New Epiphone Les Paul Custom on the bench

[brentrocks]

This guitar is not mine…..it’s a brand new Epiphone Les Paul Custom that my brother in law bought.

It was brought to me for a complete setup, fretboard conditioning and string change.

I have to say that these new Epiphones, even though they are made in China , are pretty damm good quality.

$600 is not a bad price (that’s what he paid on GC.com)

Fretwork is good. Electronics sound good. Neck pitch is good. Fit and finish are good as well.

A lot of times, these Epiphones would require a ton of fret leveling and need new pickups and pots……but I would say that this one is gig ready.

 

[lpfan1980]

Wow what a beautiful Epi LP!

 

[Dolebludger]

Yes, their quality has improved greatly over the years. My 2009 Epi P 90 LP Goldtop needed some work, like fret leveling, wiring problems, and a few other things when I bought it new. Our local Gibson warranty shop took care of some problems. Others I had to pay for. But when I got through with it all, I had about 25% of the money in it, compared to the cost of an identical looking Gibson — all in 2009 prices. And mine played better!

 

[ljr]

Those aren’t stock pickups are they? Those look like Gretsch style Filter Trons?

 

[Gridlock]

I first bought a used 2023 Epiphone Les Paul Custom in mint condition. I liked it so much, that I ordered a Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Custom.

I traded the standard guitar for a Epiphone ES 335. The IBG Custom is a keeper. They are really good guitars.

 

[01GT Eibach]

Those aren’t stock pickups are they? Those look like Gretsch style Filter Trons?

Bone stock Pro Buckers. This is the "Blackback" GC limited edition. Very slick looking.

 

[brentrocks]

Those aren’t stock pickups are they? Those look like Gretsch style Filter Trons?

Yes they are stock. They just have funky covers

 

[Spooky88]

Agreed, I am blown away by the Alex Lifeson Epi I bought earlier this year. I do my own setups, truss rod, fret dress, bridge/pickup adjustment etc. I might get a hardtail now. The one you present in this thread looks pretty good.

 

[2013Standard]

They are good enough now that I have sold my Gibbies and have Epis.
Here are my two, A special color Custom and an IBG Goldtop Double Gold.

 

[noise5150]

I have an Epiphone Jerry Cantrell "Wino" Les Paul Custom. The fit & finish is excellent. I’ve owned a few Epiphones over the years and this is by far the best one. Even the stock Epiphone pickups are great.

 

[AustinPaul]

Through a combo of an ordering snafu, and my preference, I ended-up with two ebony Epi Les Paul Customs, the white one shown here, and three of the Epi Bonomassa "Lazurus" Les Pauls (one had his signature inlayed in the neck) the had the CTS pots, Switchcraft, and BB2&3 pickups.

Didn't like any of the overweight, non-resonant Lazurus's. But of the Customs, there was just 'something' extra special about the white Custom. You can feel something things like E & A chords ringing and resonating against you - almost tickles. My other favorite guitars do it too. I was 100% keeping it. Dropped in a new nut, USA electronics - including coil-splits on the tone pots, with tried and true JB/Jazz pickups, Gotoh bridge, bone nut, my tech gave the frets a high polish and a pro setup. Magical transformation. He messed up the two other guitars I'd dropped-off, I was so ecstatic with the Les Paul, I let them slide.

Yup, I'm gonna be "one of those guys" and say that this Epi is the equal of any of my Gibsons. Yes, it took me six Epis to find a truly special one, but it was worth it. Over the years, I've gone through a lot of guitars and still have about 30, and I'd count this Epi as one of my consistent favorites for tone, playability, and tuning stability. In the 4+ years I've had it, I haven't had to touch the truss rod once - and it's pretty sweet that they come with an ebony board.

 

[AustinPaul]

They are good enough now that I have sold my Gibbies and have Epis.
Here are my two, A special color Custom and an IBG Goldtop Double Gold.
View attachment 875043View attachment 875045

Is that in your basement or garage? I'm so envious of any of you guys with basements. So perfect for playing and rehearsing - especially if you're prone to playing loud. For the most part, we don't have them in Texas. I have to use an attenuator to tame my Marshall, my favorite amp.

 

[crazytrain513]

Ironically, I think Epiphone will be the death of Gibson USA.

I know the goal of Epiphone was to offer Gibson guitars at lower price points in the hopes of creating a longer-term customer but not only are the Epis getting really good, but the Gibson USA quality/price ratio has become less competitive by comparison to the point where many don’t see “the point” of going USA Gibson anymore. Especially since the “Inspired By Gibson” series of Epiphone came out. Not sure who in marketing though that was a good idea but for half the price, you’re basically getting a Gibson with arguably better quality control.

Yes, they don’t have the same “human touch” as the Gibsons and maybe not as unique from guitar to guitar and with “lesser” woods, but the average-Joe not on this forum would see that as an improvement, not a downside, especially with all the speak about Gibson quality control.

It’s also funny how you can get a burst Epi but you can no longer get a Gibson USA one. I don’t think Gibson USA would move to overseas labor, but I can see Gibson just become Custom-Shop-only in the future for those of us that can see past the price tag and appreciate them and for the pros, while the Epi’s bear the brunt of most of the common everyday-musician sales.

Either that, or they further distinguish Gibson USA in the way ESP did, in how they started their new E-II line and made ESP a USA-Custom-Shop-only brand.

I’ve always appreciated Gibson-USA guitars over the Epis and there was a difference I could feel, but that line continues to get narrower.

 

[monwobobbo]

Ironically, I think Epiphone will be the death of Gibson USA.

I know the goal of Epiphone was to offer Gibson guitars at lower price points in the hopes of creating a longer-term customer but not only are the Epis getting really good, but the Gibson USA quality/price ratio has become less competitive by comparison to the point where many don’t see “the point” of going USA Gibson anymore. Especially since the “Inspired By Gibson” series of Epiphone came out. Not sure who in marketing though that was a good idea but for half the price, you’re basically getting a Gibson with arguably better quality control.

Yes, they don’t have the same “human touch” as the Gibsons and maybe not as unique from guitar to guitar and with “lesser” woods, but the average-Joe not on this forum would see that as an improvement, not a downside, especially with all the speak about Gibson quality control.

It’s also funny how you can get a burst Epi but you can no longer get a Gibson USA one. I don’t think Gibson USA would move to overseas labor, but I can see Gibson just become Custom-Shop-only in the future for those of us that can see past the price tag and appreciate them and for the pros, while the Epi’s bear the brunt of most of the common everyday-musician sales.

Either that, or they further distinguish Gibson USA in the way ESP did, in how they started their new E-II line and made ESP a USA-Custom-Shop-only brand.

I’ve always appreciated Gibson-USA guitars over the Epis and there was a difference I could feel, but that line continues to get narrower.

Gibson wants to position them in the mid tier. They can't compete in the sub $1500 range. Gibson USA won't be going anywhere but guitars below Standard might not have much longer.