EXPENSIVE Epiphone vs CHEAP Gibson...Which One is the BETTER Les Paul?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ก.พ. 2022
- Gibson or Epiphone? Who makes the BEST Les Paul for the money? Today I compare the Gibson Les Paul Tribute and the Epiphone Les Paul 1959 Standard!
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Did you guys think the Epi could hang with the Gibson tone wise? If it was your money which one would you choose?
Enjoy 🙂
Definitely the epi so much cheaper and sound just as great 👍
Hey dude is your hand good?
👍👍👍
Yeah you should get an x-ray 😂
The Tribute is 2x the money for the Epiphone down here (NZ), so pretty hard to argue with that. I have seen a used Gibson LP Studio with a bound neck for the same money as the new Tribute. Maybe you see my problem.......? I think it will be the Epiphone when I find the right one (also, I recently bought an Epiphone 1956 Les Paul Standard PRO with P90s in Chicago Blue, so looking for a hunbucker LP to join it). Thanks for the video!
I’ve been playing Gibsons and Epiphones for over four decades. The new Epis inspired by Gibson guitars are great value. It’s really remarkable how good they are for the money. You really need to look beyond the names on the headstock and let your hands and ears guide your purchasing decision, imho. Rock on! 🎸🖖🏻
The line is really fantastic. I have two from the series, and am eyeing a 335 now as well!
what model do you saying
Ditto
I have the SG / LP 61 and it is my favorite guitar - it’s a fine instrument.
The Epiphones have a really cool model of Les Paul with cutouts on the body. comfortable as hell!!!
Both are great guitars. The tone difference seems to be in line with the "law of diminishing returns". 50% more cashola gets you a better sound for the studio. On stage the Epi looks fab '59 to everyone except guitar nerds, and, after tweaking your amp, the tone in a live mix would be pretty much indistinguishable. Great, no nonsense post. Cheers Darrell.
Are we certain the Gibbo actually DOES get a "better" sound?
A studio doesn't sound better, sounds different because the bridge pickup is different. But basically it's the same guitar except the neck material which is maple vs mahogany
@@Max_94 Not all studio's have a maple neck, mine has a mahogany neck. Also its sounds a lot better than my epiphone and burny did, all had the same pickups.
@@florisvanlingen no, I mean the tribute has a maple neck ( which I personally prefer) but current studios have a mahogany neck
@@piemanmusic Having had many Epi and Gibbo guitars through my workshop for setup and repair i have to say that the cheap Gibsons invariably sound better and the expensive Epiphones always look the part, if you can see past the headstock shape.
I've had this honeyburst gibson LP tribute for 2 years, and it's absolutely amazing, fully recommend going for the Gibson. You even learn to love the lack of binding. The fact that you can see the wood, and the satin finish on the neck is super nice
Thank you, you pushed me over the edge for this.
@@mrblank-zh1xy awesome, glad to help! You won’t regret it, it’s a brutal guitar. Also the clean sound from the 490s it great
@@joebranston6330 I've got the Tobacco Burst Tribute and man that thing is seriously awesome. I've got a really high end 335 from the Memphis factory from 2003 and I find that I play my Tribute more than my Cust Shop Strat, Jimmy Page Mirror Tele, American Special Strat, and American Pro Strat, and my 335. They're just seriously cool and I don't see how there's any way on this earth that a Standard could be $2,000 better. I think of the Tribute as a Les Paul for the price of a Tele. The neck pickup in it is absolutely amazing and I use it with an AC30 and with literally zero pedals it still sounds super good. I could honestly take it to a gig without a pedal and just use my volume knobs and probably play everything from ZZ Top to Hendrix to George Benson. They rule dude!
Bought one yesterday 👍. I’m beyond happy with it so far 😊
@@SimpleManGuitars1973 thanks awesome, I’ve no other high end electrics in my arsenal but honestly don’t need any. You can do almost anything with it
This was exactly the shootout I was hoping to find! Thank you. I've been considering both of these and have played both in guitar shops. They're both great guitars. I was especially surprised at how close these two are in tone and feel.
Not even close bro,.
@@mrjackbagginzactually extremely close people who listen to music can tell the difference what so ever , the people that buy your songs don’t care if you use an ironing board they want the song to be catchy and interesting
In my experience, how good a guitar is ultimately is based on how good of a setup the guitar has and how good the pickups sound. Everything else is either cosmetic or optional. I've taken some really low-end guitars that played well and slapped some better pickups on them and those guitars really turn into screamers that can keep up with the best of them.
Most important thing is how the neck feels.
100% agree. One of my favourite guitars to play is my first guitar I ever got. A Jay Turser strat copy that I replaced the bridge pickup with Seymour Duncan Hot Rails. The guitar feels and plays great and now it sounds great too!
having owned both an epiphone and a Gibson, I'm sorry to say I don't agree with your story. Im sure some low end guitars with proper setup and some good pickups can be turned into really well played guitars that sound good, but they're still so very different from 'the real deal'. I've properly setup my epihpone, slapped a couple of 490s on them, replaced every electronic part in the guitar, but still it doesn't come close to the playbility and tone of the Gibson. You can already tell by how long a tone resonates on the Gibson and how long it resonates on the epiphone. You can get pretty close, but in the end it's still a night and day difference.
@@Bonesie1985 I own 6 gibson les Pauls and 2 epiphones. Your full of hot air my friend
@@Bonesie1985 Consider the possibility that your Epi is a dud. I have a Harley Benton LP clone that I paid $120 for that played beautifully out of the box, easily as good as my Gibsons. I put some Seymour Duncan pickups on them and that lowly HB LP clone hangs with my Gibsons all day and night.
Hi Darrell ! Great video as always ! I have been subscribed to your channel for several years , and it never disapoints ! Very important info , well produced , entertaining , and of course all about guitars which is something we all have in common . Thanks again !
Love your comparison vids! I think the Gibson won the tone challenge, when compted right next to each other! But honestly, they both sounded pretty great!
the gibson is simply LOUDER in the comparism. I recorded the audio of this video into an audio editor, adapted the volume of both guitars, and voila...
OMG, the Epiphone sounded much better than the gibson...at least to my ears...
I agree…. The gibbys tone just sounded better to my ears.
Both guitars are great, but your amp micing and engineering skills are off the charts in this video! Good job :)
Mr Braun is my 'go to' guy for demonstrating all guitars...his 'tone sampling' is better than most gigging musicians out there today. Bravo to you, Darrell!
Interesting comparison. After a bunch of trying things, I landed on the Epiphone 50’s Standard rather than the ‘59 because I preferred the tone of the mellower A2 probuckers to the Burstbuckers or the Gibson humbuckers. I think the Epiphone humbuckers and P90s are really great sounding pickups.
Hey Darrell, I'm so happy you made this shootout! I've been waiting a while to hear these guitars back to back, especially the classic crunch tones on a Marshall. And you didn't disappoint, everything in your usual quality package! Based on other individual demos, I was quite surprised the guitars were very close tonally, seems it mainly comes down to the pickup preference... And the aesthetics, brand thing and resale as you said. Did you notice any differences in playability, resonance etc.?
I would have to go with the LP Tribute. It doesn't just sound better, it will also hold its value for a rainy day
A week ago I brought home a Tribute after playing it and a high end Epi. I loved the Epiphone, until I played the Gibson. I was always skeptical about Gibson's value, until I played one. There is definitely a difference that must be felt in order to understand.
Agreed, i have this Gibson and there is a difference that you rightly say has to be felt, i coudnt have put it better. Cheers.
im sold. a tribute it is then. thanks.
@@iandope I just got one. It's an incredible guitar. My favorite I've ever played.
There *totally* is a difference, and anyone saying there isn't likely hasn't played a Gibson, or is trying to talk themselves into believing that there's no difference, because they don't *want* to want a Gibson.
I went to a guitar shop to buy an epi LP, played them through and then decided to try The tribute Gibson on the wall. Instant love. It just played easier, loved that slimmer and satin neck. I had to buy it, and never looked back.
Another awesome vid brother you always manage to provide valuable content and are my go to channel...love your work.
Very informative! Great job Darell!
I own the Gibson tribute and can say without a doubt that it has become my favorite! Had what I wanted in a Lester, honey comb weight relief, aluminum bridge and tail piece(sustain), plexed, alnico 2 490’s, satin finish neck and body…it is a mean machine!!!
My sentiments exactly. What an incredible value the tribute is. It’s become my favorite….and I’ve played strats for 25 years!
@@frankgalzarano_gdiwealth I've been doing a lot of research on the Tribute and watched a ton of videos/reviews. I'm so close to pulling the trigger on one. It just doesn't seem like there is a better value in the entire guitar world than the Tribute. Also the PLEK alone is close to a $300 value and makes such a huge difference.
EDIT/UPDATE TWO WEEKS LATER: I'm happy to report that the Tribute is unbelievable. The tone and playability are as good, if not better, than any guitar I've ever owned, not to mention how beautiful it is. And it stays in tune! (unlike other Gibson LP's I have owned in the past)I think it is the best value the guitar world has to offer - the bang for the buck is unbeatable IMO.
@@dowaliby1 thanks for the follow up!
@@dowaliby1 Fantastic. These reports and reviews like yours that I've been reading the last few weeks are what helped me pull the trigger today. I bought a 2016 50s Tribute Gold Top. Very excited.
The Epi had better cleans but the Gibsons high gain had a very noticeable difference. I’d spend the extra 450 for the Gibson, but that’s just my opinion 🤘🏻
Ive thought the same thing about nearly every Epiphone Ive ever played. The Epiphones always sound so good clean, but they always sound a little muddier with overdrive. From watching videos, A burstbucker 2/3 pickup combination always sounds best when people upgrade the pickups in the Epiphone if you're doing a lot of overdrive. These two guitars sounded very similar, but I still preferred the Gibson in the sound test. The problem is that a new 1959 Epiphone is $899 plus tax, which is exactly what you can buy a used Gibson Les Paul Studio on craigslist. I just can't see buying the Epi.
Gibson is a little sharper, practically equal but ill keep that $450 and get some good pedals
Buy the epiphone, chuck in some Seymour Duncan alnico pros and it would sound better than the Gibson. I’d buy a Schecter or PRS SE McCarty over either, though.
@@cybertrophic Schecters QC is failing massively. I was looking into a signature series Phil Sgrosso from As I Lay Dying Charvel. All 4 models from sweetwater were jacked. Go look at the routing for the Floydrose. It looks like they’ve been cut out with a handsaw. For a 1600$ guitar. That shouldn’t be an issue.
Even sweetwater didn’t know what to say. Basically picked out the least jacked up one and literally said this is the one that’s not messed up the most. Lol 😂.
Great review! Both sound great. I reran your Sire LP review, and I still lean to the Sire.
Excellent comparison video. Ive been playing since 1964. I still own a 72 Gibson Les Paul, 1988 Les Paul Standard, and 1990 Les Paul Classic...plus 2 recent epi's a 56 reissuue gold topw P90's and a goldtop standard all played thru various old Fender, Marshall and Orange amps. The all play & sound GREAT. I was playing the Epi goltop standard into an old Deluxe reverb, no pedals just prior to seeing this video. As I played clean and overdriven country, blues and country rock, I was and am Amazed as to how good the Epi plays and sounds on its own or head ot head with my Gibsons.... It was a $ 450 guitar w case. A properly set up intonated guitar, dialed into the right amp with a fine set of pickups no matter what brand is on the headstock will yield great tone. After all 75% of tone is in our hands. Play as many guitars as you can and pikc the ones that feel right and sound right to YOU.
Epi all life long!!! Love my Epiphone Standard VS 2003🤘😃🎸. Congrats on the video Mr. Braun!!!👏👏👏🤩
Sold both of my Gibson LPs back in the 90’s. Kids bought me an Epi in 94 and it plays WAY better than the gibsons. Put Duncan PAFs and nos 59 caps in it and set it up. It’s been in several studios and a few countries. It’s my go-to.
I’d rather hear a good player on a ‘cheap’ guitar than a bad player on an expensive one.
Always excellent content Thank you Darrell !
Awesome comparison video! Thanks man 🍻
Great comparison as always, Darrell! I tried both at L&M and voted with my wallet. I took home the Tribute.
good joyce.....its the better guitar....
I have both of these guitars and love them both! Honestly though, if I HAD to sell one, it’d be the Gibson. I personally love the neck on the Epi and the sound/ tone of the burstbuckers.
Nice, clear and to the point review. Thanks for sharing.
Finally, the video that I was waiting for!
I got an Epi LP 1960 tribute plus. Super great guitar. AAA flamed mapel top, mohagany neck and body, Gibson 57 humbuckers and a deep set neck. Cost me like 600-700 bucks a decade ago. And it is a dream to play.
Definitely found the 490's to have that "raw" full sound which for me personally I really like! Ultimately you can't go wrong with a $500 Epi and a professional setup applied to it. Still however, there is something special about playing a Gibson. Great comparison video!
I had a brown worn Gibson Les Paul studio .it just had a better soft touch when applying chords, sound ? Nothing to write home about
5000 buck Gibson Customs have 490s. ha
Nothing special to me about the name on a headstock unless it has the tone to back up the extra $$$,
Hi Darrell, I liked them both! Great tones!
I sure love that Gibson. I fell in love with it during your earlier review of it.
I have actually been revisiting Gibson after a long time, and I really like them again. Epiphones I used to have a Dot Studio, tried a few other ones, and honestly, I prefer the models that aren’t Gibson inspired… like the Wilshire.
I have a Tribute and I absolutely love it. Had it professionally setup and it is a beast. Nothing sounds like a LP. Finding a shop that does great setups is the key to having a LP that you love IMO.
Was it a big difference after the set up? Cause I love mine but feel like maybe it would benefit from a pro set up
@@macktheknife21 Absolutely!!! Gibsons are all over the place coming from the factory. Terrible setup, poorly cut nuts etc. A professional setup is a MUST!!!! And make sure they polish the frets. If you are anywhere near St Louis J Gravity strings does amazing setups!!
thanks for the video darrell. have a great night/day
Great review as always!!!
The GIbson sound was more full. Loved the overall tone slightly better. But honestly, I'd buy either as they are both pretty nice individually. Thanks for the comparison
Thought exactly the same. The Gibson has more depth to the sound. Both nice though.
funny thing, turn the Gibson down just a notch, and it will sound less full. I'm sure he got it as close as he could without pulling his hair out, but it all doesn't matter as much. I bet its a discrepancy with volume, which is very difficult to get the exact same. even one Gibson Les Paul to another won't sound exact.
Love both models! Having played both, their is a nicer "unplugged" acoustic resonance that Gibsons capture. But you can't really go wrong with either!
I've played a lot of Epiphones, I've had even a few Korean ones (built by Samick) and the truth is that even the cheepest Les Pauls Studio feel/sound a lot better. My first Gibson was a 94 Studio (with broken headstock repair) and when I got it I couldn't believe the smashing difference in tone and feel it had compared to overpriced Epiphones which IMO mostly look like Gibsons, but no comparison possible.
I have a 94 ebony studio! Actually as I write this, it's sitting next to me on my car. Just played a show!
Thank you for the comparison. I've been wanting to know what the differences were. You basically confirmed what I knew.
Just the comparison I was looking for. Both are on my short list!
I noticed quite a difference on the clean tones. The Gibson had a better more defined tone.
Great comparison. Both are on my consideration list. After trying them in person the '59 has that classic fat 50's neck that I'm not a fan of at all. If it had a tapered neck I would likely go for it on value alone, but it just doesn't feel good in my hands. The Tribute on the other hand has a different neck feel altogether (the satin finish makes it smother to get up and down the neck) and makes it a winner for me. Maybe the Epiphone Standard 60's with the tapered neck is an alternative?
Thanks for the review! You save me a lot of money
Once again a GREAT VIDEO....
I literally had the Epiphone in my Sweetwater cart, but decided to try it in person at a local store. I ended up playing it, Gibson Les Paul Standard, Traditional, and Tribute models.
The Epiphone had a completely different feel and sound. I bought the Tribute and never looked back. The playability is excellent. I love the 490s, they have amazing overtones for a very full sound.
It should be noted that the Epiphone does not have a nitro finish, it turns out, if that's something you care about.
Anyway, I strongly recommend trying these guitars in person before deciding.
For sure, Epiphone will sound awesome, but the feeling of a Gibson is something hard to describe unless you play them, I own a high end Epiphone but my Gibson Tribute is three steps above
This was a great comparison. Thank you. I love my epiphons I have a few period but the Gibson sounded better in every demo. I left my Gibson's too. I love all guitars really. Thanks.
That said, the Epiphone sounded great. The Gibson tones were more open. That's the best way I can describe it. More rich, complex.
Very nice pictures, thank you ... Little sad, the solo gain lead tone is missing, which actually defines the quality of a Les Paul 😊
That epiphone case is gorgeous! Love that pink interior
The biggest thing for me is when you get into the price of Gibson it opens up a whole lot of other options for single cut guitars from makers like ESP and PRS. If you're absolutely just dead set on the shape being exact to the Gibson than that could be a deal killer. BUT getting something like a PRS S2 or LTD 1000 series would be better money spent than the cheaper Gibson option imo.
I just loved how this epiphone sounded.. the tones were so distinct and separated whereas in Gibson I thought the sound was more muddled.. not sure if anyone else felt it.
I also thought the Epiphone tone was nicer. I’m not comparing it to some tone expectation. That is, I’m just considering how it sounds without regard to what it does or does not sound “like”.
I had one of the Gibson tribute exactly the same total waste of money frets were awful I’ve played budget Ibanez guitars which were better to play with better frets
@@Bcb79 I think that on the whole, A Japanese builder will produce a better built guitar, I own a Japanese
Tokai Love Rock which is incredible for the money, and Yamaha are building guitars which will knock Gibson out of thee ball park. I've owned four Gibson's and the Yamaha SG1000 I played a while back beat every one of them as far as play-ability and quality goes. In the past, there was no bigger Gibson fan than myself, now I would not waste my money on a new Gibson.
@@Bcb79 i also used to own the same model of gibson tribute i just recently sold it, when I got it I had been playing for 14 years and it still seemed rough on my fingers and the slides sounded horrible.
I agree. The Epi had more clarity, the Gibson sounded more compressed and muddier, but frankly I like the sound of both. I think this is more Burstbuckers vs 490/498s than it is Epiphone vs Gibson.
I love this comparison idea!
Ahhh yes I always enjoy your reviews man
That tribute has some nice figuring tbf. Seriously, for the higher quality wood, tuners, resale, and plek alone is like 250 bucks, how is the Gibson not a better value unless you are keeping them for 20 years?
Only reason I could think is someone like me who really doesn’t like the feel of les Pauls but loves the tone and so I don’t wanna drop big bucks on a Gibson, but still want the LP on my rack. That Epiphone has all the features I’d want, and I already have a Sheraton II Pro and love it, so I know I like Epiphone.
I know they’re basically the same company, but for that price difference I’ll take the Epiphone. I also just like the name more than Gibson 😂
Lolz. You are correct. Toothpicks value increasing with age.
Plek is a scam
@@jakekovacs55 😆 Ok have fun leveling the frets on your Epiphone
Higher quality wood ?
Dude that's not a thing.
I went for the Epiphone 59...It's an unbelievable guitar for the money. The Casino and the P-90 SG are cool too! I'm a believer
My Les Paul is an Epiphone, the Les Paul Classic, flame top, bound body and neck. I love it, back when I played out, I ran it through my Sovtec Mig 100 w/4x12 Sovtec slant cab. Oh baby, let's rock!
Thank you for this informative video.
😊😊😊
I used to think the difference between Epi and Gibson was negligible at best, but after owning 3 Epis, and one Gibson, I've changed my tune. The quality of a nice Gibson far exceeds that of a nice Epi. The value to cost increase is debateable, but there's no denying that Gibson make better instruments.
It's amazing, even w the Gibson electronics in the Epi, it doesn't quite sound as full or harmonically rich as the low end Gibson, at least to my ears. Very close though, and that Epi is fantastic; high end Epi's are amazing value for the money. I def stand behind them.
@@witchell8976 yep, that’s another critical point. Gibson resale blows Epi out of the water.
I’m happy to hear that. I’ve heard that quite a few times before, that a Gibson just has a different feel to it, and that it’s noticeable
@@witchell8976 Yup, another scam artist. These scammers are popping up everywhere. The other day one tried to scam subscribers to MAX Guitar channel while pretending to be MAX and offering a guitar prize "just pay the shipping and it's yours!" Time to toss out the trash @Darrell Braun Guitar
@@witchell8976 he’s probably a republican since they are always whining about prices being so high 😢
@@witchell8976 and the $1299 gibson would be worth $900. You'd have lost $400 either way.
I'd readily pay the extra $450 for the better tone from the Gibson. Just my personal opinion. I appreciate you playing the same riff on both guitars so we could really hear the difference. (I used top notch headphones.) To my ears the Gibson has a much wider EQ, & better overall tone than the Epiphone.
Agreed. The Epiphone sounded great, no doubt (and I've been waiting for this video and hoping for different results because of the price difference), but the Gibson sounded better to me.
But the epiphone has gibson burstbucker pickups...so they are not better pickups, just different
@@patmichaud8757 if anything, the Epiphone has nicer pickups. The Burstbuckers cost more and sound better than the 490s to me. I have both in different Gibsons. Both have their strengths tho
yeah i noticed that and was confused he left it out of his final thoughts
@@twenty3electronics We both said "to me" which is all that really matters. You prefer the Burstbuckers, while I prefer the 490s. Cheers!
I own an Epiphone '59. I find it to be a great machine! Playing at home or at gigs, it gives me what want. It's not too heavy, really, with a good strap. I wasn't fond of the matte finish, so I polished the front of the body, and it looks really great. I didn't mess with the neck because it feels just right like it is. I have owned a Gibson Studio and a Traditional, so I have experience with them all. I love the '59 neck profile, and for $850, I can gig with it and not worry if it gets a war wound on it.
I really liked both!! Both offer a great value
I own a tribute and have played the Epi. The distinguishing thing for me was the feel. The Gibson feels like a premium guitar, the Epi feels like all epi's to me. It wants to be a Gibson, but it's kinda like a Volkswagen wanting to be a Porsche.
Funnily enough, Porsches have been called overpriced Volkswagens.
I have a cheap epiphone. I got it 4 years ago and recently switched the pickups, pots and wiring inside to prs. It sounds great now. It would honestly be a tad hard to differentiate that and a high end guitar. It still does feel a little cheap and looks cheap as well but if tone is all you look for, this is an option for you
Sounds true and sarcastic all at once. I just returned an Epiphone I bought a week ago and went back for the got the tribute LP. The difference is like night and day. Stays in tune, Frets are dialed in 👌 has an organic wood feel which I love and sounds like the greats I grew up listening to .. USA 🇺🇸 Gibsons Vs copies. No comparison I think but I’ve never rebuilt a lower end guitar. I assume new pick ups mean a lot
@@alesstysanchez1614 most important thing is the amp.
@@mkkim7454 true but a better guitar just feels nicer.
@@alesstysanchez1614 yes, they are just little different, and i feels gibson is little better, and sounds like little more modern, and ephiphone is like something more good to heavy metal music, i feels. i like them both
Love your channel
I bought the Tribute after watching your first review. I also have the Epi Classic 2021 model. Love both for different reasons.
epiphones are fantastic. that being said, i've refin'ed a high end epiphone and accidentally damaged the veneer (super easy to mess that up, oops) so i just stripped it all back. the mahogany underneath was like 5 pieces of wood glued together. might not matter to most ppl but something to know because i bet the gibson wouldn't be made of 5 pieces glued together.
Gibson has commonly used three piece bodies for Les Pauls. even three piece maple tops. and this is on guitars with a translucent finish.
Wow, didn't know that foresure. Kinda pisses me off really
@@normawinton6832 why?
My RG is 4 pieces
That's kind of meaningless to me, if you ever saw how your house is nailed/screwed/glued together you'd probably move out. The fact is big G and F have been doing that forever, It's just a way of getting the most out of the materials they buy, it makes no difference in the guitar's quality.
I got the -59 Les Paul. I anyone thinking of getting one, just DO!
I was a bit afraid the chunky neck would be too much to my medium size hands, but I never felt a neck that feels more perfect than this one. All my thin neck guitars feels just wrong now. And the Burstbucker pickups are great.
I got a great deal on my B-stock 2019 Les Paul Tribute, $800. I swapped out the stock pickups for Bare Knuckle True Grit Humbuckers. In a local luthier to preformed a detailed setup(this included filing the fret ends). After all was done I spent around $1100 for something I really love.
I've got the Tribute and I am not a Gibson guy, but I couldn't be happier with it.
The Gibson seemed a tad bit brighter tonality wise especially on the clean tones. I like the satin as have owned a number of gloss finished necks that wear in spots where you play the most. Given I do not own a Gibson would probably go for that if given the choice.
I am a lefty and finding a decent guitar is tough to begin with....let alone a LP. I played a true left Gibson LP standard and it sounded like CRAP......muddy, dull sounding. It looked amazing though. Back in 2009 I went to Guitar Center in San Jose and was surprised to see an Epiphone Cherry Burst Standard. I picked it up and within an hour I was walking out with it. It plays and sounds amazing. No mod, no changing of anything. I think I found my "Pearly Gates". I think dollar to dollar the Epi's are just as good as a Gibson.
Great video, it’s weird because I preferred the Gibson crunch tones, but liked the Epiphone clean tone better.
You've made up my mind! I'll have to get both
I definately liked the sound of the Epiphone, especially on the clean tones. I would buy the Epiphone over that Gibson Tribute.
I agree. The Gibson sounded kind of muddy compared to the Epiphone.
@TELEGRAM only 👉 @DarrelBraun okay.. so is that your only way of living? Scamming people? You are a lost soul ..
I agree I thought the clean sounded better in epiphone. Gibson has that sound though when the hits the full cords. It’s hard to describe but it is what makes Gibsons unique. I can hear even that difference here.
Enjoy your Chinese guitar
@@bewusstsein3527 Trust me, this is not from Darrell.
I thought they both sounded great, but the Gibson sounded a bit brighter. I'd give it a slight edge overall on sound. If on a tight budget, I'd go with the Epi.
My Epi was a goldtop. Now a burnished gold and black beautiful tone lab. ( Gold, and black for coal, Iiquid gold). I have a variety of pickup styles I swap in and out with easy. Makes mixing and matching fun as well.
I have a tribute just like that one, and I love it. I have owned several of both brands and I have to say the tribute plays and sounds as good as most of the Gibsons I’ve owned.
I own a Gibson Les Paul Classic, and love love Gibson's, but I must say sound wise in this instance that Epiphone is sweet for the price. Not to mention it's handwired with good capacitors, unlike this Gibson that uses PCB. Looks wise, the Gibson Headstock is just hard to get over IMO
PCB's are probably a deal breaker for me, I prefer the organics of the analog hand wiring. I'd like to think I'm buying a guitar that would still play in 50 years, even if it's for someone else to play by then. but I'm sure the Gibson is a better build overall. I've had an Epi Classic for 17 years, plays great..
@@industrialdb8039 What's not analogue about a PCB? It's all just copper channelling electrons. I admit I do like the look and idea of hand wiring, y'know just "knowing" it's there, but in my experience it makes zero difference to tone.
@@y2kcurran Exactly
@@y2kcurran Yep, I had a pcb on my LP tribute, changed to a 50s style wiring with cts pots and orange drop capacitors. Tone was the same, only the tone knob darken more.
@@y2kcurran yeah it’s more for reliability sake if something goes wrong it’s easier to fix. I do like being able to tweak and customize things, so the 50s style hand wired is more convenient. Not to mention if you change cap values you can slightly change the tone to your favor, which is easier to do in a 50s style wiring. PCB aren’t bad, they sound fine, just not my favorite for traditions sake and feels like corner cutting on a Gibson. I agree just knowing it’s in there bugs me a bit 😂
I love the Tribute series with no binding on the body. It just looks great to me. As far as sound goes...They both have Gibson pickups and quality electronics. They're both great. To me, playability and sound are more important than a name on the headstock. Buy the Epi and have a quality setup done and it's just as good as the Gibson.
I agree 100%
I just snagged a 59’ Epiphone Dark Burst on Reverb for $650 shipped. It already had a setup performed, proper intonation and had the frets leveled, dressed and polished. So it seemed like a good choice for my first Les Paul.
I really want the honey burst Gibson though. I like it best because it doesn't have binding. It looks like a working man's, or woman's, guitar. I'd probably take off the pick guard because I think the wood looks great.
My goodness just the video I was looking for
I spent the extra and bought the Gibson, I'm glad I did, love it!
I prefer the sound of the Gibson.
Also, the Epiphone paint job and finish look cheap to me. But the fingerboard color on the Epiphone was darker, which I like.
For me, the Gibson was my choice. Actually, the same finish that you just demoed!
Going into this, I expected to favor the Epi. But, getting into it, the Gibson had more clarity, openness, and raw grunt, to me...where the Epiphoney sounded restricted, and nasal.
Yea this was pretty clear in the clean tones
I managed to get a second hand Gibson Les Paul ‘69 Tribute (with P90s instead of ‘buckers) for quite a lot less than a new Epi, and the weight reduction alone makes it a dream to play. Love it.
I got my ‘67 reissue Flying V 20 years ago. Had everything I want in a guitar except a bound neck. The 496R and 500T pickups, the tuneomatic bridge, the green key tuners, etc.
all these years later and the V only has the original Wood, Tuners, and truss rod cover. Replaced the pick guard, pots, switch, strap buttons, frets, replaced the tone knob with a master volume, the nut is now bone, replaced the bridge with a new tune o matic and the stopbar with one that had fine tuners, probably a third of the cherry finish has worn away to the raw mahogany underneath, and I put some Seymour Duncan pearly gates pickups in it. It’s still, of my 25 guitars, my go to.
the original pickups got put into my cheap epi Les Paul special II slab top I picked up at a garage sale for $40. where they’re still cranking away.
If I ever buy another Gibson I’d want it to be a custom shop, all maple, ebony fretboard, bound neck Flying V in that ‘67 look and the white one this time I’ve always regretted not spending the extra $100 back then for the white one that would have antiqued by now.
It’d be interesting to know the difference in manufacturing costs between the two.
With Gibson using a nitro satin lacquer and using a single piece mahogany, there is definitely a larger gap between manufacturing. Not even including the fact epiphone is made in China. I’d say the margins on the epiphone are much larger than the tribute. When I got my 59 epiphone, I wanted to do a project to get it close to a gibson. Just getting rid of the satin-y polyurethane finish and replacing with nitro would cost a shop almost $2k just due to labor. I asked what all goes into that and polyurethane has such potent adhesive qualities that removing it would borderline remove the the veneer top just from sanding. Polyurethane and bolt on necks are some of the easiest ways of mass producing guitars just from a turnaround standpoint. Which is why I refuse to pay over $1,500 for any Fender style guitar. Granted the epiphone is not a bolt on, but polyurethane is a very easy finish to apply when compared to nitro. While that may not be bothersome to many players, nitro is where a large portion of cost comes from when considering manufacturing overhead and turnaround times.
Am I the only person who thought the Gibson sounded better? Especially on the first run. It was a smoother less “squeaky “ sound. However, as the test went on, it became difficult to tell the difference. The big question it what guitar feels better to the player.
I thought the Gibson sounded better on the crunch tones but only marginally. Definitely not $450 better. The epiphone has a nicer clean tone. It’s the clear winner IMO.
That first run was all Gibson...and the Gibson looked so much better
I don’t care what guitar is it, I just want one so I can play sweet child on me 🥲👍
Good video. I have been following you for a long time. Which amp are you using here?
Hi Darrell thanks for doing a comparison. But can I ask was there one that felt better in your hands, nicer or easier to play? Is the nut width the same. For me the neck and the playability are the most important factors, hardware is interchangeable.
I would definitely prefer to get the Epiphone for a variety of reasons actually.
The Epi is an awesome value and really does sound awesome for what it is, but the Gibson definitely has an edge on the tone for me with a fuller sound that most likely has to do with the build and material quality of the body itself. Most won’t be able to tell the difference though and as a proud owner of an Epi SG ‘66 reissue I don’t judge those who “settle” for Epiphone
I have the Epi and it's great! I'm looking to pick up a LP Tribute used in Honey burst. Throw some slash zebras in there, change the knobs to reflectors, and add the selector washer and for the price of a new one you have the ultimate gigging machine. No way to go wrong!
Perfect review/comparison, thank you so much.
As always, to my ears, Gibsons always have "that sound" that Epiphones just do not quite match exactly even with great pickups. But, that Epi is really close. Well done.
I have a great fondness for the Tribute in satin Honeyburst. Although the Epiphone is spec'ed out "better" the fact that the Gibson is plek'd, has better hardware and is a Gibson makes it my choice.
I don't care about binding or the flame veneer.... although the hard case is nice with the Epiphone, it doesn't close the gap for me. Especially because the Gibson should have significantly better resale value
I have thought long and hard about this decision and I think i'm going with the Gibson Les Paul tribute. While yes you do get much better value on the epi. It really is a matter of where its made for me. My second guitar was a Mexican fender strat. I love it! But this third time around, I just want a guitar that's made in america. And it being made with better materials and guaranteed to have perfect frets. That put the nail in the coffin for me.
Good Choice, you won't regret it.
I purchased my first new Les Paul deluxe back in 1974 and have owned many, many guitars through the years.
Every Gibson I've owned could be a multi-generational instrument. Superior materials and traditional craftsmanship and finish, taken care of the Gibson with its lacquer finish will look its age and at the end of the day be a vintage Gibson Les Paul.
The Epiphone with its poly finish will look like a beat up toy after 20 years of regular use.
I got a sg tribute and it’s LIGHTYEARS better than my player strat or epiphone sg and epiphone Les Paul. The pickups are so much clearer on the Gibson and that’s something you really can only hear if your in the room with the guitar. You definitely won’t be disappointed. I recommend getting a demo model from Sweetwater if you can.
I agree. I've been looking into Ibanez guitars to purchase, and I'm 100% only going for a Japanese made model over an Indonesia made model
Good choice!
Get a Heritage then :P
I just got my tribute today. I just put it down after a couple hours. In love
I went through this choice last year. To choose between a Tribute and an Epiphone. I ended up with a gold top Epiphone. It looks and sounds great.
I own several Epiphones and one Gibson (LP Standard '60s). I love that Epiphone lets me have a Junior, a P90 Goldtop, a couple of archtops, etc. They're all amazing quality. Can't say I'm crazy about the finish on this series of Epiphones. While my Epis all have gloss polyurethane finishes, somehow I don't mind it so much. But this particular poly satin finish just doesn't work for me against the nitro satin on the Gibson. I thought both of these sounded great, though! I think in this case, I'd probably go for the Gibson.
I've had Epiphone Juniors and they're okay. My Gibson double cut Junior absolutely rips. Even with a pickup swap the Epiphone just kinda lacked something.
Fred Patton My thoughts on these, exactly.
It seems the Gibson sounded a little better. A little more definition in the tone. I wonder how the tribute compares in sound with the Les Paul Studio. I would easily go for the Epiphone, despite the name on the neck. The price difference is a huge factor.
As much as I love distortion and overdrive, to me a clean tone is just so incredible
Great comparison. Love both guitars. own both Epi & Gibson. But the Gibson's do feel better in your hands.