Gibbo Studio or Epi Standard?

[Vitro]

As per the title guys, though Im only talking about build quality and quality of components because everyhing else is a matter of personal preference. Choice is between a new Epi LP standard plus top for £400, or a used Gibson LP studio in worn cherry for £450.

 

[kennesawbob]

Which one feels better? Which one sounds better? Which one is picking you? Thats the right choice. You'll know.

 

[DanoJS]

Generally the Gibson will have better quality of materials, but that is certainly not to say the epi won't be of good build quality. The standard saying on this forum is to try them both out and see which you like best. You are only asking about build quality so I would say probably the Gibson. That said however you get some bad Gibsons and some great Epiphones so I would check out the specific guitars in the store

BTW 100th post - do you feel special?

 

[Vitro]

Yeah I wish I could ty them (though im very much a novice at the mo so theres a limit to how much id learn from doing so), but theres one guitar shop in my town and they mainly stock vintage.

Im not a big fan of the 'which is best' threads coz its totally a personal preference thing, but i am only talking about build quality. I recently bought a Vintage but sent it straight back as the build quality was apalling and its put me right off sadly.

 

[harpmaster]

I had a epi standard and now have a Gibson studio the Gibson is much better Imo.

 

[River]

Only build quality, or build quality and components?

If the former, there's a good chance Epiphone has the edge (says he as he takes shelter). If the latter, I'd say Gibson does.

My '07 Epi came with no build flaws. Both my '92 and '04 Gibsons have one or two.

 

[DanoJS]

I know what you mean. You could always take a look at the local ads for a Studio. That way you could check it out before you buy. On the other hand if you like the look of the epi you could buy one online and send it back if it's not what you are looking for. Like you said though at this stage it is mostly a personal preference thing. I have an epi and the build quality is fantastic so do not be put off by this!! Bear in mind that the electronics and other components can be upgraded if necessary.

 

[Vitro]

Interesting. Thanks guys, appreciated. Think I'll go the Epi route, see how it goes, upgrade if necessary. Means i can have a shiny new one too rather than a slightly bashed one. I do like Gibson though...

 

[olwanger]

The Gibson Studios up until 2006 didn't have the chambered bodies they do now.I have owned a 1998 Gibson Studio and a Korean made Epi,and though the Korean made Epi was a well made guitar-especially after upgrades-if I was to choose between the two stock today I would choose the Gibson without hesitation.Better wood,better electronics,real mother of pearl fret inlays vs plastic on the Epi.The stock pickups were better as were the bridge and quality of the fretboard.Then there's the resale or trade value factor if you decide you want to move up to something better later on as well.Just my two cents worth.

 

[The Refugee]

The Gibson Studios up until 2006 didn't have the chambered bodies they do now.I have owned a 1998 Gibson Studio and a Korean made Epi,and though the Korean made Epi was a well made guitar-especially after upgrades-if I was to choose between the two stock today I would choose the Gibson without hesitation.Better wood,better electronics,real mother of pearl fret inlays vs plastic on the Epi.The stock pickups were better as were the bridge and quality of the fretboard.Then there's the resale or trade value factor if you decide you want to move up to something better later on as well.Just my two cents worth.

Are you sure the Gibson is real MOP? I heard somewhere they haven't used that since the 70s or 80s.

 

[TeleDog]

A finish flaw is not a really a build flaw. Nitro is not as easy to apply and handle as poly and this can result in a few cosmetic issues in mass production facilities. You don't want guitars with poorly set necks or the wrong angle, you don't want guitars with rough cavities and crappy joints. You're more likely to get that out of Epiphones simply because of their production line and the cost-effective methods they use.

I've never seen Faded models with flaws anyway. Sure they don't look all shiny and nice, but they're the best value Gibson has at the moment. Shoot for the Studio, you'll be glad you did.

That said... I've played some epis that looked like crap, but sounded real nice. I've also seen some Gibsons sell for 1.5K and they look more like kits out of ebay. You need to play them first, if you can't, at least get all the info on them and verify all you can before you make the purchase.

 

[DaveM]

Personally I will never own any guitar with the worn finish, I simply do not like the look. If I can't connect with a guitar visually then it won't matter how good it is, I just won't be motivated to ever pick it up. It may seem vain but I bet there are alot more here then just me that feel the same way about the visual impact a guitar has as well.

 

[TeleDog]

Personally I will never own any guitar with the worn finish, I simply do not like the look. If I can't connect with a guitar visually then it won't matter how good it is, I just won't be motivated to ever pick it up. It may seem vain but I bet there are alot more here then just me that feel the same way about the visual impact a guitar has as well.

I'm a little different. I got a 60's Tele that looks like a bucket of rust, literally, and the thing sounds AMAZING so I'm always tempted to pick it up. However, I try to be nice to her and respect her age..

 

[DaveM]

I'm a little different. I got a 60's Tele that looks like a bucket of rust, literally, and the thing sounds AMAZING so I'm always tempted to pick it up. However, I try to be nice to her and respect her age..

Kinda different when it's a truly aged and worn vintage guitar, the Worn Studio's you can buy new start off ugly and don't improve and they aren't vintage. But it's all personal preference.

 

[TeleDog]

Kinda different when it's a truly aged and worn vintage guitar, the Worn Studio's you can buy new start off ugly and don't improve and they aren't vintage. But it's all personal preference.

Not a fan of the Faded finish myself, but if the guitar sounds good....

 

[miwolverine754]

Well if your looking for build quality, I've found gibson's have have MUCH better build quality over the epiphone's FOR THE MOST PART. My first guitar that was worth more than $150, was an epiphone les paul standard. That guitar had pretty terrible quality componants in it, it couldn't stay in tune, at one point i actually cut my hand because it had one of the frets sticking out to far. needless to say that guitar didn't last long. My next guitar was an epiphone Les paul custom, now THAT was a good guitar! I've had that one for 5 years now and have yet to have any major problems with it. Even the pickups don't sound that bad, in some situations i even prefer those pickups. Now I also have a Gibson Les paul studio, and it has great craftsmanship, tone, components. So bottom line, Gibsons you don't really have a chance of getting a bad guitar. If you want to save a little money though, you could go for an epiphone but If you go that route it'd be safer to get a les paul custom. I own both still and they are both my number one and two guitars, can't go wrong with either one!

 

[River]

So bottom line, Gibsons you don't really have a chance of getting a bad guitar.

I'm afraid you do. Even Reissues have been known to come with defective bridges and ill-cut nuts. There are no guarantees, only warranties.

 

[budg]

A finish flaw is not a really a build flaw. Nitro is not as easy to apply and handle as poly and this can result in a few cosmetic issues in mass production facilities. You don't want guitars with poorly set necks or the wrong angle, you don't want guitars with rough cavities and crappy joints. You're more likely to get that out of Epiphones simply because of their production line and the cost-effective methods they use.

I've never seen Faded models with flaws anyway. Sure they don't look all shiny and nice, but they're the best value Gibson has at the moment. Shoot for the Studio, you'll be glad you did.

That said... I've played some epis that looked like crap, but sounded real nice. I've also seen some Gibsons sell for 1.5K and they look more like kits out of ebay. You need to play them first, if you can't, at least get all the info on them and verify all you can before you make the purchase.

My strat has a flawless nitro finish.It is harder to get a great finish , but after paying minimum of 1400 bucks, you would think the quality control would be better.I played a few Gibson Studios and settled on a Epi custom because it played better.And was half the price.

 

[sg13]

I think your looking at two very different guitars here. I own a Epi standard, and have had a lot of time with my friend's studio. My standard played better than his studio, but I think he may have had still a factory setup on it. Definitely the Gibson sounded better with its stock pups. I remember much more clear highs and midrange, while my Epi sounded kinda unclear up in the high end. I do like having the binding on my epi better, and I remember the finish on the Gibson could of been better. Also hardware was better on the Gibson with the exception of the tuners. I liked the cheaper grovers on the Epi in my opinion, they do there job well. Another thing I remember is that the Gibson had a different neck... I believe it was a bit larger than the Epi.

I think in the end if you do some upgrades to the Epi(replace the bridge, make sure it has a well cut nut, electronics upgrade, pups upgraded) it can hang on the Studios level.. I know theres different debates about this, but I think probably some would agree.. I would just play before you buy though because I've played a ton of crap setup stock Epi Standards, and Studios, and think its a major crapshoot. Good Luck!

 

[Diocletian]

I have both. Love both. Get the Gibson.