Gibson Custom Shop Specs in an Epiphone?! | New Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard!

[@davedavem]

£1,200 is the new £500 post-COVID... Just sucks that my salary hasn't changed....

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Demoncrat/socialism is the cause for inflation.

[@kjf4056]

£500 for the guitar and £700 for the Gibson open book headstock...

[@victor1jhp]

same pov over here

[@trevor4533]

@@johnsmith-ug5tp Nice try comrade.

[@gdawgs101]

Not really, Gibson is just greedy and knows their brand Loyalists will eat up what they market. A guitar that would have cost $500 10 years ago is more like $800 now.

[@MikesTrueStories]

Man.. the tone of that headstock is incredible

[@JJ-ze6vb]

Humbug! Everybody knows that the tone is in the color of the guitar!

[@elliotjharris9908]

The radius of the fingerboard sounds fabulous too! Simply great tone!

[@jasonjayalap]

That's the problem with headless guitars. They don't make any sound. Everyone stars at the empty void where the headstock should be and all they can hear is their next youtube comment.

[@dionj.pierre]

Ok -- but the old Epi headstock looks repulsive. I would have bought this new model had it been out when I was first in the market for a Gibson back in 2017.

[@williamkyle6275]

Not impressed!

[@xMaoxoaMx]

I can kinda get behind the pricing of the Custom Style models, but man, 1500 bucks for a laurel board? no way.

[@reverb508]

I have to agree. I have 1 guitar with an Indian Lauren Board, a J Mascis Jazzmaster, and I hate it. I don't know if it's just my specific example, but that fretboard is rough as hell. I tried sanding it to no avail. Plus, it looks awful. Pale and ashy, regardless of how much fretboard conditioner I use. Honestly, I'm even OK with Epiphone and Squier using Pao Ferro, bug God, Laurel SUUUCKS.

[@rcoveyduc]

I tend to agree, but have seen some simply awful rosewood on Gibsons in the last 4-5 years. Cloudy almost. In general, I take issue with 1500 for Chinese made but that's where we're being steered by Gibson and Fender.

[@brunoantony9257]

yeah, such an easy and cheap fix

[@ReValveiT_01]

Every Gibson I've had has required a couple of hours sanding between the frets. From stock those RW boards are rough AF, so it's not exclusive to Laurel.

[@gdawgs101]

These are for suckers. For the people that shop on brand alone

[@oospagheti]

$1499 is the new $499

[@sillysausage4549]

Only if you choose to pay it. Get a £150 guitar from any budget retailer. Install a tusq lubricated nut for £10. Maybe some £20 locking tuners if you want to go mad. The Epiphone name is a bit embarrassing anyway, so no reason to worry about losing that. With a decent setup, your £160 guitar will be just as good. I've tried it, and it's true.

[@ThePhoneBook123ABC]

theres great epiphone models around the 300-500 price range @@sillysausage4549

[@danielc196]

@@sillysausage4549Seems obvious these days. Go big on a dream guitar, USA Gibson or Fender or whatever, or get a Harley Benton for practically peanuts which does a more than passable job for more or less everyone. Not sure where the market for imported guitars at this price is but Gibson obviously think it exists. I would say it's different for in demand artist models like the DG335.

[@metalliholic]

Epiphone still has a bunch of Les Paul’s for $600. If anything, they are the ones who hardly went up in price since Covid

[@dogpd3]

@@metalliholic actually the $600 Epiphone are the ones that actually are a good value. Has pro bucker pickups that are decent. Grover tuners. Plays well.

[@shiftystylin]

If I were in the market for a £1200 guitar (I'm not, I'm really poor right now), I'd be eyeing up one of this years' PRS SE models with some change to spare. But I am REALLY KEEN to see how Gibiphone do with this venture.

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Because its not a proper headstock for epiphone and im a collector and wouldn't give it even a look because its not a proper epiphone Kalamazoo headstock

[@FrankBuyers...guitarista-iu3zg]

Exactly Anderson's are trying to make it out to be a good thing and reality it's not especially when it comes to resale no one wants the Gibson headstock on the legendary Epiphone brand..

[@Volta_Two]

Do you all remember when the prophecy range came out and everyone was like " whaaaat 899 for an epiphone ???"

[@ithemba]

I remember this short glorious period when Epi put out really stellar stuff: the Jared James Nichols Old Glory LP custom was somewhere around that price and was really good, the prophecies were really well spec'd modern midrange guitars, and other (mostly signature) models were really cool, unique and great guitars as well, all for well under a 1000 bucks. Even with then global price increase, Epi becoming more and more Gibson-y in all the worst ways just plain sucks.

[@pilot_alexvalentini]

That's a blindfold challenge for Rob right there

[@bateriasautosil]

Yep... same headstock this time.

[@booshting3520]

Why, he just feels for the fret nibs. Those videos are just PR to sell Epiphones

[@bootgrip6]

I’ll wait for the new ones to come out on the used market and snag one for $750 on CL in a couple years.

[@bobbyburke4594]

Or a Christmas blowout at around $799. I picked up a cherry burst last year for $599 at Guitar Center brand new. I would imagine the newer one would go for a bit more.

[@kevinsullivanTCR]

I’m perfectly happy with the version before this, came with a case around $600-$800 used is perfectly cool with me!

[@jvboy401]

what always bothered me was that the binding on those epiphones wasn't really apparent when you looked from the front, while new models do. Its pretty minor but for me its a big deal

[@aperezdeal]

I got a new one in lemon burst (the 2020 one) for $629 shipped to my door. The deals are out there. In 4 years when the news ones are again replaced I’ll find another deal.

[@rmcf3972]

What is the difference between the old epi 1959 and this new 2024 epi 1959?

[@Themaskplague]

@@rmcf3972 watch the video , Christ 🤦🏻‍♂️ amazes me how people ask questions in the comment section of a video which literally answers those questions

[@TimMiller-q5f]

Absolutely ! I picked one up for $700 CDN Polished with a Creamtone Bridge It's all I need

[@stoneysdead689]

I don't think this is the right move for Epiphone- doesn't make much sense to me- might as well just buy a used Gibson at these prices. No, it won't have the 600 dollar pickups in it, but guess what- I couldn't hear any difference in them anyway. When they did that side-by-side thing at the end- all 3 sounded the same to me. There may have been some tiny difference- but you have to play all 3 of them back-to-back while listening for it to hear it. In other words, the difference is negligible. The new one looks better, they finally got rid of that high gloss, epoxy flood coat finish- and it has the real head stock- let's be honest, that's why ppl will buy them. If you're not picky about aesthetics and/or aren't a Les Paul freak- I see no good reason to pay more for this.

[@sgt.gruhnn]

All this whining about price is getting old, if you’re not up for spending 1200.00, then go find something else that suits your budget, it’s like walking into a Gucci or Prada store and bitc’n about their 800.00 scarfs…

[@milkandmeat]

I've been a big Epi guy, but I don't understand what they're doing with these prices. Just get a used Gibson at this point.

[@dallionaire8947]

Legit! In Canada their triple H SG signature is 2 grand! The heck?

[@wesleymorris1]

Your not going to get a gibson with 59 specs with custombuckers , for the price of these, your just paying for a name.

[@GuitarBailey]

With out a doubt

[@ScottPC]

Used Gibsons are suddently cheap!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Chip_57]

Yeah, I agree. Crazy prices

[@LeopoldShitzalot]

The specs of the 2021 Epiphone custom koa Les Paul with real koa top and premium electronics hardware and build its been recently discontinued and will rise in value as time goes on and it has the proper epiphone Kalamazoo headstock not that gibson bs....mThe new Epiphone Koa-topped mahogany body 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.Les Paul Custom Bound All-Mahogany Body w/ Koa Top 24.75" Scale Rolled Mahogany Neck w/ Ebony Fretboard & Pearloid Inlays Dual ProBucker Humbucker Pickups Era-Appropriate Wiring & CTS Potentiometers Fixed Bridge, Graph Tech NuBone Nut '60s Style Kalamazoo Headstock & Grover Rotomatic 18:1 TunersBody Type: Solidbody Body Shape: Les Paul Custom Body Material: Mahogany Top Material: Koa Body Finish: Gloss Color: Natural NECK Neck Material: Mahogany Neck Shape: Slim Taper Neck Joint: Set Neck Radius: 12" Fingerboard Material: Ebony Fingerboard Inlay: Pearloid Blocks Number of Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo Scale Length: 24.75" Nut Width: 1.693" Nut Material: Graph Tech NuBone HARDWARE Bridge/Tailpiece: Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece Tuners: Kidney-style Tuners ELECTRONICS Neck Pickup: Pro Bucker 2 Humbucker Bridge Pickup: Pro Bucker 3 Humbucker Controls: 2 x volume, 2 x tone Switching: 3-way toggle pickup switch

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Epiphone was restored to high end long before 2024 JC Curliegh Restored Epiphone back in 2019/2020

[@TomHappyapril]

Will be interesting to see how this ends up in 12/18 months with brands upping prices and the guitar market seeming to be slowing down vs covid years.

[@snutstrut]

Its already happening. Most guitar brands have a very different situation today compared to the covid-years.

[@sillysausage4549]

When the global recession hits very few people will be spending this sort of money for any guitar, let alone a bloody Epiphone.

[@kennyblackbird5674]

​@@sillysausage4549😆😆😆yep.

[@kiragina.7152]

Do yourself a favor and buy an Eastman SB59.

[@geraintpusspuss]

This is a correct statement

[@mauricioborgarello6669]

Or a Maybach Lester

[@Mr.Goldbar]

The shape is deformed, messes with my OCD

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@mauricioborgarello6669 quite a bit more expensive

[@kennyblackbird5674]

​@@Mr.Goldbar And you don't notice how diametrically wrong Epiphone's Les Paul are?!

[@captainvette2112]

Guys, we know you own a % of Victory Amps but do you really HAVE to use them in ALL of your videos? You literally have some of the most bad ass amps on earth right behind you and you keep playing those Victory amps. WE GET IT. You want to showcase them but that Tone King Royalist smack dab in the middle of you guys might be the best sounding amp ever made and I’ve only seen it played like twice on the channel. And that Soldano? Or that Pink Taco? There are probably 6 amps just in this room alone that sound better than those Victory amps. Despite that I still love the channel haha so don’t get me wrong. Keep making content and I’ll keep watching and bitching about you guys not using any of those amp LoL

[@steveyankees1]

Agreed

[@JuanJaim]

Man, I just got an Epi '59 in lemon burst last week, had a bit of buyer's remorse but now I hear these new prices I'm all good! 😂 I can live without the "correct" headstock and Custombuckers.

[@Joey_Freshwater1]

$1500 for a maple veneer and Indian laurel fretboard is crazy 😂

[@STMNewEngland]

It’s not a veneer anymore. Hence the low grade flame

[@terrybyars5729]

@@STMNewEnglandit’s still veneer

[@aperezdeal]

It’s still veneer according to epiphone.

[@MoeVanprick]

It's a 3/4" maple cap with AAA flamed maple veneer on top the same flamed maple veneer Gibson uses on their ES 335..ES 339 and the headstocks and backs of the Gibson standard Les Pauls a lot of you really need to start using your computer for research first before you open your mouth and stick your foot in it

[@MoeVanprick]

The epiphone pro buckers are made the same exact same way as the Gibson burst buckers same metals same wiring same but bobbins everything is the same

[@racerx3065]

All people were asking for was the headstock change... Epiphone were finally getting recognition with their build quality bang for the buck then bam, huge price increase.

[@gdawgs101]

Exactly. Like their only niche was offering Gibson licensed shapes for cheap. Even when they were cheap, there were plenty of budget brands making much better guitars than Epiphone. Now they're expensive and they have absolutely nothing going for them. Meanwhile these Chinese brands like Harley Benton are pumping out absolute spec monsters with stainless frets, highly figured woods, locking tuners, etc. for peanuts. Gibson must really be desperate to turn a profit ATM...

[@EthanJLongoria]

And even then, nobody was asking for the open book, just to get rid of the old Epiphone LP headstock. They achieved it with the Kalamazoo headstock.

[@pCeLobster]

They'll probably still have lower priced Epiphones though. These models will be used to raise people's esteem of the brand to further remove any stigma. There are still a lot of people who don't consider Epiphone to be the real deal. They were junk for a long time and that impression sticks. They have to kind of overdo it to break that perception.

[@randrothify]

On the one hand I say Bravo to Gibson for doing this. I think people wanted this and at this price they’ll probably sell boatloads. With that said, Fender has been doing this for years and at more price points. Even the cheapest Squiers have the Fender-shaped headstock. Fender also owns their own factory and it is not in China. The Mexican-made Fenders also use U.S. hardware and electronics, and in some cases custom shop pickups, and wait a minute…oh yeah, they also say Fender on the headstock. And they start at about $800 and go up to the price points of these Epiphones. So while Gibson is doing a good thing here, it is certainly not groundbreaking. I’d say Fender still has them beat because they offer a wider range of price points and also offer additional features on some models that Gibson does not, like nitro on their roadworn Vinteras, and of course the Fender logo and headstock. Not the Fender has done anything spectacular given the huge price increases, recent QC issues, and no hard cases. I still want to pickup an LP Standard but I’m really on the fence with these. I really don’t care about nitro and the electronics and pickups are actually better than what the U.S. made Standards have, but I do care that there are fewer color choices and only satin finish options. It’s a tough call because there is a lot to like here including the Custombuckers and hard case. But for that kind of money I could pickup one of the Harmony guitars that are U.S. made, have great sounding pickups, nitro finish, and a case. Or pickup a used Gibson or Fender.

[@chrisbailiss7309]

I bought the £750 (discontinued) version with Burstbuckers last year and very happy I did - at that price back then I assumed it would either be discontinued soon or there would be a hefty price rise. Great value at that price. I don't mind the Epiphone headstock - it is an Epiphone after all. Spoke to a second-hand guitar dealer in North London a few weeks ago. He has dozens of second hand Gibson's due to a glut of people selling them (after acquiring them during Covid) - so many he can't keep up listing them. Will be interesting to see how these expensive models fair against that backdrop...

[@mrmarleay396]

I have heard the same story from other guitar retailers - unless it is special or vintage the used guitar market is over-supplied and prices are going down. Too many people bought in the past few years and now think they can sell a used one without any depreciation (won't happen). Typical business cycle.

[@Mark-gb4dg]

Spot on @chrisbailiss7309, bought Andertons Epi 59 special for £600 back in '22' Thought it seemed good then!

[@jasonswitzer1748]

I’ve been looking around on Reverb at Gibson LP Standard 50s models and Custom Shop R9s and they’re all still wicked expensive. If the price drop happened, I didn’t notice it. Hopefully it’s still to come.

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Sounds no better than the highly acclaimed epiphone Pro buckers that are made the same exact same way with the same exact materials..

[@frankcarter6427]

I can't knock Gibson - they know there's enough halfwits out there to sell their stuff to and , as WC Fields said, 'never give a sucker an even break'

[@jthatcher962]

Not a fan of the satin. Other than that, definitely like the new look. But I also have no issue with the old classic Epi headstock, so whatever. My 2004 Epi will continue to serve my LP needs good enough.

[@druidhugger6311]

Cool, £500 for pickups that dont sound any different to any other humbucker.

[@Zoso981]

I bought this guitar in Tobacco Burst. I didn't expect the Custombuckers to be THIS good, and the neck shape is really good too. The Epiphones from a few years ago don't even come close to this Guitar.

[@markscars1069]

My perspective on this is that I feel fortunate to have bought one of (evidently the last batch) of the ‘series 1’ 59s in Aged Dark Burst. Visited the guys at Andertons last month, had a good chat with with Paul in The Guitar Gallery (plan on investing in something far more expensive next year) and spent a good hour choosing between the two 59 options at that point, out in the main shop. For me, the extra £450 for the new model would be too much to justify. I now feel even more than before that £750 for mine was good money. Yes I know why it was discounted but that’s how the game is played. Get the same case basically, the same look and feel, and the sound is too close for me to call it. Grab a series 1 while you can…

[@luizdiaz5196]

Love these but I'm waiting for the "Inspired by Gibson" Epiphone Slash Les Paul. Preferably a jessica model.

[@DrJürgen]

I have two of the Epi 1959; its such a fantastic guitar!!! I play it more often than my Gibson Les Paul!

[@LeopoldShitzalot]

That is not the proper Kalamazoo headstock for epiphone so stop trying to bs people all we have to do is research what your claiming

[@FrankBuyers...guitarista-iu3zg]

No it's not the proper Kalamazoo headstock and their claims of the Gibson Headstock is proper headstock on Epiphones is an absolute lie completely false statement and yes research everything these content creators claim

[@Patrick-k8o6s]

They aren’t saying it’s the Kalamazoo head stock . They are saying that it is closer to the Gibson open book head stock. They are retailers. They are salespeople.

[@LeopoldShitzalot]

@@Patrick-k8o6s and I'm saying it's not the proper Kalamazoo headstock for Epiphone what is it your not getting?

[@therollband1290]

No it’s a replica of the headstock shape of the original 1959 Les Paul

[@LeopoldShitzalot]

@@therollband1290 no it's not stop friggin lying and research before you make another delusional laughable comment

[@The9thChord]

Guess what people. The prices keep going up, because you buy them! Stop lowering standards, and start saving! We deserve better.

[@jvboy401]

quality has also gone up, this is not the same epi les paul you bought years ago

[@gdawgs101]

@@jvboy401 How so? I own a 2015 Epi LP Standard Pro. It's a great guitar (for the $600 I paid, not the $1500 they want now...). I've played the new Epiphones, they are also great guitars, but they aren't noticably better in an way than mine in terms of build quality. The only big thing I noticed is the stock pickups seems a lot better in the new one, but thats not worth an $800 premium.

[@modestoney1577]

@@jvboy401 prices went up higher than the quality. Not too many years ago you could get a made in the USA Gibson with rosewood board and nitro finish for what you are now paying for a Epiphone with poly finish and a laurel board. That`s insane

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@modestoney1577 but considering that USA Gibson doesn't even have basic Les Paul features like binding and a full thickness body I'd say a high end Epiphone for the same price is leagues better

[@modestoney1577]

@@Mr.Goldbar I´m not talking about tributes without binding. 10 years ago I bought a Captain Kirk Douglas Signature SG, which is basically a SG Custom, made in the USA, 57 Classic pickups, nitro finish, Maestro Vibrola, brand new for €1400. That`s now the price for an asian Epiphone with poly finish and Laurel fretboard. It`s insane.

[@nickm.9474]

1299 isn’t bad. All the good parts and a case.

[@joederosas5654]

I LOVE MY 50'S Epi Gold Top Standard. Next to my 2013 Gibson Gary Moore Standard, it's a great Les Paul and my go to axe. I replaced the pickups with Dimarzio master rhythm and Super Distortion lead pickups. It's a true MONSTER now!!!

[@sk8guitars]

Nice guitars but way to expensive

[@pepmasters-999]

Way to go.

[@BigJasquach]

I fully understand that Epiphone is trying to rebrand as a higher cost/quality guitar manufacturer but they are going about it in an awful way. Every piece of written feedback from people I've seen is that the prices are too high and honestly moving into Gibson territory (especially for a preowned Gibson). This time next year Epiphones will be over the 2K mark and the average player will no doubt be on the same salary. Who can justify these costs!?

[@fu2419]

Gibson says hey we tweaked the CNC program at our Epiphone factory in China and raised the price 58% but we're sure you would have paid double for that headstock. Right? Good because next year they will be double.

[@basiltiffani8850]

1200, lol! Gibson are trying g to sell you pickups wrapped in a guitar.

[@squizza64]

Yeah sorry, not chance you'd catch me spending that kinda money on an Epiphone. The whole point of Epiphone is they are meant to be an affordable alternative to Gibson. Im sure these are great instruments, but that's an outrageous price when other brands can do it just as good for less than half that price. £1300+ for a light brown laurel fret board? Once you hit the 1k mark you should be getting something nice and dark, like rosewood or ebony. Not for me thanks. Shame to see greed has got the better of Epiphone this year.

[@trevor4533]

Agreed. If they can't use Rosewood due to regulations or whatever, fine. But at least use Ebony like LTD does for their 1000 series guitars. The bootlicking on the indian laurel for a $1000+ guitar is ridiculous.

[@gdawgs101]

@@trevor4533 They can use rosewood, those limit on rosewood harvesting expired, it's kosher for guitar brands to use again and has been for a couple years now. Gibson/Epiphone is just greedy and cheap

[@trevor4533]

@@gdawgs101 yeah that makes sense. The only other Chinese guitar brand I’ve seen use rosewood lately is Shijie.

[@che2335]

Only US customers will understand Epi just killed the $1100 used from Japan market for used Edwards Burnys Tokais and Grecos. Why buy something shipped from japan you cant play first that doesnt have the custom buckers and hardware?

[@LarrytheMan-uc4ev]

Epiphone high end models go back to 2019/2020 Not 2024

[@Idontlikethisever]

Lee talking this piece of China, like snake oil salesman😂😂

[@Yoni168]

To pay that much money for a guitar with a laurel board is straight up f’n nuts.

[@brunoantony9257]

$500 PRS SE models have Indian rosewood

[@TheAdventChronicles]

I'd expect laurel on a Squier. At a fraction of the cost, the Sire L7's use ebony, PRS SE's use rosewood and other great woods like Pau Ferro and Jatoba were right there but yet they use a wood I've never seen anyone get excited about.

[@gdawgs101]

@@brunoantony9257 Same with Sire. They seem to source really nice extra dark pieces of rosewood too at that

[@colinmason9974]

Indian Laurel and Indian Rosewood are basically the same thing

[@gdawgs101]

@@colinmason9974 They most certainly are not.

[@jjcharlton925]

They gotta make a 57black beauty ebony board, 3 custombuckers and bigsby jimmy page style same price point as the sg custom that would be the bolox as a custom shop 1 is north of 6 grand 👌

[@Villainous_Bounty]

Starting to feel that there are too many options for each brand. I get that they are trying to cover all bases and price points, but how would one decide on a higher end epiphone, or a lowest price point gibson?

[@markwilliamsmusic2987]

To be fair... high end Epiphone all the way...

[@FrankThaThird]

I hate to admit that the custombuckers sound better to me, but that price without the board being rosewood is borderline blasphemous.

[@SeanKeane-rn2vs]

Laurel board Veneer top Instantly not worth the price

[@trevor4533]

Agreed on the laurel. If they can't use rosewood, they should be using ebony. As for the veneer, you're extremely unlikely to find any guitar company putting a real flame maple top on a $1299 guitar.

[@barcham]

@@trevor4533 I would rather have a genuine plain top than a veneer flame top. I am so tired of flame tops that I can't put it into words. I'm looking at a Classic because that is about the only plain top Les Paul available today.

[@trevor4533]

@@barcham I 100% agree with you! Plain tops all the way!

[@jremi]

My first impressions while listening to the tone comparison: the new Epiphone sounds better than the old one, but more surprisingly, I found that the new Epiphone sounds better than the Gibson... especially on the bridge pickup...

[@cheymanny8787]

So stoked, the horn carve the small pin abr and the holy trail headstock! I'm I'm take my cash!!

[@markfuller6464]

This is an obvious ploy to charge us Gibson money for mass produced, CnC built, cheap labour, imported Epiphones. It’s a con, tell us it’s vintage, slap a famous name on it while you’re there, it’s still a cheaply made guitar and not worth the money being charged. Why Pete looks pleased is because the margins on £1500 guitars is better than £500, resellers sell less and make more. (TBF he’s just doing his job and I still think he’s cool). I suggest you buy secondhand (used market is cheaper thanks to covid) Gibson for the same money and get the real deal.. anyone who pays £1500 for an Epiphone needs to have a word with themself, the used value won’t be anything like £1500 in a year or two, Gibsons tend to retain value esp used ones, make sense doesn’t it..

[@5150show]

At 2.8k New Zealand dollars - no thanks

[@paulwhiteside1805]

Stupidly expensive. Very difficult to justify for a Far Eastern made guitar. Buy a second hand Gibson instead.😗😗🤨🤨

[@johnjoy1318]

We need a video on the new 335. That one has an ebony board and no veneer so it looks nicer.

[@indiekiduk]

Next year for that one

[@yeauld]

Honestly, in the close up shots of the new Epiphone 59 Les Paul, the guitar looks pretty cheaply made !!! I just cant recover after seeing those cheap plastic pick up mounting rings, the binding on the neck, that bright yellow Les paul signature logo on the headstock, laurel fretboard, sharp metal bridge saddles..... but I get the satin finish.... because other wise if they use the thick regular glossy finish it would look even cheaper, like a regular Epiphone, with 1200 I can buy something so much better.

[@ronlines2314]

I bought the old one in Dec 23 FFS! I would've waited had I of known this was on the way 😅 I literally just gave my dark burst version a gentle polish take away the completely flat satin finish and it came out really nice, looks just like the one Pete's holding. I've got the epi standard 50's in cherry burst which is a great guitar as well, they are turning out some lovely stuff at the min.

[@jasonswitzer1748]

I wish there was a way to post images in comments. Would love to see it!

[@ronlines2314]

@@jasonswitzer1748 I know, like I said it was a gentle polish though. It's not glossy looking but just ever so slightly shinier than that flat satin finish - it may not last and go more matt again but I thought it was worth a shot. There's a few videos on KZbin of people who have buffed theirs up a bit 👍🏻

[@markscars1069]

Hmm which polish did you use? Been contemplating doing that with mine.

[@ronlines2314]

@@markscars1069 used a little super resin polish by autoglym but I'm sure anything like that will do the job along with a microfibre towel as not to add any scratches. The only thing I would say is, if you care about resale or trade value, it's probably best to keep her original.... and I take no responsibility for how it comes out! 😅

[@markscars1069]

@@ronlines2314 Cheers dude

[@WoodyBlueberry]

Epi should include the Les Paul Jr into the Custom Shop... Very Disapointed about it.

[@ithemba]

With all the other latest releases from Epiphone firmely above the 1000 figure, the 1959 seemed a holdout from a earlier era and it was only a matter of time untill there would be a "revised" edition with 30% uptake for marginally "improved" specs. This is now twice the price of a normal Epi LP and the same price the (now discontinued) Tributes were, so overall: a very steep step up the pricing ladder for Epis. Bummer.

[@krastolff]

And Gibsons, since their entry point is now the Modern lite, with horribly downgraded specs and costing >$1500

[@logandudley2552]

It’s almost like custombuckers are more than 30% more expensive than burstbuckers.

[@ithemba]

@@logandudley2552a pair of 59 "custombuckers" (this term used to refer to the model-specific custom shop PUs that were not mass-produced - so there were different "custombuckers" in s LP custom than were in a R8 or R9, there were alnico III as well as II and IV, there were non-wax-potted as well as wax-potted, sometimes specifically made to spec to specific PUs for high end custom shop signatures and somesuch. these now and all "custombuckers" since they are available as aftermarket parts are mass produced in some factory like the burstbuckers and are just another version of the underwound paf we already got legion of) costs 300 bucks aftermarket. thats 150 bucks more than a set of burstbuckers. that was not nor is it now anywhere near 30% of the price of an Epiphone 1959 LP.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

The price is 100% worth it for the specs and the fact the shapes are not deformed. Epiphone and Laurel are just names, get over it.

[@thelolguy007]

Price wise it’s not as bad as some of their recent releases. You can almost justify it. But it’s still close to second hand Gibsons

[@TVsBen]

Yeah, and even worse, this used to be the price of a new Gibson Les Paul Studio not even five years ago. I mean, it seems like it's worth it, but sticker shock is a real thing.

[@gdawgs101]

Why can you almost justify it? Do you not know what else is out there? A $700 Sire L7 has better specs than this $1500 marketing ploy

[@Fabh83]

Where do you find a used 1200 Gibson LP Standard in 2024? Custombuckers alone are a third of the price of the guitar 😅

[@gdawgs101]

@@Fabh83 Not $1200 but there's a listing for a Gibson Les Paul Standard for $1600 on reverb right now. Also saw Les Paul Tributes and Studios for as little as ~$900. If you buy a $1500 Epiphone, you're a sucker, I'm sorry.

[@fernandosilva6295]

​@@gdawgs101 for as much as I hate Epiphone's ridiculous pricing, a 10 year old used guitar is not a new guitar, that sounds obvious but a used Gibson in poor conditions is not comparable to a new Epiphone (or any guitar for that matter, that's why used means cheaper)

[@j_music_8779]

The previous 59 Epiphone model is the far better buy. This new one is way overpriced. Sure, it has a more accurate headstock shape, but the pickups are just different, not better. The upcharge is not worth it in my opinion. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@samright4661]

Do the Custom please ! The Alpine White is Awesome

[@ThePedroDB]

A Custom Shop Gibson is far more than 'just' a set of pickups. This is yet another cynical Marketing Ploy from Epiphone...

[@kingstumble]

I prefer the older, slimmer Epi headstock. Straighter string path to the tuners.

[@pepmasters-999]

Yeah; never worried about the headstock. It still says Epiphone either way.

[@gdawgs101]

These aren't made for the practical, discerning working-class musician.

[@Lewbert]

The pricing of gibson/epi these days just shows how deeply out of touch and money-grubbing they are. They think they can save their foundering company by making t shirts and charging 3x value for their guitars. Embarrassing and i hope they go bust frankly.

[@davva360]

I love my Epi 1959 but i dont feel the need to upgrade just for the pickups. Mine plays great and sounds great. Probably the second favorite guitar i own, second only to my USA Fender Strat.

[@henrymrowicki7004]

I bought one about a year and a half ago, i love it. People are just mad cause they can't have 500 dollar pickups and a gibson headstock for $399.

[@xp50player]

I put the Faber bell brass ABR1 conversion bridge on mine and I’m good. No need to upgrade to this new model. They ditched the medallion.

[@grungebob]

If we stop buying them at these prices , they’ll stop selling them at these stupid prices. I’m sure they’re fine guitars but come on……..

[@steved1099]

I have the old epi LP custom pro and agree they are great BUT £1200 for this phew... even the new highly rated PRS DGT SE (which pete loves) is only £750. Time for a shootout..?

[@gdawgs101]

Agreed. I have a 2015 Epiphone LP Standard Plus top and it's the same shit minus the headstock (except mine actually has an ebony board instead of the cheap laurel on the new one). I bought it for less than $600 new........... Idk who in their right mind would go Epiphone over PRS SE or ESP LTD right now. The guitars themselves are good, but value for money in terms of specs and QC compared to the competitors is totally out of wack

[@sillysausage4549]

Man, the guitar market is going to crash so hard when the bubble bursts. If you can wait a year, do so...

[@LarrytheMan-uc4ev]

No real resell value because the Gibson headstock collectors won't won't touch it because of that exact reason it's not the proper Kalamazoo headstock

[@sydguitar99]

Or maybe you buy it because you're an actual touring/passionate musican, not someone who merely sees guitars as investment pieces ?

[@LeopoldShitzalot]

​@@sydguitar99you'll have no choice but to keep it I have Three 2021 high end Epiphones with the proper Kalamazoo headstock on them. They will be the ones that will have resale value later on these two here don't get it that either that's not the proper Kalamazoo headstock on the legendary Epiphones.. always research first what any of these content creators claim..

[@sydguitar99]

@user-qn1tw4nk1e again, I'm a musician I don't care about resale value. I want a guitar that'll last me years and I have the 61 SG from epiphone and even tho it's been almost 4 years since it released, it still sounds amazing and even my friends with actual gibson SGs are shocked by tone and quality

[@Patrick-k8o6s]

People who collect guitars and they don’t actually play should be taken out and pissed upon. Driving up the price so that actual musicians can’t afford them.

[@LarrytheMan-uc4ev]

@@Patrick-k8o6s I collect and play guitar..what you people want is high end at a cheap price never going to happen buddy epiphone was restored back to high end guitars by JC Curliegh in 2019/2020... epiphone was never meant to be a budget in the first place and they weren't until Norlin ruined them when they took over Gibson that ends with JC Curliegh in 2019/2020 ..get over it and just because YOU can't afford epiphones or Gibson doesn't give you or anyone the right to pick on others who can or lie through your teeth about Epiphone.. lying will only get you caught in your own BS...

[@adzydog1433]

When’s the Gibson Theodore video dropping?

[@matthewscott9567]

I don't know why gibson don't just make the equivalent of a mexican strat and brand that a Indonesian gibson and just use the epiphone brand for the low end stuff. This would make them more desirable

[@theguitarbunker]

The concept is not necessarily new. I had Epiphone 50th Anniversary Models of the 1959 and 1960 Les Paul Standards. The 1960 came with a choice of necks; either the thick 1959 style neck that the 1960 Standard started the year off with, or the much slimmer neck that the 1960 Standard ended the year with and indeed, the production of the Les Paul Models at that time. All the appointments on this pair of Epiphones were of Gibson USA. The finish and playability were flawless. Exquisite to behold and a joy to play. The 1959 had Burstbucker 2’s in the neck and Burstbucker 3’s in the bridge. The 1960 had Burstbucker 1’s in the neck and Burstbucker 2’s in the bridge. The sonic spectrum and tonal palette of these Epiphones were gorgeous. Sadly, I parted with both to fund a special order of a Rickenbacker 370/12, but based on my experience and ownership of the pair, I would highly recommend high-end Epiphone Les Paul’s.

[@Paul-D]

Yea so true - its amazing how people don't know about those earlier tribute guitars that came with Gibson electronics - they also tend to sell for less then £500 used

[@TheIrrationalist]

I own one of those. It's so good that I feel no desire for a Gibson-branded Les Paul.

[@Tweed_Tone]

The Gibson sounds better, it might also be the unpotted custombuckers since the epiphone have the potted versions and Will sound more dull. It’s a thousands of dollars better? Maybe not.

[@falcongunner33]

Other brands continue to find new and creative ways to keep their price increases reasonable. Gibson just said F it $1500 epiphone. The margins on these have to be insane.

[@andrewh9629]

I think theyre pushing into midrange because some of the cheap chinese copies are getting so good a budget gibson line just cant compete.

[@YoloMcSwaggot]

Shoutout to the FGN Neo Classic LS10. Roughly the same price, made in Japan, Gotoh hardware. Rosewood board.

[@robcarr9968]

exactly my thought!

[@bassyey]

People are missing out on E-II and Edwards. Runs circles around even a Gibson. I recently had an Edwards Jazz bass and did side-by-side comparison to Performer, Professional I and II models from Fender. Fender doesn't even hold up on quality. It felt like I was comparing to a Squier.

[@trevor4533]

@@bassyey E-IIs have gotten pretty expensive. The top of the line Eii Mii is $3699... That's insane for anything built outside of the custom shop, regardless of the brand.

[@stratman9449]

FGN and Tokai make excellent guitars...very high quality.....at the right price.

[@Tonskiislegit]

The people who say these are over price are legit dumb. Lol qty of wood and parts are completely different compared to what Epiphone has on the cheaper side. If you want those great you can still have them. These are for players who like Epiphone but want that extra umph to make Epiphone worth it. I have tons of m2m and Gibson custom shop guitars but wasn’t a fan of Epiphone and felt me paying 800 was to much for what they release now these… I like what they are doing and it’s good to have this in their line for people who love a Gibson Les Paul custom but don’t have 5k they can get the exact same now for 1200

[@AbstractZombie-ed8fj]

Go ahead and pay $1200 for your cnc made Chinese guitars dude 😂😂😂

[@smoothguitarforever]

Finishes just look like cheap satin not old nitro

[@markseymour8365]

That's because it isn't nitro. Unless you're a poser rather than a player, why would it matter anyway?

[@phanhuybach92]

The matte finish looks so cheap. Compared this to the Epi LP Custom and in the end I chose the custom. Cheaper but win in so many way. The best guitar I've ever had.

[@joeydurant6267]

Agreed about the finish... Looks like those sam ash "les Paul" bolt ones they had back in the day.... I know some people like that tomato soup burst or whatever but especially when it's so matte it will always remind me of all those super cheap epis they sold in literally sam ash and places like that. Wal Mart might've had em in some places. The beginner pack from the early 2000's

[@ApeLikeCreature]

Agreed. Looks like crap.

[@twantheunisz9281]

Gloss plasticky poly (these guitars have poly finishes) feels and looks even cheaper!

[@conorfurlong]

Completely agree with the finish. Looks dreadful. And vintage guitars are shiny, not matte.

[@logandudley2552]

@@conorfurlongvintage les Paul’s are not shiny you absolute banterwank.

[@Mancomb_Seepgood]

The cope on both sides of this debate is nothing short of spectacular.

[@locky828]

Just looked online and they want £1200 for a Epiphone Les Paul Custom 😂😂 Dream on

[@jhrdrake7205]

I got a used perfect Gibson Les Paul for $1400. Why go epi when you can get Gibson?! Crazy. Epiphones are good guitars for gigging and not worrying about getting stuff stolen but the prices are making them bad for that too!

[@ahighervibe4086]

that’s not what an Epiphone LP Custom goes for....they're usually like $749 I think

[@Benjohns89]

@@ahighervibe4086the alex jones is £1200 I think. The alex lifeson is pretty much the same too. Comes with a flloyd rose but still

[@alexstrums]

Crazy money. Just before Christmas, I got a 2022 Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s from the Gibson Demo shop for £1,550 - only had a few minor marks on it. Epiphone have gone mad!

[@Benjohns89]

@@ahighervibe4086the adam jones does

[@Kennyuk77]

Got to say it they still look like a toy guitar and you could buy a USA Gibson for £1200 not long ago!!!!

[@tomstegall1346]

Absolutely love your demos Mr. Honore’ This is going to make me take a really close look at this new Epi . I just purchased the McCarty se 594 black gold burst because of your demo’s and it certainly does not disappoint. Thanks for being the laid back humble guitarist that absolutely shines when you play, I’ll be watching!

[@ValiRossi]

Or you could find an Epiphone Elitist. Which I have and it is awesome.

[@DeL07]

Those bursts look awful and the satin finish makes it look even worse... Not to mention how poorly it will age.

[@JJ-ze6vb]

Ah yes, you are clearly knowledgeable about how this just released guitar will age. Dropped your crystal ball lately?

[@DeL07]

@@JJ-ze6vb Ah yes, I see you are clearly a twat who has little or no experience with matte/satin guitars. I've been collecting vintage guitars for 15 years and have almost never come across a satin or matte finish that aged well bar a few Gibson and PRS guitars. Sit down with your bs.

[@capitan_sevilla]

The previous version sold like hot cakes. These new ones look great but, at that price, I'm guessing they won't sell as well.

[@bretspangler8717]

A few of my laurel fretboard guitars were very blonde when new and dried out, after applying lemon oil they are all a nice dark color now, and in a blind test no one could tell the difference between laurel and ebony, at least I can't, they both play nicely when the guitar has a proper setup. I have spent up to 5 hours setting up a new guitar, which includes rounding all the fret ends and polishing with a Dremel.

[@ericgueguen1915]

Agree ! Same experience here on the laurel fretboard of a low-end guitar. A little of Dunlop 65 (Lemon Oil) gave me a nice dark color.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

exactly! People are scared over nothing

[@ripperthecrooks6428]

Whats the point of paying 1500US dollars for a guitar that you have to sand off, round up and polish. AND file the nut , the saddles and have it setup because it obviously dont keep tune. What is this ......

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@ripperthecrooks6428 ask those who still buy Gibson... And every guitar will have to get that procedure eventually :)

[@dmmedic34]

I understand who the new guitars are aimed at but- Just make Epis with the Gibson headstock and normal Epi electronics and keep the price low. Yes- I said it! Because tone is in your hands. A good player with halfway decent amp, can make these guitars sound great with Epi Probuckers and Alpha pots.

[@oscarpolo6310]

When you try guitars you should connect them directly to the amplifiers, without so many pedals, it is not necessary.

[@miecz23]

Don't forget that they also sell pedals...

[@TheSoulsandRevive]

@oscarpolo6310 - Precisely!

[@johnelcanrab2114]

Pete couldn't even be bothered to jam.

[@sillysausage4549]

Note to self: if you use the word "Amaz*n" in a comment, it'll be deleted.

[@mofomartianp]

KZbin censorship scrapes EVERYTHING. Try posting a political comment LOL

[@pepmasters-999]

Lets give it a try: More free speech for the indigneous people of the Amazon!

[@sillysausage4549]

@@pepmasters-999 I think context is key. I noted that some might find a comparable, if much cheaper alternative, on a river of that name....

[@mofomartianp]

When these Epiphones start to hit the secondary market, they're gonna sell for one third of msrp. Unbelievable.

[@davepugh8368]

That’s just ridiculous pricing for a Chinese guitar. For not a fat lot more you can pick up a good used Gibson. Or get a Tokai as they make some incredible instruments. I had a 1998 Korean Les Paul from new and with better pickups it was a solid gigging guitar and that was something like £350 new . But I don’t know about these , them pickups on paper sound a good idea, but there are plenty of great options for pickups that aren’t £500. Then think about resale. You ain’t getting nowhere near what you paid for it. From experience if you really want the look go with a used Gibson. If you want a single cut dual bucker guitar. PRS SE 245 or 594 or better still an S2 USA model . I love Les Pauls , but sorry I don’t get this.

[@valendis]

Hoping you guys to demo the Les paul Custom one, I don't care about these but the LPC is another story ! Please compare it to the normal Epiphone les Paul custom

[@schaerfentiefe1967]

The title is misleading (despite the question mark). Gibson USA Custom Shop specs would be (among other things): - one-piece mahogany body - lightweight mahogany - massive maple flame top - rosewood fretboard - hide glue fit - nylon nut - nitro finish - hand wiring

[@guyfawkes8873]

Nylon nut? you sure you don't mean bone? because I don't see why an Epiphone couldn't have a nylon nut xD not exactly an expensive or hard to come by material.

[@trevor4533]

@@guyfawkes8873 Yes, Nylon is period correct for late 50s bursts. So Gibson uses it on their custom shop reissues.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@trevor4533But it's inferior, and Epiphone was always more targeted towards musicians who would appreciate a more dependable guitar rather than collectors

[@trevor4533]

@@Mr.Goldbar Doesn't matter. Its one of the many custom shop specs missing from this guitar, hence OP's initial comment.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@trevor4533 it does, it's Epiphone knowing their market. Most buyers who'd buy this guitar would appreciate it as an upgrade rather than while about it as an inaccuracy

[@carlthomas99]

Mostly authentic...

[@leoduke5311]

The prices aren’t going up simply because of inflation. These are a new line of guitars separate from the standard $600 models. All of these guitars have Gibson parts and are set up for Gibson Custom Shop specs.

[@Vesell11]

Does anybody really need those £500 pickups? Regular burst bucker pickups and £900-1k price would be just perfect fit for it.

[@trevor4533]

Yeah, they will probably do that eventually. Like the 490/498 in the LPC, the Custombuckers mirror what's in the R9.

[@bateriasautosil]

1200 pounds for an Epiphone!!! This is getting stupid.

[@CCovers1]

You're getting poor!

[@tiptop8218]

i own a korea custom epiphone, i´ll never buy a new one especially not from china

[@sandoncrowder7839]

I don't understand people complaining, if it had Gibson on the headstock with the same exact specs you'd have no problem with the price. It's a really really good guitar, of course it's going to be expensive.

[@sillysausage4549]

I have an even bigger problem with Gibson prices, actually. They are indefensible. You aren't buying a new iPhone here; you are buying a few pieces of wood and the sort of tech that was already ancient in the 60s. If you keep making apologies for these greedy companies, they will keep overcharging you. It's shameful.

[@sandoncrowder7839]

@@sillysausage4549try to build one yourself then, you'll see why they cost so much

[@waylonbedlam792]

You're 100% correct. Who cares if it says Gibson or Epiphone on the headstock? It's all the same company. Anyone who says "if I spend that much money, I want it to say Gibson" is just a brand snob.