For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard

The_Sentry · 03-20-2009, 11:06 AM

For some, Gibson is the only choice. They will accept no substitutes. And for many of those, this would imply the purchase of the Gibson Les Paul Standard for 2700 dollars.

Now consider this...for the price of 1 2008 Gibson Les Paul Standard, you could get the following models...

480 dollars...

300 dollars

400 dollars

350 dollars

500 dollars

Yes...you could get ALL of those Epiphones for the cost of ONE GIBSON LES PAUL STANDARD, and still have 700 dollars leftover for your setups, a case or two for travel, gig bags...whatever. And if you wanted more? Well, you could probably do without one of those guitars and mod the rest.

Now, some might argue "Well...yeah, but the Gibson's a much better guitar". Is it? Maybe. But, it's still going to need a setup, and if you're one of those tone connoisseurs you'll probably end up ripping the PCB board out of those anyway.

So...what's the better deal?

Hmmm...Well, I would ask the question if any one guitar can give you as many options or dynamics vs. a whole collection.....

HecklerDanny · 03-20-2009, 11:15 AM

Thanks for posting this.

I've been playing Epiphone Les Pauls for so long, I feel kind of connected to them. I don't really want to play anything else.

I play with a guy who has SEVERAL Gibson Les Pauls, all models...I pick his up all the time, and the only difference I can tell for the most part is that his hurt my back more.

In all honesty, I think playing the guitar is about 2 things: How does it feel to you, and how does it sound to you? I plug in an Epiphone Les Paul, and I like the way it feels in my hands, and I like the way it sounds...Enough said...If I spend $3,000 more for a Gibson brand would it feel and sound better? Possibly...Would it feel and sound SOOO much better that I could justify spending 4 or 5 times more for it? No...Not in my opinion.

Does a slighty better feel and sound (if it does) justify spending thousands more? Not for me. That's really all I have to say about that.

The_Sentry · 03-20-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HecklerDanny

Thanks for posting this.

I've been playing Epiphone Les Pauls for so long, I feel kind of connected to them. I don't really want to play anything else.

I play with a guy who has SEVERAL Gibson Les Pauls, all models...I pick his up all the time, and the only difference I can tell for the most part is that his hurt my back more.

In all honesty, I think playing the guitar is about 2 things: How does it feel to you, and how does it sound to you? I plug in an Epiphone Les Paul, and I like the way it feels in my hands, and I like the way it sounds...Enough said...If I spend $3,000 more for a Gibson brand would it feel and sound better? Possibly...Would it feel and sound SOOO much better that I could justify spending 4 or 5 times more for it? No...Not in my opinion.

Does a slighty better feel and sound (if it does) justify spending thousands more? Not for me. That's really all I have to say about that.

I don't wanna compare the 2...but if someone had the money saved, well...it's the argument of a collection vs. 1 guitar.

My Std plus gets taken out quite a bit. And although I don't think weight's as much of an issue with the newer chambered Gibbies, it's still the question of quantity, price, and measured against a quality yardstick which is not so easily quantified.

EDIT: I will also admit that I am a Gibson owner. But I still like my Epi's. Hindsight 20/20 though....I might have planned out my collection a bit differently. Something to consider....

HecklerDanny · 03-20-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Sentry

I don't wanna compare the 2...but if someone had the money saved, well...it's the argument of a collection vs. 1 guitar.

My Std plus gets taken out quite a bit. And although I don't think weight's as much of an issue with the newer chambered Gibbies, it's still the question of quantity, price, and measured against a quality yardstick which is not so easily quantified.

EDIT: I will also admit that I am a Gibson owner. But I still like my Epi's. Hindsight 20/20 though....I might have planned out my collection a bit differently. Something to consider....

I'm not comparing. I don't own a Gibson. To me it's about value. To my ear, and my playing, the differences don't justify the price. Just my opinion. It's the same reason that the only acoustic I've ever owned is a $200 fender. It works for me and what I do.

The_Sentry · 03-20-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HecklerDanny

I'm not comparing. I don't own a Gibson. To me it's about value. To my ear, and my playing, the differences don't justify the price. Just my opinion. It's the same reason that the only acoustic I've ever owned is a $200 fender. It works for me and what I do.

One other thing to consider here as well....if you gig a lot, or you travel....break a 300 dollar guitar or if it gets stolen...yeah, that sucks but it's not a heartbreaker.

I don't know if I'd feel the same way if the same metrics were applied to a 2700+ guitar.

VastHorizon · 03-20-2009, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Sentry

One other thing to consider here as well....if you gig a lot, or you travel....break a 300 dollar guitar or if it gets stolen...yeah, that sucks but it's not a heartbreaker.

I don't know if I'd feel the same way if the same metrics were applied to a 2700+ guitar.

An insured musician is a wise musician no matter what his tools are.

Sinmastah · 03-20-2009, 11:43 AM

You should post this at the Gibson Sub-Forum and see what people say

The_Sentry · 03-20-2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinmastah

You should post this at the Gibson Sub-Forum and see what people say

I'd probably have the damned corks thrown at me....

Sinmastah · 03-20-2009, 11:45 AM

I'll do it then

Permission to steal your post

The_Sentry · 03-20-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinmastah

I'll do it then

Permission to steal your post

Hahahahaah....ahhh....it's gonna be one of those kinds of days, isn't it?

Sinmastah · 03-20-2009, 11:47 AM

Is that a yes?

HecklerDanny · 03-20-2009, 11:52 AM

What is that White guitar? Second down from the top?

Sinmastah · 03-20-2009, 11:52 AM

Epiphone Wilshire.

Christmas · 03-20-2009, 11:53 AM

Actually, you can get a lightly used Gibson Custom Shop R7 or R8 right now for around $2000. IMO that's the best deal going. I would never even consider buying a Gibson USA LP. In fact, I'd rather have one R7 than 10 MIC Epi LPs (and remember, I'm currently playing an Epi LP that's serving me well).

Sinmastah · 03-20-2009, 11:54 AM

Yeah, we should change this, and make them Elitists

The_Sentry · 03-20-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinmastah

Is that a yes?

Go for it....

The_Sentry · 03-20-2009, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christmas

Actually, you can get a lightly used Gibson Custom Shop R7 or R8 right now for around $2000. IMO that's the best deal going. I would never even consider buying a Gibson USA LP. In fact, I'd rather have one R7 than 10 MIC Epi LPs (and remember, I'm currently playing an Epi LP that's serving me well).

Well, that's true, but once you get into the used market...then the prices are actually lower on all of those models. Get the models, plus cases, and if you're really a great used market shopper...get botique pups as well...

Sinmastah · 03-20-2009, 12:06 PM

Almost forgot to post without the flame suit.

The_Sentry · 03-20-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinmastah

Almost forgot to post without the flame suit.

Yeah....you'd AT LEAST need the flame suit.....

EDIT:

Quote:

Originally Posted by HecklerDanny

What is that White guitar? Second down from the top?

Sin is correct. That is the Wilshire. I actually think that as far as what's on paper, Epi is really trying to sell these. They were 30 dollars cheaper a few weeks ago...but still...solid body electric, and with full block inlays. Not a bad deal, and the price may be associated with the fact that it's an original Epiphone model.

jbzoso2002 · 03-20-2009, 12:18 PM

after doing the mods to my epi lp std+ its at least
the equal to a new traditional. i know cause i played 2.
this is when i decided to get a slash lp gt epi.
dont forget a gibson is either weight relived or chambered.
i would rather have a laminated solid body insted of something
with a bunch of f%&ckn holes in it. and i have owned 7 gibson
lp's

jimmy

klohiq · 03-20-2009, 05:10 PM

And for the price on one gibson standard i could have this many of these:

point?

its more than just price...but i do agree gibsons are a bit lofty in terms of price. my cousin makes guitars though and charges more than gibson...are they better? who knows, i cant afford one

River · 03-20-2009, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klohiq

And for the price on one gibson standard i could have this many of these:

point?

Sinmastah · 03-20-2009, 05:25 PM

Variety is the Spice of Life.

Leumas · 03-20-2009, 05:45 PM

It's an excellent point. If I were starting out today I think that I may have gone more the Epi route. I got my studio at 14, and it plays and sounds better today then it ever has. I'm ETERNALLY thankful that I didn't render it useless in youthful ignorance. These days I have a small arsenal of nice stuff, and just lobbing epis into the collection doen't really appeal to me. Still looking at the goldtop though, damn you, but that provides a guitar/pickup combo I don't already have. I will have a standard one day, and I'll be just as happy with it as I would with 5 new epis. I guess it all boils down to whether or not you have enough variety in your collection already to suit your tastes.

dennistruckdriver · 03-20-2009, 06:05 PM

If I wanted Epiphones, I'd buy Epiphones.....ahh....never mind!

redcoats1976 · 03-20-2009, 07:19 PM

or you could buy a rickenbacker and a couple of epis...and i kinda like the epis ive got.

lp_junkie · 03-20-2009, 08:00 PM

I used to be a cork sniffer Gibson only snob as well, but I sold my Gibsons and bought MIJ and more Epi's, I like to tinker with my guitars.

I have played Epis on stage all over the US and Japan, they held up to the abuse of touring just fine.

klohiq · 03-20-2009, 08:02 PM

my only real point was that you can only play one guitar at a time so it might as well be a good one...

quality not quantity.

i do like epiphones and various other mid-range/low-end guitars...danelectros are a good deal, old kramers (some have some pretty radical designs, 36 frets, quad rails, aluminum necks, etc), ibanez guitars, and especially any guitars made in the 80s at the matsumoku factory in japan (amazing guitars

)

lp_junkie · 03-20-2009, 08:10 PM

I am planning on buying one more GIbson in my life though, in a couple of years for my 40th birthday I am buying an R9 and will give the Historic Makeover treatment, all vintage clone or vintage parts and be done with it.

Super Monkey · 03-20-2009, 08:13 PM

Heck, I'd just settle for the standard.

03-20-2009, 11:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
The_Sentry The Devil's Advocate Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Neverwhere, CA Posts: 25,947 Thanks: 1,089 Thanked 1,451 Times in 308 Posts	For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard For some, Gibson is the only choice. They will accept no substitutes. And for many of those, this would imply the purchase of the Gibson Les Paul Standard for 2700 dollars. Now consider this...for the price of 1 2008 Gibson Les Paul Standard, you could get the following models... 480 dollars... 300 dollars 400 dollars 350 dollars 500 dollars Yes...you could get ALL of those Epiphones for the cost of ONE GIBSON LES PAUL STANDARD, and still have 700 dollars leftover for your setups, a case or two for travel, gig bags...whatever. And if you wanted more? Well, you could probably do without one of those guitars and mod the rest. Now, some might argue "Well...yeah, but the Gibson's a much better guitar". Is it? Maybe. But, it's still going to need a setup, and if you're one of those tone connoisseurs you'll probably end up ripping the PCB board out of those anyway. So...what's the better deal? Hmmm...Well, I would ask the question if any one guitar can give you as many options or dynamics vs. a whole collection..... __________________ Musical Ventures: Love Knuckle on Reverb Nation! Random Recordings and Videos of Stuff!

03-20-2009, 11:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
HecklerDanny Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 258 Thanks: 3 Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard Thanks for posting this. I've been playing Epiphone Les Pauls for so long, I feel kind of connected to them. I don't really want to play anything else. I play with a guy who has SEVERAL Gibson Les Pauls, all models...I pick his up all the time, and the only difference I can tell for the most part is that his hurt my back more. In all honesty, I think playing the guitar is about 2 things: How does it feel to you, and how does it sound to you? I plug in an Epiphone Les Paul, and I like the way it feels in my hands, and I like the way it sounds...Enough said...If I spend $3,000 more for a Gibson brand would it feel and sound better? Possibly...Would it feel and sound SOOO much better that I could justify spending 4 or 5 times more for it? No...Not in my opinion. Does a slighty better feel and sound (if it does) justify spending thousands more? Not for me. That's really all I have to say about that. __________________ www.youtube.com/hecklerdanny

03-20-2009, 11:43 AM	#7 (permalink)
Sinmastah Epi Verification Expert Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota. Posts: 16,405 Thanks: 8 Thanked 611 Times in 108 Posts	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard You should post this at the Gibson Sub-Forum and see what people say __________________ Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Cherry(Jonesey'd and WB'd) Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Brown (EMG's) Epiphone MIJ Les Paul Ebony LQ Fender Mexi Oly White Strat Squier Natural Vintage M Jazz bass Peavey Classic 50 SG's FTW

03-20-2009, 11:45 AM	#9 (permalink)
Sinmastah Epi Verification Expert Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota. Posts: 16,405 Thanks: 8 Thanked 611 Times in 108 Posts	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard I'll do it then Permission to steal your post __________________ Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Cherry(Jonesey'd and WB'd) Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Brown (EMG's) Epiphone MIJ Les Paul Ebony LQ Fender Mexi Oly White Strat Squier Natural Vintage M Jazz bass Peavey Classic 50 SG's FTW

03-20-2009, 11:47 AM	#11 (permalink)
Sinmastah Epi Verification Expert Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota. Posts: 16,405 Thanks: 8 Thanked 611 Times in 108 Posts	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard Is that a yes? __________________ Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Cherry(Jonesey'd and WB'd) Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Brown (EMG's) Epiphone MIJ Les Paul Ebony LQ Fender Mexi Oly White Strat Squier Natural Vintage M Jazz bass Peavey Classic 50 SG's FTW

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03-20-2009, 11:52 AM	#12 (permalink)
HecklerDanny Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 258 Thanks: 3 Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard What is that White guitar? Second down from the top? __________________ www.youtube.com/hecklerdanny

03-20-2009, 11:52 AM	#13 (permalink)
Sinmastah Epi Verification Expert Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota. Posts: 16,405 Thanks: 8 Thanked 611 Times in 108 Posts	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard Epiphone Wilshire. __________________ Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Cherry(Jonesey'd and WB'd) Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Brown (EMG's) Epiphone MIJ Les Paul Ebony LQ Fender Mexi Oly White Strat Squier Natural Vintage M Jazz bass Peavey Classic 50 SG's FTW

03-20-2009, 11:53 AM	#14 (permalink)
Christmas Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 444 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard Actually, you can get a lightly used Gibson Custom Shop R7 or R8 right now for around $2000. IMO that's the best deal going. I would never even consider buying a Gibson USA LP. In fact, I'd rather have one R7 than 10 MIC Epi LPs (and remember, I'm currently playing an Epi LP that's serving me well).

03-20-2009, 11:54 AM	#15 (permalink)
Sinmastah Epi Verification Expert Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota. Posts: 16,405 Thanks: 8 Thanked 611 Times in 108 Posts	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard Yeah, we should change this, and make them Elitists __________________ Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Cherry(Jonesey'd and WB'd) Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Brown (EMG's) Epiphone MIJ Les Paul Ebony LQ Fender Mexi Oly White Strat Squier Natural Vintage M Jazz bass Peavey Classic 50 SG's FTW

03-20-2009, 12:06 PM	#18 (permalink)
Sinmastah Epi Verification Expert Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota. Posts: 16,405 Thanks: 8 Thanked 611 Times in 108 Posts	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard Almost forgot to post without the flame suit. __________________ Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Cherry(Jonesey'd and WB'd) Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Brown (EMG's) Epiphone MIJ Les Paul Ebony LQ Fender Mexi Oly White Strat Squier Natural Vintage M Jazz bass Peavey Classic 50 SG's FTW

03-20-2009, 12:18 PM	#20 (permalink)
jbzoso2002 Banned Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The United States of Kiss my Ass Posts: 405 Thanks: 25 Thanked 15 Times in 9 Posts	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard after doing the mods to my epi lp std+ its at least the equal to a new traditional. i know cause i played 2. this is when i decided to get a slash lp gt epi. dont forget a gibson is either weight relived or chambered. i would rather have a laminated solid body insted of something with a bunch of f%&ckn holes in it. and i have owned 7 gibson lp's jimmy

03-20-2009, 05:10 PM	#21 (permalink)
klohiq Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 763 Thanks: 8 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard And for the price on one gibson standard i could have this many of these: point? its more than just price...but i do agree gibsons are a bit lofty in terms of price. my cousin makes guitars though and charges more than gibson...are they better? who knows, i cant afford one __________________ '04 Epi LP Ebony Studio - JB / Kramer Quadrail

03-20-2009, 05:25 PM	#23 (permalink)
Sinmastah Epi Verification Expert Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota. Posts: 16,405 Thanks: 8 Thanked 611 Times in 108 Posts	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard Variety is the Spice of Life. __________________ Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Cherry(Jonesey'd and WB'd) Epiphone Elitist SG Faded Brown (EMG's) Epiphone MIJ Les Paul Ebony LQ Fender Mexi Oly White Strat Squier Natural Vintage M Jazz bass Peavey Classic 50 SG's FTW

03-20-2009, 05:45 PM	#24 (permalink)
Leumas Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northeastern PA Posts: 11,783 Thanks: 420 Thanked 334 Times in 57 Posts	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard It's an excellent point. If I were starting out today I think that I may have gone more the Epi route. I got my studio at 14, and it plays and sounds better today then it ever has. I'm ETERNALLY thankful that I didn't render it useless in youthful ignorance. These days I have a small arsenal of nice stuff, and just lobbing epis into the collection doen't really appeal to me. Still looking at the goldtop though, damn you, but that provides a guitar/pickup combo I don't already have. I will have a standard one day, and I'll be just as happy with it as I would with 5 new epis. I guess it all boils down to whether or not you have enough variety in your collection already to suit your tastes. __________________ ~Leumas - clearly not a cyclist.~

03-20-2009, 06:05 PM	#25 (permalink)
dennistruckdriver V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 25,424 Thanks: 365 Thanked 816 Times in 168 Posts	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard If I wanted Epiphones, I'd buy Epiphones.....ahh....never mind! __________________ Last edited by dennistruckdriver; 03-20-2009 at 06:37 PM.

03-20-2009, 07:19 PM	#26 (permalink)
redcoats1976 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 4,411 Thanks: 129 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard or you could buy a rickenbacker and a couple of epis...and i kinda like the epis ive got.

03-20-2009, 08:00 PM	#27 (permalink)
lp_junkie Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 10,561 Thanks: 66 Thanked 238 Times in 53 Posts	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard I used to be a cork sniffer Gibson only snob as well, but I sold my Gibsons and bought MIJ and more Epi's, I like to tinker with my guitars. I have played Epis on stage all over the US and Japan, they held up to the abuse of touring just fine. __________________ --------------------------------------------------- Shane Just a guitar bum........... Last edited by lp_junkie; 03-20-2009 at 11:37 PM.

03-20-2009, 08:02 PM	#28 (permalink)
klohiq Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 763 Thanks: 8 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard my only real point was that you can only play one guitar at a time so it might as well be a good one... quality not quantity. i do like epiphones and various other mid-range/low-end guitars...danelectros are a good deal, old kramers (some have some pretty radical designs, 36 frets, quad rails, aluminum necks, etc), ibanez guitars, and especially any guitars made in the 80s at the matsumoku factory in japan (amazing guitars ) __________________ '04 Epi LP Ebony Studio - JB / Kramer Quadrail

03-20-2009, 08:10 PM	#29 (permalink)
lp_junkie Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 10,561 Thanks: 66 Thanked 238 Times in 53 Posts	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard I am planning on buying one more GIbson in my life though, in a couple of years for my 40th birthday I am buying an R9 and will give the Historic Makeover treatment, all vintage clone or vintage parts and be done with it. __________________ --------------------------------------------------- Shane Just a guitar bum...........

03-20-2009, 08:13 PM	#30 (permalink)
Super Monkey Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Little Rock Posts: 113 Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Re: For the price of 1 Gibson Les Paul Standard Heck, I'd just settle for the standard. __________________ Super Monkey

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