"Very few people are going to play a les paul custom clean" very true but VERY sad. The LP custom clean tone is, in my opinion, one of the most over looked and underrated clean tones!
Nothing cooler than coming across an older guy that loves and appreciates guitars as much as I do you remind me a lot of my grandad God rest his soul. You’ve got a new subscriber!
Awesome guitar, awesome playing! Man, you are so down to earth! Some would say you are "real" You have some honest opinions about guitar matters and it is very refreshing among all the other guitar TH-camrs, no hype, just honest reviews. Keep up the great work, keep those excellent chops exercised.
Why wouldn’t he be down to earth? “Some would say you’re real”? Do you think he’s some sort of superstar? Maybe it’s cos your mother shat you put and left you lying beside a skip
Great video! I recently purchased the Jerry Cantrell Epiphone LP Custom and I am blown away by it. I own two Gibson LP Custom Shop guitars as well so I’m comparing it to those. The ebony fingerboard is amazing. The Epiphone pickups are excellent and don’t need replacing unless you’re going for a specific pickup. Even the hard shell case is impressive. I think I can finally say that an Epiphone Les Paul is a serious alternative to a Gibson.
Cheers Rob, good to hear from you on the matter… people wont believe it but yes it’s true they are a serious affordable alternative. I keep looking at wino still and may yet get one! 😆👍
Ah, thank you Colin, I always get a thrill when hearing my name mentioned on TH-cam 🤣👍. And I agree wholeheartedly with your summary around whether or not to sink loads of cash into a Custom Shop. Congrats on the new guitar, it’s stunning. Even when you played it clean, there was a lovely warmth to the tone…. You’re a gentleman Colin, happy noodling on that new beast!
I, too, am a guitar addict. My Epiphone Les Paul Custom is ebony, though I also love the Alpine White. Over the years I have owned three Gibson LPs (not Custom) plus two previous Epiphone LPs. None of them measured up to this Epi Custom. It will be with me for life.
I got one of these almost two years ago. It's pretty much flawless out of the box. The ebony fretboard is an amazing piece of wood. The tuners are impressive. It easily rivals my 60s Les Paul. I am considering upgrading the pickups, though stock are excellent. The gold on the tailpiece and pickup has rubbed off a bit. Thanks for the review!
the "gold" comes off fairly easy with sweat and heat.. i have this as well on my sg custom (epi) doesn t bother me much..it plays like a charm. and i have "reliced" it myself...:)
i put Gold 490r/498t gibson pickups in my Epi LP alpine custom, and i have seymor duncan P-rails in my my ebony LP custom try Nailbombs for a metal hardness and 490r/498t for versatility
I bet a lot of people would say the Stratocaster is the most versatile electric guitar but I have always wanted a Les Paul Custom. The custom can do any genre of music and sounds great. Jazz, blues, rock, fusion, punk, metal. You name it.
Inspired by James Dean Bradfield, I bought an Epiphone white Les Paul custom in 1999 as my first guitar. Although it now lives amongst other more expensive guitars I still reach for it. The neck and fretboard are wonderful. It’s had a pickup change over the years but it’ll always be my favourite guitar.
Being around in 77 when I was 13 it was Mick Jones and Steve Jones who made me want to pick up the guitar in the first place....but I have been a big Manics fan since they burst on the scene over 30 years ago like a breath of fresh air...and JDB is a wonderful guitarist - and vocalist too...in my music collection, the Manics are only second to The Clash! BTW, wonderful video Colin and great to see/hear the Pistols riffing!
Kształt les pauli przyciąga mnie jak magnes,to wspaniałe gitary.Gdybym miał wybrać ibaneza lub fendera to i tak wybrałbym les paula mimo że to też genialne wiosła.Czytam na różnych forach bardzo dużo krytycznych głosów na temam epi i gibsona,czyżby drastycznie spadła jakość tych gitar? Na gibola mnie nie stać ale epi napewno kupię synowi,który model polecasz dla początkującego gitarzysty?
Why are all guitar reviews not as thorough and complete as yours? Because they don’t have the passion and intellect that you have. I’m sold on getting one now, thanks to your brilliant review. Thank you! 🎉
Always interesting and honest analysis of the instruments. Like to hear how you describe one's rationality and expectations behind every purchase. It can be a struggle to balance.
My Gibson studio that I got in 2006 is still my favourite guitar. I have a Standard, but it took such a long time to find that I don't fancy doing it again. Finding THE Les Paul for you is a magical moment though.
The intro monologue is priceless! It is painful how much I relate to it. I damn near spit out my coffee when you said "Unless it was really cheap, and then I go through great pains to explain how cheap it was" ahahahha
I love the white. I have an Epiphone Custom from about the mid to late 90's. Grover tuners, actual Gibson pickups and electronics. All gold as well. On the truss rod cover, where it usually says Les Paul, mine says Gibson. I don't remember how much I paid, but it was close to 1000 CAD. I was told it was a limited edition and there were only 2 in Western Canada, but I saw another one years late at another shop. Who knows. But it plays as good as any Gibson that I've ever tried. The neck is a bit fat for my liking, but not overwhelming. I've always wanted a white one, though. I white LP has always been my Achilles' heal. Oh. Mine is country gentlemen wine or something. It is translucent so you can clearly see the wood grain. Beautiful in it's own way. A tobacco burst is on my list as well and that would round out my collection... for LP style guitars anyway. Still some voids in the collection. No tele and no SG.
Great video Colin. I bought the ebony version of this guitar 3 weeks ago. For sound and tone it is of similar quality to my Gibson Les Paul Standard which I updated last year with Monty PAFs, believe it or not. The build quality and playability straight out of the box is excellent and I will be gigging it this week for the first time. I agree with your points about cost and ownership of these value brands versus the big names. The manufacturing quality from China is unrecognisable to what it was ten years back. See you next week.
I've owned this same guitar for a year now and I love it! It is a better guitar than my Gibson Les Paul Studio, and almost as good as my Epiphone 59 Les Paul. Great review!!
I had a 2021 Epi ‘59 Les Paul in the Aged Southern Fade burst. While it was a decent guitar in its own right, my black 2021 Epi Les Paul Custom trumps the ‘59 in just about every way. Maybe I got an extra special LPC, or a dud of a ‘59….who knows. But I kept the Custom. 👌🏼
Got a black epi custom a few days ago for super cheap because it has a repaired headstock. Still plays incredibly well. I plan on ripping it apart and setting it up with a Jimmy Page mod in a few days.
I went through the same journey, coverting a real Gibson. At 48 I finally got myself a Standard 50s Goodtop. Its stunning, but the Epiphones I used to play were nice too. I've scratched the itch. My Goldtop will stay with me for good.
Sir, I'd just like to tell you how much i loved this video. Your chill vibes, smooth voice and sense of humor are stellar! And you made my mind about getting one of these! Thank you so much! Much, much love from brazil!
Oh my gosh Colin, you've done it again. What a beautiful guitar! I really like the white with an ebony fretboard. Man, that is super sweet. Good weight, nice pups, cracking Gold hardware... it's just unbelievable . I top wrapped my SG Muse last night, it's not going back into the closet... Have a wonderful week, I can't wait to see what you find for next week!
This review (and a few others) convinced me to pull the trigger on an Ebony Les Paul Custom. It arrived today, and I am NOT disappointed! In fact, it exceeds my expectations. Love your channel, Colin. Keep up the good work!
I got the gold-top one for Christmas last year as a treat to myself. It's brilliant. I've been gassing for the TV yellow special for a while. But damn, the white custom is stunning too. And you make it sound great. Choices, choices...
Interesting video that Colin, and quite thought provoking. When I bought my Les Paul Studio back in the 90s I knew I wanted a US Gibson but could not justify the price hike between that and a Standard or Custom. It was everything I wanted and meant I was not scared to take it out of the case. That same mindset has stayed with me. When I bought my SG 10 years ago I wanted US made but couldn't justify a Custom version. Same with my recent Strat. Bottom of the range Performer but does everything I want. I suppose what I'm saying it's about justifying to yourself and ensuring that you play the guitar....that's what they are there for. I personally couldn't justify £4k tied up in a guitar and tbh would be terrified of dinging it. It certainly would never leave the house. Hope this makes sense and brilliant Pistols playing btw 🙂
Cheers Mark, yes it makes perfect sense to get the more affordable entry level version with the 'right' headstock.... I couldn't be without some of them for sure! 😎👍
I’m not going to have a guitar that I don’t play even if I had a very valuable old LP, I’d play it whenever I wanted to. Yeah I might not gig it but, they are tools meant to be played. I really like the white custom in this video, I just wish Gibson would put the open book headstock on the epiphones they did it in Japan. Fender uses the same headstock on squier, Jackson, charvel, and fenders . The new epiphones are nice no doubt, but I want a Tokai because of the headstock, yeah that might be shallow but I just think the open book looks better. Epiphone custom headstocks look way better than the standards though the binding and inlay really gives it a classy almost tuxedo look.
Mark I purchased a 2019 EPIPHONE LES Paul Standard Pro Plus Top Pro. The electronics are identical To Colans’ but it has push pull CTS 500k pots at the volumes. It plays and sounds as good or better than any Gibson LP. Change your strings I think it made a good difference. Good luck with it…
Headstock logo snobbery is a curse we really don't need to be saddled with - bad enough to be saddled with guitar fetish syndrome. NIce to hear some comments from folk clearly not cursed with brand addiction. Recently I bought (wait for it) a STAGG Les-Paul-alike, and some folk accused me of buying a piece of junk. I, too, remember the bad old days when Stagg guitars were nasty things that learners bought and broke their fingers on as they struggled to learn (and later gave up - where do we get the idea that learners should go through a rite of passage so as to prove their worthiness by holding down impossible chords on guitars with sky-high action before they are worthy of a real guitar?). Well, my supposedly nasty Stagg LP STD (made in Korea) turned out to be so damned good that I ended up buying a second one. Just £218. And yes, I have a Gibson, and no, I can't tell the difference - except by looking at the headstock.
@@davidphillips2151 I don’t care what the name says on the headstock, I just don’t like the shape of the Epiphones in standard at least. I think the custom epiphone headstock looks pretty nice. I just think that the open book looks better on a LP. It’s just a personal preference of mine. Yes there are incredible guitars at all price points and by little known manufacturers.
Love your videos each and every week but as a certified Les Paul addict I am especially thrilled to see you review one. This guitar is awesome and interesting that it is full mahogany. It sounds great and it obviously can scream bloody murder when it wants to. In 2018 I bought a used 2005 Cherry Sunburst Epiphone Les Paul Custom with upgraded hardware and Seymour Duncan Alnico 2 pickups. It has a gorgeous top with lots of grain showing and is a well built guitar that was taken care of. I use it on stage a lot. Anyhoo, nice review this week. Cheers!
@@theguitaristas I should clarify and say I'm thrilled to see when you review Les Paul's. I have seen you do many, of course. Looking forward to seeing the Seymour Duncans in the Gold Top Tokai.
I love this eternal quest/rabbit hole we ALL go down. I’ve slimmed my guitars right down to a lovely ‘13 Gibson LP, a US HSS Strat, an Epiphone LP 59 like Colin’s (superb instrument) and my Faith Earth acoustic. The main problem with slimming down the collection is that there is an overwhelming urge to buy more! I now NEED a LP custom (I listened to Never Mind The Bollocks today). The stars have aligned, it is fate!
@@theguitaristas Colin, please could you expand more on what exactly a maple cap is in a future episode. I've an idea but I'm getting the idea there's more to it than a maple veneer over the body. Also, I can't be the only one wondering about which bands you've played in in your time. Would like to hear a bit more about you the guitarist. Love the channel, great to hear Paul Stafford Cook getting a mention too. What a player. Hands down 2 of the best guitar channels. Thanks man.
@@Ogma3bandcamp Good point... I assume everyone knows but of course they probably don't! For your info they cut the slab of mahogany body and then add a maple cap which is approx 1/2" - 3/4" thick and has the carve and flame in it. The Maple veneers are a much thinner wafer-thin slice of maple to replicate the fancy flame and cover up non matched pieces. Hope that is helpful... Cheers man and thanks for the kind words! 😎👍
The Epiphone Customs are solid mahogany no veneer and the standards have about a "3/4 inch maple cap with a veneer. I have two '59s and a silverburst custom with EMGs. They're excellent guitars that I have absolutely no regrets buying.
Hell yeah, I was hanging onto every moment hoping for a pistols riff and right off the bat you did not disappoint! Great review as always!! Now time to buy a new guitar.
I'm exactly in this moment restoring Epi LP Standard Pro. Beautiful guitar with that flamed maple top veneer and the pickups are just stunning. Now I have a need to get a Custom Epi... thanks for another awesome video! It's really a pleasure to watch your stuff. Have a good one!
I've had mine since new years eve. James Dean Bradfield, of the Manics is one of my main influences. Whilst I've always wanted a custom, I've never been able to afford the Gibson one and the previous Epiphone models had rosewood fretboards, which to me, wasn't a custom
Brilliant review as usual, the custom is definitely on the list, specially with the ebony fingerboard. I got the epi 50s goldtop and couldn't be happier. I don't think I need any more Gibson other than my junior and melody maker.. Love it when you give it some bollocks
I have the same 2021 in black and I love it. I changed the pickups (SD Slash Alnico II) and now it's the GUITAR. The problem now is that I need one in white.👏🤘😎🎩🇪🇸
Congrats shes a beauty!! I bought the epiphone jerry cantrell custom this is also a awesome guitar. Epiphone is knocking it out of the park lately. Great show brother... Im already looking forward to your next show. Take care sir
I really like this guy.He is very sensible and explains the dilemma of gibson vs epiphone and makes my decision to by a epiphone les paul an already informed one.
A great (and very useful) review. Thanks, Colin. Maybe now that mine is arriving tomorrow, I can stop rewatching it 😁. Love your channel. It's very theraputic and quite addictive. 👍
Thank you Colin, this is exactly the video I've been looking for! I've had my eye on one of these since I started playing (about a year ago) for exactly the same Jonesy type reasons. I definitely think one of these needs to happen!
You should check out the Burny Randy Rhoads model, more cream coloured like the one Steve Jones used and Jones did in fact use a Burny Les Paul Custom in cream at one point! I’ve seen the stickers he had on his Custom available on eBay and switch to “witch hat knobs” too if you want to complete the look!
Colin, just wanted to add a comment around your experiences with Gibson Customs and this Epi. I totally agree. I can't say anything bad about Gibson guitars, nor of anyone who chooses/prefers Gibson for whatever reason. I personally can afford to buy Gibson, but intentionally choose Epiphone instead. Like you, I find that the sound if any comparative model in an A-B is not distant enough to warrant the $$ delta. The Probuckers DO have a bit of a different response than Burstbuckers, but I actually LIKE them both. And my opinion is exactly as you stated: "No baggage attached" for the subtle but minimal differences. Again, not slamming anyone who just wants/needs Gibson on the headstock, its a subjective call and fair game. I just find that the value and quality of the 2020+ Epis, with a wheelbarrow of money left in hand (proverbially speaking) allows for multiple guitars in our case its seems (a bit of an addiction!) and/or to do mods (like Burstbuckers) and STILL have money left over, makes these too good to look away from. At the moment I'm trying to acquire the old Epi Elitist LP Custom in Ebony I sold to a friend years ago, but if that falls through I will be ordering a 2021 LP Custom in the next couple of weeks. BTW Canadian viewers, Long & McQuade have both the Ebony and Alpine White LP Custom on for $899 CDN for the month of June.
Cheers man, and the thing is it literally is a 'wheelbarrow full of money' 😂 I love that description and it cannot be understated how much difference there is in the cost. 😎👍
Excellent video once again! You have one of the more down to earth and entertaining styles. I recently bought an Edwards (ESP) Les Paul Custom in the style of John Sykes...It's a really well made in Japan guitar. Only issue is that it needs a bit of a set up for it's best pllayability.
I have a 2007 Epi LP Custom I added CTS pots and Switchcraft stuff and ‘57 classic pups, beaut instrument, then I bought a Gibson Studio which is weight relieved and fitted the ‘57 pickups and 50’s style wiring, love that guitar, now I have the best of both worlds in both my LP’s
I'm a self-admitted gear snob. I have a $7K Gibson Les Paul 1959 M2M, and it is glorious. Today, I went to Guitar Center and picked up a Black Epiphone Les Paul Custom just to tool around on, and I could not put it down. It's now in my studio, and I think I may like it just as much (or maybe a little more) than my other Gibson LPs. I feel weird even typing that, but after nearly 5 straight hours of playing with plans to play even more tonight I think it might be true. I have even thought, well maybe, I'll just put a set of the same pickups that come in the Gibson Custom Shop LP Custom (490R/498T), but honestly the Probuckers are Great! I'm not touching them. Color me shocked. It will get a set of Schaller locks and Gold Grover locking tuners, but I do that on everything I own. Well, except the 1959.
High school friend had a black Gibson, effortless to play. It led you to play better. At that age the weight wasn't a problem. Not sure if he got it with most of the money from a Summer job and or his grandma chipped in. Great player, he liked rock metal and Bowie.
I love all your videos, but the Epiphone and Gibson stuff always makes my week. Having a rough time at work this week and gotta work through the weekend but having this video to look forward to when I get home is a huge help! I played an Epiphone Les Paul Custom recently, the quality and feel blew me away for the price. Was very tempted to bring it home haha. Cheers!
I have the Koa custom and I absolutely love it. Super comfy neck, looks stunning, and has tone just leaping out of it. If I'm not mistaken, only the top is Koa, the body and neck are mahogany like normal.
I'm very impressed with this Eppi, it sounds very nice. I own a ten pounder Gibson of the 68 verity which I love but as you said, I don't play it much and I never take it to gigs, I normally take my Mexi Strat. The Gibson is just too valuable to play in bars.
Great vid! I had a custom black "Franpton" Les Paul, yes with an 'n', made in Japan in the 70's. Great little thing, it was chambered. I had it for about 10 years, thinking I had what I need to sustain me but when I sold it, the world of electric guitars opened up. And yeah, I've got through many many since then and enjoying every minute of it. Moral of the story is, selling something even if at a loss in some cases, opens up the doors to better things. Keep up the great work. cheers!
Another lovely film, Colin! It's always a joy to hear you play and I am ever appreciative of the thorough examination and in depth review. As my internet handle might imply, I am also a Pistols fan, so it was a true pleasure to hear Jonesy's riffs. Please keep up the astounding work.
Just bought myself one of these for £599, cheapest price i could find at the time of writing. I've lucked out with mine as it's in perfect condition and well set up, ebony fretboard is completely black on mine, no white grain marks showing anywhere. Great axe for the price
It just can't be stated enough what a great channel you've created Colin. The licks were just Righteous on the Epi LP Custom. Great guitar+Great amp+Colin playing= #guitaristasmokinghotlicks
Great review Col and good comments and thoughts on the whole Gibson price v Epiphone quality. The Cantrell has a maple cap and different neck profile. The finish is really nice also......just in case you want to try one 🙂
marvellous video, just stumbled upon this and got my saturday evening well spent! So calm and relaxed of an atmosphere you're producing, it's been a pleasure to watch and I'll now go check what else there's to discover on this channel. Great find, truly.
Modern Epiphone Les Paul Customs have a 2 piece Mahogony body and a 3 piece maple cap. Translucent or natural finishes would include a flame maple veneer. Love the channel!!
That’s a very good looking guitar ❤ . I had a Les Paul Tribute plus, Epi with Gibson 57 Classic pickups I loved that Guitar. I have a Traditional Les Paul now , the biggest difference was the neck the Gibson played way better and it felt better. But I Paid 495 dollars brand new in 2012 . It’s was worth every cent
I’m with you on that. I’ve got a few old Gibsons from a 1955 Junior, a couple of ‘77’s, all the way up to a mid 2000’s SG and a 2010 Melody Maker. My Koa top Epi Custom and my awesomely Green Epi ES-335 hang with them just fine. Can’t justify new Gibson prices when the Epi’s are this good.
I'm a sucker for wildly expensive Gibson Customs, but hearing you play so beautifully on that Epiphone makes me appreciate music more than luxury. We are blessed with such affordable and excellent guitars, despite their unavoidable drawbacks. If I had the money I'd still go for Gibson though XD!
After watching quite a few reviews on these guitars, this one really sold me on it. Went for the ebony and it arrived this week, absolutely brilliant guitar and the pickups are waaay better than I thought. Thanks guitaristas!
Another great film! I used your review of the SG Custom to justify buying one of these a few months back figuring it would share some of the specs and assuming prices would go up soon. Couldn't see myself putting Gibson money on a solid colour guitar so this Epiphone looked like a steal. Absolutely love it and can't walk past it without picking it up to get some playing in.
I have owned a White Epiphone LP Custom since 1997 and love it. It is no longer white its a cream colour now and the gold has worn off but plays like new... I paid £349 for mine brand new..
I run the a Klon KTR too. If you run a UA 1176 Compressor set to sustain mode, a Vemuran Budi-G (no gain) into the KTR it's heaven. Couple that with a light reverb and/or delay in the FX loop, and you're ready for the stadium
I totally get the response in feel. The collection bug is hard to deal with. You find the "one" that gives you your fix, you never sell it. Now days for me, after owning those history makers, some just are trophies more than enjoyable players. Like you, Collin, I recently got an Epi....it gets alot of play time. What do these mid-range, affordable things do to us ? I havent modded it, changed out nuthing, just burn up an hour noodlin around. Your so right. These guitars stay with you. 😆😁😉
As someone who's owned four Epiphone Les Paul Customs (White, Black, Silverburst, and a Bonamassa model) and three Gibson LPC's (Black, White, and Wine Red) of various eras, I'll say this - every one of them was a unicorn in its own right. My first "real" guitar was a Gibson Les Paul Custom. Not because I was rich, but because I saved every dime I made for two years and rather than buying a car, I got a Les Paul. Unfortunately, my mother didn't see the same value in it and sold it when I went into the service as she did all of my other stuff to make room for my brother to have my room. So I was on a life-long journey to replace the feeling, you might say, of that first guitar. My current Alpine White Gibson Les Paul Custom weighs 8.69 lbs (8 lbs 11 ozs). This will be my last one as prices are insane and like my 335, gold tops, and amber Les Paul, I'll never be able to afford them at the prices I paid again. Heck, I couldn't afford to replace my Fender Strat at the way prices are going. My take on the difference? Well, that kind of expenditure isn't for everyone, not even at a regular gigging level. Just because a guitar is expensive doesn't make it good, same with anything, including cars, sneakers, and blue jeans. For me, it was more than just the appeal of playing the higher end guitar, it had to do with feel and sound as well. Could I replace the pickups in my Bonamassa Epiphone LPC and call it a day? Maybe. But I didn't want to. I knew there would always be that thought nudging from the edge of my mind, "would it be better if you got the Gibson?"... So I waited until I saw about 10% off on one in a store in FL and got it. I do love it. Is it my #1? Nope, my number one is my 50's Standard in Amber, an accidental exclusive color that was hanging in a local store. They thought it was an unburst done to the 50's spec, but the paperwork said it was a Heritage Cherry. Come to find out that Gibson left it plain amber and I got it. Love it, play it most every gig. But the Alpine White Les Paul Custom gets its due. Matter of fact, I have played it as my primary guitar for a few gigs, especially when the aesthetic is right. I've never once thought, "I wonder if the Epiphone would be better." That thought never nudged my mind.
Cheers Jim, thanks for comment, that's a nice weight for a LPC too so you got a good one I reckon... will it ever replace the feeling you got from your first love?... I hope so brother! 😎👍
The period correct non capped body AND the addition of an Ebony fretboard makes this LP Custom a getter indeed. SCORE...!!!😎👍 Jam is inspiring as well😎👍 😎👍❤🖖 Love Brother
Great demo, totally nailing Steve Jones attack, timing and TONE, without over doing it! For active pickups, they sound very controllable, which is always the challenge, less is MORE and lets the guitar sing.
I have several Gibson's that I bought 40 or so years ago . Two of them are a wine red Les Paul Custom and a Heritage 80 Sunburst Les Paul. I also recently bought two Epiphones which were darn near replica's of them because I don't like taking them out in public anymore . The biggest difference I noticed in the custom's were the thinner neck as you pointed out and the pickups which were OK but just different. What a fantastic guitar. For the sunburst I bought a Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50's model. I tried several of them and found one I really liked. Gave it a good setup and threw in a couple of Tim Shaw's I had--again not because there was anything wrong with the pickups it came with but I just wanted it to sound like the other one. It was almost like playing the same guitar. I had a couple of younger guys tell me that Epiphones are junk blah blah blah and then I show them my guitars and they usually can't believe it. The thing I find with Epiphones is the variance in quality . Try them out first but when you find a good one you can have a really nice guitar for 1/5 the price, especially if you can do a few things yourself.
Thank you for making this video, it helped me decide to buy one! It's March 2024 and I just ordered a Sweetwater exclusive viper blue quilted maple top Epiphone LP custom for $799. This one has nickel finish hardware, which is uncommon for a custom. There's no expected ship date so I have no clue when I'll get it. But Sweetwater has the whole lineup, they've got viper blue Gibson and Epiphone LP C, SG, 335's etc. Beautiful lineup. I wish I could've gone for the Gibson version, but it's $7991 after tax!!! Almost 10X the cost of the Epiphone!
I bought one on sale at Guitar Center for $600 ($200 off). It's a aged ivory color. Love it. It's built like a tank and sounds great. Everything he said in the video is true. Get ya one.
I just bought the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro in Koa. What an amazing guitar it is... I played Gibson Les Paul Studios in the past Black with the gold pick-ups but this Epi guitar outshines the studio in every way. The Pro version comes with the ability to split the Pro Buckers and also has a reverse phase option so 3 of the pots have dual functions. Epiphone has come a long way since I first played on them "I'm 51 years old now" and man have they really come a long long way with their fit n finish, set up and intonation was dead on, and the slim taper D style neck just plays fast. All mahogany body and neck with Flame top KOA... I paid 589.99 from Guitar Center here in the U.S. and felt like I absolutely robbed them as like I said this guitar is WAY better than my Gibson Les Paul Studios could even dream to be. Great informational video...Thank you for the time and effort you put into this video...
Another great guitar review from by far the best guitar reviewer I've ever seen on TH-cam. If I were the owner of Epiphone I'd be paying this guy a heft sum of cash for his terrific reviews of Epiphone guitars; or at least offer a substantial sponsorship. Well done, mate!! I love the white custom Les Paul, the missus likes the black one; which is great too. I also like the Gold Top Les Paul reviewed recently and the 1959. Four to choose from. As I'm disabled I have to play sitting down. The weight of a Les Paul is a bit of a problem, but not enough to put me off; and after all, It hasn't put me off my missus; and she weighs a lot more than a Les Paul. I guess that they all weigh about the same; the Les Paul's, not women. So it's really about gut feeling, and if I'm honest I'm drawn to the 1959. But the case it comes with is a big draw. I'm surprised that Epiphone don't provide good cases with the Gold Top and both their custom guitars. Even the 1950's Les Paul is a lovely guitar, a case like the 59 would be a much more appealing buy for me with all those guitars mentioned above. Sure it costs a bit more, but if I'm forking out the best part of 500 quid, I'll buy the case as well for the extra 100, for good guitar protection and partly for the everlasting buzz of opening a lovely case and seeing a beautiful guitar inside. I mean when you take the missus out to a restaurant you don't just buy her a slap up meal, she's gotta having the pudding for afters otherwise it ain't a proper date. It's the same with guitars, the Les Paul is the main meal, and the case is the pudding. Thanks again for the great guitar review. You're doing a great job. 👍
Cheers man thats appreciated... will the missus approve of you getting a couple of them to make the choice easier? Maybe take her for a slap up meal after to say thanks? 😆👍 Seriously the '59 is most likely to be the lightest as they are probably aiming for under 9lb... but as you say they are all pretty similar (unlike women!) 😂
@@theguitaristas Cheers, mate. Yeah. All four guitars are great. The 59 is the Jimmy Page guitar if I recall. That one is lovely. The Gold Top is lovely too. I think Epiphone should have made a gold coloured case to go with it. I'll probably go for the 1959 dark sunburst in the end. Although I think all the custom Les Paul should come with a good case.
I've owned an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro for about five years and I'm still in love with that guitar. They're excellent guitars from top to bottom front to back. Personally I like the thinner neck, I wouldn't have purchased it without the thinner neck. I've bought more expensive guitars since then but I plan on keeping it the rest of my life. If I did it again I would pass on the "Pro" part of it because of the push/pull pots they're a real bitch to replace and I damaged the one that splits the humbucker and the wiring is complex. If you want a single coil sound do that separately buy a single coil strat or something this is a Les Paul.
Now they have the diamond inlay full size; much better looking! Think I will get one! Owned a 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom and it had a thin neck so I will like this!
Nothing better than relaxing at a Friday afternoon after work than with one of these videos. Interesting, relaxed tone of talking (not that typical high-intensity, ultra-quick speech) :-)
I saw your video on the epi les paul junior and got one of those. As well as the billie joe signiture 😂 the custom was nice but i think im a sucker for simple one pickup guitars. I'm a bass player by trade so i didnt want something too out there.
Hello, Colin! My 2017 Ebony finished Epiphone Les Paul Custom version has mostly better specs: A headstock with superior geometry, a rosewood fingerboard (which I personally prefer tonally over ebony), coil splitting, and phase reversal + a permanently lubricated, Graph Tech Tusq XL nut ― replacing the original friction-prone, factory-installed urea (urine) nut ― of which, I had to send and ship ― back and forth three ⚟ times ― to my dealer in another U.S. state for a proper, precise satisfactory fitting and installation. Furthermore, I also then had to contact Epiphone ― to have them send me a replacement gold-plated, LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge because the retaining wire was deformed on the original. By the way, I only requested the retaining wire, but they said in an email they have to send me the whole bridge assembly. And if that’s not enough, the guitar was a free upgrade for a Standard Plus Top Pro that received a broken neck whilst being transported back and forth for an upgraded nut installation... Epiphone’s ProBucker™ 2 and ProBucker™ 3 humbucking pickups produce and deliver that glorious PAF clarity and crunch ― and are vastly superior to Gibson’s mud-making 490 & 498 models. 💎💎 Finally, I totally agree with you, Colin ― the Epiphone is a tremendous value for the money and totally free from the excess baggage of buying a Gibson. And with this particular model, I actually prefer the Epiphone over the Gibson. Cheers! 🥂
Thank you so much for this review. I was trying to decide which guitar to buy my son-in-law, and this video made my decision so much easier. I got him the black custom, and he loves it. It sounded great right out of the box--only needed a little tuning. Love you videos!
My favorite guitar !! Been wanting this Alpine White beauty for over a year when I bought it last year and love it ! Great content as always ! My 6th Epiphone !
What an excellent video on the *Epiphone Les Paul Custom, you're very articulate...* You really covered all the bases clearly, information a person needs to know in making a good decision to buy one or not... I must say it sounds amazing especially thru the Fender Twin Reverb amp nice and clean... I do have a question though; how well does it stay in tune? btw: I like the way you play the guitar sounds great♪♫♪
The only white Les Paul in my hero worship was Lindsay Buckingham from the 70's ear FW Mac vintage. I bought a cheap Encore Black version (all could afford) that forever soured me on Les Pauls forever after :). Best Regards!
The only thing cooler than a black les paul custom is a white les paul custom...
Yes that's right!! 😆👍
Steve Jones, Justin Hawkins, Randy Rhoads. Enough said…..😍🔥
@@martinscholes2023 Yes Randy Rhoads how could I not mention him! 🙌
@@theguitaristas the guitar weighed more than him 😆. Great vid as always. Thanks mate
@@martinscholes2023 Adam Jones, Jerry Cantrell, Buzz Osborne, Chris Cornell none of them were white but they're cool looking guitars in most colours
"Very few people are going to play a les paul custom clean" very true but VERY sad. The LP custom clean tone is, in my opinion, one of the most over looked and underrated clean tones!
Cheers Jake, true… and they probably were designed for that in the first place! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas they were, Les Paul played jazz
Couldn't agree more Jake, the clean sound of a custom is fabulous . I play the les pauls I owned clean and with some modulation effects often
I played mine clean alot also
Do the Les Paul Customs somehow sound different than other Les Pauls?
Nothing cooler than coming across an older guy that loves and appreciates guitars as much as I do you remind me a lot of my grandad God rest his soul. You’ve got a new subscriber!
😆👍
@theguitaristas older guy 😂 you don't look a day of 40 sir.
Awesome guitar, awesome playing! Man, you are so down to earth! Some would say you are "real" You have some honest opinions about guitar matters and it is very refreshing among all the other guitar TH-camrs, no hype, just honest reviews. Keep up the great work, keep those excellent chops exercised.
Cheers Frankie, thanks for the kind words! 🙏😊
Outstanding video quality as well!
Why wouldn’t he be down to earth?
“Some would say you’re real”?
Do you think he’s some sort of superstar?
Maybe it’s cos your mother shat you put and left you lying beside a skip
Great video! I recently purchased the Jerry Cantrell Epiphone LP Custom and I am blown away by it. I own two Gibson LP Custom Shop guitars as well so I’m comparing it to those. The ebony fingerboard is amazing. The Epiphone pickups are excellent and don’t need replacing unless you’re going for a specific pickup. Even the hard shell case is impressive. I think I can finally say that an Epiphone Les Paul is a serious alternative to a Gibson.
Cheers Rob, good to hear from you on the matter… people wont believe it but yes it’s true they are a serious affordable alternative. I keep looking at wino still and may yet get one! 😆👍
The joy in your face at 43:40 . :) That is what music is about right there. Joy of playing what you love. Sounds grand tone wise too.
Ah, thank you Colin, I always get a thrill when hearing my name mentioned on TH-cam 🤣👍. And I agree wholeheartedly with your summary around whether or not to sink loads of cash into a Custom Shop. Congrats on the new guitar, it’s stunning. Even when you played it clean, there was a lovely warmth to the tone…. You’re a gentleman Colin, happy noodling on that new beast!
Cheers Paul, have a great weekend! 😎👍
This video has finally pushed me to pick up this guitar instead of going for a lower-end Gibson. What a beauty.
Nice one Ben!
I, too, am a guitar addict. My Epiphone Les Paul Custom is ebony, though I also love the Alpine White. Over the years I have owned three Gibson LPs (not Custom) plus two previous Epiphone LPs. None of them measured up to this Epi Custom. It will be with me for life.
I got one of these almost two years ago. It's pretty much flawless out of the box. The ebony fretboard is an amazing piece of wood. The tuners are impressive. It easily rivals my 60s Les Paul. I am considering upgrading the pickups, though stock are excellent. The gold on the tailpiece and pickup has rubbed off a bit. Thanks for the review!
The pickups are the highly acclaimed Pro Buckers so why the change?
the "gold" comes off fairly easy with sweat and heat.. i have this as well on my sg custom (epi)
doesn t bother me much..it plays like a charm.
and i have "reliced" it myself...:)
i put Gold 490r/498t gibson pickups in my Epi LP alpine custom, and i have seymor duncan P-rails in my my ebony LP custom try Nailbombs for a metal hardness and 490r/498t for versatility
I bet a lot of people would say the Stratocaster is the most versatile electric guitar but I have always wanted a Les Paul Custom. The custom can do any genre of music and sounds great. Jazz, blues, rock, fusion, punk, metal. You name it.
Inspired by James Dean Bradfield, I bought an Epiphone white Les Paul custom in 1999 as my first guitar. Although it now lives amongst other more expensive guitars I still reach for it. The neck and fretboard are wonderful. It’s had a pickup change over the years but it’ll always be my favourite guitar.
😎👍
Being around in 77 when I was 13 it was Mick Jones and Steve Jones who made me want to pick up the guitar in the first place....but I have been a big Manics fan since they burst on the scene over 30 years ago like a breath of fresh air...and JDB is a wonderful guitarist - and vocalist too...in my music collection, the Manics are only second to The Clash! BTW, wonderful video Colin and great to see/hear the Pistols riffing!
Kształt les pauli przyciąga mnie jak magnes,to wspaniałe gitary.Gdybym miał wybrać ibaneza lub fendera to i tak wybrałbym les paula mimo że to też genialne wiosła.Czytam na różnych forach bardzo dużo krytycznych głosów na temam epi i gibsona,czyżby drastycznie spadła jakość tych gitar? Na gibola mnie nie stać ale epi napewno kupię synowi,który model polecasz dla początkującego gitarzysty?
Agree, some guitars inspire us and some don’t… hard to explain, but the creativity flows effortlessly from the guitars that inspire us.
Why are all guitar reviews not as thorough and complete as yours? Because they don’t have the passion and intellect that you have. I’m sold on getting one now, thanks to your brilliant review. Thank you! 🎉
Always interesting and honest analysis of the instruments. Like to hear how you describe one's rationality and expectations behind every purchase. It can be a struggle to balance.
My Gibson studio that I got in 2006 is still my favourite guitar.
I have a Standard, but it took such a long time to find that I don't fancy doing it again.
Finding THE Les Paul for you is a magical moment though.
The intro monologue is priceless! It is painful how much I relate to it. I damn near spit out my coffee when you said "Unless it was really cheap, and then I go through great pains to explain how cheap it was" ahahahha
😆👍
My biggest fear is that if I die 1st that my wife will sell all my guitars for the price I told her I paid for them!😃
@@dannyperfect9270 sneaky sneaky, gotta do what you gotta do all in the name of music! Gotta love a custom shop strat!
@@piedpeter1or maybe your wife will give all your guitars away to your neighbors for free .😮😅
@@piedpeter1just make sure you have a Will and leave them to someone who understands for “sentimental” value.
I love the white. I have an Epiphone Custom from about the mid to late 90's. Grover tuners, actual Gibson pickups and electronics. All gold as well. On the truss rod cover, where it usually says Les Paul, mine says Gibson. I don't remember how much I paid, but it was close to 1000 CAD. I was told it was a limited edition and there were only 2 in Western Canada, but I saw another one years late at another shop. Who knows. But it plays as good as any Gibson that I've ever tried. The neck is a bit fat for my liking, but not overwhelming. I've always wanted a white one, though. I white LP has always been my Achilles' heal. Oh. Mine is country gentlemen wine or something. It is translucent so you can clearly see the wood grain. Beautiful in it's own way. A tobacco burst is on my list as well and that would round out my collection... for LP style guitars anyway. Still some voids in the collection. No tele and no SG.
Great video Colin. I bought the ebony version of this guitar 3 weeks ago. For sound and tone it is of similar quality to my Gibson Les Paul Standard which I updated last year with Monty PAFs, believe it or not. The build quality and playability straight out of the box is excellent and I will be gigging it this week for the first time. I agree with your points about cost and ownership of these value brands versus the big names. The manufacturing quality from China is unrecognisable to what it was ten years back. See you next week.
Cheers Cramster thanks for supporting! 😎👍
I was thinking about buying a Les Paul Epiphone.Thank You for this video,much appreciated…You convinced me to buy a Epiphone les Paul…Thanks again…
I've owned this same guitar for a year now and I love it! It is a better guitar than my Gibson Les Paul Studio, and almost as good as my Epiphone 59 Les Paul. Great review!!
😎👍
I had a 2021 Epi ‘59 Les Paul in the Aged Southern Fade burst. While it was a decent guitar in its own right, my black 2021 Epi Les Paul Custom trumps the ‘59 in just about every way. Maybe I got an extra special LPC, or a dud of a ‘59….who knows. But I kept the Custom. 👌🏼
Got a black epi custom a few days ago for super cheap because it has a repaired headstock. Still plays incredibly well. I plan on ripping it apart and setting it up with a Jimmy Page mod in a few days.
I went through the same journey, coverting a real Gibson. At 48 I finally got myself a Standard 50s Goodtop. Its stunning, but the Epiphones I used to play were nice too. I've scratched the itch. My Goldtop will stay with me for good.
as a broke college student, it’s quite refreshing to hear someone with tenure speak their mind on Epiphones. most tend to convey negative comments
You became my favorite guitar channel. Good to know that I am not alone with my guitar buying addiction 😁
Sir, I'd just like to tell you how much i loved this video. Your chill vibes, smooth voice and sense of humor are stellar! And you made my mind about getting one of these! Thank you so much!
Much, much love from brazil!
Thanks Aldo! 😎👍
Oh my gosh Colin, you've done it again. What a beautiful guitar! I really like the white with an ebony fretboard. Man, that is super sweet. Good weight, nice pups, cracking Gold hardware... it's just unbelievable . I top wrapped my SG Muse last night, it's not going back into the closet... Have a wonderful week, I can't wait to see what you find for next week!
Cheers Bob, and you mate have a good weekend!! 😎👍
This review (and a few others) convinced me to pull the trigger on an Ebony Les Paul Custom. It arrived today, and I am NOT disappointed! In fact, it exceeds my expectations. Love your channel, Colin. Keep up the good work!
I got the gold-top one for Christmas last year as a treat to myself. It's brilliant. I've been gassing for the TV yellow special for a while. But damn, the white custom is stunning too. And you make it sound great. Choices, choices...
Interesting video that Colin, and quite thought provoking. When I bought my Les Paul Studio back in the 90s I knew I wanted a US Gibson but could not justify the price hike between that and a Standard or Custom. It was everything I wanted and meant I was not scared to take it out of the case. That same mindset has stayed with me. When I bought my SG 10 years ago I wanted US made but couldn't justify a Custom version. Same with my recent Strat. Bottom of the range Performer but does everything I want. I suppose what I'm saying it's about justifying to yourself and ensuring that you play the guitar....that's what they are there for. I personally couldn't justify £4k tied up in a guitar and tbh would be terrified of dinging it. It certainly would never leave the house. Hope this makes sense and brilliant Pistols playing btw 🙂
Cheers Mark, yes it makes perfect sense to get the more affordable entry level version with the 'right' headstock.... I couldn't be without some of them for sure! 😎👍
I’m not going to have a guitar that I don’t play even if I had a very valuable old LP, I’d play it whenever I wanted to. Yeah I might not gig it but, they are tools meant to be played. I really like the white custom in this video, I just wish Gibson would put the open book headstock on the epiphones they did it in Japan. Fender uses the same headstock on squier, Jackson, charvel, and fenders . The new epiphones are nice no doubt, but I want a Tokai because of the headstock, yeah that might be shallow but I just think the open book looks better. Epiphone custom headstocks look way better than the standards though the binding and inlay really gives it a classy almost tuxedo look.
Mark I purchased a 2019 EPIPHONE LES Paul Standard Pro Plus Top Pro. The electronics are identical To Colans’ but it has push pull CTS 500k pots at the volumes. It plays and sounds as good or better than any Gibson LP. Change your strings I think it made a good difference. Good luck with it…
Headstock logo snobbery is a curse we really don't need to be saddled with - bad enough to be saddled with guitar fetish syndrome. NIce to hear some comments from folk clearly not cursed with brand addiction. Recently I bought (wait for it) a STAGG Les-Paul-alike, and some folk accused me of buying a piece of junk. I, too, remember the bad old days when Stagg guitars were nasty things that learners bought and broke their fingers on as they struggled to learn (and later gave up - where do we get the idea that learners should go through a rite of passage so as to prove their worthiness by holding down impossible chords on guitars with sky-high action before they are worthy of a real guitar?). Well, my supposedly nasty Stagg LP STD (made in Korea) turned out to be so damned good that I ended up buying a second one. Just £218. And yes, I have a Gibson, and no, I can't tell the difference - except by looking at the headstock.
@@davidphillips2151 I don’t care what the name says on the headstock, I just don’t like the shape of the Epiphones in standard at least. I think the custom epiphone headstock looks pretty nice. I just think that the open book looks better on a LP. It’s just a personal preference of mine. Yes there are incredible guitars at all price points and by little known manufacturers.
Love your videos each and every week but as a certified Les Paul addict I am especially thrilled to see you review one. This guitar is awesome and interesting that it is full mahogany. It sounds great and it obviously can scream bloody murder when it wants to. In 2018 I bought a used 2005 Cherry Sunburst Epiphone Les Paul Custom with upgraded hardware and Seymour Duncan Alnico 2 pickups. It has a gorgeous top with lots of grain showing and is a well built guitar that was taken care of. I use it on stage a lot. Anyhoo, nice review this week. Cheers!
Cheers man have a great weekend! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas I should clarify and say I'm thrilled to see when you review Les Paul's. I have seen you do many, of course. Looking forward to seeing the Seymour Duncans in the Gold Top Tokai.
@@drabun1 I try to mix it up with other models but it never takes long for another Les Paul to come along! 😆👍
Love my Koa Custom. Got it in 2020 and it's the most smooth and sweet playing guitar I've ever had!
I’m seriously thinking about getting a Koa. Is the koa top a veneer or is it a true cap, like a 5/8” or 1” cap, something like that?
I think this is one of the best sounding demos I’ve seen on this channel! ☮️
I love this eternal quest/rabbit hole we ALL go down. I’ve slimmed my guitars right down to a lovely ‘13 Gibson LP, a US HSS Strat, an Epiphone LP 59 like Colin’s (superb instrument) and my Faith Earth acoustic. The main problem with slimming down the collection is that there is an overwhelming urge to buy more! I now NEED a LP custom (I listened to Never Mind The Bollocks today). The stars have aligned, it is fate!
Cheers Martin, it's tempting eh?.... just don't expect me to try and talk you out of it! 🤣👍
@@theguitaristas Colin, please could you expand more on what exactly a maple cap is in a future episode. I've an idea but I'm getting the idea there's more to it than a maple veneer over the body. Also, I can't be the only one wondering about which bands you've played in in your time. Would like to hear a bit more about you the guitarist. Love the channel, great to hear Paul Stafford Cook getting a mention too. What a player. Hands down 2 of the best guitar channels. Thanks man.
@@Ogma3bandcamp Good point... I assume everyone knows but of course they probably don't! For your info they cut the slab of mahogany body and then add a maple cap which is approx 1/2" - 3/4" thick and has the carve and flame in it. The Maple veneers are a much thinner wafer-thin slice of maple to replicate the fancy flame and cover up non matched pieces. Hope that is helpful... Cheers man and thanks for the kind words! 😎👍
The Epiphone Customs are solid mahogany no veneer and the standards have about a "3/4 inch maple cap with a veneer. I have two '59s and a silverburst custom with EMGs. They're excellent guitars that I have absolutely no regrets buying.
@@andrewbecker3700 Thanks for correcting me I had brain fade...
Hell yeah, I was hanging onto every moment hoping for a pistols riff and right off the bat you did not disappoint! Great review as always!! Now time to buy a new guitar.
😆👍
I gave myself an Epiphone LP Custom Pro Blackback for Christmas back when Musicians Friend had them on sale… it’s a great guitar
I'm exactly in this moment restoring Epi LP Standard Pro. Beautiful guitar with that flamed maple top veneer and the pickups are just stunning. Now I have a need to get a Custom Epi... thanks for another awesome video! It's really a pleasure to watch your stuff. Have a good one!
Cheers man! 😎👍
Your reviews are the best ones man! I'm probably getting one of these Epiphones, in that same colour, Randy Rhoads style.
I've had mine since new years eve.
James Dean Bradfield, of the Manics is one of my main influences.
Whilst I've always wanted a custom, I've never been able to afford the Gibson one and the previous Epiphone models had rosewood fretboards, which to me, wasn't a custom
Quick point: The Koa version is just a Koa top. The actual body is mahogany. Still would have been a nice pick. Another great vid. Keep on Keepin' on
Cheers man! 😎👍
Brilliant review as usual, the custom is definitely on the list, specially with the ebony fingerboard.
I got the epi 50s goldtop and couldn't be happier.
I don't think I need any more Gibson other than my junior and melody maker..
Love it when you give it some bollocks
Well said, Bro
You gotta try an explorer and Firebird in a store.
@@johncollins5552 i live in Dublin, we don't get the full range of Gibson let alone epis here,,,, sad to say
I have the same 2021 in black and I love it.
I changed the pickups (SD Slash Alnico II) and now it's the GUITAR.
The problem now is that I need one in white.👏🤘😎🎩🇪🇸
😆👍
Congrats shes a beauty!! I bought the epiphone jerry cantrell custom this is also a awesome guitar. Epiphone is knocking it out of the park lately. Great show brother... Im already looking forward to your next show. Take care sir
Cheers James! 😎👍
I really like this guy.He is very sensible and explains the dilemma of gibson vs epiphone and makes my decision to by a epiphone les paul an already informed one.
A great (and very useful) review. Thanks, Colin. Maybe now that mine is arriving tomorrow, I can stop rewatching it 😁. Love your channel. It's very theraputic and quite addictive. 👍
Nice one Stuart 👍... but please carry on watching! 😆
All ways a pleasure to watch your reviews,down to earth and straight up honest information.
Thank you Colin, this is exactly the video I've been looking for! I've had my eye on one of these since I started playing (about a year ago) for exactly the same Jonesy type reasons. I definitely think one of these needs to happen!
Cheers Gary, I think you should do it! 😆👍
You should check out the Burny Randy Rhoads model, more cream coloured like the one Steve Jones used and Jones did in fact use a Burny Les Paul Custom in cream at one point!
I’ve seen the stickers he had on his Custom available on eBay and switch to “witch hat knobs” too if you want to complete the look!
@@ces69 I've recently discovered the Burnys and am sorely tempted! They seem quite hard to find though.
@@ces69 Oh yes Witch Hat knobs are definitely going on! 😆👍
@@theguitaristas Good man, it’s the way to go!👍
I just bought this guitar I'm blown away at the quality I have a Gibson Studio I love them both
You my friend are brilliant! I am loving your knowledge, passions for guitars and the time you’ve taken create this video - Thank You!
Cheers Louis that’s appreciated! 🙏😎
Colin, just wanted to add a comment around your experiences with Gibson Customs and this Epi. I totally agree. I can't say anything bad about Gibson guitars, nor of anyone who chooses/prefers Gibson for whatever reason. I personally can afford to buy Gibson, but intentionally choose Epiphone instead. Like you, I find that the sound if any comparative model in an A-B is not distant enough to warrant the $$ delta. The Probuckers DO have a bit of a different response than Burstbuckers, but I actually LIKE them both. And my opinion is exactly as you stated: "No baggage attached" for the subtle but minimal differences. Again, not slamming anyone who just wants/needs Gibson on the headstock, its a subjective call and fair game. I just find that the value and quality of the 2020+ Epis, with a wheelbarrow of money left in hand (proverbially speaking) allows for multiple guitars in our case its seems (a bit of an addiction!) and/or to do mods (like Burstbuckers) and STILL have money left over, makes these too good to look away from. At the moment I'm trying to acquire the old Epi Elitist LP Custom in Ebony I sold to a friend years ago, but if that falls through I will be ordering a 2021 LP Custom in the next couple of weeks. BTW Canadian viewers, Long & McQuade have both the Ebony and Alpine White LP Custom on for $899 CDN for the month of June.
Cheers man, and the thing is it literally is a 'wheelbarrow full of money' 😂 I love that description and it cannot be understated how much difference there is in the cost. 😎👍
Excellent video once again! You have one of the more down to earth and entertaining styles. I recently bought an Edwards (ESP) Les Paul Custom in the style of John Sykes...It's a really well made in Japan guitar. Only issue is that it needs a bit of a set up for it's best pllayability.
I have a 2007 Epi LP Custom I added CTS pots and Switchcraft stuff and ‘57 classic pups, beaut instrument, then I bought a Gibson Studio which is weight relieved and fitted the ‘57 pickups and 50’s style wiring, love that guitar, now I have the best of both worlds in both my LP’s
Great video again! I got the ebony version a few months ago. It plays and sounds great. Thanks for the review on this model.
I'm a self-admitted gear snob. I have a $7K Gibson Les Paul 1959 M2M, and it is glorious. Today, I went to Guitar Center and picked up a Black Epiphone Les Paul Custom just to tool around on, and I could not put it down. It's now in my studio, and I think I may like it just as much (or maybe a little more) than my other Gibson LPs. I feel weird even typing that, but after nearly 5 straight hours of playing with plans to play even more tonight I think it might be true. I have even thought, well maybe, I'll just put a set of the same pickups that come in the Gibson Custom Shop LP Custom (490R/498T), but honestly the Probuckers are Great! I'm not touching them. Color me shocked. It will get a set of Schaller locks and Gold Grover locking tuners, but I do that on everything I own. Well, except the 1959.
😎👍 they really are surprisingly good!
@@theguitaristas Update: Playing the Epiphone LP Custom made me want to the Gibson LP Custom. I ordered one yesterday, and I'll get it on Thursday.
@@IndyRockStar 😁👍👍
High school friend had a black Gibson, effortless to play. It led you to play better. At that age the weight wasn't a problem. Not sure if he got it with most of the money from a Summer job and or his grandma chipped in. Great player, he liked rock metal and Bowie.
I lucked into one of these recently and I absolutely LOVE IT! ❤
I love all your videos, but the Epiphone and Gibson stuff always makes my week. Having a rough time at work this week and gotta work through the weekend but having this video to look forward to when I get home is a huge help! I played an Epiphone Les Paul Custom recently, the quality and feel blew me away for the price. Was very tempted to bring it home haha. Cheers!
I have the Koa custom and I absolutely love it. Super comfy neck, looks stunning, and has tone just leaping out of it. If I'm not mistaken, only the top is Koa, the body and neck are mahogany like normal.
That's correct - I hace the same guitar and it is mahagany through and through, Lovely neck as well.
I'm very impressed with this Eppi, it sounds very nice. I own a ten pounder Gibson of the 68 verity which I love but as you said, I don't play it much and I never take it to gigs, I normally take my Mexi Strat. The Gibson is just too valuable to play in bars.
Great vid! I had a custom black "Franpton" Les Paul, yes with an 'n', made in Japan in the 70's. Great little thing, it was chambered. I had it for about 10 years, thinking I had what I need to sustain me but when I sold it, the world of electric guitars opened up. And yeah, I've got through many many since then and enjoying every minute of it. Moral of the story is, selling something even if at a loss in some cases, opens up the doors to better things. Keep up the great work. cheers!
Cheers man.... Peter Franpton! 🤣👍
Another lovely film, Colin! It's always a joy to hear you play and I am ever appreciative of the thorough examination and in depth review. As my internet handle might imply, I am also a Pistols fan, so it was a true pleasure to hear Jonesy's riffs. Please keep up the astounding work.
Cheers Sqid... love your handle btw! 😆🧷👍
Just bought myself one of these for £599, cheapest price i could find at the time of writing. I've lucked out with mine as it's in perfect condition and well set up, ebony fretboard is completely black on mine, no white grain marks showing anywhere. Great axe for the price
It just can't be stated enough what a great channel you've created Colin.
The licks were just Righteous on the Epi LP Custom.
Great guitar+Great amp+Colin playing= #guitaristasmokinghotlicks
This is absolutely the best guitar review show out there, brilliant just brilliant!
Wow thanks for the kind words and support Antonio that’s massively appreciated! 🙏😊
Great review Col and good comments and thoughts on the whole Gibson price v Epiphone quality. The Cantrell has a maple cap and different neck profile. The finish is really nice also......just in case you want to try one 🙂
Cheers Dave, yes I am of course still tempted by that one... I mean just look at the specs... it never stops! 😂👍
marvellous video, just stumbled upon this and got my saturday evening well spent! So calm and relaxed of an atmosphere you're producing, it's been a pleasure to watch and I'll now go check what else there's to discover on this channel. Great find, truly.
Cheers man thanks for kind words… glad you found us! 😁👍
Modern Epiphone Les Paul Customs have a 2 piece Mahogony body and a 3 piece maple cap. Translucent or natural finishes would include a flame maple veneer. Love the channel!!
That’s a very good looking guitar ❤ . I had a Les Paul Tribute plus, Epi with Gibson 57 Classic pickups I loved that Guitar. I have a Traditional Les Paul now , the biggest difference was the neck the Gibson played way better and it felt better. But I Paid 495 dollars brand new in 2012 . It’s was worth every cent
Always quality and entertaining. As a Les Paul player and of late Epiphone over Gibson, lovibg seeing your reviews. Cheers mate.
I’m with you on that. I’ve got a few old Gibsons from a 1955 Junior, a couple of ‘77’s, all the way up to a mid 2000’s SG and a 2010 Melody Maker. My Koa top Epi Custom and my awesomely Green Epi ES-335 hang with them just fine. Can’t justify new Gibson prices when the Epi’s are this good.
What a fantastic guy you are. From one guitar buying addict to another, thanks for sharing !
I'm a sucker for wildly expensive Gibson Customs, but hearing you play so beautifully on that Epiphone makes me appreciate music more than luxury. We are blessed with such affordable and excellent guitars, despite their unavoidable drawbacks. If I had the money I'd still go for Gibson though XD!
After watching quite a few reviews on these guitars, this one really sold me on it. Went for the ebony and it arrived this week, absolutely brilliant guitar and the pickups are waaay better than I thought. Thanks guitaristas!
Nice one Ray! 😎👍
I'm not a Les Paul fan, but at that price that's a steal!
Another great film! I used your review of the SG Custom to justify buying one of these a few months back figuring it would share some of the specs and assuming prices would go up soon. Couldn't see myself putting Gibson money on a solid colour guitar so this Epiphone looked like a steal. Absolutely love it and can't walk past it without picking it up to get some playing in.
Nice one Erik! 😎👍
I have owned a White Epiphone LP Custom since 1997 and love it. It is no longer white its a cream colour now and the gold has worn off but plays like new... I paid £349 for mine brand new..
I run the a Klon KTR too. If you run a UA 1176 Compressor set to sustain mode, a Vemuran Budi-G (no gain) into the KTR it's heaven. Couple that with a light reverb and/or delay in the FX loop, and you're ready for the stadium
I totally get the response in feel. The collection bug is hard to deal with. You find the "one" that gives you your fix, you never sell it. Now days for me, after owning those history makers, some just are trophies more than enjoyable players. Like you, Collin, I recently got an Epi....it gets alot of play time. What do these mid-range, affordable things do to us ? I havent modded it, changed out nuthing, just burn up an hour noodlin around. Your so right. These guitars stay with you.
😆😁😉
As someone who's owned four Epiphone Les Paul Customs (White, Black, Silverburst, and a Bonamassa model) and three Gibson LPC's (Black, White, and Wine Red) of various eras, I'll say this - every one of them was a unicorn in its own right. My first "real" guitar was a Gibson Les Paul Custom. Not because I was rich, but because I saved every dime I made for two years and rather than buying a car, I got a Les Paul. Unfortunately, my mother didn't see the same value in it and sold it when I went into the service as she did all of my other stuff to make room for my brother to have my room. So I was on a life-long journey to replace the feeling, you might say, of that first guitar. My current Alpine White Gibson Les Paul Custom weighs 8.69 lbs (8 lbs 11 ozs). This will be my last one as prices are insane and like my 335, gold tops, and amber Les Paul, I'll never be able to afford them at the prices I paid again. Heck, I couldn't afford to replace my Fender Strat at the way prices are going.
My take on the difference? Well, that kind of expenditure isn't for everyone, not even at a regular gigging level. Just because a guitar is expensive doesn't make it good, same with anything, including cars, sneakers, and blue jeans. For me, it was more than just the appeal of playing the higher end guitar, it had to do with feel and sound as well. Could I replace the pickups in my Bonamassa Epiphone LPC and call it a day? Maybe. But I didn't want to. I knew there would always be that thought nudging from the edge of my mind, "would it be better if you got the Gibson?"... So I waited until I saw about 10% off on one in a store in FL and got it. I do love it. Is it my #1? Nope, my number one is my 50's Standard in Amber, an accidental exclusive color that was hanging in a local store. They thought it was an unburst done to the 50's spec, but the paperwork said it was a Heritage Cherry. Come to find out that Gibson left it plain amber and I got it. Love it, play it most every gig. But the Alpine White Les Paul Custom gets its due. Matter of fact, I have played it as my primary guitar for a few gigs, especially when the aesthetic is right. I've never once thought, "I wonder if the Epiphone would be better." That thought never nudged my mind.
Cheers Jim, thanks for comment, that's a nice weight for a LPC too so you got a good one I reckon... will it ever replace the feeling you got from your first love?... I hope so brother! 😎👍
The period correct non capped body AND the addition of an Ebony fretboard makes this LP Custom a getter indeed. SCORE...!!!😎👍
Jam is inspiring as well😎👍
😎👍❤🖖
Love Brother
Cheers man! 🙏😊
Great demo, totally nailing Steve Jones attack, timing and TONE, without over doing it! For active pickups, they sound very controllable, which is always the challenge, less is MORE and lets the guitar sing.
Cheers man! 😎👍🧷
They’re not active. They’re passive
Oh my god you made me laugh so hard when you said I didn’t have to hide the price tag from my partner 😂😂😂. Love the video mate
I have several Gibson's that I bought 40 or so years ago . Two of them are a wine red Les Paul Custom and a Heritage 80 Sunburst Les Paul. I also recently bought two Epiphones which were darn near replica's of them because I don't like taking them out in public anymore . The biggest difference I noticed in the custom's were the thinner neck as you pointed out and the pickups which were OK but just different. What a fantastic guitar. For the sunburst I bought a Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50's model. I tried several of them and found one I really liked. Gave it a good setup and threw in a couple of Tim Shaw's I had--again not because there was anything wrong with the pickups it came with but I just wanted it to sound like the other one. It was almost like playing the same guitar. I had a couple of younger guys tell me that Epiphones are junk blah blah blah and then I show them my guitars and they usually can't believe it. The thing I find with Epiphones is the variance in quality . Try them out first but when you find a good one you can have a really nice guitar for 1/5 the price, especially if you can do a few things yourself.
Thank you for making this video, it helped me decide to buy one! It's March 2024 and I just ordered a Sweetwater exclusive viper blue quilted maple top Epiphone LP custom for $799. This one has nickel finish hardware, which is uncommon for a custom. There's no expected ship date so I have no clue when I'll get it. But Sweetwater has the whole lineup, they've got viper blue Gibson and Epiphone LP C, SG, 335's etc. Beautiful lineup. I wish I could've gone for the Gibson version, but it's $7991 after tax!!! Almost 10X the cost of the Epiphone!
I bought one on sale at Guitar Center for $600 ($200 off). It's a aged ivory color.
Love it. It's built like a tank and sounds great. Everything he said in the video is true.
Get ya one.
I just bought the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro in Koa. What an amazing guitar it is... I played Gibson Les Paul Studios in the past Black with the gold pick-ups but this Epi guitar outshines the studio in every way. The Pro version comes with the ability to split the Pro Buckers and also has a reverse phase option so 3 of the pots have dual functions. Epiphone has come a long way since I first played on them "I'm 51 years old now" and man have they really come a long long way with their fit n finish, set up and intonation was dead on, and the slim taper D style neck just plays fast. All mahogany body and neck with Flame top KOA... I paid 589.99 from Guitar Center here in the U.S. and felt like I absolutely robbed them as like I said this guitar is WAY better than my Gibson Les Paul Studios could even dream to be. Great informational video...Thank you for the time and effort you put into this video...
Cheers Pete, I love the love of those Koa ones! 🔥
Another great guitar review from by far the best guitar reviewer I've ever seen on TH-cam. If I were the owner of Epiphone I'd be paying this guy a heft sum of cash for his terrific reviews of Epiphone guitars; or at least offer a substantial sponsorship. Well done, mate!!
I love the white custom Les Paul, the missus likes the black one; which is great too. I also like the Gold Top Les Paul reviewed recently and the 1959. Four to choose from. As I'm disabled I have to play sitting down. The weight of a Les Paul is a bit of a problem, but not enough to put me off; and after all, It hasn't put me off my missus; and she weighs a lot more than a Les Paul. I guess that they all weigh about the same; the Les Paul's, not women. So it's really about gut feeling, and if I'm honest I'm drawn to the 1959. But the case it comes with is a big draw. I'm surprised that Epiphone don't provide good cases with the Gold Top and both their custom guitars. Even the 1950's Les Paul is a lovely guitar, a case like the 59 would be a much more appealing buy for me with all those guitars mentioned above. Sure it costs a bit more, but if I'm forking out the best part of 500 quid, I'll buy the case as well for the extra 100, for good guitar protection and partly for the everlasting buzz of opening a lovely case and seeing a beautiful guitar inside. I mean when you take the missus out to a restaurant you don't just buy her a slap up meal, she's gotta having the pudding for afters otherwise it ain't a proper date. It's the same with guitars, the Les Paul is the main meal, and the case is the pudding.
Thanks again for the great guitar review. You're doing a great job. 👍
Cheers man thats appreciated... will the missus approve of you getting a couple of them to make the choice easier? Maybe take her for a slap up meal after to say thanks? 😆👍 Seriously the '59 is most likely to be the lightest as they are probably aiming for under 9lb... but as you say they are all pretty similar (unlike women!) 😂
@@theguitaristas Cheers, mate. Yeah. All four guitars are great. The 59 is the Jimmy Page guitar if I recall. That one is lovely. The Gold Top is lovely too. I think Epiphone should have made a gold coloured case to go with it. I'll probably go for the 1959 dark sunburst in the end. Although I think all the custom Les Paul should come with a good case.
I've owned an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro for about five years and I'm still in love with that guitar. They're excellent guitars from top to bottom front to back. Personally I like the thinner neck, I wouldn't have purchased it without the thinner neck. I've bought more expensive guitars since then but I plan on keeping it the rest of my life. If I did it again I would pass on the "Pro" part of it because of the push/pull pots they're a real bitch to replace and I damaged the one that splits the humbucker and the wiring is complex. If you want a single coil sound do that separately buy a single coil strat or something this is a Les Paul.
Now they have the diamond inlay full size; much better looking! Think I will get one! Owned a 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom and it had a thin neck so I will like this!
Nothing better than relaxing at a Friday afternoon after work than with one of these videos. Interesting, relaxed tone of talking (not that typical high-intensity, ultra-quick speech) :-)
Cheers Laurent, have a great weekend man! 😎👍
Thank you for buying this guitar for helping me make a decision on buying this guitar.
No worries I am pleased it helped.... let me know how you get on! 😎👍
I saw your video on the epi les paul junior and got one of those. As well as the billie joe signiture 😂 the custom was nice but i think im a sucker for simple one pickup guitars. I'm a bass player by trade so i didnt want something too out there.
Hello, Colin!
My 2017 Ebony finished Epiphone Les Paul Custom version has mostly better specs: A headstock with superior geometry, a rosewood fingerboard (which I personally prefer tonally over ebony), coil splitting, and phase reversal + a permanently lubricated, Graph Tech Tusq XL nut ― replacing the original friction-prone, factory-installed urea (urine) nut ― of which, I had to send and ship ― back and forth three ⚟ times ― to my dealer in another U.S. state for a proper, precise satisfactory fitting and installation.
Furthermore, I also then had to contact Epiphone ― to have them send me a replacement gold-plated, LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge because the retaining wire was deformed on the original. By the way, I only requested the retaining wire, but they said in an email they have to send me the whole bridge assembly.
And if that’s not enough, the guitar was a free upgrade for a Standard Plus Top Pro that received a broken neck whilst being transported back and forth for an upgraded nut installation... Epiphone’s ProBucker™ 2 and ProBucker™ 3 humbucking pickups produce and deliver that glorious PAF clarity and crunch ― and are vastly superior to Gibson’s mud-making 490 & 498 models. 💎💎
Finally, I totally agree with you, Colin ― the Epiphone is a tremendous value for the money and totally free from the excess baggage of buying a Gibson. And with this particular model, I actually prefer the Epiphone over the Gibson. Cheers! 🥂
Thank you so much for this review. I was trying to decide which guitar to buy my son-in-law, and this video made my decision so much easier. I got him the black custom, and he loves it. It sounded great right out of the box--only needed a little tuning. Love you videos!
Nice present Teresa I reckon you nailed that!! 😁👍
I love the intellectual honesty of this guy.
Thanks man that's a nice thing to say! 🙏😊
This video solidified my want to buy this guitar for my birthday later on this month.
My favorite guitar !! Been wanting this Alpine White beauty for over a year when I bought it last year and love it ! Great content as always ! My 6th Epiphone !
What an excellent video on the *Epiphone Les Paul Custom, you're very articulate...* You really covered all the bases clearly, information a person needs to know in making a good decision to buy one or not... I must say it sounds amazing especially thru the Fender Twin Reverb amp nice and clean... I do have a question though; how well does it stay in tune? btw: I like the way you play the guitar sounds great♪♫♪
Thanks Larry! Stays in tune fine 👍
Great episode. I thoroughly enjoy the content you put out. Absolutely love what epiphone have been doing lately. You just can’t go wrong.
Cheers Steve!
The only white Les Paul in my hero worship was Lindsay Buckingham from the 70's ear FW Mac vintage. I bought a cheap Encore Black version (all could afford) that forever soured me on Les Pauls forever after :). Best Regards!
Never too late to try again! 😎👍🇺🇦
Got the exact same white les Paul custom bought new in 2008! 14 years later it’s still a charm
And it was actually more expensive back then hahaha
I found the alpine white LP custom for $650 brand new at GC. Had to take it home. Its such an awesome looking guitar.