I played EVERY new Epiphone/Gibson Custom Collab- Are they worth the hype?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ค. 2024
- I got the rare opportunity to play the entire line of Epiphone-Gibson collab guitars last week (including some that aren't even announced yet). And while the novelty of an open book headstock may be enticing, is there any reason to play more for it?
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00:00 Introduction to Epiphone Gibson Custom Shop Collabs
00:16 Exploring the New Models and Their Features
01:31 First Impressions and Comparisons
03:14 Diving Into the Acoustics
03:51 Market Position and Value Proposition
04:43 Addressing Price Concerns and Quality
05:51 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement - เพลง
Agree wholeheartedly. If I didn't already have the Gibson version of all of these guitars that I want, I would have preordered every single one of them! The fact that they not only come with Gibson electronics, hardware, and headstock and have a hardshell case, one can't upgrade the cheaper one to the Gibson specs for that kind of money. Excellent move on Gibson's part. PRS has done a similar thing with the new line of S2's and I can see them doing the same to their SE's in relatively short order. Excellent choice if someone is looking to purchase a new Gibson, look at this Epiphone line first.
Agreed!
Glad to hear that. Hats off to you sir!
Good concise review.. I've got a tea burst and tobacco burst lp..and a red 355..the custom buckers and the ebony fret boards were what made me pull the trigger
🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
I want the white 355! Epiphone has stepped their game WAY up. Gibson wouldn't allow them to put their own $500 USA pickups into junk guitars. These are all going to be amazing instruments.
Agreed! 🤝
Yes they would . Those pickups alone will cause people to buy the these guitars. They sell the pickups Seperately and plenty of sets will end up in crappy guitars.
Crappy guitars wouldn't hurt the reputation of Custombuckers. And besides I've played plenty of poor quality Gibson Custom shop guitars worth 8000 dollars with poor fretwork and tuning issues and they had Custombuckers in those guitars.
Custombuckers are great pickups but they are not worth 500 dollars. They are made with all the same materials as Burstbuckers and 57 classics . The only difference is the A3 magnets and a different winding pattern but the coil wire is the same and they are wound on the same machines
A different winding pattern doesn't add an extra 200 dollars onto the price.
Seymour and Larry says theyre only really worth $200!!
The guitars are very well made.. Full training and supervision was administered by gibson production engineers to ensure that the quality was right. They are using the best equipment too... I have just bought the black les paul custom.. I got it for £1089.00....If you shop around you can find deals.
@@pauljohnson3686Yeah but do they let the slaves take breaks and do they still employ children. Or do they have to piss in a corner like most other filthy Chinese factories? Gibson are masters of disguise with their Hollywood style factory tours.
I love the White Custom
I bought one. It’s awesome! 😎🤘
🤘🏻
I ordered the new SJ200. It will be here tomorrow. I can't wait
🤘🏻 🤘🏻 🤘🏻
Congratulations! Happy NGD my friend. Tell us what you think!
I was thinking of ordering one aswell.
Im going to order the natural one
Here's the specs of the 2021 Epiphone custom koa Les Paul its very high end and now recently discontinued..these 2024 epiphones are not by any means the FIRST high end Epiphones they were restored back in 2020....The new Epiphone Koa-topped mahogany body Les Paul Custom is part of Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Collection and honors the 1950s classic designed by Mr. Les Paul himself in 1954 as the “tuxedo” version of his groundbreaking solid body masterpiece!
Featuring the traditional Custom bound all-mahogany body, 60s SlimTaper™ neck profile, ebony fingerboard with block inlays, gold Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece, a pair of critically acclaimed Epiphone ProBucker™ humbuckers, and Custom split-diamond inlay on the headstock.
This Epiphone Inspired by Gibson model also has the 60s style Kalamazoo headstock, rolled neck for a comfortable feel, Graph Tech® NuBone® nut, era-appropriate wiring, and CTS® pots.SPECIFICATIONS
BODY
Body Type: Solidbody
Body Shape: Les Paul Custom
Body Material: Mahogany
Top Material: Koa
Body Finish: Gloss
Color: Natural
NECK
Neck Material: Mahogany
Neck Shape: Slim Taper
Neck Joint: Set Neck
Radius: 12"
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay: Pearloid Blocks
Number of Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length: 24.75"
Nut Width: 1.693"
Nut Material: Graph Tech NuBone
HARDWARE
Bridge/Tailpiece: Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece
Tuners: Kidney-style Tuners
ELECTRONICS
Neck Pickup: Pro Bucker 2 Humbucker
Bridge Pickup: Pro Bucker 3 Humbucker
Controls: 2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching: 3-way toggle pickup switchCollection and honors the 1950s classic designed by Mr. Les Paul himself in 1954 as the “tuxedo” version of his groundbreaking solid body masterpiece!
Featuring the traditional Custom bound all-mahogany body, 60s SlimTaper™ neck profile, ebony fingerboard with block inlays, gold Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece, a pair of critically acclaimed Epiphone ProBucker™ humbuckers, and Custom split-diamond inlay on the headstock.
This Epiphone Inspired by Gibson model also has the 60s style Kalamazoo headstock, rolled neck for a comfortable feel, Graph Tech® NuBone® nut, era-appropriate wiring, and CTS® pots.Les Paul Custom Bound All-Mahogany Body w/ Koa Top
24.75" Scale Rolled Mahogany Neck w/ Ebony Fretboard & Pearloid Inlays
Dual ProBucker Humbucker Pickups
Era-Appropriate Wiring & CTS Potentiometers
Fixed Bridge, Graph Tech NuBone Nut
'60s Style Kalamazoo Headstock & Grover Rotomatic 18:1 Tuners
Wow thanks for posting this👍
Awesome thanks for posting this 👍
You a real one for this
@@CoverBandConfidential that is a real one buddy you need to research Epiphones history the Gibson solid body guitar aka Les Paul wouldn't even exist today without Les Paul and Epiphone...a historic fact you content creators are wrong more than you are right and all you have to do is research first
Not sure how thanking someone for leaving a comment is an opportunity to say stuff you are ignorant about to me but go off bud....
I think the ES 355 is worth it, it’s on my must have list. What a spec it has
Give it a go before pulling the trigger. That 50's neck may not be what you're looking for.
@@CoverBandConfidential as part of my Collection I have a 2017 Les Paul Tribute HP. the ones with the really wide neck a 60’s Les Paul standard and an Epiphone Les Paul prophecy , so fairly used to all different neck profiles. But I always try before buying, thanks for the info on the neck profile and what to expect.
@@CoverBandConfidentialthat’s what I’m worried about lol
They’re pretty much sold out right now though
So no chance of trying one first.
Happy to assist!
Start sanding I guess?
Thanks for the video
You bet!👍🏻
I've been GASsing for the new Custom! I can't justify the cost of a new Gibby version, but 1299 I can attain, and I won't sweat bringing it to gigs.
Which is why folks like us are the target market for this line
Lovely video, made me subscribe.
Should I get 1959 or Gibson LP tribute. Both cost the same new.
Please answer
Those 2 guitars are VERY different. The electronics, finish, weight relief are opposite sides of the spectrum. If you plan on gigging it you may want to consider the weight relief of the Tribute. Personally I like the look of the Epi 59 better
Ever since JC Curliegh Restored Epiphone back to high end Epiphones in 2019/2020 nothing hype about them they are the real deal and epiphone was never meant to be a budget brand in the first place and they weren't until Norlin ruined them when they took over Gibson..now they're back get use to it and many many of us are thrilled..also the Quindoa epiphone facility is completely American owned and operated with American and Asian luthiers and only Epiphones are made there no other brands...
Take a $600 guitar and add ebony board, upgraded pickups and wiring, real mother of pearl, then reshape the headstock… adds up pretty well!
And case
Reshape the neck too.
🎯
The ebony board was already on the £700 model Les Paul Customs
Take a $3000.00 Gibson Les Paul, pay someone to mar up the surface, and tack $4000.00 to the price so you can have a fake vintage guitar.
Great vid. I think the wake up call for the entire industry was the DGT SE. the bang for the Buck on that model is insane. That being said, I also have one of the Bonamassa 63 SG units. It punches way above its weight. It’s what has me thinking about the white SG. (sounds like it has the same neck profile. I have NO problem with that!) IF I were to drop the hammer on such, probably the first thing I would do is make the middle pick up in phase with the bridge. That is a huge feature of the Bonamassa unit for me.
It seems to me something is going to have to be insanely special for me to spend more than two grand on it these days .(which is apparently what my 84 Fujigen Gakki re-issue strat is worth now…)
Nice!
I am in Canada and I actually picked up the LP Custom in white and it looked very cool and felt great. The only thing is it was 1899.99 and there was a beautiful Gibson SG used for 1700. Also brand new Gibson SGs( in the new colours) for 1999.99.
It's a no-brainer to get used Gibson or spend an extra 100 and get a brand new Gibson!
Not always available used Gibsons with those specs in that price range.
@@CoverBandConfidential it’s so common you just gotta look. I can find a used Gibson on marketplace and Kijiji any day of the week for cheaper than this Epiphone. I just looked and there’s several and like I stated in the store today too
Considering the standard Epiphone ES 335 is around $600 and the figured Maple comes in around $700, then you spend $500 for a pair of the Custombuckers that come with the "Inspired By Gibson" version, you're still at $1,100 and wouldn't have the wiring, capacitors, and switches that come with one of these babies. Oh yeah, unless you do all of your own upgrades, you still would need to add the labor costs. Getting mine in white from Sweetwater, adding the $299 for a PLEK'ing, all in for around $1,500, or half the cost of it's cheapest Gibson brother. Even in the used market, the Gibson 335 will set you back around $2,000....No brainer!💰
In full disclosure, I bought the Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus about 5 years ago with the 57 Classic and 57 Classic Plus pickups and that guitar is AMAZING!
Yeah, add to that, the new IGC isn't a 335... it's a 355. There are more differences. And yes, many of them are aesthetic. But that is true of the Gibson 335/355s. And no one is saying they should be priced the same. So the "Put the p/us in yourself and save $200" argument isn't even true to begin with. That new 355 is a smoking deal. I think you are underestimating how much the difference is, if anything. Hope you like the new guitar!
I cant get past the LP is a Laurel Fingerboard. That is unacceptable at that price point.
The acoustics are genuinely amazing.
So how do you feel the new 59 Les Paul stacks up against the old 59 Les Paul, do you think there’s improvements over the old one? what’s your thoughts?
I don't have enough experience with the previous model. I just REALLY liked how the new one felt
Are they not using VOS (Vintage Original Sheen) finishes, on the 59? It gives gently aged appearance, with lightly dulled gloss nitrocellulose finishes and some patina on the hardware. Parts are lightly aged for authentic vintage patina. Finish is buffed to a light matte appearance.
They are using it on all of the new ones except for the Les Paul Customs
@@CoverBandConfidentialBro, so what does this Vintage Original Sheen feel like as it is made of polyurethane? The Vintage Sheen from the Custom Shop is a gloss nitro. So is it a thinner polyurethane? How does it feel?
Cheapest Les Paul Standard I can find on Reverb is over $1700 🤷🏻
@@automatoncollectives7237 This is one of my few complaints about the series. Gibson and Epiphone "VOS" aren't the same thing. Epiphone is the finish and stands for "Vintage Original Sheen" while the Gibson version is a whole guitar treatment that is "Vintage Original Spec" which is meant to be a non Murphy lab minor aging process that "patinas" the whole guitar.
@@thatguy7850 Yup, I agree.
Refreshing to see a comments section talking about these guitars that isn’t filled with people saying “I’d never pay $1400 for an Epiphone.”😜
Ditto! I couldn't agree more. I bought an Epi Marty Schwartz 335 and an Epi LP Studio 3 months ago, and the sound and construction quality was better than my 2020 Gibson LP Studio Tangerine. Based on how impressed I was with those guitars, I ordered the Epi 59 ES-355. It's on backorder at the moment, but as soon as it isn't, it will be in my greedy little fingers. And for all those naysayers that refuse to buy a $1300 Chinese built Epiphone - how many of you own an iPhone made in China? Isn't it a bit hypocritical to say you'll pay $2k for a Chinese made iPhone, but you won't touch a $1300 Chinese made Epiphone?
Very nice. Enjoy your 355! I hope you don’t have to wait too long. I have to admit it but I wish it had the varitone circuit. A 355 looks a little naked without it, but it’s still very cool. Anyway, I think the fact that it is back ordered shows that there are quite a few people willing to spend a little more for the added value they are building into these guitars.
@@renodavid I purchased an Epiphone Marty Schwartz 335 in January, which is beyond great. I liked it so much, I contacted Epiphone Custom Shop and asked if it was possible to get one in white. I never got an answer, then the 355 appeared. I'll happily take it instead.
You're allowed to be stupid and overpay for a terrible brand .. if I wanted a high end les Paul I'd buy an Edwards, and get a Japanese made guitar with Seymour Duncan's for less than these Epiphone's and better than any Epiphone ever built. Gibson's brand is more about profiting from the ignorance of Trump supporters than making good guitars.
@@trevorD1156 amen 🙏
I bought the Epi Viper Blue SG from Sweetwater, and it’s fast becoming a favorite. You get a lot of bang for your buck.
I bought the new 2024 Epiphone '59 Les Paul. I didn't expect it to be THIS good, but it really is. The Custombuckers are EPIC pickups. Miles ahead of any Epiphone branded pickups. Just my opinion....
That was my impression as well
I'm thinking about checking out the '59 LP tomorrow. I can't see myself ever affording a Gibson CS '59. I understand "IT"S NOT A GIBSON CS"(to all the Gibson Snobs). Is it worth the look?
100%- those were my favorites
Update: I received both the les paul (dark burst) and the 355 (cherry red) today. My early verdict is that the les paul is inferior to my epiphone 59 I bought a month ago for $900. Don't get me wrong it's a stunning and great playing/sounding guitar. But the gain I was hoping for just isn't there. The custom buckers do not seem to have the clarity and attack that the $900 burst buckers have. The neck also feels thinner but that may be the less rounded shoulders like the sweet $900 one has. I am selling the new one.
The 355 is stunning if you like a matte finish on a 335 (I prefer gloss on a 355 style) and GOLD hardawre. To be honest the looks turn me off. Then I payed it...YAHOOO!! I can live with being a gold member. this one is definitely a keeper!!!
I’m so in on the SJ200!
DO NOT HESITATE THEY ARE RIDICULOUS
EPIPHONE has come a long way . i bought the 1958 Explorer and couldnt be happier . The guitar is insanely good . my only deal is the fret polishing . .I polish the hell out of them and not much else just standard set up stuff . .My 650$ V is remarkable outstanding Probucker P/U's are almost identical to Pearly Gates frequency response . . HAPPY
Hell let’s be honest if the guitars cost 800$ people would bitch and buy a 300 $ Harley Benton or something. Trolls just love to hate on Gibson brands . Personally I love the white custom it’s beautiful
This isn’t for people who would buy Gibsons in the first place
@@CoverBandConfidential Really? Just go watch reviews about the Guitars and read the comments you will see ! It doesn’t matter Gibson owns Epi so Epis gets the Gibson hate! I don’t see a problem with the price the guitars are loaded with quality parts
Funny how people in the guitar world seem to all become Harvard MBA grads when they can't afford a guitar.
What I meant is that the target market for these guitars aren't people who would spend $3-$5k on an instrument: it's working musicians who need solid solutions at a reasonable price point. Apologies for the confusion.
@@CoverBandConfidential My comment was not meant to be directed at you. I was referring to all the people who seem to know what Gibson's marketing strategies should be...i.e., if they would only sell their guitars for $1.00 then everyone would be happy and "served".
Just want to point out that the guitar you’re calling a es335 is actually an es355. Difference being 355 is the luxury version with bound neck and headstock , ebony fretboard , etc. But those are about $7000 from Gibson. So compare that epiphone 355 to Gibson 355 and that epiphone is an absolutely amazing deal. Also has Gibson custom bucker pickups too !!
Bingo Epiphone! I bought two of the 59 leslies a month ago and then they come out with this new custombucker version. Ordered both the les paul as well as the 355 and arrive tomorrow. Folks, this guy is right on. These are AMAZING....wait, I will know tomorrow for sure :)
🤘🏻🫱🏻🫲🏼🙏🏻🤘🏻
Should i get the red 355 or white one? Confused 😮
🤷🏻
Don't know when ,but surely I'm gonna get a '59 in Honeyburst ...with Custombuckers and a hard case ,the correct body and horn shape and the open book headstock they're surely a very good deal...well done Epiphone...
What do I think? I think you are an open-minded American. You embrace change. I’m glad I stumbled upon your channel. I just hope more musicians are like you. Oh by the way, I just ordered the LP Custom in Alpine White 7 hours ago. With this new batch of 2024 IBG Epiphone guitars, I hope the future will be bright for Epiphone. Subscribed!
Welcome aboard!
Cant wait to try the acoustics. I agree with your take on Gibsons marketing here.
I agree, they are professional grade guitars. I personally like the looks of the Epiphone Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 Custom Bigsby Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar - Ebony. Gave a thumbs up for recognizing that the Epiphone is catching up quality to the Gibson.
Thanks!
Im deffinanly giving the 335 a test drive
🚗🚗🚗
My 59 standard with custombuckers will be here saturday! Ill make a video if anyone sees this comment and is interested
I picked up the new Adam Jones silver burst with the Seymour Duncan and custombucker pickups and it absolutely kicks ass - I have several epic’s and one Gibson and these new models are definitely a step up - would I prefer a nitro finish - yes am I willing to thousands more - not if I can help it
💯
I want to check the SG Custom, as i love SGs and i have small hands, so the "D" profile is totally welcomed.
I got 3 of these immediately; white 355, white LP Custom, and cherryburst '59 LP. I'm extremely happy with all 3. The 355 is like a big luxury car in guitar form. The satin finish and thick neck feel amazing. Plays like a dream and has big tone.
The LP Custom feels amazing and the 498t/490r pickups sound great.
The '59 LP sounds and feels a LOT like a Custom Shop Gibson. It sounds almost as good as my R8 but not as hot an output... although raising the pickups might change that.
I've been playing Epiphones for 15 years and these are their absolute best yet. I highly recommend although its true - their necks are pretty beefy... which may not be for everyone. Personally, I'm a 50s neck guy so these are perfect for me.
The 59’ is my FAVORITE
I own a Gibson ES-345 in 60s cherry. I am amazed at how great it is, I play it every day. That being said to me what looks cooler than the Epiphone ES-355 in white? Custombuckers to go along with it? I have to play one of course but how can you go wrong it's so cool. My Gibson set me back at $3799 the Epi is $1299 with custombuckers in my Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul R8. I know these PUPS very well and if they are unpotted? I don't know for sure but that would be great. The feel and sound would be most important to me.
It was REALLY nice. Just gotta figure out if that neck profile works for you
Those acoustics look plenty sick. I don't need one but I'd like to get my hands on one.
Agreed 🫱🏻🫲🏼
They upgrade to custom buckers on the les paul 59 is great but maybe that expense was the root cause of why it still has a laurel fretboard... I tried the older model but did not like the feel of the laurel.. Now I am very interested in the new les paul custom.. It has the very same pickups that are used in the original gibson version.. They seem to have really made a guitar that is very close to the real thing here.. The perfect gigging guitar that has the looks and the true sound... And a groovy case too
I see where they are going but I still don't see in which world would you go for one of these and not a used lp traditional
Depends on what you're looking for I suppose 🤷🏻
Still trying to figure out why the Customs have a metric, large post bridge .
❓❔❓❔❓❔
absolutely hope to be buying the new LP custom. Love what Epiphone have been doing. Makes absolute sense to introduce pro level instruments to fill the old Gibson standard spots. I currently have an JC Wino Epi LP and it's every single bit as good as my Gibson USA SG standard. I honestly don't believe 'Made in USA' means even half as much as it used to. The pricing makes sense to be considering the construction methods and upgraded hardware and electronics. It's about time Epiphone started putting out stuff this good.
🤘🏻
These new Epis are absolutely worth the price IMO. Nice video!
Glad you liked it!
Is headstock angle 14 or 17 degrees?
Sorry. I left my protractor at home that day
14 ACCORDING TO OTHER VIDEOS
@@jimmyhartman573 ,thanks! Less tuning issues than with 17?
@@EdMan57 i have zero tuning issues with any of my Epiphone inspired by . .i have 5 Inspired by . .like i stated be4 my issue is always the scratchy frets , but i polish the hell out of em and upkeep . .no problems
When are epiphone going to make an g-1275 custom double neck
🤷🏻🤷🏻🤷🏻
I hope they come out with a 54 black custom shop Les Paul with the P90s
That would be KILLER
I love the new Epiphones…I have the Greeny and 1979 Adam Jones. I love them both and would love to get the new 59 les paul standard.
🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Thanks for your contribution in driving up inflation. Only an absolute prune would pay that much for Chinese popcorn guitars. Did you not spot the American made guitars selling for less to the left and right? I did.🙈🙊👀
@@ClintsGuitarsNGear Sorry your little feelings are hurt, that someone bought some Epiphone guitars…I did see those guitars and?! I own a Gibson les Paul and it doesn’t play as nice as the new Epiphones I just bought. That’s my opinion…maybe the ones you played do suck…your entitled to your opinion and I can respect that. To say someone is contributing to inflation?!!! What a joke you are 😅 smh 🤦♂️ go troll other comments
@@ClintsGuitarsNGearSorry your little feelings are hurt…go troll some other comments. To say someone is contributing to inflation for doing so smh 🤦♂️ what a 🤡 last I check everyone is entitled to buy what they want and like. However, I can appreciate that we both are passionate about guitars American made or not…keep rocking 🤘🏼
@@ClintsGuitarsNGear there's no need to talk to folks in my comments like this.
I mean..... I'm sure they were perfect, you tried them at the Gibson garage??
The Adam Jones/Greeny/Kirk V's I tried were at my local Guitar Center and they STILL played great 🤷🏻
I've got both the 59' LP Standard IBG line and the LP/SG Custom and I love both, they play every bit as well as my Gibson's do and feels great also. I'm not a fan of the middle pup on the SG but it just takes a little while to get used to. Of both the guitars, I have to give the LP 59' a better score because of the no middle pup getting in the way. The Thing with the SG is it came with 3 Custom buckers so the guitar is priced right with the premium wiring and switch and the reworked Maestro that is now nice and solid compared to the Gibson brand lyre. I've also got a black back Cream LP Custom IBG line that is nice but it has the Probuckers in it which makes it not so much an IBG as the others are. The Neck on the SG is nice and slim compared to some of my other SG's like my Gibson standard 018 LE the neck feels just like a LP. I also have a G-400 pro SG Standard that has an even slimmer neck than the new Custom SG/LP making it one of my best feeling guitars I have, it plays great and I'm thinking of replacing the Alnico's with the Custom buckers or 57's 1&2's like in my Gibson SG standard. I think you gave it a very fair review I would have pointed it the same as you. I love the looks of it it's probably one of my most pretty guitars but looks don't make a guitar I've heard rats that are better than some new guitars. The case is also another nice selling point on this one it's got better padding than most Epiphone cases and the color inside really set's off the guitar while in the case and the snaps are a lot better. I'd stay clear of the SG if you are a newer player unless you want to count learning another picking style as a plus because you for sure have to adjust your picking style to accommodate the middle pup. Over all even with the price I still feel good having got it.
🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Eagerly awaiting an Epiphone Ripper or Grabber.
Oooooooooooooo yes!
Still wrapping my head around the VOS (Vintage Original Sheen). The Custom Shop uses a gloss nitro for the process. In this case they are using polyurethane for the VOS. So I believe it’s a lightly applied polyurethane that’s lightly buffed to a matte finish? If so that’s the first time Epiphone have used that on a series of guitars.
Not sure how you “Vintage Sheen” polyurethane but ok. Lol
All I can say is they didn't feel like the other Epiphones I have owned or played.
@@CoverBandConfidential So it felt better in a way? Cool.
Yeah it was closer to nitro
@@CoverBandConfidentialOrdered the Tobacco Burst. Thanks for the informative video and your responsive comments. It’s appreciated. I had the first Epiphone ‘59 but that D neck was very taxing on the fretting hand. The medium rounded C and pups make this guitar worth the cost alone.
Thanks again!
let’s not gloss over the fact that the SG custom comes with 750 bucks worth of pickups.
Yeah that's insane. You could swap them and sell them and get half your money back (if you wanted to.
Was excited for the SG but not so much anymore
😭
After reading quite a few comments here, it appears I'm not the only guy who's been wanting a Gibson 335, but found the $4k price tag a bit ridiculous. A 355 for $1300 is like a gift from heaven - especially in white!
And to all the Epiphone trolls and haters on this thread, absolutely NO ONE is stopping you from throwing all your cash into a new Gibson. NO ONE! Go ahead and pay $3700 for a new Gibson ES-335. I hope you love it. The last one I played was - meh. Gibson is hit or miss these days, and I took a ROYAL BATH on the one I sold last month, so your opinion that ONLY Gibsons hold their value is simply nonsense. I'd rather spend my money on things I've researched and tried out. If you haven't tried a new Epiphone, and just came here to bash on Epiphones from past years, you really are just a fool.
NO one IS ASKING YOU to suffer any financial loss from our decision to buy what we want.
Don't simply assume that everyone here has a 75 IQ and plays cheapo LTD guitars all day long. Some of us have been at this for decades, know quality when we see and play it, and don't need a lecture from an anonymous moron on the internet. So move along; you're bothering the paying customers...
exactly this 🤘🏻
Well said. And if they rather I play a Gibson, send me the cash. Even though I’d probably still buy the Epiphone and spend the rest on something else 😂
@@csharp57 Just think. For the same price as a new Gibson ES-335, you could get an Epiphone Es-355 IBG 59, a 2024 PRS S2, and a Sterling Cutlass CT50 - and never need another guitar for as long as you live. That to me is the right way to spend your money.
You had me until "cheapo ltd guitars"...🤣 LTDs are great!
Gibson “SE”. I wish they had more interesting finishes though. Give us some flame or quilt or something! But I guess there are plenty of other brands doing that, and that’s never been Gibson’s focus anyhow.
I don't think a flashy veneer pushes the needle that much but 🤷🏻
For me personally they are just what i want. I got the now old 59. And i want the new one in ice tea.
You’re right. A perfect guitar is what is perfect for you. The real deal is the one that inspires you to pick it up and play it.
@@mr3klax any guitar will do that if you actually like playing guitar, if you need a expensive instrument that says gibson on it to feel inspired to play. Then the only "real" Thing is the guitar not the player. Why the gibson slogan. What inspires us is clearly not the same. Im inspired by growing as a guitarist. Not by the guitar
The sunburst is calling my name…
@@CoverBandConfidential sunburst? Is that a sweetwater exclusive? I only see it in ice tea, factory burst, tobaco burst and then a cherry
Factory Burst is what I was referring to
Anyways, I’m trading in my old Epiphone ‘59 tomorrow for the new ‘59 Tobacco Burst. It’s a no brainer. New neck profile, Custombuckers, and the same VOS (Vintage Original Sheen) used by the Gibson Custom Shop for their Historic Reissue models.... and yes it’s a “gloss nitrocellulose finish”. I’m sold.
According to Epiphone's website, it is a polyurethane finish, not nitro.
@@jameshughes6049 Sorry, but I’m literally looking on the Epiphone website regarding the new ‘59. They mention “VOS (Vintage Original Sheen) finish”, which is a nitro variant. No mention of polyurethane. The tuxedo editions are polyurethane, I believe.
@@jameshughes6049 I’m on their website. Under the ‘59 it states, “VOS (Vintage Original Sheen) finish”. No mention of polyurethane.
According to Gibson, VOS (Vintage Original Sheen) is standard on Custom Shop Historic Reissue models. And it is lightly dulled gloss nitrocellulose finish.
@automatoncollectives7237 It says VOS (vintage original sheen) and right underneath says Polyurethane. Gibson will not allow Epiphone to use nitro.
@@jameshughes6049 Cimpletely false advertising then. That’s ridiculous. “VOS (Vintage Original Sheen) Polyurethane”. The Custom Shop (Vintage Original Sheen) consists of Gloss and nitro. So there is something wrong here.
I love Epiphone quality, but i really like the nitro finish better. And hate the d shaped neck as well. Id consider one of these.
I would HIGHLY suggest checking them out. I was blown away.
Again, the ‘59, has a nitro variant. Just saying.
@@automatoncollectives7237yeah. But i have many guitars with real nitro, so I’m in no rush for anything new
Ill buy the 67 Sj200
My fave of the lot for sure.
When I saw the new LPC I was very interested as initially it looks perfect. However, one detail that I think is crucial to a real LPC is the all mahogany body, so I am very disappointed that they have elected to use a maple cap. Considering the upcharge over the regular Epiphone LPs this is not acceptable. I think they say in the blurb that the construction is authentic but with sonic enhancements or some bs along those lines. I accept they are not advertising these as authentic 57-60 or 68-69, and the post 1970 LPC are way more prevalent but, in my opinion it is the 50s and 60s LPC that are the iconic models. They definitely have an edge to the tone that is not present on the standards/bursts ( I can speak from first hand experience as I was lucky enough to own a 59 LPC with PAFs for about 10 years). I may sound cynical but is this a deliberate ploy to hold back features (something that Gibson have previous form for), so that the model can be relaunched in the future as the most accurate version yet (probably at an upcharge again!).
Case in point, I picked up a Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J45 a couple of years ago, supposedly the closest thing to a real vintage or reissue J45. Now it is a very good guitar, all solid wood construction, and it has a pleasant tone and is eminently playable. It retailed at a fair bit more than the regular Epiphone J45 but I think was quite a step up in quality and tone. Now fast forward and I see there is a new Epiphone 1942 J45, that boasts the most accurate reproduction yet!! I have no doubt it is a great guitar but now the price is almost double the previous version.
There is a conscious move by Gibson to elevate the Epiphone brand, kudos to them for raising the standards, but what I don't like is the continual regenerating models, insisting they are the most authentic to the originals possible, only to come out with a new more accurate model with matching upcharge down the line. Back to the new IBG LPC, I am sure they are very good guitars in their own right, and many players will enjoy them greatly but IMO it is a regular LP with a slightly different finish, whereas the all mahogany construction would have given the sonic enhancement they boast of (or however they phrase it).
Rant over Lol🤣🤣
The current CS has a maple top. In fact all have since the 70’s.
So, with the ‘59, it’s a way more affordable version of the Gary Rossington model. 😆
As his main guitar was a ‘59 as well.
🤘🏻🦅🤘🏻
1299??? Where are you seeing this I only find them for 1500
$1299 on Sweetwater 🤷🏻
...and AMS. I know, I just bought one.
It genuinely irritates me when people get upset when people bitch and moan at the price just because the headstock says Epiphone inspite of knowing the high premium package the lineups come with
Guitar players in general tend to dump on things 🤷🏻
@@CoverBandConfidential Without a doubt top 5 most toxic community in the world
people saying epiphone is becoming premium and wouldn't pay for that price is in the minority.. many people already ordered theirs.. i can't even buy the SG, its on backorder until september.. i mean its a legit opinion but its not the majority.. its a win-win for consumer and manufacturer..
You should read the comments on this video 🤣
@@CoverBandConfidential i just did now.. yeah.. people want that shit.. no wonder the sg is on backorder..
So right. the market will decide these things and so far the market says hell yea. Including me.
And the correct headstock for epiphone is the Kalamazoo headstock not this goofy looking Gibson headstock... Epiphones have been high end almost five years get with it people
Yes they have you wondering where their BS comes from especially when you take what they say research it and find out they are full of Sh*t.. epiphone was restored back to high end in 2019/2020..and they also need to know Epiphones history and they do not ..
I hate the epiphone headstocks. They should offer different headstock options.
Goofy looking😂 The Kalamazoo headstock looks goofy. The Gibson headstock is perfect. Much better looking!
They haven't had one-piece necks, mother of pearl inlays or gibson custombucker pickups, which are 500 bucks themselves. They also haven't came with a hardshell case or had really thin finishes or had the binding scraped on the tops like it's supposed to be.
@@musicequalslife here's the specs of a 2021 epiphone custom koa Les Paul now recently discontinued as you will see it's very high end Epiphones restored back to high end in 2020...The new Epiphone Koa-topped mahogany body Les Paul Custom is part of Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Collection and honors the 1950s classic designed by Mr. Les Paul himself in 1954 as the “tuxedo” version of his groundbreaking solid body masterpiece!
Featuring the traditional Custom bound all-mahogany body, 60s SlimTaper™ neck profile, ebony fingerboard with block inlays, gold Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece, a pair of critically acclaimed Epiphone ProBucker™ humbuckers, and Custom split-diamond inlay on the headstock.
This Epiphone Inspired by Gibson model also has the 60s style Kalamazoo headstock, rolled neck for a comfortable feel, Graph Tech® NuBone® nut, era-appropriate wiring, and CTS® pots.SPECIFICATIONS
BODY
Body Type: Solidbody
Body Shape: Les Paul Custom
Body Material: Mahogany
Top Material: Koa
Body Finish: Gloss
Color: Natural
NECK
Neck Material: Mahogany
Neck Shape: Slim Taper
Neck Joint: Set Neck
Radius: 12"
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay: Pearloid Blocks
Number of Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length: 24.75"
Nut Width: 1.693"
Nut Material: Graph Tech NuBone
HARDWARE
Bridge/Tailpiece: Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece
Tuners: Kidney-style Tuners
ELECTRONICS
Neck Pickup: Pro Bucker 2 Humbucker
Bridge Pickup: Pro Bucker 3 Humbucker
Controls: 2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching: 3-way toggle pickup switchCollection and honors the 1950s classic designed by Mr. Les Paul himself in 1954 as the “tuxedo” version of his groundbreaking solid body masterpiece!
Featuring the traditional Custom bound all-mahogany body, 60s SlimTaper™ neck profile, ebony fingerboard with block inlays, gold Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece, a pair of critically acclaimed Epiphone ProBucker™ humbuckers, and Custom split-diamond inlay on the headstock.
This Epiphone Inspired by Gibson model also has the 60s style Kalamazoo headstock, rolled neck for a comfortable feel, Graph Tech® NuBone® nut, era-appropriate wiring, and CTS® pots.Les Paul Custom Bound All-Mahogany Body w/ Koa Top
24.75" Scale Rolled Mahogany Neck w/ Ebony Fretboard & Pearloid Inlays
Dual ProBucker Humbucker Pickups
Era-Appropriate Wiring & CTS Potentiometers
Fixed Bridge, Graph Tech NuBone Nut
'60s Style Kalamazoo Headstock & Grover Rotomatic 18:1 Tuners end Epiphones in 2020... make sure you read this..m
When I buy a guitar, I want as much of my money to go into a quality build along with quality parts. With Gibson, I find a big chunk of my money is going to American wages for assembling the guitar, and not necessarily for a quality accessories. I want my money to go into the guitar, and not into financing a factory worker’s next vacation or mortgage. Just saying.
Na, I’d take an Ibanez, Jackson, schecter, or esp/ltd. All under 1000 and more features and quality. Best guitars epiphone makes are the prophecy series or the 84 explorer reissue, and those are both under 1000😂😂😂
Honestly, overseas builders are passing up US builders pretty quickly.
I have 5 guitars / basses made in Indonesia currently. They are the nicest guitars I own, and thousands less than their American made counterparts.
Honestly, very few people play good enough for a $5k-$8k Gibson. They just think it’s the guitar and not the player. They are incorrect!😢
Blues lawyers.
Haven’t played the newest ones but having bought and owned the $1300 Bonamassa ES-335 & Adam Jones…these are not worth the price. They’re good guitars but even with all the nice specs they still have poly finishes with no fret nibs and they don’t feel like Gibsons as a result. They feel like $500 import Epiphone guitars that were modded. For $1300-1500 you can get a used Gibson which will feel much more premium and hold it’s value much better.
I really liked the feel of the Adam Jones open book model. I can't speak for the previous version.
@@CoverBandConfidential Glad you had a good experience with it. I played both as I own the previous graphic series one & tried the open book model. I agree both felt quite good but the fret ends without the nibs are still a little sharp on the graphic one and the poly finish pretty thick on both so it didn’t feel much different from the $500-700 IBG Epiphones I played. On their own they are great guitars but they just don’t feel as premium or nice as a Gibson to me. Perhaps with a good set up and fret work they could be amazing but at $1300 that shouldn’t be necessary.
Will they be plek’d? If not, I don't think I'll take it. The pups and the headstock are not worth the difference. the fretting is often sloppy on Epiphones.
🤷🏻
You say you played all of them yet no footage of that and then you say the new Epiphone 335 well it's not a 335 it supposed to be well is a 355 which is a custom lol.....
That’s a whole bunch of words….
People only sneer at things made by China because of politics or because of the corona virus , myself I didn’t even know Epiphone guitars were made in China until after I had already bought three of them. I have a gold top and the ‘59 inspired by Gibson Les Paul and the ‘61 inspired by Gibson SG style Les Paul , plus a regular standard Les Paul , but I have a Gibson Les Paul as well but I always grab the SG style Les Paul more than any of them because it just feels awesome in my hands. I don’t think the price matters especially if you are getting a quality product. Gibson does it all the time and in a lot of cases the quality just doesn’t show it was worth that price. That’s been my experience anyway.
Cool video , I’m excited about the true Gibson headstock on the new Epiphone , gonna get one as soon as I can , but money is getting tight these days LOL.
👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️
Epiphone is a USA Gibosn factory located in China....... Not a Chinese company making guitars for Gibson. The Biggest difference in price now is, the cost of manufacturing in Asia is significantly less than trying to make something in the USA. And I will venture to say that the electronics Gibson uses in Nashville in their instruments are ASIAN made, we don't manufacture these componets in USA. Thats why all cell phones, computers and other high tech electrical components are manufactured overseas. Now there is going to be some aesthic differences that may make Gibson more appealing to some players, it is up to each of us to decide if that difference justifys $2000-4,0000 more! That is why Fender can no longer put on their headstock Made in USA because the electronics are asian made, so you now see only Corona Calif.
🎯
How are the frets up and down the fretboard?
Apparently Epiphone has a reputation for having bad fretwork especially at the high frets.
Has that been fixed?
Gibson USA isn’t able to serve the need because they’re pricing 99% of guitarists out of buying a USA made Gibson.
People have dreams of owning a Gibson but are priced out of it now.
Some people want the real thing, not that there’s anything wrong owning a epiphone.
That's kind of my point. Gibson's not interested in that window of the market. They can have Epi fill it for them
I avoid Chinese instruments for the most part not just for quality concerns but for moral reasons too, but sometimes I'll compromise here and there because even I can admit that good products can come from China from time to time, and these new guitars look great regardless of what you think about Epiphone as a company. Although the price is a little steep for it being Chinese made, I feel like there's not a whole lot more in terms of specs and features that you could ask for at that price point so I can live with it. I think they're what a lot of people have been wanting. I'm probably going to pick a '59 up down the road. Used btw, I'll never buy a new Chinese guitar from Epiphone.
Epiphone is desperately trying to sell new guitars. They were at a point where they had to decide between either lowering prices of current models to move inventory, or releasing something new and premium. They went with the latter since the gap in the market needed to be filled anyway, and they'd much rather do that than lower prices 🤑 And although it works out for us, the consumer, because better quality guitars is always a plus, I still feel like we need to let Epiphone know that they need to stop smelling their own farts out of wine glasses, so maybe we stop buying their guitars for a little while and see if they lower 1,300 price down to 1,200. If they're going to charge so much anyways, then why even go with Chinese manufacturing. I thought that was supposed to be a cost-saving measure. I'm sure at these new price points, people would gladly just pay a bit more to get something from another country with a better reputation for quality.
From a spec standpoint to me the LP Customs are not worth the money. You can buy a Custom with a slim taper neck for $800 put a set of $490 in it and y still only have $1050 invested. less money more comfortable neck. Win Win.
🤷🏻
USD 1299 No match to Japan Lespaul under USD 1000 so LOL
Epiphone is on a Cash Money Grab!
Too much for a Epiphone!😮
What you ascribe to Epiphone is not what I experienced.
They can have all my money. I'm fine with that.
and another run of the same guitars..for a little more money. They rather have you buying Asian Gibsons than paying skilled American builders and make less profit.
I am not saying they are bad guitars, but it feels like they are just trying to follow the PRS strategy. The big companies don't really care about the musician, they care about their profits.
I'm getting mixed messages- is this about American-made guitars or is it about musicians having affordable options?
And your point is? If "big companies" just cared about the "musician", then the "big companies" would cease to exist. And you would be playing a $2000 squire bullet.
Absolutely NO ONE is preventing you from buying a Gibson at 2-3 times the price. No one. That is Gibson's take here - they refuse to lower their prices, and people can still buy their guitars if they feel they are worth the premium price. But if you are looking for a REALLY close clone, by the same company, for 1/2 to 1/3 the price, Epiphone has you covered.
Great review the6 are fabulous guitars don’t have so spend money up grading and yes Gibson have made some rubbish guitars pore neck angles and bad to play the list goes on .china is a very sophomores country with state of the Art factory’s highly skilled proud workforce ,the price is spot on just look at the build quality and specs carn t lose
Ill wait to get a 59 tobacco burst for $300 off a crack head thief just be patient or $500 during the next recession.
That’s the spirit!
$$$. . . Whatever the market will bear via Marketing.
Looks like you got the Epi- Tommy Thayer in your profile pic 🤘🏻
For the price, you're getting very good specs and something that you can actually tour and record with
Gibson luthiers trained the Epi tech? Wow looking forward for more high quality Chibsons
The new Epi ‘59 comes so loaded with US/Gibson parts and accessories, to the extent it’s more “American/Gibson” than many of the entry level Gibsons are, that are made in the USA. Think about they for a minute.
Please stop bringing more of these out Epiphone, you are bankrupting me!
😭😭😭
It's funny how people are willing to spend over a grand on these guitars just because they have a Gibson style headstock. They're still unmistakably low quality guitars, which will need a professional set-up because all Epiphones have lousy frets... and they're probably built in Chinese labor camps too. These will be on Craigslist in a few months for chump change and you all know it 😂 the veneers are hideous. The bevels on the SGs are a joke and what's with the smaller block inlays? They look dumb. Also, laurel fingerboards? 😂
That’s a lot of words.
I already bought two Epiphones this year. My LP Studio was better than my Gibson LP Studio, so I SOLD the Gibson. I lost my ass on it - a 2020 LP Studio in Tangerine in mint condition. Paid $1600 for it, sold it for $900 after slowly lowering the price for 3 months. Gibson is NOT holding its value at all, so why pay the extra fortune for one?
Anyone who spends,more than 300euros,or 400$ for a guitar"made in china",is totally.."sucker",without doubt!!!😉Only Gibson is good enough,and even Gibson,sometimes don't worth the money...
This is a colossally stupid comment
I guess these are good guitars for amateurs the can't afford a Gibson. I chose to save my money and waited a long time to get a USA Gibson. Because in my opinion you are settling for Less with an epiphone and the resale will always suck. But hey it's your money do what makes you happy
No they aren’t worth the price.
Says the guy who can't afford epiphones
🤷🏻
Maybe 6 or $700 that's it. I don't care it's just a junk. Guitar, you'll never get any of that money out of it. You will sell up for 3 or $500. At the end of the day, it is not that great of a guitar. It's okay, but it's not.all that and they need way more work in to set up Department so you put another $200 worth of Parts on it and then all of a sudden it's 15 16 1 7 100.00. No way this is just a bait and switch to charge you more money
I’ve played $4k custom shop Gibsons that play worse than these new models. This is your bias showing.
Can’t be any worse than that Tribute-which is an abomination and a complete money grab. Just saying. In fact the bottom feeder Gibson LPs aren’t that great to begin with.
Agree.
Gibson also made junk guitars
@@CoverBandConfidential Just my opinion i'm aloud
I’m sorry but you’ll never get me to buy a Chinese made guitar period no matter whose logo is on it. I have a Korean epiphone, Indonesian PRS and a Japanese Gretsch but Chinese made? Hell no
More for the rest of us 🤷🏻
@@CoverBandConfidentialAgreed!
that's cool man. I guess you cross the line when it comes to Chinese made guitars because everything else in your life is made In china. your phone, tablet, PC , televisions and other electronics are basically all made there. most of the parts of your car and your home are made there. any toys, sporting goods,furniture, and anything made of plastic is made there. it makes sense to me.
@@richgreene5038 Exactly!
@@richgreene5038 It was like that 10 years ago, but there really is far less manufacturing in China these days. I have tried hard for a long time to avoid made in China because I'm pretty confident that they will eventually invade Taiwan and when we go to war with them over that, I don't want my money being used to kill American soldiers. I used to have a hard time finding a lot of stuff that wasn't made in China but that really isn't the case any longer. I'm seeing more and more from places like Vietnam and India including electronics. I know the last couple TVs I bought were made in Mexico although I"m sure with a lot of Chinese made parts. Most of the parts for my PC came from Taiwan. I also just read that Apple is up to 7% of their iPhones being made in India with the number growing.
No, no, and NO!!! It's 100% hype, and the latest money grab to empty your wallet of its contents. When will the little kiddies (or their parents) realize that YOU CAN BUILD a guitar from a kit, or get a Chinese clone and modify it to your liking...that will be JUST AS GOOD (or better) as something costing thousands more?! Marketing is a powerful tool - ever wonder why you're bombarded every day with the phrase, "save UP TO 60% off while supplies last" (even though you're not actually going to save _anything_ off.) Biggest use of psychology in marketing: Endorsements by artists.
WHY anyone would be so foolhardy to think they're going to play like Mayer or SRV, etc. just because those players have their names stuck on a certain guitar is beyond all comprehension. Even Brooke Ligertwood (!) - ever heard of her? (I didn't think so) has her own signature Martin guitar. The marketing team at Martin has covered all the bases.
And behold, now we have the iconic lyre/open book headstock to lure you in. And why not? That fancy headstock design trumps pretty much everything else out there, and is thus protected by law. So, it's about time to exploit it in a new way for extra cash.
Meth, much?
Well that’s a whole bunch of words…
LOL money grab. Last I checked no corporation ever has forced me to hand over my wallet to them. Only the gvnmt can do that.
I won't be buying one. I try to avoid buying anything made in China whenever possible.
Imagine having the option to not leave a comment at all and choosing to leave this one ☝️
@@CoverBandConfidential you’re ignorant
You’re in my comments, bud. Stay mad
@@6806goats1open mouth insert foot buddy the Quindoa epiphone facility is completely American owned and operated by Gibson Epiphone USA with American and Asian luthiers and only Epiphones are made there also epiphone is crafted 70% by hand just like there little brother Gibson.. maybe you should have researched first before you open your mouth and stick your foot in it