Epi LP Custom or Standard?

aussy · Newbie Alert Joined: 16 Jun 2004 Posts: 4

Well, recently I've been researching tons of guitars. I originally wanted a Tradition S-20 LP model, but heard their quality went down or something, and also I just changed my mind. Then was interested in a Gibson SG Special after finding it in ebony for $650. However, I am currently interested in an Epiphone Les Paul Standard. I've heard from many people they sound as good if not better than Gibsons if you replace the pickups, which I would do. Then I started looking at the Epiphone Les Paul Custom. It looks better IMO, and supposively sounds better.

All this info brings me down to choosing which guitar to buy. I will go out and play all of them, but first I'd just like to see which I would pick without playing it.

The SG is pretty self explanatory. I wanted a SG standard, but thatw as too expensive, so I found the SG Special. No big disadvantages, btu I heard the neck breaks easier than others.

Then comes the Epi Les Paul Standard. I could get a pair of pickups for 100-200, making it cost anywhere from 600-700 dollars, which is better than teh SG Special considering the tone that will come out of it.

Then comes in the Epi Les Paul Custom. 100 bucks more than the standard, and with hot gold hardware, and supposively better tone and sound. However, the problem here is I'm wondering if it will have better or around the same tonal quality as the standard if I replaced the pickups on each one with the same ones. (Just for example, If I replaced the pickups on the standard with burstbuckers and did the same with the custom, would the custom sound THAT much better to make it worth 100 bucks more?)

So basically right now, I'm definitely leaning towards the Epi LP's if they live up to their legend of sounding like a Gibson for less than half the price. However, I find that the SG is still in the race. So basically, I'm stuck now, and would like some of your guys opinions. I'm sick of my Squier strat, and have had it for like 2 years, I definitely need a new guitar. (And a new amp as a matter of fact, currently using a Marshall 10 watt combo Wink

)

Oh yeah, forgot to ask, would all three of these guitars still sound good with a Boss MT-2 Metal zone? That's my current pedal. Might as well ask people's opinions on the Boss Blues Driver and a Tube screamer as well. Which is better for that creamy fat warm tone?

Yeah, I'm done.

owwdatune · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 2:38 pm Post subject:

any one of those would be nice....i recently played an epi '56 LP goldtop with p90s that kicked butt and a honeyburst epi LP that was stunning...a friend has a flametop antiqueburst epi SG something that plays great...as for an amp..i would suggest a Vox valvetronics AD30VT >>>
http://www.voxamps.co.uk/products/valvetronix/ad15vtad30vt.htm
..about $240.00 --i just picked one up at guitar center to mess around with...some good sounding amp modeling and usable effects..very tube-ish for solidstate..there are soundbites at musicians friend website. Cool

aussy · Newbie Alert Joined: 16 Jun 2004 Posts: 4

*Holy Censor, Batman*, that amp sounds nice for the price. I'll have to check it out. Now here's a list of furtehr questions, hopefully someone will be able to answer them.

1. Do Epi LP's really sound as good as a gibson with gibson pickups?
2. If so, which do you reccomend? Looking for a versatile pair that can do great blues and good rock as well.
3. Is a Epi LP Custom really worth the 100 bucks more than a Epi Lp Standard if I'm going to replace the pickups if I get either one?

That's all really, concerning my guitar troubles. Short list of amp questions too cause I don't wanna make another thread for them.

1. Marshall MG100HDFX/MG412 Slant Cab Package (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=040628091520012075238002767472/g=guitar/s=amps/search/detail/base_pid/482807/) Yay or nay?
2. Is that marshall above or the vox Oww suggests better? I'm thinking the vox since I don't play in a band so I have no need for that big of a speaker, but it is a marshall.

Thanks a bunch. I'd like to say this is a very good community, I just think we need more dedicated members to get this place more happening. You've guys have helped me a lot.