The original Squiers were known to be better than the guitars Fender USA were making at the time, and one of the reasons they used the name Squier was to put people off buying 'em, as they were originally sold as Fender Japan.
I believe these companies have stopped seeing themselves as instrument makers, really. Their self image is that of luxury brands, and you know that there is no measurable value to explain a 4000$ price tag on a purse or a pair of sneakers. Gibson is probably the worst offender. Above 2500 bucks, they almost no longer have to cater to the needs of actual players. The clientele in that price bracket consists mostly of collectors or people who have decided to make money instead of honing their musical skills. These guitars are made for the display case, not the stage or studio.
Have you ever played an R8, R9 or R0? I have been a very serious player for 30 years and I have never been more impressed with the playability, tone and craftsmanship than some of the stuff coming out of the Gibson custom shop. That being said, I do have a bad taste in my mouth with the way Gibson has been charging astronomical prices for their USA stuff as well as the custom shop stuff. But one thing you can’t say is that there’s no difference for a real musician above the $2500 mark because it’s just not true.
Yes a gibson is a luxery brand today, and they make them better then ever. They also own epiphone for those who can’t or aren’t willing to pay for an american made Gibson. My j45 vintage is the best money ever spent.
I’ve never kept a Gibson. I don’t know what it is. I’ve had several Les Paul’s from standards to Murphy labs, and I always end up selling them. I’ve had an epiphone sheraton II since 2013 that has been a semi hollow work horse for me. Modded the heck out of it, but it hasn’t even sneezed yet. Just string changes. Never loses tune always sounds fantastic. I wish I knew what it was with Gibson that makes them so inconsistent
I've had Gibson's, Custom Shop Gibsons, Murphy lab, they even flew me into Nashville to build me one to my specs.. but I still love my First Act Guitar better than all of them!
I hear ya. I took a chance on a used Firebird and it absolutely rocks. I also have an SG that I loved at first (second one I've had) and I'm getting ready to sell it. Give me a Telecaster any day.
Heartful playing and mindful words - it's good to have you around, Sasha! May those in power understand ... you add to it, and this gives us hope. Thank you!
I got an epiphone sg around 5 or 6 years ago and it's amazing. I got a random email from amazon one day and it basically said they had this used sg sitting in their warehouse for $250. Which is really weird because I have never gotten an email about something specific like that from them before or since. I thought about it for a couple days and just decided to take a chance on it. I had no idea what the condition of it was, it could have been completely messed up for all I knew. It got here and I opened up the box expecting the worst...it was brand new. There wasn't a single mark on it, no cracks, nothing wrong with the neck or frets or anything. It had all the original documents, the stickers were on the pickups and the little cardboard things on the knobs pointing out the coil splitting. I put new strings on it, set the intonation and it was perfect. I had heard bad things about the stock tuners, but it holds it's tuning for an almost spooky length of time. The body vibrates like crazy when I play and it sounds incredible. The switch on it started getting touchy and it could probably use a new jack, but that's after years of daily use. It might sound weird, but I think I was meant to have this thing.
Been playing guitar for 45yrs, have a number of high end guitars. Over the last few years have purchased a number of Squire bound edge Teles & strats classic vibe, all around £400. I've also bought two 59 Epiphone Les Paul limited edition + Epiphone black custom Les Paul & an Epiphone sg Inverness green of all colours..... They play & sound fantastic....
You're a good player! Sounds like you made the right decision for you. When I bought my Gibsons (an SG and a Les Paul R8), the prices for new USAs were so high that I could get a used Custom Shop for the same price, so that's what I did. No regrets.
I got a 50s style epiphone les Paul standard used a couple of weeks ago. Absolutely love it. Got it for half the price they go for new. Thing is really impressing me. The feel of the 50s style wider neck has me and my two guitar playing epiphone les Paul owner buddies mesmerized by it. As far as tone and what all it can do, I’m pretty much in love.
i had one of these and honestly for the price they're freaking insane, only reason I got rid of it I'm more of a 335 body size than les paul but my goodness - amazing playing as always sasha
I think you're spot on. The difference in quality doesn't justify the difference in price. My very first guitar was an epi lp, I think it's time I pulled that out of it's case and get her a proper set up!
I have sent 2 Gibsons Std Les Pauls back to Sweetwater, one in 2016 and one this year. In between (2018) I purchased a Yamaha Revstar 620 - to fill the tonal needs of a Les Paul. The 620 is beautiful - built with quality parts - high level of craftsmanship - zero defects - for 1/4 the price. I still have the 620.
One thing I like about Epiphones and Squiers is they're not investments. You can trade them among your friends and bandmates, so everyone can find their best sound. All my guitars are imports. None of them were over $1000, and most of them were under $500, and they're all great instruments for creating music.
Wise words indeed. I was so stubborn for so long (without any right to be) that I wouldn't consider a Squire. I wanted a Fender Telecaster. Not even a MIM Fender could sway me... without actually playing one. Epiphones though... I've always had a Love of Epiphones. Rather, once I got rid of my Peavey Raptor (which I blamed for the fact that I didn't sound like Kenny Wayne Shepherd after a week of teaching myself guitar). Got an Epiphone Les Paul for $50 at a pawn shop, cared for it as if it were my child, and now I only turn my nose up at Garry's and... any company blatantly trying to fool people.
@@Ten80pete until recently I was a snob about Epiphones. I've always been more into Fender/Squier and Gretsch anyway, but I was a snob about the Epiphone headstock on solid body GIbson designs. I still don't own one (and don't really need any more guitars), but I would. I've never had the same hangup about Squiers, though, probably because I found myself in possession of a couple before I even had a chance to think about it.
The Epiphone JB Firebird 1 in tobacco burst is definitely an investment. I bought one in April 2017 new for £619 and they are going for over a grand if you can find one.
@Just J the world is swimming in Epiphones; you can get many of them for under $600. Musicians Friend and Sweetwater each have about 30 Epiphones under $600, including SGs, 335s and Les Pauls. That said, it always pays to buy used. There is seldom a good reason to pay for a new guitar over used.
I’ve got several Gibsons ranging from a real deal ‘55 Junior, a pair of ‘77 Les Pauls, and a few from the mid/late 2000’s. My Epi SG Special P90 is as good as those, and better than the newer Gibsons that were in my local GC. I bought a Les Paul Custom with the Koa Top and an ES-335 I’m enjoying just as much. I see no reason to spend more on the Gibson, I just love my new Epi’s.
Inspiring playing. I had one of the newer SG specials in Pelham Blue a year or so ago. I ended up selling it and I totally miss it. Should have never gotten rid of it. 😥 Thanks for the honesty and calling out the big dogs on their quality.
I just ordered an Epiphone LP Modern a couple days ago that I'm still waiting on. Been saving up for almost half a year and it's my first guitar upgrade since starting to play 2 years ago. Epiphone really provides the same value you would get in a guitar, for a fraction of the price. I think that's the problem for Gibson, that most people just can't spend that sort of money and there are cheaper alternatives that may even be better.
Really appreciated hearing your thoughts on this subject and I couldn't agree more! Thanks for your honesty and amazing playing! I went a little different route looking for a p90 goldtop and ended up buying an Eastman. Couldn't have been happier going that route! Yes it's different but in an amazing way! The Lollar p90s sound incredible and I ended up with a superior handmade guitar at a fraction of the price. I really love the epiphone line as well and will be considering a purchase in the near future.
Eastmans are in a class of their own. Here in Australia, even the highest-end SB-59/v model - a hand-made, carved-top, tastefully aged guitar with custom Lollar pickups is cheaper than a Gibson Standard - about the same price as a Gibson Les Paul Studio. The workmanship is custom shop quality, with features you'd pay thousands more for on a Gibson - one-piece mahogany body, flamed maple top, one-piece mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard, and to top it off, they're light - below 8 pounds (3.6 kg) in weight. Plus their attention to detail on things like the nut and the fretwork is miles ahead of Gibson. When my local store was convincing me to give Eastman a go, I had a go of their SB-56 - the P90-equipped gold top you bought. It's what convinced me to go for the 59 equivalent. A year-plus later, and it's still the best guitar I bought (though my beloved '96 Mex Strat is probably tied). As far as Epiphones go, I had a 2006 LP Custom for a number of years, but hardly ever played it. Gave it to the store I got my Eastman from so they could give it away to someone who lost their guitar in the floods here earlier this year. I think if I buy another guitar, unless they re-release the Epiphone G1275 again, it will probably be one of Eastman's thinline 335-style guitars.
@@dangeorge809 Very charitable of you, donating your guitar to a flood victim. If you live on the east coast, you may have to donate another, given the flooding that's going on right now. ✌️🇦🇺
@@dangeorge809 couldn't agree more about the class Eastman sits in! I was originally on a waiting list for one of their double cut juniors when the goldtop popped up as an open box deal that I couldn't pass up. Glad to hear others feel as strongly about them as I do! Cheers from across the pond 🍻
Agreed. I'll be going this way too. I recently tried to buy a Gibson ES-335. When I went to pick it up the neck was warped (the wood was twisted-not a truss rod issue) and there was sawdust all over the guitar.
A few days ago I purchased my first electric guitar, a used Epiphone LP Traditional Pro 2010 made in China. I'm no expert on electric guitars, coming from a classical background (guitar, and violin) and I'm really impressed by the quality of the guitar!!! It sounds amazing, has coil splitting, and came with a gibson chainsaw hard case, new strings and a strap, all that for around 390 usd. I think it is a steal, I restored the case (was a bit dirty and scratched) and the guitar has almost no sign of use, as far as I know i'm the 3rd owner and it was taken care well enough by the last owner. Excessively happy with it, just today i played like 8 hours making many solos that i always wanted to play but couldn't on a classical guitar, be it because of the shape, sound, etc. 100/10 can recommend.
I’ve been playing Epiphone guitars for over 10 years and love the brand and have been more than happy with 8/10 guitars I’ve owned. I can’t justify or afford Gibson prices here in Australia either. The new inspired by Gibson range is the best yet and the squiers are high quality as well.
I just got an Epiphone SG, and it blew my Gibson USA Standard SG out of the water. The $2k Gibson wouldn’t even stay in tune when strummed hard, it had a tektoid nut instead of Graphtek/bone, I didn’t care for the way the pickups were voiced for the body, and I ended up replacing everything on it, except for the neck, frets, body and lacquer 😂 In comparison, this Epiphone SG priced at 899 doesn’t need any mods, is super-stable, and sounds great stock. It arrived totally in tune, and well-intonated with a perfect set up. The frets need a bit of polish, the middle position didn’t work initially (but once I opened the cavity and moved some wires around that came right back). I should also mention one of the knobs was broken upon arrival, but that’s a cheap fix. Great video, Sasha! I think you have a valid point and I hope makers are listening.
Thanks, Sean! What I often hear brands saying is how guitars lose their factory setup during shipping. Like you say, your Epiphone arrived with a perfect set-up and Gibson puts the responsibility of setting up the guitars with the retailers.
I'm too much of a novice to justify spending Gibson money but man I just got one of these Epi's yesterday and I'm over the moon with it. 7lb 6oz and feels great 🙌🏻 been thinking about for over a year. Glad I pulled the trigger. Thanks for the great videos as always
I've owned almost a dozen Gibson models over the past 30 years. Mostly Les Pauls. I currently own 3 new Epiphone guitars, 2 Les Pauls and a new SG. They are just as good, if not better, than any of the Gibson models that I've owned, and I'm having a blast playing them all. The new Epiphone 1959 Les Paul is an outstanding instrument.
I understand that everyone's experiences are different, and quality can, and often does, vary from example to example. Last night, I played a friend's 2021 Gibson Les Paul Standard 50's, and was completely bowled over by how much I liked it.
@@Zoso981 So am I, Bozo. And I have been since 1988. Epiphones are fraught with sloppy workmanship and problems, and any guitar dealer who's paying attention should know that.
I absolutely agree with you. I first noticed that with a Squier compared to a Fender. I was dreaming of a real Fender… not anymore, except for the new models from this year, and then I won’t pay the price they sell these new ones. Gibson was not that bad when I began to try some Les Paul models, but the price was too high. So I began to try some Epiphone LP and was very surprised of the overall quality, specially at the price they are sold. And there are even many Epiphone models not available from Gibson.
I just picked up a Squier Paranormal Nashville Strat. It came out of the box perfectly set up and plays great. The fit and finish are suburb as well. I also own and Epiphone Special 2 and love it. For me it will be Squier and Epiphone for all my needs in the future:-)
I picked up a used 2020 Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60's for $325 back in December 2020 and it's my baby. It was listed as used but it looked new to me. I love that guitar. So, in 2022 I went over to Sweetwater and picked up an Epiphone Les Paul Special in TV Yellow. The quality of these guitars is excellent. It's like we are in the golden age of Epiphone. Now that I think about it, all the so called "budget guitars" are showing a level of quality that was unheard of years ago.
Lovely playing mate.....Thank-you for the vid,I'm in the market to buy another epi lp,owned two....but had to sell them.....but now I'm in a place to get one....love the sound of the special👍🏻
I bought the same Les Paul Special and I love it! And the best thing about that price point is that you don't have to be scared to make it your own. I sanded my neck with steel wool to a nice satin finish which feels and plays great and I treated the fingerboard with dark Montypresso guitar wax which have it a nice rosewood like color! I love that guitar! Just plays amazing
Great display of that instrument. The intonation and your playing ability just maximizes how good that particular guitar can be. No matter what, serious string musicians buy their instruments based on what their hands feel and what their ears hear. By doing so they find the tools that bring the best out of them (playing, creativity, connection with the craft, and most importantly...feeling good). Sasha, you did just that and got yourself one great instrument.
Not saying it is not a good instrument but be mindful he is using a 2500$ amp on which any guitar would end up sounding good or very decent. Also the thousand dollar chain of boutique pedals and top notch recording gear helps bringing the best out of it. And of course he plays great.
@@jejehimself851 no doubt the gear he is using is of the highest quality. Nothing beats trying out the guitar yourself of course. But that being said, if you buy based on what you feel and hear, you may find yourself buying a guitar that you wouldn't have if you bought with your eyes (what the headstock says).
About 6 months ago I bought an Epiphone ES 339 Inspired by Gibson. I wanted an ES 335 style guitar like my previous one, but smaller. The Gibson ones were too expensive for me. So I got the Epiphone model instead. I wasn't disappointed in it at all. The hardware has been upgraded to what is on Gibson's and so have the electronics. At $549.00 the price definitely more affordable. It looks great, sounds great and plays great too.
Really sweet playing and fantastic sounding guitar! 🎸👊😁 I also own this LP Special, a 2020; it was mostly modded when I bought it earlier this year, but even stock, it plays and sounds amazing! You really get a lot of bang for a little buck with this guitar!
Harley Benton are also turning out some incredible instruments, their LP junior and Telecaster/Strat range are damned fine guitars and the finishes are superb. Nice playing Sasha.
I owe a LOT to those Harley Benton Guitars. I just randomly found out about them at the end of 2019, and shortly after a bunch of research, i took the leap and ordered 2 of them. The CST-24T and a TE-70RW.... I was very very shocked how legit really damn decent for the money they were. Over the next 2.5 years, i ended up purchasing a total of 11 MORE Harley Benton's. Granted 2 of them were purchased for friends, because I of course HAD TO show the Harley Benton guitars i was getting, and sure enough it wasn't long before they were picking one out off Thomann's site to purchase. Most all of the ones i purchased were very much worth every penny and then some. I didnt need, or want to, return any of them, and one got a small dent during shipping. Sure a couple of them weren't Crazy AMAZING, but with a little personal touches and a minor mod or upgrade or two; those not super "amazing" ones turned out to be total keepers and great players. Most of them are fantastic though. I do wish they would put a little more effort into making quality affordable guitars, and not these $400+/- "higher end" type guitars, like their Fusion ones. Not that those Fusion Guitars aren't good, or a good value or worth the money, I just really think their $100-200 guitars they focused more on 2-4 years ago is what really made them so popular and got people buying them. Not many people are going to spend $350-$450+ on a Guitar from a brand they dont know much about, or as a beginner. BUT, plenty of people are much more likely to spend $130 plus $30 shipping (like it used to be) on a guitar that has tons and tons of great reviews. Lot less of a risk. I feel most folks who buy those Fusions and other $350 plus Harley Bentons, already own one of the lesser spendy Harley Bentons. I do have a couple few legit high end guitars (core prs, gibson, fender), and i love some of my Harley Benton's that i have customized a little just as much or more than some of my high end ones. Getting a Harley Benton and doing a little of personal customization and upgrading a few parts here and there usually results in a really really really great guitar for just about any average person.
I find it difficult to fork over thousands of dollars to have the Gibson name on the headstock of my guitar when Epiphone turns out such well made guitars. I've found a couple used Korean LPs and upgraded them both to my spec for under a grand...for both. I don't forsee my vanity taking over my brain and buying a Gibson. Great vid.
this is a hard one. I bought an Epiphone SG 2 years ago. I just bought the same SG in the Gibson USA brand, not a custom. I still own both, in my case, even though the epiphone plays amazing, there's a big difference with the sound and feel of the Gibson. It's just better, but not $2000 better. I like Epiphones, I have a Casino and I love it.
I have a 96’ Epiphone Les Paul made in Korea. It’s fantastic and has been since the day I bought it. It was maybe $500 back then, even my teacher who was a Gibson guy for sure, loved it. Even back then. Taking lessons again now, and the new teacher said the same. Had to get a new switch installed eventually and I changed the tuners because both the Gibson and Epiphone plastic tuners are horrendous. That made it 10x better.
In 2012 I bought a 97 Les Paul studio for $800 off Ebay. Through time I changed certain parts and now I feel it's as good or better than most Les Paul's.
I just bought an Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s out of their “inspired by” range. I was so impressed by it. In my experience the more expensive guitars have more time spent on the necks - better fret ends, hand rolling, etc. However, more affordable guitar makers are realizing this and putting more time into the necks and making them play so good. Does a Gibson have a nice nitro finish and some beautiful tops? Yes. But the vast majority of people can’t differentiate them tonally and nobody in the audience cares. When I bought my Epi I played some 3k Heritage LP guitars - the tops were absolutely gorgeous and the neck great, but it essentially sounded the same as the Epi. And if that doesn’t happen to be the case you can replace the pickups with high end PAF replicas, have the frets literally replaced and the fretboard hand rolled AND still have an extra $1500.
Man that Tears in Heaven bit..lovely as always. Anyway, I have been gravitating towards this exact model for almost two years now, might give myself a favour if I happen to find a good deal on Black Friday
My '21 Epiphone LP Standard 50s is amazing. I did put a set of Seymour Duncan 59s a friend sent me that he modded with alnico 2s, and it is awesome. It has CTS pots, and the stock pups were great. I definitely would put mine up against a Gibson tribute, and maybe even a Standard. I've played the Gibson standards and I was not impressed. I want one of those Specials, too.
When you consider nitro finish, rosewood board and better pickups (sometimes pots, switches and jacks as well) it basically covers a lot of that price gap. You can pay $500 just for a nitro refinish alone. Of course quality control, usa made and more hands on detail is a cost as well
I had 4 epiphone guitars in my life and loved them all. Still own 2. I changed 6 Gibson SG from 2006 to 2019. I kept the last one ( and I love it ) from 2019 after trying 4 of them in the shop. Still I was…. I am and always will be a stratomaniac! But still I’ll be always out for something that catches me….. no matter what name has on it 🙌😂 Great guitar,playing and video btw 👌🔝❤️
I bought a mint Gibson Les Paul Studio for €700 and I regret nothing. Out of my Burny and Epiphone, the Gibson is the best guitar. It just resonates and feel very nice due to the satin finish also the wood is just beatifull and I did not have to change the pickups. If I were to buy another les paul style guitar I would probably go with a Japanese Tokai for like €1300.
I bought an Epiphone Les Paul Modern this summer while in Nashville and I'd have to ask the question as to how could a Gibson Les Paul be any better. I'm truly in love with my guitar. It looks and plays amazing.
I own an Epiphone Les Paul, an Epi 335, and an Epi Viola (Beatle) bass. They are fun guitars for just playing at home. Combined, they cost less than a single Gibson/Hofner of the equivalent type.
What you say is so true, just purchased a Epi 59 and it’s a really nice guitar, build quality is as good as a Gibson. I have 3 Schecter diamond series, as far as I am concerned the quality of Schecter is far better than Gibson and Fender, they need to up their quality and lower their price, a company can’t ride on the past, consumers are wising up !
Gibson is like a Family with lots of money.. As time goes by, no one who made the Gibson Brand what it has been is still there.. This causes degradation over time, by descendants who no longer care about the quality!! They care only about their quarterly earnings, and raise prices that are already too high for lesser quality!! I would love to be in charge of their production Facilities......
I have been playing since 1976. I tend to play Gibson, but like other brands. I owned an Epiphone in high school. I can tell you now Epiphone, for the price, is hard to beat! If you are not a professional or really good, get an Epiphone. If money isn’t an issue, get a Gibson. In general, guitars under 500 are junk. 500 to 1,000 is the sweet spot! Happy playing!!!
I picked up this guitar at my local guitar center used for 350 after a saw your review…and your 100% right! I love it!!! I could have easily gotten the Gibson version but in this day and age why spend the extra money for a guitar that’s not that much better. I plan on upgrading the electronics and pickups. Even as is right now I love the tones I get out of this guitar. Love it! Thanks for the review and inspiring me to pick one up.
I played an epi LP Special about 3 weeks ago with p90s and was blown away. Thought I was crazy for awhile! I wasn’t in he market at the time, but I might just go grab one before the price goes up.
I was having a similar dilemma earlier this month. I always dreamed of getting a Les Paul and was finally in a place in life where I could comfortably swing getting one and ended up with an Epiphone for the exact reasons you described. They had such a bad reputation when I first started playing (back in 2001) and the one I have now is arguably one of the best playing instruments that I have ever owned. There is so much history with Gibson that you hate to see where it is at the moment in terms of its quality control, marketing, and the focus being on what the financial ROI is on a Gibson rather than playing one. One could say its their price point, but other high end makers (PRS for example) seem to manage just fine...I guess only time will tell if my grandkids will be dreaming of a Gibson guitar or not.
I was given an Epiphone 2017 Traditional Pro ll in the Ocean Blue color. A fantastic guitar in every way! I have owned several Gibson LPs and ended up selling them. I love my Epiphone!
I've had a number of Strats over the years - MIA, MIJ, MIK, etc. My Squier Simon Neal signature is by far the best of the bunch. My MIK Epi Dot, outplays my Memphis-built 335. My Epi 339 is a workhorse. My Gibsons generally just sit in their cases; my Epiphones are the ones that get the gigs.
Agreed, the new Squier Affinity line is great as well. I got the Jazzmaster with strat bridge. A lot of guitar for €250. Gotta replace the pick-ups tho
I don't agree with everything you say in this video but man, I am impressed by the quality of the new Epiphones. I have a Epiphone SG Classic Worn with P90 Pickups. I pay 200 bucks on the used marked and wanted to leave this thing in our rehearsal room as a backup guitar for my 1968 Gibson SG Special. But man, it sounds, plays and feels absolutely amazing for the money. I can't believe it, how close it comes to my Vintage Gibson. I have a comparison video on my channel so you can make up your own mind. I just cannot leave the guitar in the rehearsal room now, because I enjoy this thing so much.
I'm with you. I own way too many guitars of all makes. I have two Epiphone /Gibson on the neck /headstock. It's been a while. I also have a vintage less Paul Special but I'm telling you I can tell. Mine are amazing and you will not tell or my Epiphone
I’m no connoisseur, but my 335 built in ‘21 is just an insane joy to play. Beautiful sound, resonant, pickups that reward using the control knobs; it’s great.
I have a 1987 Les Paul custom (cherry sunburst) and it's a dream. Feels and plays great. I can thank dumb luck.....they sold for about a grand to eleven hundred dollars in the late eighties. A Les Paul standard went for about 800.00. It was my first purchase from my first job. I was young and idolized Jimmy Page. Never mind his wasn't a custom LP, I didn't know the difference then nor did I have an idea of my preferences in a guitar, a music style, etc. I was just a kid who bought one the moment I saved enough money. I remember calling in sick to go 48th St. in Manhattan (the entire street is music stores). I literally barely tried the guitar, didn't do much more than hold it. It's nice to have today but probably more than I need as a mere hobbyist. But, no other guitar feels the same. I try and try different guitars when I have time to waste in a music store and nothing compares.
Totally agree Sasha. Just bought the same model and was blown away by the fit, finish and neck. I’m far from a Gibson hater but having played both brand’s LP Specials, there’s no way I could justify the additional £1250 for the Gibson. As an Epiphone admirer, I have no problem looking down at that headstock either. A totally solid and vibey guitar..
I still remember something I read in a guitar forum a long time ago. This guy said "All guitars are worth $300. What you pay depends on the headstock". Probably a gross generalisation, which needs to be adjusted for inflation, but I thought there was a lot of truth to that statement and I think this is still the case all these years later.
First time visiting your channel, and boy oh boy what lovely sounds you got out of that little axe there! As for the "Why?"... Most, if not all, guitar manufacturers are suffering from the massive demand that was generated when we all got locked-up in our homes during the Covid lockdown. Dealers were starting to sell like crazy and seeing their stock depleting as people all over the world started spending the additional time, as well as money, they found themselves with playing around with guitars (that, if we look at it from an instrument point of view.) Due to supply chain issues being what they were, ones the world started to move around a little more the factories started producing as fast as they could to meet the demand... ergo, sloppy final control et al. I would think that it'll take a good 2 years before things start mellowing down--currently most big manufacturers are slowing down their production, just look at the lay-offs with Fender, and little by little these companies will go back to focusing on producing great quality instruments again.
I got a brand new this week on an absolute bargain - around 300 USD - and I'm mesmerized by the huge quality for such low price. The finishes are great, and sound wise... those p90 are fabulous!
I hear alot about how Epiphone have massively upped their game since changing the head stock, with that change alone proving very popular. But even the older Epiphone guitars seem to be of good quality. I have a Korean made Les Paul Black Beauty that is and has always been an awesome guitar.
I own the the 2020 Epiphone Special. great guitar! I did have to do some fret leveling but after that the only complaint I have is the thick poly finish.
Great video! You point out that the new Epiphones are really well made, and I’ve got the LP Special you’re playing here. Yeah it’s as good as the Gibson imo, and I’ve played a lot of Gibsons over the years. Sure, the Gibsons are made in the USA, but the Asian manufacturing has gotten much better recently. Guitars made in the states have to be more expensive because the cost of living there(here) is more expensive than it is in Asia.
I think it has a lot to do with the feelings. Sometimes I just feel more comfortable with a good cheap guitar than with a good expensive guitar, especially on stages where I don't have to constantly supervise my guitar during breaks. In fact, guitars between €400-600 have become amazingly good, especially Ibanez, Epiphone and Squier, and play well straight out of the box. With a few adjustments and upgrading the pickups if necessary, you can still improve and still have spent less than half of a Gibson. The other day I looked at my Gibson Les Paul and played it, and I noticed that the intonation was very poorly adjusted, including the height of the bridge. My Squier and Epiphones were usually very well adjusted from the factory. Still, I have to say that the general quality of the higher priced instruments is usually better (but not always). Moreover, they often have that mojo, whereas some inexpensive guitars have something "plastic-like" (mostly because of the varnish)... As I have written many times before: You also have to consider the working conditions and wages of the workers. Wages in the US are better, there is insurance and good working conditions and health protection. Whether this is always the case in Asia, I dare to doubt. Nature conservation and sustainability also play a role. Therefore, some price always has to be paid ;-) Sometimes not immediately! But I don't mean to say that a Chinese worker doesn't work better than a US worker or vice versa. In the end, I am a customer and want a reasonable product. By the way: I could compare a Gibson Nighthawk (special deal from Thomann 1000 €) with an Epiphone Nighthawk (about 399 €, which Ive bought first) and must say that the Gibson was way better. The Epi was not bad but in the direct comparison the Gibson PU's sounding more open and not as muddy as the Epi. On the other hand: Is it worth the double price? In this case yes, because 1000 € for a Gibson is ok.
I bought one of these in the second run of them. The neck angle was off enough that the stud bridge had to be set pretty high to get the action right and to clear the frets. I sent it back and got a replacement. It had a better neck angle and even thought the bridge still sits a little high for my tastes, I decided to keep it. The overall build quality, other than the neck angle issues, is very good. The fingerboard wood feels fine, although it took a while to wear the black dye off enough that it didn't leave my fingertips all black when I played it. Really, the only design complaint I have is that the headstock is larger that it needs to be and the added length gives the guitar a "spankier" sound because the overall string length is longer than on the actual Gibson version. I doubt if many of these will be around in 20 years because those longer headstocks are going to break off even easier that the Gibsons if the guitar falls over backwards. I also bought the real Gibson model shortly after the Epi. I was surprised that the neck was not as thick as the Epi. I like the thicker neck profile. I ended up sending the Gibson back. The one I got was in the cherry finish that I love, but the 2-piece body was not well matched at all and they bugged the Hell of of me. Looked like crap to me. I've bought a bunch of imports with Mahogany bodies that are either one piece or the grain is matched good enough that it looks like one piece. The Gibson looked mis-matched from 20 feet away. I was going to order a replacement and hope for the best, but by that time the price had gone up so much that I thought - screw it, I'll just wait and find a used one at some point.... Anyway, the Epi has gone up too since I bought mine, but is still a great value. The P-90s are a little more "piano" sounding, but I really like them. I'll just try to be careful with that headstock vulnerability and enjoy the instrument for what it is.
Have been incredibly happy w Eastman SB56 and SB59. As good as any Gibson R series I have played Great components. Light! (The holy grail feature of reissues) and looo amazing w the varnish finish. Also great to pick them up at 1/4 the price of equivalent Gibson
I had an SB59 and still own an SB56. Both fantastic guitars. That being said, the new Gibson Standards I've played the last 2-3 yrs have all pretty much been great feeling and playing instruments.
@@johnlawrence3170 agree! The quality of epiphone and even more Eastman is great. But honestly, I don t know where all these people find poor quality Gibsons an Fenders. I played quite a lot of them in shops. Very consistent excellent quality. What we pay is up for debate. But what we pay is of course labour cost, labour conditions, environmental and other laws. China is not the west. Heck we bought cheap gas from Russia for years...well here we are now..🙂
Eastman have always been amazing "sleeper" brand of guitars. Another company like that for acoustic guitars is Sigma. I picked up a rosewood back and sides Sigma acoustic for 200 bucks at a pawn shop because the management there didn't bother looking into what they had when they didn't recognize the name on the headstock.
I bought this guitar bc of this video. Absolutely correct, thing hits way above its price range. But thank you for sharing your opinion and impressions of this thing. My only complaint is the pickup switch feels cheap, but easily fixable
I hear what you're saying but... I still prefer seeing Gibson on the headstock. Yes, I am fully aware of the build equality between the two but I just can't do it. I'll always be a Gibby guy.
I did not know you had your channel. Always watched you on the other and liked your reviews and your playing. I am now a subscriber. I totally agree and I may be the only person but rather have a nice urethane paint job.
Sasha I have share in your insight. For 2 years I have been on journey of discovery of guitars vs brand after selling my vintage Gibson LP. After playing over 50 Gibsons I chose an Epiphone 2018 standard pro 60's and an Eastman SB59 as my No. 1 & No.2 guitars. I still hunt for a Gibson that equals these two, alas still not found one that is not extraordinary money. The Custom shop 60's unburst was great but it was $12,000!. The journey continues.....
I own 5 Epiphone guitars amongst others (Gibsons as well). Every single one had to go to my guitar tech first until they were really good to play. I have also the one Epiphone Les Paul Special. A very good guitar. But when you play the real deal, you will feel the difference immeditately.
I have a beautiful 2022 Epiphone Lucille and, aside from the electronics perhaps needing a little upgrading, I would happily put it up against any Gibson ES style guitar out there!!
My last two Les Paul's were Epiphones, and both have been fantastic. My Epiphone Jared James Nichols "Old Glory" is better than all of my Gibsons. For reference, I have played actively for 35 years and have owned close to a hundred guitars. I used to be a "Made in USA" snob, but now I just find good base models and mod the crap out of them. However, Epiphone has stepped up their game tremendously with CTS circuitry, excellent pickups, Grover tuners, etc, so not much to mod! Frets need polish, that's basically it.
My son and I have a 1979 Greco LP Standard 700 and a late 80's Greco SG Standard and we have no want for a Gibson anymore. We get to try out a lot of different Gibson's at our local used shop and we have only come across 1 or 2 Gibson's that fulfilled what we expect to get for their prices which were about $2,000 (used). I have a 2004 Korean Epiphone Les Paul Standard that feels pretty good in the hands and is really resonate unplugged, I upgraded all the writing and put in Seymour Duncan 59's and 👌. I also just swapped out the original bridge for a Wilkinson bridge that's a lot beefier.
Great video Sasha, are you going to upload the video moding this one? Would be great to see the full potential of the guitar. I'm thinking on swaping the pickups on mine. Thanks for this great content!
I tell you what, I’ve actually returned more Gibsons than I’ve owned. As a left-hander I have to get mine ordered in the first one I ordered was in 2012. When it arrived it wasn’t the finish I ordered, but the funny part is the version of black that it was it was either satin black or gloss black I forget which. It was a colour they didn’t even put out that year which means someone sent it out with a defect. Recently in 2021 I ordered a gold top. After getting it made to order when it arrived it was having a similar issue to what you said when I was bending up a whole step. Long story short I went through three gold tops until I found one that I wanted but by then it was too late I already found another guitar. (Es335). When I complained to Gibson they just didn’t care. They just said will let our quality control team know. However I do have a couple of Gibsons that I love from 2011 and 2012 one of which I bought from a guy for $400 (studio) but I feel like the decline is just so great with Gibson they’re losing too much brand loyalty.
I've been telling people for years that Epiphone and Squier have SERIOUSLY upped their game. Thanks for spreading the word.
Same I always say try the cheaper ones first might save some time and money
I love my 2 Fender Squires. A Strat and a Tele Thinline Cabronita. They play great, sound great and look great. Really, what more do you need?
The original Squiers were known to be better than the guitars Fender USA were making at the time, and one of the reasons they used the name Squier was to put people off buying 'em, as they were originally sold as Fender Japan.
@@paulbellamy2810 Japanese models are some of the best ones around if you can find them
@@deadshot4245 I know, that's why I bought one, many years ago.
I believe these companies have stopped seeing themselves as instrument makers, really. Their self image is that of luxury brands, and you know that there is no measurable value to explain a 4000$ price tag on a purse or a pair of sneakers. Gibson is probably the worst offender. Above 2500 bucks, they almost no longer have to cater to the needs of actual players. The clientele in that price bracket consists mostly of collectors or people who have decided to make money instead of honing their musical skills. These guitars are made for the display case, not the stage or studio.
possibly one of the best summaries I've seen on guitar collectors and especially modern Gibson
Have you ever played an R8, R9 or R0? I have been a very serious player for 30 years and I have never been more impressed with the playability, tone and craftsmanship than some of the stuff coming out of the Gibson custom shop. That being said, I do have a bad taste in my mouth with the way Gibson has been charging astronomical prices for their USA stuff as well as the custom shop stuff. But one thing you can’t say is that there’s no difference for a real musician above the $2500 mark because it’s just not true.
@@seanmanning892 not justified for the price point
Yes a gibson is a luxery brand today, and they make them better then ever. They also own epiphone for those who can’t or aren’t willing to pay for an american made Gibson. My j45 vintage is the best money ever spent.
After that point you're not paying for sound and playability, you're paying for luxury finishes, fancy inlays, expensive woods, and such.
I’ve never kept a Gibson. I don’t know what it is. I’ve had several Les Paul’s from standards to Murphy labs, and I always end up selling them. I’ve had an epiphone sheraton II since 2013 that has been a semi hollow work horse for me. Modded the heck out of it, but it hasn’t even sneezed yet. Just string changes. Never loses tune always sounds fantastic. I wish I knew what it was with Gibson that makes them so inconsistent
You kick ass on that Sheraton ❤️
I've had Gibson's, Custom Shop Gibsons, Murphy lab, they even flew me into Nashville to build me one to my specs.. but I still love my First Act Guitar better than all of them!
Unhappy employees that are treated poorly produces a bad product.
It took me 10 years to find the right Les Paul. When you find it you will know. My search ended after I got my 2014 R8.
I hear ya. I took a chance on a used Firebird and it absolutely rocks. I also have an SG that I loved at first (second one I've had) and I'm getting ready to sell it. Give me a Telecaster any day.
Heartful playing and mindful words - it's good to have you around, Sasha! May those in power understand ... you add to it, and this gives us hope. Thank you!
I got an epiphone sg around 5 or 6 years ago and it's amazing. I got a random email from amazon one day and it basically said they had this used sg sitting in their warehouse for $250. Which is really weird because I have never gotten an email about something specific like that from them before or since. I thought about it for a couple days and just decided to take a chance on it. I had no idea what the condition of it was, it could have been completely messed up for all I knew. It got here and I opened up the box expecting the worst...it was brand new. There wasn't a single mark on it, no cracks, nothing wrong with the neck or frets or anything. It had all the original documents, the stickers were on the pickups and the little cardboard things on the knobs pointing out the coil splitting. I put new strings on it, set the intonation and it was perfect. I had heard bad things about the stock tuners, but it holds it's tuning for an almost spooky length of time. The body vibrates like crazy when I play and it sounds incredible. The switch on it started getting touchy and it could probably use a new jack, but that's after years of daily use. It might sound weird, but I think I was meant to have this thing.
Been playing guitar for 45yrs, have a number of high end guitars. Over the last few years have purchased a number of Squire bound edge Teles & strats classic vibe, all around £400. I've also bought two 59 Epiphone Les Paul limited edition + Epiphone black custom Les Paul & an Epiphone sg Inverness green of all colours..... They play & sound fantastic....
You're a good player! Sounds like you made the right decision for you. When I bought my Gibsons (an SG and a Les Paul R8), the prices for new USAs were so high that I could get a used Custom Shop for the same price, so that's what I did. No regrets.
I got a 50s style epiphone les Paul standard used a couple of weeks ago. Absolutely love it. Got it for half the price they go for new. Thing is really impressing me. The feel of the 50s style wider neck has me and my two guitar playing epiphone les Paul owner buddies mesmerized by it. As far as tone and what all it can do, I’m pretty much in love.
i had one of these and honestly for the price they're freaking insane, only reason I got rid of it I'm more of a 335 body size than les paul but my goodness - amazing playing as always sasha
I think you're spot on. The difference in quality doesn't justify the difference in price. My very first guitar was an epi lp, I think it's time I pulled that out of it's case and get her a proper set up!
I have sent 2 Gibsons Std Les Pauls back to Sweetwater, one in 2016 and one this year. In between (2018) I purchased a Yamaha Revstar 620 - to fill the tonal needs of a Les Paul. The 620 is beautiful - built with quality parts - high level of craftsmanship - zero defects - for 1/4 the price. I still have the 620.
One thing I like about Epiphones and Squiers is they're not investments. You can trade them among your friends and bandmates, so everyone can find their best sound. All my guitars are imports. None of them were over $1000, and most of them were under $500, and they're all great instruments for creating music.
Wise words indeed. I was so stubborn for so long (without any right to be) that I wouldn't consider a Squire. I wanted a Fender Telecaster. Not even a MIM Fender could sway me... without actually playing one. Epiphones though... I've always had a Love of Epiphones. Rather, once I got rid of my Peavey Raptor (which I blamed for the fact that I didn't sound like Kenny Wayne Shepherd after a week of teaching myself guitar). Got an Epiphone Les Paul for $50 at a pawn shop, cared for it as if it were my child, and now I only turn my nose up at Garry's and... any company blatantly trying to fool people.
Gibson sells to old people who want to be their idol; they want someone who wants to be Slash or Jimmy Page, and that's why someone buys a Gibson.
@@Ten80pete until recently I was a snob about Epiphones. I've always been more into Fender/Squier and Gretsch anyway, but I was a snob about the Epiphone headstock on solid body GIbson designs. I still don't own one (and don't really need any more guitars), but I would.
I've never had the same hangup about Squiers, though, probably because I found myself in possession of a couple before I even had a chance to think about it.
The Epiphone JB Firebird 1 in tobacco burst is definitely an investment. I bought one in April 2017 new for £619 and they are going for over a grand if you can find one.
@Just J the world is swimming in Epiphones; you can get many of them for under $600. Musicians Friend and Sweetwater each have about 30 Epiphones under $600, including SGs, 335s and Les Pauls.
That said, it always pays to buy used. There is seldom a good reason to pay for a new guitar over used.
Sasha is easily becoming my favourite youtuber/ guitarist/ demoer/ reviewer/ personality for too many reasons.
Thanks Sasha!
I’ve got several Gibsons ranging from a real deal ‘55 Junior, a pair of ‘77 Les Pauls, and a few from the mid/late 2000’s. My Epi SG Special P90 is as good as those, and better than the newer Gibsons that were in my local GC. I bought a Les Paul Custom with the Koa Top and an ES-335 I’m enjoying just as much. I see no reason to spend more on the Gibson, I just love my new Epi’s.
Inspiring playing. I had one of the newer SG specials in Pelham Blue a year or so ago. I ended up selling it and I totally miss it. Should have never gotten rid of it. 😥
Thanks for the honesty and calling out the big dogs on their quality.
Thanks for those sublime dark tones bro 😎 I tried one in a shop here in a Copenhagen and was really impressed with it
🤣
I just ordered an Epiphone LP Modern a couple days ago that I'm still waiting on. Been saving up for almost half a year and it's my first guitar upgrade since starting to play 2 years ago. Epiphone really provides the same value you would get in a guitar, for a fraction of the price. I think that's the problem for Gibson, that most people just can't spend that sort of money and there are cheaper alternatives that may even be better.
Really appreciated hearing your thoughts on this subject and I couldn't agree more! Thanks for your honesty and amazing playing! I went a little different route looking for a p90 goldtop and ended up buying an Eastman. Couldn't have been happier going that route! Yes it's different but in an amazing way! The Lollar p90s sound incredible and I ended up with a superior handmade guitar at a fraction of the price. I really love the epiphone line as well and will be considering a purchase in the near future.
Eastmans are in a class of their own. Here in Australia, even the highest-end SB-59/v model - a hand-made, carved-top, tastefully aged guitar with custom Lollar pickups is cheaper than a Gibson Standard - about the same price as a Gibson Les Paul Studio. The workmanship is custom shop quality, with features you'd pay thousands more for on a Gibson - one-piece mahogany body, flamed maple top, one-piece mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard, and to top it off, they're light - below 8 pounds (3.6 kg) in weight. Plus their attention to detail on things like the nut and the fretwork is miles ahead of Gibson.
When my local store was convincing me to give Eastman a go, I had a go of their SB-56 - the P90-equipped gold top you bought. It's what convinced me to go for the 59 equivalent. A year-plus later, and it's still the best guitar I bought (though my beloved '96 Mex Strat is probably tied). As far as Epiphones go, I had a 2006 LP Custom for a number of years, but hardly ever played it. Gave it to the store I got my Eastman from so they could give it away to someone who lost their guitar in the floods here earlier this year.
I think if I buy another guitar, unless they re-release the Epiphone G1275 again, it will probably be one of Eastman's thinline 335-style guitars.
@@dangeorge809 Very charitable of you, donating your guitar to a flood victim. If you live on the east coast, you may have to donate another, given the flooding that's going on right now. ✌️🇦🇺
@@dangeorge809 couldn't agree more about the class Eastman sits in! I was originally on a waiting list for one of their double cut juniors when the goldtop popped up as an open box deal that I couldn't pass up. Glad to hear others feel as strongly about them as I do! Cheers from across the pond 🍻
Agreed. I'll be going this way too. I recently tried to buy a Gibson ES-335. When I went to pick it up the neck was warped (the wood was twisted-not a truss rod issue) and there was sawdust all over the guitar.
A few days ago I purchased my first electric guitar, a used Epiphone LP Traditional Pro 2010 made in China. I'm no expert on electric guitars, coming from a classical background (guitar, and violin) and I'm really impressed by the quality of the guitar!!! It sounds amazing, has coil splitting, and came with a gibson chainsaw hard case, new strings and a strap, all that for around 390 usd. I think it is a steal, I restored the case (was a bit dirty and scratched) and the guitar has almost no sign of use, as far as I know i'm the 3rd owner and it was taken care well enough by the last owner. Excessively happy with it, just today i played like 8 hours making many solos that i always wanted to play but couldn't on a classical guitar, be it because of the shape, sound, etc. 100/10 can recommend.
I’ve been playing Epiphone guitars for over 10 years and love the brand and have been more than happy with 8/10 guitars I’ve owned. I can’t justify or afford Gibson prices here in Australia either. The new inspired by Gibson range is the best yet and the squiers are high quality as well.
Fabulous playing, so much expression ! Man you are great musician.
I just got an Epiphone SG, and it blew my Gibson USA Standard SG out of the water.
The $2k Gibson wouldn’t even stay in tune when strummed hard, it had a tektoid nut instead of Graphtek/bone, I didn’t care for the way the pickups were voiced for the body, and I ended up replacing everything on it, except for the neck, frets, body and lacquer 😂
In comparison, this Epiphone SG priced at 899 doesn’t need any mods, is super-stable, and sounds great stock. It arrived totally in tune, and well-intonated with a perfect set up. The frets need a bit of polish, the middle position didn’t work initially (but once I opened the cavity and moved some wires around that came right back). I should also mention one of the knobs was broken upon arrival, but that’s a cheap fix.
Great video, Sasha! I think you have a valid point and I hope makers are listening.
Thanks, Sean! What I often hear brands saying is how guitars lose their factory setup during shipping. Like you say, your Epiphone arrived with a perfect set-up and Gibson puts the responsibility of setting up the guitars with the retailers.
Sasha -> YOU ARE A STEAZ MACHINE!! Make every riff sound stellar
I'm too much of a novice to justify spending Gibson money but man I just got one of these Epi's yesterday and I'm over the moon with it. 7lb 6oz and feels great 🙌🏻 been thinking about for over a year. Glad I pulled the trigger. Thanks for the great videos as always
The beautiful guitar playing at the start sounds like a soft spoken conversation. I absolutely love it
I've owned almost a dozen Gibson models over the past 30 years. Mostly Les Pauls. I currently own 3 new Epiphone guitars, 2 Les Pauls and a new SG. They are just as good, if not better, than any of the Gibson models that I've owned, and I'm having a blast playing them all. The new Epiphone 1959 Les Paul is an outstanding instrument.
I understand that everyone's experiences are different, and quality can, and often does, vary from example to example. Last night, I played a friend's 2021 Gibson Les Paul Standard 50's, and was completely bowled over by how much I liked it.
Sorry. Your a liar.
@@Arthur.in.the.Fridge I'm a guitar dealer, Einstein.
@@Zoso981 So am I, Bozo.
And I have been since 1988.
Epiphones are fraught with sloppy workmanship and problems, and any guitar dealer who's paying attention should know that.
@@Arthur.in.the.Fridge Yeah, ok
I absolutely agree with you. I first noticed that with a Squier compared to a Fender. I was dreaming of a real Fender… not anymore, except for the new models from this year, and then I won’t pay the price they sell these new ones. Gibson was not that bad when I began to try some Les Paul models, but the price was too high. So I began to try some Epiphone LP and was very surprised of the overall quality, specially at the price they are sold. And there are even many Epiphone models not available from Gibson.
I just picked up a Squier Paranormal Nashville Strat. It came out of the box perfectly set up and plays great. The fit and finish are suburb as well. I also own and Epiphone Special 2 and love it. For me it will be Squier and Epiphone for all my needs in the future:-)
I picked up a used 2020 Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60's for $325 back in December 2020 and it's my baby. It was listed as used but it looked new to me. I love that guitar. So, in 2022 I went over to Sweetwater and picked up an Epiphone Les Paul Special in TV Yellow. The quality of these guitars is excellent. It's like we are in the golden age of Epiphone. Now that I think about it, all the so called "budget guitars" are showing a level of quality that was unheard of years ago.
Lovely playing mate.....Thank-you for the vid,I'm in the market to buy another epi lp,owned two....but had to sell them.....but now I'm in a place to get one....love the sound of the special👍🏻
I love my Gibson Les Paul Junior. It's good that there are alternatives at various prices.
I bought the same Les Paul Special and I love it! And the best thing about that price point is that you don't have to be scared to make it your own. I sanded my neck with steel wool to a nice satin finish which feels and plays great and I treated the fingerboard with dark Montypresso guitar wax which have it a nice rosewood like color! I love that guitar! Just plays amazing
Great display of that instrument. The intonation and your playing ability just maximizes how good that particular guitar can be. No matter what, serious string musicians buy their instruments based on what their hands feel and what their ears hear. By doing so they find the tools that bring the best out of them (playing, creativity, connection with the craft, and most importantly...feeling good). Sasha, you did just that and got yourself one great instrument.
Not saying it is not a good instrument but be mindful he is using a 2500$ amp on which any guitar would end up sounding good or very decent. Also the thousand dollar chain of boutique pedals and top notch recording gear helps bringing the best out of it. And of course he plays great.
@@jejehimself851 no doubt the gear he is using is of the highest quality. Nothing beats trying out the guitar yourself of course. But that being said, if you buy based on what you feel and hear, you may find yourself buying a guitar that you wouldn't have if you bought with your eyes (what the headstock says).
About 6 months ago I bought an Epiphone ES 339 Inspired by Gibson. I wanted an ES 335 style guitar like my previous one, but smaller. The Gibson ones were too expensive for me. So I got the Epiphone model instead. I wasn't disappointed in it at all. The hardware has been upgraded to what is on Gibson's and so have the electronics. At $549.00 the price definitely more affordable. It looks great, sounds great and plays great too.
I got the same guitar about a year ago and love it, Epiphones are just awesome instruments, next in my list is the Casino.
I hear tears in heaven in the first part of that.
Really sweet playing and fantastic sounding guitar! 🎸👊😁
I also own this LP Special, a 2020; it was mostly modded when I bought it earlier this year, but even stock, it plays and sounds amazing! You really get a lot of bang for a little buck with this guitar!
Harley Benton are also turning out some incredible instruments, their LP junior and Telecaster/Strat range are damned fine guitars and the finishes are superb. Nice playing Sasha.
I owe a LOT to those Harley Benton Guitars. I just randomly found out about them at the end of 2019, and shortly after a bunch of research, i took the leap and ordered 2 of them. The CST-24T and a TE-70RW.... I was very very shocked how legit really damn decent for the money they were. Over the next 2.5 years, i ended up purchasing a total of 11 MORE Harley Benton's. Granted 2 of them were purchased for friends, because I of course HAD TO show the Harley Benton guitars i was getting, and sure enough it wasn't long before they were picking one out off Thomann's site to purchase.
Most all of the ones i purchased were very much worth every penny and then some. I didnt need, or want to, return any of them, and one got a small dent during shipping. Sure a couple of them weren't Crazy AMAZING, but with a little personal touches and a minor mod or upgrade or two; those not super "amazing" ones turned out to be total keepers and great players. Most of them are fantastic though.
I do wish they would put a little more effort into making quality affordable guitars, and not these $400+/- "higher end" type guitars, like their Fusion ones. Not that those Fusion Guitars aren't good, or a good value or worth the money, I just really think their $100-200 guitars they focused more on 2-4 years ago is what really made them so popular and got people buying them. Not many people are going to spend $350-$450+ on a Guitar from a brand they dont know much about, or as a beginner. BUT, plenty of people are much more likely to spend $130 plus $30 shipping (like it used to be) on a guitar that has tons and tons of great reviews. Lot less of a risk. I feel most folks who buy those Fusions and other $350 plus Harley Bentons, already own one of the lesser spendy Harley Bentons.
I do have a couple few legit high end guitars (core prs, gibson, fender), and i love some of my Harley Benton's that i have customized a little just as much or more than some of my high end ones.
Getting a Harley Benton and doing a little of personal customization and upgrading a few parts here and there usually results in a really really really great guitar for just about any average person.
@@Exsomos 11 harley bentons = half the price of one gibson 💀💀
…just came across this. Great playing/insights on this. Was thinking of getting this guitar and modding it as well. Good stuff man!👍🏾
Great stuff. Own two epiphone. The les paul 59 outfit, and the es 335 inspired by Gibson. Love them both. Did need some upgrades tho
I find it difficult to fork over thousands of dollars to have the Gibson name on the headstock of my guitar when Epiphone turns out such well made guitars. I've found a couple used Korean LPs and upgraded them both to my spec for under a grand...for both. I don't forsee my vanity taking over my brain and buying a Gibson. Great vid.
this is a hard one. I bought an Epiphone SG 2 years ago. I just bought the same SG in the Gibson USA brand, not a custom.
I still own both, in my case, even though the epiphone plays amazing, there's a big difference with the sound and feel of the Gibson. It's just better, but not $2000 better.
I like Epiphones, I have a Casino and I love it.
I have a 96’ Epiphone Les Paul made in Korea. It’s fantastic and has been since the day I bought it. It was maybe $500 back then, even my teacher who was a Gibson guy for sure, loved it. Even back then. Taking lessons again now, and the new teacher said the same. Had to get a new switch installed eventually and I changed the tuners because both the Gibson and Epiphone plastic tuners are horrendous. That made it 10x better.
In 2012 I bought a 97 Les Paul studio for $800 off Ebay. Through time I changed certain parts and now I feel it's as good or better than most Les Paul's.
i want a studio too, im looking for those with gold hardware and ebony fretboard, doesnt matter the color if its black or red wine, i just love it
I just bought an Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s out of their “inspired by” range. I was so impressed by it. In my experience the more expensive guitars have more time spent on the necks - better fret ends, hand rolling, etc. However, more affordable guitar makers are realizing this and putting more time into the necks and making them play so good. Does a Gibson have a nice nitro finish and some beautiful tops? Yes. But the vast majority of people can’t differentiate them tonally and nobody in the audience cares. When I bought my Epi I played some 3k Heritage LP guitars - the tops were absolutely gorgeous and the neck great, but it essentially sounded the same as the Epi. And if that doesn’t happen to be the case you can replace the pickups with high end PAF replicas, have the frets literally replaced and the fretboard hand rolled AND still have an extra $1500.
Lordy - you are one of the few who play with feel. So rare. Beautiful rendition - I want more.
Man that Tears in Heaven bit..lovely as always.
Anyway, I have been gravitating towards this exact model for almost two years now, might give myself a favour if I happen to find a good deal on Black Friday
My '21 Epiphone LP Standard 50s is amazing. I did put a set of Seymour Duncan 59s a friend sent me that he modded with alnico 2s, and it is awesome. It has CTS pots, and the stock pups were great. I definitely would put mine up against a Gibson tribute, and maybe even a Standard. I've played the Gibson standards and I was not impressed. I want one of those Specials, too.
When you consider nitro finish, rosewood board and better pickups (sometimes pots, switches and jacks as well) it basically covers a lot of that price gap. You can pay $500 just for a nitro refinish alone. Of course quality control, usa made and more hands on detail is a cost as well
I had 4 epiphone guitars in my life and loved them all.
Still own 2.
I changed 6 Gibson SG from 2006 to 2019.
I kept the last one ( and I love it ) from 2019 after trying 4 of them in the shop.
Still I was…. I am and always will be a stratomaniac!
But still I’ll be always out for something that catches me…..
no matter what name has on it 🙌😂
Great guitar,playing and video btw 👌🔝❤️
I bought a mint Gibson Les Paul Studio for €700 and I regret nothing. Out of my Burny and Epiphone, the Gibson is the best guitar. It just resonates and feel very nice due to the satin finish also the wood is just beatifull and I did not have to change the pickups. If I were to buy another les paul style guitar I would probably go with a Japanese Tokai for like €1300.
700 is a fair price though.
I got a brand new Epi LP Special when it was $399 USD and it has been a stellar instrument. I love mine. Thanks for sharing.
I bought an Epiphone Les Paul Modern this summer while in Nashville and I'd have to ask the question as to how could a Gibson Les Paul be any better. I'm truly in love with my guitar. It looks and plays amazing.
I also own the Epiphone Gold Glory Jared James Nichols Les Paul....and its truly a hotrod. Fantastic beast!!
I own an Epiphone Les Paul, an Epi 335, and an Epi Viola (Beatle) bass. They are fun guitars for just playing at home. Combined, they cost less than a single Gibson/Hofner of the equivalent type.
What you say is so true, just purchased a Epi 59 and it’s a really nice guitar, build quality is as good as a Gibson. I have 3 Schecter diamond series, as far as I am concerned the quality of Schecter is far better than Gibson and Fender, they need to up their quality and lower their price, a company can’t ride on the past, consumers are wising up !
Gibson is like a Family with lots of money.. As time goes by, no one who made the Gibson Brand what it has been is still there.. This causes degradation over time, by descendants who no longer care about the quality!! They care only about their quarterly earnings, and raise prices that are already too high for lesser quality!! I would love to be in charge of their production Facilities......
come for the title, stayed for the playing
I have been playing since 1976. I tend to play Gibson, but like other brands. I owned an Epiphone in high school. I can tell you now Epiphone, for the price, is hard to beat! If you are not a professional or really good, get an Epiphone. If money isn’t an issue, get a Gibson. In general, guitars under 500 are junk. 500 to 1,000 is the sweet spot! Happy playing!!!
I picked up this guitar at my local guitar center used for 350 after a saw your review…and your 100% right! I love it!!! I could have easily gotten the Gibson version but in this day and age why spend the extra money for a guitar that’s not that much better. I plan on upgrading the electronics and pickups. Even as is right now I love the tones I get out of this guitar. Love it! Thanks for the review and inspiring me to pick one up.
I played an epi LP Special about 3 weeks ago with p90s and was blown away. Thought I was crazy for awhile! I wasn’t in he market at the time, but I might just go grab one before the price goes up.
I was having a similar dilemma earlier this month. I always dreamed of getting a Les Paul and was finally in a place in life where I could comfortably swing getting one and ended up with an Epiphone for the exact reasons you described. They had such a bad reputation when I first started playing (back in 2001) and the one I have now is arguably one of the best playing instruments that I have ever owned. There is so much history with Gibson that you hate to see where it is at the moment in terms of its quality control, marketing, and the focus being on what the financial ROI is on a Gibson rather than playing one. One could say its their price point, but other high end makers (PRS for example) seem to manage just fine...I guess only time will tell if my grandkids will be dreaming of a Gibson guitar or not.
I was given an Epiphone 2017 Traditional Pro ll in the Ocean Blue color. A fantastic guitar in every way! I have owned several Gibson LPs and ended up selling them. I love my Epiphone!
I've had a number of Strats over the years - MIA, MIJ, MIK, etc. My Squier Simon Neal signature is by far the best of the bunch. My MIK Epi Dot, outplays my Memphis-built 335. My Epi 339 is a workhorse. My Gibsons generally just sit in their cases; my Epiphones are the ones that get the gigs.
Very nice playing, Sasha.
I bought this guitar a few days ago!!
Agreed, the new Squier Affinity line is great as well. I got the Jazzmaster with strat bridge. A lot of guitar for €250. Gotta replace the pick-ups tho
I don't agree with everything you say in this video but man, I am impressed by the quality of the new Epiphones. I have a Epiphone SG Classic Worn with P90 Pickups. I pay 200 bucks on the used marked and wanted to leave this thing in our rehearsal room as a backup guitar for my 1968 Gibson SG Special. But man, it sounds, plays and feels absolutely amazing for the money. I can't believe it, how close it comes to my Vintage Gibson. I have a comparison video on my channel so you can make up your own mind. I just cannot leave the guitar in the rehearsal room now, because I enjoy this thing so much.
I'm with you. I own way too many guitars of all makes. I have two Epiphone /Gibson on the neck /headstock. It's been a while.
I also have a vintage less Paul Special but I'm telling you I can tell. Mine are amazing and you will not tell or my Epiphone
I’m no connoisseur, but my 335 built in ‘21 is just an insane joy to play. Beautiful sound, resonant, pickups that reward using the control knobs; it’s great.
Excellent, Excellent, Excellent demo and review. Loved every note that you played!
You give love. And you deserve love. Thank you for what you give us. Just thank you.
I have a 1987 Les Paul custom (cherry sunburst) and it's a dream. Feels and plays great. I can thank dumb luck.....they sold for about a grand to eleven hundred dollars in the late eighties. A Les Paul standard went for about 800.00. It was my first purchase from my first job. I was young and idolized Jimmy Page. Never mind his wasn't a custom LP, I didn't know the difference then nor did I have an idea of my preferences in a guitar, a music style, etc. I was just a kid who bought one the moment I saved enough money. I remember calling in sick to go 48th St. in Manhattan (the entire street is music stores). I literally barely tried the guitar, didn't do much more than hold it. It's nice to have today but probably more than I need as a mere hobbyist. But, no other guitar feels the same. I try and try different guitars when I have time to waste in a music store and nothing compares.
I own this guitar, it's 🔥🔥🔥. I just changed the wrap around bridge so I can adjust the intonation on each string easier and now it's perfect!
What bridge model did you replace it with?
Just played this guitar today. It is heavenly!!😅 fretwork is great. It’s a heck of a steal
Totally agree Sasha. Just bought the same model and was blown away by the fit, finish and neck. I’m far from a Gibson hater but having played both brand’s LP Specials, there’s no way I could justify the additional £1250 for the Gibson. As an Epiphone admirer, I have no problem looking down at that headstock either. A totally solid and vibey guitar..
I still remember something I read in a guitar forum a long time ago. This guy said "All guitars are worth $300. What you pay depends on the headstock". Probably a gross generalisation, which needs to be adjusted for inflation, but I thought there was a lot of truth to that statement and I think this is still the case all these years later.
First time visiting your channel, and boy oh boy what lovely sounds you got out of that little axe there!
As for the "Why?"... Most, if not all, guitar manufacturers are suffering from the massive demand that was generated when we all got locked-up in our homes during the Covid lockdown.
Dealers were starting to sell like crazy and seeing their stock depleting as people all over the world started spending the additional time, as well as money, they found themselves with playing around with guitars (that, if we look at it from an instrument point of view.)
Due to supply chain issues being what they were, ones the world started to move around a little more the factories started producing as fast as they could to meet the demand... ergo, sloppy final control et al.
I would think that it'll take a good 2 years before things start mellowing down--currently most big manufacturers are slowing down their production, just look at the lay-offs with Fender, and little by little these companies will go back to focusing on producing great quality instruments again.
I'm all in on Eastman. I have 3 so far. Quality and value.
I once owned a Gibson Les Paul custom. I now own a 21 Epi LP custom and I gotta say it’s damn near close to the Gibson I had.
I got a brand new this week on an absolute bargain - around 300 USD - and I'm mesmerized by the huge quality for such low price. The finishes are great, and sound wise... those p90 are fabulous!
Awesome vibe 🫶🏼the playing in the beginning
I hear alot about how Epiphone have massively upped their game since changing the head stock, with that change alone proving very popular. But even the older Epiphone guitars seem to be of good quality. I have a Korean made Les Paul Black Beauty that is and has always been an awesome guitar.
I own the the 2020 Epiphone Special. great guitar! I did have to do some fret leveling but after that the only complaint I have is the thick poly finish.
Bought this guitar, it sound amazing and looks great.
Nice playing man, nice feeel... :) I´m looking for a les paul , epi 59 outfit probably.
Very inspiring and friendly, simple video, you made me want to try a Special like that. Subscribed!
Great video! You point out that the new Epiphones are really well made, and I’ve got the LP Special you’re playing here. Yeah it’s as good as the Gibson imo, and I’ve played a lot of Gibsons over the years. Sure, the Gibsons are made in the USA, but the Asian manufacturing has gotten much better recently. Guitars made in the states have to be more expensive because the cost of living there(here) is more expensive than it is in Asia.
I think it has a lot to do with the feelings. Sometimes I just feel more comfortable with a good cheap guitar than with a good expensive guitar, especially on stages where I don't have to constantly supervise my guitar during breaks. In fact, guitars between €400-600 have become amazingly good, especially Ibanez, Epiphone and Squier, and play well straight out of the box. With a few adjustments and upgrading the pickups if necessary, you can still improve and still have spent less than half of a Gibson. The other day I looked at my Gibson Les Paul and played it, and I noticed that the intonation was very poorly adjusted, including the height of the bridge. My Squier and Epiphones were usually very well adjusted from the factory. Still, I have to say that the general quality of the higher priced instruments is usually better (but not always). Moreover, they often have that mojo, whereas some inexpensive guitars have something "plastic-like" (mostly because of the varnish)... As I have written many times before: You also have to consider the working conditions and wages of the workers. Wages in the US are better, there is insurance and good working conditions and health protection. Whether this is always the case in Asia, I dare to doubt. Nature conservation and sustainability also play a role. Therefore, some price always has to be paid ;-) Sometimes not immediately! But I don't mean to say that a Chinese worker doesn't work better than a US worker or vice versa. In the end, I am a customer and want a reasonable product. By the way: I could compare a Gibson Nighthawk (special deal from Thomann 1000 €) with an Epiphone Nighthawk (about 399 €, which Ive bought first) and must say that the Gibson was way better. The Epi was not bad but in the direct comparison the Gibson PU's sounding more open and not as muddy as the Epi. On the other hand: Is it worth the double price? In this case yes, because 1000 € for a Gibson is ok.
I bought one of these in the second run of them. The neck angle was off enough that the stud bridge had to be set pretty high to get the action right and to clear the frets. I sent it back and got a replacement. It had a better neck angle and even thought the bridge still sits a little high for my tastes, I decided to keep it. The overall build quality, other than the neck angle issues, is very good. The fingerboard wood feels fine, although it took a while to wear the black dye off enough that it didn't leave my fingertips all black when I played it. Really, the only design complaint I have is that the headstock is larger that it needs to be and the added length gives the guitar a "spankier" sound because the overall string length is longer than on the actual Gibson version. I doubt if many of these will be around in 20 years because those longer headstocks are going to break off even easier that the Gibsons if the guitar falls over backwards.
I also bought the real Gibson model shortly after the Epi. I was surprised that the neck was not as thick as the Epi. I like the thicker neck profile. I ended up sending the Gibson back. The one I got was in the cherry finish that I love, but the 2-piece body was not well matched at all and they bugged the Hell of of me. Looked like crap to me. I've bought a bunch of imports with Mahogany bodies that are either one piece or the grain is matched good enough that it looks like one piece. The Gibson looked mis-matched from 20 feet away. I was going to order a replacement and hope for the best, but by that time the price had gone up so much that I thought - screw it, I'll just wait and find a used one at some point....
Anyway, the Epi has gone up too since I bought mine, but is still a great value. The P-90s are a little more "piano" sounding, but I really like them. I'll just try to be careful with that headstock vulnerability and enjoy the instrument for what it is.
Have been incredibly happy w Eastman SB56 and SB59. As good as any Gibson R series I have played
Great components. Light! (The holy grail feature of reissues) and looo amazing w the varnish finish.
Also great to pick them up at 1/4 the price of equivalent Gibson
My Eastman t486 was blown away by a 2020 built Gibson 345 standard. We all have different opinions.
I had an SB59 and still own an SB56. Both fantastic guitars.
That being said, the new Gibson Standards I've played the last 2-3 yrs have all pretty much been great feeling and playing instruments.
@@johnlawrence3170 agree! The quality of epiphone and even more Eastman is great. But honestly, I don t know where all these people find poor quality Gibsons an Fenders. I played quite a lot of them in shops. Very consistent excellent quality. What we pay is up for debate. But what we pay is of course labour cost, labour conditions, environmental and other laws. China is not the west. Heck we bought cheap gas from Russia for years...well here we are now..🙂
Eastman have always been amazing "sleeper" brand of guitars. Another company like that for acoustic guitars is Sigma. I picked up a rosewood back and sides Sigma acoustic for 200 bucks at a pawn shop because the management there didn't bother looking into what they had when they didn't recognize the name on the headstock.
I bought this guitar bc of this video. Absolutely correct, thing hits way above its price range. But thank you for sharing your opinion and impressions of this thing. My only complaint is the pickup switch feels cheap, but easily fixable
I hear what you're saying but... I still prefer seeing Gibson on the headstock. Yes, I am fully aware of the build equality between the two but I just can't do it. I'll always be a Gibby guy.
I did not know you had your channel. Always watched you on the other and liked your reviews and your playing. I am now a subscriber. I totally agree and I may be the only person but rather have a nice urethane paint job.
Sasha I have share in your insight. For 2 years I have been on journey of discovery of guitars vs brand after selling my vintage Gibson LP. After playing over 50 Gibsons I chose an Epiphone 2018 standard pro 60's and an Eastman SB59 as my No. 1 & No.2 guitars. I still hunt for a Gibson that equals these two, alas still not found one that is not extraordinary money. The Custom shop 60's unburst was great but it was $12,000!. The journey continues.....
I own 5 Epiphone guitars amongst others (Gibsons as well). Every single one had to go to my guitar tech first until they were really good to play. I have also the one Epiphone Les Paul Special. A very good guitar. But when you play the real deal, you will feel the difference immeditately.
I have a beautiful 2022 Epiphone Lucille and, aside from the electronics perhaps needing a little upgrading, I would happily put it up against any Gibson ES style guitar out there!!
Man. That intro… wow. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
My last two Les Paul's were Epiphones, and both have been fantastic. My Epiphone Jared James Nichols "Old Glory" is better than all of my Gibsons.
For reference, I have played actively for 35 years and have owned close to a hundred guitars. I used to be a "Made in USA" snob, but now I just find good base models and mod the crap out of them. However, Epiphone has stepped up their game tremendously with CTS circuitry, excellent pickups, Grover tuners, etc, so not much to mod! Frets need polish, that's basically it.
Well said,I agree %100, I have a few EPI's and they are excellent.
My son and I have a 1979 Greco LP Standard 700 and a late 80's Greco SG Standard and we have no want for a Gibson anymore. We get to try out a lot of different Gibson's at our local used shop and we have only come across 1 or 2 Gibson's that fulfilled what we expect to get for their prices which were about $2,000 (used). I have a 2004 Korean Epiphone Les Paul Standard that feels pretty good in the hands and is really resonate unplugged, I upgraded all the writing and put in Seymour Duncan 59's and 👌. I also just swapped out the original bridge for a Wilkinson bridge that's a lot beefier.
I have a newish epiphone gold top 1959. It is excellent quality and the fit and finish is impeccable. The resonance is super.
Great video Sasha, are you going to upload the video moding this one? Would be great to see the full potential of the guitar. I'm thinking on swaping the pickups on mine.
Thanks for this great content!
Epiphones are insane today. Super cool guitars and your LP Special is a great example.
I tell you what, I’ve actually returned more Gibsons than I’ve owned. As a left-hander I have to get mine ordered in the first one I ordered was in 2012. When it arrived it wasn’t the finish I ordered, but the funny part is the version of black that it was it was either satin black or gloss black I forget which. It was a colour they didn’t even put out that year which means someone sent it out with a defect. Recently in 2021 I ordered a gold top. After getting it made to order when it arrived it was having a similar issue to what you said when I was bending up a whole step. Long story short I went through three gold tops until I found one that I wanted but by then it was too late I already found another guitar. (Es335). When I complained to Gibson they just didn’t care. They just said will let our quality control team know. However I do have a couple of Gibsons that I love from 2011 and 2012 one of which I bought from a guy for $400 (studio) but I feel like the decline is just so great with Gibson they’re losing too much brand loyalty.