epi vs. gibson

r1p32 · #1 February 17th, 2006

i really like les pauls. but im wondering if i were to buy one should it be gibson or epi?
gibsons seem to be more expensive tho (a lot more) but they seem to be the real deal. and to be honest im happy with my ibanez and i can wait until i have the money for a gibson. dont get me wrong epi's got some really cool guitars.

lorirocks · #2 February 17th, 2006

I have both and I love them both. My Gibson Les Paul Studio kicks butt. The nitro finish makes a huge difference. I have my Epiphone Les Paul Standard and I upgraded the pickups to Bill Lawrence L500's and it too sounds awesome, but, my Gibson still sounds better.

The finish on my Epiphone is flawless. Better than the finish on my Gibby. So there you have it.

coldethyl · #3 February 17th, 2006

Hi r1p32

Yes Epi's are good guitars, but IMO if your in a position to get a Gibson LP then that would certainly be the pick of the two.

But having said that, really it comes down to what makes YOU happy!

Neil

munky · #4 February 22nd, 2006

I have an Epiphone Les Paul and I love it. I've swapped the stock pickups out and replaced them with Seymour Duncans - a Distortion in the bridge and an Alnico II in the neck - and I'm in tonal heaven. I also replaced the tuners with locking Grovers since Epiphone tuners are notorious for being unreliable.

InvincibleKid · #5 April 9th, 2006

Why did you choose Grovers? I'm curious. I have an Epiphone with the stock tuners still and they're horrible. I want to replace them but don't know how to tell good ones from bad ones.Do you know what I should I look for?

munky · #6 April 9th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by InvincibleKid

Why did you choose Grovers? I'm curious. I have an Epiphone with the stock tuners still and they're horrible. I want to replace them but don't know how to tell good ones from bad ones.Do you know what I should I look for?

I went with Grovers because they're cheaper than Schallers, but still lock the string in place. You'd be way ahead of the game with either, really.

madman360 · #7 April 11th, 2006

i have an epi les paul but if you want one my advice is just not to get it in a package, the guitar and amp are great so you should buy it for that but....the gig bag sucks (my headstock won't fit in) and the strap just broke today.......just buy one and a hard shell les paul fitted case

WernHalen · #8 April 11th, 2006

It depends what you need out of the guitar... Are you planning to do a tour or record a cd with the guitar? Then I would definitely go for the Gibson. If you are a fanatic and you will settle for nothing less than the best then go for the Gibson. and if you can afford it and you are going to look after the guitar go for the gibson it is a better guitar to have...

if you are playing to the folks at home and have no ideals of playing a large gig one day and you know you might actually stop playing because you're just not interrested enough then buy the Epi...

My two and a halve cents...

USGold · #9 April 11th, 2006

The higher ticket EPI's seem really nice, but as you get up there you also get closer and closer to the price for a basic Gibson-tough choice, I like LP guitars and nearly bought the studio II EPI, but wanted the extra set of vol/tone controls. On a side note--if you did like I did and tried out the guitar sitting down--ask the store to strap it for you and try playing it a bit standing up--make sure you want that ton hung across your shoulders all the time--if i were to look again I might take a second look at the EPI SG's. or even the Gibson for a bit more investment instead.

Robf · #10 April 16th, 2006

I like the Les Paul sound but my budget is well below the $2,000 mark. What I find confusing is the standard Gibson Les Paul is about $2,000 while Gibson also has another Les Paul for $800, the Les Paul Special.

The link from Sweetwater.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LPJSHWCCH/

At almost the same pricing is the Epiphone Les Paul Plus for $700.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ENCVSGH/

What makes the price of the Gibson lower than that of a regular Gibson Les Paul?

Thanks,
Rob

Alex Edwards · #11 April 22nd, 2006

good sub for a Gibby is a Tokia Love Rock. There about £350 over here so if your in the US thats about $700 or something. Nice guitars though, good finish, low action, great sustain. Sounds like a F16 taking off when played through a Marshal.

737blues · #12 April 22nd, 2006

Robf - This is from the accompanying text to the advert at the link you posted:

Essentially, this is a slab body version of the original Les Paul Standard of 1952. "Slab" means it doesn't have the carved maple top we usually think of when discussing Les Paul guitars. By eliminating the carved top, you eliminate much of the hand finishing, which is what drives up the price of your average Les Paul.

Cedric01 · #13 April 26th, 2006

Hey guys, I got a secret. I know of a guitar that will blow these units you have mentioned right out of the water! It's called the Ernieball Musicman Axis! It's a lean machine. It has a fast neck and it has a fantastic sound. It will shake the earth beneath you! LOL

WernHalen · #14 May 2nd, 2006

I know ht emusic man is a great guitar, John Petrucci plays them, but I dont know if i would want to own one... I am looking at a PRS McCarthy, Gibson SG or Les Paul.

The McCarthy is the best but I dont know If i would be able to afford it...