Epiphone vs Gibson

[battra]

I know that on the whole the Gibson > Epiphone, but how different are they really?

Here's what I'm talking about. A number of years ago, I played the only Gibson Les Paul I've ever played..a Les Paul Studio in a pawn shop which was near my house then, and strangely enough, near my house now...I moved a few times and I've moved back.

It was wine red and about the greatest guitar I'd ever played. I was out of guitar for a few years, I had to sell my guitar, my stack got stolen, etc. So...I had decided to buy an Epiphone Les Paul Studio, but ended up with an SG. The Studio I played just wasn't as happening as the Gibson I played all those years ago, but I still pine for the Les Paul.

So, I came up with an idea to make an Ace Frehley like customized guitar out of an Epiphone, either Junior or 100. I emailed my father in law about it because I'd need his help. He responded back saying basically, we don't have the time or knowledge to do this customization and make it good.

I'll lend you the money to buy an Epiphone Black Beauty 3 pickup and you pay me back at the most insane terms possible...insane good for me. I reluctantly told him no...for today.

While trying to go to sleep last night...thinking of the gorgeous gold and black three pickup hammer of Thor...I got to thinking about that I played all of those years ago.

Pricing wise...an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Three Pickup and a Gibson Les Paul Studio can be gotten for about the same price.

Which would you go with and why?

[AXE]

[HRC]

I'd go for the Gibson Les Paul Studio.

[michaelinokc]

What Axe is trying to say is use the search function. There are several threads on this subject. Axe says it much better, but I don't have that style.

[River]

If I tell you what to buy, will you obey me?

[AXE]

This subject has been beat to hell.

It's a matter of preference and pockets.


Oh, Gibson.

Just because I've never really played an Epiphone.

[battra]

I did just use the search function, and I found the precise bit I was looking for.

My apologies.

[02589]

I think you should buy an Epi because we are trying to thin the herd over here on the Gibson side. Nothing against you, but some of these members are just unbelievable.

[icy_wind500]

Originally Posted by 02589

I think you should buy an Epi because we are trying to thin the herd over here on the Gibson side. Nothing against you, but some of these members are just unbelievable.

I've tried but everytime I try to play an epiphone I end coming back here

[armann]

[adamsvok]

Originally Posted by battra

an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Three Pickup and a Gibson Les Paul Studio can be gotten for about the same price.

Which would you go with and why?

As you can see it's not too wise to post a thread about gibson vs epi. However I'm gonna give you my 2 cents as I own an epi std, epi 60s tribute and a gibson studio faded. I say you'd be more satisfied with the gibson. The sound is "just" (not exactly but...) the matter of the pickups which you could change for instance I love the sound of the 60s tribute epi with the 57 classics over the bb pros in the studio. The real diff (to me) is the playability. The Gibson feels more comfortable, the fingerboard, the frets, the neck etc. feel better. And of course the quality question is not to be neglected. F.ex. The epis wiring is just "unorganized" in the dirty cavity (with paint spots) the wires seem messy and are tied together with a zip strip. The Gibson is just OK. Though some say studios have sharp fret ends and stuff (no binding). So I would definately take the Gibson.

But... as always go out there and play 'em. If you find a good guitar don't be taken over by it instantly. check the vol and tone pots the pickup switch the frets the finish everything. There are some bad eggs in the omlette which you don't wanna get. so be aware.
Keep us posted! (we love pics.. just a hint)

[Huck Finn]

Maybe an Epi MIJ might be just right for you, cause they look and play great and aren't as expensive as USA models. IMO, the Gibson special faded models are great players and sound really good, I'd always go for them and never for an Epi (unless Japan...)

[battra]

Originally Posted by adamsvok

As you can see it's not too wise to post a thread about gibson vs epi. However I'm gonna give you my 2 cents as I own an epi std, epi 60s tribute and a gibson studio faded. I say you'd be more satisfied with the gibson. The sound is "just" (not exactly but...) the matter of the pickups which you could change for instance I love the sound of the 60s tribute epi with the 57 classics over the bb pros in the studio. The real diff (to me) is the playability. The Gibson feels more comfortable, the fingerboard, the frets, the neck etc. feel better. And of course the quality question is not to be neglected. F.ex. The epis wiring is just "unorganized" in the dirty cavity (with paint spots) the wires seem messy and are tied together with a zip strip. The Gibson is just OK. Though some say studios have sharp fret ends and stuff (no binding). So I would definately take the Gibson.

But... as always go out there and play 'em. If you find a good guitar don't be taken over by it instantly. check the vol and tone pots the pickup switch the frets the finish everything. There are some bad eggs in the omlette which you don't wanna get. so be aware.
Keep us posted! (we love pics.. just a hint)

Thank you, Adam. Your response was thoughtful and well reasoned.

I've been doing all kinds of research today...I've got a day at work with loads of free time you see.

I've owned a couple Epiphones, but never a Gibson and I've loved both of my Epi's...Of course I've played Gibsons here and there...and nothing has ever sounded like I remember that Studio sounding.

I've seen a lot about how the electronics aren't the same and I know the pickups aren't.

I've decided to go with the Studio...I probably won't have it for a few months, but here we are.

Thank you.

And yes I get the pix bit.

[colchar]

Originally Posted by battra

A number of years ago, I played the only Gibson Les Paul I've ever played

Originally Posted by battra

Of course I've played Gibsons here and there

[PNB92]

Neither. Get a Telecaster

[battra]

Originally Posted by colchar

Flying V

Explorer

Firebird.

[AngryHatter]

A tele.

[Webtroll]

I've never played an Epi LP that I've liked as much as a Gibson LP. That said I've played some cool Epiphones, but the cool ones were acoustics and the 60s style solid bodies (Coronet and suchlike).

[Ginger Beer]

There is something about a Gibson neck that I've always loved. It's really hard to explain but the quality in the craftmanship of the Gibson neck translates all the way down the fretboard and then into the strings.

But, I have tried a few epis over the years. Most didn't float my boat but a few were really nice guitars. Great sound and playability. I might still buy an epi if I stumble into a really good one at a nice price. Why not?

[colchar]

Originally Posted by battra

Flying V

Explorer

Firebird.

Nothing in the thread indicated that, you were speaking specifically about LPs. And none of those are relevant in an Epi LP vs. Gibson LP thread.

[battra]

Originally Posted by colchar

Nothing in the thread indicated that, you were speaking specifically about LPs. And none of those are relevant in an Epi LP vs. Gibson LP thread.

I'm sorry for not being clear enough for ya.

You don't think mentioning experience with a brand is relevant in a brand to brand comparison?

Are you sure about that?

[UncleMonkey]

[rockstar232007]

The better question would be; "Apples vs. Oranges".

[Ledheadforlife]

I know there are plenty of people on this forum(and in the world at large) who believe epiphone makes a decent electric guitar. But those people are wrong. Get a gibson.

[The Refugee]

Originally Posted by Ledheadforlife

I know there are plenty of people on this forum(and in the world at large) who believe epiphone makes a decent electric guitar. But those people are wrong. Get a gibson.

[bungle]

Find a used Gibson Studio. Lot's of em out there..

[colchar]

Originally Posted by battra

I'm sorry for not being clear enough for ya.

You don't think mentioning experience with a brand is relevant in a brand to brand comparison?

Are you sure about that?

Yeah, when you are talking about LPs the Explorers, Flying Vs, and Firebirds are completely fvcking irrelevant.

[BrianB]

@ battra; Thanks for posting this thread... I'm in a similar boat, with similar questions. I've an Epi G-1275 and a Dot, and am starting to put together the $$ for a LP.

@ those who replied; Thanks for the input.

B.

[Malchik]

I'll buy a top of the line Epiphone Les Paul over an economy Gibson any day.

[joshatatlasstands]

I own an epi sheri 2 and wish it was an ES 335, not the other way around