Gibson LP Studio or MIJ Epiphone?

[ethanleow]

I'm looking forward to purchase my new LP.. need some advice on this 2 choice I have.

2000 MIJ Epiphone Les Paul Standard (Gold Top)
-Gibson Deluxe Tuners
-Duncan'59 (Neck)
-Alnico 2 Pro (Bridge)

OR


1993 Gibson Les Paul Studio (Flame Amber)?
-SD Jazz and SD JB

[kingedb]

have you played either? if not i would say the studio for the SD JB alone. the JB is my favorite pickup hands down. obviously this is a personal preference.

the other thing you have to think about is the mental aspect of owning a gibson. some people just cannot get past the headstock. myself included!

[ethanleow]

btw, does a Gibson LP Studio have a long neck tenon?

[nauc]

is that the Epi Elitist?

if so, if theyre both nice, the Elitist

[ethanleow]

Here are the pictures:

93' Gibson LP Studio


00' Epiphone MIJ LP

[ethanleow]

No it's an MIJ.. not an elitist.

[diceman]

Originally Posted by ethanleow

btw, does a Gibson LP Studio have a long neck tenon?

No. The MIJ does, though.

I think I'd snag the Studio w/ a top like that. That MIJ will be a great guitar as well, though.

[ethanleow]

damn... why doesn't the studio come with a long neck tenon.. though it doesn't make much difference in tone but still... haha u guys understand..

[ethanleow]

Actually what's the difference between the Studio and the Gibson LP Standard other than the Pups / Binding and neck?

[BigLou]

Originally Posted by ethanleow

Actually what's the difference between the Studio and the Gibson LP Standard other than the Pups / Binding and neck?

Other differences are the bridge, tailpiece, pots, tuners, neck tenon and jack.

[ethanleow]

I don't think those are different actually except for short neck tenon.. CTS pots / Tune-o-matic Bridge / tailpiece / Gibson deluxe tuners

[BigLou]

You mentioned the neck and I assumed you meant the asymmetrical neck which is on the new standards. The Standards now have TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece, Bourns designed pots, locking Grover tuners and a Neutrik locking jack.

The inlaid logo is another difference.

[ethanleow]

u are right.. the 2008 standards are different.. forgot about the 2008 standards.

[loneguitar]

The Gibson, there are great reviews on the early 90's studio, even if it were another date I'd always take a Gibson over an Epi.
Just an all around better guitar IMO.

[cynic79]

If the Studio has an ebony board, I'd be inclined to pick it up for that alone. However, I don't think you'll go wrong with either one.

[Kølabrennern]

Me personally, I don't care for the the Nashville bridge on the USA production models, so I'd go for the MIJ based on that alone (ABR-1).

[kspeed]

Looks like an ebony board from that little photo. If so, grab the Studio post haste! Even if it's rosewood I'd still be inclined to grab the Gibson instead. Don't forget it has a nitro finish vs poly on the Epi.

[WillieG]

Not sure what I would have done. That MIJ looks damn nice and also the headstock is not the butt ugly one you find on today's Epi's.

Hm..

[Brian Butler]

I've owned both an Epi and a Gibson Les Paul. Both were fabulous. The only important diff to me would be pickups (tho you can change those you know).

Everything else being equal, I'd always lean toward the Gibson, because while it may not be better than Epiphone in every case, it certainly should not be worse.

[Brian Butler]

Originally Posted by WillieG

Not sure what I would have done. That MIJ looks damn nice and also the headstock is not the butt ugly one you find on today's Epi's.

Hm..

No kidding. If they'd change that dang headstock, they'd sell a lot more Epiphones. (at least to me)

And I wonder how many people who have the money for a Gibson, would choose an Epiphone simply because they've improved the headstock.

[Bellows1]

If you consider the resale, I'd go with the Gibson. The Epi may be a great guitar, but only those "in the Know" know it's a great guitar.

[qwank]

that is one great looking studio. studio all the way!!

[FennRx]

gibson

[ethanleow]

Hi all, thanks so much for your advice. Both guitar sounds great.. especially with the SD Pups installed. As most of you have said, it is more advisable to go for a gibson instead of a epiphone since the price between those 2 are not much of a big difference. I liked both guitars, if can i would have purchase both but i can't afford. hehe.. So seems like i have to buy the one which will worth more in a long run.

[Thunder Dump]

Man I'm really diggin' that Studio!

[musikspygirl]

is that MIJ laquer series?

[kspeed]

Originally Posted by ethanleow

So seems like i have to buy the one which will worth more in a long run.

Keep in mind the Gibson will always be easier to resell and should maintain a higher resale value. Sure, a lot of people on these boards know about the MIJ Epiphones, but try telling that to your local craigslist buyers.

[Kuroyama]

You didnt mention the prices of either. Generally speaking the Gibson is the preferred instrument, but once you start factoring in typical prices, law of diminishing returns show the Epi to be the clear winner. If both gits were the same price (or close enough) I'd go Gibson. But here in Japan, MIJ Epis go for about 1/3 to 1/4 of what the Gibson goes for. But, the Gibson is NOT 4 times the guitar the Epi is. So there you go.

Good luck.

[qwank]

theres a studio just like that on my local craigslist for $500 with HSC. I was goingto pick it up but it has a neck repair

[BUDOKAI]

Originally Posted by ethanleow

i'm looking forward to purchase my new lp.. Need some advice on this 2 choice i have.

2000 mij epiphone les paul standard (gold top)
-gibson deluxe tuners
-duncan'59 (neck)
-alnico 2 pro (bridge)

or


1993 gibson les paul studio (flame amber)?
-sd jazz and sd jb

gold top