Guys. Metallica was good even after Justice, ok? 🤘 ➤ Massive thanks to Ridge for bringing you today's video! Get up to 30% off and enter the $4000 Ridge giveaway! ridge.com/agufish
I agree...plus I've come to prefer the guitar tones post Black album. The 96-99 era of tones were the best they ever got, outside of KEA. I thought Master and Justice's tones were too processed sounding, too scooped out. Black Album's tones were OK, but the first time I heard Aint My Bitch or It's Electric?.....I was like "THAT!"
@@EspeciallyCrunchy Absolutely. For me Metallica's sound and Hetfield's Vocals have only improved over time. There's some weird misses here and there but still.
I paid my Lp Modern 550 euros in 2020. Add an overall 20% inflation rate and a better set of pickups you are talking 900 euros tops, add a "signature tax" and you get to 1100 being generous. There's no fucking way I'm gonna pay 1700 € for an Epiphone
@@boogerzHonestly, I prefer laurel boards to rosewood. It’s more preference, but I think the lighter color of it looks good as long as it fits the body color, but that’s just me.
@@samright4661 because they’re Chinese made guitars with what used to be a USA made price. And honestly, the finish on the looks cheap compared to some other Epiphones and it’s $600 more.
I had two gibson lp’s. In 1994 my kids got me an Epi LP for Father’s Day so I’d have “something cheap” laying around to play. It’s been my go to ever since. Sold the gibsons because I never touched them. The prices on the new epis are crazy though!
As a 1965-non-reversed user I totally disagree. These are high-end guitars, they're way better than Jazzmasters, there's no comparison between JZ and Firebirds. They even stay in tune after using tremolo system and keep the strings in the saddles. Leave them for elite)) I wish they do more versions of ones, with P90s, with maple neck etc
@@НиколайНауменко-б3дtbh that’s not even a remotely fair comparison, I personally think jazzmasters are better in every way but there’s so many things that are different between the two of them that it’s not a one better then the other situation
While I agree, this is more than likely the real reason for the price hikes. It's the main reason people pick Gibson over Epi anyway.. me included. The only thing Gibson ever truly had over Epiphone, IMO, was the headstock. And even then, gibby headstocks have slipped through the Epi cracks here and there years ago
I'm glad you brought up Epiphone's quality. I've owned several and I've had terrible luck. I want to pick up one of the Hammett Vs and I'm still one the fence.
as an epi sg standard owner i can say the quality is amazing, the guitar is flawless and sounds magnificent, i got it after i had a squier affinity and oh boy what an upgrade, imo it feels way more expensive and premium than it is. overall i was kinda sceptic about epiphone and was very satisfied with this guitar, i think if you want it just go for it you prob wont be disappointed
@@bluebe4m319 I'm not saying there isn't good ones in there mate its more of a case of what I've personally laid hands on. I have some older epiphones I play over my Gibson. I am in a large guitar shop several times a week and continuously try guitars that come in and purchase a lot too. It's maybe more of a set up issue and given a tweak hear and there it goes on to make a great guitar. I will add the Gibson models flaws have been there as well.
I ordered a purple one from ZZounds and evidently lucked out as quality was flawless and a dark fingerboard. Best thing is Epiphone put the neck strap holder on the back of the guitar so the balance is excellent.
Your points about Epi quality are spot on. The Cantrell Wino I got had a bone dry fretboard and had cracked from the 3rd to 7th frets. It felt pretty good and played alright, but it had to go back.
Bought a purple one and lucked out with quality and a dark fingerboard. Absolutely love the volute and and 70's control layout but the best thing is the neck strap holder placement on the back of the guitar. Balance is excellent.
Don't forget the Jerry Cantrell Wino Custom. Killer Les Paul with signature pickups, awesome color and a hardshell case for only $849. I know I love mine ❤
The last one is Queen bee by mark Ryden. His is the 1st and last. No, Frank's 'sound' is not part of it. Many mistook sensation for sound. The last is Queen bee, already been confirmed and leaked.
I bought a $250 Lp kit off of Amazon. Very fun to put together. After doing one and learning a bunch of things, I am reasonably confident I can get a pretty nice Lp., even the veneer was quite nice. I like Greeny's look, but if I do another kit, I would do a sunburst. All in all, I think I could get a guitar as nice as any Epiphone for a third of that, including really good parts. My kit has the Gibson headstock, one piece neck (I see that as a disadvantage) and a long neck tenon. Plus, it is a lot of fun!
Fun fact: Peter Green was a unique man who was disgusted by money. Quite ridiculous that Gibson wants to sell a Chinese-made copy of his guitar for way too much.
As for playing Epiphones on stage, I just saw Joe Bonamassa live & he played his new Epiphone 1963 SG Custom on stage. I couldn't believe someone who regularly plays Bursts on stage would play his Epi signature on stage. Of course it sounded great, but I'm sure 90% of that was Joe.
i've been buying epiphones for most of my life and i'm in my forties, and this is outrageous! when i started buying brand new epiphones they were like $399-$499... $1499??? you can get yourself a used Gibson Les Paul Standard for that price, a base model or a Gibson Les Paul Studio for $1k... At the end of the day, it's just wood, strings and some pieces of metal whether it's $499 or $20K... Great Video! 😊😊😊
I wonder if they're going to upgrade their current "Inspired by" Epiphones with the open book headstock, that would be dope. Fingers crossed for an Inspired by Les Paul Custom! edit: Wow, they're doing that ALOT sooner than I thought! Looking like March!
The whole reason I refrain from epiphone is the “notched” headstock. Ive always thought that was lame. While other manufacturers allow their off brands to use their headstock likeness ( PRS, ESP, Fender etc) Gibson are still falling short.
@@User-gfys-0icu81 Agreed. I've never cared too much for the old Epiphone headstock. Their current shape though is fine imo. As for the headstock issue compared to other companies, nothing else really to say besides it is what it is. As much as we all would have loved to see the open book head stock since day one. its their company, they can do as they please.
A guy in the comments on Instagram on the CEOs profile (the video where he plays the Epi Greeny) said that 2 shop owners and a huge retailer had confirmed that the regular Epiphone AJ Custom will have the open book headstock, it's still narrower than a Gibson headstock though. (apparently, mentioning the CEOs name auto deletes comments lol)
I think part of the reason why Gibson has kept Epiphone with a different headstock is pay homage to the competitor that Epiphone used to be. At one point, they were one of Gibson's biggest rivals.
you must continue like this!!!!! your channel is impartial 👏🏻!!!! nowadays this is very important, most channels are sponsored….the opinion about this product isn’t real. We learned in the past with Epiphone Slash in 2020…1000€ today…590€….
I would love to see the custom colours that gibson recently introduced on both the standard and modern collections. As long as they can keep the price at arround the 600 to 700 for those modals it makes sence. I also fully understand the artist modals like greeny being a "Epiphone Custom Shop" kinda thing. It will be interesting to see what is revealed at NAMM this year.
its a shyt guitar in my book, shit body material, shyt fingerboard material, SHYT veneer top, guaranteed the rest will be subpar as well, it's all about raping consumers today and these companies should and would be boycotted had the human race had an pounce of scruples between them . . .
Woods don't matter it's all bullshit. Watch spectre music videos where he debunks all the nonsense that makes guitarists blow thousands on useless shit like high end pick ups and vacuum tubes as well. Want killer sound spend money on high end speakers. The wood is absolutely not a factor when recording it's indistinguishable.
@@trevor4533 True, the wood is a factor in pricing and feeling you got your money's worth for higher end materials but as I stated if it doesn't sound different or effect the quality of recordings who the f*** cares? Lol but I understand where your coming from. Everybody wants purchase validation
@@BSGC by all means. If you wanna spend $1500 on a guitar with a cheaper fretboard because tone wood doesn’t matter, be my guest. Its an understandable concession for their guitars $1000 or less. Heck, Fender learned their lesson, and brought it back for the Vintera iis. At $1500(to make matters worse, 1700 Euro in other parts of the world...), its a very understandable gripe.
A bit of history (probably mentioned already in the comments, but not going to search for it), check out the Epiphone Spirit from around '80-'83 made in the Kalamazoo plant and they have the open book headstock. They were made shortly before production was moved over to Korea.
No my man I understand where your coming from. It’s not hard to see. You are very modest with your content. Very appreciative on my behalf. Stay cool ❤Thanku again. Jp
Neck-through Firebird with the correct headstock, tuners, pickups, and Vibrola. Nothing else will get me to spend four figures on an Epi, much as I love them.
I tried the gold glory and I was blown away by its touch and sound, as I liked the aesthetics of the blue one more I asked to try it too. It's so beautiful that I decided to dig into my pocket and take it home, I know the improvements it brings but I don't agree with the price but it was just love. ha ha ha. (I play it every day and it was a thoughtful purchase days in advance, I'm very happy with it)
Laurel fretboard for a 1500$ guitar? WTF... For that price Tokai has awesome guitars... Also, you can buy an used LP Classic or a Special with nitro finish, orange drop, etc...
Yes, I bought a new Gibson faded 60s LP that was 300 bucks off, but had to return it because of horrible QC on the neck/fingerboard and body binding that was uneven and sharp as a knife.I ending up buying a Tribute "has issues too" and a LP Junior that is perfect. @@samuelnerick
@@johnsmith-ug5tp Heck, the fact that a expensive guitar comes with troubles is a Bad Joke, dude... But i'm happy for you, enjoy your LP Jr. I would love a Special Vintage Cherry, but my wallet is empty :'v
A new Epiphone Les Paul Custom P90 is coming. Just like the 1955 Outfit, but with gloss finish instead of mat finish. It also sports the Gibson headstock. A few people have gone to Guitar Center and walked out of the store with them at a Black Friday special price of $599.
I own an Epi Dot. Great fretboard. I like the feel of it anyway, but i swapped out the Epi pickups for Gibson P-57 Classic Neck and P-57- Classic Plus for the bridge. WOW. What a difference. When i select to use both pickups with no pedals or anything, just pure pickups and amp (Fender Hot Rod and Marshall Haze) the tone is EXACTLY Steve Howe's sound from I've Seen All Good People. I also love my Gretsch 6122II.
I bought a Gold glory few months ago and all a can say is the tone is fantastic its weight is is on the light side so maybe it's why is so resonant. BUT the finish is a joke. Strings at 3/16inch at 16th fret, ridges all around the binding taped incorrectly put before painting the gold ... qc is the worst in the entire galaxy... but I after a good truss rod job, fret job and bindinding scrapping, the tone and playability is perfect! The gold is almost gone around the binding but it look a little oldy which is the "Saveur du jour" (Murphy lab non sense). In my mind, Brand new Epiphone is not always a good move but used one at cheaper price is probably a better way to go.
I like the old Epi headstock better too. My favorite LP's have it. And then when I bought a newer SG not so long ago, I just kinda wish they never changed it.
If Epiphone would make a R&D that would be great. White, black binding and plastics, ebony or some black synthetic, decent inlays, and some Gibson/Duncan/EMG/Fishmans pickups. Maybe add it to the Prophecy line.
Dude if they could just add a "standard' rd you know probuckers epi tuners etc etc. Then a "custom shop" vintage style one. And finally a prophecy one.
Man that guitar was not popular with players back when it came out Jimmy Page used one at one concert and never used it again. It was only made from 1977 to 1982 and discontinued due to poor sales. Lee Ranaldo from Sonic Youth used them from 1993 to 1999 then around 2004 Lee Malia from Bring Me the Horizon used them and then the guys in Ghost started using them. Then that guitar got all popular with all the dudes in the stoner, doom, sludge metal bands and that is why people want them now. Gibson/Epiphone only makes those every so often as they do not sell well. So don't count on them making that model as apart of their normal run of guitars. They are gonna only do it periodically and jack the price on them to bleed peoples wallets that like those guitars. Just not enough people want them.
Guitars have become like jeans, or shoes. Put some name along with it and suddenly it cost more than it’s worth, and it becomes the just gotta have thing! I like Epiphone, got a good deal on a rare Wilshire, and it already has doubled in price used from what it cost me brand new! Is it worth the price they are now wanting for it? Heck no! I don’t think I could even have a clear conscience to sell it for the puffed up price, just because it’s rare! To me everything has a function and is worth what it can function as. If I get the same function out of something that cost me $1, why would I want to pay $100 for the same thing. But I guess a name, the status of people knowing you own it, and all that, means more to people than just the use of it. Thus we have jeans that cost $70, that are no better than jeans that cost $30, and shoes that cost $150 that are no better than shoes that cost $60. Because of some name attached to them!
100% agreed on the JJN being the pick of the bunch. Not sure if I like it more than the previous (g)Old Glory release, but still a great release. Definitely not ever paying 1k for Epiphones though, would rather grab a PRS SE if I was spending that much on an import guitar.
I actually love epiphone. The only Gibson I’ll splurge on for the name slash headstock is the SG. What sells me on this one tho, isn’t just the open book headstock, it’s the lack of the “Les Paul” silk screen. It’s just the plain black one with Epiphone across the top. I just like that look so much, I’d buy this one.
Really disappointed with the prices on the epiphone signatures recently. I picked up a slash Victoria on sale for £500 last year and love it. I was hoping for Mustaine and Hammett sigs in the same 500-1000 price range but 1200-1500 is too much for me. How long until the Slash range is re-released with the open book headstock, Gibson pups and double the price?
Just picked up a Tak Matsumoto Custom DC off of Reverb, the 2014 model, and it is mint and flawless. Also got a custom LP Black Beauty, bought it new, and it's a very well made guitar. I have a custom SG on the way as well and hoping that I'm 3 for 3. To give you some perspective, I also just bought a Gibson custom shop SG and one of the new LP Supremes. I'm happy to go back and forth between the Gibsons and Epiphones. In the past I've had standard Gibson SGs and Epiphone SGs (when they were G-400s) at the same time and, once again, could go back and forth with no problem. There are differences for sure, but you eventually reach a price point where anything over that you're just paying for aesthetics, US production, and name brand. To me, both Gibson and Epiphone are quality and you can get a bad one from both companies. I have to say I've been lucky and out of the 10 Gibsons/Epiphones I've played over the years, they've all been quality instruments.
This is great news. The headstock shape has always kept me from actually buying a Epiphone, unless it's a Casino or some Epiphone original model. The new "Greeny" model looks like a good deal, considering the upgrades. But I am a Gibson snob, so my opinion is biased and slightly warped
Transportation costs are astronomical for any manufacturer. With the US Navy reducing its footprint on the world’s oceans, insurance costs have skyrocketed for shipping all products. That is a big parts of it. Shipping affects every step of the manufacturing process.
Man, I thought I was the only one who hated the new Kalamazoo headstock. I take the old one a thousand times before the new one. Still not paying $1500 for the open book headstock though.
The Epi Greeny is at least $700 more in Canada than the Epi 59. Have a 59, and checking out the Greeny today. It is tough to justify the huge price increase.
Epiphone was once a high end brand, before Gibson bought it and used it as a cheaper alternative to sell their models in stores that wouldn't take Gibsons. Epi has been working hard the past decade at least to upgrade everything and ultimately reach 2 goals: still having lower priced versions of Gibson but returning the brand to the high end status as well. They're still on a learning curve but they'll get there. Inflation or not....
Every guitar I own I have bought by playing it first. I understand the world has changed and buying on-line is more convenient but I swear by playing the instrument first. You can be the final QC. And $1500 for an Epi is outrageous. Way better used deals out there.
A guy in the comments on Instagram on the CEOs profile (the video where he plays the Epi Greeny) said that 2 shop owners and a huge retailer had confirmed that the regular Epiphone AJ Custom will have the open book headstock, it's still narrower than a Gibson headstock though. (apparently, mentioning the CEOs name auto deletes comments lol)
All the new "inspired by Gibson" Epiphones I've played so far have scratchy frets, flimsy pickup switches and they actually lie about the wiring on some models, claiming they have '50s wiring when they actually don't. Coupled with the constantly raising prices (hey, pandemic is over, shit's gone back to normal, now they're just scalping), Gibson is just clearly taking the piss.
Even the Gibson frets are like that. I recently bought two brand new 2023 Gibson LPs. The frets were filthy and the fret boards bone dry I had to polish the frets and clean and treat both fret boards twice to moisturize them and get them dark again.
The three Gibson designs that I've always wanted to see Epiphone do a solid version of, - the Flying V( Reverse is even better), the Firebird, and the Paul Jr w/ P90's, ala Johnny Thunders. People seem to reject V's without trying them, but to me they are the natural extension of their best design,- the SG.Ideally, a big, old neck with just enough body to hold pickups.Like everyone else, I thought Gibson was lost and desperate with the Reverse V; then I tried one, and years later, another.The shape worked great for me. I started out on LP Standard style Korean copies; I even had a proper Hagstrom knock off, which is the only guitar I regret selling.I don't hate the LP Standard, but I can live without them.As far as prices go, I can get a Korean made Reverend, including set necks, for under $1000,- that is likely to be as good, or a better pickup platform.
In Canada you can get a Gibson Tribute Les Paul for the same price as an Epiphone... It's kinda insane. My first Les Paul was an 06 standard and it was $500cad...
Same in America. The Tribute is an underrated Gibson for the price. Especially with the price increases from Epiphone, so unless you need the bling (binding, etc) from an Epiphone, I’d get the Tribute or a Studio
Ordered one from Musicians Friend,called in. Got $225 off and free second day shipping. I’m sure a Black Friday call could get you a discount on the price.
I’ve been saying this collectibility ploy was thing by the time the pandemic ended and the prices didn’t drop to reflect that as the availability of workers, materials, shipping, etc. all became little to non-existent issues. I’ve still had people laugh at me to this day, but in 20-40 years when the Gibson collectibles of today’s yesteryear start to become to fragile to play and nearly impossible to get at less than 6 figures, I don’t think they’ll be laughing when you have to dig DEEP into those pockets to get the _____ guitar you had in 2020-23 Today’s Epiphones are arguably in their heyday like Gibson in the 50’s, and I really think these recent Epiphones will be more desirable to collect than today’s Gibsons. Gibson isn’t stupid - they saw an opportunity to turn something seen as a pariah into something more (which wouldn’t have happened if they didn’t manage to up the quality of these Chinese guitars). So if anyone here is planning on leaving any guitars to loved ones, maybe leave a note in the case/s to be careful with your Epiphone ______ and hang onto it because there’s a real likelihood that the value of many models could skyrocket. Even models like the LP Modern or some of the very low end ones could end up with major value. Think of all the affordable models of the 50’s and 60’s from both the electric and acoustic Gibson lines that people trashed and now there are few to be had with people clamoring to get something that was a student model for big bucks because it was their first guitar or it holds some other special value. Even the extra parts may end up with some value. To quote the Beanje Baby informercial guy of the 90’s, “Buy two! Let the kids play with one now and save the other in its original packaging!”
I think the Adam Jones models will be worth a lot once the economy turns around and people start spending money again. Only reason they’re sitting in stores is from a little complacency on the model and people are broke. I look at the guitar market like the stock market or crypto market. Bull or bear. Right now we’re in the bear and it’s a good time to buy.
Guys. Metallica was good even after Justice, ok? 🤘
➤ Massive thanks to Ridge for bringing you today's video! Get up to 30% off and enter the $4000 Ridge giveaway! ridge.com/agufish
I agree...plus I've come to prefer the guitar tones post Black album. The 96-99 era of tones were the best they ever got, outside of KEA. I thought Master and Justice's tones were too processed sounding, too scooped out. Black Album's tones were OK, but the first time I heard Aint My Bitch or It's Electric?.....I was like "THAT!"
When the Black Album came out, it was just a great letdown. I tried to love it and just got bored.
@@EspeciallyCrunchy Absolutely. For me Metallica's sound and Hetfield's Vocals have only improved over time. There's some weird misses here and there but still.
Metallica went downhill after kill em all
@@noahf5472 This is the kind of shit only a 13 year old who just discovered Thrash would say.
Epiphone and single cuts: Exist.
Hunter: Yes.
Unless they're dipped in gold with diamond tuners, these prices are insane for an Epiphone. And I'm an Epi fan.
i agree, i am a huge epi fan but this is just too expensive. $1.5k for a chinese epiphone that still has an indian laurel fretboard. bruhhhhh
I paid my Lp Modern 550 euros in 2020. Add an overall 20% inflation rate and a better set of pickups you are talking 900 euros tops, add a "signature tax" and you get to 1100 being generous. There's no fucking way I'm gonna pay 1700 € for an Epiphone
@@boogerzHonestly, I prefer laurel boards to rosewood. It’s more preference, but I think the lighter color of it looks good as long as it fits the body color, but that’s just me.
I'd pay $1.100 for the Greeny.
@@samright4661 because they’re Chinese made guitars with what used to be a USA made price.
And honestly, the finish on the looks cheap compared to some other Epiphones and it’s $600 more.
I had two gibson lp’s. In 1994 my kids got me an Epi LP for Father’s Day so I’d have “something cheap” laying around to play.
It’s been my go to ever since. Sold the gibsons because I never touched them.
The prices on the new epis are crazy though!
Epiphone and Gibson need to get weird and do more Firebirds make the Firebird the new Jazzmaster/Jaguar
As a 1965-non-reversed user I totally disagree. These are high-end guitars, they're way better than Jazzmasters, there's no comparison between JZ and Firebirds. They even stay in tune after using tremolo system and keep the strings in the saddles. Leave them for elite))
I wish they do more versions of ones, with P90s, with maple neck etc
Great idea
I’d love to see more finish options for Firebirds! Sunburst and olive green are not my jam.
@@НиколайНауменко-б3дtbh that’s not even a remotely fair comparison, I personally think jazzmasters are better in every way but there’s so many things that are different between the two of them that it’s not a one better then the other situation
And RDs
I love that the headstock is a traditional Gibson style..finally!!! I hope they do this on all of their models going forward!
While I agree, this is more than likely the real reason for the price hikes. It's the main reason people pick Gibson over Epi anyway.. me included. The only thing Gibson ever truly had over Epiphone, IMO, was the headstock.
And even then, gibby headstocks have slipped through the Epi cracks here and there years ago
The headstock since 2020 is perfect imo, not exactly Gibson but definitely very similar and lovely
I'm glad you brought up Epiphone's quality. I've owned several and I've had terrible luck. I want to pick up one of the Hammett Vs and I'm still one the fence.
It's not luck mate they're QC is worse than it's ever been
as an epi sg standard owner i can say the quality is amazing, the guitar is flawless and sounds magnificent, i got it after i had a squier affinity and oh boy what an upgrade, imo it feels way more expensive and premium than it is. overall i was kinda sceptic about epiphone and was very satisfied with this guitar, i think if you want it just go for it you prob wont be disappointed
@@bluebe4m319 I'm not saying there isn't good ones in there mate its more of a case of what I've personally laid hands on. I have some older epiphones I play over my Gibson. I am in a large guitar shop several times a week and continuously try guitars that come in and purchase a lot too. It's maybe more of a set up issue and given a tweak hear and there it goes on to make a great guitar. I will add the Gibson models flaws have been there as well.
I ordered a purple one from ZZounds and evidently lucked out as quality was flawless and a dark fingerboard. Best thing is Epiphone put the neck strap holder on the back of the guitar so the balance is excellent.
@@frankking439 it's interesting you say that as I bought a purple LP worn and that was the start of my bad experience and ended up sending it back.
Don't forget the Gibson & Epiphone Blueshawks. They had P90's with a hum-cancelling dummy coil hidden between the 2 pickups.
I have used a dye marker to darken some of my fretboards, works great.
Epiphone should sell dye marker.
You're ruining your fretboard in the long run.
how? wood gets dyed all the time in the manufacture of guitars.@@johnnypaul5979
Your points about Epi quality are spot on. The Cantrell Wino I got had a bone dry fretboard and had cracked from the 3rd to 7th frets. It felt pretty good and played alright, but it had to go back.
Bought a purple one and lucked out with quality and a dark fingerboard. Absolutely love the volute and and 70's control layout but the best thing is the neck strap holder placement on the back of the guitar. Balance is excellent.
Don't forget the Jerry Cantrell Wino Custom. Killer Les Paul with signature pickups, awesome color and a hardshell case for only $849. I know I love mine ❤
The last one is Queen bee by mark Ryden. His is the 1st and last. No, Frank's 'sound' is not part of it. Many mistook sensation for sound.
The last is Queen bee, already been confirmed and leaked.
I love the older Epiphone headstock. Its the one I grew up with, looks right to me.
I’ve had a Ridge wallet ever since I first saw it on this channel. It definitely keeps people from stealing your card’s information!
I bought a $250 Lp kit off of Amazon. Very fun to put together. After doing one and learning a bunch of things, I am reasonably confident I can get a pretty nice Lp., even the veneer was quite nice. I like Greeny's look, but if I do another kit, I would do a sunburst. All in all, I think I could get a guitar as nice as any Epiphone for a third of that, including really good parts. My kit has the Gibson headstock, one piece neck (I see that as a disadvantage) and a long neck tenon. Plus, it is a lot of fun!
I bought a Jerry Cantrell Wino for 800 euros before they increase price. Killer guitar.
When I wanted a Greeny inspired copy, I just bought a Vintage V100 MRPGM (Lemon Drop) . It's about third of the price of this one, and as good as.
Fun fact: Peter Green was a unique man who was disgusted by money. Quite ridiculous that Gibson wants to sell a Chinese-made copy of his guitar for way too much.
As for playing Epiphones on stage, I just saw Joe Bonamassa live & he played his new Epiphone 1963 SG Custom on stage. I couldn't believe someone who regularly plays Bursts on stage would play his Epi signature on stage. Of course it sounded great, but I'm sure 90% of that was Joe.
I definitely miss the old headstocks on the epiphones. Glad I inherited my dads black beauty with that lovely headstock
i've been buying epiphones for most of my life and i'm in my forties, and this is outrageous! when i started buying brand new epiphones they were like $399-$499... $1499??? you can get yourself a used Gibson Les Paul Standard for that price, a base model or a Gibson Les Paul Studio for $1k... At the end of the day, it's just wood, strings and some pieces of metal whether it's $499 or $20K... Great Video! 😊😊😊
Just say no, dont buy it.
I wonder if they're going to upgrade their current "Inspired by" Epiphones with the open book headstock, that would be dope.
Fingers crossed for an Inspired by Les Paul Custom!
edit: Wow, they're doing that ALOT sooner than I thought! Looking like March!
The whole reason I refrain from epiphone is the “notched” headstock. Ive always thought that was lame.
While other manufacturers allow their off brands to use their headstock likeness ( PRS, ESP, Fender etc) Gibson are still falling short.
@@User-gfys-0icu81 Agreed. I've never cared too much for the old Epiphone headstock.
Their current shape though is fine imo.
As for the headstock issue compared to other companies, nothing else really to say besides it is what it is. As much as we all would have loved to see the open book head stock since day one. its their company, they can do as they please.
A guy in the comments on Instagram on the CEOs profile (the video where he plays the Epi Greeny) said that 2 shop owners and a huge retailer had confirmed that the regular Epiphone AJ Custom will have the open book headstock, it's still narrower than a Gibson headstock though.
(apparently, mentioning the CEOs name auto deletes comments lol)
@@User-gfys-0icu81Precisely 🎯
I think part of the reason why Gibson has kept Epiphone with a different headstock is pay homage to the competitor that Epiphone used to be. At one point, they were one of Gibson's biggest rivals.
My Epiphone Dot Studio (2004) was $240 and it’s the best instrument I own. Second only to my D’Angelico TD
Absolutely love my dot! Paid $500 in 2012.. incredible guitar.
I’ve got a 2000 dot deluxe in blonde. It’s a wonderful guitar. Paid $100 for somewhere around 2005
you must continue like this!!!!! your channel is impartial 👏🏻!!!! nowadays this is very important, most channels are sponsored….the opinion about this product isn’t real. We learned in the past with Epiphone Slash in 2020…1000€ today…590€….
I would love to see the custom colours that gibson recently introduced on both the standard and modern collections. As long as they can keep the price at arround the 600 to 700 for those modals it makes sence. I also fully understand the artist modals like greeny being a "Epiphone Custom Shop" kinda thing. It will be interesting to see what is revealed at NAMM this year.
Never been much of a Kirk Hammet fan but I really admire him bringing his signature guitars affordable to most musicians.
"affordable"
This guitar should be only half of the retail price! Jesus 😒
Dude it's $1,500. In no world is that "affordable".
Love when Epiphone "upgrades" a guitar by making the neck significantly more fragile
its a shyt guitar in my book, shit body material, shyt fingerboard material, SHYT veneer top, guaranteed the rest will be subpar as well, it's all about raping consumers today and these companies should and would be boycotted had the human race had an pounce of scruples between them . . .
Broken headstock’s for every price range
I’m an epiphone fan, and I actually love the clipped ear headstock, though I have the Lee Malia artisan custom which I think suits it really well
I like the old headstock as well. I own two a Chinese and Korean made.
When will your HB line drop? Cannot wait!!!!!!!!
it is about $3,499.00 in Australia but as a side note I wish they do an open book headstock for Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Love the headstock.
Not paying $1500 for Indian laurel, though.
Woods don't matter it's all bullshit. Watch spectre music videos where he debunks all the nonsense that makes guitarists blow thousands on useless shit like high end pick ups and vacuum tubes as well. Want killer sound spend money on high end speakers. The wood is absolutely not a factor when recording it's indistinguishable.
@@BSGC I don't like the look of it, fucknut. Did I say anything about tone?
@@BSGC He's right though. $1500 guitar with a long neck tenon, Mother of Pearl inlays, and then they cheap out with Indian Laurel? Crazy...
@@trevor4533 True, the wood is a factor in pricing and feeling you got your money's worth for higher end materials but as I stated if it doesn't sound different or effect the quality of recordings who the f*** cares? Lol but I understand where your coming from. Everybody wants purchase validation
@@BSGC by all means. If you wanna spend $1500 on a guitar with a cheaper fretboard because tone wood doesn’t matter, be my guest.
Its an understandable concession for their guitars $1000 or less. Heck, Fender learned their lesson, and brought it back for the Vintera iis. At $1500(to make matters worse, 1700 Euro in other parts of the world...), its a very understandable gripe.
A bit of history (probably mentioned already in the comments, but not going to search for it), check out the Epiphone Spirit from around '80-'83 made in the Kalamazoo plant and they have the open book headstock. They were made shortly before production was moved over to Korea.
A $1500 guitar should at least have a decent fretboard, not a budget one.
Thoughts on the SG Custom colors?
No my man I understand where your coming from. It’s not hard to see. You are very modest with your content. Very appreciative on my behalf.
Stay cool ❤Thanku again.
Jp
Neck-through Firebird with the correct headstock, tuners, pickups, and Vibrola. Nothing else will get me to spend four figures on an Epi, much as I love them.
i really hope they make another epi with proper banjos and headstock. pretty sure last they did was with slash and bonamassa.
My $2000 Epiphone Korina Flying V had great QC and stays in tune better than any guitar I've owned (even though I skipped the setup)
I tried the gold glory and I was blown away by its touch and sound, as I liked the aesthetics of the blue one more I asked to try it too. It's so beautiful that I decided to dig into my pocket and take it home, I know the improvements it brings but I don't agree with the price but it was just love. ha ha ha. (I play it every day and it was a thoughtful purchase days in advance, I'm very happy with it)
Laurel fretboard for a 1500$ guitar? WTF... For that price Tokai has awesome guitars... Also, you can buy an used LP Classic or a Special with nitro finish, orange drop, etc...
🎯
I almost bought a real MIJ Tokai LP from a well respected London guitarshop brand new for under 2 grand with shipping.
@@johnsmith-ug5tp and what happen, bro? Did you buy another guitar?
Yes, I bought a new Gibson faded 60s LP that was 300 bucks off, but had to return it because of horrible QC on the neck/fingerboard and body binding that was uneven and sharp as a knife.I ending up buying a Tribute "has issues too" and a LP Junior that is perfect. @@samuelnerick
@@johnsmith-ug5tp Heck, the fact that a expensive guitar comes with troubles is a Bad Joke, dude... But i'm happy for you, enjoy your LP Jr. I would love a Special Vintage Cherry, but my wallet is empty :'v
“The Epiphone in the room - “ THAT was the best part!
A new Epiphone Les Paul Custom P90 is coming. Just like the 1955 Outfit, but with gloss finish instead of mat finish. It also sports the Gibson headstock. A few people have gone to Guitar Center and walked out of the store with them at a Black Friday special price of $599.
Love my early 2010s epiphone lp worn cherry studio with the old epiphone headstock
I own an Epi Dot. Great fretboard. I like the feel of it anyway, but i swapped out the Epi pickups for Gibson P-57 Classic Neck and P-57- Classic Plus for the bridge. WOW. What a difference. When i select to use both pickups with no pedals or anything, just pure pickups and amp (Fender Hot Rod and Marshall Haze) the tone is EXACTLY Steve Howe's sound from I've Seen All Good People. I also love my Gretsch 6122II.
My eyes can’t unsee those misaligned A & D strings on the JJN Blues Power
I bought a Gold glory few months ago and all a can say is the tone is fantastic its weight is is on the light side so maybe it's why is so resonant. BUT the finish is a joke. Strings at 3/16inch at 16th fret, ridges all around the binding taped incorrectly put before painting the gold ... qc is the worst in the entire galaxy... but I after a good truss rod job, fret job and bindinding scrapping, the tone and playability is perfect! The gold is almost gone around the binding but it look a little oldy which is the "Saveur du jour" (Murphy lab non sense). In my mind, Brand new Epiphone is not always a good move but used one at cheaper price is probably a better way to go.
Great analysis video!
I’m so glad I’m done looking for guitars.
I like the old Epi headstock better too. My favorite LP's have it. And then when I bought a newer SG not so long ago, I just kinda wish they never changed it.
QC going down while price going up. Definitely Gibson inspired!
Greeny looks great!
11:56 I literally just saw one of these in PMT this week. Pretty crazy.
The color on the V is weak. Finish it like the ESP in a sparkle and I’m in!🤘🏻
If Epiphone would make a R&D that would be great. White, black binding and plastics, ebony or some black synthetic, decent inlays, and some Gibson/Duncan/EMG/Fishmans pickups. Maybe add it to the Prophecy line.
Dude if they could just add a "standard' rd you know probuckers epi tuners etc etc. Then a "custom shop" vintage style one. And finally a prophecy one.
Man that guitar was not popular with players back when it came out Jimmy Page used one at one concert and never used it again. It was only made from 1977 to 1982 and discontinued due to poor sales. Lee Ranaldo from Sonic Youth used them from 1993 to 1999 then around 2004 Lee Malia from Bring Me the Horizon used them and then the guys in Ghost started using them. Then that guitar got all popular with all the dudes in the stoner, doom, sludge metal bands and that is why people want them now. Gibson/Epiphone only makes those every so often as they do not sell well. So don't count on them making that model as apart of their normal run of guitars. They are gonna only do it periodically and jack the price on them to bleed peoples wallets that like those guitars. Just not enough people want them.
Guitars have become like jeans, or shoes. Put some name along with it and suddenly it cost more than it’s worth, and it becomes the just gotta have thing! I like Epiphone, got a good deal on a rare Wilshire, and it already has doubled in price used from what it cost me brand new! Is it worth the price they are now wanting for it? Heck no! I don’t think I could even have a clear conscience to sell it for the puffed up price, just because it’s rare! To me everything has a function and is worth what it can function as. If I get the same function out of something that cost me $1, why would I want to pay $100 for the same thing. But I guess a name, the status of people knowing you own it, and all that, means more to people than just the use of it. Thus we have jeans that cost $70, that are no better than jeans that cost $30, and shoes that cost $150 that are no better than shoes that cost $60. Because of some name attached to them!
No need hesitate, Hunter. The Greeny is basically Gibson trying to milk all the Boomers before they die off.
Ever got your hands on an old pre-lawsuit Greco or Burny? Would be cool to hear you talk about that
They wipe the floor with these over priced pieces of shit
I love the old Epi headstock.
Totally agree on the epiphone fretboards
Shameless Ridge promo, and im here for it. 😂😂😂
The Bonamassa Firebird 1 is excellent and have rosewood fretboards
That’s a picture of Jeff Beck bro that you called Keith Richards ????
First it was early breakup, early breakup…now it’s Elephant in the room, Elephant in the room!
Well said my friend!
Epiphone is pricing themselves out of being a real “affordable alternative”. Greed is gonna make a lot of customers shop elsewhere.
Between Vintage, agile, firefly, and many others epiphone can’t compete at this $400 category
100% agreed on the JJN being the pick of the bunch. Not sure if I like it more than the previous (g)Old Glory release, but still a great release. Definitely not ever paying 1k for Epiphones though, would rather grab a PRS SE if I was spending that much on an import guitar.
Different strokes. I love the Kalamazoo headstock 🙂
Norlin era guitars are awesome. Just ask my 78' Custom and 74' Standards. Love those guitars.
I actually love epiphone. The only Gibson I’ll splurge on for the name slash headstock is the SG. What sells me on this one tho, isn’t just the open book headstock, it’s the lack of the “Les Paul” silk screen. It’s just the plain black one with Epiphone across the top. I just like that look so much, I’d buy this one.
Il be honest I don’t get why this is a “ Kirt Hammett” signature.
Me too...
Maybe it comes with a WAH pedal.
@@allgrainbrewer10 hahaha, nice one
@@allgrainbrewer10 😂 at that price I should hope so!
It's really more of a Peter Green or Gary Moore signature guitar, but Hammett owns it now.
Really disappointed with the prices on the epiphone signatures recently. I picked up a slash Victoria on sale for £500 last year and love it. I was hoping for Mustaine and Hammett sigs in the same 500-1000 price range but 1200-1500 is too much for me. How long until the Slash range is re-released with the open book headstock, Gibson pups and double the price?
I actually KNEW PG in the last years of his life...and he would have HATED this exploitation of his name and legacy.
The new Jared James Nichols guitar also has locking Grover tuners on top of the new signature P-90 silencer pickup.
You can still get a Billie Joe Les Paul Jr. for $549. Plus it comes with that sweet leopard print plush interior hardshell case.
Just picked up a Tak Matsumoto Custom DC off of Reverb, the 2014 model, and it is mint and flawless. Also got a custom LP Black Beauty, bought it new, and it's a very well made guitar. I have a custom SG on the way as well and hoping that I'm 3 for 3. To give you some perspective, I also just bought a Gibson custom shop SG and one of the new LP Supremes. I'm happy to go back and forth between the Gibsons and Epiphones. In the past I've had standard Gibson SGs and Epiphone SGs (when they were G-400s) at the same time and, once again, could go back and forth with no problem. There are differences for sure, but you eventually reach a price point where anything over that you're just paying for aesthetics, US production, and name brand. To me, both Gibson and Epiphone are quality and you can get a bad one from both companies. I have to say I've been lucky and out of the 10 Gibsons/Epiphones I've played over the years, they've all been quality instruments.
I could definitely get behind a Mark Morton sig! 🤘🏼🤘🏼
This is great news. The headstock shape has always kept me from actually buying a Epiphone, unless it's a Casino or some Epiphone original model. The new "Greeny" model looks like a good deal, considering the upgrades. But I am a Gibson snob, so my opinion is biased and slightly warped
Transportation costs are astronomical for any manufacturer. With the US Navy reducing its footprint on the world’s oceans, insurance costs have skyrocketed for shipping all products. That is a big parts of it. Shipping affects every step of the manufacturing process.
Man, I thought I was the only one who hated the new Kalamazoo headstock. I take the old one a thousand times before the new one. Still not paying $1500 for the open book headstock though.
Since you're a dad we can approve the "Epiphone in the room".....
The Epi Greeny is at least $700 more in Canada than the Epi 59. Have a 59, and checking out the Greeny today. It is tough to justify the huge price increase.
Epiphone was once a high end brand, before Gibson bought it and used it as a cheaper alternative to sell their models in stores that wouldn't take Gibsons. Epi has been working hard the past decade at least to upgrade everything and ultimately reach 2 goals: still having lower priced versions of Gibson but returning the brand to the high end status as well. They're still on a learning curve but they'll get there. Inflation or not....
Every guitar I own I have bought by playing it first. I understand the world has changed and buying on-line is more convenient but I swear by playing the instrument first. You can be the final QC. And $1500 for an Epi is outrageous. Way better used deals out there.
@14:31 - Hilarious!
A guy in the comments on Instagram on the CEOs profile (the video where he plays the Epi Greeny) said that 2 shop owners and a huge retailer had confirmed that the regular Epiphone AJ Custom will have the open book headstock, it's still narrower than a Gibson headstock though.
(apparently, mentioning the CEOs name auto deletes comments lol)
All the new "inspired by Gibson" Epiphones I've played so far have scratchy frets, flimsy pickup switches and they actually lie about the wiring on some models, claiming they have '50s wiring when they actually don't. Coupled with the constantly raising prices (hey, pandemic is over, shit's gone back to normal, now they're just scalping), Gibson is just clearly taking the piss.
Even the Gibson frets are like that. I recently bought two brand new 2023 Gibson LPs. The frets were filthy and the fret boards bone dry I had to polish the frets and clean and treat both fret boards twice to moisturize them and get them dark again.
Forgot to mention the purple v also comes with a sheet of Lisa Frank stickers
The three Gibson designs that I've always wanted to see Epiphone do a solid version of, - the Flying V( Reverse is even better), the Firebird, and the Paul Jr w/ P90's, ala Johnny Thunders.
People seem to reject V's without trying them, but to me they are the natural extension of their best design,- the SG.Ideally, a big, old neck with just enough body to hold pickups.Like everyone else, I thought Gibson was lost and desperate with the Reverse V; then I tried one, and years later, another.The shape worked great for me.
I started out on LP Standard style Korean copies; I even had a proper Hagstrom knock off, which is the only guitar I regret selling.I don't hate the LP Standard, but I can live without them.As far as prices go, I can get a Korean made Reverend, including set necks, for under $1000,- that is likely to be as good, or a better pickup platform.
@agufish my main guitar for blues and rock is a 2001 Korean Epiphone G-400 SG, totally with you on the og Epi headstock.
Hey Hunter, are you gonna be trying out one of the new inspired by Gibson’s epiphones? I would really love to get your thoughts on those
In Canada you can get a Gibson Tribute Les Paul for the same price as an Epiphone... It's kinda insane. My first Les Paul was an 06 standard and it was $500cad...
Same in America. The Tribute is an underrated Gibson for the price. Especially with the price increases from Epiphone, so unless you need the bling (binding, etc) from an Epiphone, I’d get the Tribute or a Studio
@@joshbittner coincidently, I'm actually picking one up today! Haha
@@cogee89 nice, enjoy the new guitar, whichever one you pick
If I ever get a guitar that has a fretboard dryer then a desert I just coat it in a thick layer of lemon oil and it ends up making the wood darker
It just looks wrong man.
I like the Kalamazoo headstock 😭
Was considering the Epi Greeny. Too much $$$. Gonna pick up a Gibson les paul tribute for much less. Great video!!
Epiphones are getting harder and harder to justify the price for a Chinese made guitar.
Ordered one from Musicians Friend,called in. Got $225 off and free second day shipping. I’m sure a Black Friday call could get you a discount on the price.
I’ve been saying this collectibility ploy was thing by the time the pandemic ended and the prices didn’t drop to reflect that as the availability of workers, materials, shipping, etc. all became little to non-existent issues. I’ve still had people laugh at me to this day, but in 20-40 years when the Gibson collectibles of today’s yesteryear start to become to fragile to play and nearly impossible to get at less than 6 figures, I don’t think they’ll be laughing when you have to dig DEEP into those pockets to get the _____ guitar you had in 2020-23 Today’s Epiphones are arguably in their heyday like Gibson in the 50’s, and I really think these recent Epiphones will be more desirable to collect than today’s Gibsons. Gibson isn’t stupid - they saw an opportunity to turn something seen as a pariah into something more (which wouldn’t have happened if they didn’t manage to up the quality of these Chinese guitars).
So if anyone here is planning on leaving any guitars to loved ones, maybe leave a note in the case/s to be careful with your Epiphone ______ and hang onto it because there’s a real likelihood that the value of many models could skyrocket. Even models like the LP Modern or some of the very low end ones could end up with major value. Think of all the affordable models of the 50’s and 60’s from both the electric and acoustic Gibson lines that people trashed and now there are few to be had with people clamoring to get something that was a student model for big bucks because it was their first guitar or it holds some other special value. Even the extra parts may end up with some value.
To quote the Beanje Baby informercial guy of the 90’s, “Buy two! Let the kids play with one now and save the other in its original packaging!”
I think the Adam Jones models will be worth a lot once the economy turns around and people start spending money again. Only reason they’re sitting in stores is from a little complacency on the model and people are broke. I look at the guitar market like the stock market or crypto market. Bull or bear. Right now we’re in the bear and it’s a good time to buy.
Great! Now Epi's have the Gibson tuning issues!
so is Kirk not a ESP endorcer anymore?
Do you know how many they are producing?