Why the darker cream binding on Epi Alpine White Customs?

[B5Erik]

I had a Gibson LP Custom back in the mid 90's - Alpine White with the gold hardware. It was beautiful.

In a fit of stupidity I sold it.

Now there's no way I can afford a Gibson LP Custom. But I can afford an Epiphone LP Custom. And Epi's Alpine White Customs look great - except for that dark cream binding.

It drives me nuts. The Gibsons have white binding which looks a lot better.

So why the darker binding on the Epis?

Any idea? And has Epiphone ever used the white binding for their white customs?

 

[Gundecker]

Not sure on the regular A.W.customs,but my Elite has binding so white,it's hard to tell where the body stops and the binding starts. Zero fade as far as I can tell.She is a case queen and only comes out when a certain thread on Elites/Elitists goes to the top.

 

[B5Erik]

Not sure on the regular A.W.customs,but my Elite has binding so white,it's hard to tell where the body stops and the binding starts. Zero fade as far as I can tell.She is a case queen and only comes out when a certain thread on Elites/Elitists goes to the top.

Well, then, that's what I need to get. (Let me know if you ever want to sell yours... )

The non-Elitist Epiphone LP Customs have a really bold cream colored binding for their Alpine White models. It just doesn't work for me.

I don't know why Epiphone does that when Gibson (wisely) doesn't.

Do not like...

 

[elephantrider]

uh yeah. that doesnt jive at all.

 

[MusicLaw]

Sorry guys! The vintage cream binding on my 2014 Alpine White Epi LP Custom Pro looks great! It looks nothing like the photo in this thread. If it looked like the photo, I'd agree with you and not have bought it.

 

[Kamen_Kaiju]

that photo is filtered (look at the 'gold' hardware)

way yellower than normal

 

[B5Erik]

A couple more...

VS the Gibson binding...

I just don't get the point of doing the Epi's differently. I love a lot of what Epiphone does, and I think they've done a lot of cool things - but this one I don't like. The Gibson's look cleaner and sleeker with the white binding. The ONLY thing I don't like about the Epi Alpine White LP Customs is that cream binding.

Oh, well. Maybe someday I'll find an Alpine White Elitist...

 

[LSAR]

It's the same that they use on the black Epi Custom. Presumably during the manufacturing process they have similar situations for Customs as Standards. I believe there have been solid colored Standard models people have stripped the finish on and found a flamed maple veneer underneath, so similarly I would assume the body of the custom is built before the finish is applied to suit whatever quantities need to be reached.
Just a guess, and by no means an educated one.

I agree though, it not only doesn't work on white, but also doesn't really work on black either. It isn't nearly as bad in person, but it stil looks like shiite, comparatively.

 

[93LPStudio]

I never realized that some Epiphone Customs have this cream binding like that. I have to agree it just doesn't look right!

 

[emerald81]

It's just the color of the plastic used in asia production. Not the same quality vs gibson.

And the plastics show (intentionally) noticiable difference between gibsons and epis (thats because gibson cost more)... with other details like wood, lacquer, inlays etc etc.

 

[B5Erik]

It's just the color of the plastic used in asia production. Not the same quality vs gibson.

And the plastics show (intentionally) noticiable difference between gibsons and epis (thats because gibson cost more)... with other details like wood, lacquer, inlays etc etc.

They make white plastic in Asia, too...

 

[paruwi]

.........

Oh, well. Maybe someday I'll find an Alpine White Elitist...

FGN Neo Classic LC White | eBay

Basicly an Elitist...

 

[shupe13]

I'm the odd one out. I like it!

 

[MrGansburg]

Couple more alternatives for you:

ESP Edwards E LP 105CD White Les Paul Custom Type Great Electric Guitar w Gigbag | eBay

ESP Edwards E LP 130CD Custom Duncan SWH Long Tenon Made in Japan Brand New | eBay

 

[shupe13]

Couple more alternatives for you:

ESP Edwards E LP 105CD White Les Paul Custom Type Great Electric Guitar w Gigbag | eBay

ESP Edwards E LP 130CD Custom Duncan SWH Long Tenon Made in Japan Brand New | eBay

I was looking at the sellers notes and read that the body material is "solid wood"! Not the typical "Asian Mahogany" sold in these parts lol!

I get it. It's a language thing but it's still funny.

Just think of the debate it could spark here... It's not the same quality of "solid wood" Gibson uses! Asian solid wood has the true tones due to its being more porous.

 

[Unsung Heroes]

I'm the odd one out. I like it!

Yep, I'm a fan of the slightly contrasting, rather than 'blended' binding too shupe

 

[bridge500t]

FGN Neo Classic LC White | eBay

Basicly an Elitist...

why must you tease me so!!!!!!!

 

[Dun Ringill]

FGN Neo Classic LC White | eBay

Basicly an Elitist...

The FGN do look sweet!!

 

[AK Epi Player]

Not that this has anything to do with the binding that's being discussed, but I feel this is a great, simple way to make any white Custom look better. I was at work yesterday when I read this thread yesterday, and couldn't find the link to these pics:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gib...aul-custom-replaced-black-plastics-cream.html

Just shows a White Custom that has had the Black plastics swapped out for Creams. Looks awesome, me thinks! Will try to replicate this on my Burny Custom someday.

 

[Alty]

I like it too....what I think doesn't do it justice is there are far too many colours in such a small area....Black, Gold, White & 'Cream' and it's too busy but as it's all subjective then....