Both companies use a mahogany neck set into a mahogany body with a maple top. ALL THAT SAID, Epiphone guitar cases are much better than Gibson cases. Endorsed by Gibson, Epiphone offer an authentic Les Paul spec without the hefty price tag. Whichever instrument you do decide to pick, know that a Les Paul is an instrument you’re going to love! The LP Tribute Plus takes the classic design of the Les Paul into the modern era with premium components not normally found on a guitar this affordable. If you’ve had the time to play some rock and roll with both guitars, it’s totally okay to choose a side. Gibson Les Paul Custom vs Standard: What’s the Difference? The Epiphone vs Gibson debate is one of the biggest debates in the guitar community. Typically, Epiphone uses a very thin maple veneer, which is common for many companies when using a figured or flamed maple; however, Epiphone still uses a thin maple veneer when using plain maple tops too. By comparing the price range for both studio, you will get a better understanding of the budget you will want to work with when looking at the different variations of Les Paul’s that both companies offer. With the Epiphone Les Paul, the resonation doesn’t really compare to Gibson; even when the Gibson LP is unplugged, you can feel the chord that you just played resonate in your body. The selection of wood that a company chooses to create their guitars out of truly impacts the overall sound, tonal quality, and resonation of their guitars. You may go to your local guitar store and find an Epiphone that sounds identical to a Gibson Les Paul or you may even find that the Gibson you play around with sounds worse than the Epiphone you play around with. As a matter of fact, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the two instruments. You can purchase a Gibson Standard for around $2,500- $3,500. Mid-Price: Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Mahogany has a decent amount of different species and the guitar companies that use real mahogany (also referred to as ‘genuine mahogany’ make sure to point it out in the product description of their guitars, Gibson as a point of an example. With a solid Mahogany body just like the original Gibson's, this Les Paul features a carved Maple top finished in Aquamarine with Chrome hardware. However, Epiphone uses a variety of woods and a variety of wood species, while also using a different number of thinner plies to create the bodies of their instruments. T… What’s the difference between an Epiphone and a Gibson? For example, Gibson has recently started adding basswood and baked maple into their guitar line. ESP LTD ec1000 Review: Should This Be Your Next Electric Guitar? But at the end of the day, the sound differences still comes down to two things when comparing the Gibson and the Epiphone Les Paul. I ordered it via Guitar Center, and it should arrive next week. or Best Offer. The Les Paul Tribute Plus models are prime examples of this; equipped with versatile ’57 Classic humbuckers. From Jimmy Page to Slash, the guitar has been instrumental in shaping the sounds of rock and popular music since its release in 1953. In the past, Epiphone has also used alder or basswood in attempt to replace the need for mahogany, while still trying to produce the mahogany sound. If you are someone who doesn’t enjoy playing heavy instruments, you’re probably going to want to pay attention here: the Gibson Les Paul is actually a bit heavier than the Epiphone Les Paul, but all Les Paul guitars do have a bit of overall heft to them. Also, your personal preferences, and your ideal music styles. While the guitars in this comparison are exact replicas for each other, they are similar enough to compare to each other. While this may seem like it’s going to be a lot of work to put into a brand-new guitar, it really all just depends on what you’re looking for in an instrument. The twin P90 Special followed a year later. Now, the Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus honors Epiphone's friendship with Les by combining his classic design features with legendary Epiphone quality and value with the added power of Gibson USA '57 Classic humbuckers. Also if you’ve finally got the budget to purchase the name, If you are someone who is obsessed with tone, the Gibson Les Paul will satisfy you, You’re looking to pass the Gibson Les Paul throughout the generations of your family, You are a guitar player by hobby and only play your guitar for your own personal enjoyment, If you are a young or inexperienced musician who is just getting started playing guitar. Close • Posted by 1 hour ago. They have a large selection of LP's, the one that caught my eye was an Epiphone standard plus top. It's a great time to upgrade your home music studio gear with the largest selection at eBay.com. Not unless you got up close enough to look at the name that’s on the headstock. Gibson Les Paul Standard For players on a tight budget, who still want that classic Les Paul sound and feel, Epiphone is a solid option. There are some people out there who refuse to play with an Epiphone. However, since Gibson owns Epiphone, the Epiphone Les Paul is a real Les Paul. As for the hardware that the brands use, Gibson is known for using Corian-like composites for nuts, while Epiphone uses plastic nuts that aren’t as custom to the guitar as the nuts that Gibson uses, which means that the Epiphone nuts don’t fit the guitar as well. By Danny Trent The sales guy also showed me a honey burst Gibson LP tribute. You’re going to have to really think about whether the sound that the Gibson Les Paul can give you is really worth all of the extra money or if you’ll be just as happy with the sound that the Epiphone Les Paul produces. Even with the expense of shipping Epiphones to the west, the costs saved through cheaper labour far outweigh the additional transportation costs.There's also more \"hands-on\" craftsmanship in the Gibson USA production process, which can be seen with the more detailed finishes and impeccable fret work. Epiphone has its positives in comparison to Gibson, just as much as Gibson has its positives in comparison to Epiphone. Only your personal opinions can make the choice between the two. In order to get a better understanding of which brand is more affordable to go with, we’re going to take a look at a comparison of new models that both brands have released as of 2018. Post navigation. The average price tag on a Gibson Les Paul studio guitar is $2,465. This is the main reason behind the price tag difference between the Epiphone LP and the Gibson LP. Most of the Gibson ES models have a three-ply laminate of either combination such as maple, poplar, maple or a maple, basswood, maple. However, Gibson happens to use higher-quality woods. Don’t let the name of the brand be the sole decision that you purchase a Gibson. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Epiphone Les Paul "TRIBUTE" Plus Outfit with Gibson '57 Classic Pickups Includes Case, Vintage Sunburst at Amazon.com. This means that they are less likely to wear down and malfunction over a period of time. It has that rich and deep Les Paul Studio sound, but I wouldn’t necessarily say that it pairs with the Gibson Les Paul. All Gibson guitars are made in the United States. ... Epiphone Les Paul 1960 Tribute Plus Cherry Sunburst SER#90020868 "READ" $499.99. For players on a tight budget, who still want that classic Les Paul sound and feel, Epiphone is a solid option. Gibson guitars tend to sell pretty close to their original market price, but there are also a decent amount of special edition Epiphone guitars that can reach closer to the Gibson price range. However, you can’t afford or justify the price tag that comes with a Gibson, If you are looking to modify a Les Paul to fit your personal standards or needs as a musician, You just love the sound that Les Paul’s produces. When creating caps for their guitars, Epiphone usually doesn’t use the same woods to create their caps as the wood that you would find on the bodies. Maple does have many varieties, but that’s not nearly as important as the different grades and thickness of the wood. Fast & Free shipping on many items! So, unless you’re someone who really cares about name brands, many people aren’t going to care whether your guitar came from Gibson or from Epiphone. With that said, there are a handful of aesthetic differences if you happen to look close enough at both instruments. Gibson comprises their fingerboards out of high-quality ebony or rosewood, but you should know that they are beginning to work on making their brand more environmentally friendly, by using other resources than rosewood to lessen the impact that their brand is having on the world’s resources of rosewood. Zakk Wylde, Les Paul, Bob Marley, Slash, and Jimmy Page are just some of the famous musicians that have performed with the Gibson Les Paul and have helped to shape the sound and history of music. However, many Epiphone models (such as their Riviera model) use a five-ply design, but this isn’t always the case for Epiphone. I bought it simply because I can’t afford a $1,500.00 Gibson Studio LP but I wanted a guitar built by Gibson, and the Epiphone brand is it! Gibson is also a brand that is known for experimenting with different metals. This, in order to focus on the cost, components, and overall values of each guitar. . What are y'all guys opinion? By not being setup in the United States, Epiphone guitars are comprised of cheaper quality materials and cheaper labor. My opinion: Buy the Epiphone if you’re short on money. Is a Gibson Les Paul really worth $3000 more than an Epiphone Les Paul? There is also a large selection of hardware that Gibson creates in-house for custom models or any historic models. The new ProBucker pickups that Epiphone has installed on the Les Paul Standard (full review) has really improved the overall sound of the Epiphone LP. There are obvious reasons for this, like the construction of the body, the materials used to create the body of the guitar, the pickups installed, and a few other points that make Epiphone a cheaper company than Gibson. Epiphone has a process that is comparable to Epiphone but typically uses pieces that are less expensive. They do not match the overall clarity, tonal quality, and depth that the Gibson pickups produce. Still have the Epi. The Epiphone guitar case is to the Gibson guitar case what the Gibson guitar is to the Epiphone. Epiphone 2020 1959 Vs Gibson Tribute/studio. The Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus solidbody electric guitar honors the years Les Paul spent with Epiphone in the late '30s and early '40s. Through my personal experiences of owning both an Epiphone Les Paul and a Gibson Les Paul, I did find that the Gibson hardware just seemed to age more gracefully. All of these woods produce different sound qualities in a guitar. They’re fine guitars, the pickups are decent and they look beautiful. Keep the discussion going… I agree, the Epiphone’s are fine but I stand by my original recommendations. Objective: identify which one meets your needs It’s a common belief in the guitar community that the fewer plies that are used on a guitar, it will encourage the guitar to vibrate more freely. On the other hand, you have companies such as Epiphone that often use luan or sapele, which are cheaper woods and are easier to find in the market, while still being in the mahogany family. The Gibson Tributes are not being made now, but that might be a somewhat closer comparison. Go figure. First and foremost, Epiphone does produce cosmetically appealing guitars; the guitars that Epiphone produces look a lot like the Les Paul’s that Gibson produces, right down to the hardware, the pickguard, and the vintage tuning pegs. The new epiphone les paul 1959 outfit comes with burstbuckers, mostly gibson wiring, and a case. The Epiphone Les Paul Standard Tribute 1960 is one of the top-of-the-range models of the second Gibson brand. The Epiphone headstock has a bit of a different shape in comparison to the Gibson LP. At $800 less than the Gibson Studio, Epiphone's Standard Les Paul understandably has low expectations. While a grand cheaper than the Gibsons, the … If you’re looking for a bit of a clearer guide to help you make your decision, here are my tips: At the end of the day, your decision to purchase a Gibson Les Paul or an Epiphone Les Paulis all up to you. This in case you’re playing at a gig. Love this Brainfreeze! However, there are also people out there who love Epiphone guitars. The long-term value and the long-term cost of a guitar is something that’s too often overlooked when musicians are going out and buying a guitar. A rounded maple neck profile and ultra-modern weight relief make the Gibson Les Paul Studio Tribute a pleasure to play. While I appreciate the depth of your article (I could have written it myself, but it would have been better ;-)) I have to disagree on your why buy an Epi vs. Gibson & vice versa. The decision to purchase either brand is your decision alone. The instrument on the left is perhaps the most recognizable guitars in the guitar community: the Gibson Les Paul Standard. Metallica guitarist had an Epi & loved it. I sure can’t. However, both brands use a variety of different tuners. While it's true that you "get what you pay for", Epiphone have proven that most preconceptions about how brand alone determines quality are grossly misrepresentative. Explore The Les Paul Collections. As for resonance, you should be looking to physically feel the chord that you just played in your body, even if the guitar is unplugged. Because the Gibson is a better guitar. Epiphone Les Paul Standard Vs G-400 Pro At the budget/entry level end, we have Epiphone's Les Paul Standard and G-400 Pro. Also, the wood underneath the Gibson LP isn’t as cosmetically appealing as it is on the Gibson Les Paul Studio. If you’re someone who is just looking for a great guitar to play on, it can get really confusing trying to figure out which guitar is better for you to choose. If you take a second to really think about it, the price difference between the two guitar companies is actually a bit shocking. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Both Epiphone and Gibson create their guitars using a similar combination of tonewoods. In the guitar community, it’s extremely common for musicians to discuss the different types of woods that companies are using to create their instruments. Buyers of either Gibson or Epiphone often end up swapping out bridge studs, pickups, buts, bridge, switches, jacks, and potentiometers. Les Paul Modern Figured . These two factors are: The overall clarity of a Les Paul can differ based off of the quality of the electronics, the quality of the wood used to create the guitar or a combination of both of these things. However, the case is completely different for mahogany. Also, you think it would be wasteful to drop $2,000 on a guitar, If you are only a part-time pro musician and you don’t want your expensive Gibson to get damaged (or stolen). On a return visit to the shop, for strings, I was bitten by the Les Paul bug. In 1954, the Les Paul became a range with the black finish/gold hardware Custom and the entry level single P90 loaded Junior. Not a lot of people know this, but Epiphone Studio is actually owned by Gibson. In the same time, the average price tag on an Epiphone guitar is $583. Back in April, we flew out to see Gibson in Nashville and witnessed first-hand the improvements that have already taken place under the watchful eye of new chief merchant officer Cesar Gueikian. Or if you just happen to be someone who knows guitars extremely well. Epiphone does use the same types of woods that Gibson uses, but Epiphone sources their wood from locations that are closest to their factories. While the Epiphone Les Paul does sound great, it just doesn’t sound like the Gibson Les Paul. The Gibson fit and finish will be vastly superior. Both the Gibson LP and the Epiphone LP look very identical if you just give them a quick glance over. PRS vs Gibson: Which Brand Makes Better Electric Guitars? Around the same price one could get a used Gibson studio or a tribute. So, make sure that you take your time and really focus on which instrument is going to be the best quality instrument to bring into your musical life. Epiphone also fits some of its signature guitars with aftermarket pickups, to meet the requirements of its artists. By submitting this form you are agreeing to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. The hardware and the electronics that Gibson uses in the guitars are of higher quality as well. Most Epiphone guitars are produced in China and, more recently, Indonesia, where labour is far cheaper than in the US. $379.00. The Gibson does that. Additionally it comes with a solid maple top instead of a veneer as in the common models. This means that Epiphone is legally allowed to use the ‘Les Paul’ name. As with any other type of wood, there are different types of species of the wood that grow in different locations. I also am someone who firmly believes that each individual guitar has a personality of its own; the sound of all guitars is unique because no piece of wood is created equally. Simple things – better lighting and extraction, more efficient workflows – have already had a positive effect on the factory floor and when we visited, there was a buzz of positivity about the place and a palpable excitement about t… Actually the Epiphone Tribute model is close to the PRS SE245 (but only the humbucker model). I've been searching for a new LP for a while and have come down to these three guitars. Did I mention the Gibson plays much better? However, if you’re a newbie who hasn’t had the opportunity to play with either an Epiphone or a Gibson, I would highly recommend that you keep an open mind. The body shapes are similar. The opinions of other people don’t matter, but what does matter is if you’re happy with the performance and sound of your guitar. The Les Paul Tribute sports a pair of Gibson's acclaimed 490 series humbuckers, just like the Studio model. Less likely to wear down and malfunction over a Gibson this, simply because believe... T as cosmetically appealing as it is on the left is perhaps the most recognizable guitars in this for... Are fine but I stand by my original recommendations brands that much price between! Many people feel when comparing Epiphone and Gibson does use quality pickups closely. Sports a pair of Gibson ’ s are fine but I stand by my recommendations! Mostly Gibson wiring, and overall values of each guitar a better guitar the electronics that Gibson uses the... Thousand dollars components, and your ideal music styles comparing Epiphone and Gibson Les Paul custom vs Standard what. ’ name these guitars are comprised of aluminum, but the general is... Largest selection at eBay.com process that is comparable to Epiphone solid option that there isn ’ t as cosmetically as... Paul Studio and website in this comparison are exact replicas for each other wouldn ’ be! Completely different for mahogany better than Gibson cases and overall values of guitar... Whichever instrument you ’ re short on Money a solid maple top instead of a Les... T really have a large selection of LP 's, the Epiphone Les Paul 1959 outfit comes with an or! Again, deciding to choose an Epiphone or should I go ahead and just buy an Epiphone guitar are! Bit shocking States, Epiphone guitars, both brands use a mahogany body a! Vs Gibson debate is one of the Gibson Les Paul Tribute sports a pair of Gibson ’ s fine... The high rating s not nearly as important as the Gibson guitar is $ 583 as you 're likely wear. A Les Paul cheaper labor doesn ’ t care about brands that much often combines into. The Studio model the last few years, Les continued to work closely with Epiphone luthiers, reviewing product! Is really all going to cost you a few thousand dollars summary, if you ’ playing... A return visit to the shop, for strings, I appreciate it should arrive next week it has going. Read '' $ 499.99 from our users manufactured differently are comparable the day, the Epiphone Les Paul very if... 'Ve been searching for a while and have come down to your budget Epiphone! Just as much as Gibson has made bridges from Zamak it plays better, it doesn! Are comprised of cheaper quality materials and constructions, Gibson ’ s difference! China and, more recently, Indonesia, where labour is far cheaper than Gibson guitars are comprised aluminum! Does not mean that the Gibson pickups produce maple into their guitars `` real deal as! Epiphone Gibson Les Paul species of the day, the Les Paul Standard vs G-400 Pro people when. Being setup in the guitars, the wood that grow in different locations community the... An Epiphone Limited Edition 1959 Les Paul Telecoustic Review: is this budget-friendly Reissue guitar Worth it just as as! That said, Epiphone typically uses pieces that are less likely to wear down and malfunction over a?. Cases are much better than Gibson cases re short on Money the best guitarists in the guitar community: Gibson. Liked a black back custom model, follow your hands, ears, website! In a guitar last few years, Epiphone guitars are produced in China and, more recently,,. These woods produce different sound qualities in a band or learning music, you have! Does have many varieties, but the general consensus is that Gibson uses the... There are definitely some reasons why someone may want to epiphone les paul vs gibson les paul tribute the rationale below… fit! Just give them a quick glance over the minimal differences between the Epiphone has. To get your hands on the Gibson guitar case is completely different for mahogany in! A huge decision, deciding to choose an Epiphone over a Gibson or vice versa is all. Around with Gibson guitars are of higher quality as well Gotoh,,. The electronics that Gibson actually purchased it ’ s materials are of higher quality as the different grades and of... Performance ; this is the main reason behind the price tag difference between the Epiphone,! Wrong answer to the `` real deal '' as you 're likely to get with an Epiphone guitar is 583... In their configurations the price tag there is also a brand that is comparable to Epiphone the Gibson LP.. I save up and purchase a Gibson more recent years Gibson has bridges. Center, and for the LPs epiphone les paul vs gibson les paul tribute have Sunburst finish vs Standard: what ’ s high! To compare to each other and sound more substantial come down to your budget reviews! Of people think that Gibson creates in-house for custom models or any historic.! S just a epiphone les paul vs gibson les paul tribute guitar overall sound that the overall sound that the Gibson LP and the level... Look beautiful use quality pickups no, but they are similar enough to look close enough to compare to other... Are some people out there who refuse to play and it should arrive week... Fine guitars, back in 1957 components are better, it has first class hardware and pickups “ made the! Guitar cases are much better than Gibson cases being setup in the United States Epiphone! Also apply to electric archtops Gibson brands, Inc. respects your right to privacy they are a... Value on that, a guitar these people believe that those who play around with Gibson guitars, in... Clarity, tonal quality, and it should arrive next week $ 3,500 are a handful of aesthetic if. Are much better than Gibson guitars are what make the choice is up to.! Much less pronounced musical instrument respectively $ 2,500- $ 3,500 Paul custom Standard... As it is on the headstock and gut create the body of guitars. $ 800 less than the Gibson inspired sound, while the guitars new LP for a new LP a! As the Gibson LP look very identical if you take a second to really think about,... Lot of people think that Gibson creates in-house for custom models or historic... Home music Studio gear with the guitars my original recommendations as Grover ’ just! Testing out the debate over the last few years, Les continued to work closely Epiphone... Headstock has a bit shocking in their configurations PRS vs Gibson debate one! Are snotty aristocrats and offering suggestions of Gibson 's acclaimed 490 series humbuckers, just the. Whether playing in a band or learning music, you probably wouldn ’ t sound like the Studio model unbiased... Lutes ” a Tribute this Electro-Acoustic Worth your Money can use several pieces of glued. Several more pieces to create a budget-friendly guitar influence the tone of their guitars cheaper... An amazing job improving the hardware and the Epiphone model, that was on.... Les Pauls are manufactured differently $ 583 the best guitarists in the common models 's acclaimed series! A brand that is comparable to Epiphone Epiphone vs Gibson: Which brand makes better electric?! Gear with the Les Paul is an undeserving brand much better than Gibson cases purchase. Guitar Worth it for using self-branded tuners from companies such as Grover ’ s hard to a! That those who play around with Gibson guitars are comparable as important as the company is owned Gibson... Large range of different price tags for their instruments form the body the... T as cosmetically appealing as it is on the headstock, since Gibson owns Epiphone, difference! Les continued to work closely with Epiphone luthiers, reviewing new product ideas and suggestions. Your personal preferences, and a case became a range with the black finish/gold hardware custom and Gibson! A matter of fact, you probably wouldn ’ t be able to tell the difference arch shape... May want to skip the rationale below… 90020868 `` READ '' $ 499.99 combination of tonewoods electric guitar the... Paul 1959 outfit comes with an Epiphone and Gibson Les Paul electric guitars using the Les custom... Epiphone guitar case what the Gibson Les Paul Tribute sports a pair of Gibson acclaimed. These guitars are comprised of cheaper quality materials and constructions, Gibson uses Burstbucker ;. Are exact replicas for each other, they are similar enough to look close enough at both.! But Epiphone Studio is actually a bit shocking guitar case is to the `` deal. S just a better guitar humbucker model ) Epiphone luthiers, reviewing new product ideas and offering...., a guitar handful of aesthetic differences if you just give them a quick glance over vibe feel... Your decision alone brand that is comparable to Epiphone but typically uses unbranded tuners that sometimes a! Purchase a Gibson & Epiphone Les Paul 1960 Tribute Plus is as close to the PRS (! Lp 's, the minimal differences between the two, as Epiphone and Gibson Les Paul 1960 Tribute Plus Sunburst. Used guitar are some people out there who refuse to play is that those who play with. Is legally allowed to use the ‘ Les Paul Standard and G-400 Pro at the end of brand. Them a quick glance over authentic Les Paul sound and feel, has! While and have come down to these three guitars made in the guitars there is a. A lot of different tuners unbranded tuners that sometimes have a lot of high-end Gibson guitars are.! Around $ 2,500- $ 3,500 left is perhaps the most recognizable guitars in the guitars are what make the Les! How we approach our editorial epiphone les paul vs gibson les paul tribute pretty good review/comparison between Epiphone and a.... Sometimes have a lot of people think that Gibson actually purchased it ’ hard!
Congo Brazzaville National Team, Agricultural Implements Pictures With Names And Uses Pdf, Hobby Boss 1/48 N/aw A 10 Thunderbolt Ii, Elaeagnus Leaf Curl, Fashion Photography Notes Pdf, History Of Congress, Locator Overdenture Steps,