i was at my local guitar shop here in Norway and two friends of mine had a 1 week job there and one of them recomended the Squier Startocaster 50s clssic vibe and i went up there and i was between the Fender Player series and the Squier, and man the Squier felt soo good so i bought it and its not a bad guitar, all the guitars there was on summer sale to so i got a great deal
Well now...The one I have in my hands is a broken 1970 Gibson melody maker. I'd buy the Epiphone. I have many. The cheap ones are fun to explore. File the frets, straighten the neck, run it through any amp with an effects loop and there you go. Lately I buy amps and pedals to get my sound, my tone, my mojo. Although I like Epiphone's Prophecy line of guitars. Ebony fretboard, coil splitting . Awesome!
I have a Squier California Strat and Affinity Tele and an Epi Les Paul Studio. It's nice to have budget versions of the three most iconic guitars, and I can't imagine needing another electric. Unless I get another Tele just to keep it in Keef tuning.
But you will. Enjoy life, you only live once. That is why you are watching these videos on youtube. Believe me later on your mind will (be conditioned) change.
@Razz Note Nah...everyones different. I've been playing for 30 years. Epiphone plustops and squire classics more than serve my purpose . Acoustic? Different story. You have to spend a little more to get a good acoustic ...You dont have to spend a fortune to enjoy life
It would be an eye opener for many to see these against a Yamaha Revstar and their S style Pacifica in the same price range. The strat is more comfortable but the finish on the LP is killer! Thanks for posting!
Two of my guitars are Epiphones, an SG and a Dot (335 copy.) I love, love, LOVE both of them, but the Dot is simply amazing in tonal variety. It’s actually my favorite guitar. Not slagging the SG, it’s very fast and very easy to play, and roars. It’s just that the Dot will produce so, so many tones and give you just about any musical feel you want. It’s a very versatile guitar, and it’s lovely to look at as well. Gotta go play now!
I have the exact les paul plus top pro he is playing. Same colour as well. I also have a 2011 dot and love that thing. I really wanna strat as well though
When it comes to these two guitars, i think the winner is definitely the players series. Fender made a huge jump from the standard and it’s definitely 🔥🔥
trust me i have epiphone prophecy ex and fender mim, epiphone feels more elegance and more durability in tuning and also (for those EMG pickups) more sustain and more output
Simple answer - both of course. I have a 2014 Epi LP Standard Pro and I’m blown away with the quality. I’ve owned other Epi guitars in the past and even a Gibson LP ‘57 Goldtop reissue. The Epi LP Pro’s coil tapping makes it extremely versatile. As I’m rebuilding my gear after having kids, I don’t need the top of line of stuff, I want great value. I’ll probably buy a Players Strat next as Stratocasters are more “home” for me. However, my “new to me” LP in cherry sunburst is not just a looker, but gives me all tonal range I need for my genres.
I’ve been playing guitar for about 13 years. I bought my first fender player series Strat and I loved the feel of it. But I mostly play acoustic so going to something with such a sleek body felt very odd to me. I like feeling my arm is over something. I couldn’t get use to that floating bridge. I was not a fan. The fret board felt great and sounded amazing except for one thing. I had major fret buzz. I had guitar center look at it and they found the frets were different heights. I bought it new, so they let me return it and pick something else out. I ended up with the Epiphone Les Paul. The selling point for me was the single coil split and the I like the feeling of a heavier guitar. So it all worked out. I still love those strats.
Great video as always! I have a MIM Fender Strat Standard Plus Top (SSS) which I love and modified as to changed all the electronics and installed american made electronics and Texas Special pickups. I did take those items and put them in my 20th Anniversary Squier, which I also love. You are 100% correct about how many companies have copied the Strat, look at PRS. I purchased a PRS SE Custom 24, why well it has a Strat style body, straighter string pull than most 3 on 3 head stocks and lest of a head angle, but the resale value is not there, I paid just over $700 for it 2 years ago and I was quoted around $200 for a trade in even though it is like new, no dings or dents! So the prices for new guitar may be going up, the prices for used or trade ins are going down sad to say! As far as Epiphone, I see a lot of pro’s using them, look at Gary Clark Jr.!! And don’t make me laugh about the Epiphone/Gibson head stock look issue! Really, come on who cares!! Ok, off my soap box! Looking forward to your next video!!
The Epiphone headstock has slightly less sideways break angle on the D and G strings than the Gibson does. So that equates to slightly better tuning stability also!!!
Yes a bit broad to say the least. If I was a novice with the possibility that I might get frustrated and give up I would be getting a Squire strat first. The Player would be the next guitar.
I have that Epiphone and it's great. I also have an American Professional strat which is fabulous but quite a bit more expensive and better quality of course. The quality of that Epiphone is damn near as good, and even better in some cases as a Gibson.
Great video. What's interesting is I've done my own research over the last few months and came up with exactly the same choice between the Player Strat, and the Epiphone Les Paul Modern. 🔈🔉🔊🎸
Thanks for not hooking up to a bunch of pedals. Got to hear the guitars. I live in Boerne - may drop in one of these days and buy another guitar that does not get played that much or maybe, once and for all, buy a Bass and learn something about that world.
@@roejogan6968 I just need a Korg Opsix, an Arturia Minibrute, a Roland SP-404, an Elektron Octatrack, a Eurorack case with modules, a Moog Sirin, an AMS Hydrasynth, an Ensoniq ESQ-1, a Make Noise 0-Coast, a Linnstrument, a MOTU M4, a Dreadbox Erebus + Hypnosis, a Bastl Bitranger, a Squarp Pyramid, a Synthstrom Deluge... Then I'll be happy.
I'm a Epiphone Les Paul away from achieving this goal... Current Inventory; 2020 Fender Player HSS Plus Top Aged Cherry - Locking tuners, Graph Tech nut and string tree. 1994 Taylor 512e (original owner) 1994 Peavey Predator (Original owner) Aged Arctic White with tortoise shell pickguard and maple fretboard. Rose Robusta pickups, Obsidian Blender, Graph Tech nut and string tree, shielded cavities and Hipshot locking tuners.
I have the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plustop Pro in Cherry. I love it. It's very versatile and has a lot of sounds to choose from. It's slightly heavy, but I love it.
Very informative video. I have the 2019 Epi S Pro Plus Top in Honey Burst. I paid $599 new and I think it's still worth what I paid, it plays so nice and stays in tune very well. I've been wanting to add a MIM Strat to my collection and this comparison made my mind up!!
I bought the epiphone les Paul plus top in 2016 just picking it up again...it’s been a while, but I’m glad I have my dream guitar to play whenever I want...obviously Gibson is the REAL les Paul dream but I wear the Epiphone brand with pride. I don’t feel any less different watching a guy strum on a Gibson les Paul it just feels like family.
My friends is always making jokes about me having a Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plustop Pro instead of a Gibson, but one of my friends has a Gibson Studio and when we gig together it is not that mutch of a difference in sound, i preffer the Epiphone neck instead of a Gibson neck since i don't want to hold my guitar like a bits
For me, my 2001 Gibson Les Paul Standard is the best guitar I've ever had...had a bunch of Epiphones. But what's more important, if that is what works in your hands, then the questio is answered.
@James Gray bullshit. If someone says they can't tell and epi from a gibson they are lying. Gibson are nitro finish and epi are plastic. It's clear as day.
XThiaiZX also a double neck, a regular 12 string, 7 string, 8 string, maybe 9, then a bass, maybe something for blues like a 339 or 335, or instead a gretsch has, but what do i know, all i have is a fuckin sg
I think it just depend on the tone you prefer. Do you like buckers or single coils?? But you can’t really go wrong, but I think the Epi sounds closer to an expensive Gibson than the player series does to something like the pro series 🤷♂️
Gibson acquired Epiphone in 1957, at Les Paul's urging. It's also worth mentioning that, unlike Fender's Squier guitars which are made by contract manufacturers, Epiphone guitars are made at Epiphone's own factory in China.
But we are not talking about the Squier, we are talking about the player strat which has some American made parts but assembled in its Fender Mexico plant
Not exactly. Epiphone is Gibson's company, but you aren't getting the Made In America on the back and Gibson on the front of the headstock, so not really. But bottom line is: Want something good value thats sounds almost as good as a Gibson? Get an Epiphone. Want a prestige? Get a Gibson.
Perfect demo between both guitars straight through an amp with no suplimental effects i hate when some channels cheat and add effects and dont even mention it to sway oppinion.I got chewed out by a channel for mensioning that and lied to .I play straight through an amp with no pedals or effects so to tell me they dont when they do is an insult but anyways great video.
Jamie Johnson boast about his Epiphone! Since this video came out I bought the new Epiphone LP Muse and it's better than the plus top pro! It's been proven that Gibson and Fender could sell their guitars for the same price as the counterparts and make a profit!
I have both and i prefer the Strat. Imho has the Strat the better playability. Like the satin finished neck, the ergonomic contoured body and the double cutaways, which gives a better reachability to the higher notes at the fretboard. In my ears the Epi LP sounds a bit muddy, so i changed the Probucker PUs to Tonerider Rocksong open coil Humbuckers. It's a significant improvement.
I have the Fender MIM Stratocaster standard and love it (I did do mod’s to it). You are correct that there is nothing wrong with these guitars at this price range, leaves you more money to do mod’s and make it your own!! Epiphone is a good brand, nothing wrong with that name on the head stock, Nancy Wilson, Gary Clark Jr., George Thorogood and the guitarist from Alabama Shakes plays them. Great video!!
I bought an Epiphone LP Custom Pro about 2 years ago for $650.. its alright. Neck has some lacquer on it that makes it tough to play when my hands get sweaty.. about 3 weeks ago I found a Gibson SG special brand new for $599.. best guitar I've ever played, hands down.
The epi is a more versatile standard guitar with coil splits and humbuckers than a standard Fender but the HSS model is just as versatile as the Epi. Or just go with a AIO Wolf guitar for a lot less money and better quality.
In the same price range I much prefer the Ibanez AR420, more versatile, sounds better, and higher quality than the Epiphone, I don’t have the Strat so can’t compare fairly, but for me the single coil noise issue is more of a problem, and the parallel setting on the AR420 is a fair substitute without the noise.
My two electric guitars are Squire Stratocaster and Epiphone E.S.339PRO. I play the Epiphone more than the Stratocaster. Two different sounds altogether!Phillip Austin
Les Paul Custom Pro here. "tuxedo model" in black. If the Alpine white was available at the time, in a lefty, woulda had a hard decision. Pretty much a beginner so to get a bucket list Les Paul for 600 is value for me. Prefer the warmer tones of a LP.
I'd take a Gibson Studio over this Epi 10 out of 10 times. I've had about 8 Gibson (90s) Studios and I just got my Honeyburst 2014 version of this EPI; so, I'm not talking out my arse either.
I’ve got a heavily modded strat with Texas special pickups and a stock LP plus top pro. Love them both. They’re all I need (but I’m sure I’ll still pick up a tele sometime soon...then I’ll be done:)
Both are great, but you can’t define best guitar as one has single coil and the other has humbuckles, they just sound entirely different (as perfectly demonstrated by this video) and is subjected to individual preference
The best one is having BOTH haha. Although, I'm selling my Player Strat to pay for my Epiphone LP Muse. They're both equally good, I think. The LP is just a lot more my style and it clicks with me.
I have a 2005 epi les Paul and love that guitar. It served me well for many years. I recently picked up a classic player tele and had to control myself and not buy it on the spot, played and looked amazing. All great guitars. I will also add, a lot of the Squier classic vibe guitars and used MIA fenders are also good and close to this price range. Def worth a look. My old guitar teacher loved his Gibson faded Les Paul and that can be had around this price used as well, though I don’t know how good QC is on the lower end Gibson’s. Lots of options in the $500-700 range.
Epiphone sounds great, it's what a Guitar should cost... A Gibson, well, is for those who dont know what to do with their money and want brand prestige
My 2001 Gibson Les Paul Standard kills all the Epiphones I've owned. And I love Epiphone. It's the one I've gigged with the most and feels the best in my hands. It's built like a tank and sounds great. All that matters is how it holds up for gigs. Nothing else.
For the price of an "authentic" instrument, you can have both. In this case, nearly as good quality. yet, good enough. I have a 2014 Epi "Gibson" Les Paul Pro Gold Top. Every bit as beautiful as the true Gibson, except, maybe, for the EPIPHONE on the headstock, but I'm getting over it. It sounds as good as my '79 Gibson Les Paul KM. Thanks for the video, I now know that I can set my aim toward a Players edition Strat. Well within my budget.
Both solid, but IMHO Schecter and Ibanez are kill it this price range. For slightly more still under $800 you can get a PRS SE, and they are crazy good. Too good to be in that price range.
I still can't decide (my first guitar)... I'm spending more time deciding what guitar to buy than actually playing... the bands I listen to all use humbuckers, but I dig the strat body a lot more
I prefer the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro over the Fender player series... I m really looking to buy the Epiphone Les paul custom pro! But I have never played the Epiphone Les Paul plustop pro?? is the plustop pro better than the Epiphone custom pro?? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Great video - I which I viewed this about the time that you created it because that was when I was shopping for my first guitar. I quickly discovered that $650 or so was the sweet spot for value. Not too much for me to justify spending on a new hobby and enough where it seems that it would last you for quite some time before you outgrew the guitar and needed to upgrade. I had it come down to the same Epi and Strat you review here and ended up with a blueberry burst Epi Plus Top which I really like - it just felt better to me than the strat when I first held it so it was an easy decision at the time. Fast forward to today where I can play a little bit. Now I find that I really like that classic strat tone so I am likely to search out a Squire Affinity Strat or a Mexican one some day.
Neither is better than other. I just prefer Epiphone. Fender have bridges with 12 screws for saddle, and my OCD can't stand that along with each string being set individually. My OCD loves tunomatic bridge...all strings keep the proper radius, and each string has 1 screw, not 2. I also don't like single coils. My Epi have dual humbuckers with coil tap so I can get that strat sound anyways, and without the additional hum that can come with it.
IMO if one was to get one or the other that can almost do what each does…THEN GET an LP that can single coil split OR an HSS (humbucker) Strat. Had the single coil split Epi LP sold it and got the MIM Player HSS Strat here 😉
I find that real players buy the guitar that speaks to them. It doesn't matter to them where it's made or what's on the headstock. Ego "players" gotta have that brand logo.
Just thought of this, has Alamo Music thought of or considered doing a video on the PRS SE line? I watch your videos all the time and I’m wondering about your thoughts on them.
If you were going to use the Epiphone version of the Les Paul, it would've been a better comparison to use a Squire Statocaster in the same price range. Or use a comparably priced Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster.
@@betts12220 That's what I mean. A comparison between the fanciest Squire vs an equally priced Epiphone would be a better challenge. As would a comparison between a Fender and a Gibson.
Great demo, very clear explanations. I do like your point on snobbery about the name sticked on the headstock. I used to have an incredibly good and beautiful Epiphone Les Paul China built exactly like a US Gibson (but with a better quality from China), the Tribute Plus Outfit, but I never accustomed to the slim taper neck profile. The Epiphone LP of your demo looks gorgeous. But at the end of the day, my heart (and ears) belongs to the STRATOCASTER , haha.
Gilles Genete I am with you 100 percent. My wife bought me a Plus Top Pro and as much as I do enjoy it for the Les Paul feel and sound(I put Gibson pups in it to upgrade) I still absolutely prefer Strats.
"Guitars are probably cheaper than they ever have been." Are you kidding me? By A LOT! I bought my 1st guitar, an Ibanez in 1982. It has half off at $350. I couldn't afford a Strat, which was $1200 in 1982. You can buy a BETTER Strat now & you can buy an American Strat for $1150. Same price in absolute $$$ except it's nearly 40 years later. Also DON'T BLOCK YOUR STRAT'S TREMOLO. I tried it. It made my American Deluxe HSS turn into a dead feeling guitar. It no longer had any character. Granted, having the floating trem makes tuning a pain, but it FEELS MUCH BETTER. Also, satin finish is the way to go. I can play them the same, but satin feels better. Don't underestimate that Les Paul sustain: it smokes the Fender handily. It's not just a joke from a movie. Coil tap is fun. I rarely use it. "Muddy" with gain & overdrive? Gee, kinda. Sorry, "very." I have none of the bending/binding issues they mention because a) Strat has a roller nut, & b) lubricate your nut.
I bought a player HSS strat and I returned it. Sounded bad in my opinion, and the whammy bar didn't work. (Yes, I know, and no I was not using it like a floyd rose.) I got the Epi Les Paul Custom Pro instead and it sounds FANTASTIC. Feels great, plays great, and it is absolutely beautiful.
I have an Epiphone Les Paul plus top pro that I had bought in 2012. It sounds great. It has no scratches or nicks in it. It really is a good durable guitar. They really are the best quality even though they're made by Chinese luthiers. The Chinese luthiers will be just as good as the American ones in a few more yrs. So, in the next few yrs, Epiphone's should gain value.
Epiphones are great guitars but they do not and will not gain value. I also do not believe Chinese Luthers will pass American Luthiers. You also must remember that these are machine routed. When you talk about Lutherie talent, you're talking about craftsmanship by hand.
"What's the best guitar? The one that's in your hand. Make music with it." Words of wisdom right there.
i was at my local guitar shop here in Norway and two friends of mine had a 1 week job there and one of them recomended the Squier Startocaster 50s clssic vibe and i went up there and i was between the Fender Player series and the Squier, and man the Squier felt soo good so i bought it and its not a bad guitar, all the guitars there was on summer sale to so i got a great deal
Well now...The one I have in my hands is a broken 1970 Gibson melody maker. I'd buy the Epiphone. I have many. The cheap ones are fun to explore. File the frets, straighten the neck, run it through any amp with an effects loop and there you go.
Lately I buy amps and pedals to get my sound, my tone, my mojo.
Although I like Epiphone's Prophecy line of guitars. Ebony fretboard, coil splitting . Awesome!
Lmao
I have the Epiphone Les Paul Custom and a Nashville Tele. I don't have a need to spend anymore on an electric guitar. They do what I need them to do.
I have a Squier California Strat and Affinity Tele and an Epi Les Paul Studio. It's nice to have budget versions of the three most iconic guitars, and I can't imagine needing another electric. Unless I get another Tele just to keep it in Keef tuning.
There's a voice in my head telling my buy more guitars
But you will. Enjoy life, you only live once. That is why you are watching these videos on youtube. Believe me later on your mind will (be conditioned) change.
@Razz Note Nah...everyones different. I've been playing for 30 years. Epiphone plustops and squire classics more than serve my purpose . Acoustic? Different story. You have to spend a little more to get a good acoustic ...You dont have to spend a fortune to enjoy life
I have played em both. I really enjoy the feel of the strat. But I also love the feel of the epi. So I said to hell with it and bought em both lol.
I couldn’t make up my mine so I just bought both today as well
and you probably still saved more money doing that than just buying just one Gibson LP lol
'Murica!!!😎🇺🇸👍🎸 I'm waiting for the Gibson inspired models in Honey burst finish!!!
that's the right spirit!!
I’d love both as well. Which ones did you get?
I love his honest comment and slightly rant against "branding".
It would be an eye opener for many to see these against a Yamaha Revstar and their S style Pacifica in the same price range. The strat is more comfortable but the finish on the LP is killer! Thanks for posting!
Two of my guitars are Epiphones, an SG and a Dot (335 copy.) I love, love, LOVE both of them, but the Dot is simply amazing in tonal variety. It’s actually my favorite guitar. Not slagging the SG, it’s very fast and very easy to play, and roars. It’s just that the Dot will produce so, so many tones and give you just about any musical feel you want. It’s a very versatile guitar, and it’s lovely to look at as well. Gotta go play now!
I have the exact les paul plus top pro he is playing. Same colour as well. I also have a 2011 dot and love that thing. I really wanna strat as well though
When it comes to these two guitars, i think the winner is definitely the players series. Fender made a huge jump from the standard and it’s definitely 🔥🔥
trust me i have epiphone prophecy ex and fender mim, epiphone feels more elegance and more durability in tuning and also (for those EMG pickups) more sustain and more output
Simple answer - both of course. I have a 2014 Epi LP Standard Pro and I’m blown away with the quality. I’ve owned other Epi guitars in the past and even a Gibson LP ‘57 Goldtop reissue. The Epi LP Pro’s coil tapping makes it extremely versatile.
As I’m rebuilding my gear after having kids, I don’t need the top of line of stuff, I want great value. I’ll probably buy a Players Strat next as Stratocasters are more “home” for me. However, my “new to me” LP in cherry sunburst is not just a looker, but gives me all tonal range I need for my genres.
Unreal video. This was really helpful as I’ve been between these two guitars for about a month.
So, what did you get?
He bought a tele
I’ve been playing guitar for about 13 years. I bought my first fender player series Strat and I loved the feel of it. But I mostly play acoustic so going to something with such a sleek body felt very odd to me. I like feeling my arm is over something. I couldn’t get use to that floating bridge. I was not a fan. The fret board felt great and sounded amazing except for one thing. I had major fret buzz. I had guitar center look at it and they found the frets were different heights. I bought it new, so they let me return it and pick something else out. I ended up with the Epiphone Les Paul. The selling point for me was the single coil split and the I like the feeling of a heavier guitar. So it all worked out. I still love those strats.
Great video as always! I have a MIM Fender Strat Standard Plus Top (SSS) which I love and modified as to changed all the electronics and installed american made electronics and Texas Special pickups. I did take those items and put them in my 20th Anniversary Squier, which I also love. You are 100% correct about how many companies have copied the Strat, look at PRS. I purchased a PRS SE Custom 24, why well it has a Strat style body, straighter string pull than most 3 on 3 head stocks and lest of a head angle, but the resale value is not there, I paid just over $700 for it 2 years ago and I was quoted around $200 for a trade in even though it is like new, no dings or dents! So the prices for new guitar may be going up, the prices for used or trade ins are going down sad to say! As far as Epiphone, I see a lot of pro’s using them, look at Gary Clark Jr.!! And don’t make me laugh about the Epiphone/Gibson head stock look issue! Really, come on who cares!! Ok, off my soap box! Looking forward to your next video!!
The Epiphone headstock has slightly less sideways break angle on the D and G strings than the Gibson does. So that equates to slightly better tuning stability also!!!
Love my epiphone 1960 tribute plus with Gibson 57 pickups !!!
Art Monk have one too, love it
Love my Gibson SG with classic 57 pickups!
Thing of a beauty 🤘🏼
Sounds neat, you should one day test Slash Pick Ups, and compare to the Gibson 57s
Played 50yrs now and I currently use both every day. Top guitars. You won't be disappointed.
Totally agree!
"They're popular... particularly if you've been playing a while, or you're just starting out"... Yeah that's a niche!
Yes a bit broad to say the least. If I was a novice with the possibility that I might get frustrated and give up I would be getting a Squire strat first. The Player would be the next guitar.
So bottom line is , lubricate the nut , Am I getting this right ?
I have that Epiphone and it's great. I also have an American Professional strat which is fabulous but quite a bit more expensive and better quality of course. The quality of that Epiphone is damn near as good, and even better in some cases as a Gibson.
Great video. What's interesting is I've done my own research over the last few months and came up with exactly the same choice between the Player Strat, and the Epiphone Les Paul Modern. 🔈🔉🔊🎸
That's awesome!
Thanks for not hooking up to a bunch of pedals. Got to hear the guitars. I live in Boerne - may drop in one of these days and buy another guitar that does not get played that much or maybe, once and for all, buy a Bass and learn something about that world.
I need a Strat, a Les Paul, and an Acoustic.
Then I will be happy.
That’s what we all tell ourselves lmao
@@roejogan6968 I just need a Korg Opsix, an Arturia Minibrute, a Roland SP-404, an Elektron Octatrack, a Eurorack case with modules, a Moog Sirin, an AMS Hydrasynth, an Ensoniq ESQ-1, a Make Noise 0-Coast, a Linnstrument, a MOTU M4, a Dreadbox Erebus + Hypnosis, a Bastl Bitranger, a Squarp Pyramid, a Synthstrom Deluge... Then I'll be happy.
@@mikeexits you innocent soul...
I'm a Epiphone Les Paul away from achieving this goal...
Current Inventory;
2020 Fender Player HSS Plus Top Aged Cherry - Locking tuners, Graph Tech nut and string tree.
1994 Taylor 512e (original owner)
1994 Peavey Predator (Original owner) Aged Arctic White with tortoise shell pickguard and maple fretboard. Rose Robusta pickups, Obsidian Blender, Graph Tech nut and string tree, shielded cavities and Hipshot locking tuners.
You forgot the Tele 🤗
I have the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plustop Pro in Cherry. I love it. It's very versatile and has a lot of sounds to choose from. It's slightly heavy, but I love it.
Very informative video. I have the 2019 Epi S Pro Plus Top in Honey Burst. I paid $599 new and I think it's still worth what I paid, it plays so nice and stays in tune very well. I've been wanting to add a MIM Strat to my collection and this comparison made my mind up!!
Love the Players Series and this Strat. The Epi is fine, but I prefer the sound and feel of the Fender.
I prefer warm over bright, so I'd go with the Les Paul!
I bought the epiphone les Paul plus top in 2016 just picking it up again...it’s been a while, but I’m glad I have my dream guitar to play whenever I want...obviously Gibson is the REAL les Paul dream but I wear the Epiphone brand with pride. I don’t feel any less different watching a guy strum on a Gibson les Paul it just feels like family.
My friends is always making jokes about me having a Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plustop Pro instead of a Gibson, but one of my friends has a Gibson Studio and when we gig together it is not that mutch of a difference in sound, i preffer the Epiphone neck instead of a Gibson neck since i don't want to hold my guitar like a bits
For me, my 2001 Gibson Les Paul Standard is the best guitar I've ever had...had a bunch of Epiphones. But what's more important, if that is what works in your hands, then the questio is answered.
I’ve had both Les Pauls and didn’t like either. $500 or $3000 guitar. Both gone! Look at an SG and thank me later :)
If folks new the history Les Paul designed the guitar while working at epiphone
Joshua Taylor yeah, he also used Epiphone parts
@James Gray bullshit. If someone says they can't tell and epi from a gibson they are lying. Gibson are nitro finish and epi are plastic. It's clear as day.
I have three Epiphone guitars,....
made in China, but not bad.
Every guitarist should own a fender stratocaster
I agree
XThiaiZX also a double neck, a regular 12 string, 7 string, 8 string, maybe 9, then a bass, maybe something for blues like a 339 or 335, or instead a gretsch has, but what do i know, all i have is a fuckin sg
I think it just depend on the tone you prefer. Do you like buckers or single coils?? But you can’t really go wrong, but I think the Epi sounds closer to an expensive Gibson than the player series does to something like the pro series 🤷♂️
I have a fender nashville telecaster and a epiphone les paul standard pro plus top .. I like them both for different reasons...
Gibson acquired Epiphone in 1957, at Les Paul's urging. It's also worth mentioning that, unlike Fender's Squier guitars which are made by contract manufacturers, Epiphone guitars are made at Epiphone's own factory in China.
I believe Samick also makes guitars for them in Indonesia.
But we are not talking about the Squier, we are talking about the player strat which has some American made parts but assembled in its Fender Mexico plant
If I Play Epiphone, am I still playing authentic?
Not exactly. Epiphone is Gibson's company, but you aren't getting the Made In America on the back and Gibson on the front of the headstock, so not really. But bottom line is:
Want something good value thats sounds almost as good as a Gibson? Get an Epiphone.
Want a prestige? Get a Gibson.
Les Paul the man approached Epiphone first, so...
😂😂 they finna sue you
Random Individual I think he was being sarcastic
@@donharrold1375 Indeed.
Perfect demo between both guitars straight through an amp with no suplimental effects i hate when some channels cheat and add effects and dont even mention it to sway oppinion.I got chewed out by a channel for mensioning that and lied to .I play straight through an amp with no pedals or effects so to tell me they dont when they do is an insult but anyways great video.
Shame? Why would anyone hide the fact they play an Epiphone? Joe Bonamassa, Keith Richards, Noel Gallagher and The Beatles played Epiphone guitars.
Angus Young also rocked an Epiphone SG for much of his career.
Gibson who? Lol
I love my Epiphone guitars and the ones that I have sounded better than Gibson! It's not my fault that I had money left over for something else!
Jamie Johnson boast about his Epiphone! Since this video came out I bought the new Epiphone LP Muse and it's better than the plus top pro! It's been proven that Gibson and Fender could sell their guitars for the same price as the counterparts and make a profit!
Great video and awesome information as well, thanks again.
I have both and i prefer the Strat. Imho has the Strat the better playability. Like the satin finished neck, the ergonomic contoured body and the double cutaways, which gives a better reachability to the higher notes at the fretboard.
In my ears the Epi LP sounds a bit muddy, so i changed the Probucker PUs to Tonerider Rocksong open coil Humbuckers. It's a significant improvement.
Thanks for sharing! Cutaways can be a big deal for a lot of players!
If you love guitar, you need both. That said, I'm a Strat guy. If your heros or inspirations play LPs, go for the Epi.
I have the Fender MIM Stratocaster standard and love it (I did do mod’s to it). You are correct that there is nothing wrong with these guitars at this price range, leaves you more money to do mod’s and make it your own!! Epiphone is a good brand, nothing wrong with that name on the head stock, Nancy Wilson, Gary Clark Jr., George Thorogood and the guitarist from Alabama Shakes plays them. Great video!!
Thanks for the comment!
Have you ever thought of doing a video on the PRS SE line?
Will pass this on!
I bought an Epiphone LP Custom Pro about 2 years ago for $650.. its alright. Neck has some lacquer on it that makes it tough to play when my hands get sweaty.. about 3 weeks ago I found a Gibson SG special brand new for $599.. best guitar I've ever played, hands down.
12:18 Well done, Sir!
I got both already, different feel and sound, for different songs. My mnm tele is used for writing
The playing starts at 14:24 👍
The epi is a more versatile standard guitar with coil splits and humbuckers than a standard Fender but the HSS model is just as versatile as the Epi. Or just go with a AIO Wolf guitar for a lot less money and better quality.
In the same price range I much prefer the Ibanez AR420, more versatile, sounds better, and higher quality than the Epiphone, I don’t have the Strat so can’t compare fairly, but for me the single coil noise issue is more of a problem, and the parallel setting on the AR420 is a fair substitute without the noise.
My two electric guitars are Squire Stratocaster and Epiphone E.S.339PRO. I play the Epiphone more than the Stratocaster. Two different sounds altogether!Phillip Austin
Les Paul Custom Pro here. "tuxedo model" in black. If the Alpine white was available at the time, in
a lefty, woulda had a hard decision. Pretty much a beginner so to get a bucket list Les Paul
for 600 is value for me. Prefer the warmer tones of a LP.
I'd take a Gibson Studio over this Epi 10 out of 10 times. I've had about 8 Gibson (90s) Studios and I just got my Honeyburst 2014 version of this EPI; so, I'm not talking out my arse either.
I own both. They're both very good guitars.
I’ve got a heavily modded strat with Texas special pickups and a stock LP plus top pro. Love them both. They’re all I need (but I’m sure I’ll still pick up a tele sometime soon...then I’ll be done:)
Single coils are to jangly for my ears. I love the sound of humbuckers
You know they make a humbucker the size of a single coil! Just saying
@@brentparks3669 they do but it's not quite there in terms of true humbucker sound. A lil 59 just does not sound like it's true self in humbucker form
Same, I like the bassy crunchy punch of the humbuckers too.
I get the impression you preferred the Fender?
Both are great, but you can’t define best guitar as one has single coil and the other has humbuckles, they just sound entirely different (as perfectly demonstrated by this video) and is subjected to individual preference
Well said!
4:10 the bottom tone control is for the bridge pickup exclusively
i already have a strat, and currently the guitar I am attracted the most, is the Epi Crestwood... it just ticks the right boxes (for me)
Look into this Chinese brand called Shijie. For the price, their quality is the best I’ve ever seen.
oh the les paul has more style of sound, I want an Epiphone les paul plus top
With regard to your comment on the nut issues on the les paul, THE GIBSON AT 4 TIMES THE PRICE IS JUST THE SAME.
The best one is having BOTH haha. Although, I'm selling my Player Strat to pay for my Epiphone LP Muse. They're both equally good, I think. The LP is just a lot more my style and it clicks with me.
Both is the dream!
honest and fair review, good job!
I have a 2005 epi les Paul and love that guitar. It served me well for many years. I recently picked up a classic player tele and had to control myself and not buy it on the spot, played and looked amazing. All great guitars. I will also add, a lot of the Squier classic vibe guitars and used MIA fenders are also good and close to this price range. Def worth a look. My old guitar teacher loved his Gibson faded Les Paul and that can be had around this price used as well, though I don’t know how good QC is on the lower end Gibson’s. Lots of options in the $500-700 range.
just picked up a gold top pro epiphone and its way better than my 2008 gibson paul standard
Great video as always !! I love both guitars but If I had to choose I'm more of a strat player
Simple, detailed , to the point and a great demo of the sound from each .Great video for those who are shopping these two styles. Sub’d.
Epiphone sounds great, it's what a Guitar should cost... A Gibson, well, is for those who dont know what to do with their money and want brand prestige
My 2001 Gibson Les Paul Standard kills all the Epiphones I've owned. And I love Epiphone. It's the one I've gigged with the most and feels the best in my hands. It's built like a tank and sounds great. All that matters is how it holds up for gigs. Nothing else.
Fender all day!
great VALUE and nice guitars to "grow into."
I have the Modern with locking tuners. No tuning stability problems.
In the price range, I voted to player tele.
For the price of an "authentic" instrument, you can have both. In this case, nearly as good quality. yet, good enough. I have a 2014 Epi "Gibson" Les Paul Pro Gold Top. Every bit as beautiful as the true Gibson, except, maybe, for the EPIPHONE on the headstock, but I'm getting over it. It sounds as good as my '79 Gibson Les Paul KM. Thanks for the video, I now know that I can set my aim toward a Players edition Strat. Well within my budget.
13:30 I love how he goes like: "ok, here we go" hahaha
Both solid, but IMHO Schecter and Ibanez are kill it this price range. For slightly more still under $800 you can get a PRS SE, and they are crazy good. Too good to be in that price range.
Never liked the prs se line. Their neck profile is awkward for me and the pickups are a little sterile imo.
I still can't decide (my first guitar)... I'm spending more time deciding what guitar to buy than actually playing...
the bands I listen to all use humbuckers, but I dig the strat body a lot more
get a superstrat, ibanez and ltd r damn good
Get a strat with HSS
An hss strat still will not get you the humbucker tone you're after. The bridge is still noticeably thinner than on a les paul
I prefer the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro over the Fender player series... I m really looking to buy the Epiphone Les paul custom pro! But I have never played the Epiphone Les Paul plustop pro?? is the plustop pro better than the Epiphone custom pro?? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I have a custom pro, it's the same. Both have the same pickups and woods its all about esthetic
Buy the epiphone 1960 tribute..it come with gibson classic 57 usa pickups, cts pots,switchcraft switch & case
Great video I like them both.
Great video - I which I viewed this about the time that you created it because that was when I was shopping for my first guitar. I quickly discovered that $650 or so was the sweet spot for value. Not too much for me to justify spending on a new hobby and enough where it seems that it would last you for quite some time before you outgrew the guitar and needed to upgrade. I had it come down to the same Epi and Strat you review here and ended up with a blueberry burst Epi Plus Top which I really like - it just felt better to me than the strat when I first held it so it was an easy decision at the time. Fast forward to today where I can play a little bit. Now I find that I really like that classic strat tone so I am likely to search out a Squire Affinity Strat or a Mexican one some day.
Neither is better than other. I just prefer Epiphone. Fender have bridges with 12 screws for saddle, and my OCD can't stand that along with each string being set individually. My OCD loves tunomatic bridge...all strings keep the proper radius, and each string has 1 screw, not 2. I also don't like single coils. My Epi have dual humbuckers with coil tap so I can get that strat sound anyways, and without the additional hum that can come with it.
IMO if one was to get one or the other that can almost do what each does…THEN GET an LP that can single coil split OR an HSS (humbucker) Strat. Had the single coil split Epi LP sold it and got the MIM Player HSS Strat here 😉
the top on that les paul is cool!
I have and epi SG pro 400 and a player series STRAT. Both are great guitars.
I have Epiphone Les Paul Pro Cherry Sunburst, beautiful color and good, then, best,.....600 Euro price was.
I find that real players buy the guitar that speaks to them. It doesn't matter to them where it's made or what's on the headstock. Ego "players" gotta have that brand logo.
Just thought of this, has Alamo Music thought of or considered doing a video on the PRS SE line? I watch your videos all the time and I’m wondering about your thoughts on them.
They are great guitars! I play one myself! Will for sure pass on your idea about doing a video on them!
If you were going to use the Epiphone version of the Les Paul, it would've been a better comparison to use a Squire Statocaster in the same price range.
Or use a comparably priced Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster.
AFAIK there are no Squires in that price range. They max out around $350 - 400.
@@betts12220 That's what I mean. A comparison between the fanciest Squire vs an equally priced Epiphone would be a better challenge.
As would a comparison between a Fender and a Gibson.
Great demo, very clear explanations. I do like your point on snobbery about the name sticked on the headstock. I used to have an incredibly good and beautiful Epiphone Les Paul China built exactly like a US Gibson (but with a better quality from China), the Tribute Plus Outfit, but I never accustomed to the slim taper neck profile. The Epiphone LP of your demo looks gorgeous. But at the end of the day, my heart (and ears) belongs to the STRATOCASTER , haha.
Gilles Genete I am with you 100 percent. My wife bought me a Plus Top Pro and as much as I do enjoy it for the Les Paul feel and sound(I put Gibson pups in it to upgrade) I still absolutely prefer Strats.
Epiphone all day
The Strat for everything, The Epi for classic rock.
Short answer? Gretsch Jet.
excellent and honest review
12:18 he knew what he was doing 😂🤣
I noticed it too xD
"Guitars are probably cheaper than they ever have been." Are you kidding me? By A LOT! I bought my 1st guitar, an Ibanez in 1982. It has half off at $350. I couldn't afford a Strat, which was $1200 in 1982. You can buy a BETTER Strat now & you can buy an American Strat for $1150. Same price in absolute $$$ except it's nearly 40 years later. Also DON'T BLOCK YOUR STRAT'S TREMOLO. I tried it. It made my American Deluxe HSS turn into a dead feeling guitar. It no longer had any character. Granted, having the floating trem makes tuning a pain, but it FEELS MUCH BETTER. Also, satin finish is the way to go. I can play them the same, but satin feels better. Don't underestimate that Les Paul sustain: it smokes the Fender handily. It's not just a joke from a movie. Coil tap is fun. I rarely use it. "Muddy" with gain & overdrive? Gee, kinda. Sorry, "very." I have none of the bending/binding issues they mention because a) Strat has a roller nut, & b) lubricate your nut.
Try a nick Johnston diamond series shector.... More bang for your buck..., but honesty whatever you play is what's best for you.
Guy knows his stuff subscribed 👍
The Fender Stratocaster has that twangy tones for country and some Texas Blues. The Epiphone Les Paul is perfect for Jazz.
Great video! Thank you
I was lucky and got a epiphone les paul cherry burst plus top pro 😍😍🔥🔥🔥amazing sound heavy a bit but im super happy
Thanks for the video!!! greetings from Firenze Italy
I bought a player HSS strat and I returned it. Sounded bad in my opinion, and the whammy bar didn't work. (Yes, I know, and no I was not using it like a floyd rose.) I got the Epi Les Paul Custom Pro instead and it sounds FANTASTIC. Feels great, plays great, and it is absolutely beautiful.
I have both! Both good but the Les Paul has more tones
Stratocaster should be the standard in electric guitar 🎸
I have an Epiphone Les Paul plus top pro that I had bought in 2012. It sounds great. It has no scratches or nicks in it. It really is a good durable guitar. They really are the best quality even though they're made by Chinese luthiers. The Chinese luthiers will be just as good as the American ones in a few more yrs. So, in the next few yrs, Epiphone's should gain value.
Epiphones are great guitars but they do not and will not gain value. I also do not believe Chinese Luthers will pass American Luthiers. You also must remember that these are machine routed. When you talk about Lutherie talent, you're talking about craftsmanship by hand.