I've just bought the Epiphone, the build quality is spot on and the way it plays and sounds is incredible, well worth buying I would recommend to anyone wanting an LP.
They both sound great, just depends on your budget. I'd be happy with the Epi, but happier with the Gibson. Dream guitar; Slash model in Anaconda burst!
That's my thoughts also. I'll be buying a Les Paul in the next few weeks and trying to decide if I want to go for the Gibson(Slash model or maybe the Blueberryburst classic), if I decide on the Epi it'll be the custom model in black. If I'm between the two its the Gibson Studio in Smokehouse burst.
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses probably get a good set up as well and you’ll be getting pretty close I’d imagine. I bought the Gibson but I plan on keeping for the rest of my life so I just wanted to have the real deal.
I wonder how close would the Epi's sound get to the Gibson if you just melted out the wax potting of the stock Epiphone pickup. Because what I'm hearing is that the wax makes the pickup sound very muffled compared to the unpotted Gibson ones.
Epiphone, hands down. And I am a proud Gibson owner. The money that Gibson is charging these days is just ridiculous. I bought my Les Pauls back in the 90's.
I'm listening with some decent headphones and I honestly can't tell any noticeable difference. If you can, great everyone deserves to have their preferences. I have one of the new Epi LP standards plekd and setup perfect and I love it. Wish I had known these were coming out tho I would have maybe waited. Cool guitars, love Epi and Gibson.
Props to Gibson for doing everything they can to improve and promote the Epiphone line. The better Epiphone gets, the fewer American guitars Gibson will sell, but since they own Epiphone it all works out.
@@MikaHakkinen83 you don't understand basic economics. If something sells less, it goes down in price to make it sell more. And selling less doesn't make them "rare." Gibson still produced 400k of them. If it sits at your house or on the Gibson shelf, it's not rare. Lol
@@bikeman1x11 If you mean that they're produced for different groups of people, I agree. And I'd agree that the Gibsons are mostly better guitars. But they're not four times better, and they are four times the cost.
Nice to see the beautiful guitars. I've said this before, it is impossible to hear differences in pick up tones on you tube especially when the pickups are similar.
I have both of these. Trust me! Epi and gibson are different. There are some factors like wood material, electronic system, bridge setting, etc. Even though epiphone has Seymour duncan pickups, you cant get harmonic feelings like gibson les paul.
I can tottaly agree with you, owning a lot of Gibson Les Pauls from the past down to only one left. Even playing vintage ones. I also, own quite a few Epiphones. Epiphone has come a very long way and that's great. Still, It is not a Gibson. Even in Gibson alone, they can be different. You can buy a Gibson Les Paul Standard it will not compare To a Gibson custom shop model. It is in the woods, feel and the details. A neck by itself can sound different. I personally have sold a lot of Epiphones to buy a Gibson custom shop 58' yes, a lot more money but also a lot more guitar. When I used to own a Jimmy Page signature Les Paul, a custom black beauty, and a 68' custom shop reissue, you can feel and hear the difference. I missed those guitars so much that I had to get a custom shop again. if we only care about price, we would mostly own Epiphones to save money. I care more for the details, feel, and sound.
The Older Epiphones have the Seymour Duncan’s. These new ones are head and shoulders above the old Epis except for the pickups. Very weird why Slash pickups are not in Slash signature Epiphones.
I have Gibson Les Pauls but have recently started buying some of the Epiphone Les Pauls . I have one Epiphone LP from the 90’s and it’s great but the electronics arnt as good as the Epiphone LP they sell now . I just picked up this Slash model last week and am very pleased . I have several Gibson LP from the early 1990’s and would not trade them for anything but I do love the price , quality and the looks of the EPI LP range they have now .
Kris, Hello my friend so great to see and hear from you again. I'm a big Epiphone fan. I have several Epi LPs and am very happy with the sound. Proof you don't need to dump the bank account for a quality guitar. Gibson is always going to be amazing but so is the cost. Great Slash guitars. You played fantastic. Guillome sounded great. I'm happy with Epi no matter the slight tone difference. Thanks Thomann
With an electric guitar it's not just a matter of raw tone, it's the feel. You can't tell from TH-cam videos, if you have the opportunity go to a store and try both, even when unplugged, you'll notice a big difference between both guitars.
That's how I choose my guitars. I pick them up and play them unplugged. Run through a few scales and chords. If they don't feel just right I put them back and keep looking. I've put back guitars I drooled over because they just didn't feel right.
@@cosmicbro1973 there's a big difference in my experience, when I play my epi Les Paul and then my gibson Les Paul there's a big difference, the epi is good, but the gibson is so resonant and it's so loud unplugged that I can hear the strings when I'm playing with headphones or studio monitors. They feel different, they sound different and they look different.
So true, you will notice it unplugged the moment you ring a chord or note. it you are satisfied with the Epi? that's great, if not spend the money to get a Gibson. If you say well, its 3x's the price? you might end up selling a lot of Epi's like I did lol. I'm very happy I experienced both because out of it all, The Gibson Custom shop 58' of mine is a keeper. I missed my Jimmy Page signature, 1980 Custom Black Beauty, and a 68' reissue I used to own. I'd rather spend the money and love it than say it was just ok.
I'm so impressed by this comparison you two did here. First off you were set up on the same amps with the same settings, Same pickup height add you played the same thing on both, And yes I hear a difference, I own a Epiphone Slash and love it. Mine is set up perfect and has very smooth frets, the intonation is spot on and would be hard to tell in a blind test to the Gibson....The things I hear is in the distortion the Gibson had a fuller warmer tone. After see your video I'm thinking on upgrading my pickups to the Gibson Slash’s “Scully” signature ones. Is it a Gibson, by no means, there are no fret nubs. It has a veneered maple top versus Gibson's 5/8 inch top . Epiphones 1/2 inch maple cap that is veneered with a high quality veneer so depends on the guitar. And the fretboard is a different wood Epiphone's Indian Laurel fretboard versus Gibson's Rosewood fretboard . It is also like you said 3 time cheaper to buy the Epiphone. I bought the Epiphone because I play in bars and have had my guitars with 3 failed theft attempts. I have been lucky so far, but I bought the Epiphone because it is so close and if it gets stolen from a stage it is a little easier on my pocket book, about 3 times easier.
I'd probably take 3 different color in the Epiphone Range rather than the Gibson... Even tho the Gibson is a better guitar ! I dont think it is 3 times better :P
Played both at a local guitar shop the other day. The Epiphone was the gold top and the Gibson was the Vermillion Burst. I really liked the custom neck profile on them. Best part about them to me. Kinda like a '60's neck with a little more meat on it without getting as fat as the '50's version. The Gibson was for sure nicer to look at as a true flame top (and this one in particular was a really nice one), but the Epiphone was very well made. Very well made. At $900 (including a hard case), for me is pushing it considering I would have to swap the pickups out for something else to better suit my tastes. Sounds silly to buy a Slash signature model to not sound like Slash, I know. I have a '59 LP reissue on order (if it ever gets here...) and really want to check that one out before considering any other purchases. If that ends up going back, I will for sure consider the Slash LP.
@@marktheregulardude8651 They actually ended up coming in on the same day. I ordered the Slash from Sweetwater thinking the R9 would never get here and I got an email from American Musical Supply (I wanted the Southern Fade finish that is supposed to be exclusive to them) letting me know it was on the way about an hour after confirming my order with the Sweetwater rep on the phone. I couldn't help but laugh. I think the Slash was a little bit better built of the two. The R9... The pots and such work better than any guitar I've ever owned, but I don't know. I just don't seem to have a bond with it. Strongly considering selling it. Not in love with the Gibson Burst Buckers either. Very high on the mids and lows. They're good and clear, but don't know if they're for me either. I might just need to spend a little more time with it. I often wonder if it's due to not winning the flame top mail order lottery. I don't hate the flame, but I've seen a lot better tops posted on various media sites. Again not horrible, but I doubt I would've picked it at the store. I am really picky on flames, veneer or true. I still go to my Gibson the most. Maybe put her in the case for a while and out of sight, out of mind? LOL
@Jeremy Miller thank you so much for the response! Hope you are enjoy them both! Really appreciate the feedback, trying to consider both epi's for a purchase and this definitely helps. Might have to play them more often at the store to get a feel
@Mark TheRegularDude I'd definitely play them both at the store. Luckily, they're not similar feeling or sounding, so it might help you pick one over the other. Lemme throw another wrench in the gears. I saw a deal on a new Epiphone Les Paul Custom that I couldn't pass up. I like it better than both of them. Plays really well. Pickups are just ok, but those are easily replaced. If I keep the Slash, I have an old project guitar with a really nice EMG setup that I will swap out along with blacking out the hardware. The R9. I am looking at the SD '59 set, but that's adding a considerable amount of money to a guitar that I might not keep. They did a good job on the C shape neck. I held a Murphy Lab in my hands, and it was really close. The sales tax alone on that thing was probably more than my guitar. So, yes, play them both until you find yours! Please try the Custom as well. Epiphone really did a good job.
Honestly the biggest difference for me is the flame maple on the Gibson anaconda burst, that one looks way better than the epiphone one, aside from that the sound difference despite being noticeable is pretty minor, counting down the days until I can get my gold top slash epiphone, wanted a slash gold top since I was 14 so finally getting one I can afford is preem
Its nice if the 3x$ guitar has better nut cut and fret finishing. But for 1/3 the price you could easily fix up the Epi (or if you don't have the skills, get it done for you). It seems pretty clear to me the the Epi wins value for your $.
Thanks for this demo comparison. I’m very impressed with Epiphones. I have Epi 59 LP Standard and a doubleneck. Both play great. I have a Gibson LP classic and Special as well as an SG standard and ES339. I love the guitars but not the prices. I’ve been thinking about this Epi Slash model and you guys convinced me that this is something I want for sure. Honestly I really couldn’t hear a noticeable difference.
Does anyone know how these newer Slash Epiphones compare to the 2008 Slash gold top? I already have the gold top and am just curious if these are better or worse build quality?
Hey guys, I have question about your gear-videos. Do you take the guitars just out of the box and play them or do you do a setup before showing them to us? Thanks for the great and informative videos, Max
Thank you so much Max, and that's a great question! No we don't do full setups on the guitars, they're usually right out of the box. If there's a visible issue with the guitar such as a slight neck bow due to shipping, we'll adjust the truss rod to have the guitar play as it should, but that's it :) For this video, we only adjusted pickup heights since we were comparing them and wanted to make sure that these were consistent :) //G
i compared them thorugh a jvm410 in a store and not only was the gibson more open, brighter and articulate sounding, but the overall feeling was a lot nicer on the gibson
@@lafemmeparallel the gibson is much more comfy. But it could be the frets and the overall feeling. I cannot explain really. But im more than sure that i could tell them apart when blindfolded
I'm sorry for asking a really stupid question, but, what speakers and/or equipment are you guys playing through? I have no idea how to sound like that with Slash's Epiphone AFD Les Paul Special (the first model of guitar endorsed by Slash as a budget guitar back in like 2012-2014?
W the adjustments you have to make to an epi.....it's still a no brainer to take the epi. It's extremely easy to polish and round frets or adjust a nuts cut.
Maybe it is just my imagination, but I feel like they either use a little thicker binding or do a better job scraping it on the Slash sigs compared to the standard Epi LPs.
How are you guys doing? I have an Epiphone led Paul that the volume knobs when you turn them go from off to loud when turning only a few increments. Do you have any idea what the factory did wrong setting it up. I just got it a few months ago. Appreciate your experience, thanks.
awesome comparison. Right now I'm struggling with my thoughts… All my life I wanted to possess a Gibson but unfortunately it is for now to expensive for me 😥 Already have a one Epiphone LP Custom (Korea 1993) which is great. so for now I’ll go wit the new Slash Epiphone series… Thanks Guys for this video 😉
The question is not so much if I would buy this Slash Epiphone over the Gibson one (probably yes), but rather if I would buy this Epiphone over a, say, 59 burst one, which is cheaper and better equipped (probably no).
LOVE that Gibson AND Epiphone made signature models for every price range so everyone can afford one if they’re a Slash fan. Really looking at an Epiphone, but can’t decide which finish yet 😂. Love the round sound of Gibson’s one. It gives a more « rich » tone, but hey, Epiphone did a great job and sounds pretty neat. 🎩🌹
Can I say, that Im not fan of the Gibbo Slash special pickups? They sound kinda thin and cheap? Was not expecting that. Maybe they suit Slash's rig, I dont know.
I don't think u can hear a 1,500 dll price difrence but u do hear the Gibson sounds cleanear and brigther! If i had the cash i buy the gibson, but i dont so epiphone is good enuff for me!
That sounds like a reasonable takeaway :) and in fairness those Epiphones really are impressive, even if both Kris and I agree with you on the Gibson pickups! Thanks for watching!//G
buy gibson and swap the pickup into seymour duncan and swap also the capacitor using gibson bumblebee capacitors, then you got the semi custom shop slash guitar!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
The fretboards of the new guitars of both brands nowadays are always very dry (and light in color) when new in the shop. Once you give em a nice coat of lemon oil, they get nice and dark…
@@jordanmitchell380 they are aren't they, very solid with brand name pickups. I installed in mine Fishman acoustic bridge, power chip and rechargeable battery cover. It's so nice 👌
@@JoeBlack1108 Mine is my personal favorite guitar I've owned. Granted I haven't owned too many. But Slash is my favorite player and red is my favorite color so it's the best of both worlds for me.
Not right into signature stuff. Especially if it’s all over the guitar. These aren’t too bad. I got a new Std( I’d never get the slash one) and they have an extra truss cover blank. I wonder if these things have that?
No real audible difference, bet live on a stage on a Saturday night it wouldnt matter one jot. both sound nice, both look nice. Just boils down to whats your budget I guess. Think most of the lads I know who play would reach for the epiphone and pocket the change for regular fresh strings and beers lol.
@@hakeemahmadjamal7403 haha yeah that's some magic tone Wu, I've heard tell every G in the Gibson logo has a single tear of Jimmy page encapsulated under the lacquer, it was milked from his eye during his time with Plant in Wales as they wrote "since I've been loving you". It alone accounts for 63% of the tone in every Gibson. That's why a Gibson les paul is nearly 3 grand because otherwize your just essentially buying wood, copper, iron and plastic ... same as any other guitar.
I have the Gibson Slash, bought used, Excellent condition, $1900. I also have a Firefly Les Paul style Elite model, $229. I really can’t hear the difference. The Firefly has a bone nut, stainless steel frets , which the Gibson does not-p
Epiphone has come a long way, still the Gibson has better tone all around. You can say yes, the Gibson is 3 times the price and that matters to a lot of people. I have both Gibson and Epiphone. I have sold a lot of Epiphones to get a Gibson Les Paul Custom shop 58' some people would say your blowing your money, I say I am happy with what it can deliver. If you pick up and play an original vintage you get spoiled and that sound will haunt you lol. If I just try to reason with myself, hey it's okay to settle and save. That's just lying to myself and that doesn't work with me. Everyone is different and if you love the Epiphone? that's okay in my book. I just liked the Epiphone. you have to experience both to make a decision like I did.
To my Ears, the Gibson has a slightly "Warmer" tone than the Epiphone. But they are equally nice Guitars! If I had the money I would buy a Gibson! But I don't so I would settle for an Epiphone, still made by Gibson, but just does not have the Gibson name on the head stock and is less $$$ and you still get a very good Guitar!
I consider Gibson an inferior product for the money. So I bought five Epiphones instead in 6 months. A 59 Les Paul with the Gibson custom shop inc Gibson pickups, A 61 SG, A Firebird, a Casino and a Lp classic (worn ebony because it looks cool). Circa same money.
They are the same guitar! Haha I mean I didn't really watch the video, I listened to it while working and when I heard your goodbyes I was like wait what? When are you going to play the epiphone then? They are really close
If the finishing is getting better the price will be getting higher... I prefer a tribute for the price... but in the future will see what we get with Epiphone
You can buy a legit set of Slash Seymour Duncan's from the Seymour Duncan website for $109. Buy the Epiphone for $899, buy the authentic Seymour Dunanc's for $109, and if you want to put in the time and effort you can change the headstock and strip off and refinish the Epiphone with nitro for $30 in parts and paint and you have a $2500 Slash Gibson Les Paul for probably $1200 all in and you could put in Slash's hands himself and he probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
The Gibson Slash model is more of a collector piece. The value will often go up with time. The Epiphone will just be a used guitar worth 50% of its original cost. For a player guitar a used Epiphone/Agile/Indie with new pickups and pots is even cheaper.
Come on guy…don’t tell bullshit…seeing th Epiphone version near the Gibson one (that i own) the Epihone seems a toy…way mooore cheaper finish, painting, woods (expecially rosewood on fretboard), cheaper pickups, cheaper electronics, cheaper tuning machines (they look the same but they aren’t), cheaper nut…etc etc…come on guys, do not joke…Gibson’s one is on a whole other planet…if you have not the money to get it I’m sorry…
Old Epiphone guitars were at a much lower price point! Yes, they were going to sound and feel cheaper. At a price point nearing $1,000, I would hope they sounded and felt better!! The price hike in guitars and then trying to pass them off as the same guitar, just better, is crap marketing!
I’m 58 and have about 30 guitars…. I rolled the dice and struck gold, haven’t been this happy with a guitar purchase in a long time. Outstanding ! …..with a custom hard case. Craftsman perfect, and ya never know coming from China.
Good point. And if you can find one before that started using that satin top then you’re in good shape. The satin top doesn’t look good in my opinion. Doesn’t look like an old Gibson, just looks weird
I find it hard to care. "When your career is over & you're too old to rock/ Gibson'll put your signature on the headstock/ & if it sells in the thousands or more/ Soon Epiphone will come knocking on heaven's door."
Pretty sure Jared James Nichols isn't old. For a guy who's career is supposed to be over, try getting tickets to the Hershey Stadium show next weekend.
Go into a shop. Pick up the epiphone. Play it for an hour. Enjoy, have fun. Then take the Gibson. Play it for ten minutes. Proceed to checkout. Pay. Never look back.
I have been playing so many guitars over 35 years. You are 100% right. The very first chord and note I have walked out with the guitar. You just know even before you plug it in. I am not here to poo on Epiphone or anything. I can tell you a fact that I sold many Epi's to get a Gibson Les Paul Custom shop 58' If it's a difference to my ears it only takes a minute. The purpose of Me buying a lot of Epi's? you will break the bank if you wanted different LP's, Es-335, SG's, and so on. it all worked out for me because I know for sure now, you won't be satisfied till you get what you really want lol. Now, the other cool models will just have to wait longer lol.
Not quite. Play the Epiphone. Go play the Gibson. Be incredibly disappointed with the build quality, fit and finish, even before you consider the price. Then imagine that you can get the Slash Epiphone plus a string of Epiphones (a Les Paul plus a Firebird) and maybe a Gretsch for the less money. Such a clear choice.
@@XLTBlarg do you mean from a quality control point of view or a humanitarian or political point of view? From a QC point of view as you say both can be hit and mis. I have a Epiphone 335 where the build quality is exceptional. I’m confident I’d struggle to pick up a Gibson es335 on par for build quality.
Sehr cooler shootout 👍 Der sound der Epi gefällt mir etwas besser aber fast ein tausi für ne epi nooooo way. Homer simpson würde sagen die fressen beide den staub der Harley Benton SC 550 Plus mit fat 55 ❤🤷♂️👍 🐈
![NISAMANEE - TADA (ท้าดา) [ OFFICIAL MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hcQHEPMmJpU/mqdefault.jpg)
I've just bought the Epiphone, the build quality is spot on and the way it plays and sounds is incredible, well worth buying I would recommend to anyone wanting an LP.
They both sound great, just depends on your budget. I'd be happy with the Epi, but happier with the Gibson. Dream guitar; Slash model in Anaconda burst!
That's my thoughts also. I'll be buying a Les Paul in the next few weeks and trying to decide if I want to go for the Gibson(Slash model or maybe the Blueberryburst classic), if I decide on the Epi it'll be the custom model in black. If I'm between the two its the Gibson Studio in Smokehouse burst.
Buy the Epiphone and swap the pickups to Seymour Duncan and you've got a really good guitar. My advice ;-)
That's definitely a good upgrade, because the guitars play really well :)//G
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses probably get a good set up as well and you’ll be getting pretty close I’d imagine. I bought the Gibson but I plan on keeping for the rest of my life so I just wanted to have the real deal.
Got two Epiphone guitars this year and no real need to change the pickups. Ops
I wonder how close would the Epi's sound get to the Gibson if you just melted out the wax potting of the stock Epiphone pickup. Because what I'm hearing is that the wax makes the pickup sound very muffled compared to the unpotted Gibson ones.
I guess, if you want to just settle for average in life. You only live once so buy the Gibson.
I got mine about 2 years ago and I completely loved it I have it in Novemberbust
A bunch of people were expecting this, but damn this was kept on the down low. Good job Epiphone! Good job demoing these guitars Kris and Guillaume!
i bought the epiphone version in november burst months ago and its amazing, sounds and feels great. super happy with it
Epiphone, hands down. And I am a proud Gibson owner. The money that Gibson is charging these days is just ridiculous. I bought my Les Pauls back in the 90's.
I'm listening with some decent headphones and I honestly can't tell any noticeable difference. If you can, great everyone deserves to have their preferences. I have one of the new Epi LP standards plekd and setup perfect and I love it. Wish I had known these were coming out tho I would have maybe waited. Cool guitars, love Epi and Gibson.
can hear it easily
Impressive amount of sustain coming out of that Epiphone!
Props to Gibson for doing everything they can to improve and promote the Epiphone line. The better Epiphone gets, the fewer American guitars Gibson will sell, but since they own Epiphone it all works out.
Gibson prices will increase if they sell less, they are worth more if they are rare.
@@MikaHakkinen83 you don't understand basic economics. If something sells less, it goes down in price to make it sell more. And selling less doesn't make them "rare." Gibson still produced 400k of them. If it sits at your house or on the Gibson shelf, it's not rare. Lol
epiphones arent in the same league as gibson
@@RonSavage01 In the case of a limited run, they actually CAN sell them for more money because there are less available.
@@bikeman1x11 If you mean that they're produced for different groups of people, I agree. And I'd agree that the Gibsons are mostly better guitars. But they're not four times better, and they are four times the cost.
if you have the funds , Gibson is the way to go. I love mine.
Nice to see the beautiful guitars. I've said this before, it is impossible to hear differences in pick up tones on you tube especially when the pickups are similar.
I have both of these.
Trust me! Epi and gibson are different. There are some factors like wood material, electronic system, bridge setting, etc. Even though epiphone has Seymour duncan pickups, you cant get harmonic feelings like gibson les paul.
I can tottaly agree with you, owning a lot of Gibson Les Pauls from the past down to only one left. Even playing vintage ones. I also, own quite a few Epiphones. Epiphone
has come a very long way and that's great. Still, It is not a Gibson. Even in Gibson alone, they can be different. You can buy a Gibson Les Paul Standard it will not compare To a Gibson custom shop model. It is in the woods, feel and the details. A neck by itself can sound different.
I personally have sold a lot of Epiphones to buy a Gibson custom shop 58' yes, a lot more money but also a lot more guitar. When I used to own a Jimmy Page signature Les Paul, a custom black beauty, and a 68' custom shop reissue, you can feel and hear the difference. I missed those guitars so much that I had to get a custom shop again. if we only care about price, we would mostly own Epiphones to save money. I care more for the details, feel, and sound.
"Even though epiphone has Seymour duncan pickups" I thought that for years too since I own one, they are Epiphone custom ProBuckers.
The Older Epiphones have the Seymour Duncan’s. These new ones are head and shoulders above the old Epis except for the pickups. Very weird why Slash pickups are not in Slash signature Epiphones.
Wood. Only difference. And more CNC on epi.
I have Gibson Les Pauls but have recently started buying some of the Epiphone Les Pauls . I have one Epiphone LP from the 90’s and it’s great but the electronics arnt as good as the Epiphone LP they sell now . I just picked up this Slash model last week and am very pleased . I have several Gibson LP from the early 1990’s and would not trade them for anything but I do love the price , quality and the looks of the EPI LP range they have now .
Kris,
Hello my friend so great to see and hear from you again. I'm a big Epiphone fan. I have several Epi LPs and am very happy with the sound. Proof you don't need to dump the bank account for a quality guitar. Gibson is always going to be amazing but so is the cost. Great Slash guitars. You played fantastic. Guillome sounded great. I'm happy with Epi no matter the slight tone difference. Thanks Thomann
I just got an Epiphone version and for $787 shipped its the best guitar I've ever bought. Completely blown away with the quality and sound!
With an electric guitar it's not just a matter of raw tone, it's the feel. You can't tell from TH-cam videos, if you have the opportunity go to a store and try both, even when unplugged, you'll notice a big difference between both guitars.
That's how I choose my guitars. I pick them up and play them unplugged. Run through a few scales and chords. If they don't feel just right I put them back and keep looking. I've put back guitars I drooled over because they just didn't feel right.
Not sure about that. Besides visual, if you were blindfolded and picked them up and played you wouldn’t be able to differentiate tbh.
@@cosmicbro1973 there's a big difference in my experience, when I play my epi Les Paul and then my gibson Les Paul there's a big difference, the epi is good, but the gibson is so resonant and it's so loud unplugged that I can hear the strings when I'm playing with headphones or studio monitors. They feel different, they sound different and they look different.
So true, you will notice it unplugged the moment you ring a chord or note. it you are satisfied with the Epi? that's great, if not spend the money to get a Gibson. If you say well, its 3x's the price? you might end up selling a lot of Epi's like I did lol. I'm very happy I experienced both because out of it all, The Gibson Custom shop 58' of mine is a keeper. I missed my Jimmy Page signature, 1980 Custom Black Beauty, and a 68' reissue I used to own. I'd rather spend the money and love it than say it was just ok.
That's a great point that too many of these TH-cam channels don't mention. My Slash Gold Top feels miles ahead of my 2019 Gibson Les Paul Traditional.
I'm so impressed by this comparison you two did here. First off you were set up on the same amps with the same settings, Same pickup height add you played the same thing on both, And yes I hear a difference, I own a Epiphone Slash and love it. Mine is set up perfect and has very smooth frets, the intonation is spot on and would be hard to tell in a blind test to the Gibson....The things I hear is in the distortion the Gibson had a fuller warmer tone. After see your video I'm thinking on upgrading my pickups to the Gibson Slash’s “Scully” signature ones. Is it a Gibson, by no means, there are no fret nubs. It has a veneered maple top versus Gibson's 5/8 inch top . Epiphones 1/2 inch maple cap that is veneered with a high quality veneer so depends on the guitar. And the fretboard is a different wood Epiphone's Indian Laurel fretboard versus Gibson's Rosewood fretboard . It is also like you said 3 time cheaper to buy the Epiphone. I bought the Epiphone because I play in bars and have had my guitars with 3 failed theft attempts. I have been lucky so far, but I bought the Epiphone because it is so close and if it gets stolen from a stage it is a little easier on my pocket book, about 3 times easier.
I'd probably take 3 different color in the Epiphone Range rather than the Gibson... Even tho the Gibson is a better guitar ! I dont think it is 3 times better :P
Definitely not.
Played both at a local guitar shop the other day. The Epiphone was the gold top and the Gibson was the Vermillion Burst. I really liked the custom neck profile on them. Best part about them to me. Kinda like a '60's neck with a little more meat on it without getting as fat as the '50's version.
The Gibson was for sure nicer to look at as a true flame top (and this one in particular was a really nice one), but the Epiphone was very well made. Very well made.
At $900 (including a hard case), for me is pushing it considering I would have to swap the pickups out for something else to better suit my tastes. Sounds silly to buy a Slash signature model to not sound like Slash, I know. I have a '59 LP reissue on order (if it ever gets here...) and really want to check that one out before considering any other purchases. If that ends up going back, I will for sure consider the Slash LP.
We need an update how was the 59 Epi?!
@@marktheregulardude8651 They actually ended up coming in on the same day. I ordered the Slash from Sweetwater thinking the R9 would never get here and I got an email from American Musical Supply (I wanted the Southern Fade finish that is supposed to be exclusive to them) letting me know it was on the way about an hour after confirming my order with the Sweetwater rep on the phone. I couldn't help but laugh. I think the Slash was a little bit better built of the two.
The R9... The pots and such work better than any guitar I've ever owned, but I don't know. I just don't seem to have a bond with it. Strongly considering selling it. Not in love with the Gibson Burst Buckers either. Very high on the mids and lows. They're good and clear, but don't know if they're for me either. I might just need to spend a little more time with it. I often wonder if it's due to not winning the flame top mail order lottery. I don't hate the flame, but I've seen a lot better tops posted on various media sites. Again not horrible, but I doubt I would've picked it at the store. I am really picky on flames, veneer or true.
I still go to my Gibson the most. Maybe put her in the case for a while and out of sight, out of mind? LOL
@Jeremy Miller thank you so much for the response! Hope you are enjoy them both! Really appreciate the feedback, trying to consider both epi's for a purchase and this definitely helps. Might have to play them more often at the store to get a feel
@Mark TheRegularDude I'd definitely play them both at the store. Luckily, they're not similar feeling or sounding, so it might help you pick one over the other.
Lemme throw another wrench in the gears. I saw a deal on a new Epiphone Les Paul Custom that I couldn't pass up. I like it better than both of them. Plays really well. Pickups are just ok, but those are easily replaced.
If I keep the Slash, I have an old project guitar with a really nice EMG setup that I will swap out along with blacking out the hardware.
The R9. I am looking at the SD '59 set, but that's adding a considerable amount of money to a guitar that I might not keep. They did a good job on the C shape neck. I held a Murphy Lab in my hands, and it was really close. The sales tax alone on that thing was probably more than my guitar.
So, yes, play them both until you find yours! Please try the Custom as well. Epiphone really did a good job.
Signature Guitars at Slashed prices!
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Honestly the biggest difference for me is the flame maple on the Gibson anaconda burst, that one looks way better than the epiphone one, aside from that the sound difference despite being noticeable is pretty minor, counting down the days until I can get my gold top slash epiphone, wanted a slash gold top since I was 14 so finally getting one I can afford is preem
How do they not put the Slash Gibson or Duncan pickups into the Epis? The Slash Duncans came stock with the older models
That’s what I been saying, these are 900$ epi les Paul standards with a slash color, at least the Gibsons give you more with the price
Do you think the profile of the neck and the space between the strings are the same in both guitars?
Its nice if the 3x$ guitar has better nut cut and fret finishing. But for 1/3 the price you could easily fix up the Epi (or if you don't have the skills, get it done for you). It seems pretty clear to me the the Epi wins value for your $.
Thanks for this demo comparison. I’m very impressed with Epiphones. I have Epi 59 LP Standard and a doubleneck. Both play great. I have a Gibson LP classic and Special as well as an SG standard and ES339. I love the guitars but not the prices. I’ve been thinking about this Epi Slash model and you guys convinced me that this is something I want for sure. Honestly I really couldn’t hear a noticeable difference.
Does anyone know how these newer Slash Epiphones compare to the 2008 Slash gold top? I already have the gold top and am just curious if these are better or worse build quality?
Hey guys,
I have question about your gear-videos.
Do you take the guitars just out of the box and play them or do you do a setup before showing them to us?
Thanks for the great and informative videos,
Max
Thank you so much Max, and that's a great question! No we don't do full setups on the guitars, they're usually right out of the box. If there's a visible issue with the guitar such as a slight neck bow due to shipping, we'll adjust the truss rod to have the guitar play as it should, but that's it :) For this video, we only adjusted pickup heights since we were comparing them and wanted to make sure that these were consistent :) //G
Good question
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses
Thanks for the answer 😁
i compared them thorugh a jvm410 in a store and not only was the gibson more open, brighter and articulate sounding, but the overall feeling was a lot nicer on the gibson
Are the neck profile the same? I liked the Epi neck profile, want to know if the Gibson is similar or beefier?
@@lafemmeparallel the gibson is much more comfy. But it could be the frets and the overall feeling. I cannot explain really. But im more than sure that i could tell them apart when blindfolded
@@RiloRox i understand, thank you for replying :)
I'm sorry for asking a really stupid question, but, what speakers and/or equipment are you guys playing through? I have no idea how to sound like that with Slash's Epiphone AFD Les Paul Special (the first model of guitar endorsed by Slash as a budget guitar back in like 2012-2014?
Gibson is richer sound, Epiphone still did a good job there. Well done! Not my cup of tea, I'd prefer Standard or classic:)
Glad you enjoyed the comparison Jan! :) //G
What do u mean u would want a epi standard? Like u don’t like the finishes?
Thanks for the details.
I think the Gibson sounds thinner and higher. The epiphone has more body and better bass. Idk why but I liked de Epiphone better
Exactly. I was surprised by that
the gibson is more defined in tone. that helps to avoid "muddyness" in higher gain. An issue the epiphone has. :-)
W the adjustments you have to make to an epi.....it's still a no brainer to take the epi. It's extremely easy to polish and round frets or adjust a nuts cut.
I had it backwards half in. Dude that that epiphone sounds really good maybe better pickups wise
Maybe it is just my imagination, but I feel like they either use a little thicker binding or do a better job scraping it on the Slash sigs compared to the standard Epi LPs.
Thank you for this excellent review. Is the neck shape the same as the Gibson? More like 50s or like a 60s?
It's similar to the Gibson Slash model and it's on the thicker side. But nowhere as thick as a 58 reissue neck. Cheers //Kris
Sorry, did I miss it? What are the specs on the pickups please? Resistance, Henry's, magnets?
Epiphone probuckers!!!
899 euros for Epiphone pickups?
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@@Slashturianu are these the same Epiphone probuckers I can buy on eBay for $40? 14k bridge and 7k neck Alinco V?
@@windsurfmaui8239 I think so, they call them custom Probuckers 🤣🤣🤣
@@windsurfmaui8239 You have the 1959 Epi, with Gibson pickups cheaper!!
Slash will not buy this guitar
Always great videos👍
How are you guys doing? I have an Epiphone led Paul that the volume knobs when you turn them go from off to loud when turning only a few increments. Do you have any idea what the factory did wrong setting it up. I just got it a few months ago. Appreciate your experience, thanks.
awesome comparison. Right now I'm struggling with my thoughts… All my life I wanted to possess a Gibson but unfortunately it is for now to expensive for me 😥 Already have a one Epiphone LP Custom (Korea 1993) which is great. so for now I’ll go wit the new Slash Epiphone series… Thanks Guys for this video 😉
I did a blind test and picked the Epi as a Gibson
Great video! Thanks!
899 for a guitar with epiphone pickups? No way!
The best choice is to get a Standard and put the Seymour Duncan Slash pickups... Less money and better sound!
Absolutely for the price they could’ve put the Gibson pickups in.
The question is not so much if I would buy this Slash Epiphone over the Gibson one (probably yes), but rather if I would buy this Epiphone over a, say, 59 burst one, which is cheaper and better equipped (probably no).
Same. Had I not preordered modern figured I would’ve picked this up then. But modern sounds way better IMO.
@@googlegilbertlevinmars322 how does it sound different?
What was that rhythm riff??! It sounded super awesome
LOVE that Gibson AND Epiphone made signature models for every price range so everyone can afford one if they’re a Slash fan. Really looking at an Epiphone, but can’t decide which finish yet 😂. Love the round sound of Gibson’s one. It gives a more « rich » tone, but hey, Epiphone did a great job and sounds pretty neat. 🎩🌹
Good to know just bought the epi a couple of weeks had the string's lowerd a tad ...crispy now
OMG they are awesome I’m gonna go buy one
What's the name of the songs they play at both the rhythm and lead comparison?
Back from Cali from Slash's first solo album
@@darthgibsonlp6631 Thanks!
I also realized that the song they play at the lead comparison is the Godfather theme 👌
For me this Epiphone is the closest to Gibson. But! Gibson still sounds cleaner and brighter at the same time.
Can I say, that Im not fan of the Gibbo Slash special pickups? They sound kinda thin and cheap? Was not expecting that. Maybe they suit Slash's rig, I dont know.
I don't think u can hear a 1,500 dll price difrence but u do hear the Gibson sounds cleanear and brigther! If i had the cash i buy the gibson, but i dont so epiphone is good enuff for me!
That sounds like a reasonable takeaway :) and in fairness those Epiphones really are impressive, even if both Kris and I agree with you on the Gibson pickups! Thanks for watching!//G
buy gibson and swap the pickup into seymour duncan and swap also the capacitor using gibson bumblebee capacitors, then you got the semi custom shop slash guitar!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
could you both make a review on Hagstrom guitars? preferable a Ultra Max (maybe in milky mandarin satin) :-)
Suggestion for a new video: Comparison between a Celestion V30 from the UK and a Celestion V30 from China. I like it scientific!
Is it just me or do the fretboards look like crap on both? I have a Epiphone Rosso Corsa and the fretboard is uniform and very dark.
The fretboards of the new guitars of both brands nowadays are always very dry (and light in color) when new in the shop. Once you give em a nice coat of lemon oil, they get nice and dark…
I have a Epiphone Rosso Corsa too! Awesome guitar!
@@jordanmitchell380 they are aren't they, very solid with brand name pickups. I installed in mine Fishman acoustic bridge, power chip and rechargeable battery cover. It's so nice 👌
@@JoeBlack1108 Mine is my personal favorite guitar I've owned. Granted I haven't owned too many. But Slash is my favorite player and red is my favorite color so it's the best of both worlds for me.
Not right into signature stuff. Especially if it’s all over the guitar. These aren’t too bad. I got a new Std( I’d never get the slash one) and they have an extra truss cover blank. I wonder if these things have that?
You do realize that the " Les Paul" is a signature guitar ?
@@rodrossi9749 Whoa!! Sock Burn brah!
The new Epiphone is excellent. I use em for the pub gigs and leave the Gibson’s at home. Or will use em for that when the world changes.
Both sound similar! Wonder which feels easier to play and stays longer in tune🧐
Oh my god the rythm section with the high gain nearly made me cry...
Back from cali, I think?
What’s that dba meter ?
Decibel meter.
Next the ÉPI and the too expansive G with the same pickups would be coooool
No real audible difference, bet live on a stage on a Saturday night it wouldnt matter one jot. both sound nice, both look nice. Just boils down to whats your budget I guess. Think most of the lads I know who play would reach for the epiphone and pocket the change for regular fresh strings and beers lol.
But what about the Toan from the Gibson logo on the headstock?
@@hakeemahmadjamal7403 haha yeah that's some magic tone Wu, I've heard tell every G in the Gibson logo has a single tear of Jimmy page encapsulated under the lacquer, it was milked from his eye during his time with Plant in Wales as they wrote "since I've been loving you". It alone accounts for 63% of the tone in every Gibson.
That's why a Gibson les paul is nearly 3 grand because otherwize your just essentially buying wood, copper, iron and plastic ... same as any other guitar.
@@alastairfoster3955 this might be my favorite TH-cam comment ever
Gibson's are for collecting, Epiphone s are for playing
The sounds more more more open!
Epiphone took the prize during the playing of the Godfather theme song.
The fade looks much much nicer on the gibson
I have the Gibson Slash, bought used, Excellent condition, $1900. I also have a Firefly Les Paul style Elite model, $229. I really can’t hear the difference. The Firefly has a bone nut, stainless steel frets , which the Gibson does not-p
Gibson has more clarity
They didnt adjust the action or polish the frets so did they adjust the custom probuckers either?
Thanks doris and pauline : )
For me epiphone the greater tone and warmer tone we have epiphone slash victoria gold top
Epiphone has come a long way, still the Gibson has better tone all around. You can say yes, the Gibson is 3 times the price and that matters to a lot of people. I have both Gibson and Epiphone. I have sold a lot of Epiphones to get a Gibson Les Paul Custom shop 58' some people would say your blowing your money, I say I am happy with what it can deliver. If you pick up and play an original vintage you get spoiled and that sound will haunt you lol. If I just try to reason with myself, hey it's okay to settle and save. That's just lying to myself and that doesn't work with me. Everyone is different and if you love the Epiphone? that's okay in my book. I just liked the Epiphone. you have to experience both to make a decision like I did.
To my Ears, the Gibson has a slightly "Warmer" tone than the Epiphone. But they are equally nice Guitars!
If I had the money I would buy a Gibson! But I don't so I would settle for an Epiphone, still made by Gibson, but just does not have the Gibson name on the head stock and is less $$$ and you still get a very good Guitar!
I consider Gibson an inferior product for the money. So I bought five Epiphones instead in 6 months. A 59 Les Paul with the Gibson custom shop inc Gibson pickups, A 61 SG, A Firebird, a Casino and a Lp classic (worn ebony because it looks cool). Circa same money.
First 😉
Nice LP but i prefer the Gibson
My Epi Anaconda Burst plays better than my Gibson Goldtop.
They are the same guitar! Haha
I mean I didn't really watch the video, I listened to it while working and when I heard your goodbyes I was like wait what? When are you going to play the epiphone then? They are really close
Epi more closer to Gibson even not so much,it's about the Budgets, if you wanna get slash signatures than buy Gibson, I love epi to
Die Gibson PUs sind klarer nicht so verwaschen... ich würd die Gibson nehmen leider taugt mir die Optik von slashs paulas gar net...
Bruh did that guy just say tone is in the fingers
Not sure about spending 900 bucks on a Epiphone.
If the finishing is getting better the price will be getting higher... I prefer a tribute for the price... but in the future will see what we get with Epiphone
Triple AAA flamed top
I think Gibson intended to control the quality of Epiphone not to be too good. Otherwise, the Gibsons don't sell.
You can buy a legit set of Slash Seymour Duncan's from the Seymour Duncan website for $109. Buy the Epiphone for $899, buy the authentic Seymour Dunanc's for $109, and if you want to put in the time and effort you can change the headstock and strip off and refinish the Epiphone with nitro for $30 in parts and paint and you have a $2500 Slash Gibson Les Paul for probably $1200 all in and you could put in Slash's hands himself and he probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
The Gibson Slash model is more of a collector piece. The value will often go up with time. The Epiphone will just be a used guitar worth 50% of its original cost. For a player guitar a used Epiphone/Agile/Indie with new pickups and pots is even cheaper.
Come on guy…don’t tell bullshit…seeing th Epiphone version near the Gibson one (that i own) the Epihone seems a toy…way mooore cheaper finish, painting, woods (expecially rosewood on fretboard), cheaper pickups, cheaper electronics, cheaper tuning machines (they look the same but they aren’t), cheaper nut…etc etc…come on guys, do not joke…Gibson’s one is on a whole other planet…if you have not the money to get it I’m sorry…
gibson sounds brighter and hotter.
These fretboards look incredibly dry.
Maybe it's me being picky but I can't stand the streaky fretboards, I would but any with fretboards that are like that
I prefer the Epiphone sounds tbh
Old Epiphone guitars were at a much lower price point! Yes, they were going to sound and feel cheaper. At a price point nearing $1,000, I would hope they sounded and felt better!! The price hike in guitars and then trying to pass them off as the same guitar, just better, is crap marketing!
I’m 58 and have about 30 guitars…. I rolled the dice and struck gold, haven’t been this happy with a guitar purchase in a long time. Outstanding ! …..with a custom hard case. Craftsman perfect, and ya never know coming from China.
$899 for the Epiphone is a bit much. The 1959 Limited Edition with Gibson pickups is only $799.
Good point. And if you can find one before that started using that satin top then you’re in good shape. The satin top doesn’t look good in my opinion. Doesn’t look like an old Gibson, just looks weird
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I find it hard to care. "When your career is over & you're too old to rock/ Gibson'll put your signature on the headstock/ & if it sells in the thousands or more/ Soon Epiphone will come knocking on heaven's door."
I think the song actually goes “I just went thru a divorce, time to release more guitars and beat that dead horse”.
Pretty sure Jared James Nichols isn't old.
For a guy who's career is supposed to be over, try getting tickets to the Hershey Stadium show next weekend.
Go into a shop. Pick up the epiphone. Play it for an hour. Enjoy, have fun. Then take the Gibson. Play it for ten minutes. Proceed to checkout. Pay. Never look back.
Exactly, if you have the opportunity, always go for the Gibson
I have been playing so many guitars over 35 years. You are 100% right. The very first chord and note I have walked out with the guitar. You just know even before you plug it in. I am not here to poo on Epiphone or anything. I can tell you a fact that I sold many Epi's to get a Gibson Les Paul Custom shop 58' If it's a difference to my ears it only takes a minute. The purpose of Me buying a lot of Epi's? you will break the bank if you wanted different LP's, Es-335, SG's, and so on. it all worked out for me because I know for sure now, you won't be satisfied till you get what you really want lol. Now, the other cool models will just have to wait longer lol.
Not quite. Play the Epiphone. Go play the Gibson. Be incredibly disappointed with the build quality, fit and finish, even before you consider the price. Then imagine that you can get the Slash Epiphone plus a string of Epiphones (a Les Paul plus a Firebird) and maybe a Gretsch for the less money. Such a clear choice.
@@davidharding200 There both hit and miss. I wish Epiphone wouldn't build their guitars in China.
@@XLTBlarg do you mean from a quality control point of view or a humanitarian or political point of view? From a QC point of view as you say both can be hit and mis. I have a Epiphone 335 where the build quality is exceptional. I’m confident I’d struggle to pick up a Gibson es335 on par for build quality.
Wait what? The gibson are not my favorite this time!?!
I don't know why people split hairs so much about tone. Everything sounds the same to me!
i heard it was a yanny fingerboard on the epi
Sehr cooler shootout 👍
Der sound der Epi gefällt mir etwas besser aber fast ein tausi für ne epi nooooo way. Homer simpson würde sagen die fressen beide den staub der Harley Benton SC 550 Plus mit fat 55 ❤🤷♂️👍
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Dammit. I gotta get the real one.
Buy the Gibson Slash if you can afford it. Better and built in Nashville. Much better resale. Much cooler......
I heard it has different sounds
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