After carefully watching the entire video, I have to say this was one of the most objective, honest and openminded comparisons of these guitars that I've ever seen. Your comments about using an Epiphone over a Gibson for playing out in gigs or jams were spot-on. I'm not scared to take my Epiphones out of the house into potentially risky situations, and sound- and appearance-wise they hold their own and most of our listeners would not notice or care about the subjective differences that we notice as players.
Being objective is not desirable in a review, comparison or a head to head which is what this video is titled and what it is about. The reviewer clearly states a preference and explains his reasons, he even brings in expertise for a second opinion and another perspective. This video is excellent but it is NOT objective and not meant to be.
Which one from the two? Both. If you get the Epiphone, you will always crave for the Gibson headstock. But if you are a gigging musician who doesn't play at the Wembley stadium, just get the Epi and change the pick ups to your preference. Nobody from the audience will notice the difference in the sound, besides the few bedroom guitar players (like me). Nice video, btw.
Yeah sorry not sorry, I'm not a name chaser and the least of my concerns is the headstock. Hands down I'll take the Epi and still be able to afford the same appointments as the Gibson. It's the same as owning a pair of Nike's. There's no way in hell you're going to get 6x the value in your sound either.
Absolutely nothing that would make me buy a Gibson over Epiphone. Don't get me wrong, I love Gibson Les Pauls, but for price versus function, I will always buy Epiphone.
ONE THING makes me buy Gibson over Epiphone. That ugly effing Epiphone headstock. Like, for real. That thing is HORRIBLE. On top of that, every Gibson made for at least the last decade has been plek'd so they all play flawlessly. Seriously, my action on the low E is 1.2 mm on ALL my Plek'd guitars. I could easily go as low as 1 mm but i abhor buzz. I suggest everyone gets it done on at least 1 of their guitars. It is expensive but SO worth it. I even have a skilled, highly rated, local luthier and the plek outperforms him hands down.
@@kdc420421 I personally think you just accurately rated the skills of your local luther as sub par. And COULD refer you to videos where paid professionals will easily admit that the plek is not better than well trained and practiced human being. We're still faster and cheaper too. So far.....
I know it might be me. I love the new Epi headstock better the the previous one, except on the customs. For some reason with the binding on the older headstock it looks cooler to me
I bought my 2007 Epiphone Les Paul Custom used from a reputable store for $400. Then I replaced the pickups (Suhr Thornbucker Alnico 4’s with split coils), the pots, wires, three-way switch, input jack, nut, bridge and tail piece, and purchased an Epiphone Les Paul case. All for under $700... installed. Now it's a great guitar for $1200 all in.
I have this Epiphone LP. It’s amazing to play and it’s my go to guitar. I took it to my local independent guitar store for a set up and they absolutely loved it!
I have the koa one. It’s flawless. I just changed the tuners to locking one’s just because of preference. Pickups are good, get punch when using a tubescreamer. Anyways, you have a great channel. Best reviews of guitars I have ever seen.
I purchased the Epiphone Koa limited edition a couple months ago. I agree beautiful guitar. I have always played Charvel and Jackson. I Have always wanted a Les Paul but $$. Epiphone has came along way the last few years. The limited LP’s like ours comes with Grovers, great pick- ups etc. Anyway I sure do not regret buying it.
As much as I love a Gibson Les Paul Custom, I went with an Epiphone and am pretty happy with it, especially for getting at the $649 MSRP instead of $729 USD. Is it better than the Gibson? Nope. Does the superior material and craftsmanship justify the additional $5k? (White and Silverburst are $5.5k; Ebony is $5k) Nope. If you can afford the Gibson, more power to you. IMO, the Gibson version really shines on the clean tone on the neck pickup with some jazz-like fingerpicking on a tube amp like a Fender Reverb. I've wondered if it has to do with the drilled holes for the weight relief. As far as touring/professional musicians, their amps and effects will really take away any of the differences in sound between the two and you can always replace the pickups in an Epiphone to actual Gibson 490/498's, 59's, etc. or quality aftermarket brands like Seymour Duncan, EMG, etc. Even change the pots/switches if need be. Still come out significantly cheaper than a Gibson if you need and/or choose to modify it. If the headstock is that important to you, ok. That's your preference and there is nothing wrong with that. If you're looking to buy your first Gibson however, please do yourself a favor and play it in person first. They all cost the same, but are not made the same. Some are great out of the box, some need a lot of work (Extra $$$ to spend on top of a very high premium to begin with just to make it playable) and the QC isn't very consistent. More so for the USA line than the Custom Shop, but still. Play it first. There's nothing better than owning a good one. Owning a dud is gut wrenching. Overall, this is an excellent and thorough comparison video between the two guitars.
I can agree with that 100%, A friend had a new Gibson Studio in the 90's...what a slug, that thing was a hunk of junk, no way would I have dropped over a grand (90's money) for that anchor....I had an Ibanez $300.00 max, played and sounded 100% better. That's why I was reluctant to get a Gibson, and opted for the Epi...would I like to have a Gibson Custom?, just because?...well of course....would I go buy one as a struggling musician...He** no!
@@barrykinard6096 My lone remaining Gibson is a 97 Studio that I've had since May 1998. After a little bit of love with a truss rod adjustment, intonation, etc. done by a professional, it is like playing a different guitar. It plays and sounds considerably better than any of my Epiphones. It does still need a new nut... That's the double edged sword. The "better" guitar needed more money put into it for a setup. But, now it is clearly the best one of my collection. I think the price was $899.99 at the time. Now they're around $1500. It would be a much harder sell now for me.
I dont understand why no one notices that the cutaway is deeper (reach almost the 22 fret on real gibson) than epiphone (barely pass far than 21 fret). It is a "on purpose nerf" to the playability to the epiphone compared to the gibson, as they can do the exact shape, just in Asia with cheaper woods (as it is), for the same cost, but they prefer to generate this gap in capabilities of the guitar. Also this generates a difference in body shape that makes the epiphone less "desireable", because some people that loves real les pauls realizes that is something odd in shape, even if they don't know what's wrong. For me is so noticeable that it bother me so much i can't consider getting an epiphone just for this. Worth mentioning that also the left part of the body is less round or fluid, but at least they do it now closer to originals than a few years ago, since they changed the headstock to the newer one.
I never got why some les paul looked weird and then another ones looked better, like more rounded body, I thought it was the angle of the picture but thanks for this information.
I have had Gibson Les Paul standards for a long time. I recently bought an epiphone Les Paul custom to take anywhere i don’t want to take my gibsons, for instance a plane. The epiphone feels and looks cheap because it is. That’s why i bough it. However, i would not say it’s a bad guitar. It plays well and stays in tune. It’s reliable.
I bought this exact Epi when they came out in 2020, Fantastic guitar and as close to a Gibson Custom as you can get without going broke. Hard to beat it for the price and it is a jack of all trades.
I bought this Epi about 6 months ago, I honestly can not imaging the Gibson being any better in any category...this Epi is a beast...paired up with my Boss Katana, it is a force to be reckoned with...I'd stand toe to toe with a Gibson any day.
Correct. I played for years on an older all mahogany Epiphone les Paul Standard with Gibson 490/498 pick ups. It looked stunning with its picture perfect flame top (albeit only a veneer) but it played and sounded amazing.
Great video! I recently got the Epiphone LP Custom as well and I love that guitar. One thing that you mentioned is that the Epi has a maple top but Epiphone's website doesn't mention that. I thought it as mahogany only.
Since buying my Epi Custom a few months ago, I've watched a number of review and comparison videos, yours is hands down the best I've seen, and congratulations on that! 😊 I bought the Epiphone version second-hand ( in great condition!) for €550 and was blown away with the quality. I have two Gibson Les Paul Standards (50s and 60s models, also bought second-hand) so for an outlay of around €3,550 in total I have THREE quality LPs for far less than the price of a Gibson Les Paul Custom. If I owned the real thing I'd be far too worried about it getting damaged or stolen.
Congrats on owning 3 Les Pauls. I recommend that you check out the new line of premium Epiphones - the Inspired by Gibson Custom. For US$1,299 you get higher-quality Epiphones with proper and period-correct Gibson Custom specs (ie, Gibson USA pickups, CTS, Switchcraft, Mallory electronics, Grover’s, real mother of pearl inlays, etc). It’s really a lot of guitar for the money. I already have 4 Epiphone Les Pauls. But, since this new line came out, I bought 2 Les Pauls and 1 ES-355. They are that good!
Great comparison! I have an ebony epiphone les paul custom. It has the wilkinson tuners. I was surprised because the epiphone website says they are grover. Good to hear they are still of similar quality!
I absolutely love mine. Even more so when you consider I'm a lefty, and never would have expected this to be offered in a left handed version. I already have the black and the white is on order. Excellent video and fantastic comparison.
I recently bought the Burny 57 Black Beauty version with 3 pickups a solid mahogany body like the original Customs, and a Bigsby, great guitar! Has the correct headstock, Grover tuners and accurate small post bridge! Had planned to do a number of upgrades but the guitar plays and sounds so damn good I haven’t got around to it!
The most eye opening part is I started this video while still getting my “relax area” setup and kept waiting for him to change guitars. Turns out he already did, and since I wasn’t focusing on it so heavily and I’m not familiar with yet I didnt even notice.Thats probably how most people who listen to music would feel too, the higher quality only matters to the player.
Thank you for your honest opinion. It’s September 2024 as I write this comment and the internet has been buzzing since Spring 2024 as Epiphone releases a new batch of Inspired by Gibson premium guitars in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop. For $500 more (which to me is reasonable) you get the proper Gibson open book headstock along with proper and period correct Gibson specs like pickups, electronics, wiring, wood, real mother of pearl, fretboards, hardware etc etc. Plus a premium hard shell case with an Epiphone-Gibson Custom commemorative logo, that is also on the guitar. Since this new line came out, I already bought both black and white LP Customs and the 1959 ES-355 in Ebony. Because they are that good!
I Bought my first electric guitar on 03/21/23 at 63 years old. Yes, I bought the Epiphone in silver burst. I paid $799 at Guitar Center. I like going to guitar center, it is a fun place to shop. I am a keyboardist and have10 different keyboard. I also have a Ibanex AEG70 acoustic electric and am also leased. I am pleased with this guitar (so I'll see how it holds out and maybe buy another electric, but I want to buy two more keyboards. Later. Good video..
That goes to show its never too late to start playing electric. Good choice the Silverburst. I will try to review on e of them soon. Keep on Rocking, Molo! 🤟🏻
First difference is the price, and second the Nashville bridge with the head screws more easy to reach. For metal there's no other differences. If you want a music tool buy whatever is on your budget (+ case cost for the epi). If your are a collector and you have the money...
I have a Gibson LP Custom and I ordered an Epiphone LP custom that I will be picking up today. I expect the poly finish will be better on the Epiphone but the woodwork and frets will be better on the Gibson.
Poly and Nitro are two different things. There is no way that the Epi has anything better than the Gibson. You probably mean that you prefer Poly as a personal choice.
You can buy 9 Epiphone LPC 's for the price of one Gibson LPC. Believe me, I love Gibson and would absolutely prefer one, but after tax, the Gibson is $7990. Way too much for my income!
I bought a 2016 Epiphone LP Custom, DiMarzio pick-ups, ebony with the chrome pick guard..... It's beautiful, plays fantastic.... $600 used I paid..... I love the heavyness of it..... In the 80s I had a Gibson Les Paul custom and I am very satisfied with this Epiphone 👍🏻
Nice. I also have a 2012 Epiphone Les Paul Custom in cherryburst with 3 stock DiMarzio pickups. This is the Limited Edition Ace Frehley Budokan made by the Epiphone Custom Shop in Qingdao, China. My luthier installed a bone nut and Graphtech graphite bridge saddles, leveled and crowned the frets and set it up. He left the electronics & wiring stock as they are premium brand. The binding has yellowed but the finish is still flawless given its polyurethane. It looks, feels, plays and sounds great. I was a big KISS fan in my HS days.
the epiphone is such an awesome guitar, can’t decide between this and the goldtop. also the epiphone les paul custom has an all mahogany body no maple cap!
Another subtle thing I’m noticing is that the body on the epiphone looks a little different than the Gibson. Like it’s the same shape but they don’t use the same template. To me the horn on the epiphone looks fat where as the Gibson horn looks much more pointy and defined
I owned the Epiphone Les Paul Custom in Alpine White. I liked it a lot, but then I bought the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Adam Jones (Veil of Bees). It's easily the best Epiphone I've ever owned.
Maybe you should consider this : 1. Different horn/single cut body shape, the Epi is shallower, the Gibson has deeper cut. Gibson patent reason maybe 2. Different fretboard length, the core is longer, does it affect to the neck pickup tone? 3. Different headstock angle 4. Different neck joint construction, I see this in Epiphone factory tour
te felicito , es la mejor comparación que he visto, y coincido en tus conclusiones, el audio es terriblemente parecido en la grabación , se que en vivo en la habitación y tocandolas , se nota la diferencia y sin enchufar la resonancia es muy diferente, yo poseo una custom shop black del 2007 y me compraría esa epiphone también , para tocar en show en pub y se escucharia fantastica, es mas hoy en día llevo a los pub una epiphone genesis de 1980 y soy feliz con su sonido (ahunque aca las diferencias son mucho menores con la custom, casi imperceptible) pero no corro el riesgo que me roben la custom shop, muchas gracias por el video , excelente
Problem with the gibbo is that after shelling out €4000 I’d still want new BKP pups and ABM brass bridge and aluminium stop bar, so that’s another €600 on top of the axe… I reckon I’d go epi then mod to my heart’s content . Gibson only offering ebony on 4 grand customs is a shocker imo..
I have the Bonnamossa Epiphone black beauty, and it’s amazing. I especially love the “Peter Green” out of phase pickup setting. The expensive guitars are for the studio. I have a Chibson Gold Top Les Paul, and no one knows the difference live. The only guitar I demanded that had to be American was my telecaster.
Completely agree on the Tele part. There is a big difference going from USA and MIM models. I actually bought (for giggles) a Chapman tele style ax, and even after set up, pu change, etc... I still dislike it. Main issue I have is because the tuners are on the bottom side of the headstock and difficult to tune on the fly. But I have a hard time pulling my 69' original Fender tele from the case in fear of bumping something with it. I do like the epiphone LP models though.
I have Gibson and Epiphone......the difference is mostly material rarity.....You won't lose a dime on a Gibson, they are effortless to Trade or Sell, almost like Gold or Silver.....and that's important for some people who get bored, and Buy and Sell often. Epiphone is a great guitar, and you can score them cheap used....but the negative is they don't retain much value....a $700 guitar is generally going to bring around Half of that....when someone Buys an Epiphone, they want it Cheap, the buyer has the leverage......when you're selling a Gibson, the seller usually has the leverage.
Just recently, I took delivery of a 2023 Ebony Epiphone Les Paul Custom. It came with Grover tuners and as you know, now costs $799. I've been playing it practically every day and I love it. I always wished I could have an Ebony Gibson Les Paul Custom, but could not afford the price. Several months ago another guitar player told me I could not go wrong with the new Epiphone LP Customs. I had no idea Epiphone had created a new "Inspired by Gibson" LP Custom. I went to stores and tried them out and watched numerous video reviews of them here on TH-cam. This video from George V has to be the best, and most thorough review I've seen of the guitar and was definitely an influence on my decision to buy it. I knew Epiphone had made LP Customs for years, but I was never that enthused about them until I heard about the "Inspired by Gibson" series. Even though this video points out the guitar is made of a lower grade Mahogany wood, that did not dampen my enthusiasm for it (I've also seen that it's all mahogany with no maple). And I do not mind having pearloid block inlays instead of mother-of-pearl. I'm primarily a drummer, so maybe my ears are untrained, but I could not tell any difference between the pickups on the Gibson and the Epiphone. Mine came with Gibson strings, which felt quite different from what I'm used to, but of course, those can - and will - be changed. Out of the box, I noticed there was no buzzing from the strings, and the neck is pretty straight. I thought there was supposed to be a bit of a curve to necks, or is that personal preference? This video states their guitar did not have a set up, and I'm wondering, even though mine plays well, is a set up still recommended?
I am glad I could help you with your choice. The Epi Custom is great value for the money. Yes I recommend you bring it to a proper guitar tech as soon as possible.
This comparison is by far the best on TH-cam. Have you done the Paul Reed Smith core singlecut vs the S2 series? Please do if you haven't. Thanks for posting!
These two come down to want and need. You want the Gibson, it's the prestigious thing to own and something to aspire to. It signals that you have arrived in life and as a guitar player. But unless you have the money to buy a custom like most do an epi, which is mostly famous musicians, there's a good chance you would not want to gig it. And that's where the epi comes into play. The Epi is a guitar you upgrade with pickups and customization, and you gig with it. It is meant to be affordable and easily replaced, although these days, these customs are on the lower end of that midrange bracket and are more expensive than the lower-end mim fenders. That's the guitar you need as a working guitar player or even a bedroom player because that's what will form the foundation of your collection, whether that be your first guitar or second after your bad starter guitar. From there, you get a good head and cab, and you have a great rig to build on. Over time, you can upgrade to a Gibson if you like or buy something else entirely, and you always have that LP sound to fall back on when you need it or something reliable to take to gigs that you are not afraid of hurting. Of course, if you need something more prestigious, you can always spend more and get a Tokai, which tends to be a higher quality guitar but essentially will serve the same purpose as the epi in a given collection. At that point, you want it because it's a two-piece body and a one-piece neck and is built to a standard that is arguably higher than standard-line Gibson. I hadn't realized these were built with two-piece bodies when the Koa ones are 3 pieces. I think these are probably going to be 3 piece back and 2 or 3 piece top with a 3 piece neck. As long as it's done well, it doesn't really matter. Besides, there are people paying thousands for '70s Gibsons, which aren't any better if we're being honest and are probably worse guitars overall... These are good for the money and make a great first nice guitar. I'd also add that youtube never accounts for the differences in feel and the dynamics of the instrument you can only hear sound. While one doesn't seem thousands more expensive on sound alone the quality of materials, acoustic dynamics and resonance which translates through the pickups and feel are what you pay for. That being said as long as the epiphone is setup well with nice low action and super easy to play its all you'll ever need. Not every Gibson, for example, has the qualities of the custom shop guitars that this LPC has, and when you buy a dead Gibson for thousands, that is a problem that only a quick sale on reverb can solve. while the Kalamazoo headstock is much better than the old one, they really should just give them full open-book headstocks, at least on the customs. They did it with the greeny, and it didn't look right to me; the custom would be better, I think. If people can't afford to buy a Gibson, they shouldn't have to suffer for it; this is not a problem with Gretsch guitars, which even have the name on the headstock of their lowest prices models, which these will never have... it would be nice tbh. On top of that, because customs are out of the price range of even standard Gibson, it really should have the full headstock because it would be the only LP custom that's accessible. That being said, the current headstock isn't so bad, and it's a good-looking thing; it could always be much worse, after all as the last one was terrible. I think it looks good on the custom with the binding but not so much without it. And it definitely looks better than the full headstock on the greeny. That whole 'custom shop line' is a bunch of bull shit, and it's not really anything special. like they put in some nice pickups and cut out 2 pieces of wood in the construction, then charged double the price for the 1959. It's a joke...They should just build those guitars in Japan like they used to back in the day.
"while the Kalamazoo headstock is much better than the old one, they really should just give them full open-book headstocks, at least on the customs. " You're going to get your wish next month!
Whatever gets you playing is the only factor…I love Gibsons but can’t justify the price difference…especially with the new inspired by Gibson epi stuff. They are great for playing at home and studio. I love both.
I think ill just shop around for a Studio Gibson. Not that much more expensive than the Epiphone Custom, and you're getting a Gibson. Also, I'm a TN native, believing that there is something to be said for supporting the local economy.
Very good review and honest comparison. 👍 Thank you. Even the old Epiphone LP Custom had already a great playability, but not comparable with the Gibson LP Custom and with the former entry level models by Gibson (such LP Studio Worn) either. Nevertheless Epiphone's quality has been improved over the years, so the guitars of this brand are nowadays a great value: not only "good for the money", but more for the money.
If you could it would be nice to put together comparison of epi custom, epi wino custom and gibson custom. For me the main diference in sound is in pickups. Betwen epi wino custom bridge sound and gibson custom bridge sound is no diference. Your comparisons are the best I've seen on yt. Go on.
I have 7 or so Epiphones (Korean) and most have been converted with Gibson USA parts. Black beauty 3 pups. White one florentine Epi, as well as others. All of my headstocks are all gibson open book with gibson truss rod cover with double binding.
Wow! That’s interesting. Did you mean to say you have seven (7) Epiphone guitars all made in Korea? And they all have the Gibson-style ‘open book’ headstock?
I bought the Epiphone Les Paul Custom and fell in love with it. As often is the case, if/when I buy an Epiphone it just makes me inescapably want the Gibson version. I bought a Gibson CS LP Custom. I loved everything about the guitar except the 490/498 pick ups. In my opinion those pickups are far too harsh, sharp, and my bridge pickup squealed while palm muting under moderate gain. I ended up scoring a pair of Gibson pickups out of a Murphy Lap '68 reissue. I put those pick ups in LP Custom and OMG. I'm now convinced I have the Best LP ever made. I only own Gibson Custom Shop guitars and some of the others is significantly more expensive and fancy, but my LP Custom with the '68 RI pickups is by far the Best guitar I've ever owned.
Great video. The Gibson does sound a bit more meatier and mid focused which I personally like. I'd get the Epiphone and replace the pickups with the Gibson's pickups or similar.
I'd love to hear both guitars with the pickups switched for comparison. It could be the Gibson's build and materials that are contributing to the richer tone, so don't be surprised if the 490/498's don't sound quite the same in the Epi.
The 490R is a little more clear on cleans compared to the epi PB2, and that's about it. I take it back, the 498T gives a little more clarity between the strings when you bang a treble chord distorted. But still. 490R/498T's are relatively cheap combos to get off of reverb. I've got an epiphone 1959 LP with 490R/T and a jimmy page push-pull harness and it's fabulous in every way pretty much. Scary (for gibson)
Why would it be scary for Gibson, Epiphone is a Gibson brand, it is not a competitor (not since 1957 that is). The more guitars are sold under the Epiphone name, the more money Gibson makes.
@@renek243 it's only an assumed win for gibson. If epiphone becomes too good at cost there is little incentive beyond brand recognition to buy one. That's why it's more than a little scary for gibson USA.
Very very good review! Best and very thorough ever comparison. That pickup position difference was new info for me. If epiphone would make LP Custom with thicker neck shape, I would seriously consider buying one, I just cant stand slim taper neck profile with my big hand. I have epi Joe Bonamassa Amos Flying V and that has very nice thick 50’s neck that I really like.
You do know Customs DO NOT have maple caps, right? The new AJ sig from Epiphone has maple top, but generally customs don't. Just sold an Epiphone LP custom silverburst and it's solid mahogany.
I built my 97 L P studio after the custom. Bought it used with 496/500 pups. Changed pots to CTS 500K and used Garrett cloth wiring in a 50's style. 011 caps, Switchcraft switch and jack. Then on top used Kluson locking tuners, Tusc XL nut, Tonespro locking bridge ,alum tailpiece. Now after a few yrs of working this guitar the wear and tear look some what cool in 1 way and pretty disgusting in another.
Already own a 76 Les Paul Custom but there is zero relief left in the neck so I will be picking a white Epi to play live. Such little difference in the overdrive tones. I'll be swapping electronics and pickups anyway.
i genuinely cannot hear the difference and with the 4.5 grand difference I'm going to buy the epiphone one. Thank you so much for the video. Helped the decision a lot!
I pre ordered the Sweetwater viper blue LP custom yesterday. Nickel hardware, I already have a quilt top with gold hardware so I was happy to see that. No clue when it's supposed to ship though?
These are not the only manufacturers that make these guitars. Other brands are cranking out LP customs that are just a couple of upgrades short of being perfect replicas. It’s amazing how much cheaper than either Gibson or Epiphone they are. I have both Gibson and Epiphone LP’s and love em both. Saying that it pays to try out several Gibsons when your mind is set on getting one. I have a goldtop that I don’t get along with so much, so I don’t play it very often. I’m going to let it go and get one that I do get along with and will be much happier playing. Any way take care out there.
Just get the Epiphone, set it up well, mod it if you must, be a good player, get in a band, rehearse hard until you’re all super tight. Then go out and play lots and lots of bar and club gigs. People come out to have a great time and nobody knows or even cares about what brand you play in a club - only you do. In a live band mix, through pedals into a driven amp, into a mic and then onto desk, the subtleties of Epiphone vs Gibson are totally lost. With the extra money you saved buy a Marshall tube amp a couple Boss or MXR stomps to go with that Epiphone and you're totally good man and you still only spent under a third of what a fancy Gibson cost.
@@GeorgeVGuitars Me too, but I keep my Gibsons for home and recording. The rough does and clubs I gig in, a Gibson would get totally destroyed or stolen. Where I play many bars have no stage you’re at floor level in a corner and drunk people often feel it’s okay to come right up to talk to you as you play and they don’t see the mic stand and usually smack my mic into my face or my mic stand into my guitar or stand on top of my pedals. That said I’ve accidentally swung my guitar headstock into them once or twice too.
The cost is a huge concern with me. I have a hard time buying a Gibson, because of the price. I can't spend $2,000.00 for the name on the headstock, which leaves another $1,000.00 for the body, although it is a beautiful guitar.
There is a 2024 TH-cam video where the content creator compared the $1299 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom to the $5500 Gibson Les Paul Custom and the $799 Epiphone LP Custom. Using Spectrum Analysis, the spectrum analyzer’s visual display showed that the sustain coming from Gibson and the $1299 Epiphone are identical.
Great video and nice Sylosis riffs! I got strong urge to buy this Epi! If i bought Epi what would you suggest to most needed/ best bang for buck upgrades to make it as close to elite instrument as possible (aside from initial setup and fret levelling at tech) ?
I still love playing my Epiphone LP Custom I got a few months ago, but now it's starting to fall apart? 😮 One of the tone knobs has come off. And now I just discovered that the jack is loose. How are the knobs kept in place, with a glue? How can I tighten up the jack, I would have to remove the square-shaped plate it's on?
semi unrelated aging question here , i got a gibson standard heney burst , bought it new in 2017 . when it ages will the flame also disapear slightly ? or will the whole guitar just lose the reddish colour as i saw someone saying that red die in flame will resolve first due to exposure to uv ?
Great video. I personally believe that in 95% of all cases, the Gibson counterpart will never be 5-6 times better than the Epiphone version. BUT, for that last 5%, I’m talking about those special Gibson Les Paul’s. The ones that are seemingly imbued with magic, that resonate across the room and sustain forever. Sadly, they are getting increasingly harder to find, but still out there. I spent the better part of a year playing at least 200 Les Pauls, between all the stores in my city, as well as other people’s personal guitars. Both Epiphone and Gibson. And the Epiphones were mostly a much better deal than all the Gibsons, EXCEPT for a small handful of Gibson Les Pauls, mostly older ones, that were just phenomenal.
I gotta say, my Led Paul Custom would be in it's case, right beside me ON the bar if need be! No way would a guitar that expensive get out of my sight!!
Uhh is the epiphone good for me I just bought it today it’s my first guitar i don’t even know How to play would you say it’s good for a beginner that doesn’t want to spend 5k plus
Thank you for a very interesting video. I see people claiming they sound identical. No they don't. The Epi has a tighter low end, while the Gibson has a looser low end, but has a bit more top, esp. on the neck pickup. The Epi may have slightly higher output. However, I'm not sure the small difference justifies dishing out another 4200 $ for the Gibson, for the sound alone. If anything, I think the Epi sounds better than the Gibson, for the high gain, chugging stuff. The Gibson of course excels in the neck pickup bluesy moments.
It could be just through their audio device though. If they're listening without headphones from a phone speaker or using low quality headphones/speakers, they probably can't tell the difference
The Gibson ones have been getting sold out left to right because of a show called bocchi the rock. The Epiphone is looking better each day because of it if you really want a guitar with that exact kind of look. Even taking the big price difference into consideration.
Great video, I just have a doubt because in some sources I have seen that the Epiphone didn’t have the maple top, but what’s the truth then? Is it only in some cases (year producción)? Hope you Can guide me
As I understand it the 2020 Epi LP Custom ' Inspired by Gibson50's model' is all mahogany - no maple cap (same as the original 50's - maple caps appeared in '68 when Gibson re-introduced the Custom after stopping production in 59/60). So is this the 2022 Epi ,now with maple cap? I have a '68 Gibson Custom and have played the 2020 Epi a few times in the store recently - it's a lovely guitar, familiar feel to my Gibson but a bit darker tonewise (similar to your review model) but if I grab it I'll be putting in Monty's Underspun PAFs so no problem. Great comparison vid and you are so right about working musicians often preferring an Epi over a Gibson for gigs . . . unless you are travelling with road crew, guitar tech etc best to leave the Gibson at home - I certainly do. BTW - I bought the Epi Wino Custom and the Standard 59 with Gibson Pickups & wiring - both very nice guitars and I would recommend them to anyone! Thanks again!
Here's the epiphone modern figured Sg specs.. also been recently discontinued and on sale what's left..they are high end Epiphone Sgs.....The SG of the Future The SG Modern Figured from Epiphone's Inspired by Gibson™ Collection has the classic SG™ body profile made from mahogany and a maple cap with an AAA-figured maple veneer. Powered by a pair of Epiphone's ProBucker™ humbucker™ pickups with coil-splitting, phase switching, and a treble bleed circuit for a multitude of tones. It also features an ebony fingerboard, asymmetrical SlimTaper™ neck profile with contoured heel, world-class Grover® Locking Rotomatic® 18:1 ratio tuners, and a Graph Tech NuBone™ nut. Hardshell or EpiLite™ cases are sold separately.Body Style SG Body Shape SG Body Material Mahogany Top 3/4" Maple with AAA Flame Maple Veneer Body Finish GlossProfile Asymmetrical Slim Taper Scale Length 628.65 mm / 24.75 in Fingerboard Material Ebony Fingerboard Radius 304.8 mm / 12 in Fret Count 24 Frets Medium Jumbo Nut Material Graph Tech® Nut Width 43.0 mm / 1.692 in Inlays Trapezoid Joint Glued in, Set NeckFinish Nickel Bridge LockTone Tune-O-Matic Tailpiece LockTone Stop Bar Tuning Machines Grover locking Rotomatic; 18:1 Truss Rod Adjustable Control Knobs Clear Top Hats with Ridge Switch Tip Black Strap Buttons 2 - bottom and shoulder Pickup Covers NickelNeck Pickup ProBucker 2™ humbucker w/coil-splitting Bridge Pickup ProBucker-3™ humbucker w/coil-splitting Controls 2 Volume (2 Push/Pull coil-splits); 2 Tone (1 Push/Pull Phase) Pickup Selector 3-way Epiphone toggle Output Jack Epiphone Heavy Duty 1/4"
Great Video.. Could some kind sole advise me on an amp and a pedal for the Epiphone here please.. I would only use it at home, Sound wise i’m a fan of Mark Knophler, Jimmy Page and Gilmour and luv Rock and Indie.. Thanks for helping me to decide to go for the Epiphone..
I’ll bet the Epiphone plays and sounds better. PS. The headstock inlay is one-piece glued onto the headstock on both of them. Like a thick decal sheet. The distance between the lead pickup and the bridge should be measured edge of pole piece to the middle-most bridge saddle. The distance varies wildly on most Gibsons, Not to mention anything else. I’d play a Norlin late 70’s Custom with a thin 3-piece maple neck, volute, low and fat soft frets, 3 piece top, 2 piece body, beveled top over anything else they ever made. It’s a wonder they haven’t made a ‘78 LP Custom Reissue’ with choice of thin or thick neck. They’d sell billions. The prices of these guitars have went up way too high in a very small time period. I bought my first new Silverburst Custom in 1981 for $610.00 w/case and sales tax. That was a bit over 40% off retail list price.
Just bought a 2023 Ebony Epiphone Les Paul Custom. Fresh out of the box and tuned, it’s got a good bit of fret buzz at a few different strings/frets. I have done nothing but tune it. No professional set up. But my other guitars don’t have this problem and I haven’t really done set ups on them. Is that normal to have fret buzz on a new guitar out of the box (a few high/low frets when testing with a straight edge)? You mention getting a set-up, does that fix fret buzz if I found a few uneven frets rocking with a straight edge? Trying to decide on keeping or returning the guitar. Thanks!
After carefully watching the entire video, I have to say this was one of the most objective, honest and openminded comparisons of these guitars that I've ever seen. Your comments about using an Epiphone over a Gibson for playing out in gigs or jams were spot-on. I'm not scared to take my Epiphones out of the house into potentially risky situations, and sound- and appearance-wise they hold their own and most of our listeners would not notice or care about the subjective differences that we notice as players.
Being objective is not desirable in a review, comparison or a head to head which is what this video is titled and what it is about. The reviewer clearly states a preference and explains his reasons, he even brings in expertise for a second opinion and another perspective.
This video is excellent but it is NOT objective and not meant to be.
Which one from the two? Both. If you get the Epiphone, you will always crave for the Gibson headstock. But if you are a gigging musician who doesn't play at the Wembley stadium, just get the Epi and change the pick ups to your preference. Nobody from the audience will notice the difference in the sound, besides the few bedroom guitar players (like me). Nice video, btw.
Thank you, well said about the gigging musicians, my point exactly. 🤘🏻
Yeah sorry not sorry, I'm not a name chaser and the least of my concerns is the headstock. Hands down I'll take the Epi and still be able to afford the same appointments as the Gibson. It's the same as owning a pair of Nike's. There's no way in hell you're going to get 6x the value in your sound either.
@@devinsinderwitcz9134 The Epi is amazing
Basically : are you a snob who is bad with his financial decisions, or do you want a good instrument that's actually worth what it costs
@@omgdisfunny4852 I have 4 Gibson LP Customs 😳🖤
Absolutely nothing that would make me buy a Gibson over Epiphone. Don't get me wrong, I love Gibson Les Pauls, but for price versus function, I will always buy Epiphone.
Whatever makes you happy. People who can afford the Gibson would spend money for the Gibson though.
And do, for the tonal reasons you can hear immediately. But the feel is what matters. And you can't do that on a video.
You’re missing out. Greatly.
ONE THING makes me buy Gibson over Epiphone. That ugly effing Epiphone headstock. Like, for real. That thing is HORRIBLE.
On top of that, every Gibson made for at least the last decade has been plek'd so they all play flawlessly. Seriously, my action on the low E is 1.2 mm on ALL my Plek'd guitars. I could easily go as low as 1 mm but i abhor buzz. I suggest everyone gets it done on at least 1 of their guitars. It is expensive but SO worth it. I even have a skilled, highly rated, local luthier and the plek outperforms him hands down.
@@kdc420421 I personally think you just accurately rated the skills of your local luther as sub par. And COULD refer you to videos where paid professionals will easily admit that the plek is not better than well trained and practiced human being. We're still faster and cheaper too. So far.....
I know it might be me. I love the new Epi headstock better the the previous one, except on the customs. For some reason with the binding on the older headstock it looks cooler to me
It not a new headstock it's the original Epiphone designed headstock
I bought my 2007 Epiphone Les Paul Custom used from a reputable store for $400. Then I replaced the pickups (Suhr Thornbucker Alnico 4’s with split coils), the pots, wires, three-way switch, input jack, nut, bridge and tail piece, and purchased an Epiphone Les Paul case. All for under $700... installed. Now it's a great guitar for $1200 all in.
Thats exactly what I would do 🤘🏻
And how much is it worth now even after you did so much to it? About $300.
let’s see new ones are 800 dollars
used around six
I have this Epiphone LP. It’s amazing to play and it’s my go to guitar.
I took it to my local independent guitar store for a set up and they absolutely loved it!
Yeah they are great guitars 🤘🏻
@@GeorgeVGuitars I also very much appreciate the Sylosis demo!
@@nastyriffs 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
I have the koa one. It’s flawless. I just changed the tuners to locking one’s just because of preference. Pickups are good, get punch when using a tubescreamer.
Anyways, you have a great channel. Best reviews of guitars I have ever seen.
Thank you! I love how the Koa looks 👀 I am going to review one as soon as possible
I purchased the Epiphone Koa limited edition a couple months ago. I agree beautiful guitar. I have always played Charvel and Jackson. I Have always wanted a Les Paul but $$. Epiphone has came along way the last few years. The limited LP’s like ours comes with Grovers, great pick- ups etc. Anyway I sure do not regret buying it.
My 2023 has Grovers 😊
As much as I love a Gibson Les Paul Custom, I went with an Epiphone and am pretty happy with it, especially for getting at the $649 MSRP instead of $729 USD. Is it better than the Gibson? Nope. Does the superior material and craftsmanship justify the additional $5k? (White and Silverburst are $5.5k; Ebony is $5k) Nope. If you can afford the Gibson, more power to you. IMO, the Gibson version really shines on the clean tone on the neck pickup with some jazz-like fingerpicking on a tube amp like a Fender Reverb. I've wondered if it has to do with the drilled holes for the weight relief.
As far as touring/professional musicians, their amps and effects will really take away any of the differences in sound between the two and you can always replace the pickups in an Epiphone to actual Gibson 490/498's, 59's, etc. or quality aftermarket brands like Seymour Duncan, EMG, etc. Even change the pots/switches if need be. Still come out significantly cheaper than a Gibson if you need and/or choose to modify it.
If the headstock is that important to you, ok. That's your preference and there is nothing wrong with that. If you're looking to buy your first Gibson however, please do yourself a favor and play it in person first. They all cost the same, but are not made the same. Some are great out of the box, some need a lot of work (Extra $$$ to spend on top of a very high premium to begin with just to make it playable) and the QC isn't very consistent. More so for the USA line than the Custom Shop, but still. Play it first. There's nothing better than owning a good one. Owning a dud is gut wrenching.
Overall, this is an excellent and thorough comparison video between the two guitars.
I can agree with that 100%, A friend had a new Gibson Studio in the 90's...what a slug, that thing was a hunk of junk, no way would I have dropped over a grand (90's money) for that anchor....I had an Ibanez $300.00 max, played and sounded 100% better. That's why I was reluctant to get a Gibson, and opted for the Epi...would I like to have a Gibson Custom?, just because?...well of course....would I go buy one as a struggling musician...He** no!
@@barrykinard6096 My lone remaining Gibson is a 97 Studio that I've had since May 1998. After a little bit of love with a truss rod adjustment, intonation, etc. done by a professional, it is like playing a different guitar. It plays and sounds considerably better than any of my Epiphones. It does still need a new nut... That's the double edged sword. The "better" guitar needed more money put into it for a setup. But, now it is clearly the best one of my collection. I think the price was $899.99 at the time. Now they're around $1500. It would be a much harder sell now for me.
This is one of the best videos I’ve ever seen on guitars. EVER. Bravo.
Thank you 🤟🏻
I dont understand why no one notices that the cutaway is deeper (reach almost the 22 fret on real gibson) than epiphone (barely pass far than 21 fret). It is a "on purpose nerf" to the playability to the epiphone compared to the gibson, as they can do the exact shape, just in Asia with cheaper woods (as it is), for the same cost, but they prefer to generate this gap in capabilities of the guitar. Also this generates a difference in body shape that makes the epiphone less "desireable", because some people that loves real les pauls realizes that is something odd in shape, even if they don't know what's wrong. For me is so noticeable that it bother me so much i can't consider getting an epiphone just for this. Worth mentioning that also the left part of the body is less round or fluid, but at least they do it now closer to originals than a few years ago, since they changed the headstock to the newer one.
I never got why some les paul looked weird and then another ones looked better, like more rounded body, I thought it was the angle of the picture but thanks for this information.
Great video comparison. I’m happily going for the Epiphone, but in Alpine White. And will immediately swap the tuners for locking keystone style.
I will do the Alpine white sometime next week. Stay tuned 👀
I have had Gibson Les Paul standards for a long time. I recently bought an epiphone Les Paul custom to take anywhere i don’t want to take my gibsons, for instance a plane. The epiphone feels and looks cheap because it is. That’s why i bough it. However, i would not say it’s a bad guitar. It plays well and stays in tune. It’s reliable.
I bought this exact Epi when they came out in 2020, Fantastic guitar and as close to a Gibson Custom as you can get without going broke. Hard to beat it for the price and it is a jack of all trades.
Exactly
I bought this Epi about 6 months ago, I honestly can not imaging the Gibson being any better in any category...this Epi is a beast...paired up with my Boss Katana, it is a force to be reckoned with...I'd stand toe to toe with a Gibson any day.
@@barrykinard6096 same setup here, with a Katana MkII head and a 2x12 cab.
Correct. I played for years on an older all mahogany Epiphone les Paul Standard with Gibson 490/498 pick ups. It looked stunning with its picture perfect flame top (albeit only a veneer) but it played and sounded amazing.
@@johngee4306 Yeah the standards are amazing. Interesting combination, a Standard with the Custom pickups. I got to give it a try.
Great video! I recently got the Epiphone LP Custom as well and I love that guitar. One thing that you mentioned is that the Epi has a maple top but Epiphone's website doesn't mention that. I thought it as mahogany only.
It is mahogany only, but I needed proof. I reviewed the Alpine White as well. In that video it is clearly visible that the top is mahogany.
Since buying my Epi Custom a few months ago, I've watched a number of review and comparison videos, yours is hands down the best I've seen, and congratulations on that! 😊
I bought the Epiphone version second-hand ( in great condition!) for €550 and was blown away with the quality. I have two Gibson Les Paul Standards (50s and 60s models, also bought second-hand) so for an outlay of around €3,550 in total I have THREE quality LPs for far less than the price of a Gibson Les Paul Custom. If I owned the real thing I'd be far too worried about it getting damaged or stolen.
Thank you! Yeah the Gibby Custom could be an overkill for a lot of gigs. You got soke great guitars there.
Congrats on owning 3 Les Pauls. I recommend that you check out the new line of premium Epiphones - the Inspired by Gibson Custom. For US$1,299 you get higher-quality Epiphones with proper and period-correct Gibson Custom specs (ie, Gibson USA pickups, CTS, Switchcraft, Mallory electronics, Grover’s, real mother of pearl inlays, etc). It’s really a lot of guitar for the money. I already have 4 Epiphone Les Pauls. But, since this new line came out, I bought 2 Les Pauls and 1 ES-355. They are that good!
Great comparison! I have an ebony epiphone les paul custom. It has the wilkinson tuners. I was surprised because the epiphone website says they are grover. Good to hear they are still of similar quality!
Yeah, don't worry the Wilkinsons are great.
I absolutely love mine. Even more so when you consider I'm a lefty, and never would have expected this to be offered in a left handed version. I already have the black and the white is on order. Excellent video and fantastic comparison.
Nice! I'm gonna review the white one as well in a few days 👀
Not to mention the poly finish that I love that is on the epiphone.
I recently bought the Burny 57 Black Beauty version with 3 pickups a solid mahogany body like the original Customs, and a Bigsby, great guitar!
Has the correct headstock, Grover tuners and accurate small post bridge!
Had planned to do a number of upgrades but the guitar plays and sounds so damn good I haven’t got around to it!
I am going to review a 89-90 Burny in Alpine White this week, and compare it to an Alpine White Custom Gibson👀
@@GeorgeVGuitars Nice, I’ll be sure to catch it!
The most eye opening part is I started this video while still getting my “relax area” setup and kept waiting for him to change guitars. Turns out he already did, and since I wasn’t focusing on it so heavily and I’m not familiar with yet I didnt even notice.Thats probably how most people who listen to music would feel too, the higher quality only matters to the player.
@@thegreattrapofthewest9609 Exactly 🖤🤘🏻
Thank you for your honest opinion. It’s September 2024 as I write this comment and the internet has been buzzing since Spring 2024 as Epiphone releases a new batch of Inspired by Gibson premium guitars in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop. For $500 more (which to me is reasonable) you get the proper Gibson open book headstock along with proper and period correct Gibson specs like pickups, electronics, wiring, wood, real mother of pearl, fretboards, hardware etc etc. Plus a premium hard shell case with an Epiphone-Gibson Custom commemorative logo, that is also on the guitar. Since this new line came out, I already bought both black and white LP Customs and the 1959 ES-355 in Ebony. Because they are that good!
@@mr3klax Good choice man. I got the Adam Jones open book epi and the Greeny. Yes they are good, but again, far from the Gibson.
I Bought my first electric guitar on 03/21/23 at 63 years old. Yes, I bought the Epiphone in silver burst. I paid $799 at Guitar Center. I like going to guitar center, it is a fun place to shop. I am a keyboardist and have10 different keyboard. I also have a Ibanex AEG70 acoustic electric and am also leased. I am pleased with this guitar (so I'll see how it holds out and maybe buy another electric, but I want to buy two more keyboards. Later. Good video..
That goes to show its never too late to start playing electric. Good choice the Silverburst. I will try to review on e of them soon. Keep on Rocking, Molo! 🤟🏻
First difference is the price, and second the Nashville bridge with the head screws more easy to reach. For metal there's no other differences. If you want a music tool buy whatever is on your budget (+ case cost for the epi). If your are a collector and you have the money...
I have a Gibson LP Custom and I ordered an Epiphone LP custom that I will be picking up today. I expect the poly finish will be better on the Epiphone but the woodwork and frets will be better on the Gibson.
Poly and Nitro are two different things. There is no way that the Epi has anything better than the Gibson. You probably mean that you prefer Poly as a personal choice.
Great review! My Viper blue Epiphone should be here in a day or so. I never thought it would be on par with a real Gibson, i couldn't be happier!
Enjoy!
You can buy 9 Epiphone LPC 's for the price of one Gibson LPC. Believe me, I love Gibson and would absolutely prefer one, but after tax, the Gibson is $7990. Way too much for my income!
My first impression is that Epi has more mid range in the Probucker 3.
I bought a 2016 Epiphone LP Custom, DiMarzio pick-ups, ebony with the chrome pick guard..... It's beautiful, plays fantastic.... $600 used I paid..... I love the heavyness of it..... In the 80s I had a Gibson Les Paul custom and I am very satisfied with this Epiphone 👍🏻
Nice. I also have a 2012 Epiphone Les Paul Custom in cherryburst with 3 stock DiMarzio pickups. This is the Limited Edition Ace Frehley Budokan made by the Epiphone Custom Shop in Qingdao, China. My luthier installed a bone nut and Graphtech graphite bridge saddles, leveled and crowned the frets and set it up. He left the electronics & wiring stock as they are premium brand. The binding has yellowed but the finish is still flawless given its polyurethane. It looks, feels, plays and sounds great. I was a big KISS fan in my HS days.
the epiphone is such an awesome guitar, can’t decide between this and the goldtop. also the epiphone les paul custom has an all mahogany body no maple cap!
Yes I have confirmed the no maple cap
thing in my white LP custom review
Another subtle thing I’m noticing is that the body on the epiphone looks a little different than the Gibson. Like it’s the same shape but they don’t use the same template. To me the horn on the epiphone looks fat where as the Gibson horn looks much more pointy and defined
Yep, you are spot on. They both have a slightly different body, mostly the horn shape and the top carve is substantially different too
@@aureliusandthespiral I thought so. The devils in the details between Gibson and Epiphone.
Yep alight differences like the pickups and bridge spacing.
this is one hell of a detailed comparison I ever saw in TH-cam.... you give lot of Troglys guitar vibe too
I owned the Epiphone Les Paul Custom in Alpine White. I liked it a lot, but then I bought the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Adam Jones (Veil of Bees). It's easily the best Epiphone I've ever owned.
Yeah the Veil looks amazing. Hopefully I will review one.
Me too, I just bought "The Berseker". I'm in love with it
Maybe you should consider this :
1. Different horn/single cut body shape, the Epi is shallower, the Gibson has deeper cut. Gibson patent reason maybe
2. Different fretboard length, the core is longer, does it affect to the neck pickup tone?
3. Different headstock angle
4. Different neck joint construction, I see this in Epiphone factory tour
True
@@GeorgeVGuitars hopefully the next video, another Epi & the core version comparison
@@joythemountisland Core version?
@@GeorgeVGuitars the Gibson
te felicito , es la mejor comparación que he visto, y coincido en tus conclusiones, el audio es terriblemente parecido en la grabación , se que en vivo en la habitación y tocandolas , se nota la diferencia y sin enchufar la resonancia es muy diferente, yo poseo una custom shop black del 2007 y me compraría esa epiphone también , para tocar en show en pub y se escucharia fantastica, es mas hoy en día llevo a los pub una epiphone genesis de 1980 y soy feliz con su sonido (ahunque aca las diferencias son mucho menores con la custom, casi imperceptible) pero no corro el riesgo que me roben la custom shop, muchas gracias por el video , excelente
I am glad u like it 🤘🏻
I had an old Epiphone Genesis years ago. I agree it was great.
Problem with the gibbo is that after shelling out €4000 I’d still want new BKP pups and ABM brass bridge and aluminium stop bar, so that’s another €600 on top of the axe… I reckon I’d go epi then mod to my heart’s content . Gibson only offering ebony on 4 grand customs is a shocker imo..
If you ate willing to pay 4000$ another 600$ shouldn't bother you that much.
I have the Bonnamossa Epiphone black beauty, and it’s amazing. I especially love the “Peter Green” out of phase pickup setting. The expensive guitars are for the studio. I have a Chibson Gold Top Les Paul, and no one knows the difference live. The only guitar I demanded that had to be American was my telecaster.
I have to review one of those
Completely agree on the Tele part. There is a big difference going from USA and MIM models. I actually bought (for giggles) a Chapman tele style ax, and even after set up, pu change, etc... I still dislike it. Main issue I have is because the tuners are on the bottom side of the headstock and difficult to tune on the fly. But I have a hard time pulling my 69' original Fender tele from the case in fear of bumping something with it. I do like the epiphone LP models though.
@@robertsoulier4736 I have a custom shop tele, I’ve played it for a couple of live shows, but mainly reserve for studio use.
I have Gibson and Epiphone......the difference is mostly material rarity.....You won't lose a dime on a Gibson, they are effortless to Trade or Sell, almost like Gold or Silver.....and that's important for some people who get bored, and Buy and Sell often. Epiphone is a great guitar, and you can score them cheap used....but the negative is they don't retain much value....a $700 guitar is generally going to bring around Half of that....when someone Buys an Epiphone, they want it Cheap, the buyer has the leverage......when you're selling a Gibson, the seller usually has the leverage.
Just recently, I took delivery of a 2023 Ebony Epiphone Les Paul Custom. It came with Grover tuners and as you know, now costs $799. I've been playing it practically every day and I love it. I always wished I could have an Ebony Gibson Les Paul Custom, but could not afford the price. Several months ago another guitar player told me I could not go wrong with the new Epiphone LP Customs. I had no idea Epiphone had created a new "Inspired by Gibson" LP Custom. I went to stores and tried them out and watched numerous video reviews of them here on TH-cam. This video from George V has to be the best, and most thorough review I've seen of the guitar and was definitely an influence on my decision to buy it. I knew Epiphone had made LP Customs for years, but I was never that enthused about them until I heard about the "Inspired by Gibson" series. Even though this video points out the guitar is made of a lower grade Mahogany wood, that did not dampen my enthusiasm for it (I've also seen that it's all mahogany with no maple). And I do not mind having pearloid block inlays instead of mother-of-pearl. I'm primarily a drummer, so maybe my ears are untrained, but I could not tell any difference between the pickups on the Gibson and the Epiphone. Mine came with Gibson strings, which felt quite different from what I'm used to, but of course, those can - and will - be changed. Out of the box, I noticed there was no buzzing from the strings, and the neck is pretty straight. I thought there was supposed to be a bit of a curve to necks, or is that personal preference? This video states their guitar did not have a set up, and I'm wondering, even though mine plays well, is a set up still recommended?
I am glad I could help you with your choice. The Epi Custom is great value for the money. Yes I recommend you bring it to a proper guitar tech as soon as possible.
This comparison is by far the best on TH-cam. Have you done the Paul Reed Smith core singlecut vs the S2 series? Please do if you haven't. Thanks for posting!
Thank you. I haven't done any PRS guitars but I plan to. Thank you for the idea!
Wilkinsons on my 22 Epiphone Custom. Feels just like Grovers.
Yep, they are absolutely identical
These two come down to want and need. You want the Gibson, it's the prestigious thing to own and something to aspire to. It signals that you have arrived in life and as a guitar player. But unless you have the money to buy a custom like most do an epi, which is mostly famous musicians, there's a good chance you would not want to gig it. And that's where the epi comes into play. The Epi is a guitar you upgrade with pickups and customization, and you gig with it. It is meant to be affordable and easily replaced, although these days, these customs are on the lower end of that midrange bracket and are more expensive than the lower-end mim fenders. That's the guitar you need as a working guitar player or even a bedroom player because that's what will form the foundation of your collection, whether that be your first guitar or second after your bad starter guitar. From there, you get a good head and cab, and you have a great rig to build on. Over time, you can upgrade to a Gibson if you like or buy something else entirely, and you always have that LP sound to fall back on when you need it or something reliable to take to gigs that you are not afraid of hurting. Of course, if you need something more prestigious, you can always spend more and get a Tokai, which tends to be a higher quality guitar but essentially will serve the same purpose as the epi in a given collection. At that point, you want it because it's a two-piece body and a one-piece neck and is built to a standard that is arguably higher than standard-line Gibson. I hadn't realized these were built with two-piece bodies when the Koa ones are 3 pieces. I think these are probably going to be 3 piece back and 2 or 3 piece top with a 3 piece neck. As long as it's done well, it doesn't really matter. Besides, there are people paying thousands for '70s Gibsons, which aren't any better if we're being honest and are probably worse guitars overall... These are good for the money and make a great first nice guitar.
I'd also add that youtube never accounts for the differences in feel and the dynamics of the instrument you can only hear sound. While one doesn't seem thousands more expensive on sound alone the quality of materials, acoustic dynamics and resonance which translates through the pickups and feel are what you pay for. That being said as long as the epiphone is setup well with nice low action and super easy to play its all you'll ever need. Not every Gibson, for example, has the qualities of the custom shop guitars that this LPC has, and when you buy a dead Gibson for thousands, that is a problem that only a quick sale on reverb can solve.
while the Kalamazoo headstock is much better than the old one, they really should just give them full open-book headstocks, at least on the customs. They did it with the greeny, and it didn't look right to me; the custom would be better, I think. If people can't afford to buy a Gibson, they shouldn't have to suffer for it; this is not a problem with Gretsch guitars, which even have the name on the headstock of their lowest prices models, which these will never have... it would be nice tbh. On top of that, because customs are out of the price range of even standard Gibson, it really should have the full headstock because it would be the only LP custom that's accessible. That being said, the current headstock isn't so bad, and it's a good-looking thing; it could always be much worse, after all as the last one was terrible. I think it looks good on the custom with the binding but not so much without it. And it definitely looks better than the full headstock on the greeny. That whole 'custom shop line' is a bunch of bull shit, and it's not really anything special. like they put in some nice pickups and cut out 2 pieces of wood in the construction, then charged double the price for the 1959. It's a joke...They should just build those guitars in Japan like they used to back in the day.
"while the Kalamazoo headstock is much better than the old one, they really should just give them full open-book headstocks, at least on the customs. "
You're going to get your wish next month!
Good point
Whatever gets you playing is the only factor…I love Gibsons but can’t justify the price difference…especially with the new inspired by Gibson epi stuff. They are great for playing at home and studio. I love both.
Yeah the Epis are great
I have that epiphone 2022 and i have a 78 les paul custom. The epi is nice but needs some work. My 78 plays like the day I bought it used.
Hell yes! We added Gibson pups to our black Epi Custom...then sold the Gibson faded 2018 Les Paul. Salute!
Man got the taste for Sylosis riffs
I think ill just shop around for a Studio Gibson. Not that much more expensive than the Epiphone Custom, and you're getting a Gibson. Also, I'm a TN native, believing that there is something to be said for supporting the local economy.
Opening riff sylosis already loving this video
🤘🏻
Very good review and honest comparison. 👍 Thank you.
Even the old Epiphone LP Custom had already a great playability, but not comparable with the Gibson LP Custom and with the former entry level models by Gibson (such LP Studio Worn) either.
Nevertheless Epiphone's quality has been improved over the years, so the guitars of this brand are nowadays a great value: not only "good for the money", but more for the money.
Thanks for watching! 🤘🏻
@@GeorgeVGuitars You're welcome.
Excellent review and comparison!👍
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If you could it would be nice to put together comparison of epi custom, epi wino custom and gibson custom. For me the main diference in sound is in pickups. Betwen epi wino custom bridge sound and gibson custom bridge sound is no diference. Your comparisons are the best I've seen on yt. Go on.
Maybe sometime in the future. Good idea
I have 7 or so Epiphones (Korean) and most have been converted with Gibson USA parts. Black beauty 3 pups. White one florentine Epi, as well as others. All of my headstocks are all gibson open book with gibson truss rod cover with double binding.
Wow! That’s interesting. Did you mean to say you have seven (7) Epiphone guitars all made in Korea? And they all have the Gibson-style ‘open book’ headstock?
I bought the Epiphone Les Paul Custom and fell in love with it. As often is the case, if/when I buy an Epiphone it just makes me inescapably want the Gibson version. I bought a Gibson CS LP Custom. I loved everything about the guitar except the 490/498 pick ups. In my opinion those pickups are far too harsh, sharp, and my bridge pickup squealed while palm muting under moderate gain. I ended up scoring a pair of Gibson pickups out of a Murphy Lap '68 reissue. I put those pick ups in LP Custom and OMG. I'm now convinced I have the Best LP ever made. I only own Gibson Custom Shop guitars and some of the others is significantly more expensive and fancy, but my LP Custom with the '68 RI pickups is by far the Best guitar I've ever owned.
Awesome video. super thorough! Thank you!
I just learned to play the guitar and they both sound great, too bad I can't afford to buy one
I couldn't afford one when I started. Now I have 5. You just have to want it strong enough.
Great video. The Gibson does sound a bit more meatier and mid focused which I personally like. I'd get the Epiphone and replace the pickups with the Gibson's pickups or similar.
That would be coll
I'd love to hear both guitars with the pickups switched for comparison. It could be the Gibson's build and materials that are contributing to the richer tone, so don't be surprised if the 490/498's don't sound quite the same in the Epi.
@@beamifrend Definitely. Wood and construction matter
The 490R is a little more clear on cleans compared to the epi PB2, and that's about it.
I take it back, the 498T gives a little more clarity between the strings when you bang a treble chord distorted.
But still. 490R/498T's are relatively cheap combos to get off of reverb.
I've got an epiphone 1959 LP with 490R/T and a jimmy page push-pull harness and it's fabulous in every way pretty much.
Scary (for gibson)
Why would it be scary for Gibson, Epiphone is a Gibson brand, it is not a competitor (not since 1957 that is). The more guitars are sold under the Epiphone name, the more money Gibson makes.
@@renek243 it's only an assumed win for gibson. If epiphone becomes too good at cost there is little incentive beyond brand recognition to buy one. That's why it's more than a little scary for gibson USA.
Very very good review! Best and very thorough ever comparison. That pickup position difference was new info for me. If epiphone would make LP Custom with thicker neck shape, I would seriously consider buying one, I just cant stand slim taper neck profile with my big hand. I have epi Joe Bonamassa Amos Flying V and that has very nice thick 50’s neck that I really like.
Yeah I suppose you prefer the 50s necks. 🤘🏻
You do know Customs DO NOT have maple caps, right? The new AJ sig from Epiphone has maple top, but generally customs don't. Just sold an Epiphone LP custom silverburst and it's solid mahogany.
Yeah I know, but after having solid proof in my Alpine White review ;)
@@GeorgeVGuitars don't know what that means. You might think it's maple, but it's just a bunch of mahogany chunks.
@@andrewbecker3700 Watch at the four minute 35 sec mark in this viseo th-cam.com/video/IurItt_-xyo/w-d-xo.html
I built my 97 L P studio after the custom. Bought it used with 496/500 pups. Changed pots to CTS 500K and used Garrett cloth wiring in a 50's style. 011 caps, Switchcraft switch and jack. Then on top used Kluson locking tuners, Tusc XL nut, Tonespro locking bridge ,alum tailpiece. Now after a few yrs of working this guitar the wear and tear look some what cool in 1 way and pretty disgusting in another.
Undoubtedly the best review yet to date, Excellent !!! 🇺🇲😎🎸🇺🇲
Thank you, glad you enjoyed 🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸🤘🏻
Already own a 76 Les Paul Custom but there is zero relief left in the neck so I will be picking a white Epi to play live. Such little difference in the overdrive tones. I'll be swapping electronics and pickups anyway.
The both still need Seymour Duncan’s so for the money I’d just go with the epi
i genuinely cannot hear the difference and with the 4.5 grand difference I'm going to buy the epiphone one. Thank you so much for the video. Helped the decision a lot!
Sylosis at the start was a nice surprise c:
Fun riff 🤘🏻😳
i bought a epi around 2007 built in korea, change to les paul burstbucker 3, push pull pot , bigsby and 50's wiring. now sound better than stock
Excellent video! Well done.
Thank you Dr Jekyll, I wonder what Hyde thinks about it 👀
Amazing video!!! After watching I feel like some minor EQ work on the amp you could make these sound even closer.
I pre ordered the Sweetwater viper blue LP custom yesterday. Nickel hardware, I already have a quilt top with gold hardware so I was happy to see that. No clue when it's supposed to ship though?
These are not the only manufacturers that make these guitars. Other brands are cranking out LP customs that are just a couple of upgrades short of being perfect replicas. It’s amazing how much cheaper than either Gibson or Epiphone they are. I have both Gibson and Epiphone LP’s and love em both. Saying that it pays to try out several Gibsons when your mind is set on getting one. I have a goldtop that I don’t get along with so much, so I don’t play it very often. I’m going to let it go and get one that I do get along with and will be much happier playing. Any way take care out there.
Good point
I purchased the Gibson Custom Les Paul 26 years ago for $2500. The prices has doubled in that time.
Yes they have. And they are only going to go up.
Just get the Epiphone, set it up well, mod it if you must, be a good player, get in a band, rehearse hard until you’re all super tight. Then go out and play lots and lots of bar and club gigs. People come out to have a great time and nobody knows or even cares about what brand you play in a club - only you do. In a live band mix, through pedals into a driven amp, into a mic and then onto desk, the subtleties of Epiphone vs Gibson are totally lost. With the extra money you saved buy a Marshall tube amp a couple Boss or MXR stomps to go with that Epiphone and you're totally good man and you still only spent under a third of what a fancy Gibson cost.
Those are all valid points but I already got 5 of the Gibson LPC's. I guess it's too late for me :/
@@GeorgeVGuitars Me too, but I keep my Gibsons for home and recording. The rough does and clubs I gig in, a Gibson would get totally destroyed or stolen. Where I play many bars have no stage you’re at floor level in a corner and drunk people often feel it’s okay to come right up to talk to you as you play and they don’t see the mic stand and usually smack my mic into my face or my mic stand into my guitar or stand on top of my pedals. That said I’ve accidentally swung my guitar headstock into them once or twice too.
The cost is a huge concern with me. I have a hard time buying a Gibson, because of the price. I can't spend $2,000.00 for the name on the headstock, which leaves another $1,000.00 for the body, although it is a beautiful guitar.
To each his own. You pretty much get what u pay for in both cases. The good news is both are good.
Headstock shape is the reason i would prefer gibson, put that headstock shape to epiphone i am gonna buy all of them
Yeah
Great complete video. 👍
Thank you 👍
There is a 2024 TH-cam video where the content creator compared the $1299 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom to the $5500 Gibson Les Paul Custom and the $799 Epiphone LP Custom. Using Spectrum Analysis, the spectrum analyzer’s visual display showed that the sustain coming from Gibson and the $1299 Epiphone are identical.
@@mr3klax They are not the same guitar man. The Open book epis are the best epis, but stil a long way to go to the gibson feel.
Great video. Thank you sir. Well done.
🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Great video and nice Sylosis riffs! I got strong urge to buy this Epi!
If i bought Epi what would you suggest to most needed/ best bang for buck upgrades to make it as close to elite instrument as possible (aside from initial setup and fret levelling at tech) ?
Swap the bridge and right away for tone pros, schaller or grover. New nut and fret leveling.
I still love playing my Epiphone LP Custom I got a few months ago, but now it's starting to fall apart? 😮 One of the tone knobs has come off. And now I just discovered that the jack is loose. How are the knobs kept in place, with a glue? How can I tighten up the jack, I would have to remove the square-shaped plate it's on?
Just pull the pot cap. Yea insvrew the jack playe. I would just replace it, the stock one is crap
semi unrelated aging question here , i got a gibson standard heney burst , bought it new in 2017 . when it ages will the flame also disapear slightly ? or will the whole guitar just lose the reddish colour as i saw someone saying that red die in flame will resolve first due to exposure to uv ?
Not sure, check out aged reissues or examples from the 50s. Its gonna take quite some time tho, 2017 is relatively new.
Great video. I personally believe that in 95% of all cases, the Gibson counterpart will never be 5-6 times better than the Epiphone version.
BUT, for that last 5%, I’m talking about those special Gibson Les Paul’s. The ones that are seemingly imbued with magic, that resonate across the room and sustain forever.
Sadly, they are getting increasingly harder to find, but still out there.
I spent the better part of a year playing at least 200 Les Pauls, between all the stores in my city, as well as other people’s personal guitars. Both Epiphone and Gibson.
And the Epiphones were mostly a much better deal than all the Gibsons, EXCEPT for a small handful of Gibson Les Pauls, mostly older ones, that were just phenomenal.
Good point
I gotta say, my Led Paul Custom would be in it's case, right beside me ON the bar if need be! No way would a guitar that expensive get out of my sight!!
See thats the thing... you can never fully relax
Uhh is the epiphone good for me I just bought it today it’s my first guitar i don’t even know
How to play would you say it’s good for a beginner that doesn’t want to spend 5k plus
Thank you for a very interesting video. I see people claiming they sound identical. No they don't. The Epi has a tighter low end, while the Gibson has a looser low end, but has a bit more top, esp. on the neck pickup. The Epi may have slightly higher output. However, I'm not sure the small difference justifies dishing out another 4200 $ for the Gibson, for the sound alone. If anything, I think the Epi sounds better than the Gibson, for the high gain, chugging stuff. The Gibson of course excels in the neck pickup bluesy moments.
🤘🏻
It could be just through their audio device though. If they're listening without headphones from a phone speaker or using low quality headphones/speakers, they probably can't tell the difference
I see the difference but how do you quantify it into that difference in price? I can't. 500 to 5000, I just don't get it.
For me it is a no-brainer, Gibson all the way.
The Gibson ones have been getting sold out left to right because of a show called bocchi the rock. The Epiphone is looking better each day because of it if you really want a guitar with that exact kind of look. Even taking the big price difference into consideration.
Yeah so I heard, about that show 🤣
Amazing deep review, it would be nice to compare with the Schecter Solo II and the Eastman SB59V/B.
Great video, I just have a doubt because in some sources I have seen that the Epiphone didn’t have the maple top, but what’s the truth then? Is it only in some cases (year producción)? Hope you Can guide me
It doesnt have the maple top. The Matt Heafy Custom has it
As I understand it the 2020 Epi LP Custom ' Inspired by Gibson50's model' is all mahogany - no maple cap (same as the original 50's - maple caps appeared in '68 when Gibson re-introduced the Custom after stopping production in 59/60). So is this the 2022 Epi ,now with maple cap? I have a '68 Gibson Custom and have played the 2020 Epi a few times in the store recently - it's a lovely guitar, familiar feel to my Gibson but a bit darker tonewise (similar to your review model) but if I grab it I'll be putting in Monty's Underspun PAFs so no problem. Great comparison vid and you are so right about working musicians often preferring an Epi over a Gibson for gigs . . . unless you are travelling with road crew, guitar tech etc best to leave the Gibson at home - I certainly do. BTW - I bought the Epi Wino Custom and the Standard 59 with Gibson Pickups & wiring - both very nice guitars and I would recommend them to anyone! Thanks again!
Thank you. I will double check about the maple cap when I review the Alpine White Epi next week. You sir, have an excellent taste in guitars 🤘🏻
coincido en todo contigo por experiencia propia
0:50 somebody's been practicing I see 👀👀
Barely 🤣
Omg this riff at 38:13! Are there any tabs?
Nah, but it is pretty easy to see what he is doing. Just rewind and try, and use your ears 👂🏻👀
Последното нещо, което очаквах да чуя в това демо беше Sylosis! Благодаря за якото видео!!
Еее как бе, Джош е бивш ползвател на черен Custom, даже е в клипа на Empyreal. Thank you, thank you радвам се, че те кефи.
I prefer the Gibson sound but very close. Have a a epiphone LP with semore Duncan’s love it. All about the budget and personal preference
SD 59 ?
They sound identical!
Pretty close yeah
Put in in a mix and not even the biggest tone snob couldn't tell which is which
Yeah, pretty much
Here's the epiphone modern figured Sg specs.. also been recently discontinued and on sale what's left..they are high end Epiphone Sgs.....The SG of the Future
The SG Modern Figured from Epiphone's Inspired by Gibson™ Collection has the classic SG™ body profile made from mahogany and a maple cap with an AAA-figured maple veneer. Powered by a pair of Epiphone's ProBucker™ humbucker™ pickups with coil-splitting, phase switching, and a treble bleed circuit for a multitude of tones. It also features an ebony fingerboard, asymmetrical SlimTaper™ neck profile with contoured heel, world-class Grover® Locking Rotomatic® 18:1 ratio tuners, and a Graph Tech NuBone™ nut. Hardshell or EpiLite™ cases are sold separately.Body Style
SG
Body Shape
SG
Body Material
Mahogany
Top
3/4" Maple with AAA Flame Maple Veneer
Body Finish
GlossProfile
Asymmetrical Slim Taper
Scale Length
628.65 mm / 24.75 in
Fingerboard Material
Ebony
Fingerboard Radius
304.8 mm / 12 in
Fret Count
24
Frets
Medium Jumbo
Nut Material
Graph Tech®
Nut Width
43.0 mm / 1.692 in
Inlays
Trapezoid
Joint
Glued in, Set NeckFinish
Nickel
Bridge
LockTone Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece
LockTone Stop Bar
Tuning Machines
Grover locking Rotomatic; 18:1
Truss Rod
Adjustable
Control Knobs
Clear Top Hats with Ridge
Switch Tip
Black
Strap Buttons
2 - bottom and shoulder
Pickup Covers
NickelNeck Pickup
ProBucker 2™ humbucker w/coil-splitting
Bridge Pickup
ProBucker-3™ humbucker w/coil-splitting
Controls
2 Volume (2 Push/Pull coil-splits); 2 Tone (1 Push/Pull Phase)
Pickup Selector
3-way Epiphone toggle
Output Jack
Epiphone Heavy Duty 1/4"
Great Video.. Could some kind sole advise me on an amp and a pedal for the Epiphone here please.. I would only use it at home, Sound wise i’m a fan of Mark Knophler, Jimmy Page and Gilmour and luv Rock and Indie.. Thanks for helping me to decide to go for the Epiphone..
Check out the VOX an Orange modelling for around 300$
@@GeorgeVGuitars Thanks mate..
Great review :) subscribed :) This place looks familiar, is it in Sofia?
Yep Music Division Mini. Have we met 👀
@@GeorgeVGuitars yeah 🙂 I bought guitar bridge a couple of months ago there😀
@@andrewalbu Ah yeah, I remember. Come by again sometime 🍺
I’ll bet the Epiphone plays and sounds better.
PS. The headstock inlay is one-piece glued onto the headstock on both of them. Like a thick decal sheet.
The distance between the lead pickup and the bridge should be measured edge of pole piece to the middle-most bridge saddle.
The distance varies wildly on most Gibsons,
Not to mention anything else.
I’d play a Norlin late 70’s Custom with a thin 3-piece maple neck, volute, low and fat soft frets, 3 piece top, 2 piece body, beveled top over anything else they ever made.
It’s a wonder they haven’t made a ‘78 LP Custom Reissue’ with choice of thin or thick neck. They’d sell billions.
The prices of these guitars have went up way too high in a very small time period.
I bought my first new Silverburst Custom in 1981 for $610.00 w/case and sales tax. That was a bit over 40% off retail list price.
Yep my 76" Custom seems to be the most comfortable to me. I love the volute.
It was awesome getting Les Pauls for almost half price in the 70s and 80s!!
Also notice the space between the bridge-pickup and the bridge.... i can stuck a finger in this gap on my €piphone while i can't on my Gibson.
Yep, exactly
Just bought a 2023 Ebony Epiphone Les Paul Custom. Fresh out of the box and tuned, it’s got a good bit of fret buzz at a few different strings/frets. I have done nothing but tune it. No professional set up. But my other guitars don’t have this problem and I haven’t really done set ups on them. Is that normal to have fret buzz on a new guitar out of the box (a few high/low frets when testing with a straight edge)? You mention getting a set-up, does that fix fret buzz if I found a few uneven frets rocking with a straight edge? Trying to decide on keeping or returning the guitar. Thanks!
Yep that is pretty usual. Even if you return it the next one might be the same. Best give it to a guitar tech for fret levelling.
@@GeorgeVGuitars thanks for the quick reply. I’ll see what they say