Custom Built Chibson Kirk Hammett Tribute Les Paul Greeny vs $1600 Epiphone Greeny: How Can This Be?

[@HoffmasterB]

Thank you, Fulton Street Beats! I just ordered a group buy, slash Jessica from Cathy!! My reality check has been received! Buy the way. it's not the nationality or country, it's our fellow human being that happens to have high standards for themselves. Made in usa is a has been,used to be!✌️❤️👍 keep being a awesome ✨️human being ✨️👍

[@FultonStreetBeats]

@HoffmasterB thank you brother 🙏

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Wow, that Cathy Zhong Greeny is an absolute masterpiece it's hard to believe it was only $600! I think the days of spending thousands of dollars on a guitar are over, there are just so many other less expensive choices at a fraction of the cost and the quality is amazing.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

I've been playing it all day. I absolutely love it. I'm sold. She is an amazing custom builder. I have some of the shelf guitars here to review also. I will get to them whenever I decide to put this down. 😆

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@FultonStreetBeats , it sounds like you’re really enjoying that guitar. I couldn’t find a video of you doing a demo. Are you gonna do a demo video?

[@FultonStreetBeats]

@@bass-hiroshimanick2534 it comes out Friday.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@FultonStreetBeats , great, looking forward to it.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

@bass-hiroshimanick2534 thanks brother 🙏

[@BackWoodsBillyCraftBeerReviews]

WoW Cathy Zhong Builds an Awesome custom Guitar.... looks awesome love the clear cover!! Cheers 🍻🥃🥃🎸🎼🎵🎶

[@therealjameshu]

Another fantastic guitar us regular guys can afford with all the bells and whistles!

[@hkguitar1984]

This is crazy, I just now found this video. Back in 2019 I commissioned Cathy to build me a pair of Les Paul R9 copies. Cathy was great to work with, I sent her all the specifications and she built it from there. 1-Piece mahogany Neck and Body, bookmatched maple top w/flamed veneer, long neck tenon. I also had her ship me the guitar with no hardware or components installed. Cathy was able to recreate the burst finish I requested (I sent her a photo), finish is real Nitrocellulose Lacquer. Back in 2019 my cost was only $375 w/HSC. I then installed a real Gibson ABR-1 bridge, Kluson single line tuners, and most importantly, real Gibson plastics/pickup rings. I couldn't be happier, even 5 years later the guitar has held up well and compares very favorably top my original vintage Gibson. The only issue I have is the fret material, fret wire was typical Epiphone quality. Count me as a new subscriber.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

@hkguitar1984 thank you brother 🙏

[@tomdecuca3627]

You answered most of the questions I have about buying a Chibson guitar. Thank you.

[@TEXAS10PT]

I would like to order that exact guitar from Cathy. If I did, I would have Peter Green's name stamped on the back of the headstock. I mean it's called a Greeny because of him after all.

[@wangota]

I’ve got a build going on now with her shop. Doing an Aldo Nova in antique white. She does awesome work, looking to see one of her stock ready to buy guitars.

[@williamzoom]

I have wanted one of those for decades!

[@JohnB67]

Freakin' amazing! I love the custom build! I mean, come on! A HIGH QUALITY, CUSTOM built guitar for $600.00?????? SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! As always, thanks Mike! Keep it up brother!

[@TheworldofMattias]

Exciting! Lets see what Cathy can do. I think its gonna be awesome!

[@zoocru67]

When I got my custom built supreme I didn't put it down for 4hrs!! It just plays incredible. Nicest chibson I have bar none! Unfortunately with mine the finish is completely sub par, lots of blemishes in the paint and completely covered in orange peel. But she is giving me a credit on a future build to make up for it because there's no way I'm letting it go back it just plays too nice. I'm going to give it a hard polish and see if I can minimize the orange peel so time will tell on that end.

[@namegoeshere2805]

Hey pal. You RUINED my life. I keep buying Chibsons. I literally cannot stop.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

🤣😆

[@MellowGhetto]

Dude, me too! It's a nightmare!

[@zoocru67]

Me three😢 it's a sickness just ordered TEN MORE OMG. 3 are coming from Cathy one stock and 2 custom builds. It's a sickness holy Fxxk!!

[@45ounce]

Me too but they never arrive 😢

[@d.j.9961]

What platform/where & how do I order from Cathy Zhong? I did join a Cathy's Custom Fb page. How do I order from her?

[@the-darksicilian5207]

Hi Mr Fulton. ❤❤❤ Amazing, absolutely amazing.

[@dalesmyth7398]

Great video man, I really like that Greeny. I'm impressed with it for sure.

[@luizdiaz5196]

Nice comparison! The best guitar i ever owned was a 2005 faded gibson les paul. Naively, I sold it thinking the next gibson would play and feel the same. Sadly, i was mistaken. I've been chasing that feel for many years. I've also owned a couple of Chibsons and one of those was actually a decent guitar that i enjoyed very much. Now i have a couple of epiphone les pauls. The greeny and the modern and they are fantastic. Of course I've switched out pickups and nuts but they are amazing. The only real issue they have is that their frets are smaller than you'd find on a gibson and so ill be changing those out for actual medium jumbos in the near future.

[@MaxisBallinonaBudget]

In my eyes the Cathy guitar is just a lot glossier, the grain on the first one looked much deeper but it could just be the camera

[@FultonStreetBeats]

@MaxisBallinonaBudget it's the florescent lighting. Very reflective. Just mirrors back at the camera. I need to change the lighting.

[@zoocru67]

I'm actually talking with Cathy right now as I watch this video. She just reached out to me,I Told her how impressed I am with her work Mike. She's building me a custom strat right now and I'm sending her info for another build that is going to be my dream guitar can't wait to share that with you. P.S. if you were building your dream guitar what bridge and tail piece would you go with? Was thinking about a roller bridge

[@Jetta4TDIR]

I've been looking for Cathy's shop on my European AliExpress but can't find it, can anyone share a link for EU viewers please?

[@diegolatorre6793]

I was actually never to keen on having more guitars than my recording guitars, but i actually think Kathy might help out. I want a Floyd Rose 7 String, so it's not simple and it has been holding me down a lot.

[@StrangeAngel66]

Don’t have Facebook how can I get in touch with Kathy to build me a guitar?

[@beastmode003]

can you ask for fret nibs or is that not possible?

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Most definitely you can.

[@levijessegonzalez3629]

I'm looking for a 56' Les Paul P90 style guitar (goldtop or blacktop). What's the best P90 chibson builder you found?

[@ConnectionTimeout]

Just bought my first Chib a few days ago. Seller had decent reviews on Ali. No idea if it’s legit or not, but I paid via PayPal, so I’m protected and we’ll see.

[@lugarner8493]

Paypal will definitely refund u if something happens 👍 i know from experience ive bought a couple chibsons and one got seized by customs in new jersey.. but i had a tracking number and just told paypal it never arrived (which it didn’t 😂) and i got my money back so your good 👍

[@ConnectionTimeout]

@@lugarner8493 Awesome. Thanks, for sharing.

[@Metro2142]

I just ordered a replica of the Slash EDS-1275 for $300.00....so freaking excited for it to get here

[@tobydavis6770]

Absolutely love your shows and your channel!!! If Greenie was new, like brand new, wouldn't it be a burst finish?

[@FultonStreetBeats]

The Gibson version did have a very subtle burst. This was partly based on the Kirk Hammett Epiphone version, which has no burst. I wanted the new Epiphone look with no burst, but not buffed down like Epiphone did. But yes, you are correct.

[@sams.4388]

I love the review. I'm trying to get ahold of Cathy for a build. But haven't been able to find an email address. I tried messaging her on her Ebay channel, but did not get a response. Any suggestions? Have you had Jason Jia build any of your guitars and how do his compare to Cathy's? Thank you.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

I use Facebook to contact her. I haven't used Jason. Mostly because I can't get custom without a group order. With Cathy, you get what you pay for. Some are very expensive but top notch. Also she is starting to do custom logos instead of Trademarks.

[@MiketheMetalsanta]

Can I use your disclaimer in the future or could you make usable one you could share!

[@FultonStreetBeats]

No problem bother.

[@theguitarprofessionals8584]

SUPPORT

[@goreilly29]

Dude would you be able to share the spec you shared or would she still have your spec on record to be able to replicate it? So keen to have exactly as you showed and described here!

[@MiketheMetalsanta]

Are you live or is this prerecorded? Or did you just prerecord this part

[@jc6721]

Does it have a long neck tenon?

[@birdman316]

cathy is the bomb! great lookin guitar my brother!

[@matthewotremba9230]

Does Cathy do Chambered bodies ?

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Yes she will.

[@andys8718]

Does she build the frankenstrat too? How do I find her shop?

[@FultonStreetBeats]

I believe she does tribute version. Her info is in the description

[@jefflee4098]

@@FultonStreetBeatscan you give me the contact! I want a greeny just like yours.

[@mandoprince1]

The Cathy's Custom shop guitar is stunning, but it's not "like the Greeny,when it was new"! The original was a sunburst, but over time the burst has almost completely faded away. Back when Peter Green owned it, the sunburst was fairly well defined. That said, I do think you were right to go for this finish😎

[@goreilly29]

Hi Man. I’m talking to Cathy right now and want to identically replicate your build. Even down to the more 60’s style neck. Is it possible to share your full build details?…

[@ScottSpencer-b5r]

I like that orange!

[@ElvisPretzel-rv3bg]

Is it 8pm yet 😂 Awesome!

[@d.j.9961]

How do I order a guitar from Cathy? Is it throw alli express? I've seen / joined a Cathy Zhong FB page but, how do I know it's really her? From your greenie videos & other people's videos, I want one bad! I would like to get one this tax season, within the next few months.

[@namegoeshere2805]

I will say -- I ordered an in stock guitar from Cathy on the 8th, and it got to my house on the 15th. Shipped with SFExpress

[@davidhamlin7932]

👋 hello, how do I find her? Is like to look at what she has. Thank you

[@namegoeshere2805]

@@davidhamlin7932 He has links in his description of this video!

[@namegoeshere2805]

@@davidhamlin7932 Look in the description for this video -- links at the bottom

[@chronik301]

Very nice

[@tonycross2449]

The Epi they use maple tops. But the flames are only veneer

[@alexlonmo7788]

Where can I get in touch with cathy?

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Facebook messenger is what I'm told now.

[@Nocturnal_Sun1999]

Aren’t these chibsons the very same chibsons sold on aliexpress but for less money?

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Nope.

[@Danielo197]

Dude, I really want an AJ 1979 Les Paul antique silverburst but don't want to pay 1500 for the Epi. Do you think she could build that close to the Epi? How would bi go about achieving that? Any help would be great and excellent video or just go for the prophecy

[@jefflee4098]

How can I get a Cathy guitar just like yours! Can you give me the contact! Thanks!

[@leadstrat]

I bought a Chibson custom, and be damned if it’s not every bit as good of a guitar as some real Gibsons… with the upgrades I made, of course.

[@hkguitar1984]

Concerning Epiphone, the biggest deal-breaker for me (besides the headstock shape) has been the use of larger than Gibson pickup mounting rings.

[@BostonWhoFan515]

You'd know right away if it's nitro by the smell when you open that case. Plus, the feel of nitro obvious. It looks a bit thick and poly-like, but for the price, it's still impressive. The Epi definitely wins in the pickup category. The Epi has a proper two-piece body. They both have a young, un-figured piece of maple with a veneer on it. If you factor in the pickups, you're still only at about a grand, so you win with the value. I'm assuming there's no warranty. It wasn't bought and backed by a reputable dealer either. I get the allure. I wouldn't turn one away, but I wouldn't trust buying one either.

[@k77stan27]

Awesome axe, though Greeny had a totally different colour when brand new back in the day..

[@JimmySlattery]

I'm told by someone who deals in guitars and importation that Cathy Zhong is a broker, not a builder - she subcontracts the orders out to various builders to fulfill. Do you know anything about this?

[@vanhalen5150jhs]

yo. Awesome stuff

[@Jameswilliam1982]

Its only a Kirk Hammett model, because he owns Peter Greens guitar now.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Yeah we know that. But it is a Kirk Hammett model.

[@Jameswilliam1982]

@@FultonStreetBeats dude I can’t believe you sold that Greeny so cheap

[@FultonStreetBeats]

@Jameswilliam1982 I didn't sell the Epiphone cheap. I traded it for an Epiphone Les Paul Studio and got cash back .

[@wangota]

Let’s go!!! 😂🎉

[@WitchKingOfAngmar999]

I know her link but shes kinda tricky sometimes she answers and sometimes she dont. So i have order 1guitar and 1 guitar i cancelled due to bad communications.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

It Seems most are quite happy with her communications. I say this because I monitor these types of things daily with certain top builders. A 13 hr time difference and the fact that she is one person trying to be personal by answering questions of impatient people must me very taxing. I cant keep up with a KZbin channel comments, let alone 100s of custom guitar orders from people all over the world everyday. Then play catch up from the Chinese New Year Holiday orders. If anyone is in a hurry for a custom guitar definitely look elsewhere. But if you want a nice guitar and don't order the bottom of the barrel, you will get a beautiful guitar. And tricky she is definitely not. There is a language and time difference barrier... I've seen first hand bad communication with builders and sellers. She definitely does not have that. There is plenty of sellers that sub there work out to the cheapest builder to choose from. It might be faster and cheaper. But faster and cheaper is probably not a good thing.

[@WitchKingOfAngmar999]

@@FultonStreetBeats your right. The guitar she made was a beauty. Think i will order from her again and have little more patience and have time difference in consideration.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

@@WitchKingOfAngmar999 I definitely understand hating the wait. I have a few total customs with custom personalized headstock logos being built. It seems like forever. But I know I will be happy. Thanks for watching brother.

[@matthewotremba9230]

Glossy = better ?

[@slashu0]

Okay. Soo I just noticed that I picked same seller (custom order). So I hope it's really gonna be good

[@FultonStreetBeats]

If its Cathy, your chances of a awesome guitar just went up by a lot.

[@slashu0]

@FultonStreetBeats it is. I'm making tribute to R9 tobacco custom shop without pickguard. I ordered it last week so fingers crossed

[@FultonStreetBeats]

@slashu0 I have ordered 11 from her. Only one was not as expected. But all of the LPs were fantastic. Now the wait starts. But it's well worth it. Make sure to be specific and ask for build process pics along the way. She will be happy to help.

[@slashu0]

@FultonStreetBeats I hope. And I guess paying 440$ is worth it

[@slashu0]

Also because of your video I'm actually more relaxed and reliefed because I've never ordered a guitar from Ali before. Got only my modded epi LP trans amber and on that note you gained new subscriber 😎

[@brunocloutier4936]

You got it I buy 7 guitar from seller

[@_Yep_Yep_]

That feeling when you get an amazing custom guitar from overseas made by a master luthier, then guitar illuminati denigrate it as a Chibson. Then you keep showing amazing custom guitars made overseas by master luthiers and accidentally cause a surge in awareness and subsequent price hike.

[@MrSlowride67]

🥳

[@TheWGLOVER]

Is there not the possibility of customs confiscating it?

[@jriddell7]

K

[@GearreportdotCom]

I swear, I hear Kurt every time you say Kirk. LoL

[@FultonStreetBeats]

That upstate NY accent. lol