I'm an old coot who's just getting back into playing guitar after hanging it up for more than 25 years. As with a few other hobbies, I have my son to blame, being inspired by his decision to return to the instrument as well.
Back when I still played, I lusted after the LP's hanging on the wall at the local shops. Back then, the only affordable options were LPSO's (Les Paul Shaped Objects) that had neither the look, tone, nor playability of the real thing.
Fast forward to today and I was pleased to discover the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson line of guitars. My local center had only one Epiphone LP left in stock, an LP Standard 50's gold top ("Gold Metallic"). I almost bought it without playing it first, but playing it next to lower-end Gibsons costing more than twice as much only helped seal the deal. The only thing lacking about this guitar is the pickups need just a tad more output. Other than that they sound surprisingly good.
The first thing I had to do was fix an intonation problem on the low E. It was so sharp that I had to adjust it almost to end end of travel to get it right. The other 5 strings were close to perfect. It's not a finger pressure issue, it was just that far off. I anticipate a new set of strings may negate that adjustment.
25 years makes a huge difference in my ability to play. I have short fingers, but when younger I had no problem stretching large intervals. Man, I have lost a ton of flexibility in my old age! I may not get back to where I used to be, but hopefully I can loosen up enough to play well and have fun.
Back when I still played, I lusted after the LP's hanging on the wall at the local shops. Back then, the only affordable options were LPSO's (Les Paul Shaped Objects) that had neither the look, tone, nor playability of the real thing.
Fast forward to today and I was pleased to discover the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson line of guitars. My local center had only one Epiphone LP left in stock, an LP Standard 50's gold top ("Gold Metallic"). I almost bought it without playing it first, but playing it next to lower-end Gibsons costing more than twice as much only helped seal the deal. The only thing lacking about this guitar is the pickups need just a tad more output. Other than that they sound surprisingly good.
The first thing I had to do was fix an intonation problem on the low E. It was so sharp that I had to adjust it almost to end end of travel to get it right. The other 5 strings were close to perfect. It's not a finger pressure issue, it was just that far off. I anticipate a new set of strings may negate that adjustment.
25 years makes a huge difference in my ability to play. I have short fingers, but when younger I had no problem stretching large intervals. Man, I have lost a ton of flexibility in my old age! I may not get back to where I used to be, but hopefully I can loosen up enough to play well and have fun.