I really hope epiphone offers a stopbar variety of this guitar in the future! The Frets made this guitar a real winner ❓Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/ 👕 Merch: teespring.com/basic-logo-4245?pid=211 🎸New Guitar Day Program: troglysguitarshow.com/ngd/
I think you should do like 10 Floyd vids in a row to level up your exp and hopefully get comfortable with them. I want you to become dive bomb Trogly by 2022.
I'd have to get my bank account onto Red Sector A to get one, can't commit such Bravado and Roll the Bones with all else. Sad, cause I'd play it Closer to the Heart than most other guitars.
I love mine so much! Alex is my #1 guitar hero and to be able to have his signature model is really special. Epiphone knocked it out of the park on this one.
Alex Lifeson is a seriously underrated guitar player. He dominates the Hemispheres of the Limelight with the guitar. You don't get Something For Nothing and when you pick up one of these axes made from Trees it should put your in a Xanadu state. The Epiphone model won't leaving you feeling that your got Something for Nothing and nobody will play better than him from now till 2112. You can't pick up this type of guitar from the Garden and the only real Lessons here is many of us would want a Gibson for $2,000 instead of an Epiphone. Because the Distant Early Warning states most of us don't have Big Money, but you may need to Roll the Bones.
@@kirabarsmith9353 - Yes! 😄 One of my favourites on that album! I don't think I've actually ever heard the studio recording!? 'All The World's A Stage' is the oldest Rush album I own 🙂
Check these lyrics out. genius. "New World Man" He's a rebel and a runner, he's a signal turning green He's a restless young romantic wants to run the big machine He's got a problem with his poisons, but you know he'll find a cure He's cleaning up his systems, to keep his nature pure. Learning to match the beat of the Old World Man. Learning to catch the heat of the Third World Man He's got to make his own mistakes, and learn to mend the mess he makes He's old enough to know what's right, but young enough not to choose it He's noble enough to win the world, but weak enough to lose it He's a New World Man... He's a radio receiver, tuned to factories and farms He's a writer and a ranger and a young boy bearing arms He's got a problem with his power, with weapons on patrol He's got to walk a fine line, and keep his self-control Trying to save the day for the Old World Man. Trying to pave the way for the Third World Man He's not concerned with yesterday, he knows constant change is here today He's noble enough to know what's right, but weak enough not to choose it He's wise enough to win the world, but fool enough to lose it He's a New World Man...
So many concerts And Rush remains my absolute favorite band I’ve seen live. Seen em on mescaline (hallucinate)for presto tour. Blew my my mind. It seemed like a band from another world landed on stage and jammed.
Fantastic demo, Austin! Best one, so far. I noticed the split coils didn't hardly diminish the sound vs the regular split coils from other Epiphones. I have the Epi LP Plus Top Pro and the split coil sound gets much more quiet when compared to this axe...That 2nd input jack is what Alex calls his 'Life-O-Sound' input. The Piezo sounds awsum!
Hi Austin, 8:03 To accurately measure a resistance in a circuit you have to disconnect it from the circuit otherwise you're measuring the total resistance between the two probes... Yes, even if you connect them "directly" to the pickups' leads. With an active circuit, with relatively constant resistance reading at the output (probably a buffer with an output impedance close to a hot P.A.F), it actually might work measuring at the pickups' leads without disconnecting them (This is because the active circuit "separates" between its input & output). Hope this will help you next time you get a guitar with a complicated circuit and in general :) Cheers and thank you for all the videos, Dror
Oh I wish you would’ve plugged the second jack directly into your interface. That’s actually the main purpose of it. Either into an acoustic amp or straight into the front of house, that’s where you get the most direct and natural sound of the Piezo pick up
The scratchiness of the frets on so many epiphones is corrosion that happens from exposure to humidity in overseas shipping. It’s why doing final qc and setup after shipping is so important and why brands like LTD/schecter and prs se with dedicated set up departments tend to feel so much better than companies like epiphone that drop ship a lot of their stuff.
Alex is the inspiration for my picking up the guitar...so I had to have one. I managed to get one of the launch first run ones. Sitting in my local music store awaiting my arrival. Thanx for the excellent insight to what looks like a stellar addition to my instrument family.
Solid guitar. I ordered mine early and 3 of my friends as well , I own and have played many Epi's but this feels Like the real deal in your hands , especially the neck . Mine was delivered with a hole in the box I could of crawled into, I was expecting to have to send it back . All of my 3 friends who had them delivered had quality issues of some kind mostly minor but mine was perfect and no issues at all. I set up the Floyd , put 9 gauge on , lowered the action and its amazing.. Been waiting for your review on this fiddle , Great video and thanks for saving me the time of stripping it down and doing the work myself ..lol
I'm glad to hear the frets are nice on this one. I find more epiphone guitars have horrible fret work than ones with good fret work, which is such a shame because they are mostly good if they can just sort out the QA issues with frets.
I bought one of the first Epiphone '59 RIs last year, and had the same experience with the frets, they're great, and with the Gibson burstbuckers, and hardshell case I am curious why you never documented that model. I paid $712.00 new, what a steal! Peace, Keith
Yeah, not a Les Paul fan. My only Gibson is an SG standard from ‘93, and there’s hardly anything original on it 😂 (maybe the batwing guard and truss rod cover).
@@pbourque8564 lol yeah what gets me is a lot of times he literally whispers at the end of sentences ... So consequently I can't hear half of what he's saying so I close the video ...
I'd still love to see a review and demo of the 1959 Epiphone Les Paul. I have one in aged southern fade and I love it but I'd like to see a Trogly review of it!
Epiphones are always a winner in my eyes. Great for new players, and with only a BIT of modding it's basically a Gibson. Greetings and well wishes from Utah man!
I was pretty lucky. Somebody sent one back to Thoman Switzerland because the trem fixing nut was rubbing on the internal wood. It was listed as B stock so Snapped it up for $750. Filed away the excess wood. Now it works fine. Sooooo Happy
Regarding scratchy frets, I have an Epiphone Les Paul and it's true. I just bought a Schecter Banshee Mach 6FRS with stainless steel extra jumbo frets. It's so different it's the next level, bends are so smooth and easy, something I never gave a thought until I played it. Schecter guitars are three best value and quality. Try a stainless steel fret guitar, you'll love it!!
The scarf joints at the headstock on Epiphone is a fairly new thing . I have a 2018 339 that also has it like that. I like it as it hides the joint and seems very efficient.
I was waiting for this. As a lefty, we never see cool stuff like this. especially sucks when it’s the signature from my favorite guitar player ever. Thanks for letting me live vicariously trogly
Put the intention out into the Universe to be able to afford a custom-made lefty, and then dream about rocking out on it as if you already owned it! It's called the 'Law of Attraction' 🙂 And old Lerxst is one of *my* favourite guitarists, too! 😀
In other words, work some extra hours or 2nd job and save up. Regardless if it's in the stars for you to want it, you still gotta pay for it. Lol. Nothing wrong with dreaming, but it's not hanging from the moon. Lmao
Epiphone with an Axcess heel? That's seriously upping their game, for sure. I just picked up a 2017 Gibson LP Classic, and the heel was everything I hoped it would be. Glad Epiphone's getting in on the action.
Mine had some QC issues. The backside of the trem arm (under the bridge) was rubbing on the body route opening. I had to sand that body route wider with dremel tool so that the trem does not touch the body. The pickups were rubbing up on the body and they would not set flat and perpendicular to the rings because the pickup ring placement was too close to one side on the route. I had to dowel and re drill the pickup ring mounting holes to center the pick in the body route. After that and a setup with 9's it was good. I got some great vintage tones from the pickups. Your not going to get serious modern metal tones. But these pickups do give great clarity.
A epiphone after a good setup and with good pickups is a great guitar. However, after all the rock legends, it’s hard to me to not wish a gibson always.
I think the reason why I look at an Epiphone and irk at the Gibson-inspired models is because Epiphone has such a rich history on its own. When I think of an Epiphone, I’m thinking Casino, Riviera…etc. Not to mention, there still a few cosmetic things about the Gibson-inspired Epi’s that I feel could still be worked on: the wider pickup rings (and by consequence, the ring cut-out of the pickguard) Epiphones have, the color of the pickup rings/pickguard. The truss rod cover bot being a two-screw bell, binding not going on the top of the body…etc. little things that would make them feel more… authentic. 😏
it can't be the best with such pickups - construction - trem i had a very bad Epiphone les Paul pro fx and with Gibson pickups, orange drop and more wiring the sounds was always bad and the guitar had a lot of problem : cheap trem, it was not made to last many years sometimes the string jumped out of the guitar! when I had my Lp floyd rose, I had no problem at all and a better clean tone and a real original floyd rose without any problem
One of the greatest live bands and one of the most underrated guitarists in history. Alex can hold his own with anyone. Nice guitar but it seems that I need an electrical engineering degree to dial in the tone I want. Great show Austin, keep up the great work 🎸
Man the Piezo on its own... you make it sound AMAZING.....(21:33)... crazy cool guitar, nice features. thanks for another brilliant and entertaining video.
Ordered one the morning they came out in June and got it just this week. Thankfully, there are no QC issues with mine and nothing falls off the high E string. I've already had offers to sell it at a substantial profit but that's a hard no. Pickups sound fine to me but can't rule out putting some Seymour Duncan 59's in there later. I can understand the bad taste for a Floyd Rose. I had a black Fender Strat with one and hated it. Got rid of it. All my guitars are hard tails. However, this one seems fine and I do like to use it in a subtle way, no dive bombs or anything crazy. I am a huge Rush fan and Alex Lifeson has greatly influenced me. This guitar plays great right out of the box but I will do a proper set up on it. BTW, I have Gibson Les Paul's that I've bought brand new that were nearly unplayable out of the box and needed a luthier to straighten them out. Just sayin. Love this channel! Love this guitar!
A few days ago I picked up a case queen 2010 Epiphone Les Paul 50th Anniversary 1960 Standard V1 Heritage Cherry Sunburst with OHSC and wow!!! Those USA Burstbuckers, long neck tenon, solid maple top with an amazing flamed veneer, premium electronics/wiring, stamped SN. It's one of the best $500 I've spent, so glad no one picked it up while I debated on it! The neck is fat AF, but very comfortable to play on too!
@@Krullmatic Something like the MusicNomad FRINE fret polishing kit. You have them with very fine multiple kinds of grit sandpaper too. Very fast with those fretboard protectors. I use something like that myself. Works great !
Could you please do a review of the Bjorn Gelotte (from In Flames) Epiphone plz. I thinking of getting one and would love to see your opinion of them. Thanks.
Looks good, is that nitro or poly lacquer ? Doesnt look bad. Ill dig the SAME thing, bit, with regular tune o matlc, and keeping the access and belly cut.
Each single piezo wire is in fact a shielded enamel coated wire . The shield being negative, the thin enamel coated wire being positive just like your thin wire earphone wires . The piezo will run to a buffering amp then blended from the pot into the main pick up wiring . The piezo buffer will have a little preset to adjust level of piezo output to match the output of the other pickups . I don't like trees either . I have an 80s Bill Lawrence pickup Gibson Studio Lite with a Steinberger trem which I picked up very cheap as the them was hanging out of the body . Fitted with Black Grovers as standard , odd because of the locking nut , Gibson just did it all wrong having to route away too much wood that the screws wouldn't hold for long . I remedied the problem by gluing in more wood and using 4 mm (M4) stainless threaded inserts and 4mm countersunk screws . Then set about making the trem system work by using PTFE washers to shim out the slop . The trem uses the same knife edge 2 post system , and these are known to bend . Mine weren't bent but were polished and received a hardcoat black PTFE based NiB impregnation coating . I didn't like the locking nut and chopped off truss rod cover so fitted a home made brass nut with the same PTFE NIB plasma finish far more slippery than graphite , so it's pretty slick and returns to tune consistently if used for sessions . It now has a Gibson full truss rod cover. Don't worry the single screw loop will break soon enough .The system now works great but doesn't get used . The guitar has the stacked humbuckers which are wider than Fender singles and the single /humbucker switch I believe the last pickups designed by Bill Lawrence . A great guitar for both Gibson and Fender/ P90 type tones depending on where you set the tone and switch , with a working Steinberger trem that would lift an engine out of a car, if needed . I keep it locked solid . I make a brass stop tail bridge which utilises these posts as slide and lock fittings and brass Fender block saddles so you can refit the original Floyd Rose system if you sell the guitar. Don't see many of these Lite Pros around now . It has to be a session musicians dream guitar , nice light resonant body with a lot of tone choices simply dialed in.
Greetings from Nova Scotia Canada Trogly !!!! That graphtech Floyd is a piezo bridge and it’s something like 250$ USA from stewmac so it’s far more expensive than something like a Floyd Rose special or 1000 no doubt that Epiphone is getting some sort of super deal for bulk or the aftermarket ones are different than the OEM ones that are being used but according to the model number and a google search because I want a Floyd with a piezo built in on my guitar so my guess is that’s another reason why everyone is so excited about this guitar…. Amd because it’s such an expensive bridge could that neck be a cost savings measure to use up existing woods instead of using a brand new blank every time??? I’m not accusing anyone of shenanigans but rather wondering if that’s part of how it’s been kept to such a reasonable budget thanks for the video and keep up the good work…. Now it’s to convince my wife that I need a 3rd Les Paul…. Do you think the well it’s made by a different brand with different types of wood and lacquer so it’ll sound way different than anything else I own and it’s got equipment on it that does things that none of my others can do would work or should I hit her with the well I need another guitar to keep in D standard drop C tuning because none of my others are tuned to that amd every time I have to change tunings it takes battery power and takes a little bit of the service life away from the strings prematurely so I have to get this guitar and it will pay itself off in time just from the cost of batteries amd strings it will help us save up some money plus it’s an heirloom piece that our children will be able to grow up with and enjoy it and music with me that way…. What angle do you think would work??
I recently found one completely stripped of hardware (no clue why the seller did that, perhaps to sell parts - go figure) and I'm now building it back up. New Gotoh Floyd Rose trem and locknut, new Wilkinson tuners, and 2 Tesla pickups. Controls will be 3 push-pull types again to get all kinds of sonic options. It's a beauty!!!!!
it’s funny, i had the original epi les paul’s with the floyd (the pro fx) and replaced literally everything to replicate alex’s les paul, did the piezo wiring and drilled a jack hole, only for them to do this model less than a year later
The trem is shifted towards the bottom of the guitar after you removed it for inspection . Use a flat screwdriver and center the bridge back up and you will probably get a little more room on the high e and the edge of the fretboard . You may already know this but I’ve heard you say you aren’t much of a Floyd guy .
Nice to see an epiphone in here once and a while :) I just picked up a 2018 Standard Pro Plus top in blueberry burst with the Probuckers, and split coils. I love it! I am traditionally a drummer, but dabble in guitars.
I always loved the epi's, for the money, hard ta beat, I have an "L/P " white laquer, with gold hardware from 1993 when they were made in korea. It weighs in a 43 lbs.
Hey Trogly this seems like as good a place as any to ask about another signature guitar. Any chance if you getting one of the 100 Jerry Cantrell "wino" Les Paul's ? To demo and resell ?
I'll be honest, I can't see much use for them unless you're gigging a lot and need to change battery all the time. I don't mind unscrewing 2 bits every now and then. Might just be me though.
I own an Epiphone Ultra II Les Paul which has a piezo pickup at the bottom of the finger board. The controls are the same...the lowest tone knob rolls the piezo pickup volume. But there's no off switch so it eats batteries..so I have to take the battery out. I wish that guitar off switch was the down position because you mostly don't use the piezo so the switch will be sticking up mostly. I'd reverse the wires if possible...probably not though. But that piezo seems to sound a little better than mine...maybe not though, hard to tell through my tv. $900 for that guitar is an incredible price. Thank you for the review!
I have one of these. It took me a day, but if I rethunk it as "ON is down" for the magnetics (i.e., NON coil tapped, full humbucker), it made the idea of up is off make more sense and natural.
One of the nicest non Gibson guitars you’ve demoed. I don’t have any Epiphones, but quite a few Gibson’s. May be time to pick one up. Great looking and great sounding guitar. Always liked Alex lifeson and Rush. Trogly, stop being a Floyd hater. Try to actually use it, you might like it. Floyd guitars have tuning stability that can’t be matched by hardtails. They’re a great system. And even if your not a big whammy user, just unscrew the bar and have unmatched tuning stability and comfort. The Floyd bridge is much easier to rest your palm on compared to a regular tune-o-matic. 👊🏻
I had no idea that this had a piezo. That turns it into a must-have, because all the other piezo-equipped guitars I've come across are quite pricey. Like the PRS SE Hollowbody II, for example. Michael Kelly has a cheaper one, but I'm not familiar with their stuff. I'm familiar with Epiphone, though. I'd been waiting for Schecter to bring the C-1 E/A back, but it's just not easy to get.
I've always loved the idea of a Floyd on a Les Paul, and I've been watching these on Reverb. I was surprised at how much they went up in value. I'd probably pay about $1200 for one, but not $1600. lol! Or just wait for the next batch and get one at retail price.
Honestly, it's cool seeing some of the moves Gibson is making these days, but idk why in the hell a belly cut hasn't been a standard feature on LPs for decades now.
Hi Austin, the issue with the E string coming off the edge of the fretboard, could that be related to the locking system on the nut?. Could the pickup shroud not be sanded to make a tighter fit to the body?. I have been trying to find out if there is going to be a long production run of these or if it could end this year. I think normally they indicate how many are going to be built if it is going to be a short run. I believe they did with the Gibson versions.
I was pleasantly surprised by the neck pickup, being ceramic, I assumed it would be muddy. If I could change the tap to parallel, I would love this setup.
Thanks Austin for your very detailed review, this was super helpful and allowed me to make the decision to acquire one. I agree for the money, this is a great value and it looks like Epiphone has really stepped up the quality build and finish.
That scarf joint for the headstock was unusual ... It did seem that they were trying to do some Luthiering to strengthen the neck to prevent the classic headstock break ... I would have loved to have seen more detail on that joint to see the benefits ...
I like it cause it mixes Tommy Thayer if you take the bridge pickup off, Bruce Kulick with the Floyd rose with locking nut. But I don’t know bout the split coils…
I am a Gibson and ESP man myself. First guitar was Epiphone Les Paul special II and played an Epiphone SG as well. Not really an Epiphone fan, just can't for some reason. Been YEARS since I touched an Epi though. Gotta say they appear to have REALLY stepped it up. This is better then some Gibsons and at the price?
QC is everything. Epiphone is shaky at best. I had the Thayer Explorer. Looked great, yet it was a mess. I’ll never roll the dice on Epiphone again. If you want bang to you’re buck under a grand, buy a PRS.
What a cool guitar! Thank you for checking it out, Austin! 😀👍 There's just one thing I'm missing: The pickguard! LP's that do have a poker chip but no pickguard look kinda weird to me 🙂
I really hope epiphone offers a stopbar variety of this guitar in the future! The Frets made this guitar a real winner
❓Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/
👕 Merch: teespring.com/basic-logo-4245?pid=211
🎸New Guitar Day Program: troglysguitarshow.com/ngd/
Hola troglo
Great Review, thanks for all of the B-Roll at the end, that really showed off everything the guitar has going on.
I think you should do like 10 Floyd vids in a row to level up your exp and hopefully get comfortable with them. I want you to become dive bomb Trogly by 2022.
I'd definitely get one if they offer a stop bar version. That's a nice guitar.
I sent a message on your website. I want to buy this guitar!
Nice to have a Working Man guitar that doesn't cost Big Money.
zoltzer - Nice. You got 2 song titles in there.
Oh lol I just got that lol....
This guitar looks so beautiful from the camera eye
I'd have to get my bank account onto Red Sector A to get one, can't commit such Bravado and Roll the Bones with all else. Sad, cause I'd play it Closer to the Heart than most other guitars.
Well said! I agree 100% 😉
think of all the trees!!!! that gave up their lives for this guitar.
I love mine so much! Alex is my #1 guitar hero and to be able to have his signature model is really special. Epiphone knocked it out of the park on this one.
Alex is a smart man. Why every LP doesn't have the easy access cutaway i do not know...
@@rex8958 - Otherwise guitars and basses would look even weirder today than the Steinbergers did, 40 years ago!
... and given the weight issues, a belly cut as well ... ?
@@Jester-Riddle You mean my weight or the guitars?
Even Ace Frehley carved his down like that too... always wondered if Alex got the idea from Ace? 😎🤘🎸⚡
@@rex8958 you're right about that man
Alex Lifeson is a seriously underrated guitar player. He dominates the Hemispheres of the Limelight with the guitar. You don't get Something For Nothing and when you pick up one of these axes made from Trees it should put your in a Xanadu state.
The Epiphone model won't leaving you feeling that your got Something for Nothing and nobody will play better than him from now till 2112. You can't pick up this type of guitar from the Garden and the only real Lessons here is many of us would want a Gibson for $2,000 instead of an Epiphone.
Because the Distant Early Warning states most of us don't have Big Money, but you may need to Roll the Bones.
"In The End" is the Rush song that hits me hard, especially when Alex's electric guitar kicks in.
@Kira Barsmith - After Geddy counting in, "One...Two...Buckle..my..shoe!" 😀 At least on the 'All The World's A Stage' version 😀
@@mightyV444 Gotta love that. LOL
@@kirabarsmith9353 - Yes! 😄 One of my favourites on that album! I don't think I've actually ever heard the studio recording!? 'All The World's A Stage' is the oldest Rush album I own 🙂
Check these lyrics out. genius. "New World Man"
He's a rebel and a runner, he's a signal turning green
He's a restless young romantic wants to run the big machine
He's got a problem with his poisons, but you know he'll find a cure
He's cleaning up his systems, to keep his nature pure.
Learning to match the beat of the Old World Man. Learning to catch the heat of the Third World Man
He's got to make his own mistakes, and learn to mend the mess he makes
He's old enough to know what's right, but young enough not to choose it
He's noble enough to win the world, but weak enough to lose it
He's a New World Man...
He's a radio receiver, tuned to factories and farms
He's a writer and a ranger and a young boy bearing arms
He's got a problem with his power, with weapons on patrol
He's got to walk a fine line, and keep his self-control
Trying to save the day for the Old World Man. Trying to pave the way for the Third World Man
He's not concerned with yesterday, he knows constant change is here today
He's noble enough to know what's right, but weak enough not to choose it
He's wise enough to win the world, but fool enough to lose it
He's a New World Man...
Austin, this is my favorite guitar player since I've been a kid. I've seen RUSH 19 times in concert and they are unbelievable live.
So many concerts
And Rush remains my absolute favorite band I’ve seen live. Seen em on mescaline (hallucinate)for presto tour. Blew my my mind. It seemed like a band from another world landed on stage and jammed.
@@pawlpoche8736 : nice.. I had front row for that tour. Signals tour was my favorite show.
😮
Fantastic demo, Austin! Best one, so far. I noticed the split coils didn't hardly diminish the sound vs the regular split coils from other Epiphones. I have the Epi LP Plus Top Pro and the split coil sound gets much more quiet when compared to this axe...That 2nd input jack is what Alex calls his 'Life-O-Sound' input. The Piezo sounds awsum!
Hi Austin,
8:03 To accurately measure a resistance in a circuit you have to disconnect it from the circuit otherwise you're measuring the total resistance between the two probes... Yes, even if you connect them "directly" to the pickups' leads. With an active circuit, with relatively constant resistance reading at the output (probably a buffer with an output impedance close to a hot P.A.F), it actually might work measuring at the pickups' leads without disconnecting them (This is because the active circuit "separates" between its input & output).
Hope this will help you next time you get a guitar with a complicated circuit and in general :)
Cheers and thank you for all the videos,
Dror
Rush. The only 3 piece band with 3 superstars. The world's best drummer, the world's best bass player and arguably, the world's best guitar player.
Oh I wish you would’ve plugged the second jack directly into your interface. That’s actually the main purpose of it. Either into an acoustic amp or straight into the front of house, that’s where you get the most direct and natural sound of the Piezo pick up
Yeah his test of the piezo was pretty disappointing
The scratchiness of the frets on so many epiphones is corrosion that happens from exposure to humidity in overseas shipping.
It’s why doing final qc and setup after shipping is so important and why brands like LTD/schecter and prs se with dedicated set up departments tend to feel so much better than companies like epiphone that drop ship a lot of their stuff.
Epiphone has really stepped up lately! I have an Epiphone Antique Ivory Les Paul Custom Blackback and I LOVE IT!!
Alex is the inspiration for my picking up the guitar...so I had to have one.
I managed to get one of the launch first run ones. Sitting in my local music store awaiting my arrival.
Thanx for the excellent insight to what looks like a stellar addition to my instrument family.
Solid guitar. I ordered mine early and 3 of my friends as well , I own and have played many Epi's but this feels Like the real deal in your hands , especially the neck . Mine was delivered with a hole in the box I could of crawled into, I was expecting to have to send it back . All of my 3 friends who had them delivered had quality issues of some kind mostly minor but mine was perfect and no issues at all. I set up the Floyd , put 9 gauge on , lowered the action and its amazing.. Been waiting for your review on this fiddle , Great video and thanks for saving me the time of stripping it down and doing the work myself ..lol
I'm glad to hear the frets are nice on this one. I find more epiphone guitars have horrible fret work than ones with good fret work, which is such a shame because they are mostly good if they can just sort out the QA issues with frets.
I bought one of the first Epiphone '59 RIs last year, and had the same experience with the frets, they're great, and with the Gibson burstbuckers, and hardshell case I am curious why you never documented that model. I paid $712.00 new, what a steal!
Peace, Keith
I got out of Gibsons a long time ago, still tune in for Trogly. Something about you man.
Yeah, not a Les Paul fan. My only Gibson is an SG standard from ‘93, and there’s hardly anything original on it 😂 (maybe the batwing guard and truss rod cover).
He's like the Sheldon Cooper of Guitars
@@pbourque8564 lol yeah what gets me is a lot of times he literally whispers at the end of sentences ... So consequently I can't hear half of what he's saying so I close the video ...
Have you reviewed the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard? Would love your thoughts on it! Thanks!
Id like to see the review also, I have one of the 59's and love it, especially the case and the burstbucker pickups👍
I believe he has reviewed the 59 reissue.
BTW - YYZ is the flight code for the airport in Toronto, their hometown. You'd notice codes like this on your baggage tags and boarding passes.
The intro is the Morse code for the airport letters. Neil heard it and wrote the rhythm...
I'd still love to see a review and demo of the 1959 Epiphone Les Paul. I have one in aged southern fade and I love it but I'd like to see a Trogly review of it!
Epiphones are always a winner in my eyes. Great for new players, and with only a BIT of modding it's basically a Gibson.
Greetings and well wishes from Utah man!
I use to think that too until I got my first real gibson. Epiphone isn't even close.
Basically and close. Gibson will never allow Epiphone any of the Gibson market share.
Not a bad guitar at all, just made for a different use.
@@rkh7169 I've owned both also and agree. I sold my Epiphone Les Paul. Wish i still had it!
@@hkguitar1984 they did tho lol
@@rkh7169 I had a gibson in my possession for about a week (teching it for one if my mates) and I still gravitated towards my Epi.
I love mine! No issues whatsoever. Plays great.
I was pretty lucky. Somebody sent one back to Thoman Switzerland because the trem fixing nut was rubbing on the internal wood. It was listed as B stock so Snapped it up for $750. Filed away the excess wood. Now it works fine. Sooooo Happy
Regarding scratchy frets, I have an Epiphone Les Paul and it's true. I just bought a Schecter Banshee Mach 6FRS with stainless steel extra jumbo frets. It's so different it's the next level, bends are so smooth and easy, something I never gave a thought until I played it. Schecter guitars are three best value and quality. Try a stainless steel fret guitar, you'll love it!!
The scarf joints at the headstock on Epiphone is a fairly new thing . I have a 2018 339 that also has it like that. I like it as it hides the joint and seems very efficient.
I was waiting for this. As a lefty, we never see cool stuff like this. especially sucks when it’s the signature from my favorite guitar player ever. Thanks for letting me live vicariously trogly
Put the intention out into the Universe to be able to afford a custom-made lefty, and then dream about rocking out on it as if you already owned it! It's called the 'Law of Attraction' 🙂 And old Lerxst is one of *my* favourite guitarists, too! 😀
In other words, work some extra hours or 2nd job and save up. Regardless if it's in the stars for you to want it, you still gotta pay for it. Lol. Nothing wrong with dreaming, but it's not hanging from the moon. Lmao
Epiphone with an Axcess heel? That's seriously upping their game, for sure. I just picked up a 2017 Gibson LP Classic, and the heel was everything I hoped it would be. Glad Epiphone's getting in on the action.
Mine had some QC issues. The backside of the trem arm (under the bridge) was rubbing on the body route opening. I had to sand that body route wider with dremel tool so that the trem does not touch the body. The pickups were rubbing up on the body and they would not set flat and perpendicular to the rings because the pickup ring placement was too close to one side on the route. I had to dowel and re drill the pickup ring mounting holes to center the pick in the body route. After that and a setup with 9's it was good. I got some great vintage tones from the pickups. Your not going to get serious modern metal tones. But these pickups do give great clarity.
A epiphone after a good setup and with good pickups is a great guitar.
However, after all the rock legends, it’s hard to me to not wish a gibson always.
There is only 1 reason to own a Gibson these days. IT'S A FUCKING GIBSON.
Truly! I have an Epiphone that came with 57 Classics stock and it's a delight
I think the reason why I look at an Epiphone and irk at the Gibson-inspired models is because Epiphone has such a rich history on its own. When I think of an Epiphone, I’m thinking Casino, Riviera…etc.
Not to mention, there still a few cosmetic things about the Gibson-inspired Epi’s that I feel could still be worked on: the wider pickup rings (and by consequence, the ring cut-out of the pickguard) Epiphones have, the color of the pickup rings/pickguard. The truss rod cover bot being a two-screw bell, binding not going on the top of the body…etc. little things that would make them feel more… authentic. 😏
it can't be the best with such pickups - construction - trem
i had a very bad Epiphone les Paul pro fx and with Gibson pickups, orange drop and more wiring
the sounds was always bad and the guitar had a lot of problem : cheap trem, it was not made to last many years
sometimes the string jumped out of the guitar!
when I had my Lp floyd rose, I had no problem at all and a better clean tone and a real original floyd rose without any problem
I have an Epi and a Gibson both are lovely.
I feel like Trogly's playing has gotten exponentially better lately. I mean, he was always better than he works suggest. But he's getting really good!
One of the greatest live bands and one of the most underrated guitarists in history. Alex can hold his own with anyone. Nice guitar but it seems that I need an electrical engineering degree to dial in the tone I want. Great show Austin, keep up the great work 🎸
Man, I've never found Neil to be underrated. He's been on the cover of Guitar Player many times.
Man the Piezo on its own... you make it sound AMAZING.....(21:33)... crazy cool guitar, nice features. thanks for another brilliant and entertaining video.
Damn... I don't really need another Les Paul and I already have two with Kahlers, but one of these is tempting.
Well, if you want to do warbles and other tricks that Kahlers cannot do, this (or the Gibson version) might be worth a try.
28:01
Austin, you said you wouldn’t mind replacing the pick ups in this guitar what would you replace them with?
Thank you Alex Lifeson for finally getting a scarfed headstock
eck and improving the LP.
Would love to see Trogley do an episode of his personal favorite year of the les paul standard, traditional, classic &/or custom.
Mr. Trogs, can we PLEASE get some vintage axes again. I miss your old content so much
He did a vintage Gibson just a week ago.
I jumped on this when it was released and not disappointed. Big Rush fan, could not resist. Sounds tremendous and so versatile. 👌
This is the most in-depth review of any guitar I've ever seen. Awesome job! Thanks.
you could get the pickup readings off the pickup leads in the control cavity ... or even the toggle switch...
I have the black royale and slash higher end one ! Both rock !
I WAS WAITING FOR THIS
Trogly's in the HOUSE!!!
thank you sir! I've been waiting patiently for this review
The song YYZ is pronounced “why why zed”. This is a Canadian song from a Canadian band named after a Canadian airport.
Yep, Toronto-Pearson International, their home airport.
You should see people's heads explode when I say zed zed top. Evil streak I reckon.
This is a video shot by an american in america, therefore its YYZ
Guys. All words and letters are made up. Calm down.
@@InfiniteRhombus you’re actually not wrong. Although I guess he was just trying to teach the intended pronunciation.
Ordered one the morning they came out in June and got it just this week. Thankfully, there are no QC issues with mine and nothing falls off the high E string. I've already had offers to sell it at a substantial profit but that's a hard no. Pickups sound fine to me but can't rule out putting some Seymour Duncan 59's in there later. I can understand the bad taste for a Floyd Rose. I had a black Fender Strat with one and hated it. Got rid of it. All my guitars are hard tails. However, this one seems fine and I do like to use it in a subtle way, no dive bombs or anything crazy. I am a huge Rush fan and Alex Lifeson has greatly influenced me. This guitar plays great right out of the box but I will do a proper set up on it. BTW, I have Gibson Les Paul's that I've bought brand new that were nearly unplayable out of the box and needed a luthier to straighten them out. Just sayin. Love this channel! Love this guitar!
A few days ago I picked up a case queen 2010 Epiphone Les Paul 50th Anniversary 1960 Standard V1 Heritage Cherry Sunburst with OHSC and wow!!! Those USA Burstbuckers, long neck tenon, solid maple top with an amazing flamed veneer, premium electronics/wiring, stamped SN. It's one of the best $500 I've spent, so glad no one picked it up while I debated on it! The neck is fat AF, but very comfortable to play on too!
Giving the frets a good polish will get rid of most of the grittiness
@@Krullmatic Something like the MusicNomad FRINE fret polishing kit. You have them with very fine multiple kinds of grit sandpaper too.
Very fast with those fretboard protectors. I use something like that myself. Works great !
@@Krullmatic You're very welcome !
Best review of this guitar I've seen so far. As always, Austin.
Could you please do a review of the Bjorn Gelotte (from In Flames) Epiphone plz. I thinking of getting one and would love to see your opinion of them. Thanks.
Looks good, is that nitro or poly lacquer ? Doesnt look bad. Ill dig the SAME thing, bit, with regular tune o matlc, and keeping the access and belly cut.
It's a poly finish.
There are a couple Epiphones I'd own if it weren't for the Urethane finish they use.
Each single piezo wire is in fact a shielded enamel coated wire . The shield being negative, the thin enamel coated wire being positive just like your thin wire earphone wires . The piezo will run to a buffering amp then blended from the pot into the main pick up wiring . The piezo buffer will have a little preset to adjust level of piezo output to match the output of the other pickups . I don't like trees either . I have an 80s Bill Lawrence pickup Gibson Studio Lite with a Steinberger trem which I picked up very cheap as the them was hanging out of the body . Fitted with Black Grovers as standard , odd because of the locking nut , Gibson just did it all wrong having to route away too much wood that the screws wouldn't hold for long . I remedied the problem by gluing in more wood and using 4 mm (M4) stainless threaded inserts and 4mm countersunk screws . Then set about making the trem system work by using PTFE washers to shim out the slop . The trem uses the same knife edge 2 post system , and these are known to bend . Mine weren't bent but were polished and received a hardcoat black PTFE based NiB impregnation coating . I didn't like the locking nut and chopped off truss rod cover so fitted a home made brass nut with the same PTFE NIB plasma finish far more slippery than graphite , so it's pretty slick and returns to tune consistently if used for sessions . It now has a Gibson full truss rod cover. Don't worry the single screw loop will break soon enough .The system now works great but doesn't get used . The guitar has the stacked humbuckers which are wider than Fender singles and the single /humbucker switch I believe the last pickups designed by Bill Lawrence . A great guitar for both Gibson and Fender/ P90 type tones depending on where you set the tone and switch , with a working Steinberger trem that would lift an engine out of a car, if needed . I keep it locked solid . I make a brass stop tail bridge which utilises these posts as slide and lock fittings and brass Fender block saddles so you can refit the original Floyd Rose system if you sell the guitar. Don't see many of these Lite Pros around now . It has to be a session musicians dream guitar , nice light resonant body with a lot of tone choices simply dialed in.
I would love to see this one coming out in red/wine colour. Would be a killer!
Greetings from Nova Scotia Canada Trogly !!!! That graphtech Floyd is a piezo bridge and it’s something like 250$ USA from stewmac so it’s far more expensive than something like a Floyd Rose special or 1000 no doubt that Epiphone is getting some sort of super deal for bulk or the aftermarket ones are different than the OEM ones that are being used but according to the model number and a google search because I want a Floyd with a piezo built in on my guitar so my guess is that’s another reason why everyone is so excited about this guitar…. Amd because it’s such an expensive bridge could that neck be a cost savings measure to use up existing woods instead of using a brand new blank every time??? I’m not accusing anyone of shenanigans but rather wondering if that’s part of how it’s been kept to such a reasonable budget thanks for the video and keep up the good work…. Now it’s to convince my wife that I need a 3rd Les Paul…. Do you think the well it’s made by a different brand with different types of wood and lacquer so it’ll sound way different than anything else I own and it’s got equipment on it that does things that none of my others can do would work or should I hit her with the well I need another guitar to keep in D standard drop C tuning because none of my others are tuned to that amd every time I have to change tunings it takes battery power and takes a little bit of the service life away from the strings prematurely so I have to get this guitar and it will pay itself off in time just from the cost of batteries amd strings it will help us save up some money plus it’s an heirloom piece that our children will be able to grow up with and enjoy it and music with me that way…. What angle do you think would work??
I recently found one completely stripped of hardware (no clue why the seller did that, perhaps to sell parts - go figure) and I'm now building it back up.
New Gotoh Floyd Rose trem and locknut, new Wilkinson tuners, and 2 Tesla pickups. Controls will be 3 push-pull types again to get all kinds of sonic options.
It's a beauty!!!!!
it’s funny, i had the original epi les paul’s with the floyd (the pro fx) and replaced literally everything to replicate alex’s les paul, did the piezo wiring and drilled a jack hole, only for them to do this model less than a year later
The trem is shifted towards the bottom of the guitar after you removed it for inspection . Use a flat screwdriver and center the bridge back up and you will probably get a little more room on the high e and the edge of the fretboard . You may already know this but I’ve heard you say you aren’t much of a Floyd guy .
Just got mine, 1 year after I ordered it! Love it so far, having to learn how to not bump the trem.
hey man nice video. .I think you missed the pick up readings because you were plugged in the piezo output
Nice to see an epiphone in here once and a while :) I just picked up a 2018 Standard Pro Plus top in blueberry burst with the Probuckers, and split coils. I love it! I am traditionally a drummer, but dabble in guitars.
I always loved the epi's, for the money, hard ta beat, I have an "L/P " white laquer, with gold hardware from 1993 when they were made in korea. It weighs in a 43 lbs.
Crazy weight there boss.
Hey Trogly this seems like as good a place as any to ask about another signature guitar. Any chance if you getting one of the 100 Jerry Cantrell "wino" Les Paul's ? To demo and resell ?
My Korean Dean Dave Mustaine guitar's have those spring battery pack doors. They're the best version.
I'll be honest, I can't see much use for them unless you're gigging a lot and need to change battery all the time. I don't mind unscrewing 2 bits every now and then. Might just be me though.
How funny...I worked for Megadeth last night...they still suck!
For pickup readings on this complex wiring.. try measuring the leads at the volume pots. Wouldn't that work?
i like Alex Lifeson. at same time i like Neal Schon les pauls because it has a sustainer pickup.
I'm very lucky to have both the epiphone and gibson custom shop version , there is a difference but not as much as you would think
well...these have just become another low volume scalpers dream artist classic...thanks trogly
Your crazy those Graphtech piezo Floyds are amazing
I own an Epiphone Ultra II Les Paul which has a piezo pickup at the bottom of the finger board. The controls are the same...the lowest tone knob rolls the piezo pickup volume. But there's no off switch so it eats batteries..so I have to take the battery out. I wish that guitar off switch was the down position because you mostly don't use the piezo so the switch will be sticking up mostly. I'd reverse the wires if possible...probably not though. But that piezo seems to sound a little better than mine...maybe not though, hard to tell through my tv. $900 for that guitar is an incredible price. Thank you for the review!
I have one of these. It took me a day, but if I rethunk it as "ON is down" for the magnetics (i.e., NON coil tapped, full humbucker), it made the idea of up is off make more sense and natural.
One of the nicest non Gibson guitars you’ve demoed. I don’t have any Epiphones, but quite a few Gibson’s. May be time to pick one up. Great looking and great sounding guitar. Always liked Alex lifeson and Rush. Trogly, stop being a Floyd hater. Try to actually use it, you might like it. Floyd guitars have tuning stability that can’t be matched by hardtails. They’re a great system. And even if your not a big whammy user, just unscrew the bar and have unmatched tuning stability and comfort. The Floyd bridge is much easier to rest your palm on compared to a regular tune-o-matic. 👊🏻
I've never heard of anyone who's not a big fan of Rush, what kind of culture-less swine doesn't love Rush? They're like fine art in motion.
I have literally never listened to Rush. I guess I should check them out and stop being a culture-less swine (lol).
Any tips on where to start ?
Art by nature isn't loved by everyone. That's partly why it's so awesome.
@Erok Magnag Thank you. I will check them out.
I had no idea that this had a piezo. That turns it into a must-have, because all the other piezo-equipped guitars I've come across are quite pricey. Like the PRS SE Hollowbody II, for example. Michael Kelly has a cheaper one, but I'm not familiar with their stuff. I'm familiar with Epiphone, though. I'd been waiting for Schecter to bring the C-1 E/A back, but it's just not easy to get.
Yes mine came in broken. The pickup selector was broken. Had GC put in a temp one. Until a gold one comes in.
no longer available at Sweetwater .. American music supply will have more sept. 9th 2021
Alex was Born in Fernie BC, my home town. :) Rush is a Canadian icon!
I've always loved the idea of a Floyd on a Les Paul, and I've been watching these on Reverb. I was surprised at how much they went up in value. I'd probably pay about $1200 for one, but not $1600. lol! Or just wait for the next batch and get one at retail price.
Honestly, it's cool seeing some of the moves Gibson is making these days, but idk why in the hell a belly cut hasn't been a standard feature on LPs for decades now.
Same reason it isn’t standard on a telecaster
Action on mine is a little high - because of the Floyd rose pick up? I’ve had it adjusted 2x 🤔
HI ! I saw the spec ""Piezo Volume with push/pull on/off".Does "on/off" mean control volume of Piezo ?
Most underrated guitarist of all time
Guitar? Or guitarist?
Amen brother
@@alcapozzi7713 Maybe both
Gary Moore takes that crown for me
Underrated according to who?
Hi Austin, the issue with the E string coming off the edge of the fretboard, could that be related to the locking system on the nut?. Could the pickup shroud not be sanded to make a tighter fit to the body?. I have been trying to find out if there is going to be a long production run of these or if it could end this year. I think normally they indicate how many are going to be built if it is going to be a short run. I believe they did with the Gibson versions.
My inspired by acoustic has really nice frets too actually . Pretty good reviews across the board . And trogly is one more feather in epiphones cap
I was pleasantly surprised by the neck pickup, being ceramic, I assumed it would be muddy. If I could change the tap to parallel, I would love this setup.
Thanks Austin for your very detailed review, this was super helpful and allowed me to make the decision to acquire one. I agree for the money, this is a great value and it looks like Epiphone has really stepped up the quality build and finish.
That scarf joint for the headstock was unusual ... It did seem that they were trying to do some Luthiering to strengthen the neck to prevent the classic headstock break ... I would have loved to have seen more detail on that joint to see the benefits ...
I’m a huge Rush fan. I feel just like you do, I’m not a FR fan. Wish they would make another version without the trem. Great review as always. Cheers
Tremol-No. They're great for folks like us.
I just blocked the heck out of my floyd with shims of plywood, a guitar pick and some cardboard from a pack of Pall Mall's. We're rockin now.
The 5 piece necks are new last year on all the Epiphones. Some look pretty rough when the individual pieces are drastically different colors.
I like it cause it mixes Tommy Thayer if you take the bridge pickup off, Bruce Kulick with the Floyd rose with locking nut. But I don’t know bout the split coils…
WOW!!! Almost better than my Gibson. Love love love the new headstock. I HATED the clipped ears before! Kudos to Epiphone!!!
Hey Trogly, how would you say the neck profile on this compares to a modern MIM Tele neck?
I am a Gibson and ESP man myself. First guitar was Epiphone Les Paul special II and played an Epiphone SG as well. Not really an Epiphone fan, just can't for some reason. Been YEARS since I touched an Epi though. Gotta say they appear to have REALLY stepped it up. This is better then some Gibsons and at the price?
Omg I've been waiting for this, the Epiphone I'd buy if I had to buy any of them
Just picked up a 1959 Epiphone Les Paul - would love to hear your take on it boss!
0:30 Alex who? What was the band he was in, Hush?
Wait... So what do u use to do the fine tuning on this setup... The longer screws straight out the back.. or the bigger black screws on top
At some time didn’t they switch over to graph tech ratio vintage tuners?
QC is everything. Epiphone is shaky at best. I had the Thayer Explorer. Looked great, yet it was a mess. I’ll never roll the dice on Epiphone again. If you want bang to you’re buck under a grand, buy a PRS.
So true, good advice Chris.
The PRS manufacturing model should be the standard by which all are judged.
I have seen Alex playing one a few times.
What a cool guitar! Thank you for checking it out, Austin! 😀👍 There's just one thing I'm missing: The pickguard! LP's that do have a poker chip but no pickguard look kinda weird to me 🙂
Agreed, first thing I did was to remove the Poker Chip.
@@Rico_B - You're a lucky man for owning one of these! 😀
That would be cool if you could put a slight delay on the piezo. Man you could get a fat distinct sound or a two guitar sound