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I just received my new 2024 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom in Alpine White today. It came with a hard shell case with the Epiphone+Gibson Custom commemorative logo. Seeing the guitar for the first time, brought a big smile on my face. This guitar looks real. Feels real. And plays real. To me. Now that I’m 62, I like the weight of this one. I am super happy. Although I already have a 2012 Korean-made Epiphone Black Beauty, as I suspected, I am still going to get the Ebony version. Life is good.
So i got this guitar the other day. I tried it out at home and it sounded fine. Then I took it to band practice and, at volume, it sounded INCREDIBLE! It has super resonant tone like my old Gibson Standard Faded I used to have. It just sings!! And lots of sustain too!
Nobody talks about the frets. I hate those short and flat frets (medium jumbo my ass) that Gibson and Epiphone are using. I wonder if this one follows the same pattern.
This is the guitar I've been waiting SO LONG for Epiphone to make and I'm so thankful it's here. Everywhere I've read has listed it as a rounded C neck shape so I presume it's the 50s style neck. I prefer slim taper necks myself but it'll be nice to have some various neck profiles amongst my guitars. I'll definitely be picking one up in black as soon as I can afford one.
I'll take this over a Gibson with the same pickups in it 🤘🤘I've always bought epiphone and have done my own pickups i prefer, this for 1300, definitely a deal. I have 9 epiphone's all set up different.
I've wanted a Gibson Les Paul Custom since 1998. I jumped on this immediately. Gets here on Friday. It ticks all the boxes for me for what an LP Custom should be. Best part is it won't yellow! Can't wait to get it in my hands.
@@danielbarza8600 I don't mind the yellowing, but the laquer finish, which is long outdated, makes the yellow come in a little too quickly. 3 years into it the guitar still is supposed to feel relatively new.
Thank you very much for this extensive and early review. I already have the 2012 Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty - made in Korea. I swapped the 3 pick ups with Gibson 490s and 498. The binding of that one has already yellowed which gives it a vintage look. I am surprised that with these NEW Custom LPs both white and black versions are priced the same. Because the Gibson Alpine White is $300 more expensive than its Ebony version. I am definitely getting the Alpine White. And I might get the Ebony version as well. I will just have to space them out a little bit. So the wife will not notice. Hahaha.
I just got this guitar in ebony for 1089 with set up and daddario 10 gauge strings..from Coda Music in the UK. This is a fantastic guitar... The quality of the finishing is absolutely first class. The ebony fretboard is a joy to play on and looks the business with the latest mother of pearl inlays which really pop against the black ebony board. The construction of the guitar woods really work so well with the 498T/490R matched gibson pickups... This and the top notch electrics, input and switch really work so well.. The headstock is so much nicer than the old "not quite at home" epiphone ones....The case is so good... The whole package punches way way above the price tag and puts you right in the ballpark with the original.. I had the older epiphone 59 but that didn't come close to how this one plays and sounds. The newer 59 may have the gibson custom buckers on board, but I feel that could be one of the reasons why they stayed with the Laurel and Hardy fretboard... The laurel was not to my taste at all because it felt rough and unfinished to my fingers. The customs ebony fretboard combined with the mother of pear is amazingly comfortable to play on... I am no stranger to Gibson Les Paul guitars.. and I can say hands down that this is right up there... Plug it into a Marshall JCM 800, crank it up and either your knees or your bowels will give way... Just make sure your are wearing a good set of strap locks and diapers before you do so
I traded my 2021 Epi LP '59 Outfit for a 2023 Epi LP Custom and haven't looked back. I had a 2022 Epi LP Custom in White that I liked a lot more than the '59 and saw the 2023 on sale with Silverburst and traded for it since I couldn't sell the '59 online. I might have gotten a dud with my '59, but I just never thought much of it. I just don't see myself buying either one of the updated series. I am happy with what I've got. My Gibson has the 490/498 combo, so for me it's not a big deal to get another guitar with that exact combo. If Epiphone put an actual gloss finish on the '59 veneer, it might change my mind. Putting the Custombuckers in that was a good move. Getting north of $1300 puts the idea to save up a little bit more and search the used market for a Gibson if nothing more than for the resale value alone.
When I was Shopping , I narrowed my choice to Three Guitars, Two Epiphones ( The 1959 and the Custom) or a Gibson Tribute.. The Tribute Won !!.. but Both of Those Epiphones Were Most Excellent Guitars ... I would Own All Three if I Could !!!
a lot of models are still out of Epi's high end catalogue. No Standard SGs, no P90 guitars, and most importantly, no Epiphone Originals! I would love a high end Sheraton with more color options
Great video. I like the value they give you for the price increase over the older version. It will be interesting to see where their model line is in a few years, right now it is very crowded.
people complain about it but honestly buying the standard model and modding it with those pickups and wiring etc would total you out at above that or close to the same depending if you have to get it installed or install it yourself
Good video, would love a bit more detail regarding how they did with the fret work and all the qc stuff to help show that these are more quality attention compared to the lower priced ones
I've played the Adam Jones 1979 at two different Guitar Centers here in Orlando and they feel great. Frets were were smooth and seemed well setup in the time I played it. I don't care for gloss necks and the poly finish wasn't heavy and sticky on either instrument. They also looked better overall fit/finish than the normal Epiphones. They are definitely a different feel (improved) to me.
I have always liked those oversized Gibson headstock with MOP logo and split diamond inlay and multi-ply binding but refused to shell out $5K on Gibson LP Customs. But for just $500 more with these new Epiphone LP Customs plus Gibson Custom Shop specs and a hard shell case. Why not?
I think these are worth it while that’s not true for all guitars in this line. These are a tad more than a mexican reissue Stratocaster and cheaper than a Jaguar. But you get proper construction with 2 piece bodies and 1 piece neck. Not typical epiphone popsicle stick construction. You get real ebony and real mother of pearl and custom shop pickups. You also get a hard shell case all in for just a bit more than an mim strat? It’s worth it when you look at it in context of the market. Even the sg custom which Is 2100 cad is still cheaper than an mim fender jaguar new at 2300. You cant even get the real gibson stuff used for this kind of money. It’s worth it
This is my new favorite Les Paul. I know the 59 exists at the same price point with Custom Buckers but the 490R/498T are just about my favorite humbuckers. The Les Paul Custom trimmings, including the fantastic ebony fretboard, make it look fantastic.
The 498t/490r pups are the BEST Gibson makes. I have them in my 22' Epi Jerry Cantrell LP Wino custom. Plus the Wino truly has a slim taper C neck, it's based on Jerry's actual 93' LP custom and it RIPS. In my opinion it's the best LP Epiphone has made, although I sure do wish it had the mustache oh well lol.
I have one in Alpine White. And I like it. A lot. For me, everything about it is great. I am taking it to my luthier next week for a pro setup and fret dress. In the meantime, I took off the covers and checked out the parts. Mine has Gibson USA 490R and 498T pickups, CTS pots, Mallory caps and Switchcraft switch and output jack. I was pleased to find that the cavities were super clean and painted white. The wirings were neatly soldered and nicely tucked. I am very happy with this guitar. So impressed that I purchased the IGC 1959 ES-355 in Ebony within a couple of weeks later.
WOW JOHN !! 2 videos less than 24 hours on the new Epi’s ……….im digging them young man !!! I have been trying to hard try to figure out how to get another R9 since life happens an I had to sell her , but now here is a fantastic alternative!! I still have my R8 but one of these Epi’s will be a pleasure to own and BTW…….U GOT A HECK OF A JUMP ON TROGLY !!!!😂
I really am thinking about getting one of these. The medium neck scares me a bit though. I'm use to the slim taper. I tried the 59 standard at my local guitar store and loved the tone but couldn't play fast on that thick neck. Hopefully this one is a little easier for me.
Great review. Almost tempted. Can’t wait for you to get the 2024 PRS S2’s, yesterday’s other big guitar news, which now have USA pickups & electronics across the whole range!
It would be very negligible. From my experience, the Gibson pickups have a little more clarity to them. Again, it's subtle, but noticeable, especially on lower gain settings.
Just my own opinion on the pricing here. I have wanted a real Gibson Les Paul Custom for so long. They are currently $6,699.00 Can. for the Black, with the Alpine White costing $7,699.00 Can. (no idea why that is). Way out of my reach. So, with the upgraded pups/electronics and headstock, + a nice hardshell case at $1,879.00 Can., the new Epiphone is a very attractive price. Not interested in other used Gibson LP's, unless they are Customs - which aren't anywhere near $2,000. So I look at it compared to the equivalent Gibson model, not as an isolated "Epiphone" model.
I played one a few weeks ago at my local GC. Is it me or does it feel overly plasticky? John got it to sound pretty darn good. The one I played was in the same color and it had trouble holding tune and didn’t sound as good as a Gibson Les Paul Studio going through the same Fender Princeton amp. It sure is a looker, but just about everything I touched on that guitar had a cheap feel about it.
If it was a few weeks ago, it would have most likely been the older $800 version that he mentioned, as these were just released. This one most likely would have sounded very similar to the Studio considering it has the same pickups.
@@markwilliamsmusic2987 I hope I’m wrong. I’m going back to GC this weekend and I’m going to try to play a new Epiphone LPC. I saw the video for the Epiphone 355 and was really impressed for the money, so I just might pull the trigger on a LPC. I just wish it came in Wine Red.
That’s been my experience with Epiphones. If you squint at them, they look like the real thing. Just don’t pick it up, because you know right away it’s not a Gibson. The weight, thickness, frets……
after trying a Gibson Les Paul standard and the Epiphone Les Paul custom, I bought the custom. And not because of the price difference. Even if the Custom was closer to the Gibson price instead of less than half, I prefer it.
I did the same thing (got the Alpine White). Epiphone Made-in-China surpassed Gibson USA in quality a while ago. Gibson has never recovered with respect to QC of construction.
I'm a sucker for this whole new Inspired By Gibson Custom line. I would buy one in a second, without a second thought. But there are absolutely none out of this entire new line that are offered in left handed. So we are screwed, ignored and forgotten once again. Guess they don't want any of my disposable income that I have.
I feel the pain as a lefty myself. Such a missed opportunity from Epiphone at this point in time. Hopefully they are offered in left handed in the future. This guitar is so beautiful and Iconic you would think it would be made in a lefty….
I've realised that some left handed players that play right guitars do some unbelievable stuff with their fingers which is very difficult to learn as right handed
@@Edward1312 1. Learn to play right handed. Why? Perhaps you should learn to play left handed. Being left handed is just how I am. It is who I am. It is how I play. Plus I have been playing for 25 years. So I’m not changing that now. 2. Custom orders aren’t a thing for Epiphone. So even if I was willing to pay the sort of money a custom guitar costs, it wouldn’t even be an option. 3. You can’t invert a right handed Tune-O-Matic style bridge without plugging the wholes and angling the bridge the other way. 4. You can’t turn a Gibson style nut around. It would need a new nut made. 5. Five percent growth for a company like Gibson or Epiphone would be a dream come true for them. Companies like that strive for .05% growth per year. They are losing money. With CNC and other computer based modern manufacturing practices, making a left handed guitar isn’t that hard. If they’re willing to make 100s of versions of every model I don’t see why they couldn’t just make some left handed. 6. Plus that comment was just rude.
Although I just bought the Les Paul Prophecy, both the 59 and the Custom are on my radar. The Prophecy came with the Fishman Fluence which I love. I too love the PUP selection for the 59 and custom.A friend of ours bought the Les Paul Trad V and that thing screams
Great review, as usual! I would actually prefer the slimmer neck over the 1959. I have short fingers, so I tend to go for very slim necks. I have two Gibson LP Customs, a 1977 made in Kalamazoo, and a 2010, both slim-taper necks. I bought a Marty Schwartz 335, partially based on your review, if I didn’t already have four LPs and two SGs I would probably buy one of these, too.
i made a slight adjustment to my 2021 Epi Alpine LP custom, i put orang drop caps and it seemed to give my 490r/498t p/u's more clarity and punch , im curious to see how bumble bee caps would sound .i dig my kalamazoo headstock ,so the new headstock is ok till they change it again, thanks Play &Trade UPDATE ,i pulled the trigger on one 5/3/24
A used Les Paul Studio made by Gibson comes with 498/490 pickups and, If ebony is your preference, early 90s models have that. Sure, there’s no binding or fancy headstock but, that’s kinda even more rockin. These Epiphones at higher prices are great guitars. Yes. Those used Gibsons are better. Not getting political or any of that but, Gibson as a company would far prefer you buy this new Epiphone than a used Studio.
Hope they put the ABR-1 bridge in the next batch like the new 59 has. The screwed bridge makes it look like a Chibson, which I suppose is what it is lol!
All well and dandy but what does these resistant values of the pickups tell me, I would very much like to hear what the entire guitar difference with the gibson custom pl is
That really is a great guitar that sounds as good as it looks and u would expect that with the price, which can b justified by the 490 and 498 Gibson pickups, mother of pearl inlays and a good case but the fact that it's headstock is shaped more like a Gibson headstock shouldn't b a factor when it comes to pricing. Still want one tho
This has the gibson 490 and 498? Is this different from the model of last year? I bought this a year ago, inspired by gibson model, but it has the epiphone probuckers in it. Were these updated for 2024?
i have a epi 2018LP custom with seymore duncan P rails (p 90 coil tap) This guitar smokes everything......cts mallory grovers rosewood mahog maple cap 8.9lbs ernie balls 9 top wrap
@@donthewatcher i have a Gibson Standard LP and a Epi Custom LP, the new one. I swear the feel, the quality and the Sound of these Epiphones is amazing. They can easily be comparable to mid tier Gibsons of 2000-3000€/$ in terms of sound and feel.. The only slight problem of Epis are the setups they do in factory.. its always horrible and you have mostly to do more on the out of the box setup like Action height, tuning stability, truss rod and intonation than you would on a real Gibson, and more often. On Gibsons i usualy only have to adjust the truss rod slightly and sometimes the intonation on 1 or 2 strings and thats most often it for a considerable amount of years.. But for the price of a 1,2k €/$ its a total banger of a Guitar and totally justifies the price.
Yeah it's expensive for an Epi. But add the USA electronics and the hard case to the regular Epi LP Custom and it's not far off, and that headstock looks so sexy.
This is basically a Gibson, so for all you guys hate on the Bryce tag.Think about what's going into this guitar.Everything except for the name gibson on the top
I just bought one in black online! it's my 3rd guitar and I can't wait to see it in person! everything other than the fact that the bindings on these does not age and turn yellow like their Gibson counterpart is perfect!
If that is what you want I hope you’re right. I have a 2012 Korean Epiphone LP Custom Black Beauty whose binding has already started to yellow. Same thing with the binding of my 2012 Epiphone LP Ace Frehley Cherry Burst. For me, they give my guitars that vintage-vibe which I like very much.
I believe all Epis are 14° instead of the 17° that Gibsons have, that's why generally speaking Epis hold tune better than Gibsons (assuming you don't have a badly cut or an improperly lubricated nut or faulty tuners)
Shiiiiit I promised myself not to buy more guitars this year but fuck it, I've always wanted a Less Paul custom but I wasn't ok with selling a lung for it, so this is a home run from Epiphone. I just wish this Epi would have been made in Indonesia instead of China but I'm going to buy it anyways.
@@rgjr.6055That would be AWESOME!!!! I hope they do it, I already have the 1st Wino and would add an "updated" model to the rack. I already put Gibson 498t/490r pups in it and it RIPS! It blows some Gibsons clean outta the water, people who play it can't believe it's an Epi. I will NEVER part with it.
People have a hard time paying these prices for made in china guitars. People with iPhones, Nike’s, etc if you catch my drift. As guitarists it’s something we need to get over as a community- where it’s made is not indicative of quality as it once was
@@stug5041 for sure. There's another element to made in China products, and that is corporate greed. Is this an example of that? Everyone has to answer that for themselves.
There's a whole argument to be made about the pricing. I'll be the first to admit, it's rather tiring to see the usual "omg, Epiphones over a grand? No thank you!" On everything surrounding these. But really think about this for a second. Sure. You could find used Gibson's that are cheaper than this. But realistically what are you going to find in that price range? Studios and tributes. And maybe you might find a heck of a good deal for a standard that's only a couple hundred bucks more. But where are you going to find a Les Paul Custom in this supposed "oh, just pay a couple hundred more for a Gibson!" Price point people argue for? You can't, and you won't. For the people that want the proper Les Paul Custom specs and looks and don't want to cough up 5k+ for a custom shop, this is a legitimate option.
@@absolute.freedom how many people know about them though? Don't get me wrong, I've tried an FGN LP before and that guitar was awesome, but you can't underestimate the power of brand perception. Even though there might be something that's as good if not better, asking the layman guitarist to pick between an FGN LPC style NLS or this, I would hazard that they would pick the Epiphone. FGN is an excellent suggestion though.
even if i have a true sg Gibson i still prefer the original sound of normal epiphone les paul custom pickups insted of what they claim is a custombucker
I think the new LP epi custom is better value than the 59 . The finish on the 59 looks cheap (imho) and ebony finger board trumps laurel. I am lucky that I have an epi tribute plus 60s so the custom is different enough to justify a purchase! Custom added to my wishlist......
I’m surprised nobody ever mentions the wonky and soft lower horn that always plagues Epi Les Pauls. Sticks out to me so bad and that’s what separates them from the sharper Gibson cutaway.
To show quality of any guitar extreme closeups of fret ends and the nut. Plus the binding quality alot of guitar's fall short on those plus does it have full size pots don't ignore those things most channels do
Dang, I just got the Epi LP custom alpine white / gold hardware $649 brand new no tax; upgraded gold top / gold post DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge p/u , white top / gold post Evolution in the neck, gold StewMac premium push/pull pots / wire kit, gold Grover keystone lock tuners … and now looking to get an epiphone hard case (I already had an old SKB LP case I’m using now) I’d rather just gotten that one 😂 🤷♂️ had no idea that was available
I'm tempted to buy a black one and mod it to be more like a 57 or 68. But that would mean a significant extra spend on top of an already quite pricy guitar.
CLICK TO BUY - Epiphone Les Paul Custom Inspired by Gibson Custom:
www.zzounds.com/a--3979398/item--EPIECLPC?siid=349728
GUITAR GIVEAWAY Martin D-28:
1) SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications
2) Enter on GLEAM: gleam.io/competitions/QySws-martin-d28-giveaway
Browse ALL GEAR:
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I just received my new 2024 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom in Alpine White today. It came with a hard shell case with the Epiphone+Gibson Custom commemorative logo. Seeing the guitar for the first time, brought a big smile on my face. This guitar looks real. Feels real. And plays real. To me. Now that I’m 62, I like the weight of this one. I am super happy. Although I already have a 2012 Korean-made Epiphone Black Beauty, as I suspected, I am still going to get the Ebony version. Life is good.
congrads Les Paul Customs, one of the finer things in life...........
So i got this guitar the other day. I tried it out at home and it sounded fine. Then I took it to band practice and, at volume, it sounded INCREDIBLE! It has super resonant tone like my old Gibson Standard Faded I used to have. It just sings!! And lots of sustain too!
I love Gibson, but $1299.00 vs $4999.00, this is a no-brainer. How were the frets and any fretting out with bends on higher frets?
I don't worry about the frets, if there is a problem, a guitar tech can fix them up easily.
Nobody talks about the frets. I hate those short and flat frets (medium jumbo my ass) that Gibson and Epiphone are using. I wonder if this one follows the same pattern.
It's an epiphone, dead frets are part of the package. Deal with it.
This is the guitar I've been waiting SO LONG for Epiphone to make and I'm so thankful it's here. Everywhere I've read has listed it as a rounded C neck shape so I presume it's the 50s style neck. I prefer slim taper necks myself but it'll be nice to have some various neck profiles amongst my guitars. I'll definitely be picking one up in black as soon as I can afford one.
The one we've ALL been waiting for!
I'll take this over a Gibson with the same pickups in it 🤘🤘I've always bought epiphone and have done my own pickups i prefer, this for 1300, definitely a deal. I have 9 epiphone's all set up different.
I have 6 lol. I like all of them
I'm quite excited about these new LP Customs.
And so you should be.. They are selling fast and back orders are mounting up
just pulled the trigger today 5/3/24 alpine LP custom mom and pop store gave me $100 off thousand oaks calif. the classic sound of rock
@@donthewatcher That's awesome! Hope you enjoy the heck out of it!
@@donthewatcher I'm in Reseda. What's the name of the store? Do they offer repairs/set-ups?
@@teeoh9192 instrumental music off the 101 fwy in thousand oaks
they had a few 2024 epiphone's and they fix /set ups
I've wanted a Gibson Les Paul Custom since 1998. I jumped on this immediately. Gets here on Friday. It ticks all the boxes for me for what an LP Custom should be. Best part is it won't yellow! Can't wait to get it in my hands.
It’s funny how different players feel about the yellow. I love it. Makes me think of Randy Rhoads
Did your custom arrive? and what is it like?
@@danielbarza8600 I don't mind the yellowing, but the laquer finish, which is long outdated, makes the yellow come in a little too quickly. 3 years into it the guitar still is supposed to feel relatively new.
I bought one last December with the pro buckers in and I love what you get for the money.
Thank you very much for this extensive and early review. I already have the 2012 Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty - made in Korea. I swapped the 3 pick ups with Gibson 490s and 498. The binding of that one has already yellowed which gives it a vintage look. I am surprised that with these NEW Custom LPs both white and black versions are priced the same. Because the Gibson Alpine White is $300 more expensive than its Ebony version. I am definitely getting the Alpine White. And I might get the Ebony version as well. I will just have to space them out a little bit. So the wife will not notice. Hahaha.
I just got this guitar in ebony for 1089 with set up and daddario 10 gauge strings..from Coda Music in the UK. This is a fantastic guitar... The quality of the finishing is absolutely first class. The ebony fretboard is a joy to play on and looks the business with the latest mother of pearl inlays which really pop against the black ebony board. The construction of the guitar woods really work so well with the 498T/490R matched gibson pickups... This and the top notch electrics, input and switch really work so well.. The headstock is so much nicer than the old "not quite at home" epiphone ones....The case is so good... The whole package punches way way above the price tag and puts you right in the ballpark with the original.. I had the older epiphone 59 but that didn't come close to how this one plays and sounds. The newer 59 may have the gibson custom buckers on board, but I feel that could be one of the reasons why they stayed with the Laurel and Hardy fretboard... The laurel was not to my taste at all because it felt rough and unfinished to my fingers. The customs ebony fretboard combined with the mother of pear is amazingly comfortable to play on... I am no stranger to Gibson Les Paul guitars.. and I can say hands down that this is right up there... Plug it into a Marshall JCM 800, crank it up and either your knees or your bowels will give way... Just make sure your are wearing a good set of strap locks and diapers before you do so
I traded my 2021 Epi LP '59 Outfit for a 2023 Epi LP Custom and haven't looked back. I had a 2022 Epi LP Custom in White that I liked a lot more than the '59 and saw the 2023 on sale with Silverburst and traded for it since I couldn't sell the '59 online. I might have gotten a dud with my '59, but I just never thought much of it.
I just don't see myself buying either one of the updated series. I am happy with what I've got. My Gibson has the 490/498 combo, so for me it's not a big deal to get another guitar with that exact combo. If Epiphone put an actual gloss finish on the '59 veneer, it might change my mind. Putting the Custombuckers in that was a good move. Getting north of $1300 puts the idea to save up a little bit more and search the used market for a Gibson if nothing more than for the resale value alone.
If you're after the custombucker, the 335 is a better deal.
When I was Shopping , I narrowed my choice to Three Guitars, Two Epiphones ( The 1959 and the Custom) or a Gibson Tribute.. The Tribute Won !!.. but Both of Those Epiphones Were Most Excellent Guitars ... I would Own All Three if I Could !!!
You made the right choice
Kinda disappointed they didn't show any love for the Juniors or Specials with this rollout of Epiphone open book headstocks.
Probably because the actual Gibsons of those models are already around the same price as these.
Perhaps Gibson don't want a Epi under 1000 dollars...
I would love a SG Jr or LP Jr, i assume that would be a bit cheap
a lot of models are still out of Epi's high end catalogue. No Standard SGs, no P90 guitars, and most importantly, no Epiphone Originals! I would love a high end Sheraton with more color options
@@fernandosilva6295There will be, guaranteed
Because those are kids guitars
I love Epiphone ❤ I need one.
Great video. I like the value they give you for the price increase over the older version. It will be interesting to see where their model line is in a few years, right now it is very crowded.
people complain about it but honestly buying the standard model and modding it with those pickups and wiring etc would total you out at above that or close to the same depending if you have to get it installed or install it yourself
Good video, would love a bit more detail regarding how they did with the fret work and all the qc stuff to help show that these are more quality attention compared to the lower priced ones
I've played the Adam Jones 1979 at two different Guitar Centers here in Orlando and they feel great. Frets were were smooth and seemed well setup in the time I played it. I don't care for gloss necks and the poly finish wasn't heavy and sticky on either instrument. They also looked better overall fit/finish than the normal Epiphones. They are definitely a different feel (improved) to me.
Yeah I thought I missed it ,but he just kinda skipped that part didn't he??
Thanks for watching. I didn't have any fret issues on these, so there was nothing to report.
I love my Epiphone LP Custom 2024 Model!
It's actually listed as having a 50s medium C instead of the slim taper like the regular Epi custom.
I have always liked those oversized Gibson headstock with MOP logo and split diamond inlay and multi-ply binding but refused to shell out $5K on Gibson LP Customs. But for just $500 more with these new Epiphone LP Customs plus Gibson Custom Shop specs and a hard shell case. Why not?
I think these are worth it while that’s not true for all guitars in this line. These are a tad more than a mexican reissue Stratocaster and cheaper than a Jaguar. But you get proper construction with 2 piece bodies and 1 piece neck. Not typical epiphone popsicle stick construction. You get real ebony and real mother of pearl and custom shop pickups. You also get a hard shell case all in for just a bit more than an mim strat? It’s worth it when you look at it in context of the market. Even the sg custom which Is 2100 cad is still cheaper than an mim fender jaguar new at 2300. You cant even get the real gibson stuff used for this kind of money. It’s worth it
The fact that this is poly finish and won't yellow like the real nitro gibson, makes it an instant buy for me
I got an Indonesian 2007 epiphone and its a little bit yellow even with poly
@@gaboasis21 that's more likely the smoke from cigarettes
Poly will still yellow over time when in contact with sunlight
Poly will definitely yellow over time just not as much as nitro.
It’s the clear coat that yellows on Gibsons.
I have a Japanese Epiphone Custom, with the open book headstock, and had an Orville, and wonder how these compare.
This is my new favorite Les Paul. I know the 59 exists at the same price point with Custom Buckers but the 490R/498T are just about my favorite humbuckers. The Les Paul Custom trimmings, including the fantastic ebony fretboard, make it look fantastic.
They sure rock ! 🤟
The 498t/490r pups are the BEST Gibson makes. I have them in my 22' Epi Jerry Cantrell LP Wino custom. Plus the Wino truly has a slim taper C neck, it's based on Jerry's actual 93' LP custom and it RIPS. In my opinion it's the best LP Epiphone has made, although I sure do wish it had the mustache oh well lol.
I have one in Alpine White. And I like it. A lot. For me, everything about it is great. I am taking it to my luthier next week for a pro setup and fret dress. In the meantime, I took off the covers and checked out the parts. Mine has Gibson USA 490R and 498T pickups, CTS pots, Mallory caps and Switchcraft switch and output jack. I was pleased to find that the cavities were super clean and painted white. The wirings were neatly soldered and nicely tucked. I am very happy with this guitar. So impressed that I purchased the IGC 1959 ES-355 in Ebony within a couple of weeks later.
WOW JOHN !!
2 videos less than 24 hours on the new Epi’s ……….im digging them young man !!! I have been trying to hard try to figure out how to get another R9 since life happens an I had to sell her , but now here is a fantastic alternative!!
I still have my R8 but one of these Epi’s will be a pleasure to own and BTW…….U GOT A HECK OF A JUMP ON TROGLY !!!!😂
I really am thinking about getting one of these. The medium neck scares me a bit though. I'm use to the slim taper. I tried the 59 standard at my local guitar store and loved the tone but couldn't play fast on that thick neck. Hopefully this one is a little easier for me.
I honestly love the 490 series pickups. Thick and meaty tones.
I love them too with the right Amp they sound epic
I just ordered this. It is Killer in Alpine White!
Great review. Almost tempted. Can’t wait for you to get the 2024 PRS S2’s, yesterday’s other big guitar news, which now have USA pickups & electronics across the whole range!
Great review (and playing). I’d be interested in a side by side comparison with the $799 Epi Custom. Thanks for posting!
I ordered the Ebony, and a gold Bigsby B7+vibramate adapter.
I'm sold. take my money :) It is so much what I love and affordable compared to a Gibson custom
Would have loved a sound comparison vs the standard/cheaper les paul custom
It would be very negligible. From my experience, the Gibson pickups have a little more clarity to them. Again, it's subtle, but noticeable, especially on lower gain settings.
Just my own opinion on the pricing here. I have wanted a real Gibson Les Paul Custom for so long. They are currently $6,699.00 Can. for the Black, with the Alpine White costing $7,699.00 Can. (no idea why that is). Way out of my reach. So, with the upgraded pups/electronics and headstock, + a nice hardshell case at $1,879.00 Can., the new Epiphone is a very attractive price. Not interested in other used Gibson LP's, unless they are Customs - which aren't anywhere near $2,000. So I look at it compared to the equivalent Gibson model, not as an isolated "Epiphone" model.
I like the headstock. Could you get one of these and carve away the heel for better access?
To my ears, the best all round sounding pickups Gibson ever made were those ‘70s T-Tops
I played one a few weeks ago at my local GC. Is it me or does it feel overly plasticky? John got it to sound pretty darn good. The one I played was in the same color and it had trouble holding tune and didn’t sound as good as a Gibson Les Paul Studio going through the same Fender Princeton amp. It sure is a looker, but just about everything I touched on that guitar had a cheap feel about it.
If it was a few weeks ago, it would have most likely been the older $800 version that he mentioned, as these were just released. This one most likely would have sounded very similar to the Studio considering it has the same pickups.
Impossible they weren't out yet...
@@markwilliamsmusic2987 I hope I’m wrong. I’m going back to GC this weekend and I’m going to try to play a new Epiphone LPC. I saw the video for the Epiphone 355 and was really impressed for the money, so I just might pull the trigger on a LPC. I just wish it came in Wine Red.
That’s been my experience with Epiphones. If you squint at them, they look like the real thing. Just don’t pick it up, because you know right away it’s not a Gibson. The weight, thickness, frets……
Forget the Epi. Show us that gold single cut semi hollow hanging on the wall behind you. 🤤
this is the newer one with 490 498 pickups in it instead of the probuckers.
after trying a Gibson Les Paul standard and the Epiphone Les Paul custom, I bought the custom. And not because of the price difference. Even if the Custom was closer to the Gibson price instead of less than half, I prefer it.
I did the same thing (got the Alpine White). Epiphone Made-in-China surpassed Gibson USA in quality a while ago. Gibson has never recovered with respect to QC of construction.
that mother of pearl inlays are really nice on this specific example.
I shall have one!!!
I'm a sucker for this whole new Inspired By Gibson Custom line. I would buy one in a second, without a second thought.
But there are absolutely none out of this entire new line that are offered in left handed. So we are screwed, ignored and forgotten once again.
Guess they don't want any of my disposable income that I have.
We suffer together
I feel the pain as a lefty myself. Such a missed opportunity from Epiphone at this point in time. Hopefully they are offered in left handed in the future. This guitar is so beautiful and Iconic you would think it would be made in a lefty….
@@Edward1312 That is such an ignorant response in so many ways.
I've realised that some left handed players that play right guitars do some unbelievable stuff with their fingers which is very difficult to learn as right handed
@@Edward1312
1. Learn to play right handed. Why? Perhaps you should learn to play left handed. Being left handed is just how I am. It is who I am. It is how I play. Plus I have been playing for 25 years. So I’m not changing that now.
2. Custom orders aren’t a thing for Epiphone. So even if I was willing to pay the sort of money a custom guitar costs, it wouldn’t even be an option.
3. You can’t invert a right handed Tune-O-Matic style bridge without plugging the wholes and angling the bridge the other way.
4. You can’t turn a Gibson style nut around. It would need a new nut made.
5. Five percent growth for a company like Gibson or Epiphone would be a dream come true for them. Companies like that strive for .05% growth per year. They are losing money. With CNC and other computer based modern manufacturing practices, making a left handed guitar isn’t that hard. If they’re willing to make 100s of versions of every model I don’t see why they couldn’t just make some left handed.
6. Plus that comment was just rude.
Although I just bought the Les Paul Prophecy, both the 59 and the Custom are on my radar. The Prophecy came with the Fishman Fluence which I love. I too love the PUP selection for the 59 and custom.A friend of ours bought the Les Paul Trad V and that thing screams
so it's on the lighter side for a Les Paul Custom ?
I bought the black version. Nice guitar.
Great review, as usual! I would actually prefer the slimmer neck over the 1959. I have short fingers, so I tend to go for very slim necks. I have two Gibson LP Customs, a 1977 made in Kalamazoo, and a 2010, both slim-taper necks. I bought a Marty Schwartz 335, partially based on your review, if I didn’t already have four LPs and two SGs I would probably buy one of these, too.
I admire your self-control.
@@mr3klax lol! Right?
@@carljohnson4691But life is short to not get one more. I have 4 LPs 2 Strats 6 acoustics & 1 bass. And I’m 62. So, I’m getting one more.
Definitely what I've been waiting for this wood Definitely be the guitar that stays in my collection 😍
I like it. I'll probably get one.
I have an Ebony Gibson LP custom but I still want this too!
I'm waiting on mine to arrive...🤘😎
i made a slight adjustment to my 2021 Epi Alpine LP custom, i put orang drop caps and it seemed to give my 490r/498t p/u's more clarity and punch , im curious to see how bumble bee caps would sound .i dig my kalamazoo headstock ,so the new headstock is ok till they change it again, thanks Play &Trade UPDATE ,i pulled the trigger on one 5/3/24
A used Les Paul Studio made by Gibson comes with 498/490 pickups and, If ebony is your preference, early 90s models have that. Sure, there’s no binding or fancy headstock but, that’s kinda even more rockin. These Epiphones at higher prices are great guitars. Yes. Those used Gibsons are better. Not getting political or any of that but, Gibson as a company would far prefer you buy this new Epiphone than a used Studio.
Great reviews, a lot of chat about the price of these guitars. Personally think it's incredible value.
Is that the new 3H SG behind you? You making a new video on it?
Yes, stay tuned! Thanks for watching
since when is 799 a "little price" lol
Hope they put the ABR-1 bridge in the next batch like the new 59 has. The screwed bridge makes it look like a Chibson, which I suppose is what it is lol!
Agreed.
That can be easily swapped though.
It has the three screw TRC as well.
All well and dandy but what does these resistant values of the pickups tell me, I would very much like to hear what the entire guitar difference with the gibson custom pl is
This guitar sounds great.
That really is a great guitar that sounds as good as it looks and u would expect that with the price, which can b justified by the 490 and 498 Gibson pickups, mother of pearl inlays and a good case but the fact that it's headstock is shaped more like a Gibson headstock shouldn't b a factor when it comes to pricing. Still want one tho
Might have to go try one at a guitarcenter and see how it compares to my gibson lp studio, and my burny lp customs.
sounds about the same 490r/498t i have a 2024 custom and a 2013 LPJ
Is there a reason why this guitar isn't on the Epiphone website ?
Coming from a 60s strat, i find comfortable 60s slim taper necks. How much thicker is the neck compared to a slim taper?
This has the gibson 490 and 498? Is this different from the model of last year? I bought this a year ago, inspired by gibson model, but it has the epiphone probuckers in it. Were these updated for 2024?
Some are saying those new Customs have a maple top as opposed to the previous mahogany top.
Hate t say it, but if you put EMGs or Custombuckers in it this can sound better than a fkn Gibson LP.
i have a epi 2018LP custom with seymore duncan P rails (p 90 coil tap)
This guitar smokes everything......cts mallory grovers rosewood mahog maple cap 8.9lbs ernie balls 9 top wrap
@@donthewatcher i have a Gibson Standard LP and a Epi Custom LP, the new one. I swear the feel, the quality and the Sound of these Epiphones is amazing. They can easily be comparable to mid tier Gibsons of 2000-3000€/$ in terms of sound and feel.. The only slight problem of Epis are the setups they do in factory.. its always horrible and you have mostly to do more on the out of the box setup like Action height, tuning stability, truss rod and intonation than you would on a real Gibson, and more often. On Gibsons i usualy only have to adjust the truss rod slightly and sometimes the intonation on 1 or 2 strings and thats most often it for a considerable amount of years.. But for the price of a 1,2k €/$ its a total banger of a Guitar and totally justifies the price.
again, sweet playing and video, guys
Yeah it's expensive for an Epi. But add the USA electronics and the hard case to the regular Epi LP Custom and it's not far off, and that headstock looks so sexy.
@TheBoss0Time sure, this one is for those that want the look of a Custom
@Gearslayer92blah blah blah blah no one cares.
I still have my first real handmade guitar that I bought in 1980. It's worth at least 12K right now for a quick sell.
This is basically a Gibson, so for all you guys hate on the Bryce tag.Think about what's going into this guitar.Everything except for the name gibson on the top
I just bought one in black online! it's my 3rd guitar and I can't wait to see it in person! everything other than the fact that the bindings on these does not age and turn yellow like their Gibson counterpart is perfect!
If that is what you want I hope you’re right. I have a 2012 Korean Epiphone LP Custom Black Beauty whose binding has already started to yellow. Same thing with the binding of my 2012 Epiphone LP Ace Frehley Cherry Burst. For me, they give my guitars that vintage-vibe which I like very much.
@@mr3klax that sounds amazing, I wish I had one of those! Do you know any ways to artificially age the newer Epiphones?
@@Secretary68 No. I personally don’t. Artificially aging an instrument like a guitar is an art. You might want to look into Tom Murphy of Murphy Lab.
I had to have the frets polished other than that it’s fantastic
What's the headstock angle?
Yes!
I believe all Epis are 14° instead of the 17° that Gibsons have, that's why generally speaking Epis hold tune better than Gibsons (assuming you don't have a badly cut or an improperly lubricated nut or faulty tuners)
@@fernandosilva6295
Idk...that custom looks 17
@@seekandcrush Mine looks definitely less than the Gibson angle, and it has passed the drop test, a couple of times.
I believe in a thing called love
i'm more curious to her it with a pair custombucker slapped in
I will keep playing my Chibson.
The Manic Street Preachers fan in me, wants this
I love this real review! 🔥🤘🏼🔥
Shiiiiit I promised myself not to buy more guitars this year but fuck it, I've always wanted a Less Paul custom but I wasn't ok with selling a lung for it, so this is a home run from Epiphone. I just wish this Epi would have been made in Indonesia instead of China but I'm going to buy it anyways.
Get it... You will not regret it.
Does these new necks have the Gibson break angle or the lesser Epiphone angle?
Do not have A gibson to compare to, but from memory it looks like a little less of an angle.
Has the “Large Post” copy style bridge!
A deal breaker for me, shouldn’t have to upgrade that at this price!
When will the Jerry Cantrell Wino be released?!
Over a year ago man
@@stug5041 With the Gibson headstock?
@@rgjr.6055That would be AWESOME!!!! I hope they do it, I already have the 1st Wino and would add an "updated" model to the rack. I already put Gibson 498t/490r pups in it and it RIPS! It blows some Gibsons clean outta the water, people who play it can't believe it's an Epi. I will NEVER part with it.
Hola, cuando salen a la venta en Argentina ???
Look I understand the price is a lot but hear me out you’re getting what ur paying for.
People have a hard time paying these prices for made in china guitars. People with iPhones, Nike’s, etc if you catch my drift. As guitarists it’s something we need to get over as a community- where it’s made is not indicative of quality as it once was
@@stug5041 for sure. There's another element to made in China products, and that is corporate greed. Is this an example of that? Everyone has to answer that for themselves.
There's a whole argument to be made about the pricing. I'll be the first to admit, it's rather tiring to see the usual "omg, Epiphones over a grand? No thank you!" On everything surrounding these.
But really think about this for a second. Sure. You could find used Gibson's that are cheaper than this. But realistically what are you going to find in that price range? Studios and tributes. And maybe you might find a heck of a good deal for a standard that's only a couple hundred bucks more.
But where are you going to find a Les Paul Custom in this supposed "oh, just pay a couple hundred more for a Gibson!" Price point people argue for? You can't, and you won't.
For the people that want the proper Les Paul Custom specs and looks and don't want to cough up 5k+ for a custom shop, this is a legitimate option.
@@MHChang2014 Fujigen are in that price range. Made in Japan, impeccable QC.
@@absolute.freedom how many people know about them though? Don't get me wrong, I've tried an FGN LP before and that guitar was awesome, but you can't underestimate the power of brand perception. Even though there might be something that's as good if not better, asking the layman guitarist to pick between an FGN LPC style NLS or this, I would hazard that they would pick the Epiphone.
FGN is an excellent suggestion though.
If I were buying an LP it would be this one, but I want to see how it yellows …
even if i have a true sg Gibson i still prefer the original sound of normal epiphone les paul custom pickups insted of what they claim is a custombucker
The way I look at is $1,299 or $4,999. The choice is up to the player.
A new one is now 5500.00
I think the new LP epi custom is better value than the 59 . The finish on the 59 looks cheap (imho) and ebony finger board trumps laurel. I am lucky that I have an epi tribute plus 60s so the custom is different enough to justify a purchase! Custom added to my wishlist......
I think you must have to REALLY love the look of a custom to buy one of these instead of a similar priced Gibson with the same pickups.
Very nice job Epiphone!
Ratings of 9.2 & 9.0 & 9.0 = 9.0666 so technically its a 9.1 jus sayin.
this one will be mine
I’m surprised nobody ever mentions the wonky and soft lower horn that always plagues Epi Les Pauls. Sticks out to me so bad and that’s what separates them from the sharper Gibson cutaway.
I want three pickups cause I’m dumb.
💯
doubled in price wow!
Finally we dont need to buy ltd’s to have a semi affordable lp body
To show quality of any guitar extreme closeups of fret ends and the nut. Plus the binding quality alot of guitar's fall short on those plus does it have full size pots don't ignore those things most channels do
They definitely have full size pots. They use CTS pots.
@@KevinTheMetalhead only one channel goes and shows all closeup details. All guitar's look great at a distance
Dang, I just got the Epi LP custom alpine white / gold hardware $649 brand new no tax; upgraded gold top / gold post DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge p/u , white top / gold post Evolution in the neck, gold StewMac premium push/pull pots / wire kit, gold Grover keystone lock tuners … and now looking to get an epiphone hard case (I already had an old SKB LP case I’m using now)
I’d rather just gotten that one 😂 🤷♂️ had no idea that was available
Not 50s wiring. And 490 series isn't historically correct.. unless you consider the 90s historic
The 490r/498t set does go along with what the Gibson Custom Shop is selling at the moment.
@@KevinTheMetalhead that's what go in the non-historic Customs. The 57s and 68s get PAF style pickups
I'm tempted to buy a black one and mod it to be more like a 57 or 68. But that would mean a significant extra spend on top of an already quite pricy guitar.
@@kentfranklin736 so these are correct then. It’s not being advertised as a historic. 😂
@@danieleidet71314:08 in the video. You're so smart 😂