Epiphone Les Paul Vs Gibson Les Paul - What's The REAL Difference

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Dylan Talks Tone Recieves Commision From Some Of These Links

[@Tomtoms-tomtoms]

I just got my first Gibson LP after years and many Epiphones. Being honest, ive had some seriously great Epiphones but the Gibson is genuinely next level. It sounds, feels, looks and smells incredible.

[@jfiery]

The smell alone shows what a farce all those blindfold Epiphone Gibson challenges are

[@Torquemonster440]

100% agree.. My 2023 1950's LP Standard "Faded" .. is just superior to any Epi I've owned. It plays, sounds and feels great.. the difference is very apparent when you A/B them.

[@danialm8122]

How about lick to taste it?

[@Tomtoms-tomtoms]

@@danialm8122 .. each to their own I suppose 😄

[@satanist6481]

EPIPHONE IS GIBSON what are you talking about

[@grene1955]

Everything about this video makes me think the Epi is a much better value. No one watching me play at a gig will be able to tell any difference between the two guitars. If I am the only one who knows, except maybe other guitar players who see the difference in the name on the headstock, I can't even begin to justify the price. I have an Epi LP, and it does everything a "real" LP does. And it leaves me money for other toys!

[@motorcyclemark2889]

I've owned both and love my Epiphone its exactly like the one in this video its an amazing guitar and after I got use to it I prefer it over my last boat anchor Gibson Les Paul Custom that weighed 12 pounds my Epi weighs 8 1/2 and is a dream after four sets it stays in tune way better sounds amazing I just can't see why have $2700 grand tide up into a name on the head stock for no reason .

[@stephenzimmerman5517]

In March I purchased a Koa top Epiphone LP Custom. I spent hours at Guitar Center comparing Gibson Heritage/Standard/Custom's along with the Epiphone Custom. I could tell the difference's but I no longer gig and could not justify the price difference & the Epiphone play's & sounds great through my Marshall. Epiphone is making a better product than they did in the past.

[@gsxerwhite]

My Epi LP sounds as good or better than Gibson in my recordings when everything is mixed and compressed.

[@Luckycharms7700]

I bought a cheap knock off SG, put Gibson 57 classic pickups in it. It now sounds exactly like my real Gibson. Only difference is that the cheap knock off actually has a better neck and fretboard. 😮

[@WickedFesterBand]

Only thing I’ll disagree on is the headstock strength. The greater angle and grain direction on the Gibson does make it a little easier to break, but as you said, don’t drop it and you’ll be fine. I do love the nibs on my Gibson. I find a good compromise is my Epiphone 59. It has some good parts in it. Still no nibs though.

[@chriscampbell9191]

Great comparison vid, and I love your working class ethic take on which guitar may be "better". By the time most rock and blues players' guitar signals run through several pedals, whatever real differences in the two guitars would probably be moot anyway.

[@waynebake1123]

One thing worth mentioning, is how much more difficult it is to finish a nitro lacquer guitar versus a poly. A nitro finish is way more difficult to work with when applying it, and handling the guitar immediately after. Nitro is thinner, and more apt to show underlying flaws in the wood versus a poly finish that tends to self-level and hide imperfections. Nitro is way more delicate immediately after it is cured as well. Doing it commercially at scale requires a lot more expense.

[@embreesmith7613]

Sorry NO lacquer is dead easy, Poly is hard to repair a mistake that happened

[@tokairic3925]

Nitro takes more drying time ie factory delay and cost. It shouldn't be shipped until its had a couple of weeks to dry out. It also doesn't take temp or humidity changes well and cracks (I know some like that but not me on a nearly new guitar). It is much easier to polish out marks with nitro, and loads easier to repair/touch up invisibly rather than poly which is a nightmare and impossible to get an invisible touch up. Best thin future finish is the UV lacquer. Instant hard dry. perfect gloss. It does have the impossible invisible touch up issue though.

[@thegrimreefer3185]

Nitro is self leveling, poly is not. Nitro is much easier to apply as every additional layer melts the previous layer and bonds to it no matter what point you are at. Poly has to be sprayed in rapid succession in comparison. If you wait more than and hour or so between poly layers (depending on which hardener and temps) you have to wait a few day for it to out gas then sand it before reapplying. This isn't an issue with nitro. You could spray a few coats of lacquer and come back 4 weeks later tack cloth the dust and spray more coats. You can wet sand and buff poly within 24 to 48 hours. Depending on who you ask, it's actually recommended to sand it before 48 hours as is softer and easier to sand. Lacquer requires weeks, to months to cure before sanding as it continues to cure and shrink over a very long period. So sanding it too early will cause sand marks to open up and become visible. Poly hides imperfections simply because it is applied thicker. But lacquer is much easier to apply. I can spray Lacquer just as thick as poly. On show cars. well over 30 layers are used. Lacquer is more delicate at all times after it's been applied. In all honesty, lacquer is much cheaper at a commercial scale. It's much easier to clean up as it doesn't use a catalyst. So clean up is much easier. Poly contains toluene diisocyanate. So it requires a full Tyvek suit to spray as well as a fresh air supply and full face mask covering the eyes. Toluene diisocyanate can be absorbed through the skin and cause severe nerve damage. While Lacquer isn't good for you, it can safely be sprayed using a respirator.

[@Diogenerate]

paint technology has made massive leaps in the past decade. anyone who has used even a 100 dollar handheld wagner sprayer to stain a deck or paint a wall would know this. paint / finishes are completely trivial and large corporations only benefit over you not understanding this

[@rockhaze]

@@thegrimreefer3185 Ok boomer.

[@norseman61]

Good comparison, and even better points about the two guitars. It’s up to the individual to decide what is “worth it”. I’m a big “bang for the buck” kind of guy, and I just like to noodle around. So in my case, if I want a little LP flavor in my collection, I’d probably get a nice Epiphone. Would I rather have a Gibson? Absolutely. But I’m much more likely to get an Epi and use the savings on something else. Good video!

[@TheUlesifah82]

Agreed, I’d love a Gibson but honestly I’ve never even felt one before so I have no clue what the difference is , I can imagine they’re amazing , but a couple grand is a lot of cash to throw down on a guitar for us normal paycheck to paycheck hobby people!! 😂

[@CathyHolton-jh1xv]

@@TheUlesifah82When comparing like to like, the Gibson tends to feel like just about every component is of higher quality. Whether or not that translates into a better sound isn’t guaranteed, as my ears have been fooled before. I played an Epiphone Les Paul 60’s last year and I was very impressed with how well it sounded compared to a Gibson that was 5x the price. I would rather have 5 Epiphones than 1 new Gibson, but I also don’t make an income from playing.

[@I.am_Groot]

@@TheUlesifah82 I don't own a Gibson and one big reason is about 20 years ago when I cracked the gear code and was able to own about 50 different guitars over a few year period it gave me a chance to just keep what I love and sell off the rest so I get the tone but from other brands. Simple process but not cheap you buy guitars that won't actually COST you any money. A good used $1000-1200 guitar that you can get for that or a bit less like my American Pro Strat which I got around $800 a few years ago won't COST me a dime to own. So a used $3000 Gibson or $5000 PRS that will hold or appreciate value is often a much better choice than a new guitar for half that price.

[@matthewaltomare7629]

Great Video that did change it up from other G vs E comparisons; just what I needed, ergh or perhaps needed 6 months ago. I have two Gibson SG's from my late brother. Absolutely great guitars, and learned how to play on them, and pretty much can't stand most other scale lengths or radius's as a result. However, I always wanted a Les Paul...they just always spoke to me. Earlier this year, I had the itch and was mulling it over. At first, I wanted to build a kit LP from scratch, since I'm a very handy type person and love hands on projects. Then I said, well I don't want my first Les Paul to be crappy if it were my first build job. Then I convinced myself, I'll get a used, Epi LP, and change out all the hardware and have some kind of a decked out Les Paul. So I found a used, Epi Les Paul (22' Trad Pro IV) locally at a phenomenal price in mint condition (shipping plastic still on pickguard). I proceeded to replace the tuners, bridge, tail piece, input jack, bridge pickup. Love the guitar, except I've had issues with buzzing below the 12th fret on the low strings. Finally ordered a bunch of fret leveling/dressing tools through Stew Mac last week and am going to attempt to see if I have a fret level problem. I'm probably in about $750 in total, not counting tools. So essentially new standard Epi Price Range, but with custom hardware. I've spent so much time trying to put in a good setup on this thing like my Gibson SG's, that I've contemplated ripping out all my upgrades and trading the Epi on a Gibson. Since the chase never ends, I still envision myself getting a Gibson Les Paul soon. Honestly, probably not worth it to even trade the Epi in on it. Two things: You can't change the wood that came with your guitar and having to refret a guitar is not an easy or cheap job for the vast majority. Question: Where do you stop on the Gibson train though? Tribute, Studio, Traditional, Standard, Custom shop, etc, etc?

[@GeneralAdmission_1]

Great video, awesome breakdown of the major and meaningful differences between the two guitars. Very useful info

[@jackhood4448]

I’ve spent the last few years on this journey myself trying to figure out what’s best. The channels were so saturated with everyone talking up the guitars you couldn’t get a good sense of what was legit and what wasn’t. I like this video a lot and the points you touch on.

[@Caperetiree]

I just ordered an Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50’s. I have a relatively unused set of Gibson 57 Classic pickups that were taken out of a Gibson Les Paul Standard (early 2000’s). Pickups are complete with original wiring, screws, springs that I plan to install into the Epiphone. Will I have any retrofitting issues or problems doing this? Love the tone of the 57 Classics.

[@andation]

??????? On your American made Silvery Sky do you have continuity between jack ground and the screws that attach the pickups to the pick guard? Also is your Silver Sky equipped with the copper tape on the back of the pick gaurd? If you happen to have one open in the future would you check if you have continuity between the pieces of tape. My 21' did not. I assume they used one of the 3M tapes that did not offer conductive adhesive.

[@thejuggernaut5327]

DTT, great video, I learned a lot. I would love to see a Fender US vs Fender Mexico comparison. Fender’s near-shoring approach with their Mexican plant is interesting, and I’m curious to see how similar/ different a Player Series is from a Pro II or Elite series

[@georgehunt182]

Just like Taylor guitars- near shoring. For me Alvarez guitars sound better and offer more quality than Taylor’s overall, regardless of where Alvarez is made

[@petebrown8145]

Great video and very informative. I’d love to see a MiM Player Tele vs a MiA Performer or Pro II Tele some time. Is the $ difference more than the labour, pickups (I changed out mine) and circuit board in the tone section?

[@RobertHollander]

The best comparison video I've ever seen. Thanks for the incredible detail and clear explanation.

[@anthonycraig1458]

Great insight into what's really involved. My second guitar was an Epiphone Les Paul (first was a Squier) and it was great and really served a purpose. Until I got a Gibson! Of course the real deal is something special and knowing those small differences makes you appreciate the Gibson that much more.

[@stratisfied678]

The side by side comparison I (and others) have been waiting for. Thanks Dylan. 🎸

[@jimferry4751]

Very good comparison. I have an Epiphone Les Paul Standard that I purchased this year and have it set up to my liking. I also have a Gibson Les Paul Tribute that is the budget Gibson but its plays and sounds better. I have no need for the Gibson Standard at 3K so happy with my Epiphone. I can keep it out on the stand and grab when I feel like playing. I grab my Gibson when I go out to jam. Nice job breaking down both guitars.

[@30AVettes]

The amount of work you put into this video is insane. Thank you very much for this deep dive!

[@chusssMusic]

I have been looking for a useful real comparison like this and not by spec sheets. Thanks for all the efforts you put in this video.

[@phalypso]

I have an Epiphone Les Paul Special that came in a $200 kit. It is the only guitar I own that was set up and playable out of the box. Never been to a tech and still has the factory strings.

[@steveoneal5257]

just a question what version of the epi are you using,a lower priced epi or a higher quality version of the epi les paul?

[@CrazyLazyDave]

For the most part....the only more expensive ones are signature models. So...the higher end ones.

[@gregoaks4413]

Epiphones are made for playing while your gibson is a case queen nice idea I love ALL my Epiphones

[@robert_olen]

Very cool analysis between the two - have not seen anyone present it this way before! Thanks for the great information

[@aureliusandthespiral]

Comments are crazy. Everything said was true, or I agree. I like my Epiphones, but they don't really compare to my Gibsons. The feel is very different. Cheers

[@dmac3316]

Cool video. I really liked the deep dive compare and contrast. I learned a lot 👍

[@mikey-dubs]

I traded 3 guitars and some cash for a Gibson Les Paul Standard. I have to say I am in love with this thing. It plays so well (the other guitars did too) but has some magic to it that the others didn't have. The binding on the frets looks so cool and the smell is so great. Both guitars are great, just need to search for the one that sparks the most joy for you.

[@TheGalilee416]

I just got the USA Gibson LP Greeny a few weeks ago and I could not be happier. The quality and build of it is amazing and this video makes me even more convinced I made the right decision. Thanks!

[@scottybrowndotca]

Interesting comparison .. When I owned a music store in the early 2000's (and dealt Gibson) the Epiphones in many cases were better (objectively) than some of the custom shop stuff Gibson had us carry .. Component for component I'm not sure (didn't know the finite details as well back then) .. Fit and finish were noticeably much better on the Epis .. The sustain was superior .. Tone was very comperable .. It was a rough time to try and sell Gibson

[@georgehunt182]

I was going to mention this- I lived in Nashville… Gibson came close to going under.

[@GuyNarnarian]

My Epi LP from 1996 is a killer guitar. Endless sustain. I have no idea what the pickups are either.

[@stevelaferney3579]

@Guy Narnarian The pups on your Epi are good sounding. Period. All that’s necessary to know. : ) Yeah Epi LP

[@nellayema2455]

That was a good, comprehensive comparison. Everyone that I know who wants an SG or Les Paul, really want a Gibson, but not everyone can justify the cost of one over an Epiphone. I have both. In general, the Gibson's feel better, but don't necessarily sound better--some do, some don't. In my case, the sound differences can be overcome by adjusting the knobs on the guitar, amp or pedals. Rock on with whatever you choose, folks.

[@JackTheSkunk]

95% of these guitar comparison videos have one thing in common. When the player hits the distortion button, you can tell the difference between a $5,000 Gibson and a $500 Epiphone. Ditto Fender vs Squire.

[@androtekman6131]

Fret ends look rounded on Epi and beveled on Gibson. Which feels better? Does the binding feel rubbery and slow to play on either?

[@werewolflover8636]

Gipson uses a PLEC machine on all of their guitars. Epiphone does not.

[@jfiery]

Superb breakdown. I own both and like Epis very much but LOVE my Gibson.

[@pccougar895]

@ 4:17 it looked like the controls on the Gibson were slightly higher? Please let me know.

[@rusty6314]

Best most comprehensive comparison of the two I've ever seen, well done Dylan.

[@incursore61]

Thanks for the really precise video with lots of information I didn't know!

[@kimseniorb]

hey dylan please make a short comment on whether ebow can damage the pickups or not

[@markpetten9777]

I like this type of comparison. As you said at the end, they’re made for different people and purposes and the Epiphone is still a great guitar. Appreciate your viewpoint.

[@leoa.g.333]

Dylan can u check the osiloscope to check what frequencies ar3.the most agreable?

[@WarUlt]

This is a great breakdown that goes beyond the typical comparison of manufacturer spec sheets. The different sized screws is interesting, it's all these little things that add up to increase cost. Then of course USA labor vs. foreign labor

[@anthonycraig1458]

Very true about US vs foreign labour costs. It's something that very few people ever acknowledge and must have a huge significance on the final retail price.

[@kennyblackbird5674]

​@@anthonycraig1458 They probably use 12, 13 year olds in their manufacturing processes over in China, allegedly. China does have facilities where they make high quality instruments like Eastman. I'm no Epiphone basher, I own a 2021 Lucille semi hollow guitar which is pretty good.

[@leoa.g.333]

Which sweep of frequencies is the one that ppl reapond the most?

[@PatrickGeneLeBlancHardy]

4:01 pm Monday.. On the recap. Thanks @Dylan & @RobF for sharing 🎉 I can't wait to part 3 on this Project 🎸🎶

[@MascarasMil]

So basically the Epiphone’s mahogany comes from Mohogania or a territory related thereto.

[@scottpickett9779]

I've had an Epiphone Classic LP for about a year or so. I found it to be a very good guitar for price (I've gigged with it). A week ago I bought a 23 Gibson Classic LP. They are similar but the difference is much more than you would expect in a good way. Thanks Dylan for the comparison.

[@richardbspeck147]

Thanx Dylan, that's the correct way of goin' with a comparison.! I brought a SX LP AUD $469 R & D in Australia & built in China. I've fitted Gibson NOS 1959 "Pearly Gates" pickup's ZZ Top.

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

Great comparison and review Dylan

[@tomghiley]

Does epiphone drill holes in their LPs for weight relief?

[@infocloudonline3720]

yes in the Modern line, my Epi Sparkling Burgundy LP arrived today, beautiful visually and in playability and tone. However for an additional $2500 I could have had heavier screws, maybe next time, not!

[@KelsterVonShredster]

Great video! Learned a ton.

[@Sammywhat]

Would love to see a shootout between the different Les Pauls out there... Traditional, Standard, etc. Great work, Dylan!! Thanks for the share!!

[@Logan24855]

SUPER IN-DEPTH VIDEO!! Great job 👏🏼

[@eddiejr540]

@25:15….”don’t drop your guitar and the headstock will stay on”…best advice ever…hahahaha👍

[@Mouse3195]

I like the way you explained the differences with the frets and pots.

[@TommySG1]

Your points are all totally valid man, the wood is certainly not the same. The top alone is a huge difference, then it’s blindingly noticeable to see the difference on the fretboards as well. I owned an Epiphone and it played fine, especially at the price. The frets were definitely made of a softer material, I eventually sold it years back. Great video especially if you’re new to all this with good explanations to why and what 🤙

[@brandonjackson5865]

Yeah that’s what makes the Epiphone look cheap from 20 feet out. Pale ashy dog haired fretboard. I’m not a fan of the rosewood substitutes .

[@johnb5691]

"Don't drop your guitar, and the headstock will stay on". "I don't know if you know this." 😂😂😂

[@fabiodonatore6326]

Would you make the same for SG?

[@jackhargreaves1911]

The screws were far too soft (and eventually bent) on my Epiphone LP bridge. I replaced it with a Gotoh Nashville bridge. The increased depth of the Nashville gave the added benefit of making intonation a lot easier. I also had to replace the output jack socket (for a Pure Tone) after 12 years (which is normal, so no complaints). Finally, I cured a dead g string by replacing the plastic nut with a bone nut The string was dead from birth. If I had been a more experienced player I would have sent the guitar back.

[@birdman316]

great film brother! i could get a epi les paul and a epi sg for the price of 1 gibson and still have some left over haha! being epiphone is owned by gibson youre still getting a gibson in a sense.... bet that "greeny" LP project is gonna be sweeet! dont forget to put that mag in backwards on the neck pup lol!

[@jimmyjames2022]

Great and thorough LP build comparison thanks! Also worth noting that the Epi back is a veneer. As for body wood choices, I bought a late 2019 Gibson LP Special Tribute and it has a two piece body that looks suspiciously like sapelle. It has a gorgeous flame grain all over and sounds and sustains great, so I'm really happy with it. But it might show that the USA factory adjusted the wood to suit the budget, at least at the tail end of the Henry J era and for a Tribute model.

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

Does the Epi 1959 Limited Edition LP have the same specs as the Epi LP? you're discussing? I replaced my Limited Edition 59's hardware with Faber parts. Interesting vid.....

[@thatnorwegianguy937]

The Epi 59 would have a 1 piece neck, gibson burstbuckers and switchcraft jack and toggle switch. Also the "aged" look on the finish. But as far as i know there arent any more differences between the two models. Who knows, maybe the body is constructed with 1 less piece.

[@nellayema2455]

@@thatnorwegianguy937 The body of the Epi. '59 is a 2-piece body, with a maple cap and veneer on the top. The Epi. in this video has a multi-piece body with a veneer over the back to hide the pieces. It has a maple cap and veneer on the top. The neck on the Epi '59 is actually a 3-piece neck with a long tenon joint. The neck on this one is 3-piece as well, with the short tenon joint. The Epiphone Lazarus model has a 1-piece neck.

[@thatnorwegianguy937]

@@nellayema2455 ah yes, thanks. Maybe i had the lazarus in mind when i thought about the 1 piece neck. So i guess most of the bonamassa signature guitars have 1 piece necks then by the looks of it. The standard 50s (not standard 60s) used to have long neck tenon tho, did they downgrade the model recently?

[@nellayema2455]

@@thatnorwegianguy937 I was wrong--my apologies. The Epiphone Standard '50s does have the long neck tenon.

[@joshuaherrin7929]

I just got a epiphone les Paul custom; wish I could afford a Gibson or even be good enough to play one. But I am enjoying Heavy Betty 😁 second video I’ve seen and I dig what you got going; will be watching more. Thanks!

[@RileySullivan]

This is a great comparison video. Sound comparison videos are fine, but it doesn’t tell me why one is so much more expensive than the other. This video explains that well.

[@r2skyvader]

I sold my Gibson LP about 10 years ago. I recently bought an Epiphone LP to install Seymore Duncan P-rails. I was shocked in how well the Epiphone sounded and felt in stock configuration. Yes, the electronics, build, and the parts on my Gibson were superior, but the Epiphone was sufficiently put together for my level of playing. Years ago you had to spend some money to ensure a good guitar experience, but I think that has greatly changed over the last 20 plus years as you can buy a fun enjoyable instrument for much less.

[@you2vertigo]

Man....I paid the same amount of money for a good affordable guitar in 2024....that I paid for a completely unplayable crap guitar back in....1982. Considering inflation over 42 years that is crazy. This is the golden age of good affordable guitars....enjoy 😊

[@werewolflover8636]

Congratulations. I hope you love that Epiphone because it’s never going to be worth anywhere near what you paid for regardless of what you stick on it. Same can’t be said about that Gipson.

[@r2skyvader]

@@werewolflover8636 I do love that Epiphone. Its a beautiful blue maple burst with my electronics and does exactly what I bought it for. I would never have modded a Gibson. I agree with you. I will never get back what I paid for it. When I sold the Gibson, I was able to get more than double for what I paid for it and would have gotten at least double that today. I have recently bought two Fenders over other brands with that in mind.

[@ianmartens5286]

Very informative. Thanks!

[@SergiOrtiz]

What ive found is that to make the epiphone feel right a fretjob is required along with the upgraded pickups and electronics. Fret leveling and crowning makes the most difference in the “feel” department

[@tzd]

24:40 - actually the headstock angle as well as the neck angle (where it mounts to the body) are both different between Epiphone and Gibson.

[@dinkeredwards5187]

Great Video..Very Educational..Thanks for the info..👍

[@s9plus20]

Thanks for a great down to earth video talking about the two guitars!

[@th-pl3nx]

Great video!! I don't think this has been mentioned, but the volume and tone knobs are positioned lower on the Epi as they relate to the tail piece.

[@embreesmith7613]

Thanks Dylan and Les. 🙂

[@soulagent79]

At the moment I have an Epiphone and a Gibson SG Standard. The Epiphone is an SG Special with P90s from the current "Inspired by Gibson"-line. I've owned a couple of these as Gibsons before, but the Epiphone sounds and plays better. Maybe I was just lucky to find a good one, but this goes to show that you never can tell and sometimes the final product is better than the sum of its parts.

[@charleskile3769]

Great video .... Straight forward and well done.

[@andreapasillas5803]

Such a great breakdown of the many differences between the Gibson & Epiphone. I never knew before watching this video.

[@infocloudonline3720]

and you still don't

[@JuanJaim]

Great video, Dylan. I was looking forward to hearing your thoughts on these guitars side by side. I don't own a Gibson yet, but surely will one day in the not too distant future, for now I'm happy with having two (soon to be three) Epiphone Les Pauls in my collection. One thing to note, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, is that Gibson actually owns and runs the Epiphone factory in Qingdao, China, unlike other major brands that hire a third party to build their guitars for them. I also read somewhere that former Gibson master builders supervise the factory and run a tight ship, which may explain why their quality keeps getting better and better. I wonder if this means that Epiphone is sourcing better quality wood, not just generic stuff, but who knows. Also, the backs on these guitars have veneers, I've a pretty stunning one on my SG G400 and I just think it looks neat.

[@tom0ocadoo]

Gibsons smell so good.

[@tom0ocadoo]

I’m assuming I don’t know. You probably right. Gibson does own Epi. You can get a Epi setup really good that will be able to compare to the Gibson. I think that his opinion on the wood and what Epi uses way less quality wood is a little extreme to realty PRS or Gibson should not and i would think that they would not allow China to lie about what kind of wood is being used. Most of the time the pickups are trash and need to be replaced.

[@JuanJaim]

@@tom0ocadoo I hear the nitro smells like vanilla, but I heard yesterday it kinda smells like Play Doh. What do they smell like? :D

[@JuanJaim]

@@tom0ocadoo maybe that disclaimer pertains more to the fretboard wood, as I've seen them use indian laurel and pau ferro or something else available instead of rosewood. I'd like to think they're not using "plywood" for sure, as some folks claim in the interwebs. They may not be as picky with the wood as PRS is with their SE line, or maybe they are. Anyway, if the player doesn't believe in tonewood, then it doesn't really matter :) just drop a nice set of pickups, maybe swap the hardware, and you'll have a sweet(er) guitar :)

[@danmayes4657]

@@JuanJaim Play Doh smells like a Gibson....

[@jeffhurren4034]

This was FANTASTIC review, and perfect examplt of how great you are at this

[@jea783]

I change for Seymour Duncan Jazz and JB on my Epi and it becomes a killer tone beast ! Install all CTS parts and Switchcraft input and toggle as well. I kept the very good Grover tuners .Tone wood ??? Who cares? As long as you get fun to play it !

[@alinchitown7556]

Owning several of both your analysis is spot on. My Epi’s I use to go out and play in public the Gibson’s well they stay home. I still own my very first LesPaul I bought in 1972. 30:01

[@terryeaster1]

Great video brother!!

[@coreycann6751]

Great video! Thanks!

[@allanroff202]

Great video Personally I have a new Epiphone less Paul standard pro. And I'm very happy with it. Please, good sounds good. As long as you have that that's all you need

[@maxmustardman298]

My first les paul copy was a 80s samick that even had the fret nibs that only the much higher end Tokais had in a review back in the day. Wish I never got rid of that one.

[@PikkaBird]

The Epiphone's headstock will have a scarf joint so that's why it doesn't break as often. With a one-piece neck there's going to be tons of grain runout which is definitely weaker, but arguably more aesthetically pleasing. A one-piece neck also requires a lot more wood in comparison to an import guitar's scarf joint and heel stack (which the Epiphone also has).

[@georgeargon5113]

For the life of me I don’t understand why Gibson insists on using a one piece carved neck given its well documented history of breakage.

[@tokairic3925]

Gibson economise on the neck wood by adding "wings"to the headstock. and the way the wood neck blanks are cut wastes little wood.

[@tokairic3925]

Epiphone necks break too - just not quite as easily. its the angle thats the main problem. How many strat and tele one piece necks do you see broken in comparison to LP?

[@lynntunes]

I’m also curious about comparing the two by making all electronics are the same, and see how much difference there is. We know there are a zillion LP copies, varying in price from cheaper to more expensive than Gibson. Comparing 1:1 with electronics, then calculating that additional cost to the Epi, how do they compare?

[@gregoaks4413]

Dylan always puts out good content

[@kkrsnn5632]

A well done comparison video. Would be cool if you could do a Tokai or Edwards too.

[@bottomkitchen250]

Would love to see more Tokai videos too. I have a Japanese made Tokai and it's awesome but I have to agree with what Dylan said about the frets. They seem softer than they should for the price of the guitar and have worn in a short amount of time. I even started using lighter gauge strings to try to help lighter playing in order to try and preserve the fretwire a little better. As it has fret nibs that I think are awesome looking I am dreading losing those with a refret. There is a model that apparently has better fret wire (LS390) but it costs almost 4k and is pretty rare. If I get refret I'd go stainless steel.

[@russcottee]

Very good objective video - well done Dylan. I find the easiest way to compare the 2 brands is to play two comparable models (e.g. Les Paul or 335) completely clean - no O/D pedals, fuzz, etc, no gain or reverb on the amp: then you'll hear that the Gibson has notably better sustain and clarity, particularly on the bottom end. That said, if you're one of those merchants that plays/shreds in some god-awful dropped tuning, marinated in pedals then it doesn't much matter 😂😁 BTW my Epi Zephyr Blues Deluxe is one of my 'go-to' guitars, so I don't have a bias against them.

[@RyanLee-fn5rz]

Great video walkthrough to settle the debate. When I was a new guitar player it had to be all top of the line and as I got older (5-6 years in) I sold my higher end USA models and stopped caring as I played more. I hear and feel the subtle differences... though, the way you dial in the amp; the setup, and... 'em yawnnn, I can't hear a $1,000 difference. It's there but I'd rather own two guitars for that price. :)

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

I really thought this video was going to be another rehash-comparison but it was one of the most interesting and informative comparisons I've seen.

[@nickmartinez8217]

Thanks for the info.

[@sccloser]

Excellent video!

[@dirtbiker5182]

The reason the Epiphone has a pretty back is they use mahogany veneers for the back as well. If you compare the back grain to the sides of the guitar they do not line up. This is common practice at this price point across multiple brands. Not entirely a negative just something to be aware of.

[@kennyjohnson336]

Yup. While its common knowledge the maple top is a veneer, not everybody realizes the back is also a veneer. Which hides at least a 3 piece body.

[@alanst.4417]

Yeah I missed that a bit in the video. Doubt that a pro like Dylan wouldn't have noticed and supposed it's a high grade solid 2 piece "magogany" body at this price point... Mine is definitely a 3 piece. Don't like the veneer thing much, but damn who cares if it plays well and is mostly oriented towards your body...

[@paulmcilroy7508]

Yeah nobody likes a 3 piece.....2 piece ok but beyond that it just cheapens the build quality. My "goldtop" is a 3 piece and I didn't notice or care until I went to pick it up and was so in awe of the rest of the Epi I didn't pay much attention......now it matters funny enough.@@alanst.4417

[@peterschmidt9942]

I think you'd find a few more differences if you did a Gibson vs Epiphone SG comparison Dylan. I get the whole nostalgia thing for vintage guitars and wanting a guitar that your hero played . There's just so many options now with better manufacturing, wood and paint choice that for me it's hard to justify paying that sort of money now for flawed manufacturing. Overall, the $200 price difference in Gibson vs Epiphone parts doesn't really explain the huge markup of Gibson prices. A lot has to do with labour pricing between where they're made. It still takes the same amount of time to put a 3c screw in compared to a 9c screw. Its also interesting that it cost less to make guitars with nibs than it is to do it the way eEpiphone does it in terms of labour costs. Then again, even Epiphone prices have hiked up considerably over the last few years. I'm more inclined to go with a Tokai these days over an Epiphone.

[@michaelheller8841]

It's all based on what guitar are you going to love and whether it will speak to you. For business purposes, it makes a lot of sense why a Gibson costs more than an Epiphone. Is that cost important to you or not. I have had 8 Epiphones and I'm down to one left. I was thinking on impulse mostly during that time we couldn't go out and check them out in a store. Fast forward to today with the 7 Epiphones now sold, traded, and with some other maneuvering I got a Gibson Custom Shop R8, Gibson ES-345, Gibson Les Paul Special, and a custom-made Fender Strat. To me, everything is in the feel and sound. I can pick up the guitars I own and do exactly what I want them to do. That does cost a lot more money but the end result is that you will play them a lot more. If I loved what the Epiphones did for me, I would have kept them all, end result is what will make you happy. When people criticize about cost? play them side by side, and you will feel the difference in the quality. The wood, parts, and craftsmanship are different. It took me a lot of time to get exactly what I wanted.

[@alphillips87]

Excellent breakdown!!!! ✌️

[@wakledodd]

Thanks, this was fun!

[@smurfisevil]

Great video, I would love to see a comparison between a Gibson LP Tribute vs a Gibson LP Standard. I have a set of Humbuckers I want to install in a guitar and was thinking of either buying a high-end Epiphone LP or buying a Gibson LP tribute or studio

[@vechap]

I have a 2018 Gibson LP Tribute and it is a superb guitar. Now it has none of the fancyness of a Standard, but it is made extremely well. The back is two-piece, but it is matched so well it is extremely difficult to tell, you really have to look. And, although you can see the Maple top is two-piece, it is really, really close to looking like one. It plays superbly, really smooth, and easy to play, even with 9-46 strings that they come with. I also have a Standard, and it is amazing, has all the bells and whistles and is gorgeous, but it is also 3 times the price!! You cannot go wrong with either!!!

[@denniswroblewski213]

Great presentation!

[@brokensilence6790]

Someone, please explain to my stupid little brain, wom a metal string oscillating over wound coils, is affected by the wood that the strings are anchored to. Not how expensive the wood is, ....; how it makes an elecric guitar that is amplified, sound better?

[@TheNoncritical1]

It may not be answerable, but you can play an ash bodied Tele, or one made of pine, and it should prove to you that the same configuration in a guitar can sound different when different types of wood are used in its construction.

[@erikpaterson1404]

Idk know much about brands and all but i think sometimes there could be a placebo affect in play.. just a thought

[@wilhelmrogue1]

Good info,, and that purple camo shirt is cool asf!

[@chrislail8378]

Could you do one of these with a Gibson vs Orville??? I wanna see if Orville is a big step up from Epiphone or on the same level of gibson

[@CrazyLazyDave]

You said the horns are the same and different. So now i am confused and never was before 😅

[@JuanJaim]

Just got my Epiphone LP Standard 50s this week. It's a heritage cherry sunburst, it's the 'burst I've been waiting for nearly 20 years! It's a gorgeous guitar, fantastically made. My first electric was an Epi LP standard that came stock with Gibson pickups. Honestly, these probuckers sound nice but not as nice as the Gibson (Epis seem a bit brighter, I prefer the woman tone on the Gibsons). Maybe I need to warm up to them, or maybe I need a set of DAFs! :D

[@StuartNevilleBooks]

I have, and have had, several Gibsons and Epiphones. All the Epis I've owned have been very good guitars, and certainly giggable. My favourite Epi right now is their Firebird; it's a really well made guitar, with good hardware and very decent pickups. For my purposes, as I guitar I only play occasionally, it wouldn't make sense to pay 3-4 times the price for a Gibson version. For a Les Paul or 335, which I play more often, it's worth it to me to go all out and have the Gibson Custom Shop reissue versions. Are those worth ten times the cost of their Epiphone versions? For me, yes, but honestly, that's more about the pleasure of owning those pieces than any intrinsic quality.