Gibson Studio vs Epiphone Classic

[sdiggz]

Hey guys, whattaya think? is it a hands down "Go with the Gibson"? I picked out an epiphone classic custom (photo is on my signature) but I really want the authentic Gibson sound along with the support of my country (Made in the USA baby!) please help

[GibsonSlash]

In the end, you'll WANT a Gibson

[LongBeach]

Well, it's your call, havent played an Epi LP myslef.
If you've played them both and prefer the Epi, there you go.
But, I dont think you could go wrong with a Gibson LP Studio.
I got one and love it.

[coldsteal2]

I had an Epiphone Ultra for almost a year
but finaly sold it, after i bought my studio.
The sustain on the Gibson and tone is quite noticably longer
than the Epiphones even after buying Duncan Pearly Gates
could be because it was a chamberd guitar.
Nice Guitar though.

but on the other hand, i have an Limted Ed Epi Custom Shop 57 Reissue Les Paul Jr
that is superior to most Gibsons i have used.

[sdiggz]

Going to go play the studio when the lady gets home in a bit (i'm in a cast on driving foot) and compare the two. thanks

[diceman]

Play as many as you can! There are winners and losers from Epiphone and Gibson alike - find the one that speaks to you. Don't forget to check out the Epiphone Elitists, either!

[Davey Rockets]

Having owned a Epi Classic and a Gibby LP Studio, I also say hands down the Studio would get my vote, every time. The Epi was "good", no doubt about it, and a good value for the $$, but plugging the Studio in gave me that LP "mojo" instantly. The Studio was a better playing and better sounding guitar.. it gave me the tone I was looking for.

And, as Diceman said, take a look at the Epi Elitist (Way to plug the Elitist Diceman! ) I have one of those and it is an extremely well made, beautiful sounding guitar! Honestly, I never heard of the Elitist until I stumbled upon this forum, and now I've bought two of them.

First State? Where in DE Sdiggz? That's where I'm from originally...

[kspeed]

I had an Epi LP Studio and an Ultra, but niether gave me that classic LP Tone. Eventually I broke down and traded them in - the Ultra toward a Gibson LP Studio.

One of the big tonal differences between Epi's and Gibby's (other than pickups, obviously) comes from the fact that while Epi's (other than Elitist or Slash models) have a maple top, it's just a veneer - we're talking 1/32 or 1/64 of an inch thick (I'd opened mine up to be sure). Look at a Gibson Studio with a transparent finish and you'll see the maple cap is more like 3/8 thick.

[sdiggz]

Originally Posted by Davey Rockets

Having owned a Epi Classic and a Gibby LP Studio, I also say hands down the Studio would get my vote, every time. The Epi was "good", no doubt about it, and a good value for the $$, but plugging the Studio in gave me that LP "mojo" instantly. The Studio was a better playing and better sounding guitar.. it gave me the tone I was looking for.

And, as Diceman said, take a look at the Epi Elitist (Way to plug the Elitist Diceman! ) I have one of those and it is an extremely well made, beautiful sounding guitar! Honestly, I never heard of the Elitist until I stumbled upon this forum, and now I've bought two of them.

First State? Where in DE Sdiggz? That's where I'm from originally...

Hey I played a wine red 2008 Gibby Studio and the mojo you're talking about was well alive! it was so smooth and really easy/comfy to play so, i took the epi classic custom off of hold and put the Gib on hold. Goin to pay for ir saturday morning. I'm from Newark DE and getting my axe from Accent Music on Kirkwood Highway...... you familiar?

[Davey Rockets]

Hey Sdiggz, sorry for the double post on this and the Epi side of things.

Very glad the Studio had the mojo! Can't wait to see pics. What kind of music do you play?

Yup, I bought a ton of stuff from Accent (including a super cheap LP knock-off) years ago. Lived for a while in Newark, played most every establishment there, except for the Balloon (when it was there). Deerpark had great Nachos! Now I'm out here in LA writing for tv, movies, and doing live work. Sure miss a good cheese-steak.

[Schtang]

you know you want a Gibson - epi won't do period.

[Rastablues]

i agreee get tht gibson

[ojedad23]

if you get the epiphone youll want the gibson lp studio, if you get the studio youll want a standard later on, and so on.i hate gas

[EEF13]

Go for the Studio

[Gold_topped]

Originally Posted by sdiggz

Hey guys, whattaya think? is it a hands down "Go with the Gibson"? I picked out an epiphone classic custom (photo is on my signature) but I really want the authentic Gibson sound along with the support of my country (Made in the USA baby!) please help

Play both if you can and decide from there. Just because one says Gibson doesnt mean its righfully better. The reason I still do not own a Gibson lp is because my epi has been so cherry. I had the money and couldnt justify buying the name. I seem to think I have a gem epi, and my guitar is considered a exception, since alot of people bash on Epi's

[Last]

Certainly not bashing the Epi's but as already stated the Epiphones though they have a nice looking top it's a veneer & not a true Maple Cap.

I do think that this alone makes a huge difference.

Now on the Vintage Mahogany Studios you don't get a Maple Cap but a full on Mahogany Body with a Mahogany Cap. Very deep, very mellow sounding guitar. However with the right CAPS & POTS it cleans up very nicely!

[Gold_topped]

I also suppose its worth mentioning that I have had no real luck finding a decent newer Epi. If I was buying anything 1996-98 or newer, it would be a Gibson. It seems quality drops dramatically after that, atleast in the axe's ive checked out.

But play each, and dont worry so much about the cost, or the name, buy what feels and sounds the best.

[nauc]

i got my first Les Paul about 4 months ago, its a Gibson Studio. since then, ive played many Epis, theyre nice but didnt seem in the same league as my Gibson. just felt the Gibson played better.

heard the Elitists are awesome, but ive never seen one in person

buy what feels good to YOU!

[highenuff]

Studio Baby!!

[Bloody rocker]

After one year. Don't you guys think that he has made up his mind??

[oldGNRfan]

The Studio is my FAVORITE Les Paul Models. I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHY! I love it more than the Standard. The Standard, IMO, is good for classic stuff. Studio is better for harder stuff but can go classic. IMO. The Epiphone I have played. Not bad, but NO GIBSON! You won't be sorry. It is Basic, Beautiful, ROCKIN'! It's great for blues/rock/metal. I call that genre Blocktel! It has pickups that have can push the amp a bit more for that more "in your face" feeling. Go Gibson.

[oldGNRfan]

Originally Posted by Bloody rocker

After one year. Don't you guys think that he has made up his mind??

HOLY SHIT! Didn't even recognize that. Ah well, you can ALWAYS talk Gibson!