$1299 VS. $799 Epiphone Les Paul Custom Guitar Comparison!

With the pricing of the brand new $1299 Epiphone Les Paul Custom inspired by Gibson Custom Shop being so contentious, I figured why not directly compared it to the older $799 Epiphone Les Paul Custom to see if that $500 premium is really worth it!
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[@DenDenBMX]

THANKS FOR WATCHING!

[@ricklynn6176]

Another main difference is the hard shell case that you get with the new LPC! That’s like $100-$150 right there! Cool video 🤘🏼

[@DenDenBMX]

very true

[@ragnarkoric]

I received my Epi LP Custom in Ebony today. So far I’m very pleased with it.

[@DenDenBMX]

aw hell yeah dude, glad to hear you're enjoying it!

[@davidready839]

Hello neighbor! I'm the guy across the street who talks guitars with you! This is awesome!

[@DenDenBMX]

Hey dude! Thanks so much for checking it out, stoked to hear you enjoyed it!

[@captainkempo460]

younger demographic viewer here, i got that epi custom video on my homepage, it slapped, now you have a subscriber. great work

[@DenDenBMX]

aye thank you so much for the support dude!

[@michaelmagee4907]

Great video. I bought myself an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Koa for my 65th Birthday. Great guitar, rings like a bell. I personally don't care about a Gibson style headstock. I can afford a Gibson but don't play enough to justify it. I play my Epiphone SG Pro the most - extra sounds with the coil splitting and light weight. I play my Godin Redline 2 for my shredding runs. The Les Paul is for when I have time, to savor like good whiskey, practice Santana or Gary Moore. The $799 dollar guitar does it for me, and you seemed to like it a little more too. Keep up the great work!

[@DenDenBMX]

Thanks for watching!

[@scotttoman371]

Great video! I bought the 2024 epi LPC in ebony and find the 490 pickups to have plenty of bite in the mids, but perhaps thats just how mine is setup. I like it overall and I think I will end up keeping it. Also enjoyed how you included the demographics from your last video, I think those boomers are just jealous because this Epiphone gives their $5000 custom shop LPC a run for its money!

[@DenDenBMX]

I'm pretty sure I just got a bunk set of Gibson pickups, which i'm not surprised based off Gibsons's QC And I don't think the olds are jealous, I think the red scare really messed them up and still affects them to this day

[@progrob27]

Just recently got a Epiphone 60s Les Paul, it's been so interesting learning about them. My main axe is a USA Strat. I didn't realise the lower custom had no maple cap. I know this like Les Paul blasphemy but I like Kalamazoo headstock better it looks classier to me.

[@DenDenBMX]

I like the kalamazoo headstock too! All this comparison really did is show how awesome of a deal the cheaper les paul custom is

[@mangotango5988]

The Probuckers sounded bigger, louder and clearer. There were moments of harshness on the probuckers. However, that could be due to pickup height. The Gibson p'ups 490/498 I really do like, and they did sound excellent, I would have to say that I would give the edge to the one with the probuckers. At $799 new, I'd say you are still getting a great value for the money. Here are a couple of thoughts as I own several Epiphones as well as Gibsons. Both have their strengths and weaknesses that seem to present themselves at various times. Sometimes, it pays to save up a few hundred more and get an entry level Gibson, if it happens to be the RIGHT one, and sometimes it is perfectly great to have an Epiphone, and some I own play exceptionally well, but they are indeed two different animals, and while putting Gibson Pickups in an Epiphone will generally sound better as an upgrade, it still won't sound like that same set of pickups will in a Gibson, because the woods are treated and kiln dried completely differently, and for different lengths of time, and of course the Gibson woods will be far superior in tone because of this. Not to mention, as you know, the permeable nitro finishes on the Gibsons vs Poly Urethane finishes on the Epiphones. With either guitars, as you see by the white Epis tuning keys, it really helps to be handy with some degree of luthier skills, because at some point, you'll need them. First thing I do with ANY Epiphone, is take the string off, dress and polish the frets. Things like this and a lot of the quality control in general are the reason why companies like ESP/LTD really take a bite out of Epiphone and Gibson. When you get and ESP/LTD, you dont generally have any issues at all coming out the gate.

[@DenDenBMX]

I agree, Gibson and Epiphone will do anything except address their quality control issues, until they do that they aren't going to be able to compete with esp/ltd, prs, etc. It's funny you mention pickup height because the bridge pickup on the new one is closer to the strings than the bridge pickup on the 2020 version, it seems my pair of Gibson pickups is another example of their flawed QC

[@honnaconna7312]

Gid up there my boy. What a selection of riffs, deftones and system at the end 🫶🫶🫶

[@DenDenBMX]

aw shucks glad to hear you enjoyed it dude, thanks for watching!

[@pharmerdavid1432]

I like the yellowing you did, although black is my preference anyways. There is a P90 limited edition of the older IBG LP Custom, so I snagged a used one off Reverb which should be here in a couple days, plan to change the Epiphone P90 "pro bucker" pickups to Lollar mini-humbuckers, making it a Les Paul Custom Deluxe! I'm one of the old guys who watch your videos, nothing else to do when you get this old but play guitar and watch videos. The only good thing about getting old is the social security check each month, just enough to buy another guitar! As a newb here, I'm enjoying your channel, more so than some of those puffed-up channels with gazillions of viewers gawking at them. Cheers!

[@DenDenBMX]

thanks for watching dude! Hope you enjoy the new axe!

[@EricfromBloatGames]

Actually, in the side by side comparison, I think the $799 ELP sounds better. Not much, but I like it better. Are you going to yellow/ age the new guitar, too?

[@DenDenBMX]

haha no if I keep this one i'll keep it white, it'll probably go a nice cream color in 10/20 years

[@valendis]

Nice to see that demo, I'm a bit dissapointed by the sound of the expensive one pickups, I prefer the Probuckers... I'm waiting for mine to arrive, I bought both aswell, I'm pretty sure I will pick the expensive one already, I like the specs on them except the pickups, I knew I wouldn't like it but I plan on changing the whole hardware to nickel one so.... And put mojotone 59 clone low output pickups in it...

[@DenDenBMX]

I too was pretty surprised at the performance of the Gibson pickups, you'd think for as big of a stink they made about them they would've spanked the probuckers. Gibson QC strikes again

[@ericinthekitchen]

Thanks for the video . I like both but I think the old one sounds a little bit better for my taste . The tuning problem is coming from the nut, not the tuners …

[@backtoemocovers]

The intro made me subscribe to this channel. I have the 799$ one, and i cant complain. Amazing review

[@austinwilson3395]

I ordered one immediately when they released them, it’s awesome and I couldn’t be happier. It feels like I got 95% of a Gibson les Paul custom for $1299 instead of paying $5699 for the Gibson. And it won’t turn yellow in a few years

[@emcg.9655]

Nice one man, I think they are going to sell an absolute ton of these. I actually thought the price would have been higher, then I saw they had actual custombuckers and it seems like a really decent price. I have a few custom shops with these pickups, they are great and tbh it's gonna force Gibson to come up with a new latest greatest paf for their top tier guitars. Enjoy man.

[@manelalentorn]

@@emcg.9655 Sorry to disappoint you there, but it has 490R and 498T ( the same pickups as the Gibson Custom ), NOT Custombuckers… The SG, the 1959 and the 335 have the Custombuckers. Still looks great though, good guitar but too expensive for an Epiphone, made in China without Custombuckers… Price should have been maximum 999$

[@valendis]

@@emcg.9655 the LPC one doesn't have Custombuckers

[@WaurufEx]

@@valendis It comes with the 490R 498T combo, which is used on the Gibson counterparts. Taking that into account, the price of the Epi LP Custom is worse than the Epi 355 which has the Custombuckers

[@valendis]

@@WaurufEx I agree, but I love the look of the LP Custom ^^, receiving mine on friday!

[@deltawhiskey1398]

Bought a Epiphone Custom Black Back on sale for $699...spent a hour on a Sunday watching Football and filing fret ends with a StewMac fret file. My Custom has the same specs as the $1200 version....sounds just as good...plays just as good....and I kept my $600 bucks. Plot twist...buy a Schecter Solo 2 for $999 and you will have a guitar that is much better than both of these.

[@CountScotula]

I ordered this guitar the second it was announced. I've wanted a Gibson LP Custom for over 25 years and just could never justify it. This absolutely scratches the itch in every way. What I think is interesting is that I have a 2002 Gibson Les Paul Studio with 490r/498t pickups in it as well so I assumed these guitars would sound almost identical. However, the Studio is definitely more mellow and smooth. The Epiphone LPC is brighter and hotter. Mine doesn't come across as darker though and is much brighter. I'm pretty shocked with how different they sound considering they're suppose to be the same pickups. Both sound great in their own right. Probably a change in the manufacturing process over the last 20 years. The tuners on this Epiphone aren't great so I agree with his analysis there, but the turners on my much more expensive Gibsons LPs and SGs suck as well. I really think it's part of the "experience".

[@manelalentorn]

The answer is: Made in China… low quality mahogany… That’s why it sounds diferent with the same pickups. Also the nitro finish of the Gibson might have something to do about it. But as you say, it depends on the sound you are looking for. Still a good guitar.

[@DenDenBMX]

@maelalentorn incorrect, it's not the wood. It's the pickups, passive pickups will never sound exactly the same, but when it comes to Gibson's passive pickups you're basically gambling on whether or not you'll get a good set because their quality control is so lackluster, I've played so many gibsons with bunk pickups, even one of their 10 grand korina flying V's had one of the WORST sounding sets of custom buckers i've ever tried in it

[@davehill9951]

I bought the last white version as you did. Then low and behold the new version came out 2 months later. Gonna stick with this one. I could not find a flaw on it either. QC was working that day i guess. And it sounds fabulous through either my 1984 Marshall JCM 800 with a 4x12 Marshall cab with Jimmy Marshall greenbacks or my Headrush Prime pedalboard through my computer with ART Studio monitors. For me Epiphone has been good to me over the years, i own an Epi Boneyard/Steve Perry les paul signature with Gibson burstbuckers 2 and 3 in it from factory. Got a nasty epi prophecy explorer with Zack Wylde active EMGs if i really want to go crazy. Great review, keep em coming, Dave part of your old demographic from Canada! TC

[@Serbofreak]

A ten year younger me would definitely say that the older version sounds better due to the pronounced mids and highs. However, after spending years in the studio recording and mixing, the newer model has a significantly better control over the sound and would fit into a mix much better.

[@jeremymiller6933]

Interesting. My '97 Gibson LP has the 490/498 setup (I don't know if there is any difference between today's set and those from the 90's), but there is a huge difference when I play my white Epi LP Custom and the Gibson in terms of sound. The Epi Probuckers are getting shown up big time. I was thinking of putting in the SD JB/Jazz combo in it. Now, when I plug in my other Epi LPC, it holds it own against the Gibson. Maybe the probuckers in my white LPC just weren't made very well or the ones in the Silverburst are just factory freaks (LOL). Even though I did the math in the previous video, I have my doubts that I will upgrade to the new LPC. I look forward to the comparison to the ESP guitar. Also, with the 490, try a little fingerpicking in the clean channel as it can really shine. The 498 really shined in the Metallica riff.

[@DenDenBMX]

the wild differentiation that can happen with passive pickups(especially Gibson's) are precisely why I enjoy fishman pickups, I don't have to gamble my money on if i'll get a good set or not

[@sourcreamchives4286]

Great video! I find the depth of information in your videos to be refreshing. Keep up the great work. Following and I hit the bell.

[@DenDenBMX]

aye thank you so much for the support dude, i'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@jessehutchings]

3:50 That yellow actually looks freaking amazing! 🤣 It's popping out of the screen

[@DenDenBMX]

it is quite yellow

[@CaptainWampum]

Love the low mids in the newer one. I don’t think either sounds objectively better but definitely prefer the ‘24

[@DenDenBMX]

I agree with this, although I wish the 24's pickups were just a little bit hotter

[@andrewhouse3246]

Another great video! Your absolutely right about the boomers... I love my 799$ custom but I can say with full humility that it does not compete with my new 1299$ version. It just feels better..it just does...of course it sounds better. But the feel is so much more important. That's what makes the Gibsons special ...the feel. 1300 is a bargain for what ya get. Thx bro

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

That age demo isnt boomers, its Gen Xers! Freaking kids! lol

[@revolead]

​@@johnsmith-ug5tp This too drives me insane. Boomers barely even watch KZbin and are now well into their 60s. But, just like everyone under 40 is a Millennial to Boomers, apparently, everyone over 45 is a Boomer to the Zoomers. It's like Gen X never happened to some.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

@@revolead Exactly, The boomer generation ended in 1964.

[@smckinley524]

I recently purchased a viper blue of the cheaper version. Although i do wish it had the open book headstock, nothing else about the more expensive version seemed noticeable to me. Very happy with the "Epi" version of the Epiphone LP Custom lol.

[@jubei7259]

I've still got a white Epi LPC from the late 90's, made in Korea (at the Unsung plant I think?). I got it around 15 years ago for gigging, coz I didn't want to risk my old 1990 Gibson version of the same guitar getting damaged. Honestly, it's a great, solid little guitar. I don't really play it anymore, coz I don't gig much nowadays (getting old lol) but I could always dial in a pretty sweet tone using my regular set up. It only cost me a couple of hundred bucks second hand & definitely worth the purchase imo.

[@DenDenBMX]

aw hell yeah dude!

[@derekhand7904]

I ordered one of the expensive epi 13:27 firebirds and the QC was terrible.I had to set it up and polish the fret, the fret-ends were fine. That being said last year I ordered a Gibson SG, and it had all the same QC issues, so I figured epiphone was being inspired by Gibson and not QCing the guitars properly.

[@DenDenBMX]

I think i've recieved enough data from comments like yours to confirm that these new epiphones do not come with improved quality control, which is quite the bummer

[@javeduddin]

Great comparison, thanks for the video! I own a Gibson Les Paul Standard and a 1979 Adam Jones Epiphone Les Paul (the non art, gibson headstock style). I noticed that when it comes to tuning stability with Les Paul's its the nut and not actually the tuners/tuning pegs. For my Gibson Les Paul I put a String Butler on it and that made a HUGE difference. Google "String Butler". I actually enjoy playing that guitar now and find myself picking it up more often lol. For my AJ Epi Les Paul, the nut is just really well cut and oiled. It's set well so I have no issues with tuning so far. Fingers crossed. But yeah I'd look at the nut or have a guitar tech look at the nut if tuning stability is an issue. Thanks!

[@DenDenBMX]

Thanks for watching! I just might swap this one for an adam jones version

[@javeduddin]

@@DenDenBMX IMO best Epiphone Les Paul I've ever played. I play this more than my Gibson lol

[@soundgardener75]

This is the 2nd video I’ve seen of yours and I will subscribe! Great comparison imo! While I love my Gibson LPs, I’ve never been a fan of the 496/498. I’m more of a P-94 and BurstBucker guy. And that pesky G string? The tuners aren’t the issue. Even if the nut is of a great material, it’s the way the slots are cut that’s the problem. I personally recommend a String Butler, even if the aesthetics of it are visually off-putting or internet warriors cry about it. They really work!

[@DenDenBMX]

I know it could be the nut, but what has me thinking it's the tuners is just how fragile they seem to be, it's like it'll go out of tune if I breathe on the tuners too hard. But thank you for watching and thanks for the support dude!

[@chrisb8193]

Also, I like the $799 one better. It sounds hotter and snarlier than the more expensive one.

[@DenDenBMX]

I agree I preferred the extra high end on the probuckers

[@johnanon3081]

I'd probably try to save up for the newest version Epi Les Paul Custom, even though I'd eventually change the pickups and tuners. Thanks for the vid!

[@DenDenBMX]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@philcurtis314]

I have the 2024 version on order. For the most part, they sound the same but definitely had some parts where the hummbuckers had deeper tone. The probuckers are a very good pickup but sound a bit brighter than the hummbuckers. I appreciate your opinion on the tuners, I will keep that in mind when I get mine. Unfortunately, for me in Canada, I have to wait until June for the 2024 stock to show up. (Which means July more likely) Great video comparison!!!

[@DenDenBMX]

thanks for watching dude! I hope you enjoy yours and get it sooner rather than later!

[@alexstrums]

Both look and sound great! I prefer chunkier necks so would be inclined to go for the 2024 model. HOWEVER, I’m glad I didn’t wait for these announcements and went for a Gibson LP 50s Standard (used from the Demo Shop) because that is the guitar I’ve always wanted. The G string can be solved by getting the nut slot filed correctly and an EQ pedal would sort out the pickup tone differences. Enjoy all! GAS less and play more 😊

[@DenDenBMX]

very true my friend, thanks for watching!

[@bmac5085]

Not a fan of the fuller neck on the new epiphone lp custom. Would rather have the 60s slim taper. Love your channel 😅

[@DenDenBMX]

honestly I agree, thin necks are just better

[@Illsamustache]

I'm 54 and have owned A LOT of Gibsons over the years. USA line, vintage, and Custom Shop. Now, I only own 1 guitar: a 2021 Epiphone LP Custom in silverburst. It's easily as well made as any of the Gibson USA line that I've owned. Really, the only difference in quality is the lacquer vs poly finish.

[@DenDenBMX]

yeah once you get past the mystique of owning a gibson, you realize you can get 99% of what they offter for MUCH cheaper

[@donthewatcher]

wow i got to get one (alpine)the new headstock does it for me , and my favorite pickups 490r/498t which are so versatile, nice even at that price. great review den den

[@DenDenBMX]

thanks for watching!

[@mesaseany]

Great review. What pick brand and pick thickness do you use? Great playing. I personally think with the upgraded specs, pick ups and long necktenon, that’s not a bad price point with inflation considered. I still prefer ESP LTD if I was ever go to that price point.

[@DenDenBMX]

Thanks for watching again dude! I use the purple dunlop tortex's, I believe they're 1.14 thick! The specs are there on these new Epiphone's for the price range, where LTD has always had both Gibson and Epiphone beat is quality control

[@chrissgardiner]

On certain guitars I don't mind the kidney tuners at all (my Epiphone Gothic Explorer I've had for 21 years for example) but with Les Pauls... give us them tulips! Lol. The tulip tuners compliment the points on the headstock so much more. I definitely prefer the brighter sounding pickups but that isn't the biggest concern to me. I really enjoyed the Classic 57 pickups my old 2012 Gibson Les Paul Classic Custom had in it. So maybe I'll put those pickups in if I don't jive with them. You can always upgrade electronics but you can't usually upgrade the feel of a guitar. Also, when I heard Stricken come in ❤ It's funny you telling the story about coloring the older Les Paul because I recall you making a post about it in the Epiphone Facebook group. Your story here made me remember. Thanks for this comparison video!

[@DenDenBMX]

thanks for watching dude! I agree kidney button tuners work on basically every other guitar shape, but les pauls need keystones or tulips

[@mikederr1882]

The standard sounded way clearer than the Gibson pickups surprisingly.

[@SionynJones]

because they are a different take. Probuckers are paf recreation which unsurprisingly are accurate to paf sound. Where as the 490 is geared for more higher output and brightness compared to the paf lower medium output.

[@DenDenBMX]

if the 490 series are supposed to be higher output and brighter, then they failed at that. Because you can very clearly hear in the video it's less hot and darker than the infamously muddy probuckers in the $799 version

[@bradenrichardson4269]

That $799 model should have CTS pots and Switchcraft jack/switch. Mine does.

[@DenDenBMX]

It does have the cts pots but according to epiphones website they don't come with a switchcraft switch and jack stock

[@bradenrichardson4269]

@DenDenBMX strange. I know ow mine did because I bought it new, and I just converted mine to all black hardware and I removed the jack and switch and they are both labeled Switchcraft. Mine is a 2020 model.

[@GerbenBergman]

The old Epiphone wins in terms of sound, but the new one looks better. Never been a big fan of Gibson pickups, which is why I tend to swap mine for actives or Seymour Duncans. 🤔

[@DenDenBMX]

Passive pickups are always different from one another, but with Gibson's pickups it's a gamble on whether or not you're getting a decent set or a bad set, their quality control needs a serious looking into, but that seems like the last thing on their minds

[@GerbenBergman]

In my experience, Gibson pickups lack clarity and bite for high gain, even the high-output ones. They tend to be a bit wooly and muddy.

[@revolead]

Many of Gibson's pickups are Alnico 2, including the 490/498 That's why they're woolier and darker. It's not a QC issue. Magnets are magnets and wire is wire. If Gibson was using cheap materials, you'd have a point, but they're not. The Probuckers are Alnico 5, which tend to be the brightest of all Alnico pickups and have a significant low-mid-scoop, which tones down the muddiness and wooliness. You can compensate for either by adjusting pole pieces or pickup height. Epi and Sweetwater follow a spec sheet for setups created by engineers in the 1950s and 1960s. If you do your own, you can use your musician ears and save a lot of money and not feel so annoyed by tiny tweaks. If you really want to get crazy, you can swap the pot metal Epi bridge for one with titaninum or brass saddles and that helps bring out the high as much as changing pickups.

[@fletcher75er]

Nice guitars. I have a Chinese epi les paul classic and love it. I personally haven't played the 1299 version, so I can't say if the price is worth it. It seems like a lot for ceramic pickups and a different headstock. Nice axes brother

[@DenDenBMX]

I agree that price hike is pretty crazy, but thanks for watching!

[@fletcher75er]

I always try to watch. You're 1 of the few honest reviewers on here

[@MoeVanprick]

They both have the same CTS Electronics same wiring..same ebony fretboards same graph tech nut same Grover 18:1 tuners same Maple caps

[@valendis]

No maple cap on the 800$ one... Not the same capacitors, etc... it's not the same

[@MoeVanprick]

@@valendis get it right buddy there's a maple cap on the $800.00 one I suggest you research first before you open your mouth and stick your foot in it

[@valendis]

@@MoeVanprick Taken right from epiphone official website: "The new Les Paul Custom is part of Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Collection and honors the 1950s classic designed by Mr. Les Paul himself in 1954 as the “tuxedo” version of his groundbreaking solid body masterpiece. Featuring the traditional Custom bound all-mahogany body, 60s SlimTaper™ neck profile, ebony fingerboard with block inlays, gold Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece, a pair of critically acclaimed Epiphone ProBucker™ humbuckers, and Custom split-diamond inlay on the headstock. This Epiphone Inspired by Gibson model also has the 60s style Kalamazoo headstock, rolled neck for a comfortable feel, Graph Tech® NuBone® nut, era-appropriate wiring, and CTS® pots. Optional hardshell or EpiLite Case is available." Notice the "Featuring the traditional Custom bound all-mahogany body" 😅 I guess reading is hard for some people... smh

[@valendis]

​Well, the website is the official epiphone one, it says "Featuring the traditional Custom bound all-mahogany body" buddy

[@MoeVanprick]

@@valendis I suggest you also look at the specs of the 2020 model then come back and tell us all what you read..just don't read the new ones read the specs on the 2020 buddy

[@Dawnseeker]

Eh, didn’t notice much of a difference. If anything it was the pups that just changed the voicing. I think the yellow epi is so unique that you should throw in different pups and sell/return the newer one. Just me tho

[@DenDenBMX]

haha I just might do that!

[@tdunster2011]

Nice vibrato on Whole Lotta Love solo. Sounds good. I've not owned an Epiphone guitar but played a few of their LP's and they were all nice guitars. I'm probably more fussed about the amp I use than pickups.

[@DenDenBMX]

aye thanks dude! I agree that the amp does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to tone

[@VanHalenIsolated]

I literally would’ve bought the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les Paul Custom already if they put Custombuckers in them instead of the 498t/490r pickups. They put the Custombuckers in the other Epiphone Inspired by Gibson guitars. I know I could buy the Custombuckers but it’s sort of the principle. They’re like $500 for the set and now I’m spending $1800 plus the time to solder in new pickups. I may just go with with the ES-355 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson but the color on the red one is that bright red. I’d want a wine red. Then again, I can’t complain because it is significantly less money than a Gibson.

[@DenDenBMX]

the custombuckers really would have made these insane

[@nresnik]

You showed us the sounds trough chorus, distortion and some sort of static noise that should represent the distorted tone. Tuned down, for a good measure. Any guitar would sound similar through that setup. The tones, both of them are bad. Try using an amp with no pedals, if you have the ambition to do serious reviews. Try again, the topic you have chosen is really interesting and I would love to see /hear the part II. :o)

[@DenDenBMX]

Actually to hear the true sound of each guitar you have to listen to them through a phone recording of you playing them both upside down through a 2007 line 6 spider at exactly 3:28am on the 3rd Thursday in June where the temperature is exactly 69° in an acoustically resonant Dillards family bathroom located exactly on the equator when the moon is in aeries and Uranus is in it's 3rd trimester right after it just rained and the guitars have to be tuned an open Æ chord strung up with the 6th string an ernie ball 58, 5th a didario 17, 4th a ghs 52, 3rd a Dunlop 32, 2nd an ernie ball paradigm 13, and the 1st a DR neon pink 8 with none of the string ends cut with the action just high enough that a newborn anaconda can fit easily through and you have to play Santana's rendition of whole Lotta love but 2 and a half steps up, and it must be listened to by a Polish albino orphan named Dickson Cider that has 72 teeth, toe-hands, no collarbones, and perfect pitch

[@TomEGunn-hk2og]

Tuners are not the same on both guitars. 14:1 ratio Grovers on the “regular Epi LP Custom”, 18:1 ratio Grovers on the IBCS LP Custom. I’m sure they work just fine, you just have to spin them for longer to get the same result because of the higher ratio. Better for fine tuning.

[@valendis]

It should have come with the tulip/keystone look in my opinion, the official website says they are the same ratio, maybe the ones that come with the wilkinson tuners have a different ratio?

[@DenDenBMX]

my issue isn't how much I have to spin the keys, my issue is they're not holding tuning, which could just be the nut to be fair, but the tuners on mine are exceptionally light, it feels like they'll move if I blow on them too hard

[@ldfox11]

I'm 67, and I think workmanship of guitars made in China has really improved. I think the only flaw with the new Epiphone Customs, is the pickups. The 490 series pickups are ceramic, which I do not like. All the other "New Inspired by Gibson" Epiphones comes with Custombuckers. I will only buy the Custom if they upgrade the pickups.

[@DenDenBMX]

Very understandable, thanks for watching!

[@ldfox11]

@Gearslayer92 Brustbuckers are Alnico V magnets

[@revolead]

The 490/498 are Alnico 2, which are hardly discount Gibson pickups. The ceramic you're thinking of are the 496R/500T. That said, I have confused these with the 490/498 set too. When names are too similar, customers can't remember. I also agree with you it's lame for Epiphone to give the new 59 Standard $225 Custombuckers and then skimp on the LPC just to be historic (490/498 are about $150/each). Maybe they wanted to balance out the added costs of ebony and mother of pearl.

[@Zoso981]

I just got the new Epiphone '59 Les Paul, great guitar.

[@DenDenBMX]

aw hell yeah!

[@Zoso981]

@@DenDenBMX Dude, the Custombuckers that came in this guitar are epic

[@keramika007]

Dude, you are literally comparing 2 guitars that I am trying to compare online. Thank You so much and subscribe at once :D oh, and Yes, white sounds more full and has a nicer tone, at least for me.

[@DenDenBMX]

haha glad this helped you out dude, thanks for watching!

[@Maniac_987]

I really like the Adam Jones model. 1499 is really high for a Chinese guitar sprayed in poly. 1299 is a lot too. If they were made in Korea and sprayed with nitro, it would be a solid deal. I wonder how these new Epiphones will affect the demand for Japanese lawsuit LPC. Will the demand drop and result in a lower price?

[@DenDenBMX]

That would be sweet if that were the case, the mij les Paul's are better than gibsons

[@manelalentorn]

What a difference in sound in 12:02… the sound of the new custom has more definition, less muddy, and a bit darker as you say. It sounds very good with those 490R and 498T. A bit pricey in my opinion… 1299$ for a made in China guitar… the right price for me was 999$

[@DenDenBMX]

I think $999 is a better price not because it's made in china, but because the quality control still isn't there, which is a Gibson and Epiphone issue

[@howardchangsh]

Awesome review, really helped me make a decision :) by chance could you name the songs you played in the video?

[@DenDenBMX]

Thanks for watching! I'll have to rewatch it and get back to ya, I don't remember what all I played atm

[@howardchangsh]

@@DenDenBMX haha thanks, much appreciated

[@CrazyKnkb]

Okay coming back on this one, I really think performance wise, it is extremely impressive that the cheaper Epi is 95% as good as the newer one. Don’t get me wrong, I would still buy the most expensive one just for the sheer looks and everything but for someone who’s more practical the cheaper is a great option considering you can find these for £350 - £400 used.

[@DenDenBMX]

If only epiphone just gave us what we want without price gouging

[@CrazyKnkb]

@@DenDenBMX I just managed to find a white LP Custom Inspired By Gibson Custom at a store in London. Okay, I was blown away! The neck imo is the perfect shape and thickness, the pickups had extremely good clarity and dynamics (played through a Boss Katana MK2) the fretwork is indeed improved and the overall feel of the guitar was just a joy to play and look at. I will agree, tuning was a task on its own! Tuners felt loose, especially in the lower 3 strings. Will definitely save up and buy one when I can afford it. Fell in love with this one. Will definitely upgrade to some proper grover locking tuners with keystones to complement the looks.

[@buck7477]

I agree being made in Chieena is a deterrent, I Don’t want that on my Geetar. But they do look cool and like what they have done. I do own a Squier Tele made in Chieena and it’s my worst guitar! It’s been nothing but a headache.

[@DenDenBMX]

not all made in china guitars are "bad" you just mightve gotten a bunk one. In fact i've tried many a made in china guitar that play objectively better than some of the gibsons i've tried over the years

[@sixbladeknife44]

I hear deeper low mids with the new one, the older one has more treble bite. Personally I don’t mind the now older Kalamazoo headstock at all, especially at $500 cheaper. Tonally they just sounded a bit different, but hard to say which is better. I had a 2022 Epi Custom, but mine didn’t sound or play all that great. Seems like you have a good one, I guess you should ask yourself if you’d keep the new one if it didn’t have the Gibson headstock…

[@DenDenBMX]

i'm still not sure if I want to keep it or not, which I think that and the fact that people are still debating on whether or not these are worth the price says a lot

[@AD-jd8is]

Im getting black one and painting it zakk style... cant afford or find zakk's gibson... this is win win guitar!

[@DenDenBMX]

oooooooh a zakk wylding a black les paul custom would be interesting, you mean like an inverted version of his bullseye?

[@a-nus]

honestly they sound pretty damn similar but the newer one is considerably sexier edit - with the gain up you can definitely tell the newer one has more definition

[@justice100forwin2]

I thought the pro buckers sounded better which is weird because those Gibson pup's are normally my favourite. Also with the more expensive one having a maple cap that should make it sound brighter?? Tonewood debate in....1..2...3..

[@DenDenBMX]

dude i'm saying the same things, everything should point to the newer one being the snappier, brighter one. But that is just not the case

[@SionynJones]

All highend epiphones including the igb custom have cts pots just as well as the igc. Both the igb and igc both have maple caps. Traditional customs should have a mahogany top so some traditionalist dont like this, but the reality is gibson has used both. They wont have switch craft hardware and have the metric lock tone bridge which is good quality anyway. I'm not a fan of the wheel post abr you often see these bent. Still both are incredibly value.

[@bl4ckfl4g]

I have an $800 custom silver burst and I think the only things I’d change is the pickups and the selector switch cuz mine works but it came bent.

[@DenDenBMX]

aw hell yeah, I think if I keep the more expensive epiphone id swap the pickups on it too

[@muleblues71]

almost $6000 for a gibson LP custom. The white one is on my list Gen X is the ages 45-54.

[@mulcrackers43]

Great video i just bought the new Epiphone

[@DenDenBMX]

aw hell yeah, thanks for watching!

[@Bonifacio-d9n]

Gracias por el vídeo compañero 😊

[@DenDenBMX]

thanks for watching!

[@huangss00]

Old guitar has more clarity on clean tones and sounds better to me. One thing to consider is that all the upgrades doesn't cost them that much more to produce. You guys can decide if that's worth $500 bucks more in benefits.

[@DenDenBMX]

That's true, i'm hoping a bit of that price hike is going to the actual makers, if not then it's just another example of Gibson being greedy

[@xuebilly9476]

Just sharing some thoughts - I think many people are actually having an improper perception that "Made in China" means products manufactured there do not worth more money as "Made in China" usually mean the bad quality.. However, the fact is factories in China they take orders/instructions to produce stuff. They don't have a call in terms of quality, it's all determined by the person who pays them and gives them orders. The orders/instructions prescribe the quality, material, manufacturing grade, which will ultimately effect the pricing. It's not made in China problem to some degree, factories in China they are just taking the orders to produce the stuff as requested, so does guitars. If, say Gibson wants Epiphone to produce the guitar with very very closer quality, sound and playbility, I'm sure the Epiphone factory in China can achieve that. I'm sure Gibson has been maintaining oversight on the quality of Epiphone and Gibson acquiesces the quality of the guitars that Epiphone is making.

[@DenDenBMX]

very well said friend, people need to actually do research about chinese factories and not just buy into stereotypes

[@PurpleShamrock]

It may be due to the fact that I'm listening through the filter of my computer speakers, but I didn't hear any appreciable difference between the two guitars. There's definitely a cool factor with the Gibson-shaped headstock, but not enough to justify the price difference for me.

[@DenDenBMX]

yeah if anything this video just shows how great of a deal the cheaper custom is

[@Michail_Nazarov]

На мой взгляд новый Epiphone с звукоснимателями Gibson звучит интересней, но цена явно сильно завышена! Хоть и новый Custom в целом стал интересней, оптимальная цена для него до тысячи долларов. Спасибо за обзор!

[@DenDenBMX]

I agree with you my friend, thanks for watching!

[@Robert_Bubba_Baker]

I could here the difference for sure. But what does someone like but with some mods or rolling off the tone. Who would know? A bit of cash in the cheaper one is better.

[@mulcrackers43]

I'm 60 and I liked the new Epiphone les paul custom.

[@DenDenBMX]

I like it too my friend! I just wish gibson and epiphone would take a serious look into improving their quality control

[@AlmostGrewMyHair]

I wonder if viewers of this video would die seeing a Heritage headstock. Edit: Yeah the yellow one has more attack. Interesting.

[@DenDenBMX]

fr tho Heritage gotta be using that headstock as a joke lmao

[@ldfox11]

I believed one of the so called experts on KZbin. Looked it up at Gibson, they say the 490 series pickups have Alnico II pickups. I have Burstbuckers in my Epi 59 and love them. I wish the new Customs had Custombuckets like all the other new Epiphone’s. But if the custom had them, they would be 1,699.00 and who pay that? Buy the last model of the Custom and upgrade the pickups. I don’t really like the open book headstock, I like the Kalamazoo more. But I would really like to have the new 355 , they’re sweet

[@DenDenBMX]

I think they could do some very cool things with this new "premium" line of epiphones once they get the quality control a bit better. But yeah unless you LOVE the way the new one looks and want a bigger neck, id recommend getting the kalamazoo headstock version

[@JaredTheGrayson]

I really wanted the new EpiCustom, but I bought the Gibson LP tribute instead (i know, right!) I also am back and forth between the Gibson and my EC1000 Deluxe... If only we could combine them!

[@DenDenBMX]

haha sounds like you made the right choice for you dude! And even if you didnt, you've still got the LTD which is arguably better

[@werewolflover8636]

I will tell you the honest truth here. If you had bought the Epiphone I would’ve sure hoped you loved it and were planning on having it till it falls apart because it’s never going to be worth anything. Being you bought the Gipson though you can be assured that it will always be worth something and if you hold on to it long enough and treat it well chances are it will one day be worth more than you paid for it.

[@JaredTheGrayson]

@@werewolflover8636 That was a small deciding factor, But mostly, I have wanted a Gibson Les Paul my whole life... so I took the opportunity that was presented. I do not regret it. Guitar is awesome.

[@EM-km8em]

What year is your $700 custom ? Do you know from what year to what year was the $700 version made ?

[@DenDenBMX]

late 2020 I believe

[@clintproveaux9631]

When you did the spray on the 799 epi did you have to prep the surface in any way and was that the the aersol stew Mac amber?

[@DenDenBMX]

watch the video I made, it's too much to go into detail here

[@eddierosales1680]

Awesome Deftones sounds! I hate the kidney tuners so i bought the Gibson ones and put it on my 2007 Epi LP custom (ugly headstock) and i think it looks much better

[@bravestarr2001]

How does the neck feel on the new Custom? Heard it was pretty beefy in comparison, and I've got smallish hands. Many thanks for the video.

[@DenDenBMX]

It is bigger but not too big for me, I prefer smaller necks too, and this neck shape is about as big as i'm willing to go

[@bravestarr2001]

@@DenDenBMX Would probably have to try one out first then. Thanks for the reply.

[@pauljohnson3686]

The 498T/490R sound amazing in my new 2024 ebony epiphone les paul ...I guess it depends on if you get a good one or a bad one with any guitar... My new one is a 9 pound weight which is perfect for me... It arrived from the supplier all fully set up with new daddario strings so it plays brilliantly and stays in tune even with the most extreme string bending... The sound, feel and overall quality are impeccable.. No more ugly duckling headstock as the gibson style looks light years better on a custom model... The extra bite and superb clarity of the 498T/490R matched pickups works so well in my guitar.. Sooo much better than those old mud buckers that epiphone were famous for...

[@DenDenBMX]

I'm glad to hear you got a good one, epiphones disappointing quality control seems to be the only thing holding back this new line

[@pauljohnson3686]

@@DenDenBMX I guess that can be said of any guitar manufacturers quality control, including gibson.... Every guitar is different no matter the brand

[@DenDenBMX]

@pauljohnson3686 of course, every mass produced guitar will always have some bad examples, they aren't all gonna be great. But brands like PRS and LTD have Incredibly good quality control to where it's like 1 in every few hundred or so is bad, but when it comes to gibson and epiphone it's like a 50/50 chance you could get a bad one

[@pauljohnson3686]

@@DenDenBMX I guess but I find prs and ltd boring.. I never got on with them

[@Dr.Jekyll]

You complained about the tubers many times, but at the end, you complained that the G string doesn’t stay in tune. So, are these the same complaints? Are you complaining that Grover tuners suck? Or instead are you just saying that the G string won’t stay in tune? Also, did you try a little lube at the nut and saddle? Perhaps the nut notch needs to be widened at the G string.

[@DenDenBMX]

it could be the nut, but the grovers that came on this guitar feel astoundingly loose, it feels like it'll go out of tune if I breathe on it too hard

[@LeopoldShitzalot]

Here's the specs on the 2021 modern figured Sgs..3/4" plain Canadian maple cap with AAA flamed maple veneer on top CTS Electronics the works nothing really different between 2021 to present..The SG Modern Figured from Epiphone's Inspired by Gibson Collection has a classic SG profile made from Mahogany with a AAA Flame Maple Veneer top and Trans Black Fade finish. Powered by ProBucker humbuckers with coil-splitting, phase switching, and CTS electronics. Featuring an Ebony fingerboard and world class Grover Locking Rotomatic tuners with Tulip Buttons with an 18:1 ratio.Body: Material: Mahogany Top: AAA Flame Maple (3/4") Neck: Neck wood: Mahogany Profile: Asymetrical Slim Taper with Contoured Heel Fingerboard: Ebony with Pearl "Trapezoid" Inlays Scale length: 24.724" Number of frets: 24 Hardware: Brige: LockTone ABR Tailpiece: Stopbar Knobs: Clear Top Hats with Ridge Tuners: Grover Locking Rotomatic tuners with Tulip Buttons with an 18:1 ratio Electronics: Neck pickup: ProBucker-2 humbucker w/coil-splitting and phase switch Bridge pickup: ProBucker-3 humbucker w/coil-splitting and phase switch Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, CTS electronics

[@DenDenBMX]

neat

[@MrNinfofan]

What tuners do you recommend to make the upgrade?

[@DenDenBMX]

I personally would get some hipshot open gear locking tuners, with keystone buttons!

[@Edward1312]

I'm not keen on what you have done with the yellowing, if its going to go yellow then I prefer to it happen naturally. I didnt notice much difference in sound, the differences that were there I couldnt say one sounded better than the other.

[@DenDenBMX]

I yellowed it specifically because poly doesn't yellow, and if it does it takes like twice as long as nitro. I wanted a heavily aged white les paul that wasn't even white anymore, and my options were to either age it myself or spend thousands of dollars on a real one

[@thepizzaveteran]

Where a guitar is made does make a difference. Labor and material costs is why.

[@werewolflover8636]

If that’s the case why are Gipson’s sought after by collectors and even used ones retain significant value but Epiphone’s don’t? And why do Japanese and American made guitars which cost a lot more than Chinese ones still sell if the Chinese ones are exactly the same according to you?

[@thepizzaveteran]

I said nothing about them being exactly the same. My very simple point was that it’s relatively inexpensive to produce guitars in certain countries versus others. Gibson guitars, which I own multiple are legacy brand guitars just like Fender which is why they hold value over other brands. It’s like asking why a Mercedes holds value better than a Hyundai.

[@totowylde]

love the orbit culture riffs... I dig more the sound the 800, more open just saying, cheers form Colombia

[@DenDenBMX]

I LUV ORBIT CULTURE

[@michaelboese239]

I think the white Custom has a better sound separation and a warmer and fuller sound.

[@DenDenBMX]

I was just surprised at how dark it sounded, It's not a bad thing, I was just of the impression that 498ts were a higher gain snappier pickup

[@michaelboese239]

@@DenDenBMX About 20 years ago I played a Gibson Les Paul Standard in a cover band. It had burstbucker pickups. One evening, my bandmate came over with a Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" and I asked if I could play it. I immediately noticed that the sound was darker than my Gibson Les Paul Standard but fuller and warmer. The Custom's pickups have always sounded darker and not as rich in the middle. So it's a sign that the new Epiphones are close to the original Gibson. I think this is a huge step for Epiphone to produce such guitars now, even with the new headstock. These new Epiphones come pretty darn close to a Gibson because the pickups come from the custom store and are worth $500 alone. If I were you, I would use both guitars as your Yellow Custom also has a good sound. Thanks for your video and the demonstration of the guitars!

[@MulletJump]

I had a Gibson LPJ and a SG standard both wouldn’t stay in tune that’s the reason I sold them both , I bought a Epiphone classic it stayed in tune no worries ,now that new Epiphone is going out of tune with the Gibson headstock the headstock is the problem although it looks better it has tuning issues

[@johngamble3494]

I don't care about a maple cap, unless I can see it (my wino). I'm not overly impressed with gibson pickups, seymour duncan go in mine. Locking tuners get put on all my guitars. The more expensive one is for people who leave the guitar stock. The cheaper one is for people who modify

[@DenDenBMX]

interesting insight!

[@johngamble3494]

@DenDenBMX by the time it's done, I'll have less than $1299 in it and I think the wino is the best epiphone makes now. Solely my opinion

[@viktorstorelv]

That yellow epi... Damn!!

[@DenDenBMX]

haha she's one of my favorites, thanks for watching!

[@Toni-nf6ht]

Did anyone have Japanese version LP custom such as FGN or Momose? How these guitar compare to new Ep custom?

[@DenDenBMX]

I too would love to see comparisons of that, hopefully one day I can get a nice edwards or something MIJ

[@reyrene]

The cheaper Epi LPC with probuckers has its own thing going, it is indeed brighter and you get some cool sound effects from the pick scratching the strings. I have one, and it sounds the same, but for me the neck shape feels more like a D-shape which I hate. The Gibson pickups are the "real" deal though and they do have their own thing. I might get it too just because of the Gibson headstock to be honest, but I'm thinking about keeping the cheaper LPC too because it sounds great.

[@DenDenBMX]

thanks for watching!

[@fattony4961]

How does it feel with the nitro on it? Did you post that video?

[@DenDenBMX]

I didn't polish the nitro so it's a nice satin finish, but yes I do have a video on how I did it!

[@fattony4961]

@@DenDenBMX the new Epiphone custom would look fantastic with the headstock and other upgrades that get it even closer to Gibson.

[@bl4ckfl4g]

Damn that tattoo is so sick

[@DenDenBMX]

haha thanks dude!

[@philsmith9666]

Which one plays better?

[@DenDenBMX]

Yes. they both play great, the only thing I prefer is the thinner neck on the cheaper one

[@pauljohnson3686]

I sanded top on l the cheaper one down to get the Mick Ronson look and it turned out to be an all mahogany body with no maple... It pissed me off a bit but it still looks ok.... I have the new 2024 one now and that does have a maple cap... But I will not be sanding that one down at that price... Lol

[@DenDenBMX]

haha I think the older custom pro's have a maple top, maybe one day you could do it to one of those!

[@neilmartin7564]

In Australia the RRP of a Epi LP Custom is $3199 but pre order and get it for $2699😒😒

[@DenDenBMX]

capitalism be paying dividends for the 1%

[@ShadowBlade107]

Awesome videos man Thanks for all the sweetness and positivity your hard work really shows God bless you Jesus loves you 💜

[@DenDenBMX]

haha thanks for the support dude!

[@Regent79]

Seems the maple capped guitar would also NOT sound darker than a solid mahogany bodied guitar.. 🤔

[@DenDenBMX]

funny how that works ain't it

[@andrewhouse3246]

Why is the Kalamazoo epi yellow? That model came in white/black/silverburst top. Did you mod it?

[@MHChang2014]

Literally watch the video, and he explains what he did to it lol