Epiphone Les Paul FAQ

[brianugly]

I don't really want a new topic, so I will just ask here in the FAQs. I notice under some of the older postings members are listed as "banned". How does this happen--I don't want to make any stupid mistakes to be banned. Thanks for your help

Loved the post by the way. sinmastah you've helped me a ton.

[Sinmastah]

Yeah no problem. Read the rules on the forum, and follow them.. Then you won't get banned.

Basically, no excessive swearing. IE Kickass is fine, but dropping the f bomb, won't help your cause. Don't argue with members period, if you argue with a member who's been here for a while, you will most likely not make very many friends, and might end up with a day ban. No racism, sexism etc. Don't bring up religion or politics. But seriously, it's hard to get banned, I mean I havn't been banned yet

Also if a mod PM's you about something you did, just go with the flow, you might disagree, but just accept it and move on with life. Just like if you get pulled over.

I think this video helps explain some stuff

You Tube

You Tube

[chivitajm]

i have a 89 MIK les paul but i try putting the pickguard of my MIC les paul and didnt fit. I thought they were supposed to be all same sizes, maybe a gibson pickguard will fit?

[GNR4EVR]

Originally Posted by chivitajm

yeah but why is the serial number different it says 311472925

The 311 Code is applied when its "used" only. They scrape the serial off and put the sticker on since its no longer honored under the warrantee. If its a second, they leave the serial and stamp "2ND" behind the headstock. 2nd's ARE still under warrantee.

[GNR4EVR]

Originally Posted by chivitajm

i have a 89 MIK les paul but i try putting the pickguard of my MIC les paul and didnt fit. I thought they were supposed to be all same sizes, maybe a gibson pickguard will fit?

MICs and MIKs differ just a little bit. Might consider hunting on Ebay for a MIC p-guard. Shouldnt be too hard to find. Gibson's wont fit either.

[brianugly]

Originally Posted by Sinmastah

Yeah no problem. Read the rules on the forum, and follow them.. Then you won't get banned.

Basically, no excessive swearing. IE Kickass is fine, but dropping the f bomb, won't help your cause. Don't argue with members period, if you argue with a member who's been here for a while, you will most likely not make very many friends, and might end up with a day ban. No racism, sexism etc. Don't bring up religion or politics. But seriously, it's hard to get banned, I mean I havn't been banned yet

Also if a mod PM's you about something you did, just go with the flow, you might disagree, but just accept it and move on with life. Just like if you get pulled over.

I think this video helps explain some stuff

YouTube - Chris Rock - How not to get your ass kicked by the police!

thanks a bunch man

[The Guitarist]

I'm pretty sure this is the correct way to respond to questions on this forum!

no.

[eva]

Question on cases...someone told me the glue from some of the cases produce fumes ("off-gassing") which can cause tarnish and possibly damage the finish...is this true? He said it is from cheaper Chinese made cases. I recently bought an Epi hard case from an authorized dealer...do I have to worry about damage to my finish? He said to wrap the guitar in flannel before placing in the case...is this necessary?

Is the Gibson or some other brand of case better than Epi?

This forum has been so helpful...I'm actually a pianist and all this is really new to me...seems everyone out there has an opinion, but the posts here are informative and correct...

Thanks in advance...

[-=[Shifty]=-]

Originally Posted by eva

Question on cases...someone told me the glue from some of the cases produce fumes ("off-gassing") which can cause tarnish and possibly damage the finish...is this true? He said it is from cheaper Chinese made cases. I recently bought an Epi hard case from an authorized dealer...do I have to worry about damage to my finish? He said to wrap the guitar in flannel before placing in the case...is this necessary?

Is the Gibson or some other brand of case better than Epi?

This forum has been so helpful...I'm actually a pianist and all this is really new to me...seems everyone out there has an opinion, but the posts here are informative and correct...

Thanks in advance...

I'm not sure, so I hope someone with more knowledge will find this, but I think that it only applies to nitro finished guitars. In that case you don't have to worry about your Epiphone.
I've seen this happen to Gibsons, with the original Gibson cases.

[eva]

Originally Posted by -=[Shifty]=-

I'm not sure, so I hope someone with more knowledge will find this, but I think that it only applies to nitro finished guitars. In that case you don't have to worry about your Epiphone.
I've seen this happen to Gibsons, with the original Gibson cases.

Yes, he did say it happens to his Gibson and more expensive guitars...this guy is "anti-epi" and thinks the price of a guitar is more important than anything...HAHAHA...can't wait to tell him it's most likely only his expensive guitars that have a problem...

[Astrokreep]

I;ve only heard of that happening to Nitro finished guitars as well. Never heard of it happening to an Epi.

[Neanderpaul]

Can anyone tell me how long the slim-taper open book headstock was used? When did Epiphone go to the current headstock?

In fact, would a request for Epi headstock history and differences help out newbies when it comes to spotting fakes? Or, would it more likely educate the fakers?

Either way. I'd love to know how common/when they switched headstocks from the "Gibson-style" (not the Orville but Korean)

Thanks...BTW this site destroys all other Les Paul sites.

[Neanderpaul]

Originally Posted by Sinmastah

L is peerless if I remember correctly.

Too be honest is I have never seen a big increase/decrease in quality, playability, between two factories/countries with the exception of Japanese made. Factory isn't as big of a deal, as much as the year it came from.

Thanks for that. This is a 97. Played about 30 in the shop I got it at before finding one that "played right." Never looked at the serial for factory or anything. just wanted one that was built right. This one feels great. No complaints (other than the toggle...which I fixed using the original toggle and some needle-nose pliers)

[-=[Shifty]=-]

Originally Posted by Neanderpaul

Can anyone tell me how long the slim-taper open book headstock was used? When did Epiphone go to the current headstock?

In fact, would a request for Epi headstock history and differences help out newbies when it comes to spotting fakes? Or, would it more likely educate the fakers?

Either way. I'd love to know how common/when they switched headstocks from the "Gibson-style" (not the Orville but Korean)

Thanks...BTW this site destroys all other Les Paul sites.

They only used it for about 3 years. My '92 (March) Epi LP already has the 'paddle' headstock.

[chivitajm]

can anybody tell me the name of the color scheme on my guitar, i dont think its a cherryburst but it doesn't look like a vinatge either. its a 89 korean lp standard if that helps.

[The Guitarist]

Originally Posted by chivitajm

can anybody tell me the name of the color scheme on my guitar, i dont think its a cherryburst but it doesn't look like a vinatge either. its a 89 korean lp standard if that helps.

Very nice! I would have to say that just looks like a really dark Heritage cherry sunburst unless anyone was to say otherwise. Looks a real beauty though. definitely different from the everyday finish.

Oh can't forget that awesome headstock.

[chivitajm]

Originally Posted by The Guitarist

Very nice! I would have to say that just looks like a really dark Heritage cherry sunburst unless anyone was to say otherwise. Looks a real beauty though. definitely different from the everyday finish.

Oh can't forget that awesome headstock.

Thanks, some guy sold it to me for $170 with a case, dont know why, i cant find anything wrong with it except a crack in the neck which was professionally fixed and doesnt affect playability at all.

[eva]

Originally Posted by Astrokreep

I;ve only heard of that happening to Nitro finished guitars as well. Never heard of it happening to an Epi.

Thanks Shifty and Astrokeep...I appreciate the info

[TKOjams]

Here's a new one...
What's the best way to color match finishes on headstock repairs or neck replacements?

Peace,
Ken

[-=[Shifty]=-]

Originally Posted by TKOjams

Here's a new one...
What's the best way to color match finishes on headstock repairs or neck replacements?

Peace,
Ken

Hehe, I think you should take that question to the "Luthier's Corner".

[TKOjams]

Hey thanks Shifty, I havent really navagated around everywere yet. For the most part just been checking out the posts here in Epiphoneland
Peace,

Ken

[colchar]

I'm new here so my apologies if this has been asked already, but is there a difference between the Plus Top models and the Quilt Top models other than finish?

I'm just getting back into guitar and want to buy a Les Paul as I expect it will be the only guitar I ever own. I am currently considering a used Ebony Plain Top because I can get it for $450 and it retails new for $565 (these are Canadian prices). The Plus Top models sell for $665 and, as far as I know, the only difference between the Plain Tops and the Plus Top, other than the finish, is that the Plus Top might have a slightly better tone. But I know virtually nothing about the Quilt Top and a local store has an absolutely gorgeous one (in Trans Black finish) on for the same price as the Plus Tops ($665) so I am wondering if it is worth the price. If there is no real difference in tone, playability, etc. then I think I'll just go for the used Plain Top and save myself some money (being a grad student every penny counts). Luckily my roommate has been playing for fifteen years and can go with me when I check out the guitar to make sure everything is in proper working order.

[hobbyman]

Originally Posted by colchar

I'm new here so my apologies if this has been asked already, but is there a difference between the Plus Top models and the Quilt Top models other than finish?

I'm just getting back into guitar and want to buy a Les Paul as I expect it will be the only guitar I ever own. I am currently considering a used Ebony Plain Top because I can get it for $450 and it retails new for $565 (these are Canadian prices). The Plus Top models sell for $665 and, as far as I know, the only difference between the Plain Tops and the Plus Top, other than the finish, is that the Plus Top might have a slightly better tone. But I know virtually nothing about the Quilt Top and a local store has an absolutely gorgeous one (in Trans Black finish) on for the same price as the Plus Tops ($665) so I am wondering if it is worth the price. If there is no real difference in tone, playability, etc. then I think I'll just go for the used Plain Top and save myself some money (being a grad student every penny counts). Luckily my roommate has been playing for fifteen years and can go with me when I check out the guitar to make sure everything is in proper working order.

Welcome! Glad you decided to sign up! I'm the guy you've been talking to over at the GW forum. I'm no expert here (pretty new myself), but I can direct you to a thread very similar in nature to what you are asking:
Difference Between LP Standard Ebony and Plus Top
BTW, if you haven't already, check out the first page of this thread we are on now, it gives the serial number codes for the Epi manufacturing plants. These will be helpful when you go check out that used guitar.

[colchar]

Originally Posted by hobbyman

Welcome! Glad you decided to sign up! I'm the guy you've been talking to over at the GW forum. I'm no expert here (pretty new myself), but I can direct you to a thread very similar in nature to what you are asking:
Difference Between LP Standard Ebony and Plus Top
BTW, if you haven't already, check out the first page of this thread we are on now, it gives the serial number codes for the Epi manufacturing plants. These will be helpful when you go check out that used guitar.

Thanks for the link to that thread as it answers my question. As much as I like the look of the Quilt Top I cannot justify buying it when I can get the same sound from the Ebony Plain Top.

Also, I'm considering waiting a bit to see if I can find a better deal on a Les Paul and, in the meantime, I'd buy an Ibanez that I've checked out a couple of times. I figure I can happily mess around with that until I find the best deal possible on a Les Paul (plus, family has agreed to just give me money for Christmas so that I can put it towards a guitar so I might as well buy the Ibanez for $200 and then look around for the best price I can get on a Les Paul after Christmas).

[hobbyman]

Originally Posted by colchar

Thanks for the link to that thread as it answers my question. As much as I like the look of the Quilt Top I cannot justify buying it when I can get the same sound from the Ebony Plain Top.

Also, I'm considering waiting a bit to see if I can find a better deal on a Les Paul and, in the meantime, I'd buy an Ibanez that I've checked out a couple of times. I figure I can happily mess around with that until I find the best deal possible on a Les Paul (plus, family has agreed to just give me money for Christmas so that I can put it towards a guitar so I might as well buy the Ibanez for $200 and then look around for the best price I can get on a Les Paul after Christmas).

I'm glad that link answered your question. There are answers to almost any question you can think of on here! Anyway, an Ibanez is a good choice for the meantime! They are very good guitars. I have one that I also bought for $200, and it was brand new (a Jet King II model)! It originally went for twice as much, but when I got it, it was a close-out model at close-out price, and on top of that, it was a 'deal of the day' on American Musical Supply! It's a great guitar, it's in my album on here if you want to see it. You won't regret having two guitars if you buy a Les Paul after Christmas! Besides, if you run short of cash after you have your two guitars, you can always sell one of them!

[colchar]

Originally Posted by hobbyman

I'm glad that link answered your question. There are answers to almost any question you can think of on here! Anyway, an Ibanez is a good choice for the meantime! They are very good guitars. I have one that I also bought for $200, and it was brand new (a Jet King II model)! It originally went for twice as much, but when I got it, it was a close-out model at close-out price, and on top of that, it was a 'deal of the day' on American Musical Supply! It's a great guitar, it's in my album on here if you want to see it. You won't regret having two guitars if you buy a Les Paul after Christmas! Besides, if you run short of cash after you have your two guitars, you can always sell one of them!

Turns out I did get an Ibanez today!

I managed to get a better model than I had planned though because the store had mislabeled an Ibanez GRG170DX, which retails for $299, as a GRX20 which retails for $199. When speaking to one of the store managers he didn't notice their mistake and, when I took it to the cash register, they just looked at the model info and price on the price tag and charged me that. So I ended up getting the GRG170DX (in the Black Night finish) for $199 before tax. I thought that was a pretty sweet deal!!!

[hobbyman]

Originally Posted by colchar

Turns out I did get an Ibanez today!

I managed to get a better model than I had planned though because the store had mislabeled an Ibanez GRG170DX, which retails for $299, as a GRX20 which retails for $199. When speaking to one of the store managers he didn't notice their mistake and, when I took it to the cash register, they just looked at the model info and price on the price tag and charged me that. So I ended up getting the GRG170DX (in the Black Night finish) for $199 before tax. I thought that was a pretty sweet deal!!!

Congratulations on the new guitar! Now if you get an Epi Les Paul after Christmas, you'll be that much more ahead in your playing! Post some pics here in the 'other guitars' section and also on the GW forum. I'm sure those guys over there would like to see it as well!

[colchar]

You wanted guitar porn, you've got guitar porn

[hobbyman]

Very nice!!! You did good! Now just practice a lot in prep. for your Les Paul!

[colchar]

Originally Posted by hobbyman

Very nice!!! You did good! Now just practice a lot in prep. for your Les Paul!

Thanks! And I am practising. The problem is that it has been so many years since I last played that I am really having trouble fretting chords without muting other strings. I keep changing hand position and just need to find one that works the majority of the time. Or does anyone here have any other tips?