I just got my Epiphone 59, It’s a tone machine. Very, Very happy with it. If you don’t have $7k to shell out for the Gibson buy and it and enjoy, You will not regret it.
I got the Les Paul Custom Inspired by Gibson Custom, I am in love with it. There is no difference between it and the $7k version. Same wood, same design, same specs, American hardware. Suckers will pay for the logo, because Gibson is now a "lifestyle" like Ferrari.
Tbh i think Epiphone is now doin what gibson should've been doing since 1960: Producing a great, legit, good sounding LesPaulStandard and selling it for less than 1500€
I have the tobacco burst 59 Les Paul. This is a spectacular guitar! Outstanding workmanship, outstanding playability, outstanding tone. Can't say enough good things.
@KimboTheAussieSorry it was a dud but keep in mind each guitar should be taken in it’s own merits. Don’t forget in a row of identical guitars (regardless of low or high price) one may love only one serial number and really dislike the others. Try multiple whenever you get the chance to do so. 🙂
Same i bought this one too. I just intend to polish it to a higher gloss finish I ordered a wax polish. Gonna have to see. Im not a big fan of satin. But i knew that you could fix it easily. The rest is pure bliss. That neck creamy tone ! Waou
I have an Epiphone standard 60's (IBG) and after installing Gotoh bridge and tailpiece to it and Tonerider pickups, I play it more than my Gibson USA LP Studio really. I think the late epiphone stuff is really killing it.
Back when top end Epiphones were cheap, they used cheap electronics and pick ups that would always need to be upgraded these new ones are perfect out of the box
My 2 cts, I would advise anyone reading this to find a great Inspired By Gibson cheaper version and customize it with you own pickups, hardware, tuners, etc... You end up spending about the same amount but you have a top notch guitar which is now your own because you customized the hell out of it...
I agree with that. But I have a 1959 Les Paul, not much to upgrade. that's why I bought it, already had Gibby pups and all. But yeah get a 60's standard epi perfect neck and mod it to death better guitar or the custom same slim taper neck but an ebony finger board how can you beat it? then I have imo.
Or buy one of the Prophecy series. They got all the bells and whistles and they go for around 900 bucks new. Locking tuners, tusk nut, ebony fretboard, jumbo frets, mother of pearl/abalone inlays and fishman fluence pickups.
@RF_Burns yeah, but you can't buy a 1959 reissue Gibson for that money and the studuos are ugly in my book. Of course that's all subjective. Again, the Prophecy Series from Epiphone is a banger for 900 bucks brand new.
Looks like a win-win! Gibson moves even more towards a premium reputation, and those Epiphones give you more bang for the buck while moving towards Gibson look&feel with the open-book headstock. I also like the semi-gloss finish, looks kind of vintage. Rosewood would have been nice though.
I agree, it's too bad they banned it's trade again, maybe when Rosewood repopulates we'll start seeing more of them again. I would of even put ebony on the 59.
I own an Epiphone Elitist SG guitar made in Japan. The Elitist series was only sold for a short time and in my opinion includes the best models ever made by Epiphone.
And before that was the orville brand...they did away with orville in the late 90s and just extended the quality/price range of epiphone through the elitist series, so if anything these new pricier epiphones are harkening back to that but without relying on japan's now-legendary reputation for craftsmanship
I would pay even more for one with a chunky neck like my R8 and rosewood fingerboard, so I could use it for live gigs and keep my R8 at home. Great vid as always. You guys give a very realistic rievew, it is not just marketing.
Great guitars. I bought the Explorer in this range. Wonderful quality, plays great. I went another stage and fitted Custombuckers I had spare as it was fitted with Burstbuckers. I don't regret paying the price I did for it as there was no way I could afford $10,000 for a Gibson Custom model. Well happy with it.
Hello Kris and Guillaume . I have Epiphones and they are great . If the cost keeps climbing than it's losing the reason for purchasing one. Just buy a Gibson. I have 4 different models and they play great but in a decent price range.
Epiphone was a big no go for me when I was a kid but these new ones inspired by Gibson custom I gotta say have changed me .. not only did they fix the hideous headstock they had forever but all the high spec parts make these things really great ! I have the dave grohl 335 and the Korina explorer .. both are now at the top of my favorite guitars I own list and I own a lot of Gibsons ! I will continue to buy these inspired by Gibson custom epis .. they rock !
I just bought one of the new LP Moderns in the purple burst. It has its flaws. One volume knob was way too high. Fret ends are sharp too. But the frets do seem level. The guitar came with the low action at 5/64s and the high E 3/64s, which are Gibson specs. The Modern isn't the most expensive model, or a custom shop one, but if they are going to have these big prices they need to make the fret work better.
I have a couple 70s Les Pauls; Deluxe Goldtop and a KM in CS, they are great guitars. Later, I picked up an 03 MIK Epi Black Beauty LP Custom (3pups) and the fit/finish and tone/playability of that guitar is amazing. No need to change anything. It was NOS and the best $325 I ever spent on anything!
I haven’t gotten to play one of the IBGCS standards yet, but I do own the 1979 LP Custom (non artwork Adam Jones). I can’t speak enough to how fantastic the guitar is. It’s literally flawless, even the finish where the neck binding meets the body. The routes are clean, the craftsmanship is next level, the body is very resonant and the guitar plays beautifully unplugged. Epiphone has absolutely outdone themselves with these things. IMO the price tag is completely justified. The same people complaining about the cost probably have no problem spending the same on Schecters or other import brands, and they seem to forget that the slightly less spec Epi LP standards and customs are still available for what like $5-$700 USD? Yes I own 3 Gibsons (LP Trad Pro, LP custom, SG standard silverburst), and no I won’t say these are “just as good as any Gibson.” But I will say that my 1979 is the closest I’ve ever felt to one.
I think these are great guitars and if I was looking for a guitar now, I would get one of these instruments. I played a couple of the LP Custom versions and they were really nice. I always change pickups so that's a non issue for me even on my Gibson LP Classic and Standard - Seymour Duncans, right away. I think that upgrading the tuners and bridge while not necessary would seem like a good idea. To me upgrading to Gotoh or hardware like that would propel the guitars into mid level Gibson range qualitywise. Again just my opinion.
So they did what Lee Anderton was suggesting for years and years. Dropped the very wobbly low cost USA Les Pauls and introduced properly speced Epiphones in that price range. Epiphones (as I own couple of them for long time), to my ears have strange tone issue. They feel dark, yet there is scrietchi (nails on chalkboard) topend, that is hard to remove, because once you remove it, the guitar became dull. These (and not only in this demo) seems to not have this issue.
What you are describing is a pickup issue . Epiphone pickups are wooly in the lows and spikey in the top end . Epi Alnico classics are the biggest offenders. The Probuckes were an improvement but still wooly spikey and fairly Muddy . The Probuckers are basically a cheap Burstbucker knock off . Even with Real Burstbuckers in a real Gibson they can have the muddy lows and Harsh top end. Burstbuckers can be very hit or miss depending on the guitar. The Burstbuckers 2 and 3 were actually a great match for the older Epi 59s .The BB2 and BB3 are much better than the BB1 and BB2 set . They have a slightly rounder top end less bass and more mids compared to the BB1 and BB2 and the Probuckers . The extra low mids of the BB2 and BB3 gjve an Epiphones lower frequencies more character and more vocal Quality . The Custombuckers are also a great match for an Epi Les Paul . They really open the Epi les Paul's up .
@nicopoppe4838 The maple cap on Epis underneath the veneer is not actually Maple either. I can't remember exaclty what it is called but its not maple .
@@adamwatson6916 Ive upgraded about everything that is on my Epiphone, it partialy mittigated the issue, but not to the extent, I was hopeing for. Still likes mine Epiphones and play them regularily.
I purchased the EPIPHONE LP 59 ( reissue)? The model just before the Inspired by Gibson line . At a very affordable price. Mine does not have the Custombucker pickups which retail for $489.00 but think mine are called Probuckers i think? Mine has the.satin finish in whats called Honeyburst , but more aptly should be called Sunset burst as my 8 yr old grandson described. But for me the guitar is nothing but quality sound and fit and feel. I couldn't be happier with the purchase.
If it is the older 59 then it should have Gibson burstbuckers. Burstbucker 2 and 3 set. I own 2 of these and they are fantastic. If it isn't the 59 then it should have Epiphone probuckers which are great pickups too.
@williamdesmarais4931 thx for the clarification. I don't think they come with a spec sheet , other than the 55pt inspection card from Sweetwater. I wish they all did , that way I could reference back to the specs.
Walked into GC in Richmond, VA, saw the Bourbon Burst on a stand, picked it up, bought it. I have played a Gibson Les Paul (owned it) Deluxe natural blond finish. Sounded good, but my Ibanez Artist 2619 had more tone. This BB Les Paul won me over. I own a Epiphone Cherryburst, that I have modifiled into a '59. My Bourbon Burst is my main guitar now. I own the Ibanez, a Gretsch Tennessean from 1964, a Silvertone Black and Gold finish 2 pickup, a 3 pickup Silvertone, A Silvertone aco;ustic, a home built DC Maplewood body, (my own build) a Fender copy Strat, a Birdseye maple BC Rich copy (mly own build) and various acoustic, and classical acoustics. The Epiphone Bourbon Burst spoke to me, and came home with me. My Wife and boys bought it for me! Really pleased with the overall value and the TONE of this Epi.
I have the Es-355 version and I love it, sounds amazing and plays really well. Mine came with scratchy frets but that’s fixable. Overall, I’m super happy with it.
These are the genuine 100% custom shop custombuckers made by Gibson. But, you know, Gibson people wouldn't believe it if they saw them being placed in the guitars by Arville Gibson himself...
Hi guys! Nice chords coming from your hands and the guitars are stunning. I own an Epiphone Les Paul Standard and I also like the new ones, but the price is too high for my wage, and also the lutier work added to guitar high price equals non affordable Epiphone 😔. Cheers guys and all the best!
At about 11:30 you guys talk about the pickups, but arent these custombuckers? like..EXACTLY what Gibson have in the custom shop/murphy lab guitars normally?
interesting.. I find myself wondering why an electric guitar that cost over $1200 has to have Laurel fretboard material .. the laurel they use is just too dry; same with bass guitars; I purchased an HH Tele that had a Laurel fingerboard, and I had to oil it, so that it wasn't so offensive in look and feel, and it "still" has a propensity to dry out. I know Epiphone is a different company than Fender, but I have to assume that the Laurel that they're using on these guitars is probably all the same crap. Let's just say my experience instilled in me disdain for any "more expensive" guitars that sport a Laurel fingerboard..😉
It would be suicide if they would use african mahogany and indian rosewood... they would sound good just like a gibson but the wood quality (not race) would be shit and you would end with a 5 to 6 kilo guitar.
BS. Laurel boards sound fine. I own a Custom Shop Gibson R0 LP, a Gibson standard 60s LP (both real rosewood), also an Epi Bonamassa Lazarus LP with the laurel. There's not a huge difference at all. Also good rosewood is getting more expensive and harder to source every year. It isn't even possible anymore to source enough rosewood to use on the millions of guitars coming out of Asia. In 10 years rosewood will only be offered on the most expensive guitars.
I think they are inspired by Eastman,PRS and others. People moaning about the price should ask themselves would you rather have 1 $10000 guitar or 10 $1000 guitars and why?
Kris, it looks like the neck PU on your LP is higher (closer to the strings) under the thick strings and lower under the thin strings. I normally set these uo the other way round. Is there a special reason for your setup?
Hi, the pickups were pretty much dead straight on my guitar and about the same far from the strings as on G's guitar. I usually also set the pickups up the same way as you (closer to the high E so slightly angled) but I didn't want to mess with the factory setup on this one. It worked pretty well and I wanted to hear and show how it is with a fine, basic setup. Cheers //Kris
Now that those are on the market , I recently snagged the ORIGINAL LIMITED EDITION ‘59 Epiphone Les Paul . It was NEAR NEW and it cost $625 with shipping included . I actually prefer the Burstbucker 2/3 pickups because they are Alnico II and they are of different values in output from N/B . The Custombuckers have the same output values and sound the same in N/B positions , to me . 🤷♂P.S. The Original version has the metal backplate on the toggle switch .
Ive owned many Epi & Gibson. My advice if buying one would be to walk into a local store and get a "literal" feel for what you are buying. Quality standards from both manufacturers are very "hit & miss." Please PLEASE go and enjoy trying both, playing them and getting your own feel. It may save you a lot of money.
Interesting video. So, basically what you're saying is that these Epiphones are better than the Gibson LP Studio and better than the Epiphone Custom Shop (around 800-ish Euros). Is that correct?
These guitars are really nice, but I’m more interested in the new Custom (because it has a chunkier neck than the older version). I’d probably change the pickups to a lower output set though to align with my tastes. Not too bothered about the custom buckers as I’m a big fan of the probuckers
Epiphone made some great limited Run Guitars in ~2005, for example the LP Custom Midnight with active EMGs and the 1984 Explorers in white and black, both with active EMGs as well. Those were fine Guitars for an affordable price, similar to a PRS SE back then. I think pricewise they´re going too far with the new models and the new signatures models as well. The Hammett V had a lot of potential, but the parts they used... even with the Hammett Name on it, they´re not even close to what a KH 602/603 were, when they were released. Even the Pickups were neuteured on those two V´s. They could´ve brought the Elitist Line back, but in general I´d like to see Epiphone in a sub 1000€ range, with only the higher models coming close to that pricepoint.
Bonjour. Satin. Mais tu peux la polir ! J’ai commandé un produit pour faire ca ! Ca donne un aspect gloss , hyper brillant ! Tas des videos sur yt montrant le process cest tres facilement remédiable
No matter if Gibson or Epiphone, I will not bye a guitar for more than about 700 Euros. Because it‘s an instrument helping me to make music. It also needs an amp, pedals, cables, a case … . And I will use it at home, while practising with my band, on stage. During the years I‘ve already had some guitars and I‘ve never hung them on walls.
Move over GIBSON. I have the TOBACCO BURST epi 59. WHAT a GUITAR, i wish i could do it justice, playing wise. Mine was a DEMO model from SWEETWATER. NOT a SW commercial . WHAT an instrument .
Damn near every guitar from almost every major manufacturer needs proper leveling, crowing and polish. I have fender Gibson, Epiphone, Ibanez and ALL needed to be set up by a professional guitar tech
It's an Epiphone. Whether it's $500 or $1500, it's an Epiphone. If you like them, that's great. I don't. I've owned several and sold them all. I was tempted again by the Adam Jones non-artwork Custom, but I just couldn't do it. There's always something that disappoints.
Yes, every time you are playing the 300.- beater which feels, sounds and plays just aswell or better than the expensive Epi! Sold them all too, now i "custom shop" my cheap guitars and have a way stronger bond than to the 'expensive' guitars i've had🎸👊🏼🎸
I agree, I am not saying Epi's aren't good enough, but for what it is, Gibson Les Paul Studio is 1600 whereas new Epi's are about same price. Gibson has many advantages compared to them, it's so unbalanced. They are made in U.S. has Nitro finish on them, they are Gibson. Then there are Epiphone's made in China, and poly finish, they aren't Gibson, and pickups shouldn't matter that much, as they are made by Gibson...... They aren't some different company that Gibson has to pay them to order. I'd absolutely prefer either Gibson Les Paul Studio or SG Standards at 1500-1600 price range, but still don't mean Epiphone's aren't good, it's just me...
I have a Les Paul Modern Figured from Epiphone, nothing I would change about it (aside from it showing up with the neck not needing a massive truss rod adjustment but that could have been a storage isse), and it was under $800US in a dealer exclusive color (Bourbon Burst) PLUS an ebony board. No way I’d pay any more just for Custom buckers (mind you I do think those are the best Gibson pickups, but I’d rather get those in an actual Gibson.)
These are the steps for the future “Gibson by Epiphone” core line Gibson guitars made in China. I firmly believe some time soon Gibson move its standard USA production range to China.
Oh you mean like Harley-Davidson did ? LMAO 🤣 These people who scream that the NEW Epiphone line is trash , 95% of EVERYTHING they own is MADE IN CHINA ! Clowns 🤡
So why did epi bring out another 59? They already have the 999 Euro 59 outfit. What makes the vos 350 bucks better? Please give me feedback with your professional look on both 59 models! Tia.
I think at this point, aside from the binding on the neck, the finish is the big thing. 2 very different finishes that age very different. kinda the elephant in the room.
Mögen echt gut sein kein Zweifel... aber ich würde wenns keine orginale Fender bzw Gibson sein soll lieber zu den Orville, Epiphone, Greco, Burny, Edwards oder Tokai Gitarren zwischen 1978 bis 1998 greifen... kosten etwa das selbe bei den unteren Modellen und sind qualitativ defintiv besser und haben die specs der orginale... trotzdem schön zu sehen das Epiphone langsam wieder vernünftige Gitarren baut und kein Spielzeug mehr... 😊
@@manelalentorn Depends on the one you get. My fretboard looks better than 90% of rosewoods I’ve seen. But some are super light and don’t look as good.
Epiphone has made great strides in quality, but it's not worth paying the already inflated Gibson prices for something that isn't quite the quality of a Gibson (and, yes, Gibson's workmanship is disturbingly inconsistent for their prices, but still...)
But these aren't the "inflated Gibson prices". These are around 50% the price of a Gibson Standard which is around the same price for most US made or high quality imports......
Guitars..... U.S.A. vs. China.... the brand on the headstock, and the image it projects..... these things have always haunted me - and many like me, I'm sure. If I am home recording, this guitar would not only sound great but nobody would be the wiser if I told them that I used a Gibson on my song. On the other hand, if I went to a gig with an Epiphone (gasp!), would it LOOK "less-than"..... would I look like a "less-than" Player? I guess that's the bottom line: In the end, is it all about the guitar or the Guitarist? I just talked myself into opting for one of these Epi's.
I think tolman has to sell so many of these in order to stock them and so everybody has to say they're so great and to reviews on them. But I think these big brands are just going to disappear. Why do people buy them? I mean it's always possible that if you're a great player far better than I am you can tell the difference in these guitars. But luckily I don't have that problem!
Truthfully, I considered but backed off. Regardless, it's still an Epiphone. For the price at $1400.00 after tax I would much rather suffer through and save the extra $500 to $600 and get a used Gibson Les Paul standard. If I couldn't save that extra, i'd get a Studio for around a grand and install some pickups if needed. Just because the put a $500 set of pickups and the open book headstock on it doesn't make it worth it. An Epiphone is still an Epiphone. They just put lipstick on a pig hoping you will buy it.
Epiphones sound good, but you can’t trust them. At some point they will bring you lots of tuning issues. I’ve had 3 of them…and always experienced the same annoying problem
In the end, it’s just an expensive Chibson. I’ll go for a real Chibson for 300 bucks from a trustworthy dealer with a reputation and upgrade hardware and pickups afterwards. You get them already with nitro finish in case you like to relic them. Just put Chibson on the headstock or whatever you want to call it.
Highly unlikely you're getting nitro on a chibson, even if they advertise it such. They're already lying about it being a Gibson, why would they start telling the truth now? 😂 Upgrading a worthless chibson is such a waste of money anyways.
They are great guitars. I tried one, but in the end, I left the shop with a second-hand Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute. Because, I don't like those Indian Laurel fretboards. I'll put up with Indian Laurel, on a cheap guitar that is otherwise great (Epiphone Casino & J Mascis Jazzmaster). But I just prefer how P90s sound, and I never was a fan of the luxurious Les Paul fit out. Be nice if Epiphone put out a Special, that's rosewood, or better yet ebony. Also, for me, I don't think these are worth the money over the Standards. I'd get a Standard and maybe upgrade it little by little myself later. And then, even with the Epiphone Standards, I _much_ prefer how my Sire L7 plays, compared to Epiphone standards (even if the Epiphone's edge out the Sire a little on classic tone).
What a great strategy. They made everything more expensive and a Gibson is way too expensive and an Epiphone is just as expensive as a Gibson was a few years ago. Great reason never to buy neither of these!
The new Epiphones "inspired by Gibsons" are better than Gibsons, they are lighter, they stay in tune better and they look and feel almost as good, and I hear no discernable difference so all in all I now play my Epiphone more than my Gibson.
Did you buy one ? Ieent for the tobacco burst les paul. I wish it was a tiny bit heavier 😅. But its pure happiness to play with it. The tones from both pickups are to die for. The sustain is excellent. I think they chose better woodtones for these models. Hence the nice sustain when strumming chords
All guitars are made on CNC machines now. There's no artisan's sweat dripping into the neck pocket anymore. I have a Harley Benton 500SC that I'd put up against any of these over-priced things. My HB was $148 to my door. Yes you have to upgrade some things but a lot of us are going to do that even with the pricier guitars.
I would say these are great guitars but they’ll never be good enough for the head givers (i;e those who look at the brand in the headstock). For the true guitar players out there who want affordable quality guitar with USA made custom buckers, I’d say check some of these models, they won’t disappoint. For the head givers, add a few extra hundred bucks and buy yourself a used Gibson.
I would guess that since several Japanese companies have no problem using the open book headstock shape (Edwards, Tokai, et al) that instead of trying to sue all of them they just decided to pimp their own open book on "second tier" or "sub brands" that are actually their own knockoffs of Gibson models. Epiphone existed before Gibson, so...
Gibson did try suing those companies. Gibson waited too long to sue.The Japanese government ruled that because so many guitars in Japan were using the open book headstock, it basically was a generic look by that point and that people weren't likely to be fooled into thinking the Tokai,Burny,Greco etc were Gibsons. This is just my opinion, but I think Gibson is seeing the massive influx of Chinese knockoffs (Chibsons) and has realized that many players are choosing those over Epiphones due to the low price and correct headstock. I'm sure there is a lot more in play here, but that seems, to me, to be a plausible reason for the change.
Yes the pickups are amazing, I wouldn't trust the quality without playing one, if I'm paying a grand for a guitar made in china I would expect it to be flawless
That people expect less than perfection for a thousand dollar Chinese guitar, but accept defects for a 3-4 thousand dollar American guitar confuses me a little😅
Don't believe it. They put the Open Book headstock on it; and inflate it by 500.00?!? Sorry. The new PRS SE CE24 wipes the floor with this, IMHO.....for 6-800.00 LESS...
It is actually VERY BAD NEWS. Gibson added a Gibson headstock "CNC cut" program to their Epiphone production (which costs NOTHING) to justify a major rise in sale prices. Even the Gibson pickups aren't such a big deal as they produce tons of these PUs and they're also semi industrially produced and have a LOW "production cost". Any import Epiphone over a 1000$ is definitely NOT a clever purchase price wise, I got a mint used Gibson Midtown Custom in that price range, and "Gibson" is written on the headstock (if that's what you're looking for).
As an owner of 6 Gibsons and 5 Epis over last 2 years, I would chose Gibson any day. It is not the logo, headstock or where is it made. I believe that the specs and craftmanship might be even better but where Gibson excells is the feel. Both how the neck feels but also how the guitar, now I mean the wood part) behaves. I have heard the stories about misses in Gibson, but for me 5/6 Gibsons are terrific resonant instrument that are just joy to play. One is ok but nothing too special. Epiphones (I had mid to high end) just always end up feeling as Epiphones, they sound ok, also look apart, but the feel of Gibson is just not there. I even liked Standard 50s better than 59 Outfit, but then again Gibson Tributes are some of the best guitars you can get, especially used under grand.
Bang on, they're not the same thing. Epiphones feel what they are... cheaper. Anyone who says Epiphone are just as good as Gibson are fooling themselves. I'd take a Tribute over these all day long.
I just got my Epiphone 59, It’s a tone machine. Very, Very happy with it. If you don’t have $7k to shell out for the Gibson buy and it and enjoy, You will not regret it.
I got the Les Paul Custom Inspired by Gibson Custom, I am in love with it. There is no difference between it and the $7k version. Same wood, same design, same specs, American hardware. Suckers will pay for the logo, because Gibson is now a "lifestyle" like Ferrari.
btw Epiphone confirmed that the pickups are real USA custombuckers
made in nashville
Tbh i think Epiphone is now doin what gibson should've been doing since 1960:
Producing a great, legit, good sounding LesPaulStandard and selling it for less than 1500€
I have the tobacco burst 59 Les Paul. This is a spectacular guitar! Outstanding workmanship, outstanding playability, outstanding tone. Can't say enough good things.
@KimboTheAussieSorry it was a dud but keep in mind each guitar should be taken in it’s own merits. Don’t forget in a row of identical guitars (regardless of low or high price) one may love only one serial number and really dislike the others. Try multiple whenever you get the chance to do so. 🙂
@@djt6546 value of a premium instrument with low-cost woods?! High price for several pieces of wood?! Sorry but you have to find out here
Same i bought this one too. I just intend to polish it to a higher gloss finish I ordered a wax polish. Gonna have to see. Im not a big fan of satin. But i knew that you could fix it easily. The rest is pure bliss. That neck creamy tone ! Waou
I have an Epiphone standard 60's (IBG) and after installing Gotoh bridge and tailpiece to it and Tonerider pickups, I play it more than my Gibson USA LP Studio really. I think the late epiphone stuff is really killing it.
Yeah, they really stepped up their QC lately. The 59's are fantastic guitars, not just "for the price".
And for what your total spend was you could have just bought the Gibson…….
I love the Tonerider pickups, great tones for little $$$ 👍
Good idea this new upgraded line. I love CTS and the quality components and I am not good in customize guitars so it's fine for me.
Back when top end Epiphones were cheap, they used cheap electronics and pick ups that would always need to be upgraded these new ones are perfect out of the box
My 2 cts, I would advise anyone reading this to find a great Inspired By Gibson cheaper version and customize it with you own pickups, hardware, tuners, etc...
You end up spending about the same amount but you have a top notch guitar which is now your own because you customized the hell out of it...
I agree with that. But I have a 1959 Les Paul, not much to upgrade. that's why I bought it, already had Gibby pups and all. But yeah get a 60's standard epi perfect neck and mod it to death better guitar or the custom same slim taper neck but an ebony finger board how can you beat it? then I have imo.
You’re 2 cents is stupid ! The pickups cost 500 that’s in the Epi , the hand wired pots etc it’s cheaper to buy this
Or buy one of the Prophecy series. They got all the bells and whistles and they go for around 900 bucks new. Locking tuners, tusk nut, ebony fretboard, jumbo frets, mother of pearl/abalone inlays and fishman fluence pickups.
@RF_Burns the reason why people buy Epiphone, LTD and Co is because they can't afford the original.
@RF_Burns yeah, but you can't buy a 1959 reissue Gibson for that money and the studuos are ugly in my book. Of course that's all subjective. Again, the Prophecy Series from Epiphone is a banger for 900 bucks brand new.
I wish people would stop calling £1000 guitars “budget friendly”
thanks for the info gentlemen .. appreciate you highlighting this turn of events..
I have a 59, Greeny and Explorer. They’re all awesome guitars.
Looks like a win-win! Gibson moves even more towards a premium reputation, and those Epiphones give you more bang for the buck while moving towards Gibson look&feel with the open-book headstock. I also like the semi-gloss finish, looks kind of vintage. Rosewood would have been nice though.
I agree, it's too bad they banned it's trade again, maybe when Rosewood repopulates we'll start seeing more of them again. I would of even put ebony on the 59.
I own an Epiphone Elitist SG guitar made in Japan. The Elitist series was only sold for a short time and in my opinion includes the best models ever made by Epiphone.
And before that was the orville brand...they did away with orville in the late 90s and just extended the quality/price range of epiphone through the elitist series, so if anything these new pricier epiphones are harkening back to that but without relying on japan's now-legendary reputation for craftsmanship
@@jasondorsey7110they are not in the same ballpark
Always was interested in those Elitist models back in the day
I would pay even more for one with a chunky neck like my R8 and rosewood fingerboard, so I could use it for live gigs and keep my R8 at home.
Great vid as always. You guys give a very realistic rievew, it is not just marketing.
It would be awesome if Epiphone did an IBG '58!
I like the change in epiphone design but,the price is too outrageous!😮
So how do these compare to the Harley Benton’s ? Especially the higher end ones like the Sc550 ?
Much better sound, it’s using USA custombuckers which sound amazing. It plays probably a little better if not it would play the same
I absolutely love Harley Benton’s guitars, but the humbuckers in mine have a weak output
Great guitars. I bought the Explorer in this range. Wonderful quality, plays great. I went another stage and fitted Custombuckers I had spare as it was fitted with Burstbuckers. I don't regret paying the price I did for it as there was no way I could afford $10,000 for a Gibson Custom model. Well happy with it.
Yeah, just raise the neck pickup a little bit, and better articulation and note separation will magically occur.
Hello Kris and Guillaume . I have Epiphones and they are great . If the cost keeps climbing than it's losing the reason for purchasing one. Just buy a Gibson. I have 4 different models and they play great but in a decent price range.
I had 5 IBG Epiphones. All played great but sold them for one Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s. Best decision I’ve made in a while!
I purchased a new Bonamassa ES 335, it is one of the sweetest axes I have ever played, the sound everything top notch.
Epiphone was a big no go for me when I was a kid but these new ones inspired by Gibson custom I gotta say have changed me .. not only did they fix the hideous headstock they had forever but all the high spec parts make these things really great ! I have the dave grohl 335 and the Korina explorer .. both are now at the top of my favorite guitars I own list and I own a lot of Gibsons ! I will continue to buy these inspired by Gibson custom epis .. they rock !
I just bought one of the new LP Moderns in the purple burst. It has its flaws. One volume knob was way too high. Fret ends are sharp too. But the frets do seem level. The guitar came with the low action at 5/64s and the high E 3/64s, which are Gibson specs.
The Modern isn't the most expensive model, or a custom shop one, but if they are going to have these big prices they need to make the fret work better.
Got the inspired by gib 61 les paul sg , bloody fantastic guitar, upgraded to gotoh bridge . Holds tune very well
I have a couple 70s Les Pauls; Deluxe Goldtop and a KM in CS, they are great guitars. Later, I picked up an 03 MIK Epi Black Beauty LP Custom (3pups) and the fit/finish and tone/playability of that guitar is amazing. No need to change anything. It was NOS and the best $325 I ever spent on anything!
I haven’t gotten to play one of the IBGCS standards yet, but I do own the 1979 LP Custom (non artwork Adam Jones). I can’t speak enough to how fantastic the guitar is. It’s literally flawless, even the finish where the neck binding meets the body. The routes are clean, the craftsmanship is next level, the body is very resonant and the guitar plays beautifully unplugged.
Epiphone has absolutely outdone themselves with these things. IMO the price tag is completely justified. The same people complaining about the cost probably have no problem spending the same on Schecters or other import brands, and they seem to forget that the slightly less spec Epi LP standards and customs are still available for what like $5-$700 USD?
Yes I own 3 Gibsons (LP Trad Pro, LP custom, SG standard silverburst), and no I won’t say these are “just as good as any Gibson.” But I will say that my 1979 is the closest I’ve ever felt to one.
The fretboard is a dealbreaker. 😊
I think these are great guitars and if I was looking for a guitar now, I would get one of these instruments. I played a couple of the LP Custom versions and they were really nice. I always change pickups so that's a non issue for me even on my Gibson LP Classic and Standard - Seymour Duncans, right away. I think that upgrading the tuners and bridge while not necessary would seem like a good idea. To me upgrading to Gotoh or hardware like that would propel the guitars into mid level Gibson range qualitywise. Again just my opinion.
Love that Andertons intro!
So they did what Lee Anderton was suggesting for years and years. Dropped the very wobbly low cost USA Les Pauls and introduced properly speced Epiphones in that price range.
Epiphones (as I own couple of them for long time), to my ears have strange tone issue. They feel dark, yet there is scrietchi (nails on chalkboard) topend, that is hard to remove, because once you remove it, the guitar became dull.
These (and not only in this demo) seems to not have this issue.
Could be the zink hardware and the plastic nut on your older epiphones. And in some part the cheap meranti/ palaquium wood sounds dull af.
PD, not it seems that they are using okoume (wi h just looks like african mahogany for the untrained eye) but still sounds kinda muffled.
What you are describing is a pickup issue . Epiphone pickups are wooly in the lows and spikey in the top end . Epi Alnico classics are the biggest offenders. The Probuckes were an improvement but still wooly spikey and fairly Muddy . The Probuckers are basically a cheap Burstbucker knock off . Even with Real Burstbuckers in a real Gibson they can have the muddy lows and Harsh top end. Burstbuckers can be very hit or miss depending on the guitar.
The Burstbuckers 2 and 3 were actually a great match for the older Epi 59s .The BB2 and BB3 are much better than the BB1 and BB2 set . They have a slightly rounder top end less bass and more mids compared to the BB1 and BB2 and the Probuckers .
The extra low mids of the BB2 and BB3 gjve an Epiphones lower frequencies more character and more vocal Quality .
The Custombuckers are also a great match for an Epi Les Paul . They really open the Epi les Paul's up .
@nicopoppe4838 The maple cap on Epis underneath the veneer is not actually Maple either. I can't remember exaclty what it is called but its not maple .
@@adamwatson6916 Ive upgraded about everything that is on my Epiphone, it partialy mittigated the issue, but not to the extent, I was hopeing for.
Still likes mine Epiphones and play them regularily.
I purchased the EPIPHONE LP 59 ( reissue)? The model just before the Inspired by Gibson line . At a very affordable price. Mine does not have the Custombucker pickups which retail for $489.00 but think mine are called Probuckers i think? Mine has the.satin finish in whats called Honeyburst , but more aptly should be called Sunset burst as my 8 yr old grandson described. But for me the guitar is nothing but quality sound and fit and feel. I couldn't be happier with the purchase.
If it is the older 59 then it should have Gibson burstbuckers. Burstbucker 2 and 3 set. I own 2 of these and they are fantastic. If it isn't the 59 then it should have Epiphone probuckers which are great pickups too.
They just came out with a new studio at Gibson. Bound neck
@@greggrant502 They did the same in 2019.
@williamdesmarais4931 thx for the clarification. I don't think they come with a spec sheet , other than the 55pt inspection card from Sweetwater. I wish they all did , that way I could reference back to the specs.
Walked into GC in Richmond, VA, saw the Bourbon Burst on a stand, picked it up, bought it. I have played a Gibson Les Paul (owned it) Deluxe natural blond finish. Sounded good, but my Ibanez Artist 2619 had more tone. This BB Les Paul won me over. I own a Epiphone Cherryburst, that I have modifiled into a '59. My Bourbon Burst is my main guitar now. I own the Ibanez, a Gretsch Tennessean from 1964, a Silvertone Black and Gold finish 2 pickup, a 3 pickup Silvertone, A Silvertone aco;ustic, a home built DC Maplewood body, (my own build) a Fender copy Strat, a Birdseye maple BC Rich copy (mly own build) and various acoustic, and classical acoustics. The Epiphone Bourbon Burst spoke to me, and came home with me. My Wife and boys bought it for me! Really pleased with the overall value and the TONE of this Epi.
Absolutely fantastic ❤😊
I have 3 amazing Epi LPs, a 59 replica, a 20 year old standard with Slash alnicos and a 2010 Slash AFD, all amazing
I have the Es-355 version and I love it, sounds amazing and plays really well. Mine came with scratchy frets but that’s fixable. Overall, I’m super happy with it.
Mine also came with really scratchy frets
These are the genuine 100% custom shop custombuckers made by Gibson. But, you know, Gibson people wouldn't believe it if they saw them being placed in the guitars by Arville Gibson himself...
I bought this guitar a couple yrs ago and the pickups where different, they came with burstbuckers 2&3.
Hi guys! Nice chords coming from your hands and the guitars are stunning. I own an Epiphone Les Paul Standard and I also like the new ones, but the price is too high for my wage, and also the lutier work added to guitar high price equals non affordable Epiphone 😔. Cheers guys and all the best!
At about 11:30 you guys talk about the pickups, but arent these custombuckers? like..EXACTLY what Gibson have in the custom shop/murphy lab guitars normally?
They're the real thing 100%.
I think its all psychological. If u see gibson on the headstock itll trick your mind. It wouldve been interesting to have a blindfolded comparison
Ye they looks and sounds 👍 nice 🎸
interesting.. I find myself wondering why an electric guitar that cost over $1200 has to have Laurel fretboard material ..
the laurel they use
is just too dry; same with bass guitars; I purchased an HH Tele that had a Laurel fingerboard, and I had to oil it, so that it wasn't so offensive in look and feel, and it "still" has a propensity to dry out. I know Epiphone is a different company than Fender, but I have to assume that the Laurel that they're using on these guitars is probably all the same crap. Let's just say my experience instilled in me disdain for any "more expensive" guitars that sport a Laurel fingerboard..😉
I hate laurel so much it's the main reason why I sold my Inspired by Gibson 50s standard
Agreed, they need to ditch the Laurel.
It would be suicide if they would use african mahogany and indian rosewood... they would sound good just like a gibson but the wood quality (not race) would be shit and you would end with a 5 to 6 kilo guitar.
BS. Laurel boards sound fine. I own a Custom Shop Gibson R0 LP, a Gibson standard 60s LP (both real rosewood), also an Epi Bonamassa Lazarus LP with the laurel. There's not a huge difference at all. Also good rosewood is getting more expensive and harder to source every year. It isn't even possible anymore to source enough rosewood to use on the millions of guitars coming out of Asia. In 10 years rosewood will only be offered on the most expensive guitars.
When will we get the Epiphone version of Slash's Jessica?
Custom Shop I expect stud bolts @ bridge instead of bushes. But give it a try.
I think they are inspired by Eastman,PRS and others.
People moaning about the price should ask themselves would you rather have 1 $10000 guitar or 10 $1000 guitars and why?
Strawman argument. Would you rather have 1/4 acre garden or 8 truckloads of radishes. 😅
Kris, it looks like the neck PU on your LP is higher (closer to the strings) under the thick strings and lower under the thin strings. I normally set these uo the other way round. Is there a special reason for your setup?
Hi, the pickups were pretty much dead straight on my guitar and about the same far from the strings as on G's guitar. I usually also set the pickups up the same way as you (closer to the high E so slightly angled) but I didn't want to mess with the factory setup on this one. It worked pretty well and I wanted to hear and show how it is with a fine, basic setup. Cheers //Kris
Now that those are on the market , I recently snagged the ORIGINAL LIMITED EDITION ‘59 Epiphone Les Paul . It was NEAR NEW and it cost $625 with shipping included . I actually prefer the Burstbucker 2/3 pickups because they are Alnico II and they are of different values in output from N/B . The Custombuckers have the same output values and sound the same in N/B positions , to me . 🤷♂P.S. The Original version has the metal backplate on the toggle switch .
Ive owned many Epi & Gibson.
My advice if buying one would be to walk into a local store and get a "literal" feel for what you are buying.
Quality standards from both manufacturers are very "hit & miss."
Please PLEASE go and enjoy trying both, playing them and getting your own feel. It may save you a lot of money.
Interesting video. So, basically what you're saying is that these Epiphones are better than the Gibson LP Studio and better than the Epiphone Custom Shop (around 800-ish Euros). Is that correct?
I don’t think they are better than the Studios
Let me take that back, it does have the option for that burst
How does the thickness compare to a Gibson? Overall, maple cap thickness etc?
Great video! They look awesome guitars
These guitars are really nice, but I’m more interested in the new Custom (because it has a chunkier neck than the older version). I’d probably change the pickups to a lower output set though to align with my tastes. Not too bothered about the custom buckers as I’m a big fan of the probuckers
Epiphone made some great limited Run Guitars in ~2005, for example the LP Custom Midnight with active EMGs and the 1984 Explorers in white and black, both with active EMGs as well. Those were fine Guitars for an affordable price, similar to a PRS SE back then. I think pricewise they´re going too far with the new models and the new signatures models as well. The Hammett V had a lot of potential, but the parts they used... even with the Hammett Name on it, they´re not even close to what a KH 602/603 were, when they were released. Even the Pickups were neuteured on those two V´s.
They could´ve brought the Elitist Line back, but in general I´d like to see Epiphone in a sub 1000€ range, with only the higher models coming close to that pricepoint.
Those Indian laurel fretboards look very good and dark brown instead of the normal Laurel greyish, have they been treated to darken them I wonder?
How about the measurements? Is that a 59 LesPaul exactly copy?
Bonjour est ce que la finition est toujours mat ou maintenant vernis ?
Merci
Bonjour. Satin. Mais tu peux la polir ! J’ai commandé un produit pour faire ca ! Ca donne un aspect gloss , hyper brillant ! Tas des videos sur yt montrant le process cest tres facilement remédiable
No matter if Gibson or Epiphone, I will not bye a guitar for more than about 700 Euros. Because it‘s an instrument helping me to make music. It also needs an amp, pedals, cables, a case … . And I will use it at home, while practising with my band, on stage. During the years I‘ve already had some guitars and I‘ve never hung them on walls.
Just buy a Harley Benton sc-550 plus EMG instead
Yes upgraded specs on these guitars however it's still an Epiphone, yes, very nice Epiphone but still an Epiphone.
So you buy the brand not the guitar itself? Fair enough.
@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020 brand and guitar kind of go hand in hand. I would still rather buy a Gibson Tribute over one of these Epiphones.
I agree
Move over GIBSON. I have the TOBACCO BURST epi 59. WHAT a GUITAR, i wish i could do it justice, playing wise. Mine was a DEMO model from SWEETWATER. NOT a SW commercial . WHAT an instrument .
Over 1k for a Laurel fretboard with frets that need to be properly leveled, crowned and polished? Not happening.
Damn near every guitar from almost every major manufacturer needs proper leveling, crowing and polish. I have fender Gibson, Epiphone, Ibanez and ALL needed to be set up by a professional guitar tech
@@csharp57ok but Laurel is god awful.
I have a 2020 Epiphone Les Paul pro top plus! Love it. Got it at a discount nrw for $500.
This is a different beast...
It's an Epiphone. Whether it's $500 or $1500, it's an Epiphone. If you like them, that's great. I don't. I've owned several and sold them all. I was tempted again by the Adam Jones non-artwork Custom, but I just couldn't do it. There's always something that disappoints.
Yes, every time you are playing the 300.- beater which feels, sounds and plays just aswell or better than the expensive Epi! Sold them all too, now i "custom shop" my cheap guitars and have a way stronger bond than to the 'expensive' guitars i've had🎸👊🏼🎸
I agree, I am not saying Epi's aren't good enough, but for what it is, Gibson Les Paul Studio is 1600 whereas new Epi's are about same price. Gibson has many advantages compared to them, it's so unbalanced. They are made in U.S. has Nitro finish on them, they are Gibson. Then there are Epiphone's made in China, and poly finish, they aren't Gibson, and pickups shouldn't matter that much, as they are made by Gibson...... They aren't some different company that Gibson has to pay them to order. I'd absolutely prefer either Gibson Les Paul Studio or SG Standards at 1500-1600 price range, but still don't mean Epiphone's aren't good, it's just me...
At that price tag, maybe it's better ton consider a Larry Carlton L7.
Sure, or a PRS SE single cut.
Tokai / Edwards
I have a Les Paul Modern Figured from Epiphone, nothing I would change about it (aside from it showing up with the neck not needing a massive truss rod adjustment but that could have been a storage isse), and it was under $800US in a dealer exclusive color (Bourbon Burst) PLUS an ebony board. No way I’d pay any more just for Custom buckers (mind you I do think those are the best Gibson pickups, but I’d rather get those in an actual Gibson.)
I just bought one as well. Came with a great setup, and 7.5 lbs. The only LP I currently play. I love it.
These are the steps for the future “Gibson by Epiphone” core line Gibson guitars made in China. I firmly believe some time soon Gibson move its standard USA production range to China.
Oh you mean like Harley-Davidson did ? LMAO 🤣 These people who scream that the NEW Epiphone line is trash , 95% of EVERYTHING they own is MADE IN CHINA ! Clowns 🤡
Are these maple caps with a veneer on top or are they genuine full figured tops with no veneer?
I think Trogly tested one and he said it was veneer
@@samyazza23 man, i guess im in the minority but that ruins it for me. thanks for the info.
Epiphones have veneer, not solid maple top.
@@williamtm1965 Thanks man.
@@williamtm1965 not a veneer fan but if these came in solid colors with these specs i would be fine with the price.
So why did epi bring out another 59? They already have the 999 Euro 59 outfit. What makes the vos 350 bucks better? Please give me feedback with your professional look on both 59 models! Tia.
It’s just a new shape of headstock, and that’s it. Ohhh I almost forgot, that it is more expensive because Gibson loves money.
The Kalamazoo shape is already on the 59 outfit. I did cost like 750 Euro when I bought it@@benedekgabor.
And one piece neck, better pickups, and the matte finish is nowhere near as grainy as the previous 59s I have.
I think at this point, aside from the binding on the neck, the finish is the big thing. 2 very different finishes that age very different. kinda the elephant in the room.
Case and pickups are already a +500€ plus... and there you have the price 🤷♀
Mögen echt gut sein kein Zweifel... aber ich würde wenns keine orginale Fender bzw Gibson sein soll lieber zu den Orville, Epiphone, Greco, Burny, Edwards oder Tokai Gitarren zwischen 1978 bis 1998 greifen... kosten etwa das selbe bei den unteren Modellen und sind qualitativ defintiv besser und haben die specs der orginale... trotzdem schön zu sehen das Epiphone langsam wieder vernünftige Gitarren baut und kein Spielzeug mehr... 😊
I kinda want it for the pickups only
The woodtones are exceptional as well. The combination does wonders
Nice guitars but I would go with a PRS SE McCarty 594 flame top. Save some money and a nicer looking guitar that sounds good.
That's what i did!
Just wish it wasn't that cheap looking flat satin finish...
You need a Murphy Aged Epi then 😆😆
Trogly tried buffing one for a few minutes. It easily goes semi gloss if you want it.
It looks way better in person. Looks slightly aged and the flame pops more. Way better than the normal finish
Nor Indian Laurel...
@@manelalentorn Depends on the one you get. My fretboard looks better than 90% of rosewoods I’ve seen. But some are super light and don’t look as good.
Epiphone has made great strides in quality, but it's not worth paying the already inflated Gibson prices for something that isn't quite the quality of a Gibson (and, yes, Gibson's workmanship is disturbingly inconsistent for their prices, but still...)
Typical and expected boring comment as usual.
@@johnblack9037typical hateful and boring comment here
But these aren't the "inflated Gibson prices". These are around 50% the price of a Gibson Standard which is around the same price for most US made or high quality imports......
Still overpriced
Still overpriced
At that price they should have offered a gloss finish, but then if they did then why buy the les paul standard
Guitars..... U.S.A. vs. China.... the brand on the headstock, and the image it projects..... these things have always haunted me - and many like me, I'm sure. If I am home recording, this guitar would not only sound great but nobody would be the wiser if I told them that I used a Gibson on my song. On the other hand, if I went to a gig with an Epiphone (gasp!), would it LOOK "less-than"..... would I look like a "less-than" Player? I guess that's the bottom line: In the end, is it all about the guitar or the Guitarist?
I just talked myself into opting for one of these Epi's.
I think tolman has to sell so many of these in order to stock them and so everybody has to say they're so great and to reviews on them.
But I think these big brands are just going to disappear. Why do people buy them?
I mean it's always possible that if you're a great player far better than I am you can tell the difference in these guitars. But luckily I don't have that problem!
There the same pickups as a custom shop
I don't get all the people bitching about the price. Epiphone still offers the $699 Les Paul too. They should just buy that then.
Whoever misses out this beautiful song will be their loss but today I am listening in 2024.
What entity level guitars has Gibson stopped making?
Truthfully, I considered but backed off. Regardless, it's still an Epiphone. For the price at $1400.00 after tax I would much rather suffer through and save the extra $500 to $600 and get a used Gibson Les Paul standard. If I couldn't save that extra, i'd get a Studio for around a grand and install some pickups if needed. Just because the put a $500 set of pickups and the open book headstock on it doesn't make it worth it. An Epiphone is still an Epiphone. They just put lipstick on a pig hoping you will buy it.
Epiphones sound good, but you can’t trust them. At some point they will bring you lots of tuning issues. I’ve had 3 of them…and always experienced the same annoying problem
In the end, it’s just an expensive Chibson. I’ll go for a real Chibson for 300 bucks from a trustworthy dealer with a reputation and upgrade hardware and pickups afterwards. You get them already with nitro finish in case you like to relic them. Just put Chibson on the headstock or whatever you want to call it.
Highly unlikely you're getting nitro on a chibson, even if they advertise it such. They're already lying about it being a Gibson, why would they start telling the truth now? 😂
Upgrading a worthless chibson is such a waste of money anyways.
They are great guitars. I tried one, but in the end, I left the shop with a second-hand Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute. Because, I don't like those Indian Laurel fretboards. I'll put up with Indian Laurel, on a cheap guitar that is otherwise great (Epiphone Casino & J Mascis Jazzmaster). But I just prefer how P90s sound, and I never was a fan of the luxurious Les Paul fit out. Be nice if Epiphone put out a Special, that's rosewood, or better yet ebony. Also, for me, I don't think these are worth the money over the Standards. I'd get a Standard and maybe upgrade it little by little myself later. And then, even with the Epiphone Standards, I _much_ prefer how my Sire L7 plays, compared to Epiphone standards (even if the Epiphone's edge out the Sire a little on classic tone).
I wish the Epiphone had the same burst option as the Gibson.
What a great strategy. They made everything more expensive and a Gibson is way too expensive and an Epiphone is just as expensive as a Gibson was a few years ago. Great reason never to buy neither of these!
The new Epiphones "inspired by Gibsons" are better than Gibsons, they are lighter, they stay in tune better and they look and feel almost as good, and I hear no discernable difference so all in all I now play my Epiphone more than my Gibson.
Did you buy one ? Ieent for the tobacco burst les paul. I wish it was a tiny bit heavier 😅. But its pure happiness to play with it. The tones from both pickups are to die for. The sustain is excellent. I think they chose better woodtones for these models. Hence the nice sustain when strumming chords
All guitars are made on CNC machines now. There's no artisan's sweat dripping into the neck pocket anymore. I have a Harley Benton 500SC that I'd put up against any of these over-priced things. My HB was $148 to my door. Yes you have to upgrade some things but a lot of us are going to do that even with the pricier guitars.
There’s still some handwork going on with the Gibsons.
I would say these are great guitars but they’ll never be good enough for the head givers (i;e those who look at the brand in the headstock). For the true guitar players out there who want affordable quality guitar with USA made custom buckers, I’d say check some of these models, they won’t disappoint. For the head givers, add a few extra hundred bucks and buy yourself a used Gibson.
I would guess that since several Japanese companies have no problem using the open book headstock shape (Edwards, Tokai, et al) that instead of trying to sue all of them they just decided to pimp their own open book on "second tier" or "sub brands" that are actually their own knockoffs of Gibson models. Epiphone existed before Gibson, so...
Gibson did try suing those companies. Gibson waited too long to sue.The Japanese government ruled that because so many guitars in Japan were using the open book headstock, it basically was a generic look by that point and that people weren't likely to be fooled into thinking the Tokai,Burny,Greco etc were Gibsons. This is just my opinion, but I think Gibson is seeing the massive influx of Chinese knockoffs (Chibsons) and has realized that many players are choosing those over Epiphones due to the low price and correct headstock. I'm sure there is a lot more in play here, but that seems, to me, to be a plausible reason for the change.
Are they Better than a Japan made Tokai Les Paul ... Around the SAME Price NEW ?
1300 bucks for a Les Paul made in China with a Laurel fretboard... Gibson really has gone mad.
95% of EVERYTHING you own is MADE IN CHINA . So pipe down son .
Epiphone , made in Indonesia, indian Laurel instead of rosewood. 1.350 Euros. Sorry Guys but this is ridiculous
Yes the pickups are amazing, I wouldn't trust the quality without playing one, if I'm paying a grand for a guitar made in china I would expect it to be flawless
That people expect less than perfection for a thousand dollar Chinese guitar, but accept defects for a 3-4 thousand dollar American guitar confuses me a little😅
@@Superman-pn1rx who tf accepts defects from a guitar that costs that much
Nearly every Gibson owner does.
Don't believe it. They put the Open Book headstock on it; and inflate it by 500.00?!?
Sorry. The new PRS SE CE24 wipes the floor with this, IMHO.....for 6-800.00 LESS...
Come on guys don't seduce me with these beautiful Les Pablos. I just bought Tool tickets and ordered a custom made Les Pablo my wallet is in danger ^^
Lost me at 4:19
It is actually VERY BAD NEWS.
Gibson added a Gibson headstock "CNC cut" program to their Epiphone production (which costs NOTHING) to justify a major rise in sale prices. Even the Gibson pickups aren't such a big deal as they produce tons of these PUs and they're also semi industrially produced and have a LOW "production cost".
Any import Epiphone over a 1000$ is definitely NOT a clever purchase price wise, I got a mint used Gibson Midtown Custom in that price range, and "Gibson" is written on the headstock (if that's what you're looking for).
Those are real Gibson Custom shop pickups .
As an owner of 6 Gibsons and 5 Epis over last 2 years, I would chose Gibson any day. It is not the logo, headstock or where is it made. I believe that the specs and craftmanship might be even better but where Gibson excells is the feel. Both how the neck feels but also how the guitar, now I mean the wood part) behaves. I have heard the stories about misses in Gibson, but for me 5/6 Gibsons are terrific resonant instrument that are just joy to play. One is ok but nothing too special. Epiphones (I had mid to high end) just always end up feeling as Epiphones, they sound ok, also look apart, but the feel of Gibson is just not there. I even liked Standard 50s better than 59 Outfit, but then again Gibson Tributes are some of the best guitars you can get, especially used under grand.
So why don't you sell those 5 Epi's and get 1-3 Gibsons?
@@mylogify I sold all of my Epis and have only Gibsons now.
Bang on, they're not the same thing. Epiphones feel what they are... cheaper. Anyone who says Epiphone are just as good as Gibson are fooling themselves. I'd take a Tribute over these all day long.