On the crossroad: Epi Tribute Plus or PRS SE Singlecut??

[chipwich]

I've got a 2012 Santana SE and have played the 245 SE a bit in stores. The 245 SE is a _very_ well made and comfortable guitar to play. The fit/finish is superb. I also think that it is a bit better balanced for lap playing than the Santana SE, which feels tail heavy unless standing. For the money, it's hard to go wrong with a 245.

However....

as someone else posted here, it does not sound like a Les Paul. If you play clean or slightly crunchy and you want it to sound like a Les Paul, you need a Gibson or Epiphone. The PRS SE humbuckers are very good, but they tend to be brighter, and yes perhaps generic sounding. Not that that's bad, because it sounds pretty awesome. It just doesn't sound like an LP.

Might as well get the real deal.

 

[warpedsoul]

I had a PRS SE 245 and it was a great guitar. Beautiful finish. The only issue I had with it was it had a wide thick neck. I wanted a wide thinner neck.

 

[GuitarRUSH]

The SE 245 or the Bernie Marsden model are the only PRS models I'd consider in that range. None of the other SE models impress me much.

I'd still probably take my Tribute Plus over them too. The 57 Classic pickups and the hardshell case are a great deal at that price. Wait until a sale is on (Musicians Friend) and you'll come out even better!

 

[drpietrzak]

The materials and construction, save pickups, is not really any different between the two as I would see it. The hardware is no better on the PRS SC to me. It would have more to do with playability and sound for me. Which works better for me is the question to ask as I see it. It, unfortunately, is a must play to make the call to me.

 

[nitrodc]

as someone else posted here, it does not sound like a Les Paul. If you play clean or slightly crunchy and you want it to sound like a Les Paul, you need a Gibson or Epiphone. The PRS SE humbuckers are very good, but they tend to be brighter, and yes perhaps generic sounding. Not that that's bad, because it sounds pretty awesome. It just doesn't sound like an LP.

Might as well get the real deal.

Very good point. Don't get the SE as a "replacement" for a Les Paul. If you want a Les Paul, get a Les Paul. You won't find the same sound in an SE.

 

[skullboy]

Tried a PRS SE: nice guitar! Excellent playability, perfect neck. Very beatiful sounding... smooth. Smoother than what I have in mind. Great guitar but not what I'm looking for. I was thinking of James Williamson and the PRS was more like Santana. Not my cup of tea, but hats off on it.
I could'nt try a Tribute Plus but I played an Epi Standard: excellente feeling with it, good sound (it must be better with the Classic 57s the Tribute has). I have ordered a Vintage Sunburst Tribute Plus online: 410€ (535$), I think it's a good price.
I'll post pics and impressions as soon as I receive it.
Thanks a lot to all.

 

[truckermde]

I think you're on the right Epi track with the tribute plus, but I would recommend the Bernie Marsden model for your PRS offering. Much more comparable than the singlecut to the tribute, IMHO. Tough choice, too!

Excellent choice with the tribute, bro

 

[skullboy]

Thanks Trucker! I can't wait to receive it!

 

[skullboy]

By the way: is there any significative difference between the Tribute Plus and the other Epi Les Pauls, a part of pickups, electronics, tuners... I mean, does the Tribute Plus have better woods, better construction, better finish details...? The Epi Les Paul I tried was a very well built guitar, it seemed to have good woods. Just wondering if the Plus would be even better...

 

[Mexicanbreed]

I don´t have much experience with Epiphones, except a few I played at a couple of music stores, so my next comments are not a dig against Epiphone, and certainly not the Tribute plus, which wasn´t the model I picked up. I played a Standard, a Swingster, a LP100, and a Dot. From the SE line, I played a singlecut, a Santana, a Torero, a Custom, and a hollow body. I was far more impressed with the SE than the Epis...at least the ones I directly compared to.

Last week I got a used Tremonti SE. Some years ago, I used to have a Gibson Les Paul. I loved the guitar, but it ended being a case queen. I didn´t take it out from home for fear it would be stolen, damaged, manhandled, etc. It was a great playing and sounding guitar. However, it was too heavy for me, too thick for comfort, and the back stuck into my rib cage. Even with all this, the only reason I sold it was that I needed the money.

After many years of not playing, I got this SE after reading a lot of comments and reviews on the PRS SE line, most of them favorable. A very reasonably priced used one showed up and I got it. I thought of refinishing it, changing everything out, etc. Very common practice for many, especially with budget guitars. When I got it, I was very surprised at the level of craftmanship. The finish is poly, very smooth and comfortable when playing. It is thinner and lighter than the LP I had, and the bevels are comfortable as well. I haven´t had the chance to listen to it plugged in, but I´m not worried, since the electronics can be upgraded. When I play it sitting down, it´s one of the most comfortable playing guitars I´ve ever tried, period. I won´t even say it´s good for the money. I think it´s a good instrument, regardless of the price point.

BUT, I don´t see it as a Les Paul replacement. I wanted a singlecut guitar in the sub 700 dollare range. Epiphone was certainly one of my possible choices. Since it closely resembles the Gibson Les Paul, the things I didn´t like about the design were there. I kept looking and researching, and that´s what made me decide on the Tremonti. I am very happy with my purchase and I wouldn´t hesitate in suggesting it as an all around guitar.

 

[skullboy]

Thanks for your advice, heheehe, but you're late. My Epi is coming right now (just received a mail from the store: already shipped). No doubt about PRS goodness, I liked the one I tried.

 

[Mexicanbreed]

You say that like that´s going to be your only guitar. Keep them in mind for when you are considering your next guitar.

 

[skullboy]

Oh, I don't think I'll have another for a long time. I usually have only one guitar at a time, but... who knows?

 

[skullboy]

And what I said: any differences between the Tribute and the other Epi LPs, a part of pickups, electronic, tuners...? Wood quality, finish, construction...?

 

[Barcham]

I think the Tribute has a long tenon but that would be it for differences as far as construction and wood goes. Oh yeah...the Tribute does have a maple cap whereas other Epis may or may not.

 

[Epi rocks]

I've said it before and I'll say it again.
"Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus" Best value LP on the market today, PERIOD!!!

 

[skullboy]

My LP Tribute Plus has arrived, at last! I haven't played it seriously yet, not having much time. I'll post a good review thread with pics ASAP (today it's cloudy, not good for decent pics).
It's beatiful and sounds... grrrreat! Thank you all.

 

[radiomatts]

Intonation on my SE is spot-on (wraparound bridge). I have no idea what you're talking about. Took me ~2 minutes. Intonation on my Epi Standard was a pain with its weird backwards screws.

As for choosing between the Epi and the PRS -- go play them both (if you can). Only you can decide because electronics are upgradable. The PRS may be more expensive if you are planning on buying Gibson 57's for it (there are better pickups for that money tbh). If you're going to be upgrading both of them either way, then all you have to consider is playability and feel. I switched an Epi Standard+ for my PRS because I felt more comfortable with the PRS's Wide-Fat neck (I have big hands) and loved everything about it. My Epi was a great guitar, but the fret job wasn't as good as the PRS's and they started to wear down within a few days of ownership, the strings cut sharp grooves in the frets. I suppose the Epi had bad fret wire. I also didn't like the bridge pickup.

But since you are considering a Tribute+, that should leave a better impression than the Standard+ I had. So really, it comes down to you and what you want. Everyone's opinion of tone and feel is completely different, so basing your choice on the replies of a few forum members is NOT a good idea. Otherwise we'd all be playing the same thing.

I have a similar opinion here. I have a PRS SE Santana, the new one with the original Santana shape and birds, and it's an awesome guitar. That being said, the scale length is an issue. Some people are sensitive to it and others are not. It's all very, personal. PRS QC is top notch, even on the SE's. Each SE is actually sent to Baltimore for inspection before its sold.

What others have said is very true. You HAVE to play them for a while and pick whichever speaks to you. We all know that choosing the right guitar is very personal, and you just can't waffle between them based on simple pros and cons. I own vintage Gibsons and cheap Squiers and Fenders, along with my Epiphone collection, and the one thing they have in common is that I don't want to put them down. That should be your criteria. You hands, your head, your heart...and yeah, your wallet. That's all.