I Paid $1299 For An EPIPHONE!? Unboxing/Playing The BRAND NEW 2024 Epiphone Les Paul Custom!!

I bought one of the brand new 2024 Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop Epiphone Les Paul Custom! Now coming with the Gibson open-book headstock! But is it worth the $1200 I paid for it?? Let's see if we can find out!!
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[@DenDenBMX]

THANKS FOR WATCHING!!

[@DavidJosephBoth]

do you like it as much as the LTD guitars? maybe a shootout of it against your favorite LTD coming?

[@DenDenBMX]

oh it's coming

[@FrankThaThird]

At first the price rubbed me the wrong way, then I started thinking, every other big brand with models that have “premium” specs like ebony boards, name brand pickups, etc. are all in this price range. The only thing I think is still a tragedy, is the 1959 one’s do not have rosewood fretboards, for that price.

[@user-bb7te4yo3y]

Solid point

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

My 59' Standard LP IBG was the first run without the open book HS, it has the Gibson pup's in it just not the Headstock but I really don't care about the HS on this one because Chibson uses an open book headstock and they are a rip off. The Kalamazoo HS looked nice and it wasn't copying Gibson. Now it looks better I will agree with on my new SG/LP Custom it gives it more of a Gibson look and Epiphone is connected to Gibson they are Gibsons older brother so they have a right to use the headstock.. I'm not blown away by the price because you are getting near 700.00 worth of pups in the SG/LP making it a decent price for what is basically a Gibson with only a few minor differences like the weight and body thickness. I didn't like 10's coming on it but I put 9's on it right away. These IMO are the best value and closest you are going to get to a Gibson for the price. It may be a bit steep for the LP but you are getting 500.00 worth of pick up's right off the bat as compared to the 200.00 Pro buckers. Plus these seem to have been assembled with more care than other models in the less expensive range. Mine did come with the ground wire unattached and I had to do it myself which pissed me off right away but it was an easy 1 minute fix so I can't bitch but at this price point they need to slow down and make sure they are correct. They claim these are set up in the USA but they couldn't possibly have done that with mine or they would have noticed it right away.

[@craigbuchan]

Cant lie, that open book bound headstock is making me want one 🤩

[@michaelschmidt8752]

I want both customs and the 59

[@mr3klax]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I just called my engineer at Sweetwater. The last time I purchased an Epiphone Les Paul was 11 years ago in 2013. But this new IBG Epiphone LP Custom looks super sharp. That oversized Gibson open book headstock with the MOP logo & split diamond inlay with multi-ply binding is my all-time favorite. My opinion personally, I think all the Gibson upgrades including the IBG premium hard shell case that went to this guitar is worth the $500 mark up. $1299 is still less than a quarter of the price of the Gibson at $5,799. So, I ordered one in Alpine White. This will be my 14th guitar and my 5th Epiphone Les Paul. Life is good.

[@DenDenBMX]

Hope you enjoy yours dude, thanks for watching!

[@valendis]

Can't wait for the comparisons! Great demo!

[@DenDenBMX]

thank you for the support! i'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@SiddharthKarunakaran]

Sorry just a poor boy from India, who can't afford nice stuff. Like this guitar. Fallen on bad times financially. But I enjoyed watching your video.

[@sixslinger9951]

There will be better days ahead for you, stay the course.

[@SiddharthKarunakaran]

@@sixslinger9951 Thanks for the kind words. But sometimes I wonder what the hell I am doing with my life playing guitar in my room all day when I am not taking care of my son that is when everyone else I know is working the 10 to 7 in a cubicle in an office and progressing with their careers and saving for their retirement. Sometimes non conformity can take a toll on you.

[@mr3klax]

Don’t you worry my friend. Behind the dark clouds, lie a silver lining. Stay strong.

[@GROCK619]

Yes Sid !!!

[@andrewcruz7595]

Keep your head up theres some affordable Epiphones on the after-market. For around $200-$300

[@mesaseany]

Great review. How do you compare it to the ESP LTD EC-1000T CTM Eclipse? Cheers

[@DenDenBMX]

we're gonna find out how it stacks up to my LTD after we compare it to the $799 version of the epiphone les paul custom!

[@stricknine8623]

I would try to think less about names and headstocks and more about the fact that it is tangibly a Les Paul and it is a REALLY GREAT ONE for a great price.

[@jordantaylor1988]

The "Gibson owners looking at Epiphone owners" meme is awesome 😂

[@ANTHONYFERNANDO]

Love it. I can't wait to pick one of these up.

[@DenDenBMX]

thanks for watching!

[@XelaniJC]

Thank you dan for another guitar video, how's neck thickness compared to EC 1000CTM?

[@DenDenBMX]

it's thicker, LTDs thin-u is pretty much the same as the 60s slimtaper, so it's a bit bigger but not as big as a 50s C

[@lawrencedevere2242]

I see this as gibsons new replacement for Orville guitars filling in that gap between the budget epiphones and gibsons standard range while still mostly having the looks and bells and whistles. Only complaint I have is that the new les paul standards STILL have a laurel fretboard. That being said the 355, Les paul custom, sg custom I can see being worth the money

[@dutchguitarist3078]

Subscribed man, like the way you do this 👌🏻

[@DenDenBMX]

thank you so much for the support dude!

[@DavidJosephBoth]

Beautiful guiter, get some keystone lockers. Seems worth it with the inlays and dark board etc. looks great

[@Zoso981]

I agree, Keystone locking tuners and maybe some Thumb-Bleeders

[@mr3klax]

Would they fit if I swap them?

[@DenDenBMX]

it's definitely gonna need new tuners, after having it for a few days I can confidently say these grovers that came on mine suck butt

[@cannedmilk]

Congrats! I want one of these in that color so bad, but I gotta pay off my other new guitar first! Great video!

[@DenDenBMX]

thanks for watching!

[@therightisright8276]

I have a 2015 Epi LP Custom Pro in white with gold trim and aside from headstock, they're pretty much the same. Mine has coil tap and phase tap, Probuckers, switchcraft switch, ebony fretboard and best of all was just 250. used but perfect condition from a pawnshop. So looks like Sweetwater got you pretty good. You could have bought an actual used, lower end Gibson for that 1200.

[@howlingeve898]

I. Am. Loving. The. Guitar! Besides, subbing now, entertaining and informative, overall fun video :)

[@marmadukewinterbotham2599]

Glad to hear the neck isn't too big. I had an older model in ebony and found the slim taper 60s neck a bit odd - thin but flat for some odd reason. I recently sold it, so may go for one of these (when I get over the price...phew....!)

[@Paul-D]

Cool guitar Im tempted with the new SG custom - but I'll have to try one in person first. Also impressed how you play guitar on a chair with arms. Thats not easy haha.

[@DenDenBMX]

haha I can drop the arms to get them out of the way

[@jimbo9357]

That head stock looks great.

[@mr3klax]

Yeah. My all time favorite.

[@Martinjazz16799119]

You're review was great brother! Quick suggestion. We jazz players also like this kind of tone woods so it'll be nice to include clean sounds but without any effects. Thanks man I enjoyed the review and I just subscribed too.

[@DenDenBMX]

thanks for watching and for the support dude!

[@davidlawson7786]

First time seeing your channel, you’re not a tool and you’re pretty decent at guitar too. I enjoyed your video and your opinions on the Epiphone custom, those pickups sound great both clean and high gain tones sound glorious. The guitar looks and sounds incredible to my ears. I think the price might be a bit high but I’m thinking with a case thrown in it’s worth the $$$. Very beautiful guitar, I would definitely get the white one like yours. Good video and now you have a new subscriber. Whoop whoop!

[@DenDenBMX]

aye thank you so much for the nice words and the support man, it means a lot!

[@ThePHCHIEF]

You play so well. Really enjoyed it

[@DenDenBMX]

hey thanks dude! I really appreciate that!

[@vecers5gb]

Which one is better Epiphone Les Paul Custom or ESP LTD EC-1000T CTM Vintage Gold Satin? Thanks

[@DenDenBMX]

we're gonna find out here soon!

[@aureliusandthespiral]

I got an epi 79 Silverburst. Lovely guitar

[@user-ci3hb4qo2u]

I am jealous that is a beautiful les paul!! Sounds great!! 😊

[@TheMrMRsmoke]

The headstock tone is real

[@ratwynd]

Pre-63 Epiphone headstocks were 'open book style' as well. I own a vintage Epiphone Cabellero Kalamazoo-made acoustic with the same design.

[@mr3klax]

@@ratwyndCongrats. I will check that out in my Epiphone book.

[@DenDenBMX]

looks definitely can affect your enjoyment of a guitar

[@ratwynd]

@@DenDenBMX Whose? You. The guitar. Or the pretty girl in the audience?

[@gameroftheyear1000]

@@DenDenBMXI agree here. I love my ‘00 black beauty 3 pickup Epiphone custom. It was my first real guitar and it was from my parents. My old man has always been a Gibson player and picked an Epiphone up about 15 years ago and loves it. He’s got an ‘87 custom in tobacco burst in lefty and I found a righty ‘87 Gibson custom to match it. Also picked up a Greco Les Paul custom which also has the right open book headstock. And every time I place them all side by side, I wish my Epiphone had the open book headstock. I’ve actually wanted to buy a template and cut off the right size ends and cut the old ends off the headstock to glue those in to give it the right look. Apparently if you google it, you can find plenty of garage headstock mods on 90’s and 2000’s Epiphones. Wouldn’t also hurt to re-inlay the diamond to the right size either. They do make pre cut mother of pearl inlays for Gibson customs on the aftermarket, wouldn’t hurt to try those. But all in all I agree that the look can affect the enjoyment.

[@pacoysusguitarras]

Nice video man! What camera and ilumination set up do you use?

[@Ken-yg4um]

I was just saying to myself that the video quality is crisp 👌

[@DenDenBMX]

thank you! for this video I filmed with my samsung galaxy s24 ultra, and for lighting I use a gvm keylight with a softbox and a cheap lil ring light!

[@daboosreviews8819]

I just got the SG with three pickups and the thing is ridiculously good. As good as my Gibson SG Special and Standard and absolutely looks the business.

[@DenDenBMX]

im glad to hear you got a good one dude!

[@chrissgardiner]

Thanks so much for doing this video. These new Les Paul Customs and the Epiphone Exclusive Ruby Red Explorer on Zzounds are at the top of my radar for guitars right now. The only new Gibson I'd ever owned was a Gibson Les Paul Classic Custom in 2012 in Wine Red. I paid $1800 for it new and that things was AMAZING. Was basically a weight relieved Les Paul Custom without the back binding, baked maple board, and Classic 57 pickups. I regretably sold that guitar just before they discontinued the models. This Epiphone to me is the closest I'll get to that guitar at a reasonable price. Thanks for this in-depth video! Question, what camera are you using in your videos. Quality looks great.

[@DenDenBMX]

Thanks for watching! I'm using my Samsung galaxy s23 ultra!

[@chrissgardiner]

@@DenDenBMX Dannng! That phone has some great quality.

[@ChipQ]

i dont care what anyone says, they hit it out of the park with the new epis. these are sweet. I have some vintage gibson archtops, and am ordering one of the epi 355s to gig with so i dont have to worry about messing up the old stuff.

[@neilyoung5029]

Yeah I have my eye on the 335….I will never be able to afford the £4k plus for the Gibson CS version unless I sell all my other guitars! That is not happening 😂

[@trevorD1156]

BS people that buy Epiphone's do it explicitly because they care what others think and wanted a guitar like a Gibson that is only somewhat overpriced and not insanely overpriced. There are absolutely better single cut hardtail guitars than these Epiphones for less, but you're a sheep and spent 600$ more than you should of cause you want everyone to know you play a poor man's Gibson that cost as much as a shitty tribute Gibson.

[@trevorD1156]

Blatant lies, no one buys a Gibson or Epiphone cause it's the best guitar for the money.

[@dinkeredwards5187]

I Only order my New Guitar's from Sweetwater and i just got a Deal on one of the Epiphone Limited Edition 59's !! Always boxed Great..Always able to inspect the guitar with photo's online as much as possible and So on..So far every Epiphone ive ordered when ive got them ive went over them even after seeing there pretty great setup right out of the box.I always do a complete once over with fret leveling check and on then continue with my personal setup and ive been More than happy every time .Maybe the other unhappy bunch if Epiphone haters are buying from someone else which im sure But SMFH..I can see another Sweetwater order happen I soon and i am one of the one's that can see the value in more than just the headstock.Probably what combined for the nice case and pickups..$600-$700 not counting the guitar..Thats almost the price of the $799 version ..Just saying ..and No Case ...Great Video Again.... Surprised you Bought one but Congratulations Sounds Great and looks as Hot as Sweetwater's Ass 😂😂😂 wtf Was that about? ...That High Gain Hurt my hearing aid you Tool 🤣🤣🤣...Have fun!✌️😎

[@mr3klax]

Go for it my friend. Just did. 3 hours ago. Have not talked to my engineer at Sweetwater for quite a while. So NGD in 2 days! Did I say, go for it?

[@mr3klax]

@@dinkeredwards5187Thanks! Like you I usually check out their guitar gallery and choose from 4-6 guitars. But, they have not posted any since last Friday when I found out about these new 2024 IBG custom models. So, I called my personal engineer. He said they had 11 before the weekend and 9 already got sold. They were going so fast to make it to the photo shoot. Personally, I have no issues with the price mark up. The stunning bound Gibson-style headstock, with real MOP inlays, a pair of Gibson USA pickups, ebony fretboard, upgraded electronics, premium hard shell case, etc are all worth the $500 premium. No complaints here. And besides I only got it for $1199. With free signature-required shipping. So NGD in 2 days. I am so excited. Life is good.

[@user-xs8do5wh6w]

Great video, ended up buying one! Plays and sounds great!! Sub’d!

[@DenDenBMX]

Aye thank you so much for the support dude! Glad to hear you're enjoying yours!

[@gscgold]

yep, getting one...but I'm kinda torn because I really want a gold top les paul standard and hoping they put one out with the new headstock.

[@mr3klax]

They will my friend. We just don’t know when. But they will, one at a time with the new Gibson headstock. And they will all be discontinued. It’s a cycle. I had my first Epiphone Les Paul in 2013. I was so impressed that I bought 3 more in a matter of 4 months. Then, I stopped when I discovered the Epiphone Masterbilt acoustic guitars and bought 4. I have no desire whatsoever in getting a Gibson as I am fully contented with the name Epiphone - not just because of its quality but also because of its rich history. It’s just unfortunate that Epiphone fell on hard times. Now that my 8 Epiphone guitars are older, they now have that vintage vibe. Just ordered the LP Custom in Alpine White 3 hours ago.

[@tagadabrothersband]

@@mr3klax Why didn't you order4 LP Custom directly? 😁

[@jessehutchings]

I paid a similar price for the Cantrell Prophecy LP. I was honestly unsure how i felt about it right after receiving it but after almost 2 years, tons of practice, tons of raw video recordings and playing it at open mics I can say the price was totally worth it. If it sounds good and inspires you to keep playing that's what matters!

[@DenDenBMX]

I'm glad to hear you're enjoying yours!

[@Siggy_Sour]

guitar looks pimpin! real pearl inlays make it pop!

[@DenDenBMX]

she's quite the looker

[@johngamble3494]

I just bought the Cantrell wino. I want the white custom but I'll wait on it to hit reverb

[@jessehutchings]

3:45 I loved this 🤣🤣🤣

[@donthewatcher]

Hey DenDen 5/3/24 i pulled the trigger on a 2024 alpine epiphone LP custom . I got a great price from instrumental music in thousand oaks ca, a mom and pop music store . They had a ebony, LP and a 335 . Im gonna get a david neely setup (bonomassa's friend) and get close as i can to the $5800 gibson model . Epi stepping it up

[@DenDenBMX]

glad to hear dude, hope you enjoy it!

[@dottorg7721]

Great video. 👍🏻

[@DenDenBMX]

thank you!

[@Isri_in_SD]

So fast!! Thanks

[@DenDenBMX]

thank you for watching!

[@rikkousa]

Has anyone had issues with recent broken Epis? I love my Epiphones…have heard lots of stories about the nexts cracking in shipments….is this a function of design or bad “luck” while shipping?

[@tylergreen8421]

I bought a slash pack that was broken, they wouldn't help me with it either. Went ahead and bought a 59 anyways from the earlier issues, which has been phenomenal. I just wouldn't go for anything that ships without case anymore.

[@jaredpritchard4991]

I got the 1963 sg custom and it is shocking how good it is

[@johnanon3081]

Beautiful guitar. Like others have mentioned, after you've played with this guitar for awhile, please do a comparison between it and the Esp Ltd EC-1000 CTM Custom "Randy Rhoads" style guitar you have!!!!!!! Thanks for the vid and review!

[@DenDenBMX]

that comparison will becoming right after comparing it to the $799 epiphone les paul custom!

[@thewonderofyou1]

Has this got the nut sitting on the binding rather than the wood like the Gibson versions.. The gibsons nut sits where the angle starts on the headstock..

[@DenDenBMX]

it sits on the wood, it's only on top of the binding on the edges

[@dananthony6258]

I like the white but a black les paul custom is the sexiest guitar ever made imo. This reminds me of a guitar they made in the 90s.

[@darrenj7]

Wicked playing brother!

[@DenDenBMX]

Thank you!

[@patrickgiles2700]

I just purchased one from Sweetwater, should arrive in a few days. While I have not received it yet I at least want to weigh in on the price point. LTD models of the EC-1000 are now at $1,499, without a case. Jackson Pro Series are approaching $1,599, without a case. Lower model important are starting around $799, without a case or name brand pickups. With the new Epi LP Custom you get a hard case, Gibson pickups (which I love), ebony, mother of pearl, and Gibson headstock. I love the EC-1000 series guitars, have had many. But this new Epi LP Custom is priced better and offers more.

[@DenDenBMX]

I think the ec-1000 is still justified even without the case, because you're getting a lot more modern features like locking tuners, stainless steel frets, and either fishmans or seymour duncans, combine that with the smoother neck heel and LTD superior quality control... LTD takes it for me, especially when you think about how EC-1000s can go for ridiculously good deals used. This new line of epiphones could really be something special if they actually worked on improving their quality control

[@banditcountry31]

I have a 94 epiphone custom...and it the best guitar I ever bought.

[@DenDenBMX]

aw hell yeah!

[@alwaysevolving281]

I really like the Ebony version, but I also want a Epi Jerry Cantrell Wino LP Custom. Although the headstock completes the vibe, it just doesn't justify the price hike compared to the Wino.

[@Rahn24]

the open book headstock should have been standard since day 1. Dreaming of the 1963 SG Custom rn

[@AD4M1873]

Also has a long kneck tenon

[@martinlahaie6012]

Funny hair... Funny shirt... Great review

[@DenDenBMX]

thanks for watching!

[@victorbr234]

At least it has the ebony board. Paying all that and getting laurel (like the Firebirds or the 59 RI) is ridiculous

[@DenDenBMX]

I personally don't care if it's laurel or rosewood but yeah it's a bit silly

[@spiderman0863]

Great video! New subscriber.

[@DenDenBMX]

aye thank you for the support man!

[@musicmnw1982]

I paid $509 for my Epi LP quilt top pro in 2019 and dropped 490/498s in it. Looks and sounds great. The 60s slim neck profile sucks though.

[@DenDenBMX]

I LOVE the 60s slim

[@fletcher75er]

I love my 2020 epi les paul, but 850 is alot for a proper gibby headstock

[@fletcher75er]

Well 750, lol. Nice axe tho

[@indiekiduk]

What causes your feedback issue and how did you fix it?

[@DenDenBMX]

it's the grounding in my house, most houses in the US aren't ground well. So when I have my lights on and plugged into the top outlet and I pull up my amp, it'll feedback, but if I plug it into the bottom outlet it's fine

[@pauljohnson3686]

Its a great alternative to a 6k gibson.. It has the real gibson 498/490 pickups and better mother of pearl inlays... The headstock looks more rock n roll as opposed to the funky "not quite at home" older version. The ebony fretboard is really amazing to play and looks so nice. The sustain on these guitars is excellent.. Epiphone and Gibson really hit the nail on the head with this version of the custom.. The case is brilliant too. Overall its a better package than the latest Epiphone 59 which may have custom bucker pickups... but still has the less than impressive Laurel fretboard.

[@DenDenBMX]

as an owner of 2 gibsons, the new epiphone really isn't that far off. Sure if you get a "good" gibson it'll be one of the best guitar's you've ever played, but with how shotty their quality control is to this day, you're basically gambling thousands of dollars, and that's wack. calling a $1299 guitar a "poor mans" anything is hilariously privileged

[@Mickclaw1]

Looking forward to the comparison videos. I have the LTD 1000T CTM in gold satin, I call it the Les Paul killer. I wanna see how it stacks up. I have a LP Standard and I can honestly say the LTD is better so I’m sure the Epi will fall short but we’ll see.

[@DenDenBMX]

LTD IS KING

[@web0flife_tarantulas74]

My biggest question that I have not seen anyone answer yet is in regards to the nut slot. Is the nut just sitting above the finger board like other Epiphones or does it have an actual nut slot between the finger board and headstock veneer like a Gibson?

[@DenDenBMX]

it's not a slot but it's not sitting on the fingerboard

[@Toni-nf6ht]

It's looking good bro ....but is it single directonal truss rod？I think it will affect the tone a lot！

[@DenDenBMX]

I believe it's a standard truss rod

[@jamesseverin]

Sweet guitar! Your rocking a billy idol afro now

[@DenDenBMX]

haha just for this video, the sheep has since been sheered

[@a-nus]

That is a very handsome guitar Starting off with battery too noice

[@DenDenBMX]

thanks for watching!!

[@Junebu99ie]

I’m digging these new Epiphones and I hope they become a standard in their lineup!

[@DenDenBMX]

I don't think this new line is going anywhere, I hope the QC improves on them over time

[@Apple_Sauces]

Dude that's looks gorgeous and obviously value for the money. Right? 👀

[@jeremymiller6933]

The way I look at it is this. I got my 2022 Epi LPC for $649. I'd say I got a good deal for my money. This new one has a $300 pickup upgrade and a hardshell case which I will give $150 for. That would bring mine to 650 + 300+ 150 = $1100. So, the reality is that I am paying $100 for a maple cap, the headstock shape and better switch, pots and jack. I'd say it would be worth it to upgrade if I felt like it. Does the new Epiphone have the weight relief that the Gibson does? That Gilmour solo sounded pretty sweet btw.

[@DenDenBMX]

I don't believe it's weight relieved, but mine is pretty dang light!

[@jeremymiller6933]

@DenDenBMX Even with the 9 holes drilled, Custom's can still be pretty hefty, which i prefer. I always thought it gave them a little bit of natural reverb. /shrug Have you ever made a video explaining your setup through your computer?

[@rhodwulf1802]

I paid 1000 for the latest epiphone blues power from jared james nichols, I am so delighted with it and tried it so much before buy it, that I have no regrets about the cost, plus I know it was a thoughtful purchase. 😊

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

I got the SG/LP Custom and the 59' LP except mine was the first run without the open book headstock on the LP but the Kalamazoo HS is still pretty. The SG/LP has the open book HS. Personally I don't really care about the Headstock because it kinda put's it in the Chibson kind of category copying Gibson, but with Epiphone they have the right to do it because they are a Gibson partner not an off market copy making them more credible and a better resale point even if an Epiphone hasn't got a very good resale value to begin with. These may have a slightly better resale value. The one piece neck I like, but agree with the fact that if it breaks you got trouble. The fact that the SG/LP has 3 Custom buckers making up a big reason for the extra cost all together with 3 you have about 700.00 worth of pickups in it. I've also got a IBG Black back Cream LP custom with Pro buckers in it but I am switching them out for 57 1&2's. I also have the SG custom IBG they came out with first with Pro buckers in it. My LP Standard 59' came with Keystone tuners but I switched them out for Keystone lockers like on all of my guitar's that has Keystones to begin with and I changed all of the Grover non lockers with locking Grovers. Aside from the resale value of an Epiphone these are premium guitars every bit as good as their counter part IMO and cost a lot less. I always wanted that SG/LP but at over 6 grand for the Gibson it's a no go so I am happy with what I could afford.

[@DenDenBMX]

I'm glad to hear you're enjoying yours! Thanks for watching!

[@TheWorstManOnEarth]

I got a beautiful mint condition used Black Gibson Midtown Custom for just a little over what you paid for that IMPORT COPY. Epiphone belongs to Gibson. Gibson simply uses the same CNC PROGRAMS (if you know what that means) in the Asian factory to cut these copies ... and here it is, simple as that. On top of that, south Asians get some woods like ebony for dirt cheap (doesn't mean it's bad ebony, it's just they have better deals) and they produce mahogany. Now Gibson also industrially mass produces their pickups ... they may sell these sets for hundreds of $, but production costs must between 5$ to 10$ / unit, shipping batches of such pickups to Asia for the production of Epiphone copies doesn't cost a lot. And that's how you wind up paying up to over the double of what it's worth.

[@DenDenBMX]

with this logic then yes it's overprice, but that also means that gibsons are just REALLY overpriced. If it's made in china, indonesia, korea, mexico, america then it really doesn't matter to me, the only one that stands head and shoulders above the rest is made in japan. Everywhere else is an even playing field, what actually matters is how much time goes into making the guitar, not where it's made

[@TheWorstManOnEarth]

@@DenDenBMX I mean, in the principle, I have nothing against Epiphone making exact copies of Gibson guitars, but some of them are getting close to the 2000$ mark, which is a totally absurd price. For to pay such a price for an Epiphone, it would have to be really really special, like I don't know ... stainless steel jumbo frets, graphite rods reinforced neck, a PLEK fret job, comfort neck to body joint, great fast neck with modern slim taper profile, great locking tuners, compensated graphtech nut, fine tuning stop tailpiece, great pickups and reliable electronics (Bourns 82 series potentiometers, etc) and all the "beauty appointments": great multiply bindings on the top & back of the body, the neck and the headstock + pearl or abalone fretboard inlays, etc... I mean, the whole shebang, like on some great fancy LTD 1000 Deluxe and some more. Otherwise, these import Epiphone "Gibson copies" should only be at a maximum around 1000$ mark and not more.

[@pbest75]

Epiphone is a legit guitar company, I don't see the big deal with paying that much for it. And headstock looks 🔥

[@DenDenBMX]

they're legit but they've got a lot of work to do when it comes to quality control

[@Edward1312]

They give you an ABR 1 style bridge now on the new Epiphone 59 but dont give you it on the new Custom why? Also the new 59 comes with a Gibson tailpiece supposedly, strange that it isn't on the Custom. I think the new custom Epiphones are likely to depreciate to a price level that's acceptable to me over the next year or two so I'm waiting this out. I will admit though even at $1200 its peanuts compared to how much you would have to pay compared to the current Gibson iteration, and its looks great and is obviously very well made, sounds great and of good quality build. Also, and finally at least the guitar looks like a proper custom with a proper headstock and body shape unlike a lot of the travesty shaped customs other brands are producing (admittedly because Gibson guard their designs so litigiously).

[@automatoncollectives7237]

There is no “supposedly” as there are videos of them dismantling the new 59 and it has the extended neck. That with the awesome electronics, Custombuckers, proper tailpiece, bridge and VOS sheen nitro gloss, makes it a steal.

[@ryanfulldark2775]

@@automatoncollectives7237It’s not nitro, none of the new line have nitro. The “59” is by far the weakest of the line. Paying 1300 for a laurel board is unfortunate. It still has the weird shaped body, dead looking veneer. There is only one in the line that’s going to hold any value and it’s the 355. The Custom is almost there but has the worst Gibson pickups one could get. They should’ve put Custombuckers in these too.

[@trevor4533]

Agreed. Its easy enough to change the bridge out at least, but it should have been there from the start.

[@kenfernsler6507]

Because the current gibson customs don't have a abr1 bridge. They also don't have keystone tuners on this year model. Exact pick ups also. I think the custom buckers is a better deal though.

[@trevor4533]

@@kenfernsler6507 he’s talking about the thumbwheel style bridges that Gibson uses.

[@larrynoe6162]

It’s not a tumor.

[@chefjonathanperez]

What balisong was that

[@DenDenBMX]

that was my bxndxge stitch!

[@pauljohnson3686]

The current gibson les paul custom has the kidney tuners too unless you specify different

[@DenDenBMX]

GROSS

[@mr3klax]

I just received my new 2024 Epiphone Les Paul Custom Inspired by Gibson also in Alpine White today. It came with a hard shell case with the Epiphone+Gibson Custom commemorative logo. Seeing the guitar for the first time, brought a big smile on my face. This guitar looks real. Feels real. And plays real. Now that I’m 62, I like the weight of this one. I am super happy. Although I already have a 2012 Korean-made Epiphone Black Beauty, as I suspected, I am still going to get the Ebony version. Life is good.

[@DenDenBMX]

aye I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying it! play the hell out of it!!

[@user-yg6dj4pi9g]

Tulips tuners would be nice.

[@DenDenBMX]

INDEED

[@brandowhitemusic]

The only kind of sad thing is that with the polyurethane finish, it won't turn that iconic cream color over time.

[@DenDenBMX]

there's a possibility it still can, epiphones can still age and yellow it just usually takes twice to three times as long

[@jesse9874]

I mean, crunch the numbers. What does it cost to buy the $800 model, buy a hardshell case, and pickup some gibson pickups and what do you get?

[@dobiqwolf]

exactly, buying a cheaper model and upgrading it to those specs end up costing the same.

[@user-bb7te4yo3y]

@@dobiqwolfr u gonna upgrade the headstock too?

[@SeanHensley-kq6pf]

You don't get a one piece neck or a maple top,switch craft and cts pots.

[@dobiqwolf]

@@user-bb7te4yo3y Personally, I do not care about the shape of the headstock but I agree with the point being made that most of these new Epiphone are actually worth it when comparing them to cheaper equivalent models and adding the cost of upgrading said cheaper models (not the headstock or the wood specs obviously).

[@jesse9874]

Funny how now the regular Epiphone LPCs just dropped in price on Sweetwater

[@jaywishmaster1984]

I might get one if they release a non AJ Silverburst.

[@DenDenBMX]

OR A TOBBACCO BURST ONE😩

[@FortessofShred]

I want one. I have a Zakk Wylde. But I want the upgrades and the headstocks.

[@DenDenBMX]

ugh I miss my zakk wylde, I just hated how big the neck was

[@roguesthoughts8522]

Same pick ups that the now discontinued Gibson Les Paul Studio. They should have used the custom buckers.

[@DenDenBMX]

or at the very least a brand new high output pickup

[@tagadabrothersband]

Same pick ups that the current Gibson Les Paul Custom, never discontinued since decades. And this guitar is a Les Paul Custom.

[@tagadabrothersband]

Curent Gibson Les Paul Custom come with "kidney" Grover tuners (I call them "mushrooms" tuners). And it's been like that since decades, my 1993 Gibson LP Custom also have the same. So it's not surprising that the Epiphone model have these tuners, it's just correct. Jimmy Page put the same on his LP Standard. Visually I think they're less sexy that "keystone" tuners, but the touch is much smoother as they don't have sharp angles and that's why I'll never change mine.

[@DenDenBMX]

GROSS

[@jimwguitar3002]

It’s worth it.

[@royrobles7423]

In 2004...I bought a gibson usa....SG for 500.00 dollars from house of guitars in Houston tx....it was brand new as well....so there is no way I would spend that much money on epiphone....I would drop the extra money on a gibson....

[@DenDenBMX]

$500 was worth A LOT more in 2004. I dropped the extra money on a gibson 3 years ago and i'm about ready to sell it

[@tagadabrothersband]

500 $ on a new Gibson in 2004 ? It was definitely not a Les Paul Custom, it was around 3000 $ at that time and now it's 5000 $.

[@nh8781]

Either this guitar or the 2024 1959 LPs for me. I wonder how heavy your LP custom is.

[@DenDenBMX]

mine is 8 pounds 9 oz!

[@nh8781]

@@DenDenBMX i hope epiphone will release another les paul with 60s slim tapered neck + ultra weight relieved and of course the gibson headstock

[@RolandSpecialSauce]

Nice!

[@DenDenBMX]

thanks!

[@scottmichael7178]

im torn between buying this one or the adam jones silverburst. I would go with the alpine white but i HATE the gold hardware. They should offer it in silver or my first choice ....black.

[@DenDenBMX]

Honestly I think the adam jones is probably more worth the money

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

I agree! WTF no keystone!

[@DenDenBMX]

IT'S HERESY

[@6speedsti241]

SUBSCRIBED

[@DenDenBMX]

aye thank you so much for the support dude!

[@warlockdruid]

The Sneako comment caught me off guard lmfao 😂

[@DenDenBMX]

GOTEM

[@csharp57]

I’m getting the 355 next month (birthday)

[@ivanex12]

Are these guitars limited edition?

[@DenDenBMX]

I don't believe they are

[@n01CK]

recommend buying from vintage guitars, they make all models of gibson styles and make them as close as possible to any signature with its own qworks. I have the Vintage V100 MRPGM model, after Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac and its the best feeling gibson esk thing, ive touched... I have 4 models of above standard gibsons, and 10s+ of guitars to name feel off of, for 550$ on sale from a seller. The best guitar brand seems to be.. The neck, the feel, the tuners, the wood, the tone, i can keep going on, but Gibson is just money hogs and i recommend to review something that is better for you and just overall society

[@timwhite5562]

The Epi headstocks don't break as much as Gibsons, the headstock doesn't have as much of back angle. Unless they changed them to be more "period accurate." That would be unfortunate, the Epi tends to stay in tune better because of it

[@DenDenBMX]

They kept the standard epiphone headstock angle

[@timwhite5562]

@@DenDenBMX there you go. The way I string Gibsons is to use a longer length of string for the D and G strings, then as I turn the tuners I have the coil that wraps around the tuner post coiling upwards away from the face instead of down. It'll also reduce that angle. It helps with the tuning quite a bit, and works on Epiphones even more. 👍

[@MorleyRobertson1975]

I don't care what amyone says. Epiphone is as good as Gibson. Gibson's fit and finish as well as the QC leaves a lot to be desired for guitars that cost $3000+.

[@aureliusandthespiral]

I disagree. Both are good instruments. But, my Gibsons are better. Each their own

[@DenDenBMX]

my epiphones are on par with my gibsons... the real question is if they can hold up compared to my LTDs

[@yourselfbch]

Chibson has open book head stock ❤😊

[@DenDenBMX]

truf

[@BITESIZEJONES]

I'm glad you're happy. I would never buy a brand new Epiphone personally. Used one maybe. Would much rather save up for a Gibson. I'm an old fart so I'm used to jumping on a used Epiphone for 300 bucks

[@DenDenBMX]

I saved up for a few gibsons and ended up disappointed after a few years

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

You kinda look like the actor Tony Curtis with ya new hairstyle and color. 😉

[@DenDenBMX]

aw shucks🥰

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

@@DenDenBMX hahaha

[@warlockdruid]

15:14 Fuck yes, Frayed Ends of Sanity!!

[@DenDenBMX]

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