Epiphone quality question

madpuppy · Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2003 7:45 am Post subject: Epiphone quality question

I'm looking into purchasing a new electric guitar. I really like the Les Paul sound. How much difference is there between Gibson and Epiphone Les Pauls?(And how are they different?)Is it really worth the extra $1000?(for a Gibson.)
( I play well,but I'm not a pro. At the same time,I don't want junk.)
THanks, M.

Herb · Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2003 8:18 am Post subject:

The best analogy I can think of is the difference between Chevy/Cadillac or Ford/Lincoln. The Chevy or Ford is a good car for everyman, affordable, will do the job. The Caddy/Lincoln is for the people that like and can afford the frills, and want the name. You can modify the Epi with different pickups, etc. to improve it, make it more Gibson-like, but if you get carried away, you can spend so much on it you may have well bought the Gibson to start with. Epi is a good working guitar for someone that can't afford a Gibson, but you really gotta play them to see the difference.

weelie · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2003 2:15 am Post subject:

And nowadays you have the in-between too, with the Epiphone Elitist (Made in Japan) and the Gibson faded.

MyCars2Slow · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2003 5:37 am Post subject:

Well... I have had both Gibson and epiphone les Pauls... 2 of each. and I know this wont help you much, but at one time, i like the epi more, and the second set I like the Gibson more. In the long run, it depends on the model, and the sure chance that one is made better then the other. There is nothing wrong with buying an in expensive guitar, as long as it feels right to you.

Tom

ACfixer · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2003 7:11 am Post subject:

madpuppy, if you can afford the Gibby (and I don't mean the faded) and you already have your amp and such, why not buy the real thing? I don't think Epi makes a bad guitar, especially speaking of their upper end stuff but I do know this; 3 years from now you won't look at your Gibson and wish it was an Epiphone.

Herb · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2003 12:40 pm Post subject:

AC, that was eloquent!

BoxCarRacer_Tom · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2003 11:40 pm Post subject:

Wow Herb that was some good insight there! I was just about to ask that same question....

madpuppy · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2003 5:59 am Post subject:

So, I just saw Epiphone Elite http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=031130075544068221133173040126/g=home/search/d=tp?q=epiphone+elite. THey say the only diff. is no nitrocellulose finish? Is that true? They can't really charge $5-700 extra for finish.............you know what,guys,the more questions I ask the stupider I feel,like I'm getting lost looking for the easy way...
The more answers I get,the more I think I should just hold out for another year to save for the real deal. Idea

Thanks for everyone's input.
M.

>edited to make your link work< Cool

Herb · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2003 8:07 am Post subject:

AC said it best, you'll never wish the Gibby was an Epi. If you have the patience, wait.