Are expensive Epiphones a good deal now?

[@luizdiaz5196]

Im loving the new lineup. Custombuckers, open book headstocks, long tenon neck joints, real mother of pearl inlays, with a hardcase, etc... these new Epis' are value packed.

[@thelasttsarband]

I only buy guitars to play, when people talk about value to me that only means you know your buying the wrong guitar to start with. Buy summat you’ll love then you wont nees to worry about what it will sell for.

[@donthewatcher]

well said i can make a squire bullet sing , or make my overpriced PRS sing also it is all in the fingers and hands

[@Zoso981]

Great point. I bought the new Epiphone '59 Les Paul to play. And it plays great. To me, it was worth every penny. There must be a lot of people who feel the same way, they're selling quite well.

[@buckbumble]

I was majorly annoyed at the pricing of the Firebird V. Had no reason to be that expensive. Having said that, I bought the ES-355 Custom without hesitation for RRP for a few reasons. 1) open book headstock 2) Custom buckers 3) hardcase 4) the fact that Epiphone don’t already offer a lower end model of the same guitar. 5) proper Ebony board. Lots of hate thrown at the VOS (if that isn’t corny marketing I don’t know what is) finish, which the is the same as the satin finish they use on other IbG models, but it does allow for a nice smooth playing experience. I prefer it in many ways to nitro.

[@DCUSMC95]

I already bought the SG Custom. Looking forward to it.

[@Eric_01]

I'm right on the verge...

[@automatoncollectives7237]

The new 59 has a rounded medium C as well, as oppose to the “50s” profile on the older version. The specs I’ve gathered thus far: This new 59 Depth 1st fret is 0.87; 12th is 0.97 Old 59 Depth 1st fret 0.895 Depth 12th fret 1.010 My understanding is that the newer version has a R9 feel neck.

[@andrewhouse3246]

Great show as usual, agreed about the 355, dissapointed about all the satin finishes. I got the white custom, love the Darkness but it's the only gloss offered. See ya Saturday-

[@alexstrums]

I’m sticking with my second hand 2018 Epi Les Paul Standard Pro. Does the job, has a rosewood board and sounds fantastic with Vanson 59s. All in, cost me £250 😊. Play more, GAS less ❤

[@dangrather1280]

I bought a black Epiphone Les Paul Custom. It’s a nice guitar.

[@christopherfidler3019]

Dave, I hate White T-Shirts, White Shoes, etc. but I Love White Glossy Finishes, they look great under Stage lights specially Blacklights. as the others have said the Indian Laurel is a deal breaker 🍺🇨🇦

[@WaurufEx]

Something I read in another video (the Gibson Gear one) is that, even with these new appointments, the Les Pauls still have the wrong body shape (it's more apparent in the LP Custom). No idea if it's done on purpose or because they build them using metric measurements. Besides that, the biggest problem in my opinion is the price point. Gibson made clear throughout the years that Epiphone is the "lesser brand", so now that they increased the prices people won't accept them, even more so considering the offerings from other brands (at this price point you can get Tokai or Edwards copies that are made in Japan)

[@the-j-caster]

It's not just Epiphone with big price tags now. Currently on Thomann there are 2 ESP LTDs for over 2k. ESP LTD Volsung Oxblood Satin E2,045 ESP LTD Royal Shiva Silver SB E2,535 Those are E-II prices 🤯🤯

[@toddmoore2324]

Great video, Dave! As i said in the live chat a couple weeks ago, I've got my eye on a couple of Epiphone SG models. Rock on!

[@bobbrunn2622]

As a bass player I wish they would bring back the mid 60s Rivoli.

[@davecooper360]

I got the '59 Les Paul and the white 355. The Les Paul is pretty sweet! It really has a custom shop LP feel and buttery tone! I highly recommend! Also the 355 looks feels like a luxury car in guitar form. Also sounds great. Its professional quality all the way!!

[@kennyblackbird5674]

It's kinda a funky deal and I mean the smelly kind. They're slightly cartoonish looking. And also imo Custombuckers sound very similar to all the other PAF style pickups inlcluding Epiphone's Alnico Classics & Pro buckers!!

[@TrollMcBlackguitars]

I'm with you Dave I'm not a fan of Black guitars either it's Pelum Blue for me ❤

[@nickmilner8911]

Maybe I'm been too picky, but I feel the expense of the top end Les Pauls are such, that the body shape should now be a proper representation of the Gibson. Nobody seems to talk about that, if you compare them, they are more different than you know! Mainly, compare the horns and where the selector switch is positioned. 🤔😬

[@noizewriter3324]

From a players perspective I got to play the LP custom and the 335 and they were both phenomenal, able to cover the bloomiest cleans to proper chug chugs and they felt right. From a collectors/investors perspective I can see the hang ups there. Since you used to be able to get a Made in the US gibson for these same prices.

[@Yoshimoto1993]

Honestly i might have to get one of the white custom les pauls. Been wanting a gibson one for a long time but i’m honestly not a fan of the yellow that they turn from age with the nitro finish. With the open book headstock and the same pickups that the gibson comes with makes it mighty tempting.

[@ilikeblackguitars]

I think they are discontinuing the other 59s sweet water has started discontinuing their exclusive finish for $699 I think once everyone has sold only the new ones will be available

[@MashaT22]

Yeah it’s a tough call to say if these specs make them worth paying that price. For me, the headstock shouldn’t change the price. I love the Kalamazoo headstock. An open book shouldn’t make it worth more or less. It still doesn’t change the fact that it’s not a Gibson no matter how you slice it, lol. Also, Rosewood really shouldn’t make it more money either. There are budget brands using really nice rosewood and ebony on $300-$500 guitars. I’ve even seen a few sub $200 guitars with legit rosewood and ebony. That leaves the pickups. Custombuckers are the cream of the crop, but I still think they shouldn’t make an Epiphone guitar cost more than $1000-$1100 tops. They can probably still do it for less than $1000. Let’s not forget how much the parts and labor cost, and then how much they upcharge beyond that. They want us to think Custombuckers are worth the upcharge, but are they really when they are making way more in profit when they make those pickups themselves and are using them in bulk? They absolutely can charge $899-$999 even with Custombuckers and still make a healthy profit . . . .

[@sgt.gruhnn]

Yes they can make a profit, but if they charge 1200-1300-1400, and people buy them, why would they leave money on the table?, that’s like saying I can sell sandwiches at a profit for 10.00, but if people still line up when I charge 13.00, why wouldn’t I?…

[@jasonl1942]

​@sgt.gruhnn you're right. But people will vote with their purchases elsewhere. This is all cyclical, and this company has shot itself in the foot before...

[@rocktorrocks]

I have the $1300 Epi Bonamassa ES-335, it’s been listed used for months and has not sold. No one is willing to pay more than $600 for a made in china Epiphone no matter how good the specs or if it’s mint condition like mine. I adore the guitar itself so I’m in no rush to part with it, but I expect to take a significant hit when I sell it. These “high end” Epiphones will be a bargain on the used market and I recommend not buying one brand new. P.s. Since Epiphone revealed this “new headstock” and instantly devalued their prior high end models. I wouldn’t be surprised if they make some other big changes (e.g rosewood replacing indian laurel) in the future making these current high end models seem inferior and destroying their value.

[@LeopoldShitzalot]

Hmmm Chinese made? Well you left the most important parts out little fella.the Quindoa epiphone facility is fully American owned and operated Mr Scott Lewis is the facility manager along with American and Asian luthiers. It's best you research first before you open your mouth and stick your foot in it and it's hard to believe just by your comment you even own a epiphone

[@MoeVanprick]

​@@LeopoldShitzalotvery unlikely he owns one he didn't even know who actually makes them

[@rocktorrocks]

@@LeopoldShitzalot Where is this factory located exactly? Because if it’s in China…guess what, It’s made in China. P.s. Learn to read, I said “Made In China” not Chinese made in my comment. And I own three Epiphones, anyone who doubts me can go to my channel where I have multiple videos playing my three Epiphone guitars. And I speak from actual experience trying to sell these Epiphones where buyers have told me they won’t pay over $600 because the guitar was made in China. They’re good guitars but their resale value is poor and that was the point of my comment.

[@rocktorrocks]

@@LeopoldShitzalot Where is this factory located exactly? Because if it’s in China…guess what, It’s made in China. P.s. Learn to read, I said “Made In China” not Chinese made in my comment. Or even better look at that “Crafted In China” sticker that’s literally on the guitar. And I own three Epiphones, anyone who doubts me can go to my channel where I have multiple videos playing my three Epiphone guitars. And I speak from actual experience trying to sell these Epiphones where buyers have told me they won’t pay over $600 because the guitar was made in China. They’re good guitars but their resale value is poor and that was the point of my comment.

[@frankcarter6427]

being associated with JB should halve the price

[@deanlaster1724]

The 59 Les Paul new model has a one piece neck. I think the older one has scarf joints

[@alwaysevolving281]

I think it’s a great idea. Especially with the true look of a Gibson and Gibson parts. It would be greater if the entire epiphone line had the Gibson headstock shape though. Sales would go through the roof.

[@fisterroboto1044]

One of my favourite guitar stores has two secondhand Epiphone firebirds (I and V) (the inspired by) in stock. It's Indian Laurel indeed.

[@vkelly1975]

Those custom buckers are as good as you get when it comes paf replica,I took mine from my R9, got them wired up to 4 wire,as I can split them I put them in my sg and it’s such a versatile guitar. I can actually split them and get great single coil sounds.

[@kevb044]

I have the older Epi '59 and it's great, but I can see how the new one can sort of justify the higher price. Obviously there's the Custombuckers, but also they have a 1 piece neck, something the older one didn't. I did notice tho that the nice little badge that was over the toggle switch cavity has been dropped for a basic plastic cover. But I do agree that the star of the show is the 1959 ES 355, so much so that I now have one on order. I currently don't have a 355 style guitar and have been on the look out for a while and this one ticks all the boxes for me...and I love the white with gold trim (fight me!! 😄)

[@robmcnamara4632]

The ES355 has jumped to the top of my ‘buy list’. Would have been interested in the 59 Les Paul if I didn’t already have the Epiphone JB Lazarus (which I love). The SG does not interest me, much prefer my Gibson SG Special w/P90s that was the same price.

[@wayneb6128]

I’ll wait until they clearance them out. They already can’t sell the 61 sg and 59 LP from a while back. Glad I got my 61 sg for $749 before all the price increases

[@jasonswitzer1748]

It’s a matter of perspective. If you want (buy can’t afford) a Gibson with a flame maple top, this may be as close as you’re going to get. If you’re just looking for a good guitar, you can get fenders with Humbuckers for less (and Schecters and Squiers and the lost goes on). It’s all relative. To make a comparison for any watch nerds in here… some say that if you want a Rolex, a Tudor will never scratch the itch. Go ahead and buy the Tudor. You’ll enjoy it. But it won’t cure your list for the Rolex. Same thing for Epiphones and Gibsons. The heart wants what the heart wants.

[@TeensierPython]

I did the Tudor thing. It’s not quite the same though. At least a Tudor is made by the same people who make a Rolex. They are usually not clones of Rolex either. Honestly, if guitar companies did have a Tudor/rolex relationship it would be a good thing. Epiphone could be Gibsons “test bed” for different finishes, weird layouts, and other unique things Gibson fans would never accept from Gibson. But still made in America. But yes; I do agree that if you must have a Rolex, nothing but a Rolex will scratch that itch.

[@jasonswitzer1748]

@@TeensierPython Squier is kind of like Tudor’s version of Fender (Rolex)… at least with their paranormal series. They try new design or resurrect “vintage”ones (Squier Stratosonic = Black Bay Red (vintage submariner). Epiphone has their weird old stuff like the Wiltshire. It wasn’t a perfect analogy, but I’m glad at least one person understood where I was coming from. :)

[@TeensierPython]

@@jasonswitzer1748 I don’t know guitars nearly as well as watches. So it actually helps me a bit!

[@dobiqwolf]

Gibson is revamping replacing their lower cost Made in USA guitars with Epiphone high end. Getting Gibson electronic in an Epiphone, especially the custombuckers is worth a price bump, similarly, the single piece neck would bump the price. The new headstock does not cost anything extra, this is a simple change in the machine that cut and shape headstocks. Those Epiphone use the same parts as the Gibson equivalents and ship for less money, the ES335 is IMO worth it when looking at the price for a Gibson ES335, for the Les Pauls I still think it is worth it when comparing to a cheaper Epiphone Les Paul as changing electronics to match the new ones will get their price close to each other.

[@Devv-i6k]

They have the bernard butler/johnny marr guitar, that's enough for me

[@EzyRider177]

Preach! Would be nice with the varitone and bigsby but 🤷🏻‍♂️ also that must be the best value of the lot, seeing as it's still about 3k away from gibson territory

[@scottdavidson6066]

Will definitely be ordering the ES-355 in Ebony VOS. 1299? The Gibson ‘59 355 is $6999! Sounds like a bargain to me.

[@musiccreation1198]

new '59 Les Paul has upgraded caps, pots and jack too

[@donthewatcher]

my Lazarus has same CTS Mallory switchcraft , and a dark indian laurel fretboard

[@edwardsmith9801]

I don't understand why we can't get ebony fretboards on fifteen hundred dollar Epiphones , they use them on the cheaper model's.

[@williamdesmarais4931]

Custombuckers may sell new for $500 but they don't cost Gibson any more money to make than burstbuckers. I just see a higher profit margin, nothing else. My 59 is great. I paid $299 with a cracked headstock. Repair was basically free. 59 lemon burst are on sale right now for $749. There is no way that the "new" 59 has $600 additional value added.

[@scottbrower9052]

Is that a Sister Tharpe SG?

[@andrewhouse3246]

Missed opportunity for sure.

[@MashaT22]

@@andrewhouse3246agreed. It should have been.

[@williamtm1965]

Epi 59 for around $1500 is a big no to me. For about this price you can find a preowned Gibson LP, such as Classic, Standard or Traditional. That will be a real Gibson which will hold its value and go up in time.

[@OnTheMoonV]

The Epi 59 standard Is 1300 vs a used Gibson Standard 1900 is about the smallest amount on the recently sold used on Reverb. They still don't have custombuckers(and this particular one didn't have a case). You might not see the value, but I do.

[@mrmetal1276]

Epiphone SG 1963 Custom Maestro is a stand out guitar with 3 x custom buckers and ebony board, puts the Joe Bonamassa 63 sg custom to shame and why its already on a big price drop!

[@donthewatcher]

a winning guitar i will get the 2024 LP custom alpine maple cap over mahaogny long neck tenon, and my favorite pickups 490r/498t and they throw in the mother of pearl block inlays and CTS Mallory and switchcraft it's worth the price $1300 or Pay $5800 for a white Gibson LP Custom

[@albertmarkethinkpr1325]

Dude the prices are just crazy, I understand the upgrade on the electronics, but still, I mean those Epiphones don't play as nice as Korean made LTD or Schecter guitars, basically they are making the buyer pay the aesthetics . I'm getting the Guild Polara Deluxe and Kim Thayil.

[@lexgarnier]

It’s a good deal if you’re planning on keeping it .. but good luck selling when they change the specs.

[@Blues-man.]

I got rid of my 59 les Paul i hate the baseball bat neck, Glad I did ! Hi Dave.

[@ldfox11]

I need the baseball bat neck since my hand was injured, used to like the thin ones

[@randomjones8753]

I'll take "Barely used EPI's, PRS SE's and MIM Strats all day long" for $400, Alex. Thank you very much

[@DaringDan]

Laughable doesn't quite do it justice.

[@trevor4533]

Man, the LP custom would have been a home run, if it had custom buckers and the correct bridge.

[@andrewhouse3246]

It comes from the custom shop with that pickup set, right? Not the custombuckers. It wouldn't have been true to line.. might sound better though..

[@trevor4533]

@@andrewhouse3246 The regular LP custom does, yeah. The '57 LP custom has them, though. So my money is on a '57 IbG coming out eventually. I probably wouldn't mind the 490/498 if they at least used a Gibson style bridge on it.

[@andrewhouse3246]

That would be amazing, hopefully it will be all mahogany too.. definitely gotta get 1 of those..

[@Seanmyers2000]

I’ll say the new j200 looks pretty awesome

[@philcurtis314]

Yes

[@MoneyBooBoo]

When the headstock finally says Gibson then I might consider an Epiphone

[@crucifixgym]

I’m gonna get a black LPC just for spite

[@FormerlyknownasT]

They do have custom buckers .. rosewood frerboard and the gibson headstock.. i think i'm slowly warming to them ...

[@Zoso981]

They don't have a Rosewood board.

[@andrewhouse3246]

Awwww.....

[@Slashturianu]

I have three Epis No more in the new price range. I have a Black Custom 2021, Slash 2022, Plus Top Pro 2019. All 3 for the price of one of this. (2 from B Stock Thomann) Epi in the old Gibson price range, Gibson in the Gucci price range. Bye Bye Epi. Hello PRS

[@JohnnyBgood548]

Personally wont buy any Epiphone over 1000.00 ever and currently playing an overseas strat that sells for new at 500.00 i did upgrade pickups and it has a baked maple ebony neck, bone nut, and excellent fretwork.

[@alementary4065]

All these people whining about laurel boards. Oil it, and it darkens up nicely. You're a liar if you say you can hear the difference in sound, because there isn't one. Rosewood is just a bit oilier and darker, but laurel is just fine as a fretboard material.

[@trevor4533]

Its more of the feel of it, and realizing they're cheaping out putting it on a 4 figure instrument. Even Fender learned their lesson, and went back to Rosewood on the Vintera IIs.

[@jxw129]

Just don’t be looking for resale value. If you’re looking for a more affordable Gibson, the looks of these inspired by Gibson nails it. Even the headstock shape now.

[@philippe_durel]

"Are expensive Epiphones a good deal now?" No ! Not at all ! Never at the price they sell them. These are "imports", and they only put the Gibson CNC programs and got Epiphones cut the same way as Gibson (Epiphone is a Gibson company), there's nothing "custom-shop" nor "high end" in that process. Well made Chibsons are also made that way by guys who have worked in Asian facilities producing Epiphone imports for Gibson. At that price, get yourself a great used Gibson. I got a mint second hand Black Gibson Midtown Custom for less than these Epiphone, and it plays and sounds like a dream. EPIPHONE ! MAKE AN EFFORT !

[@jamesonpace726]

Are ye pulling my beard, young leprechaun? No, I see it's yer own beard yer keep pulling....

[@eoinjennings519]

Es355 in white for a Lifeson fan

[@rgjr.6055]

I know it is historical but I hate the pink fluff.

[@jasonl1942]

Expensive epiphones are good for gibsons profits....

[@Cinestudi0]

Ok, Prs s2 it is

[@michaelblaney4461]

Too much for Epiphones

[@cigdamagelungs]

Hell no, ceezar

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

No they are not, it's just a ploy so that Gibson can raise their prices.

[@tacdoc8736]

That's a hard no. These will lose value faster than a new sports car, just like all the other expensive Epiphones, because they're made of low quality scrap wood, have poor QC, and are just a slightly better looking, cheaply made in China guitar.

[@scottbrower9052]

Indian laurel is a deal breaker for me. That much I know.

[@FormerlyknownasT]

I thought the boys at andertons said it was a rosewood fretboard on their preview ...

[@scottbrower9052]

@@FormerlyknownasT I was just making the statement generally.

[@johnasbury3744]

😂😂they came out with 59 in 2020 then the bonamassa then the wannabe greeny the andertones 59 now this really they are killing any value got five different 59 models getting corny they just screwed the guys that fell for the first one done with epiphone and Gibson I see why they get the hate buy prs instead

[@agentofkariosd1116]

No

[@sydguitar99]

That's funny how people were saying the 59 was overpriced when the pickups alone are worth 500 bucks. You add the woods, upgraded hardware, labor, marketing, that's easily 1200 right there

[@trevorD1156]

No pickup set is worth 500$,

[@sydguitar99]

@@trevorD1156 you can say that about literally anything that's produced and sold

[@GreatPlanet-n7n]

they are not.

[@LeopoldShitzalot]

Epiphone has been high end five years now

[@MoeVanprick]

Yep 2019/2020 when it all happened

[@modestoney1577]

I do have a different understanding of "high end" Solid guitars for sure

[@MoeVanprick]

@@modestoney1577 the legendary Epiphone isn't going to miss your business because there's a thousand behind you that are and will buy the legendary Epiphone and I'm sure epiphone doesn't care whether you buy or not

[@sccanj]

A core PRS is high end

[@LeopoldShitzalot]

@@sccanj so are the epiphone customs.. modern figured..prophecy..and other models and PRS are nothing more than copies of Gibson.. Epiphone and Fender

[@trevorD1156]

No Epiphone has ever bwen worth buying or ever will be. They make inconsistent and crappy guitars, esp ltd are significantly better for less.

[@MoeVanprick]

Not a good channel for facts this guy doesn't even know the history of epiphone and he's made to many ridiculous comments same with Guitaristas stay away

[@MoeVanprick]

Dave really just shut up majority don't want to hear your nonsense epiphone will not drop their prices your not ever going to get high end Epiphones of any kind for a budget price..you don't even know Epiphones history most of you don't..and the Gibson headstock will ruin value because its not a proper epiphone Kalamazoo headstock