Epiphone vs Gibson Guitars

[TheRollingBones]

Hey everyone. I've been looking around at some guitars, and I have seen a lot of Epiphone and Gibson guitars. I know Epiphone is made by Gibson too. I have seen offers like an Epiphone Les Paul for around $300, where a Gibson Les Paul is thousands of $$$. I'm an intermediate player, and since I'm a middle school student I have limited income. Is an Epihone as good (or almost as good) as a Gibson? Or is it more like Fender's Squire brand, made by the same people but more of a beginner brand.

I saw this (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/153/436316162_3128f8a1d9_o.jpg), a Zakk Wylde custom Epiphone Les Paul for $625. If you can help me out, any and all info is appreciated.

[afterstasis]

i've played quite a few varieties of both and have never noticed a difference worth even a fraction of the price difference.

[TheRollingBones]

i've played quite a few varieties of both and have never noticed a difference worth even a fraction of the price difference.

That's awesome news. I love that Les Paul Zakk Wylde, and for $625, I don't think that price can be beat if they are virtually the same quality. Plus it looks cool :D.

I'm gonna go to a local guitar shop tomorrow and see what they have to say on the matter anyways, and I hope that they say something similar to you ;)

[MrFruitLord]

I wouldn't say either are my favorite company, but from what I've played, each of them have their pros and cons. Also, in my opinion getting an artist's custom guitar is pretty lame.

[polishdog90]

There is a noticeable difference between gibson and epiphone guitars but if you're an intermediate player that's not rolling in dough the sound difference probably isn't worth the price difference. Also, I wouldn't recommend getting the signature guitar because they are going to jack up the price for the name. I would recommend buying an epiphone on craigslist and then maybe upgrading the pickups for a better sound. I'm not a huge fan of Les Pauls though.

[Lameboy19]

Also, in my opinion getting an artist's custom guitar is pretty lame.

I second this


I have an epiphone les paul, it's treated me well never had any problems with it, and when I pretend to have money and play gibson les pauls they sound the same to me

[Mega-Tallica]

I take Gibson any day obviously over Epiphone, but I don't really like the Les Paul's. You can get a low-end Gibson Les Paul for around $800, not really close to being "thousands of dollars". Epiphone's are basically the same exact thing as a Gibson except with cheaper parts to make them more affordable.

I'm not a big fan of either company, I'm more of an Ibanez, Jackson, Schecter type of player. Les Paul's just feel awkward to me.

[TheRollingBones]

I wouldn't say either are my favorite company, but from what I've played, each of them have their pros and cons. Also, in my opinion getting an artist's custom guitar is pretty lame.

Looking at it again, I'm not really sure about the Zakk Wylde one. I love the look, but you could be right. I've also been looking at this (http://www.dv247.com/assets/products/37130_l.jpg)
Alpine White Les Paul which is pretty beautiful too.


There is a noticeable difference between gibson and epiphone guitars but if you're an intermediate player that's not rolling in dough the sound difference probably isn't worth the price difference. Also, I wouldn't recommend getting the signature guitar because they are going to jack up the price for the name. I would recommend buying an epiphone on craigslist and then maybe upgrading the pickups for a better sound. I'm not a huge fan of Les Pauls though.

Yeah, I'm not really rolling in dough, like I said, I'm a student, and I'm not a pro player by any means, I'm just looking to upgrade from the Yamaha I have right now. The guy selling the Alpine White Les Paul that I mentioned above says that he upgraded the pickups to 81/85's, so that should give it a better sound too.



I have an epiphone les paul, it's treated me well never had any problems with it, and when I pretend to have money and play gibson les pauls they sound the same to me

Cool. If they sound (probably almost) the same, then I guess it's not worth the big price difference.


I take Gibson any day obviously over Epiphone, but I don't really like the Les Paul's. You can get a low-end Gibson Les Paul for around $800, not really close to being "thousands of dollars". Epiphone's are basically the same exact thing as a Gibson except with cheaper parts to make them more affordable.

I'm not a big fan of either company, I'm more of an Ibanez, Jackson, Schecter type of player. Les Paul's just feel awkward to me.

Obviously Gibsons would be better quality, as they are more money. And I don't know where you are talking about, but anywhere I've looked on sites like Craigslist, they are at least $1000, if not more, ranging up to $3-4000. I've never actually tried a Les Paul, but I'll be going to a guitar shop and trying one out. Maybe they will end up not being for me, I don't really know yet.


I just wanna say thanks to everyone who posted here. If I like the Les Paul I try tomorrow, I'll probably end up getting the Zakk Wylde or Alpine White Les Paul, (leaning toward the 2nd a little), but thanks everybody!

[TheRollingBones]

So, in short, an Epiphone Les Paul Alpine White with upgraded pickups for $600: Good or bad deal?

[Mega-Tallica]

Obviously Gibsons would be better quality, as they are more money. And I don't know where you are talking about, but anywhere I've looked on sites like Craigslist, they are at least $1000, if not more, ranging up to $3-4000. I've never actually tried a Les Paul, but I'll be going to a guitar shop and trying one out. Maybe they will end up not being for me, I don't really know yet.




Musicians Friend my friend (http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gibson-Les-Paul-Studio-Electric-Guitar?sku=517030);)

There you go, an $800 Signature Gibson Les Paul. Only the Satin Ebony Chrome one is $800 though, the other's are $1300. Just wanted to prove that there are Gibson Les Paul's for less than $1000.

[afterstasis]

i'm never the type to tell anyone what kind of guitar to get, but this is one of my most beloved guitars ever...

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Black-Beauty-Electric-Guitar?sku=518340

[TheRollingBones]

Musicians Friend my friend (http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gibson-Les-Paul-Studio-Electric-Guitar?sku=517030);)

There you go, an $800 Signature Gibson Les Paul. Only the Satin Ebony Chrome one is $800 though, the other's are $1300. Just wanted to prove that there are Gibson Les Paul's for less than $1000.

Alright, fair enough. I will admit that there are at least some Gibson Les Pauls for under $1000, but the selection is very limited.

[TheRollingBones]

i'm never the type to tell anyone what kind of guitar to get, but this is one of my most beloved guitars ever...

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Black-Beauty-Electric-Guitar?sku=518340

Good to know. At least I know that if I do choose to get an Epiphone Les Paul, I'm not getting a piece of crap guitar. Thanks guys!

[xX_Sandman_Xx]

Their is nothing wrong with an Epiphone Les Paul, but I prefer Gibson.

[TheRollingBones]

Their is nothing wrong with an Epiphone Les Paul, but I prefer Gibson.

OK, that's good. I prefer Gibson too, but there is usually quite a price difference between the two.

[0Sk8r0]

I don't mind Epiphone. In fact, I own an old beat up Epiphone Les Paul Jr. (It's currently in pieces). I prefer Gibson though, like the majority. If you're looking at a $700 LP, have you checked out the SG? I'm about to go buy a Gibson SG for $700 at my local Guitar Center. I play the same SG EVERYTIME I'm in that store! :D
I love it! lol But, if you're a Les Paul guy, go with what YOU want and what sounds/feels best to you.
Don't let some one else make the decision for you. (I've made that mistake before...)
Good luck and rock on! :cool:

[Soror_YZBL]

I second this


I have an epiphone les paul, it's treated me well never had any problems with it, and when I pretend to have money and play gibson les pauls they sound the same to me

Les Paul is an artist. :)

But I'll object and say that I've always noticed the higher end gibsons have a slightly cleaner tone, but you can only hear it when there are effects on it. Odd, I know, and I've never owned a les paul of either persuasion (the closest I had was an epiphone bass a long time ago), so take my word only as anecdotal based on being around lots of Les Paul players.

[polishdog90]

I don't mind Epiphone. In fact, I own an old beat up Epiphone Les Paul Jr. (It's currently in pieces). I prefer Gibson though, like the majority. If you're looking at a $700 LP, have you checked out the SG? I'm about to go buy a Gibson SG for $700 at my local Guitar Center. I play the same SG EVERYTIME I'm in that store! :D
I love it! lol But, if you're a Les Paul guy, go with what YOU want and what sounds/feels best to you.
Don't let some one else make the decision for you. (I've made that mistake before...)
Good luck and rock on! :cool:

I also like SGs better than Les Pauls. I think Made in Mexico Strats are the best value though.

[TheRollingBones]

Hmm... now I have to go check out some SG's and Strats too! Thanks guys! :D

[Mega-Tallica]

Hmm... now I have to go check out some SG's and Strats too! Thanks guys! :D

Eh, never liked SG's, more of a Flying V player, but if you're looking into the Strats, look for an American made one. Mexican Strats aren't the same and I've always looked at them as just a notch better than a Squier. American ones just have a better feel and sound better.

[afterstasis]

the thing with any strat is that their very dependent on the sound you're going for and what the rest of your setup is like...

total "love it or hate it" guitar, and though i grew up hating them i now use one quite frequently.

[TheRollingBones]

the thing with any strat is that their very dependent on the sound you're going for and what the rest of your setup is like...

total "love it or hate it" guitar, and though i grew up hating them i now use one quite frequently.

Yeah, I've never owned one, but I've heard that they are great guitars. Anybody know what a decent one would cost me?

[Mega-Tallica]

Yeah, I've never owned one, but I've heard that they are great guitars. Anybody know what a decent one would cost me?

If you're looking for an American Strat, you're looking at paying anywhere from around $800 - $3,000. Even the low end American Strats are very good guitars, you just got to be willing to pay the money for them.

[TheRollingBones]

If you're looking for an American Strat, you're looking at paying anywhere from around $800 - $3,000. Even the low end American Strats are very good guitars, you just got to be willing to pay the money for them.

Ouch... 3 grand is a whole lot more than I can spend on a guitar right now. $800 doesn't sound too bad to me. I'm gonna check out the stock at a guitar shop this weekend and see what they've got in store.

Just for wondering's sake, are Mexican made Strats any good? I know they probably won't be as great of quality as an American made one, but I hear there is quite a price difference.

[polishdog90]

Ouch... 3 grand is a whole lot more than I can spend on a guitar right now. $800 doesn't sound too bad to me. I'm gonna check out the stock at a guitar shop this weekend and see what they've got in store.

Just for wondering's sake, are Mexican made Strats any good? I know they probably won't be as great of quality as an American made one, but I hear there is quite a price difference.

I think mexican strats are highly underrated and a great value. Especially if you replace the pickups. A Mexican strat with good pickups can sound phenomenal. Also some Japanese strats from the 80s are pretty nice too, if you're looking into the used market.

[Mega-Tallica]

I think mexican strats are highly underrated and a great value. Especially if you replace the pickups. A Mexican strat with good pickups can sound phenomenal. Also some Japanese strats from the 80s are pretty nice too, if you're looking into the used market.

Very true. You can get yourself a Mexican Strat and replace the pickups with American Strat pickups and you've basically got yourself an American Strat.

Getting a Mexican Strat and replacing the pickups might be your best bet.

[MrFruitLord]

Fender Jaguar HH's are where it's at.

[TheRollingBones]

Good to know. I will have to check out these Mexican Strats. And I will check out Jaguar HH's too, FruitLord :)

[animemetalhead]

Gotta give a vote for the Strat, I'm holding on to my buddy's Japanese Strat while he's in California.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2if34Hrkg1I

That's what you can get it to sound like, so keep that in mind.

[TheRollingBones]

Gotta give a vote for the Strat, I'm holding on to my buddy's Japanese Strat while he's in California.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2if34Hrkg1I

That's what you can get it to sound like, so keep that in mind.

That sounds really nice actually! I like the nice clear sound. Any idea how much something like that costs?

[animemetalhead]

I don't know, I'd have to ask my buddy what he payed for it.

[xX_Sandman_Xx]

I would buy the Gibson, which is what I'm saving up for. Then after that I would like to get a fretless Vigier.

[TheRollingBones]

I would buy the Gibson, which is what I'm saving up for. Then after that I would like to get a fretless Vigier.

I'm starting to lean a little away from Gibson. I had this guy at a local shop tell me that they are way overpriced for what you get. Not that it's a bad guitar, but you're more paying for the look than anything.

[Mega-Tallica]

I'm starting to lean a little away from Gibson. I had this guy at a local shop tell me that they are way overpriced for what you get. Not that it's a bad guitar, but you're more paying for the look than anything.

That guy is telling the truth. You pay as much for the name brand as you do for the actual quality of the guitar. PRS is much the same except I have never played a PRS that hasn't sounded amazing.

[overdriveguitarman]

Well I've been saving up to get my same Epiphone guitar changed to a Gibson (Selling the Epiphone, then buying the same guitar in gibson). The guy said it would be $1,300 and I have $700 right now. And am hoping to get like.... $500 for my Custom Epiphone Les Paul ($600 on Black Friday) that is only about 3 months old! haha

But then I want drums, so I can't get it....yet. SOMEDAY I WILL GET THE GIBSON VERSION!

P.S. if you want to know why I want the gibson so bad, it's because most of my friends think it's a "cheap knockoff" and sucks compared to gibson. Plus Tim McIlrath uses a Gibson version of my guitar!

It's like the only guitar I would ever want! :)

[Mega-Tallica]

Well I've been saving up to get my same Epiphone guitar changed to a Gibson (Selling the Epiphone, then buying the same guitar in gibson). The guy said it would be $1,300 and I have $700 right now. And am hoping to get like.... $500 for my Custom Epiphone Les Paul ($600 on Black Friday) that is only about 3 months old! haha

But then I want drums, so I can't get it....yet. SOMEDAY I WILL GET THE GIBSON VERSION!

P.S. if you want to know why I want the gibson so bad, it's because most of my friends think it's a "cheap knockoff" and sucks compared to gibson. Plus Tim McIlrath uses a Gibson version of my guitar!

It's like the only guitar I would ever want! :)

The Silverburst Gibson Les Paul is very nice. I really like the white w/ gold hardware or the black w/ gold hardware more though. Those are just flat out gorgeous.

[overdriveguitarman]

The Silverburst Gibson Les Paul is very nice. I really like the white w/ gold hardware or the black w/ gold hardware more though. Those are just flat out gorgeous.

Gold hardware? I don't know I don't see that as mixing well, silver is my favorite color, and silver is what I want my hardware colored! haha

and you know people look at me weird when I say silver is my favorite color! Blue is where it's at these days apparently! But how would you not like silver? It's shiny!

[TheRollingBones]

Gold hardware? I don't know I don't see that as mixing well, silver is my favorite color, and silver is what I want my hardware colored! haha

and you know people look at me weird when I say silver is my favorite color! Blue is where it's at these days apparently! But how would you not like silver? It's shiny!

Yeah, I think gold hardware looks sorta weird on most guitars. Some it looks cool, like on this one (http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/ep/epiphone-les-paul-custom-alpine-white.jpg), but most look good with nice silver hardware.

[Mega-Tallica]

Yeah, I think gold hardware looks sorta weird on most guitars. Some it looks cool, like on this one (http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/ep/epiphone-les-paul-custom-alpine-white.jpg), but most look good with nice silver hardware.

That's the one I was talking about and also this one. (http://cdn3.ioffer.com/img/item/122/040/725/BhjrKEkY2cPNa3N.jpg)

[polishdog90]

It's all about the Goldtop Les Paul ;)
http://www.guitarcenter.com/item/expandedimage.aspx?t=4&img=GibsonCustom/343206.jpg

[xX_Sandman_Xx]

It's all about the Goldtop Les Paul ;)
http://www.guitarcenter.com/item/expandedimage.aspx?t=4&img=GibsonCustom/343206.jpg
Yeah that or Bucketheads Les Paul!
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-Buckethead-Signature-Les-Paul-Electric-Guitar-105763627-i1502383.gc

[citizenCERO]

Yea- No.
Buckethead sucks.

[TheRollingBones]

Yea- No.
Buckethead sucks.

Lies and suffering. Buckethead is a great guitarist. But his guitar isn't that cool looking for $2600.

[onidragon]

Lies and suffering. Buckethead is a great guitarist. But his guitar isn't that cool looking for $2600.

I think it's cool, what with the arcade switches and custom hardware, but

a: the guitar's color scheme reminds me more of the White Stripes than Buckethead

b: I've seen better at 3 grand.

[xX_Sandman_Xx]

Yea- No.
Buckethead sucks.

LOL. U had me going there for a second.

[Mega-Tallica]

Lies and suffering. Buckethead is a great guitarist. But his guitar isn't that cool looking for $2600.

I agree, Buckethead is a phenomenal guitarist, his technique plus creativity is genius. He would be in my top 5 guitarists of all time for sure.

Back on topic, his guitar, the only thing that makes it special is that it has Buckethead's signature killswitch on it like he uses in the beginning of "Jordan". Other than that, it is just like your standard Les Paul. I say it's about $1600 over-priced.

[TheRollingBones]

I agree, Buckethead is a phenomenal guitarist, his technique plus creativity is genius. He would be in my top 5 guitarists of all time for sure.

Back on topic, his guitar, the only thing that makes it special is that it has Buckethead's signature killswitch on it like he uses in the beginning of "Jordan". Other than that, it is just like your standard Les Paul. I say it's about $1600 over-priced.

Yeah, I mean, it's basically a regular Les Paul with that killswitch on it. The design isn't really iconic like Slash's or Zakk Wylde's.

[xX_Sandman_Xx]

Yeah, I mean, it's basically a regular Les Paul with that killswitch on it. The design isn't really iconic like Slash's or Zakk Wylde's.
Sure it's not as flashy, but I would rather have the killswitch.

[Mega-Tallica]

Sure it's not as flashy, but I would rather have the killswitch.

With a decent effects amp/pedals you can make an effect very similar to what the killswitch does.

[animemetalhead]

With a decent effects amp/pedals you can make an effect very similar to what the killswitch does.

Hell, the regular Les Paul has separate volume and tone controls for each pickup, you can create a killswitch effect with just the pickup selector switch.

[TheRollingBones]

Hell, the regular Les Paul has separate volume and tone controls for each pickup, you can create a killswitch effect with just the pickup selector switch.

lol pretty much.

[polishdog90]

With a decent effects amp/pedals you can make an effect very similar to what the killswitch does.

You can just get any true bypass pedal and take the batteries out and it acts as a kill switch. Or you can just install one on your guitar. It's really not that complicated of an effect

[MrFruitLord]

I will say it again, signature models are lame.

[TheRollingBones]

I will say it again, signature models are lame.

Depends on the model. Some are cool to own, while others are, like you said, lame.

[Mega-Tallica]

I own a signature model, a Washburn DD75 Maya Pro, Dan Donegan's (guitarist for Disturbed) signature model.

You can say all you want about the guitarist or band, but his signature guitar sounds sweet. Mostly due to the custom Seymour Duncan bridge pickup.

It cost me $1600, well worth what I paid for it.

[a_bull_on_parade]

Fender...that's all

[TheRollingBones]

Fender...that's all

That's cool...

[Soror_YZBL]

I own a signature model, a Washburn DD75 Maya Pro, Dan Donegan's (guitarist for Disturbed) signature model.

You can say all you want about the guitarist or band, but his signature guitar sounds sweet. Mostly due to the custom Seymour Duncan bridge pickup.

It cost me $1600, well worth what I paid for it.

How do you deal with the fact that you could get a used DS pickup, put them in a pawn shop telecaster, plug it into a mini-pod, and get the exact same tone for 1/4 of the price? Heavy drinking? That's how I dealt with the first (and only) time I spent more than 200 bucks on a guitar.

[Mega-Tallica]

How do you deal with the fact that you could get a used DS pickup, put them in a pawn shop telecaster, plug it into a mini-pod, and get the exact same tone for 1/4 of the price? Heavy drinking? That's how I dealt with the first (and only) time I spent more than 200 bucks on a guitar.

My Washburn also has the Buzz Feiten tuning system on it, which I believe costs a lot if you want to get it installed on a guitar, on the Washburn, it is stock. Also, the bridge pickup alone cost $250, the neck one costs $100, there's $350 right there plus the Buzz Feiten, which is about $150 to install. Already I'm up to $500 just in parts not the actual guitar itself. Plus, Sperzel locking tuner pegs, which about another $50. It's a one-piece guitar, all mahogany, which is one of the premiere woods for guitars. I estimate the guitar is actually worth about $1200, but I paid $1600, which is of course for the name. Even though I paid $400 extra, I still think it's well worth it.

Cheap guitars with good pickups still sound off because the guitar is made with cheap wood and parts. The quality of the wood also plays a factor in how well it's tone is.

For example, I installed Seymour Duncans on a Fender Squire and it still sounded like sh*t.

[afterstasis]

my favorite guitar tones have ranged from cheap danelectros and fenders to the aforementioned black beauty.

while i'll miss the ol' black beauty i'm just as excited about my danelectro and fender and i was able to dump the excess cash into quality amplification and effects.

[polishdog90]

How do you deal with the fact that you could get a used DS pickup, put them in a pawn shop telecaster, plug it into a mini-pod, and get the exact same tone for 1/4 of the price? Heavy drinking? That's how I dealt with the first (and only) time I spent more than 200 bucks on a guitar.

Heavy drinking and using the hole in my Rickenbacker to make sweet love to it.

[TheRollingBones]

Heavy drinking and using the hole in my Rickenbacker to make sweet love to it.

Oh my...

[Soror_YZBL]

rics are sexy.

[MrFruitLord]

I love my Fender Jaguar. I can get some cool Stoner tones out of it. I'm thinking about getting a Fender Telecaster 72 custom too.

[TheRollingBones]

I love my Fender Jaguar. I can get some cool Stoner tones out of it. I'm thinking about getting a Fender Telecaster 72 custom too.

A Tele 72 would be awesome. I wish I could afford one :)