a few years ago. Probably around $700. Tremendous looking and you could mod it to do this.
It’s a lovely looking and sounding guitar, I prefer the Tokai you reviewed when it was the pick guard on or off debate. However for me it’s great value and a lovely alternative. Great video as always Colin and enjoy the weekend! 🤘💜
Hi Guys/Colin if you can find a Gibson Tribute for under one thousand bucks used & they can be found that's a much better guitar imo for the money plus you're getting a real taste of Americana with a maple top/ rosewood fingerboard 490 t/490 r pups
Weight is aound 3.674 kg which is of course lightweight & not for everyone nice desired & popular nitro finish
Remember the single most important skill is all in the fingers with lots of practicing hours on end that's how you become a better player.squandering money on Greeny Guitars or pups is totally unnecessary
Don't change a thing on that guitar for now. It's fine as-is. An Epiphone equivalent at least. Beautiful top even if only a veneer- no problem. All in all I'd be happy with one just like yours. Cheers!
I agree with the Epiphone prices being way too high with these “special” models. Over a year ago I bought a reliced “Greeny” from China for about $240. I stripped everything out and put a 50’s wiring harness in it, Antiquities humbuckers, correct knobs and truss rod cover and tuners. Under $800 invested total. It looks better than the Epiphone or cheaper Gibson models and plays better sound wise and smooth as butter! I’m more than content and believe it’s far better than the other versions from Gibson and Epiphone. I eventually traded all my signature Epiphone models in on a 2021 Gibson Les Paul ‘58 Murphy Lab Light Aged guitar. 9 guitars for 1….. no regrets!
I am awaiting delivery of the Epiphone Greeny today! My sales rep picked it out for me.
A few months back I purchased a Lazarus from Epiphone's site for $850 (I think I got the last one). Fantastic guitar that is specd better than the Greenie. I don't get it. I can get a variety of used Gibsons for the same price as the Greenie. In addition, Gibsons have a much better resale value. Do your homework. You can get a lot of guitar right now for $1500.
I bought a Tokai Reborn Old, tobacco burst , custom made in Japan, year 2002 in absolute fantastic conditions for 1200 euros. I would advise people to check all used occasions before deciding to buy a new Epiphone.
For the out of phase sound I pull the tone knob on my LP. Two years ago I bought a 2016 Les Paul Standard High Performance from Gibson for 1,899 US dollars. Gibson replaced the robot tuners with the nice locking tulip type. It is stamped "DEMO," but the minor issues with it are less than I would expect from a guitar someone had and played in the same time period versus sitting in a warehouse new. The aluminum case is still covered in the original protective plastics. The top of the guitar glows and is so bright it looks like it’s on fire.
I have the Epiphone Lazarus, which is a fantastic guitar at a reasonable price and the top definitely looks better on my Lazarus than the new Greeny, which is way overpriced.
Sustain for days...😃👍👍
Greenie and Santana licks are perfect for this Stoner😉👍👍
Have to agree wigh my oyher Guitaristas about yhe funcof that screw in ghe neck pocket...keeps the pup parallel to the strings.
Thinking the adjustments on the pots are more for the middle position...both pups on along with split function...?
Dial in more or less on each to preference...😉👍
Great deep dive Colin😎👍👍
😎✌👍❤🖖
Love Brother
I wonder if the screw is to keep the pickup parallel to the strings. I've definitely had a Gibson in the past where the bridge pickup was at quite an angle.. didn't make any difference to the sound, but it looked goofy.
I have an Epiphone Les Paul Classic which I really like and considered good value. When they start overlapping with the price of a Gibson you have to question their pricing policy. Although this video clearly show there is still value and quality elsewhere.
You can get USA Gibsons for the same price idk why you’d drop 1000+ on a Chinese Epiphone.
It's called experience and you're obviously well satisfied with your LP knockoff. To put things into perspective my CSL LP copy made in Japan with a bolt-on neck cost 100 quid in 1968, thats about 2000 quid now. How things have changed, fortunately for the better as far as guitars are concerned. Regarding the coil split/tap function , I agree with you just don't bother. Looks great, sounds authentic, plays well. Who cares about the big 'G' on the headstock? Not me. I play 'em not collect 'em. Well done. You would probably take a hit if you moved it on but somehow I don't think you will. I wouldn't.
Since you asked, I found an Epi Lazarus "new old stock" at a local shop and I will be changing out the pickups for the Gibson Greenys and knobs.
Plan "B" was to get a used Epi Slash Appetite Burst, either way I win...both options cost a lot les then the new Epiphone Greeny.
Nobody would give flying @%[/=÷ about out of phase tone if it was on Kirks Hammets tone. Its Peter Green and Gary Moore. But kudos to Hammet he plays it live.
Will stick with my vintage v100 les paul ..i can give it a good old thrashing without worries..also I'm very tight with money.
I can't complain about my old vintage Peter green guitar. Bought it s/h for £180. It's has the out of phase sound as well! I always watch to see wat u review nxt! 😉👍
Thanks to that wall behind you Col, I've gone an bought myself an SG Special. Told the missus it's all your fault 😉
😆👍👍
Never remove the magic tone screw under the neck pickup.
Great sounding guitar Colin! Sadly Epiphone seem to be starting to view themselves as boutique style Gibsons, with pricing to almost match. There is a lot of good competition out there for £1500. Hope Epiphone get back to making decent instruments at Epiphone price levels. Considering how good the Epi 59 ltd is for £679 when I got mine with Gibson pups and wiring as standard. They seem to be changing direction with models and pricing. Loved the sound of this one, it really has that something that makes you want to play it, and not heard of these before. Nice playing and a great review as always mate.
I own and play 4 Epiphones and am very happy with them. I am also fully aware of the companies rich and interesting history. I am also allowed to have my own opinions. @@LarrytheMan-uc4ev
@@BlueberryStinkFinger62 Their business model is their choice yes. Epiphone have made great guitars for decades. Since 1957 they have made damn good affordable versions of their sister companies Gibson models. Served them very well and fullfills a great demand. If they want to compete with themselves on some levels, thats their choice too. Just my view, agree or not thats just your view. I just hope they also continue making great versions of the Gibson range. even if you think thats a ridiculous thing to say. I will still be an Epiphone fan whatever road they take as long as their quality continues matching the pricing.
Hi Mate! Long-time viewer-subscriber! After watching your review, I've been drooling all over the Stoner LP. Been going to the Vox Humana website nearing every day hoping to buy one, but they're always out-of-stock. I emailed them as well without ever receiving a reply😟 Not keen at all with $1500.00 Epiphone Greeny...Absolutely love your insightful, no bull💩💩💩 reviews and general guitar knowledge/talk. Keep it coming...THANKS!
They never replied to me either! 🤣 I may sell this one so email me if you’re interested studio@theguitaristas.com
I'm so glad you featured this guitar Colin! I enjoyed the episode when you got it and wondered where it went...looks and sounds fabulous mate!
That is a bloody nice guitar sir :)
Only changes I'd make personally would be eliminate one of the push/pull controls for a normal CTS but stick a CTS push/pull (as much as using the new board type is a grind at times) as a phase switch to get that proper greeny kinda sound :)
Looks a proper job though and unlike some UK based brands who build the same way, actually a fair price.
I was excited for the Epi at first, but then I saw the fingerboard (laurel), the price, and the fact that it has a chunky neck.. I'm having a bit of a problem with carpal tunnel at the moment.
I can't say I'm a fan of massive chunky necks myself, especially since discovering Fender deep C profile on a Telecaster.
@@PaperBanjo64 I used to have one of the gold John 5 Squiers and I foolishly sold it. It was almost too comfortable, and it stayed in tune really well. I've thought about looking for another on Reverb but I'm a little squeamish because I had another after the first one and it wasn't nearly as good.
Thanks for the review! My Greeny is an unburst 60's lp standard and thats as close as Ill get. The epi, gibson stanard and cs are way more than I will spend on one. For what its worth i'm curbing my G.A.S. for a while. Ive dropped about 20k this year on guitars and amps. I just can't justify spending that kind of money anymore. Between my 68 lp custom murphy lab and the wilwood cs R0 i got its more than enough for a while. If the epi was under 1k (like I think it should be) i'd think about it....😊
Recently in one of those brief promo "interview" videos Bonamassa does for his various Epi signature editions he told the interviewer that they've become $200-300 more to make. That could be so.
I got a Firefly Lester last week, my first Lester in 30+ years if Jr.s count. Good body, great neck considering the cost.
Flipped the magnet in the neck pickup of a set of current Epi Probuckers, 2&3, set them up with the bass side very low, 9-46 nickel wound round cores. Waiting on a particilar Pinnacle bridge, top wrapped a light weight Kluson stopbar with locking studs.
Keeping myself to just a compressor and the amp (VHT Special 6 Ultra rebiased for a 6L6.) You can learn a lot about yourself and your rig without pedals...
Neck pickups tend to lean back in the ring sometimes, and I would guess the screw in the cavity is to keep it level with the strings,nice guitar.
That’s a good thought.
Another option depending on how they finished the guitar, the screw might have been what they hung it from whilst spraying and drying…. However, I think your idea is more likely, as a hanging screw would likely have been removed before buffing
I just bought a used Epi LP Modern Figured a couple weeks ago. I only paid 520 dollars and a tiny bit of tax for it.
But, other than looking really pretty, it also has splittable pickups as well as a phase switch, too! Plus, it has the Gibson inspired headstock, too!
So, for quite a bit less, mine has the same specs as the Greenie.
"The Les Paul Greeny dropped", what an excellent way to put it, Mr. Guitaristas! It dropped with a thud! I'm so excited to see you didn't fall for it!
The Greeny Epi is 2.6k here in New Zealand. That’s just too expensive. I’ve had the Vintage Lemon drop for years . And that’s only 900 New Zealand
Gibson really need to offer better value for money when knockoffs are this good. They seem very averse to making genuinely interesting variants of their instruments, particularly compared to what Fender does with Squier.
Speaking of which, I finally got my Squier Contemporary Jaguar back from the technician today, where I was getting some wide range humbuckers and higher resistance pots fitted to it. (Tech got laid up with sciatica for several weeks halfway through the job) It really is an excellent guitar, particularly since the upgrades have sorted out the excessively dark tone Fender gave it out of the box. The series/parallel switch is an interesting alternative to a coil split that I think more humbucking guitars should offer - it cleans up like a coil split but keeps some of that humbucker compression and volume.
I bought a greeny epiphone it's honestly a nice guitar
Nice playing Colin, you clearly were inspired by this lovely guitar. Really wanted the greeny & the Joe B SG custom, but just ain't spending 3 grand on two mass-produced-in-China guitars with Laurel fretboards. Great videos btw one of the highlights of my week :)
I think the new PRS se range are blowing all these overpriced epiphones out of the water. This greeny alternative looks great! Another fantastic, in depth review as always!
the crew is a hand made adjuster pick-up , cheap they should use spring perhaps .
I just want to know why you only have 50k subscribers. The most informative channel on TH-cam when it comes to gear. Every other channel it's just blah blah blah please subscribe, but you're always staight forward and to the point.
😊🙏
You got it. If it aint broke, don't fix it!
hey Oldman!!!
I Honestly do not need to even consider to get this Guitar AT ALL
but is good to see the EPI is finally doing that sexy open book Gibson headstock shape with impunity as they should have decades ago...
but i still love my black beauty custom and black custom SG by Epiphone as my fav Epis of all time
bless you oldman
I really haven’t heard much good about the value of the Epiphone Greeny as far as its value. I am saddened that Gibson has deleted the tribute model of the Les Paul. Pathetic actually. I have one that is a 2017 gold top that I put locking tuners on and 50’s wiring. Heat guitar. Play it more than my 1960’s reissue standard. What can I say as Gibson greed is strong and well.
Very Cool, Thankyou. Such a Stunning Guitar and Sounds Awesome as did your playing. Love How "The Stoner" Guitar came from Amsterdam. My "Greeny' Alternative is An Artists Guitars "AP59" Apricot Burst, really a Slash Appetite Burst inspired Guitar but Close enough for me to be my "Greeny" also. And for $400- Australian with a Hard Case for a guitar that inspires me to play at my best, I am very happy. All the Best. Cheers
Big fan of the Slash Epiphones. Best guitar I ever owned. Over Firebird, Telecaster and Strat. I agree, my greenie would be a Slash burst. Not a big Slash fan, but love the Epiphones named for him. Custom Les Paul for "cheap". 31:30
Another great episode Colin. Epiphone have priced themselves above PRS SE models which is not a good move in my opinion. Younger players can’t aspire to £1500 guitars like this, I’m sure Fenders etc will be on their list rather than Epiphone. I’m glad I bought my Epiphone Traditional Pro iii for £400 only 3 years ago, which has the Peter Green out of phase switch, plus coil splits and a boost switch, with Gibson Classic pickups, all as standard!
Perhaps that screw under the neck pickup is to enhance the tone. Some reviewers say that pickups mounted directly to the body have a special tone.
And the gap by the neck tenon could hold a nice little stash.
😆👍maybe that’s why they called it stoner?? 😜 The screw could transfer some of the vibration through the pickup I guess… 🤔
The Vintage brand do a great version as well for under £500 🤘
Correct truss rod cover, but incorrect metric Bridge. Dangit...
I do agree that the Epi Greeny is quite expensive though. $30-100 more and you can currently get an LP Classic through the Demo shop. Crazy...
BUT. If they can roll out some non signature guitars with the open book headstock priced closer to the '59 inspired by, they could be very interesting.
edit: Looks like they're doing that ALOT sooner than I expected. March is the street date for an updated '59, LP Custom, Sg custom, and ES355. But they're apparently pricing them inline with the $1500 Greeny. Kind of a bummer, but I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for a used or scratch n dent LP Custom for $800-$1k down the line.
Yes it would, especially if they put the Les Paul signature on them.
@@PaperBanjo64 yeah, the lack of les Paul’s signature is a greeny only thing.
I have an Epiphone Joe Bonamassa signature Les Paul in Pelham Blue, I must say it’s a lovely guitar, I had it professionally setup and it plays great. I bought it brand new about 7 years ago for less than £500 which I considered a good price but now Epiphone are pricing themselves out of the market in my opinion. Anyway very interesting and informative video Colin 😊
I have the Lazarus which looks very similar. Was interested in the Tony Iommi SG, but Ephipone priced it way too high.Bought a Gibson SG Special instead. Haven’t even looked at an Epiphone since
I ordered the SIRE L7 LES PAUL (back order) in Black beauty with gold hardware. Outstanding guitar, can't wait to receive it some week, month...😊
That is so beautiful. The only guitar one would ever need.
I have owned an Epi les paul Joe Perry Boneyard since 2006. Its my go to for everything. Came stock with actual Gibson made burstbuckers 2 and 3 from the factory. Centre position of the switch is out of phase as well, kinda like the Peter Green idea. I have been offered twice what i have paid for it lately but nope! Keep the great videos coming sir and a happy new Year!
Colin, I went back and listened to you play again, I'm still learning how to play my first song. You have inspired me to practice and play even more today. Thank you Sir!
Great to hear that man! 😁👍
I've always thought it would be cool to flip the Bridge Pickup on a Les Paul as it would probably make the pickup a bit more mellow sounding!
Looks and sounds great mate. Way better than a £1499 Epiphone! We all know my feelings about those!
Cheers Dave, yes I saw your video mate let's hope they did too! 😎👍
Hi Colin enjoying your video as I always do,I watched your bigsby video bought a second hand American made B7 and the Vibramate V7 I put it on my 97 gibson les paul standard and I m so pleased with the result,yes its added weight but I'm disabled now so sit and play so no issues withthe weight,sustains for ever,and no screw holes,cheers for the videos mate.
That Stoner is a really pretty guitar. That look is totally my sweet spot when it comes to Les Pauls.
Tuneable coils splits very cool, I am a big fan of those after many years of experimenting.
A very cool guitar... befitting the Mayor Of Coolsville.
Nice work once again, Colin. Keep at it, and don't stop telling Epiphone how much of a mess their pricing is!
😆👍
The Stoner is infinitely better looking (which counts a lot), sounds great, and has a cool story. The Epi is a mass produced guitar that has some great features, but is over priced. I believe they also discontinued the 'Tribute' series, because it's a Gibson for less than an Epi, the 59' Epi is also much better value. Bit confusing from Gibson. But, they do now have a collaboration with Hammett, which I guess will sell a lot of guitars. It'll be interesting to see if there's another (more metal) collab in the works.
Great Guitar, sounds fantastic, really nice sustain and tones, and no scratch plate, I have a Tokia, les paul, all I did was remove the scratch plate, and put proper Ct pots in it, a nice setup, and it sounds and plays really nice, and i removed the lacquer off the back of the neck feels so smooth and good now, I"m normally a strat guy, but this takes some beating, I"v had a few Gibsons in the past far to heavy for me, as I mature, great show as always thanks for all you do and share.
Seems like a great guitar for the price. i agree that the epiphone is way too expensive since you can get a gibson les paul studio for less if you shop around. i will definetly keep an eye on these stoner guitars.
The lemon drop Vintage is the truth
I was waiting for the greeny review but this is so much better!
This guitar looks amazing and it's sound and sustain is awesome, for me a must have bargain.👌🥂
Tokai LS148F Love Rock in Lemon Drop Finish with some minor changes. More or less same price like the epiphone incl. modifications, but I guess you could easily compare it with the Gibson Version.
The Epiphone Greeny is dear. But it does have pickups that retail at more than £300 and the case is about £250.
The case is the same as the 59 LP. Looks good from a distance, but not really comparable to a Gibson case. I'd estimate £110 max RRP for the Epiphone case.
@@keithtt7798 Given that standard Epi hard shell cases retail for between £120 and £130, I think that "£110 max" is rather unlikely.
@You might be correct RRP £130 but that's only + £20 and frankly the brown lifton style case is imo rather cheap looking/feeling compared with the older Epiphone or the Gibson. I own all of these, so easy to compare. I'd be surprised if the cost of the greeny case to the business was more than $45.
The regular 59 LP has USA burstbuckers so the cost of these needs to be taken into account when looking at the delta between the regular 59 and the greeny ...cost of both sets of pickups very similar.
Imao the delta between the 59 and the greeny is too high and while people continue to buy, Gibson/ Epiphone will continue to be greedy with their margins making their products more expensive for the average guitar consumer.
@@keithtt7798 They're also pandering to the market that can't/won't pay for a Gibson Standard/special edition but won't buy a Chinese knock-off.
People will pay a premium for the open book headstock. Likewise they would pay a premium for a brown case, as they are uncommon. So I still think they' retail at £130-£150 if the cheaper Epi one as you suggest.
I wouldn't have one. They do sound good, but I don't think they look that great. Like Colin said, a little too perfect in the veneer. It also looks like its been scrubbed up to look like something which it is not.
Doesn't mean it's a bad guitar, but it's too high a price as far as I'm concerned.
@ We agree :) be interesting to see if the market price falls in the same manner as the Joe B SG custom - although frankly I don't think it will. I was going to buy the £3k Gibson greeny - more stock early 2024, however there's been a few not so glowing reviews coming out of the US, so think with all this greeny hype I'll try and spend nore wisely.