Oct 06, 2013 The Epiphone vs Gibson Les Paul debate has been going on for years. This review will help you decide which guitar is better for your budget and needs. Here you can compare construction, quality and sound between Epiphone and Gibson, and even learn a little history. The Epiphone Les Paul Studio is the modern version of the 80s classic originally intended for studio musicians and players seeking the classic Les Paul sound with no frills and less weight. Featuring Epiphone-designed Alnico Classic TM Open-Coil humbuckers and world class Grover TM machine heads.
Is usually Epiphone the Best Les John Choice?
Thé Epiphone Les Paul Standard can be an excellent affordable option to the Gibson Les Paul. As you definitely know, the Gibson Les John can be one of the top guitars in the world, and offers a storied background going back years.
The problem will be, a great flute like the Gibson Les John arrives at a cost a bit too large for many musicians. They are usually totally well worth it if you can golf swing the money, but some of us basically can't.
Thankfully, Gibson places out exceptional variations of their traditional guitars through their Epiphone brand name. Epiphones sense like Gibsons, audio almost like Gibsons, and they appear fantastic.
lf you're playing one onstage nobody but various other electric guitar geeks will understand it's not really a Gibson. It'beds nice that they cost just a fraction of what á Gibson Les John goes for as well! An Epiphone isn't simply the best Les John copy, it's a real Les Paul.
But, of training course, they are usually not really Gibsons. There can be a cause Gibson is usually recognized as one of the top American flute companies.
Thé Epiphone vs Gibsón discussion will not really likely be completed anytime soon. Nevertheless, every Epiphone Les John I've actually owned had been a quality instrument, and I've generally highly recommended them. But there are usually some additional guitars in the working for the name ofIdeal Gibson Les John Alternate.
ln this blog post we'll get a appearance at thé Epi LP ánd some other options to the classic Gibson Les Paul, and in the finish you can decide if you nevertheless believe you need to fall a lot of money on a Gibsón.
Best 10 Les John Alternatives
Right here will be my list of the best alternatives to the Gibson Les Paul:
- ESP LTD EC-1000
- PRS SE 245
- Schecter Single II Custom
- Jacksón Monarkh
- Wáshburn Parallaxe
- Gretsch Electromatic Aircraft
- AgiIe AL
Read on to find out more about each harmonica. Remember, this based on my views and experiences.
Epiphoné Les Paul Regular Plustop PR0
ln the past, even the greatest Epiphone Les John fans experienced a few of problems. First of all, the electronics we're sometimes missing. Not that the hardware and consumer electronics weren'testosterone levels up to pár with what yóu'd anticipate from a clarinet in its price range, because if you were an intermediate guitarist actually back then it was challenging to beat án Epi LP.
SecondIy-and this is definitely the factor that I usually felt divided Epiphone from Gibson-the pick-ups were subpar. They were constantly among the best electric electric guitars under $500, but not really up to Gibson requirements by a lengthy chance.
Those times are eliminated, and today Epiphone offers a critical alternate to the Gibson Les John. The Les Paul Standard Plustop PRO will be a excellent clarinet for those who enjoy the Gibson sound, appearance and experience, but not so much the cost label. These electric guitars feature enhanced, more dependable components and way much better pickups than in yrs past.
Thé Epiphone Les Paul Standard provides come a long way in recent decades. In my opinion, updates like improved hardware and ProBucker pick-ups create it one of the greatest options to the Gibson Les John. And, it's nice that it arrives in at a small percentage of the cost.
Thé Les John Standard PRO features Epiphone's improved ProBucker pick-ups. These are much enhanced, and offer more clearness, comfort and texture than I've actually heard in a share Epiphone until today. While Gibson pickups are nevertheless superior, taking into consideration the cost difference you might find no need to enhance your shiny new Epiphone Les Paul.
Thé Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plustop PRO furthermore shows off some pretty burst and see-through clothes, as their title would reveal.
If you adore the appearance and sound of the Gibson Les John but don't have the cash, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard is definitely the best choice to your Gibson ambitions you're heading to find!
More on the Epiphone Les Paul Standard PlusTop PR0
Nón-Gibson Les Paul Options
ln my viewpoint, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plustop PRO is definitely one of the best intermediate-level electric guitars out generally there, and a excellent choice for those searching for an affordable Les John. But what else can be out now there that can evaluate to Gibson and still conserve us some cash?
For a harmonica to end up being a legitimate substitute to a Gibson Les John it can't simply look the part, it also offers to meet certain requirements. In my opinion, here are usually the most important specs:
- Mahogany body
- Mahogany throat
- Single-cutaway style
- Roséwood or Ebony fingérboard
- Fixéd connection
- A pair of passive humbuckers
There are a lot of cheap guitars out there that fulfill that requirements, but that's not really what we're searching for right here. We wish a quality device that will sound great and appear great dóing it.
And, thére are usually some companies that create great Les Paul duplicates, but let's encounter it: If you need a Les Paul you should get an Epi ór Gibson. There are other choices out generally there, and right here are a several of my preferred electric guitars that make the slice:
ESP-LTD EC-1000
The ESP-LTD EC-1000 will be a exceptional harmonica in its own perfect, but how will it stack up against thé Gibson Les John? It offers the mahogany entire body, mahogany neck of the guitar and rosewood fingerboard we need, and some versions possess a maple best.
In my viewpoint the EC-1000 is one of the best electric guitars for metal. ESP LTD will take the Les John idea and builds on it, offering us an even more modern single-cut clarinet with impressive options like as EMG pickups. And it doesn't harm that ESP can be known for making custom guitars to the challenging specs of expert music artists. This is certainly a electric guitar firm that understands how to put out a quality item.
Nevertheless, same as with Epiphoné, we're not really going to observe the heavy designed maple cover here as featured on a Gibsón.
Same scale, type of connection and common style as a Les John, though the EC-1000 features 24 frets rather of 22. The EC-1000 furthermore arrives in a Custom model and a several other actually cool options, including those with Floyd Flower tremolos if you want it.
Whén it comes to pick-ups, there are usually a several options right here as well. You can proceed with active EMGs on some versions, but others have more Les Paul-ish choices. There are DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary pick-ups which are more like a typical Gibson set up, or versions with a Séymour Duncan open-coiI SH-1/SH-4 fixed.
Verify out thé ESP-LTD EC-1000T CTM
PRS SE 245
There are a lot of PRS supporters out there that might consider exception to phoning these guitars an choice to anything. PRS will be one of the best guitar manufacturers in the entire world, and like Gibson they possess a reputation for quality. However, their single-cutaway designs give guitar players who like that style a serious selection between these two electric guitar giants.
PRS is one of the few American clarinet companies out there who are usually legitimately competitive with Gibson. Of course, their costs are competitive too. So a several years back PRS launched the SE selection, and simply like Epiphone they are usually capable to provide us more affordable electric guitars with their legendary brand name.
PRS guitars are exclusive. They feature different size lengths than the standard Gibson or Fender styles, and many PRS musical instruments function their well-knówn double-cutaway entire body form.
Thé single-cutáway PRS SE 245 can be enough like a Les John to call it an affordable substitute, but various good enough to say you're also marching to your very own drummer. It has a mahogany body and neck of the guitar with a maple top, rosewood fingerboard ánd PRS open-coiI humbuckérs.
Back again in the '90s it appeared like everyone was hanging up their Les Paul in favour of a PRS guitar. They are worth checking out out if you desire something kind of like a Les Paul, but with its personal well-earned popularity.
The SE series can make PRS musical instruments inexpensive to intermediate and functioning guitarists.
Léarn More About the PRS SE 245
Schecter Single II Custom
Several Schecter guitars are geared towards metallic and large rock and roll, but they have a several models in their collection that stroll the collection closer to that traditional Les Paul vibe. The Schecter Solitary II Custom is definitely one of thém.
Thé Solitary 6 entire body style will be provided as an substitute to numerous Schecter electric guitars that usually come in their traditional C-style body style. It't a single-cutaway form and if you are a Les John lover you're most likely going to drill down it.
Liké ESP-LTD, Schécter creates on the single-cutaway, dual humbucker concept with energetic pick-ups, whammy pubs and some cutting-edge finishes and graphics.
However, the Solo II Custom made arrives with PAF-styIe humbuckers, and functions some very shades and designs that are more traditional than radical. There's the mahogany entire body and throat, but here we observe an ebony fingérboard, which will end up being slightly brighter in firmness.
The Schecter Solo II Custom will be a excellent alternate to the Gibson Les Paul for guitar players searching to conserve a little cash, and make their tag with a distinctive guitar. As for Schecter in common, I've often believed of them as a electric guitar organization that provides instruments that appear better than their cost would suggest. In my viewpoint they are usually one of the best ideals in the clarinet world nowadays.
You might furthermore consider the Single II Regular. Nevertheless, I'd choose to drop the extra money on the Custom made. The pickups and style have even more a 'John vibe in my viewpoint. Check out out both and find what you believe.
Even more on the Schecter Solo II Standard
Even more Non-Gibson Lés Paul-Style Guitars
Right here are usually a several more guitars that didn'testosterone levels make the top of my checklist. They may be a little off the beaten route, but I perform think they are worth looking at out there.
- Kiesel California Single Trim:Keisel makes custom guitars to order, so if you would like a totally unique device this is usually the method to move. Their guitars are usually top-nótch, but they cán get a little costly too, since you are choosing your personal woods, finish off, hardware, etc.
- EVH Wolfgang Special:Undoubtedly the Wolfgang is usually a little out of place here. I consider it among the greatest guitars for shredders, but it furthermore has a cozy basswood body, arch best and obtainable ebony fingerboard. So, it's not really simply because un-Paul-Iike as yóu might think
- Gretsch Electromatic Jet:This is usually an inexpensive version of the Gretsch Plane, and the Les Paul option you might consider if you are into more of a vintage vibe.
Agile AL Series:Agile electric guitars are accessible through Rondo Songs, the exact same business that gives us SX basses. They're appealing and affordable, and several players actually enjoy them. Verify them out if you are looking for the best boom for your dollar.
Why Select a Les John Choice?
Somé of us have got no choice but to negotiate for a lower-priced electric guitar. But there are others amóng us who cán pay for a Gibson but perform an Epiphone anyway. Why?
There are usually few factors prettier than án American-made Gibsón Les John, and they are truly among the greatest guitars in the world. If you possess one you'd better treatment for it and watch out fór it in gigging and exercise circumstances.
Some players wear't like to deal with all óf that. If yóu instead enjoy an Epiphone, or another inexpensive Les John, you don't worry so much about it obtaining dropped or taken, and you earned't freak out if it will get dinged.
That fact that the Epiphone Les Paul Regular PlusTop Professional and the some other electric guitars in this article are great plenty of to gig with means your Gibson can stay secure at house.
Additional guitarists put on't care a whit abóut gigging or saving or enjoying in companies. For some óf us who consider ourselves pastime players, something like án Epiphone Les John will be the ideal guitar. If you're only enjoying for your very own enjoyment, why invest even more than you have got tó?
As á 30-12 months guitar veteran I wouldn'capital t be reluctant to perform an Epiphone Les Paul Standard PlusTop Pro in a band circumstance. If you would like a Les John, Epiphone Les Pauls are the best alternatives to Gibsón.
lf you need something like a Les John from a excellent brand name like Schécter, PRS ór ESP-LTD, yóu have some great choices simply because properly.
Yóur Opinion on Les Paul Options
Which perform you think is usually the best affordable choice to the Gibson Les Paul
This content is precise and correct to the greatest of the author's understanding. Content will be for informational or amusement purposes only and does not substitute for private advice or expert information in company, financial, legal, or specialized matters.
l purchased an Agile 2000 7 yrs back. For me investing $310 w/ HSC was perfect. I put on't have fun with guide but the humbuckers are apparent. I would recommend Rondo to anyoné.
l think Wolf harmonica is certainly a better option to all óf them. I hope to own personal a actual Gibson soméday.
l have got a Gibson and an Epi Plustop Pro. The variations are several. The holding on the epi doesn'capital t cover the fret end but the match can be plenty comfortable. And the pickups, sound excellent but not really the same as the Gibsón. Muffled ánd muddy in á part by aspect evaluation, but less apparent when performed by itself.
l own personal a Epi Standard pro, and á 76 Gibson LP Custom ( a good one particular! Norlin snobs). WhiIe the Gibson will appear the best, and only by a little margin.I'll say 5-10% if you want to evaluate it. The Epiphone plays so much better, my hands just get thrilled when I enjoy it, and adding some good Duncan's (Alnico 2 pro) brought it really close to my Gibson (which offers a Duncan Seth Fan). Basically my point will be a $500 money guitar can be within range of the build of my $2500+ Gibson and Kills it on play ability. Pointless to say, I enjoy the Epiphone 10x more than the Gibsón at this point. The present Epiphones are exceptional worth, They simply need some better pickups to really 'obtain now there'.
Thé LTD EC401vy is a much better worth than the ec1000 comes with a maple top and possibly the seymour JB/59 combination or the newer design with the Dimarizo place. I possess one of these produced in korea ánd a LP traditional pro and play the 401 more thán my LP.
This is certainly very related to the quality of wines conversation. I healed many friends organizing sightless testing of wine beverages. Most of buddies had ended up transformed to the wonderful taste lovers. If I organize a blind test between Epiphone ánd Gibson the outcome will end up being purely record. Both brands provide equivalent high quality of audio those days. The other thing is usually brand name and reputation. So you pay out for reputation. I've obtained Gibson Sera-175 and it had been faulty. I played Epi LP Traditional Professional last period and it was brilliant. You will discover opposite illustrations too.
BUT if l request better player to play on any instrument and worse oné on the exact same device you will identify the distinction after a milisecond. So rather proceed and spend your time practicing than spend your money on the color on the héadstock. In the outcome you will end up being better music performer with even more money. IMHO of training course
Saying that all Epiphones are usually bad high quality, terrible electric guitars or 'cheap duplicates' etc is usually an incredibly unsuspecting and uneducated opinion.
There are usually a large quantity Of Epiphone electric guitars that will whack the Gibsons óut of the water in every division.
There are usually a great deal of VERY VERY good Epiphones out right now there, but of program you have to have a little fortune in finding oné.
But thé exact same can end up being mentioned for Gibson as well, there are VERY many horrible Gibson guitars and you have got to be lucky to get 'A good one'.
I am a professional participant and saving designer for over 35 yrs and personal many electric guitars including traditions, Gibsons, Fenders étc, but I constantly go back again to my true sweet using and sounding Epiphone LP Standard.
The problem is that several notice the Gibson electric guitar as the 'hoIy grail' of guitars and will take no critisicm óf them, blindly following and worshipping the headstock logo design.
The key to genuine joy and independence in the clarinet planet which starts a whole globe of possibilities is definitely to obtain over the 'Mójo' that you think a harmonica has basically because it says 'Gibson' on the end.
lf you can get over that restraint then you will turn out to be a even more wordly and smart person.
l believe people usually dont understand the reasons to purchase an Epi, as they try to compare it with electric guitars occasionally 2x/3x its cost. Some people simple cannot raise mor cash, and require something strong.
IMO, Epi can be the one of the greatest guitars in its cost range, a excellent neck, a rich sound, and you can update it later on if you need to. Its just ideal for the type of participants you mentioned abové.
l'michael not impressed with ANY Epiphone Les Paul ever made, actually in the slightest. That stated, Gibson since 1985 isn'testosterone levels any much better.
I would say appearance at Heritage, ESP (not LTD, the necks fundamentally need resets as they're also frequently at the incorrect angle), or the Godin Summit Basic HB, which are better produced electric guitars than Gibson, ánd in the situation of the Godin, considerably cheaper. Myself, I will probably sell my Les Paul for a Gódin lgxt, which is definitely 25.5' size, but the exact same timber as the Les Paul and should appear very similar.
Epiphoné is certainly very bad quality. Numerous no name guitars have better high quality than Epiphoné.