Apart from the stylistic differences mentioned, the electronics has an identical approach to the Gibson and Epiphone Les Paul models. ESP LTD EC-401 The thin U-shaped neck contour and 24 extra jumbo frets make the LTD EC-401 an extremely playable electric guitar. Slash Appetite Les Paul Special-II Performance Pack. 1 Finish Options. Electric Travel Guitar. Explore Electric Travel Guitar. Les Paul Express. 2 Finish Options. Sign Up for Epiphone.
It's become increasingly difficult to compare Epiphone and Gibson Les Paul guitars like for like. This is because both companies (Epiphone being owned by the almighty Gibson) produce a large number of LP models with various configurations of the classic cut.
What this page will look at are the fundamental differences between the two brands, taking the Standards as the benchmark, and an evaluation of the general consensus surrounding the comparison.
If you're on a tight budget (which you most likely are if you're on this site!), then even a second hand Gibson Les Paul Standard may still be out of the question. So make sure you read up on the highest rated cheap les paul guitars available today.
The latest (2017) USA Gibson Les Paul Standard comes in at a whopping $2,800 new. For second hand older models that don't appreciate in value, you're still looking at at least a grand.
Compare that to Epiphone, with their version of the Les Paul Standard streeting at a modest $420.
So is there really any comparison? Is the bottom line of this article inevitably going to be 'you get what you pay for'? Well, to a certain extent, yes, and let's be honest - you already knew that!
But there's a major caveat to consider here. I, and many experienced players, simply do not believe the Gibson Standard is worth six/seven times more than the Epiphone. When sheer value for money is the dominant criteria, as is the focus of this site, Epiphone wins hands down.
I repeat, hands down.
Epiphone Vs Gibson Les Paul Criteria
Let's dig a little deeper into the main differences between Gibson and Epiphone guitars..
Labour
Most Epiphone guitars are produced in China and, more recently, Indonesia, where labour is far cheaper than in the US. 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. This undoubtedly gives you a better quality instrument overall, but at a cost many simply can't afford.
Bear in mind, no matter how much you spend on your next guitar, a professional set up, which can cost between $20 and $60, is always recommended to maximise playability.
Materials & Construction
Although both the Epiphone and Gibson use the same type of materials (e.g. mahogany body), the materials used in Epiphone models aren't as rare as those selected by Gibson USA. The premium cuts on the Gibson contribute to overall higher tonal quality, more sustain and harmonic response.
There are also differences with certain components, such as the tuners ( standard 14:1 Grovers on the Epiphone, 18:1 Locking Kidney Grovers on the Gibson), wiring, output jack, neck relief and bridge hardware.
There's more 'hands on' construction in the Gibson manufacturing process and less machine construction overall. This means more scrutinised, human quality control through each stage of the production process. This can be as simple as how the guitar parts are glued and sanded. It all adds up to a higher quality instrument when it leaves the factory.
However, many reviews reaffirm the consistency of quality coming from the Epiphone factories, something that used to be a real issue with cheap guitars, but quality control does seem to have improved significantly over the years.
Finishes
The 2017 Gibson Les Paul Standard comes in 4 flame top finishes, whereas to get anything snazzier than the basic plain top finish of the Epiphone Standard, you have to pay a bit more for a Plus Top model, which gives you that gorgeous flamed maple top.
However, you can really see the difference in detail between the flame on the Gibson Standard and the tamer Epiphone Plus Top.
The Gibson Standard has a softer finish, which lets the wood 'breathe' more compared to Epiphone's harder, polyurethane finish, which can affect tone.
Pickups
There's no doubt that the humbuckers used in the Gibson Standard are superior to those in the Epiphone Standard and Plus Top models. If you did want to change the stock pickups in the Epiphone to Gibson's Burstbucker Pros, it'll cost you around $300 (not including fitting).
The Gibson USA Standard also features coil splitting which, in short, allows you to pop up the volume knobs for more tone variation, making it more versatile.
Since the Epiphone Standard features the Alnico Classics, without the split coil, the cheapest Epiphone model that'll give you the coil tapping feature is the Plus Top Pro, for which you'll pay $100 or so extra on the original Standard.
Feel & Playability
How an instrument feels in your hands is a very subjective thing. But the general consensus is that the Gibson Les Paul plays more comfortably than its cheaper counterparts. While it's easy enough to cost out the difference in raw spec, it's much harder to assign a numerical cost value to good feel and playability. Only you can decide how much that's worth.
Sound
To keep things focused, we're just comparing the classic, non-tapped humbucking tone between the Standards for which the Les Paul is most well known.
There is a clear consensus of opinion that can be drawn from the hundreds of reviews. With the better quality materials and electronics, the Gibson delivers more of that defining, gutsy warmth for which players know and love the LP.
Pick up the Epi with fresh ears and you'll hear that same satisfying richness and warmth, and to many the difference is subtle. But inevitably the cheaper woods, wiring and stock pickups remove some of the mid-range depth, sustain, harmonic response and crunch that truly gives the USA Gibson its wow factor.
It's certainly true that less experienced players are less likely to notice much difference, if any, and this is a crucial point. If you pick both up in store and can't hear any major difference, or (as is perfectly normal) you actually prefer the Epiphone, then the extra couple thousand bucks would be better put towards a professional setup and a decent amp.
There's also a key point to be made regarding how effects saturated your tone is. If most of your tone shaping is done on your pedal board and/or via digital processing and modelling, it may be worth considering the Epiphone even if you have the money for the USA. It will still give you that sweet Les Paul base tone on which to layer your effects and EQ.
Below I've selected some videos that compare the Epiphone and Gibson Les Pauls. It's just a flavour, so don't go making foregone conclusions! But if anything, you'll appreciate just how subtle the difference in sound really is - a credit to Epiphone.
A blindfold test between Epiphone and Gibson Les Pauls..
Another blind test where you decide which is which (answer below the videos)..
Comparing the Epi Standard with the Gibson Studio (a cheaper version of the Standard)..
Answer: the first one was the Gibson!
Upgrading
What many players tend to do is buy the cheaper Epiphone and change anything from the stock pickups to the volume/tone pots, pickup switch and even tuners. The idea is that you use the money saved on the cheaper stock axe to upgrade to something even closer to the USA Standard (or your chosen spec), still for a fraction of the cost of a USA made Gibson.
If you know a good guitar tech in your area, they'll be able to give your new Epiphone the care and attention it needs to bring out its full potential.
Of course, all the above may not even be necessary if you're happy with the tone and feel of your Epi.
Gibson Les Paul Value Guide
The Bottom Line
Both are great guitars. No question.
The Epiphone Les Paul Standard gives you 90% of the look, feel and tone of the Gibson. The question is, are you willing to pay the one or two grand more for the extra 10%?
Only you can decide that.
But if, like me, $1,000+ is simply too heavy a hit to your finances, you will not be dissappointed with the Epiphone. Just don't be tempted by a further $150 saving on the inferior LP-100 - save up for the Standard or Plus Top Pro.
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Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.blog comments powered by DisqusEpiphone guitars are arguably the best 'diet' version of a big brand name out there. In this Epiphone Les Paul Standard review, we'll take a look at Epiphone's version of the classic Gibson Les Paul. You'll save yourself a lot of money by opting for the Epiphone, but do you compromise on the quality? Is it really worth it?
Overview of The Epiphone Les Paul Standard
The classic styling and good looks of the Les Paul. But wait, this is an Epiphone, not a Gibson. In fact you really might struggle to tell the difference upon first glance. The Epiphones retain many of the qualities of the Gibsons, but crucially their much, much cheaper.
As you'd expect there are differences. They couldn't produce a $1000 plus guitar and sell it for $599. That would make no sense! You'll find the differences in some of the materials, the finish and the pickups. But in terms of playability and comfort, for me there's not too much in it. Certainly not $400 plus. One of their biggest cost savings is probably that the Epiphones are made in China, whereas Gibsons are usually made in the US.
Let's take a closer look at the Epiphone Les Paul Standard. It's a full scale (24.75″) guitar with a mahogany body and glued in mahogany neck. Mahogany is slightly heavier, but it ensures decent resonance and sustain. The whole thing has a gloss finish, which is one of the differences between the Epiphone and the Gibson.
In terms of styling, the Les Paul Standard is one of the 'inspired by Gibson' range, which focuses on the classic Gibson guitars. The pictured model is the 1950's style, which has a C-shaped neck profile whilst retaining a classic rounder feel than later models. The C-shaped neck is comfortable and the 12″ fingerboard radius makes the fretting a little easier thanks to the flatter face.
The fingerboard material is Indian Laurel, which has similar qualities to Rosewood but is much more sustainable. Sometimes you find Indian Laurel can be a little lighter in color than Rosewood, but in terms of tone they're very similar.
The key frets are marked out by trapezoid inlays in the classic Les Paul style. There are 22 medium jumbo frets, which make it accessible to less experienced guitarists. Medium jumbo frets tend to give you a little more room to work.
The nut is made from NuBone, which is a plastic like material. I don't like the NuBone nuts. I think they let guitar down. Best clipboard app mac 2017. Fortunately it's quite easy to replace the nut with a material of your choice. Bone would be the most advisable.
The guitar has two humbuckers, one at the bridge and one at the neck. They're ProBucker pickups rather than P90's. At the time of writing it's not available with P90's. However you could get a guitar tech to fit P90's without too many problems. The pickups are generally pretty good, however the bridge pickup can be a little bit trebly.
The bridge is the Locktone Tuno-Matic style, which was prevalent in the 1950's. It's ok and does it's job well enough. The action tends to be pretty good, but it can be altered thanks to the adjustable truss rod. The style continues with the gold top hat controls, sitting atop the four tone and volume control knobs. The tuning gear is good quality and the guitar holds it tune well enough.
A three-way pickup switch sits in the classic Les Paul position. You can choose between the bridge humbucker, a mix of the bridge and neck humbuckers or the neck humbucker only. The guitar comes with a decent set of .10's, but you might want to swap those out to your favorite gauge and brand. The headstock is in the classic Kalamazoo design, which was re-introduced for the Inspired by Gibson range.
In terms of sound the Epiphone produces tones from classic clean right through to the heavier, crunchier classic rock sound. The one thing it's not so good at is heavier styles, such as metal. You'd certainly be better of with something produced by Ibanez and alike for metal. If you're looking for something of an all rounder that leans towards classic tones, this might be the guitar for you.
Pros
Perhaps one of the best things about the Epiphone Les Paul Standard is just how close it comes to it's much more expensive cousin, the Gibson Les Paul. Ask anyone who owns one and they'll tell you how good it feels and sounds. It's really not that far away from the Gibson, but a fraction of the price. Here are some of it's best features.
- Outstanding value for money
- Great tone
- Comfortable to play
Cons
Although it's absolutely outstanding value, there are a few things to point out. They feel pretty minor, but if a little thing matters to you a lot, it's important to know about it, right?
- Heavier than other guitars
- Not suitable for heavier styles
- Nut may need replacing
Final Thoughts
As with most Epiphones, the Les Paul Standard has a lot in common with it's much more expensive cousin, the Gibson. With the Epiphone you get a lot of guitar for a fraction of the price of the Gibson. There are, of course, differences between the Gibson and the Epiphone, but when it comes down to it they're actually very similar.
I'd definitely replace the nut. The NuBone plastic like material doesn't fill me with confidence. Whilst it doesn't make a massive difference to tone, I'd say you'd be better off with a bone nut. Fortunately this can be replaced pretty cheaply. This is an exceptionally good looking guitar that feels comfortable to play and can deliver great tones. As long as you don't mind a guitar on the heavier side, I think you'll enjoy the Epiphone.
Epiphone Les Paul Models Explained
If you like the sound of the Epiphone be sure to check out my post on the Epiphone SG Special. I hope you've found this post informative and useful. Feel free to leave any comments or questions below. Alternatively you can get in touch using my contact page.
Note:As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps to keep the site going. When you click a link on this page it may go to a supplier with whom I have an affiliate relationship. This won't increase the price you pay. I don't recommend any product that I haven't used myself or thoroughly researched.
Pros
- Outstanding Value For Money
- Great Tone
- Comfortable to Play
Cons
- Heavier Than Other Guitars
- Not Suitable For Heavier Styles
- Nut May Need Replacing
