China vs Japan vs USA! - Les Paul Tone Comparison!

Are American Les Pauls better than Chinese or Japanese ones? Let's find out!
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[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Let me know which Les Paul you guys thought sounded the best! Enjoy :)

[@geralr]

The sound is easy to change, what matters is how it FEELS!

[@chantzarcher4807]

I’d say the Japanese app be sounds best

[@bewusstsein3527]

Blindfolded,,,, you cant tell which is which.. that's how good the 2 epi's are..

[@gregolson5089]

Just on principle the made in China is out of the running for me....

[@carlbaumeister3439]

@@gregolson5089 I hear ya. But just like a lot of Americans don’t agree with the socialism that’s encroaching in America, there are many many Chinese that hate the CCP, which probably includes many ppl that work for Epiphone in China. That might not persuade you, but just some food for thought.

[@jonathanmartin3375]

The fact that you can legitimately compare a $500 to a $2500 guitar and it's close at all says a lot about about where guitar quality building stands today. I'd gig with any of the 3!

[@deltasemple383]

To ne fair im pretty sure thats an 850 dollar epiphone

[@mangjuan_tv6789]

japanese quality control is in next level,probably number 1 in the world.its in general not only in guitars or other musical instrumens.that makes them exceptional

[@Pete_Harris]

The Japanese Les Paul Custom sounded lovely and 'fat' compared to the others, my favourite by a mile.

[@gibsonero00]

that's because les pauls custom always have a darker sound

[@stricknine8623]

If someone were being sincere they may have a slight preference in tone. When they start talking about some "other worldly" difference or "huge" difference or "by a mile",..it is then that you know they aren't being sincere.

[@kennethshort2016]

Maybe it was the amp.. but none of them sounded like the Les Paul's of yore.

[@edgarharris4764]

agree!

[@TheIkaika777]

@@kennethshort2016, All Gibson Les Paul’s don’t sound like Les Paul’s of yore. Not even the re-issues.

[@Ouzo66]

The black japanese , by far sounds the best at all chapters ...creamy and clean and cuts through the mix whitout scratching your ears

[@ericknapp4352]

The Japanese Elitist was the best sounding one.

[@joemasse4568]

The elite is a hell of a guitar, I’ve got a Casino elite, and quality and sound are better than the Gibson equivalent, they aren’t cheap, pretty rare.

[@SvenTviking]

There is no reason that a Japanese manufactured guitar should be inferior. They are an advanced developed nation that not only builds high tech electronic and automotive goods but also has great tradition in woodwork. Most shredders play Ibanez, made in Japan.

[@blakjack3053]

Indeed it did sound wonderful! They all sounded good. I own a Gibson LP, Xplorer, and SG and they sound and play fantastic! Personally I won't buy those Epiphones, I invest in USA made guitars, amps, and pedals!

[@harunrasitozturk9224]

best! l had one

[@Whatsitallabaaat]

I had to put my headphones on. The best was indeed the Japanese one, it sounded exactly how a Gibson Les Paul should sound. The Gibson was weird, it sounded like a Schecter, great if you like schecter, but it didn't sound like a Les Paul. Gibson keep doing this, let's make our 'insert classic Gibson of your choice' sound like our competitor. Like those 90s SGs that sounded like Strats. Why? If I want a schecter sound I'll buy one and get all that fat neck goodness too!

[@thereisnopandemic]

Want the Japanese one!! Japan has been killing it.your guitar skills still make these guitars sound like high quality guitars.

[@bradleyard4195]

Tone-wise, the MIJ LP is the clear winner, it's the least harsh-sounding guitar of the bunch, and the one I'd grab for.

[@davidbeauvais1364]

I have one

[@chipgaasche4933]

@@davidbeauvais1364 good for you, davy. Lol

[@danielwoods2531]

@@davidbeauvais1364 I beleive they are all mohagany so they are darker. That bite of the maple really shines in a band setting. You want that cut. At least i do. I love customs for rhythm playing. Not so much for lead. The last band i was in i played strictly rhythm and my custom worked awesome for that gig. The band I'm in now I'm the lead player and i use a standard and a mahogany/maple Jackson

[@davidbeauvais1364]

@@chipgaasche4933 I have Orville by Gibson made in Japan it's nicer sounding than my Nashville made LP.

[@StingrayMk1]

Agreed.

[@limatorontotorontoli]

I feel the Japanese guitar sound a little better than the others., but the American one in the clean mode sounds brighter than the other ones.

[@mountainpeakcloud8442]

Part of the brightness can be due to the fact that the pickups didn't have pickup covers on them, where as the other 2 guitars did. It would be interesting to do a comparison with a USA les Paul with pickup covers... My USA standard has pickup covers, and it is noticeably less bright compared to other USA standards without them.

[@limatorontotorontoli]

@@mountainpeakcloud8442 I have to Les Paul Epiphone, I in my case, the one with golden covers sounds better all the way than the one without covers. Price range is the same for both, but probably the inside components quality of the pickups made the difference.

[@mountainpeakcloud8442]

@@limatorontotorontoli Yeah, I didn't mean that covers make pickups sound worse, what I said was taking the covers off make the same pickups sound a bit brighter... so if the guy wanted to do a more accurate comparison, using les pauls all with or without covers would be better.

[@ronaldmendez186]

No one ever can defeat made in japan they are perfectionist

[@kennethshort2016]

Germany, Sweden, and Korea might beg to differ

[@robertthomas7239]

The Enola Gay begs to differ. 😉

[@periplanetaamericana86]

@@robertthomas7239 Oh snap 😂

[@AsianCole]

made in germany

[@anthonyvalentino9483]

BS buddy Scott Lewis is the Master builder and supervisor at the China facility and he was a Master builder for Gibson same with his American luthiers who are there also

[@ulaso3989]

The Japanese Epiphone sounds amazing

[@gotaguitarforsale]

The japanese les paul for me had the edge , deep tone and lots of character . 3 nice guitars and every guitarist has their own taste. I prefer the flame burst with fade. Thank you for sharing.

[@wilhelmtheconquerer6214]

Japanese guitars are always amazing! If I could ever have a signature bass, it would be a MIJ Fender with a roadworn finish, hands down!

[@oldguy5381]

I guess it boils down to how deep your pockets are. They all sounded great. Enjoy your weekend

[@miscellaneousmemer1016]

You too

[@cchavez248]

MIJ Epiphone sounded the best to me in all the samples, there was just something more vocal and organic to it's sound! Great vid!

[@andyanderson7503]

The Gibson sounds brighter but it also doesn't have pickup covers. They all sound pretty great to me! The MIJ sounds creamier like you said.

[@sgtmac62]

Everett, PUP covers are window dress. They do not change the sound. I tried this on my LP, and no difference could be heard by others and myself.

[@Nickclaynickclay]

Its a scientific fact that the cover changes the magnetic field. Now whether or not that's audible, I suppose is up to you. I tend to believe it compresses the attack, and attenuates the highs

[@stricknine8623]

Differences are subtle at best. "Creamier" isn't always the best and certainly is subjective. I've noticed that things like this depend on what is trending in a given comment section. If 10 out of the first 15 comments happen to be in favor of "x",....then the trend is set in favor of "x". Ever heard of a "herd mentality" and/or placebo effect ? It is real.

[@donwade3801]

Darrell I just love all your videos! You're relaxed manner is refreshing. No trying to impress people with your playing, which is phenomenal by the way! You're always Fair to everyone. Truly seem like a real nice guy who would make a great friend. Keep it up young man!

[@craigosborne3260]

Love the Japanese. It sounded awesome through headphones

[@flol3266]

Not only through heaphones

[@jmartini8875]

My fave too

[@D-Man_Jam]

Probably a placebo. Sounded the same to me, but probably built better.

[@miscellaneousmemer1016]

Don't think there's much of a difference in tone. The biggest difference is build quality

[@rickbullock4331]

The Chinese guitar sounded pretty awesome to my ears. I’m not savvy enough to really tell the difference. All of these guitars sounded great to me.

[@enoharyochannel9629]

For my ear too....choose Chinese 😊

[@djakasoeprijo3053]

@@enoharyochannel9629 Agreed

[@enoharyochannel9629]

@@djakasoeprijo3053 makasih mas 👍👍

[@captainwolf9770]

I like the Chinese it sounded like a tone of guns n roses

[@tonyhoodlass1846]

Chinese keep getting better

[@jameshughes6049]

I have the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard & it's awesome. But even though it's made in China it has Gibson USA pickups, CTS pots, Mallory capacitors, Switchcraft USA pickup selector switch & output jack, 50's style hand wiring & long neck tenon.

[@SwanSycorax]

Thanks for this back to back to back comparison. I am now 73 and have been playing guitar since I was 13! Over the years I have owned and played quite a number of Les Pauls - all Gibson, just as I also owned and played numerous Strats - all Fender. On occasions I tried several Chinese built copies but never took to any as they always - to my ear, sounded brittle when compared to the real thing and lacked personality in their feel. However, things seem to have changed. Firstly, age caught up and I sold off almost all my guitars in recent years as tinitus and deafness in one ear took away my ability to pitch when singing and age related stiffness in my fingers meant I was no longer able to play as I used to which caused great frustration - therefore, why keep loads of guitars each worth £2000+. However, I have learned to compensate for the hearing (the other ear is still good!) and worked on the fingers so a few months ago bought a couple of Squire guitars and was pleasantly surprised by how good these new Chinese instruments are. Today I pickup a brand new Epiphone 1959 Les Paul "Lemonburst" and am really looking forward to it.

[@johnlifts4384]

Epiphone fan had some great ones.. never embarrassed of that headstock

[@antma9028]

Love the other headstock.

[@Dieselpower994]

Honestly my Epi custom honestly rivals my Gibson LP STUDIO. Love both of them though!

[@mraycgz]

Never bothered me either. I really don’t get the hate.

[@jimmyparris9892]

I mostly prefer Epiphone over Gibson. I don't really know why. I think it has to do with the feel, and most of the Epiphones that I've had seem to be lighter than their Gibson counterparts. I love the Epiphone headstock.

[@mxaxe5591]

I prefer Epi over Gibson any day. And I too really like the old headstock. Stylish and unique to Epi.

[@YakGeareyfishing]

Japanese hands down was the best sounding of all of them

[@alsantariga1085]

I like the sound of the Japanese one the best. I just love that creamy sound. The 59 sounded good & the Gibson definitely had more bite in the bridge pickup.

[@Krullmatic]

I love the first Epi. It has a nice warmer, rounder tone. As you can see from my profile pic, I play an Epi Les Paul Heritage Cherry Sunburst and I absolutely love it! I'm normally a Strat guy, but the one one I wanted was a little bit out of my price range, so I bought the Epi Les Paul instead. I absolutely fell in love with it. I will still get me a Strat one day. Im thinking about hot rodding it. You know, some new pups, which that's really all it needs. The Alnico Pros aren't bad though. It stays in tune great with the grover tuners. The neck is absolutely gorgeous! All right, Keep on Rocking Mr. Darrell!

[@andysoard4282]

Fantastic reviews and comparisons. Me personally my favorite tone of the three was the made in Japan Epiphone.

[@bjkuhn4473]

The name means nothing. If it's good it's good

[@antma9028]

Exactly.

[@BOBANDVEG]

All sounded like Taiwanese pickups lol

[@go_ham_sam9902]

It took me way to long to learn that

[@ronniefnd]

@@go_ham_sam9902 I'm in the same boat. It's really embarrassing how many great guitars I never played because of what it said on the headstock.

[@j_freed]

USA is a shortcut to better pots and pickups? I can't imagine any Japanese guitar of same spec as USA is in any way less of a guitar. It's that just cheaper guitars spare some money on a few things. Consider the dead amazing quality of early 80s Squier by Fender Stratocasters MIJ with USA hardware, the first ones they sent over made the guys at Fender USA want to cry. It practically set a new high bar for the company.

[@davidingalls6355]

I recently acquired a 1959 Epiphone with the same dark burst finish as the one in the video, and I am more than pleased with the sound and quality of that guitar. It is an incredible value for the price.

[@manbearpig2164]

I thought the Japanese model sounded the best

[@whatskraken3886]

agreed

[@miscellaneousmemer1016]

Placebo effect

[@danielpage2013]

Which is concerning considering a Gibson is 3 grand out the box. Don’t get me wrong I swear by Japanese guitars. I have two MIJ Gibson copies, one lawsuit era and an Edwards (esp), and also a Heritage H157. The heritage blows them all out of the water..... I want to love Gibson but they don’t sound or feel Like quality instruments, which is unacceptable for their price point. I was taught at a young age if I wanted a Gibson... get something from about 1986-1995... bc the norlin era slab bodies are a million lbs and the ones from the millennium have qc issues.

[@whatskraken3886]

@@miscellaneousmemer1016 nope

[@Nikoo033]

The Japanese sounded best. It had hints of my Eastman sb57 tones. 🥰

[@preppinglife624]

Tone-wise the Japanese guitar was my favorite

[@grantmorgan4508]

I thought the Japanese model sounded best overall, particularly when playing a chord with distortion. The American model had some nice clean sounds with bite. The real test is often how they sound when playing in a band situation. I loved the blue finish on the American guitar.

[@dead_ass115]

Frank iero from my chemical romance used an elitist for who knows how long.

[@ryanyoung696]

All three sound good. I'd give the edge to the Japanese LP Custom for clean and edge-of-breakup tones. I liked the extra bark the USA LP Standard had on high gain.

[@philjackson519]

Japan has to take the biscuit on this occasion .Thank you for all you do Darrell

[@ZOOTSUITBEATNICK1]

imo It's good to hear somebody talk about a Gibson without bitching. imo

[@ericb.1384]

You must be new here haha

[@ZOOTSUITBEATNICK1]

@@ericb.1384 ...far from it...

[@FlorianGuitar85]

No bitching neccessary. After all, it leads the others by far simply by smelling way different for only far more money. Just kidding, nothing against a nice guitar with a fair and reasonable price / quality ratio. Sadly Gibsons used to be among those more in the past I guess.

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

Adjusted for inflation, the Gibson Les Paul Standard costs less today than it did in 1959. They have always been a, "luxury item." The current production is also higher quality and more consistent. The main difference is that there are many cheaper rivals for your money, today. If funds allow, I'd recommend the Gibson.

[@makifrank1809]

For me the best sounding guitar: Black Beauty Japanese Epi.

[@russelllucas1043]

Love the Japan model tone.

[@miscellaneousmemer1016]

Sounds the same to me. But is probably built better.

[@kensolo6793]

Thank you Darrell for a great comparison. Rankings in tone: #1-Japan made Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro Elitist #2 - American made Gibson Les Paul #3 - Chines made Epiphone 1959 Les Paul. I would be proud to own all three of them; however, there is no way I would pay the price for the American made Gibson Les Paul when the Japan made and China made Epiphones sound, look and play so great. I guess that explains why I own an Epiphone Custom Pro Les Paul, 2 Epiphone SG's a G310 SG standard (I did upgrade the G310 pickups to zebra probuckers and D'addario Locking Tuners) and a G400 SG Pro, and an Epiphone ES339 Pro and I don't own any American made Gibsons.

[@Beruang0707]

Actually I liked the Japanese sound best, I think it would fit my Country/Blues style very well.

[@ritualafterlife]

The Japiphone! Oh God that sounded incredible even with the stock pickups. I think with your favorite bucker upgrade it'd be the best sounding out of the bunch. I pretty much exclusively use Wizz Premium PAF in LPs.

[@fredmeister5607]

That Epiphone 1959 sure sounds great and plays great stacked up against a gibson les paul standard. Pretty impressive stuff for the price

[@jmartini8875]

Yes FredMeister. I own one of the Epiphone 59s. Only a couple of weeks now. Very nice. Highly recommend. All Gibson. Burstbuckers, CTS pots, Switch craft switch, hard case. It's all there except the G word on it's head stock.

[@bishlap]

pure mental masturbation: EpIphone will never be better than a REAL LIVE GIBSON Les Paul... I think it's time to grow up, Gibson haters. Just bc a Gibby LP is expensive or even in many an opinion, "overpriced" does not mean Gibson does not make a great/ the best, LES PAUL.

[@cole5561]

@@bishlap I don’t think there are Gibson haters either I think they are justifying there Epiphone purchase. It works both ways, in the end no one cares what your headstock says.

[@anthonystark5412]

@@bishlap There's always got to be one Agnesi fanboi in the comment section.

[@bishlap]

@@anthonystark5412 I know who Mark Agnesi is, but I'm not sure what exactly your comment means. Oh well, peace.

[@globaltrekkerexplorer]

For me it is a draw! They all sounded nice. The blue flame top is absolutely gorgeous. The look of the Gibson guitar draws your eyes into the colorful crafted artwork!

[@MichaelMacherey]

The Japanese has something in its sound! Like it!

[@aidanparsons2669]

Today I got my first ever Gibson. It is the Les Paul Trad Pro V in Blueberry Burst and I am in love. One thing that no one ever talks about is the inspiration a Gibson or other high end guitar gives. Although QC is not always great, the name Gibson makes me more inspired to play and I don't care how snobby it sounds.

[@joeblough261]

It doesn't sound snobbish to me, but it sounds kinda stupid. Not trying to be insulting, it's just from the standpoint that a) What does it say about a $2k+ Gibson that has QC issues? Automatically that is inexcusable at that price point, and a big knock against Gibson. b) I agree that a nice quality instrument makes us more inspired to play...but if the instrument itself is of top quality, why would the name on the headstock matter? For those of who have a real passion for guitar, we get off on playing cheap ones as well as expensive one, because it's all about the sound coming out of the amp, and the different character each guitar has. As en example, even though I have a beautiful and mildly expensive Dean Thoroughbred Select, ($900-$1k) but I still get off playing my electric Esteban Midnight Legacy "StratoPaul" that I grabbed for $90 on reverb.

[@kevantolley2503]

They all sounded great in a blind test. I currently own a new epi les paul custom. I have no problem with the made in China stigma. Mine is put together every bit as good as a USA model.

[@jeffreyeagen4896]

I thought the Elitist sounded the best, for my taste anyway.

[@kenthhamner2641]

I owned two Elitists. The PUs are 50/60ST iirc. A nicely built guitar but the poly kills the tone a bit. When I got my USA Trad+ I had no problem letting go of them.

[@Alex-et5tj]

They all sound the same

[@TheCheesewalrus]

Feel is criminally underrated on these tests.

[@nathan8331]

Honestly they all sounded great the epiphones have really evolved when it come to bang for your buck the prices for the epiphones are killer for what your getting the 1959 les paul was just amazing for how much it costed

[@carlbaumeister3439]

@Boony Tooty What kind of pickups, if I may ask? Also, what do you think is a reasonable price? (I’m looking at some used ones - might buy one.) Thanks.

[@davidaustin6271]

Exactly!! Such a no-brainer unless you have the cash free and ready to spend.

[@joehahn8817]

@@davidaustin6271 I paid $599 USD for an Epi Les Paul Standard Plus Top PRO in 2020, it's worth every penny and more!!! I just can't afford the extra two grand for a name on a headstock that may look better to some people. The fact is that beloved Gibson headstock has a greater break angle on the D and G strings. This contributes to the notorious tuning instability you hear about on a lotta Gibsons.

[@michaelb.42112]

10 seconds in and I've been looking forward to a video like this. China and Indonesia have been making some AMAZING basses for the last few years, maybe decade. Just as good as MIJ and 1/3 the price. If it's good, it's good, no matter what the headstock says. The secret is finding the one YOU like.

[@CynHicks]

These days it really seems that "sound quality" with guitars costing more than 600 or 700 dollars is pretty equal across the board. Build quality, built in tech gadgets and playability is really what separates them. I remember when I was young and started playing and those 300 dollar guitars would feedback and just sucked.... Now for 300 you can get something that's at least usable for more than just practice. 600 would get you something that didn't suck. Lol

[@j_freed]

Right and keep in mind that's not even the same $300, in real terms you have to compare with today's price of $600 or $900. The point is the quality to price ratio has increased exponentially, not just exceeded the same spending power but gone way beyond.

[@CynHicks]

@@dasschaf2476 Second hand? I mean, I had some decent ones too but none were new. Always from pawn shops. Anything that cheap new would not stay in tune, intonation always off and terrible, noisy electronics.....my cousin scored a nice, used Washburn for around 350 back in 92. Very solid jazz guitar with binding, carved top, brass nut, brass bridge, unique stainless steel hollow circle inlays... ect.... New a guitar like that back then would've been easily twice that. Maybe thrice. That's in 92 dollars not 2020... Today similar would be no more than 600 new

[@CynHicks]

@@dasschaf2476 or.... Maybe the guitar market in the U.K. was just much more consumer friendly back then. That or played guitars like my first one that couldn't actually be tuned and you had to turn the volume all the way down when not playing. Lol

[@raymondkidwell7135]

For $600 you can get an Epiphone that is about 95% as good as a gibson sound-wise- but to me the Gibson is the best sounding. And quality wise the Gibson is a big upgrade.

[@CynHicks]

@@dasschaf2476 Ibanez makes some great guitars. I've owned 3 of their S series... Only 1 currently. I had a Harmony begginer combo (amp, guitar, gig bag lol) I bought used for 100 bucks as my first "real" guitar. It sucked really bad. Basically a generic beginner Squire (I forget what Fender called those) but at the time it was great for my needs. Definitely got practice tuning time in lol. Harmony's "top tier" guitars weren't too bad though I remember. The key with pawn shops for me was finding a good one. Many acted like every guitar they had was something special when it was junk but a few were very knowledgeable but kept prices pretty low while occasionally you'd find one that doesn't know what they've got.

[@jlguitarman]

I honestly love my new 59 Epiphone, the neck shape and finish paired with the American electronics makes it play and sound great, I feel no need to spend 3-5 times the money for another one.

[@bw1955]

I liked the MIJ the most. The USA was actually my least favorite.

[@meinhendl]

Agree !

[@777sicilia]

I agree too. There just isn’t enough difference to justify paying $2500 for the Gibson.

[@ronniefnd]

Agreed

[@bw1955]

@@777sicilia I think the USA sounded thinner than the other 2. Would probably be ok by itself but was noticeable compared to the others.

[@j_freed]

Japan and USA guitars probably all have a bit of variability, just based on the luck of the wood, etc. China I would expect still more variability, with the odd guitar coming out pretty perfect. I would not expect total consistency at any price point, but especially the cheapest.

[@Rockaboveclouds]

Thank you for the review! Soundwise: 1) Japan, 2) China, 3) USA Looks: 1) USA, 2) Japan, 3) China Long Tenon: 1) Japan & China, 3) USA Price/value: 1) China, 2) Japan, 3) USA Overall: 1) Japan, 2) China, 3) USA I hope you can do a review of a Tokai one day, in my opinion they are stunning guitars.

[@williambaker70]

Have you ever reviewed a James Tyler Variax?

[@gkroberts7816]

I liked the MIJ most. So much so that yesterday I snagged an Elite with the open book headstock. The real Gibson does sound sweet as does the Chinese version for that matter but its the Japanese build for me. Sounds amazing, feels amazing and a third of the price. Mine has Gibson writen on the TC anyway.

[@ironmikehallowween]

That Gibson is gorgeous. The Japanese one in black was striking in its own way. They all sounded great.

[@georgeescaped6035]

put the same pickups in each guitar or the same electrics and same pickups in each guitar to see if they sound different

[@fredericadda]

But the point is to compare stock models

[@AlexTheCynic]

@@fredericadda This video has no point since those are 3 different guitars who would sound different even if all made in the same country.

[@fredericadda]

@@AlexTheCynic of course. But the point is not to check if they sound different (they do), it's to evaluate the relative quality of these models as they are if you bought them. If you put $100 worth of pickups to the $800 Epiphone, the comparison is flawed.

[@AlexTheCynic]

@@fredericadda To change to the same pickups has no point since these are different models. To have a real comparison you should try 3 of the same model (ex. les paul custom) made in 3 different country. This video has no value. Its just a Gibson ad

[@jameshughes6049]

All 3 of these guitars come stock with Gibson USA pickups.

[@rexbenemerito1943]

Whether Made in China, Japan or USA, you did a good job of asking “what do you think” is best for your budget and sound or both. As for me Japan made LP guitar is better.

[@smudgethecat]

Just refreshed my youtube and saw your video! I didn't even realize it was freshly uploaded, lol!

[@beannie60]

WOW! I didn't know their was a EPIPHONE 1959 Les PAUL STANDARD, that's great! And great video's!!!

[@underdog8797]

First off the Epiphone facility in China is State of the Art and American owned and operated American luthiers and supervisors on site Scott Lewis is plant manager and Master builder Lewis was also Master builder at Gibson some years back...so there you have it

[@denismguitar1552]

I cannot support China.

[@MGTOW-nn9ls]

I am living and working in China and wondering whether to buy epiphone made in China. Thanks for info about their facility and quantity control information .

[@johnmckenzie6262]

The Japanese hands down for me fuller and richer really liked that tone!

[@kevinjohnson9710]

This just proves a pro can make them all sound great.

[@HighSpeedirt1]

So true! What I really want to know is which is more comfortable playing wise and by how much. When you play it unplugged does it resonate and sustain notes better than the other. Then we can talk about pickups and sound because your probably gonna end up changing them out anyways.

[@MFinGonzo]

More like a pro sounds good. Guitar is fine, if it sounds bad it may be the player

[@xTRiPPx78]

I saw the American as pretty seriously superior and it was really cool to be able to hear a comparison and see that the difference is real. Cause I've been planning to start saving and get a american made tele pro and it's good to see I'm not gonna be wasting my money.

[@ValEomen]

The headstock logo doesn't matter. All three are killer guitars!

[@jaimealvarez143]

My dear friend.. your channel is sooo good. I own a bunch of mid range guitars that I have been adjusting, calibrating and improving... your advices have been so useful. My instruments are sounding like never before without destroying my bank account. Thanks!

[@richciccone2711]

I own a 1990s epiphone LP and an epiphone dot from the same decade. Both made in Korea, both made in the same factory on the same day. They are both incredible sounding instruments. I honestly liked the tone of the Chinese LP.

[@FINELINEVAN]

I been playing for 45 years professionally , retired now but still on it daily. My 1st guitar was a 77 Les Paul custom and was all I used since, its showing wearing but has always been a gem, I recently put a Gibson 59 Bridge on it because it was worn and added the bumble bee capacitors to the tone pots which added so much more range. But I always wanted a 335 and saw and read reviews on the Sheraton 2 Pro Epiphone Let me tell you the finish on that guitar is as nice as the Gibson Les Paul the sound is the sweetest sound. I love that guitar and play it daily. I fell in love with it and Epiphone I recently got a 61 SG Epiphone because I love the 335 Sheraton. The ordered the SG and found it has the same thing fit finish and the sound is great. The finish is one of the most beautiful finish. It for sure has a different tone and bite the 335 copy and the old 77 Les Paul, but it sound great dry as well as pushed. Once I adjusted the action to my preference I switch between all 3 in my studio and to me all 3 are equal to play. The SG has a faster thinner neck and the Pickup that you can go back and forth from single coil to humbucker is a great advantage for creating new sounds and tone, the Sheraton has same pickups. All 3 Les Pauls you played sound so close. Why spend 3500 to 5000 when 800.00 gives you everything but the name across the top. I have always been a GIbson player but im just as happy with Gibson copies made in a good QC factory by a Gibson owned company.,,

[@freehey629]

I like creamier sounding Les Paul's so I liked the Japanese one the most.

[@mr3klax]

I have 4 Epiphone Les Pauls - 3 MIC and 1 MIK. And I don’t crave for a USA-made Gibson. They all sound great. And play great. To me.

[@TheHirade]

Which one sounds best? Yes!

[@haroldjhafhethmelendezmart3655]

The best Les Paul is from Japan, good video.

[@sammyclee]

Has to be the Japanese made LP for me, the sound quality was the best in my opinion and the finish looks great

[@Arfonfree]

I thought that the Japanese Epi, and the Gibson sounded much more full than the Chinese Epiphone. Of the 3, the Japanese Custom appeals to me the most.

[@michaeljoyce3286]

I prefer USA made even tho Japanese guitars are made with incredible quality that would be my list USA Japan and China

[@anthonyvalentino9483]

The Epiphone Qingdao facility is run by American Master builder Scott Lewis and American luthiers Lewis was also Master builder for Gibson and has been at the Qingdao facility since 2002 Lewis has been with Gibson/Epiphone 46 years the American and Asian luthiers at Qingdao facility are incredible the very best

[@Turboy65]

The American LP has more clarity to it. They all sound great but that clarity stands out.

[@dlux703]

I liked them all and I "do" believe that wiring, even though essentially the same, can have individual quirks. Especially tone pots, which can contribute to the perception of one being warmer/smoother, etc. You can set the pots on all 3 at the same place and that won't mean they all have the same setting. There are variations for each one.

[@HottJumbulia]

I have two American Gibson Les Pauls and five Epiphone Les Pauls-one of which was made back in the day in Korea when they first started out. And in my opinion the one made in Korea has the nicest look, feel, sounds and playability. And that’s coming from someone whose first love was the American Les Paul.

[@kennethshort2016]

That is not surprising as everything that I have ever purchased made in Korea has been top notch and like some European countries really place a high value on excellence. It leads me to wonder which guitars are made there and if they produce their own brands.

[@mountainpeakcloud8442]

I had a Korean Epi LP from 1996, and the neck was warped, and would go out of tune easily, though it did sound good. Perhaps I got a dud, but I remember they had some QC issues. I did however have a Korean Hamer from 1993 that was a really great guitar.

[@denniscaton3894]

The only time any of these instruments will sound bad is when you play the wrong note.

[@djakasoeprijo3053]

correct

[@richcaise1788]

HaHaHaHaHa... Good One!

[@anthonycrystal33]

I've watched your vids for a number of years and I always hear you play with basically the same sound processing each time with each different guitar. Now your choice of amp or sound processor is for your taste preferences in sound, however, when doing a demonstration-comparison it is best to hear without any sound effects so that the guitar can be heard and not the processed sound. In this video, all guitars sounded basically the same because the pure sounds of those guitars were replaced with your desired processor!

[@rocnrobyn]

Loving the tone Japanese LP! Amazing I thought.

[@tallantj]

You're playing just keeps getting better. Loving the content.

[@harrisonh5004]

I’d be happy with any of those! The made in China one is only bad just because it’s associated with China. Soon as you see made in China you think cheap or poorly made but it’s actually nice!

[@timtwotone3561]

Hi Darrell, I am a guitar snob according to my mates, but I really like the Chinese LP. Not as pretty as the USA and not the fancy binding of the MIJ, but it sounds great. I reckon more bang for your buck. Cheers Timbo

[@dcamp671]

I’m picking up the ‘59 next week. Happy to see that it’s money well spent. Will be my first real Les Paul, can’t wait.

[@jerryx2000]

I loved the Japana Gibson but all three pick up were different I guess!

[@normfpv1104]

I just love listening to you playing, talking, you're just good for the soul. Thank you.

[@Hemidakota]

Back in the 70s I had a Japanese Les Paul. Love the tone.

[@greghenderson4582]

The thing I take away from this video is that you are a fine player who is capable of making any guitar sound remarkable!!

[@MustafaBaabad]

I agree that the Japanese has the best sound. Cheers from Indonesia.

[@mrjoepc]

Indonesia makes some great guitars also !!!! I have a 2020 squier telecaster FSR that rocks. One of my favorites

[@MustafaBaabad]

@@mrjoepc we have some big factories that make good guitar for some reputable brands and villages near Solo Central Java that make guitars as handicraft..

[@mrjoepc]

@@MustafaBaabad I would love to visit your country. You have some of the most beautiful women in the world also 😁

[@MustafaBaabad]

@@mrjoepc yes Indonesia is very beautiful country. If your budget is limitted then the town of Pacitan in South of East Java is really the best location. The view is to Indian Ocean and if you like sea food than Warung Ibu Gandos is the best destination. Me, my wife and my dughters love to go to Pacitan. Not yet very touristic and by all standard not less beautiful than Bali. Nearby Pacitan, there is a beach with good wave for surfing all year long. Cheers from Indonesia.

[@mrjoepc]

@@MustafaBaabad thank you that's priceless information for someone that doesn't know the area. Much appreciated

[@explorervango880]

My buddy and I bought new Les Pauls. His an Epiphone Custom Pro. Mine a Slash Gibson USA. They are both great, and the Epiphone had extra features pulling the volume and tone knob(s). The Gibson is better-not as many times more it costs-but the Gibson is better. I have two Epiphones and three Harley Bentons I will play when we jam spreading my playing around especially my SG Pro, but if you have the money pick up a Gibson at a guitar shop and give it a try. I wish I could afford a Gibson SG.

[@faizsuria]

To my untrained ears, I prefer the sound of the Japan made.

[@cuylerwilkinson4414]

In '66 Dad bought a 1965 Epiphone Frontier for my 11th birthday. In '73 for a graduation present he was going to buy me "THAT BLACK ONE" but when he seen Made in Japan he just walked out the store. I can tell you the Epiphone I tried out was magic. In this video I hope the same strings were used for each guitar and maybe I'm partial but the Japanese made one is hands down the best Epiphone will ever have.

[@Yellowcard7572]

Epiphone hands down knowing that you don’t have to spend so much money to get a great looking and sounding guitar, the Gibson sounded good too

[@davidaustin6271]

Exactly!

[@kahlrhoam6769]

Well, nothing I couldn’t fix w/a change of pups & a graphic EQ pedal. Good video. 👏

[@MichelCernev]

The Three Guitars ware brilliant in sound and some how I thought that the japanese was sweet and clear to me

[@donaldmook9073]

I appreciate the outstanding review. I have the epiphone Les Paul custom made in China, and it plays outstanding. Cannot beat the price. One day I will move into an American made Gibson $$$. Your demo keeps it all in perspective.

[@SuperBroncosguy]

Insane amount of guitar for that price.

[@RobbiIlmansyah]

It was close sound comparison, no one will notice the sound difference on stage anyway,

[@Scottiej41]

I just recently purchased a Michael Kelly Patriot Decree. The specs are great, It is my first Les Paul style guitar andi love it. You should demo some soon. They do have higher end guitars but the decree line is affordable and QUALITY made for the money.

[@jasontrujillo2859]

Loved the gibson but for the price I'd thank both of the epiphones and be happy

[@gregdunn6040]

The MIJ Epis are getting hard to find, running at $1100+ now.