EPIPHONE 1959 LES PAUL vs REAL GIBSON

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

CLICK TO BUY - Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard (Inspired by Gibson Custom): www.zzounds.com/a--3979398/item--EPIECLPS59?siid=349729 GIBSON Les Paul Standard 50s: www.zzounds.com/a--3979398/item--GIBLPS500?siid=257849 COMMENT BELOW - Which is the WINNER? GUITAR GIVEAWAY Martin D-28: 1) SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications 2) Enter on GLEAM: gleam.io/competitions/QySws-martin-d28-giveaway Browse ALL GEAR: USA: www.zzounds.com/a--3979398 EUROPE: www.thomann.de/intl/index.html?offid=1&affid=2603

[@chrisgeruxubug5884]

Let's be real for a second, both sound fantastic and it's veeeeery hard to spot the differences blind. I would say I prefer the Gibson by an inch because of that hotter sound, but that's really because of the pickups, and I can't even tell if it's just because I aw the Gibson logo for a second. Both are AMAZING.

[@JJ-ze6vb]

Everybody knows the tone comes from the color of the guitar!

[@willscott5841]

Facts

[@KalenKennedy]

I always thought it was the material the pickguard was made of.

[@aliengrey6052]

Not it the tuners!!!

[@GuitarAgent007]

Actually it’s all in the guitar pick

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

As a owner of a Gibson CS R9 i think it is great these Epiphone 1959's are available and are great guitars overall. My only complaint against them is that Laurel Fingerboard? For the asking price of these Rosewood is a Must!

[@jasonswitzer1748]

I think we’re at a point in time where rosewood is now considered the premium fretboard wood and laurel is what you’ll find on almost all guitars under $2k. Kind of blows my mind, but that’s where we are in 2024. I wonder if Rosewood really is in short supply or what? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@aliengrey6052]

@@jasonswitzer1748well prs se use rosewood on single cuts costing 600 gdp. Go figure.

[@jarredbaca8112]

Remember guys, these 2 guitars have very different pickups! The Epiphone actually uses Gibson CUSTOMBUCKERS (yes, you read that correctly). The standard 50's uses Burstbucker 1 and 2. The burstbucker 2 is a hotter pickup than the custombucker, so it'll sound more aggressive and have a bit more top end bite. Both sound awesome, at this point it really is just what style of sound you like better! Lastly, of course the Gibson will most likely offer better playability/feel, but sheer sound both are right on par. You can't go wrong with either tbh.

[@garycastronova7939]

No I have an Epiphone black Beauty it's junk compared to Gibson. I keep it because it's cheap and sounds good for what it is but it feels cheap compared to the Les Paul standard I had. I bought one of those inspired by Gibson 59 Epiphones a couple of years ago in Guadalajara but promptly returned it. They're just not worth what they charge for the now. Save up and get a real Gibson.

[@justinhawks4458]

You aren’t wrong. But of THESE two guitars, that cherry nitro smelling Gibson would have got me in a second I know it. That’s a guitar I wouldn’t touch if I had no ability to buy lol

[@chrisgeruxubug5884]

@@garycastronova7939 I get your point but this model just released, you couldn't buy it even one week ago 😐

[@johnnysix7162]

@@chrisgeruxubug5884 he's talking about the previous inpsired by Gibson 59 LP, not the inspired by Custom Shop. I don't think they're junk, but I think current Epiphone prices aren't really making much sense. Would have been better to include a Rosewood board and left the Epi probuckers in it rather than using the custom buckers, in my opinion. The custom and ES355 models are using real ebony, supposedly.

[@victoresarey4036]

Pickups are pickups, when gain is added the differences are minimal at best, don't give into marketing

[@MrArnoldarnold]

Epiphone is Warmer and has a vintage vibe. I like it.

[@Zoso981]

I've been a Gibson player for 30 years, i just bought a new Epiphone '59 Les Paul and I gotta admit, the Custombuckers are EPIC pickups. It's just a really, REALLY good guitar.

[@Masterfighterx]

Even with custombuckers and good quality electronics, the Gibson still has that sound that no Epiphone stock has been able to replicate. Please for future videos. Play. The. Same. Thing. When. Comparing. 2. Different. Guitars..

[@th-pl3nx]

I agree. The Epiphone sounds much better!

[@TheVoosters]

@@th-pl3nx It doesn't

[@chickenbites8877]

I think the Epiphone sounds way better also

[@sharkman4928]

I love them both......I will give the edge to the Gibson. Remember, there are a lot of factors to consider when buying a guitar (sound, playability, construction materials, price, value *resell, collector, etc, and others). I thought the Gibson looks way better with that gloss finish and actually thought it sounded better side by side with the Epiphone. I know the finish on the Epi is nicer for playing on stage when your hands start sweating so there's that. However, the Gibson will hold it's resell value, is made from nicer materials, and looks better. However, the Epi is far less likely to be stolen at a gig. Pros and cons but both are winners in my book!

[@richfrazier8756]

Still love my 2020 epiphone les paul protop plus! Don't use the coil tapping much though. Usually play single coil bridge pickup, humbucker neck pickup thru a marshall 50 watt amp. Sounds great!

[@booster1616]

If this test was done blind, i bet many more would say they prefer the Epiphone. Andertons have done many Epiphone vs Gibson blind tests, and Chappers and Pete have had a hard time telling the difference, sometimes saying the Epiphone was better. That's with the Epiphones having pro-buckers in btw. The IBG Epiphones are fully pro guitars and will get the job done just as well. They don't need the Gibson pickups for that either. So much smoke and mirrors and confirmation bias in the electric guitar world.

[@automatoncollectives7237]

Exactly. The same as many people see things through certain political lens, just as many guitarists hear things through certain filters via visual cues. For ex, if it says “Coke” it tastes better; if it says Gibson it sounds better. Indoctrination and dogmatism are real... especially in the world of guitar.

[@automatoncollectives7237]

Looking closely it doesn’t look like the tone knobs are exact either. To me, anyways. I mean these silly comparisons aren’t exactly scientific but at least get the knobs set equally. Smh.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Les paul the man once said "Players judge with their eyes not their ears"

[@automatoncollectives7237]

@@These_go_to_eleven_1959 That’s exactly right. Even throw sight and hearing are uniquely subjective as well.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

@@automatoncollectives7237 👍

[@ManOrWomanIDK]

The epiphone has the Gibson body shape too instead of the epiphone body shape. Usually epiphones have a chunkier horn.

[@pauljohnson3686]

The older 59 epiphone has Burst Buckers.. You should have compared the old 59 and new 59 epiphones.. It would be interesting to see if the burst buckers sound better than the customs between the new and old.. The gibson sounds better here.. The burst buckers sound much more alive and vibrant, whilst the custom buckers sound flatter due to lower output.

[@dwightb8323]

I just bought the Epiphone - it sounds great. But the neck feels a little unfinished when compared to the Gibson. The Rosewood on the Gibson feels better than the Laurel on the Epi. And the frets on the Gibson feel better too. I'm sure the Epiphone will feel more broken in over time, but the Gibson just feel so much better from the start. However, for the price difference, it's hard to complain. The Epi does have a lot going for it - it's a great working guitar that I don't mind actually using.

[@kenmh7357]

Just bought an Alex Lifeson Epiphone Les Paul. A work of art. Great neck, Maple veneer and top-of-the-line hardware. Only thing is it weighs a ton! Best buy I ever made!

[@CustomTele52RI]

I like the Gibson BB2 / BB1 pickup combination in the Gibson. Which is exactly what I have in the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Outfit I bought for $699. It came with Gibson BB3 & BB2 which was a little hot for me so I bought a BB1 and some Faber hardware for the bridge and tail. Also locking tuners, buffed the finish to a shine and stained the fret board so you can't tell it's not rosewood. LOVE it for about $1050 total investment. Shocked to see this very similar guitar now going for nearly twice the price!

[@sinakaedwards2009]

Love this video's concept. To me it seems the real difference is in volume. The Gibson sounded louder through my head phones. The Gibson shines better, I kept wondering what the Epiphone would look like if you polished it hard style. One thing that would be cool if able to, is to use a split screen while taking measurements and put the measurements side by side for comparison.

[@paxonearth]

Cool demo. GREAT playing!

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

I appreciate it, thanks for watching!

[@hermannmaier0]

I might replace pickups in either one. I would want to know the guitars weight. Epi seems like a good deal. Could get some favorite humbuckers for half the cost difference of the Gibson.

[@werewolflover8636]

A good deal? It’s a Chinese mass produced slave labor guitar that costs over 1k! And the moment you buy it I hope you love it because it’ll never be worth anywhere close to what you paid for it again!

[@jupiterlegrand4817]

Overton Window, baby. Get them consumers trained to pay (former) American pricing for Import guitars, price the American made instruments so high, that an Epi which was a pretty good deal at around $700 now looks like a "bargain" at $1300. Brilliant.

[@Zoso981]

Gibson marketing in a nutshell. And it's working.

[@automatoncollectives7237]

The Epiphone ‘59 will get me close enough to that Les Paul experience, and allows me to have purchased a Charvel DK24 with the savings. As for the Classic and ‘59: great bottom level guitars, but I think we need to humble ourselves a bit. As no legendary guitarist plays these budget friendly instruments. Just because it says Gibson, Charvel on the head stock, etc., doesn’t necessary mean much. For example, not all Gibsons are the same, and most of us can’t begin to afford the type of Custom Shop instruments being ordered by the legendary pros.

[@Edward1312]

You forgot to mention that the legendary pros get them for free as they act as brand ambassadors, its only us chumps that actually have to pay for them!

[@automatoncollectives7237]

@@Edward1312 Very well said.

[@nicopoppe4838]

Please don't buy an epi, just get a tokai or something like that...

[@TheWaveGoodbye-Music]

I think a lot of the folks saying they prefer the Gibson is because they can see it's a Gibson so the mind plays tricks. But I doubt the average audience members or listener will notice or even care about the difference. Where as to me a single working class musician these guitars are a great thing. Real Gibson humbuckers, nice finish and all the trappings without paying an extra 2/3k which is surely just profit. I'm also a big believer in the fact there is a point where one can pay too much for a guitar with diminishing returns. For the price and quality I'd take epiphone any day, I couldn't ever justify a Gibson, it would be purely for the fact it has the Gibson name on the headstock.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

I agree. all audio test's should be in the dark, unseen just heard. Play the sounds without revealing which is which then at the very end show the results. I own a Gibson 2016 Historic R9 but am not biased i think these Epi 59's are amazing for the price! Many may prefer them to the R9's. It is all very subjective when it comes to stuff like this. we all have our different tastes and needs. I think the Epi held its own extremely well here!

[@tonedowne]

You can get a Gibson for the price of that Epiphone though. Admittedly not a Standard, but you can get a Tribute (while stocks last) for exactly the same money, the new LP lites are not much more, and the studios are just a bit more again. I live in Australia so they are all cataclysmically expensive. So if I am going to pay over the odds for a guitar that is designed so it is hard to play in the upper register and goes out of tune, I want the version that is going to give me maximum harmonics and range. I just spent the afternoon playing a bunch of LPs in the guitar shop. High end Epiphanies and low end Gibsons. The difference was that the versatility. Like the Slash Epiphone was every bit as good as the Tribute and Studio when it came to gain sounds, and in some ways better, but it fell apart when trying to do the classic clean with both pickups sound. The Epiphone 59 had no bass on the bass strings. It was weird, the treble strings sounded bang on the money, but the wound strings sounded thin and quiet. Honestly go get a Tribute before they run out and the used prices start to climb. The winner of my shootout was a second hand Studio cherry satin. The sound out of the amp wasn't quite as good as the studio, but it rings like crazy acoustically and instilling a table bleed is no big deal. And its cheaper than even the second hand Epiphone 59

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

@@tonedowne I have a 2016 Tribute 50's goldtop and love it! I play it almost as much as my historic R9 mainly because it is on a stand and the R9 is in its case!😁 But in all seriousness the tribute i got used is stellar for what i paid. $650 with a gibson gig bag. The guy that bought it a few months earlier decided to just play strat's so he sold me his mint tribute! no joke!

[@tonedowne]

@@These_go_to_eleven_1959 You got a real; score there. The Tributes are the real deal, they just don't look the best, particularly from behind, but no one can see that when you are playing it. I think with the Gibson logic being what it is, they discontinued the Tribute because it was too good of a deal and they want to sell more Epiphones. Great guitars, I played a bunch of more expensive LPs that I liked less than the Tribute. Chambered body, some ind of treble bleed, and no convoluted wiring to get in the way of the tone. its a winner.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

@@tonedowne Yeah i got lucky. i also really like that it is different from my R9. They do not play the same even though both have a 50's neck shape and are LP's. The satin finish of the tribute is cool with me. never have to polish it. I play it as much as my R9. really great guitars for under $1000 used,

[@anthonymartin5836]

I just bought my first Gibson Les Paul yesterday at my local guitar shop. I still have my epiphone, it’s the generation behind the one in the video. I will keep it for life but… Mentally it feels different…. That Gibson logo has a lot of power behind it. It’s like comparing Nikes to Jordan’s…. Both are great shoes, but the Jordan’s hit different.

[@ManuelGonzalez-tv2ob]

Not only the logo but the components, construction, finish... They're very different instruments. You may have a preference, but the Gibson is going to be a better instrument in spite of personal preferences.

[@willscott5841]

That’s true…. even though “you get what you pay for” is often true with guitars, it’s only to a certain degree. There have been quite a few “budget” pieces make it to hall of fame status in music history

[@BB-ft6nd]

Honestly, either of them are excellent. Personally, I’d go for the Epiphone.

[@maxamgilbert]

The only disadvantage of the Epi is that it‘s missing the Gibson logo!

[@jasonswitzer1748]

The Epi just lacks that fat girth found on the Gibson. I’m guessing a big reason for that is the different pickups. If you weren’t A/Bing them and all I heard was the Epi, I’m sure I’d be plenty happy with that guitar.

[@manucarper8072]

La Epiphone me suena opaca y con poca dinámica a pesar de las tremendas pick ups que tiene. Este video es contundente, para entender de la influencia de las maderas y por más excelentes pastillas que tiene, si la madera no es tan influyente en el audio final de poco servirá. De todas maneras la Epiphone suena bien.

[@michaelheller8841]

The Gibson sounded better as a guitar if that makes sense. I do prefer the PUPS on the Epiphone better. The Burstbuckers are louder and that doesn't mean better. Throw the Custombuckers in the Gibson and you're not paying Custom Shop money. The Epiphone at $1299 IMO is an incredible value with all the upgrades, they came a long way. The Gibson is a better guitar and that's not a joke.

[@GPLP335]

Great informative comparison, and nice playing! I think it really comes down to a person's budget.

[@darwinsaye]

There’s no need to declare the Gibson a “real” Gibson in the title. The Epiphone says “Epiphone” on the headstock; it’s not claiming to be a Gibson.

[@werewolflover8636]

Why not? The whole point of Epiphone is to be a cheap Chinese mass produced alternative to the American hand crafted original it’s based upon. Nothing will change this fact.

[@darwinsaye]

@@werewolflover8636 Epiphone is Epiphone. If they were comparing the Gibson to a Chinese fake Les Paul labelled Gibson on the headstock, then you would refer to the Chinese one as a fake Gibson and the Gibson as a “real” Gibson, but the Epiphone is not a fake Gibson, it is a real Epiphone.

[@mr3klax]

It’s Epiphone for me, to my 62-year old eyes, ears and back. As I’m nearing retirement, although I have the means, owning a Gibson is not in my bucket list. Thanks for a great demo!👍🏼

[@eliasskoundrianos46]

Let's not forget that the Gibson is more than twice the money. Is this really justified? I don't think so... Epiphones always represent a great value.

[@user-bb6yg1yr4n]

Assuming a substantial part of production costs is labor, and assuming an Amercan employee is more than twice as expensive as a Chinese employee, I would say that justifies the price difference.

[@shawn_ten_toes]

I wish i could say they sound the same, but the Gibson, to me, has the sound I prefer. Seems more articulate to me.

[@AbstractZombie-ed8fj]

You forgot to mention this.. Disclaimer: In order to continually improve the design, quality and performance of our products and instruments and to make use of the best materials at all times, Epiphone reserves the right to change specifications without notice Epiphone added this to their page after a massive lawsuit, in which Epiphone was caught selling 1959 reissue guitars made of olive wood, with birch tops.. The guitar in question was tested by a highly reputable lab and in court Gibson never tried to discredit the lab or findings.. Gibson said (in summer months we changed the material due to temperature and moisture content in the air) as a result Epiphone added a disclaimer to protect themselves from a lawsuit in America and around the world for falsely advertising specs and materials.. So Epiphone could be using okoume(extremely cheap mahogany substitute) and birch (extremely cheap maple substitute) as construction and be telling people they are (mahogany and maple) and the disclaimer would protect Gibson from false advertising...Okoume is so close in appearance to mahogany that only a lab analysis would be able to tell you, it's extremely cheap and widely available in China but it sounds nothing like genuine mahogany it's closer to basswood, and birch is the same most would never be able to tell as it shares a similar appearance to maple,but sounds nothing like maple it lacks the sharp snap of maple and is extremely cheap in China,it's literally a few cents per board foot same with Okoume.. There's a moral situation with youtubers selling these for Gibson amd NOT DISCLOSING THE DISCLAIMER! It's just morally wrong and unacceptable... This lawsuit is common knowledge on forums, and many other places it's not a fake fabrication it's something that can actually be traced with court records and documents... Imagine spending $1200 on a guitar to find out it was less than $50 to produce and wasn't what you were led to believe it was... But this channel will likely remove this comment rather than leaving it to help guitarist make educated and informed decisions and not get burned, profits and brand loyalty over truth...

[@Zoso981]

I would prefer this channel to leave this comment up, but delete this guy's guitar playing.

[@manelalentorn]

Call me snob if you want, but I prefer the sound of the Gibson Standard… brighter and handles overdrive and distortion better… I am also sure that the type of mahogany, the nitro finish and the small deails play also a big rol when it comes to the sound. I just feel the custombuckers are a bit weak…

[@TheSoulsandRevive]

Great comparison! Cheers for this

[@Hickeroar]

I like the sound of the custombuckers clean better, but once you add some drive, those burstbuckers really take off in all the positions.

[@fredlorf6970]

Why didn't you play the same thing on both guitars? I've seen many other demos where the Epiphone sounds much better than in this video. I know mine does!

[@werewolflover8636]

🤡

[@ChrisJones-ht9zn]

I totally agree. Mine sounds much better than this demo. When I bought it I played it next to a Gibson and the Epiphone was the clear winner. Dropping the pickups would have brought the Epiphone sound much closer to the Gibson. Mine sounds way better after setting it up properly.

[@gregstimple8678]

I dont care for vos finish on the Epiphone.

[@metalliholic]

Wonder how it would look polished.

[@dobiqwolf]

@@metalliholic someone did it (can't remember which channel) and turned the VOS finish into a gloss finish. I believe the idea is that, with time, the finish will gloss around the areas where there are a lot of contact with the player so neck and top of the guitar where the right arm touches it.

[@keymaker_coils686]

It just looks gloss polished. I polished mine.

[@Masterfighterx]

@@dobiqwolf Probably Trogly that did it as a test under the pickguard under the SG Custom, for what I remember it wasn't a very clean looking gloss, bit of orange peel.

[@dobiqwolf]

@@Masterfighterx thank you, it was Trogly.

[@kenfernsler6507]

The Gibson sounds better. I have a R8 with custom buckers and a gold top standard with burstbuckers. In my case the R8 sounds better and is my main gigging guitar. Burst buckers are thin and brighter in my case. Just proves the wood matters. Plus I wonder if the epiphone is still using the same headstock angle. The Gibson headstock angle is sharper. It has more tention on the strings which will change the sound. Every lespaul copy ive ever tried was darker then the real deal and lacks the high end clarity a lespaul gives you.

[@finoroverato7640]

Gibby has more dimension. Would a change in hardware and pickups help the Epi get closer? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe the pickups and wood in the Gibby is just better.

[@user-kb1yh1gq2d]

I 'm happy with the Epiphone 59, the older version with the Burstbucker PUs, and see no need to buy one of these...

[@moshezarviv1252]

plus one

[@73challenger5031]

The tones are a little different but, that's the pickups. The playing, however, is spectacular!

[@nieko3038]

People hyping long necktennon. It doesn’t look like a tight fit on this Epiphone. My old Epi has a rout for long necktennon but the neck is shorter so there is a hole. That thing vibrates longer than my Burny with long necktennon. My 2013 Tribute Future has the same build as this Gibson, tennon wise. Gibson said back then it had the biggest contact area up to that point. Would be interested in those Epiphones when second hand prices are good. Give it a nice buff to semigloss. Gibson get plenty of criticism about their necks and now it is celebrated as a plus for Epiphone. I’ll keep playing my 2001.

[@josephrizza5486]

I think if you are on a budget and not a full time musician the Epiphone is a great choice. The Epiphone sounds great and its affordable for most musicians. 3000.00 is a big commitment if you are just playing at home and an occasional gig. To many people get hung up on having that Gibson logo on the headstock.

[@doctoribanez]

They will have to use a better fret board to get me to buy one.

[@Rockriverboarder]

I buy older clipped headstock Epiphones and Squires too with rosewood boards. Electronics can be updated. You can’t change the wood!

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Yes that is probably the biggest con of these New Epi 59's that laurel fingerboard. at $1200 it should be rosewood no question.

[@benelder6431]

People should let epiphone know we don't want Indian laurel by not purchasing them until they go back to rosewood!

[@strawsparky33]

​@@These_go_to_eleven_1959laurel is the superior material. It's harder and lasts longer. He'll even richlite is better than Rosewood. Fretboard wood makes zero difference to tone on electrics.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

@@strawsparky33 Thanks and good to know but i don't have any guitars with Laurel but i do see many players not wanting anything to do with it.

[@automatoncollectives7237]

Btw, price-wise, the comparison should be made between the Tribute and the new Epiphone ‘59 as they are in the price bracket. Or compare the Tribute to the Classic 50s LP, compared to the Epi “59 to the Classic 50s LP... and see which of the aforementioned holds up. Something tells me the ‘59 with win that battle.

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

You're right that the tribute was the same price, but it has been discontinued unfortunately probably for this reason. Tributes are great guitars. Thanks for watching.

[@automatoncollectives7237]

@@PlayandTradeGuitars Is thee any Gibson that isn’t great? How is it that all Gibsons are great? I could never understand that. The way so many pay accolades to the Tribute, and these entry level Gibsons, makes me wonder why musicians of own stature aren’t using them. Funny that. Just saying.

[@werewolflover8636]

@@automatoncollectives7237🤡

[@basiltiffani8850]

Any perceived differences could be easily negated with a simple and inexpensive eq pedal.

[@ManuelGonzalez-tv2ob]

Except from the feel and playability. We play with our hands.

[@marcozarattini1854]

I think getting and Epiphone with 500€ pickups (Gibson Custombuckers are surely better than Gibson Burstbuckers),a beautiful hard case,the right body and horn shape,and the right headstock,for 1.299€ is surely a very good Deal...l am thinking getting the honeyburst One👍👍👍😍❤️

[@explorervango880]

I considered the SG Custom because I like that look, but I’d probably play my Gibson 61 with the vibrola over the Epiphone anyway. I have an Epiphone Koa LP Custom-pretty wall art-have other things I want to play more.

[@alexstrums]

The Epiphone sounds fantastic, but I’m not keen on the finish. Personally, I’d save for a few more months and get a Gibson. I know the Epiphone route… but it, play the hell out of it, GAS for a Gibson, sell it at a loss THEN buy a Gibson after a few major price hikes 😅. The custombuckers sound great but I’m pretty sure Alnico 3 mags in Epiphone probuckers will be in the same ballpark shrug. What can I say, I like expensive things but cheap at the same time 😊

[@JayLand1973]

...as a Les Paul guitar purist I think Gibson is trouble with sales with this Epiphone. If they would has done the Epiphone is gloss with it was in poly or nitro I'd be more likely to buy it. Probably a good thing Gibson doubled the price. I love the sound of both almost unjust to pay the $1700 differance if you want that Gibson sound really. As i said at the start... a Les Paul purist this is a true toughy both are beautiful in appearance and in sound! Thanks for a great showing here

[@gregperkins7723]

I've had Gibson Les Paul classic, standard 60s and custom shop R0. All were great but I put all of them down after the first couple of days. Just got this $1300 Epi and I CANNOT put it down. Don't know what it is but it's a 8lb 4oz JOY! And beautiful to boot. I swear if a store switched the head stock names, everyone would walk out with the "Gibson" :)

[@slashtrio]

I like the epiphone but that finish looks cheap and weird. I would definitely buff or polish it to give a more normal shine. I dig it otherwise.

[@zeroman614]

In 1959 a LP Standard with case was $300. One 1959 dollar is now equivalent to $10.40 so the price, adjusted for inflation is almost exactly the same as 1959.

[@williamkyle6275]

Does the Epiphone 59 have the same neck shape, size, feel as the previous Epiphone 59 Outfit?

[@sinakaedwards2009]

Would be cool to see a breakdown of the difference in models between them like you did on the Fender and Squire basses. Like the entry level Epiphone through the Gibson version.

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Thanks for watching. We have buyers guides for Epiphone, Epiphone ES, Gibson, and a more recent video on Affordable Gibsons - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qn28mXaIbdh3pq8

[@christopherwilliams7222]

Epi sounds like more value for the money. Gibson had a slight edge of warmth but not enough to be double the price of the Epi!

[@johnmoua235]

Epiphone for me

[@werewolflover8636]

👍🤡

[@johnmoua235]

@@werewolflover8636ok wolfy 😂

[@adamswanson8216]

I dare say anyone who had not seen a Les Paul up close and did not know much about them. Would never know any difference and somebody listening unless they could see the guitars could only know the difference if they knew because they were told nobody could listen to this or my RN and tell any difference at all. It sounds just like it, I think it’s well. Spent $1300 and also it’s only wood and I am very guilty of buying a lot of that wood. I have a lot of Gibson guitars and I can tell you I have nothing but regret been set up pick up makers but regardless the finish on mine might be a little higher quality and it might have Murphy written on it, but it certainly doesn’t make it sound any better and I’m sure with a little fretwork. This probably plays just as good too, it should teach us all a lesson not help Gibson grow but teach us all a lesson. I certainly learned it from Eastman and I’m learning from this too and I’m selling all of my Gibson guitars because of it. I have bought nine Eastman guitars so far and couldn’t be happier. I have ordered one of these so I’ll have one in my collection besides my besides my take. 6:08

[@macaius]

IMHO the Epi sounds muddier or muffled compared to the Gibson, although It has a good sound. Having in mind their got different pickups configurations, would be great to see a shootout with the same pickups to see if there is a noticeable difference.

[@dananthony6258]

I want another classic. I think that’s the best investment. I can sell my 2017 for the same price I bought it for still today in 2024.

[@daviddalziel884]

Great idea for a demo but I feel a better one would have been the two Epiphone 59s against each other . I think you can get a good second hand Gibson Les Paul for the cost of the newest 59 Epiphone ( I did ) . The satin finish on the new version looks cheap to me but guess it might clean up . The same price differential is seen here as is the one from the IBG Epiphone Firebird and the new one which is around £1500 which is ridiculous for a Chinese built guitar when you could shop around and maybe get a Gibson for that price . It’s a strange game that Epiphone/Gibson are playing here basically underplaying their £500 range which are decent guitars but Gibson models are aspirational so let’s introduce a middle ground which are more expensive than the good workhorse range we have but fall short of the real thing . Very similar strategy to Fender with their Vintera range which buying from new are similar in price to a decent second hand American Strat.

[@DMSProduktions]

Both sound really good, but the Gibbo still sounded 'better'! The pick ups and more mid punch and clarity! The Epi was a bit darker sounding!

[@Toni-nf6ht]

Gibby have more clarity and low end I think

[@kevinwismer9457]

Sound the same to me. $1200 for Epiphone though...I don't know, you're basically paying about $300 for the headstock. As for the Gibson, you're paying an extra $1000 for what's written _on_ the headstock. Personally I'm saving up for a Made in Japan Ibanez. To each their own.

[@iadorasjourney]

Thank you for this comparison. I think the Epiphone is really a much higher quality instrument now and FINALLY Gibson is getting rid of that ridiculous unbalanced headtstock shape. The 1959 Epi has that bit of "antiqueness" in the sound which maybe it's closer to a the real deal... I agree 100% with one of the commenters who says "Please for future videos. Play. The. Same. Thing. When. Comparing. 2. Different. Guitars.." because otherwise it si impossible to catch all the nuances of the PUs and the sonic different between 2 guitars. Thank you!

[@alwaysevolving281]

The epiphone sounds muffled compared to the Gibson. It’s like it’s trying to breathe hard but can’t get it out.

[@soofitnsexy]

its garbage...i recently played epiphone greenie it was just ok...epihone big money grab recently...GIBSON ALL THE WAY

[@matthewhopkins6359]

​@@soofitnsexysounds like a threatened Gibson collector lol

[@ItsaDaPope-a]

​@@soofitnsexy garbage? A bit dramatic don't you think?

[@chrisgeruxubug5884]

custombucker baby

[@Hallalo]

@@soofitnsexyyeah Gibson CS, Gibson USA isnt worth it… I have a Murphy Lab 59 btw.

[@zaccarter3801]

I wish I could say this was brand blindness but that Gibson sounds way better. Played the audio out of my phone and my friend that wasn’t watching said he liked the sound of the guitar when I said “2” more (1 was epiphone, 2 was Gibson). He doesn’t even know much about guitars or that I was watching a guitar vs guitar video.

[@werewolflover8636]

Thank you! There’s way to many children and idiots here getting upset and saying some down right stupid things because they realize that that cheap Chinese knockoff they bought is not the same as the American original and never will be!

[@spekenbonen72]

The real deal sounds "hot" compared to the Epi, because of the distance between the bridge and the bridge P.U. Using a caliper for totally unimportant specs instead... Anyway. Having the correct distance is like hitting or missin pinched harmonics. (if you understand how string harmonics work... you might want to dive into that subject) Epi did it deliberate b.t.w..... They are not allowed to sound EXACTLY like the real deal, otherwise no one will buy the real deal. FWIW this bridge to P.U. distance dictates the voicing of a guitar.

[@anthonyroach7974]

Think the Epiphone sounds warmer go more of a vintage sound and those pick ups to just think if it had a rosewood fingerboard

[@dragan4658]

Too much difference in the sound between the two. I've heard many other comparisons and there wasn't such a big difference, the Gibson sounds so much better.

[@jaymax3201]

The difference is even more obvious when unplugged, but　it can be hidden a little with an amp.

[@Coolbeans1492]

Lol the epiphone has gibson custom shop pickups…. Those would be higher spec than what’s coming in the gibson. Where have you heard many other comparisons? These have only just come out in swear it would be pretty much be damn near impossible to find many…

[@zoeherriot]

The pickups are better than the standards, and the guitar itself will make nearly zero difference to the sound. You’re listening with your eyes. 😂

[@dragan4658]

@zoeherriot ears are for listening, eyes are for looking. My advice is look at what is written, listen to the words to correctly understand them

[@zoeherriot]

@@dragan4658 the point is, it’s remarkable how often people can easily determine which sounds best when they can see the guitar and yet it gets more difficult when they are blindfolded. Our perception of the quality is greatly affected by our perceptions of value - ie our eyes. Given both of these guitars are made mostly with CNC machines and the Epiphone has the better pickups, there is no reason to think the Gibson should sound better.

[@victoromarmunoztenorio3647]

It is not the pickups! Gibson uses nitrocelulose finish. It really does make a niticeable difference. Just play them acousticly… the epi has more volume but less high end sizzle. Gibson lets all details of your lead playing (bendings, vibrato etc) shine. If you only plan on playing riffs and rhythmic guitar epi is good enough. If you want to play lead guitar and have the extra bucks go with a gibson. (I have an epiphone les paul custom with ebony fingerboard and a gibson les paul standard 60s). An electric guitar IS an acoustic guitar.

[@raithmhael3323]

Literally makes no sense. Plug them in and look at a graph of what's actually going on with the sounds. The finish affects nothing in an electric when plugged in. The sheer amount of nonsense in the guitar community

[@zoeherriot]

The acoustic qualities of a guitar are not picked up via the pickups. This makes zero sense.

[@victoromarmunoztenorio3647]

@@raithmhael3323 there is a video on the channel of vertex effects on this topic. It is called “This Risky Guitar Mod Paid Off Huge” . Also go to Kris Barocsi’s channel and watch “Guitar Myth-Busting | Tonewood vs Pickups” You will learn a thing or two.

[@victoromarmunoztenorio3647]

@@zoeherriot then why does a les paul or a tele with or without pickguard sound different? If this it is too subtle of a difference in sound to you. Take a semihollow guitar and stuff sponges inside the f holes and notice how the sound changes.

[@zoeherriot]

@@victoromarmunoztenorio3647 it doesn’t change when recorded DI. I’ve recorded and tested this with spectrum analyzers - it’s all in your head.

[@EthanRom]

It’s so funny how people keep saying the Gibson is better. Yea obviously everybody knew that

[@pat5882]

The Epi has the longer neck tenon.

[@tonyconnors93]

I agree the Epiphone sound more mellow with the Custombuckers. The 50s LP Standard does move a bit more into the more agressive territory. In the mix with a backing band there really isn't much difference. I am really liking the Epiphone. I would have to say $3000 plus with tax vs $1300 with tax becomes a hard pill to swallow. Epiphone is the older company and has been hitting homeruns on all of there new guitars over the last few years. Where Gibson keeps adding zeros and makes you question whether the guitar your're buying is worth it. Eventually my attitude may change, however Epiphone is hitting that Gibson sound for me without paying 2 to 5 times the cost. Epiphone is my thought. If you STILL dont like the Custombuckers, change for Burstbuckers with a new Gibson harness and you still come way under $3K.

[@robertblair-uk4ph]

What's really surprised me about this, is how much darker the Epi sounds. I own a Gibson Les Paul very similar to the one in this video, with the same pickups etc and I've played lots of CS reissues with Custombuckers which, in my experience, have always sounded much brighter than Burstbuckers. I suppose this opens up the tone wood debate a bit in my mind. Either that, or Epiphone are wax potting their Custombuckers or something.

[@sandoncrowder7839]

Custombuckers always sounded a little darker to me, also he may have rolled back the tone knob in this demo as well. The custombuckers in these are unpotted I've checked them out myself, but they're all gonna be different one set to the next.

[@garyedwards4783]

I'll tell you what I think, I think you're a damn fine guitar player!!💨💨💨

[@nicciazofficial]

next time, Can you do a comparison between the Epiphone 59 and a Gibson 59? Thanks!!

[@golfrick007]

I like them both just not a fan of the satin finish on Epiphone.

[@BuChan89]

Your money is best spent buying a Japanese domestic market Epiphone with the Open Book headstock and vintage specs made by Fujigen. With the weak Yen, you can score a great deal.

[@markwilliamsmusic2987]

Didn't know they come with custombuckers thx !

[@onlyfromadistance7326]

A satin finish means i just walk on by it... Very good video though.

[@sixbladeknife44]

The Epiphone isn’t bad, but the Gibson has much better clarity.

[@soofitnsexy]

not even close

[@ldfox11]

The problem is, both guitars have original Gibson pickups. Gibson claims that the CustomBuckers in the Epiphone are the best of their pickup line. CustomBuckers go for 499. The Burstbuckers on the other-hand, that are in the Gibson go for 299. It might be due to setup. Do both guitars have the same strings, is one set of strings older? It just convinces me to just keep my Epiphone 1959 with the Kalamazoo headstock. Mine has Burstbucker and sounds very good.

[@MisterTee]

@@ldfox11the custom shop Custombuckers are wound in the custom shop, The retail ones, like in the epi are a production floor model.

[@ldfox11]

@@MisterTee I've watched many videos claiming they are real Custombuckers made in America. When you read the label on the back of the pickup, it's exactly the same. So, Gibson is scamming us?

[@zoeherriot]

@@MisterTee these are real custom buckers in the epi.

[@cheymanny8787]

I'm more into the Epiphone finish than the clown burst 50s

[@Edward1312]

Buy the 59 when it reaches the 2nd hand market in a year or so and you will have a real deal LP for under $1000 that can get close, sound wise to a guitar 3 times the price.

[@wolfcrossing5992]

Above the 12th the Gibson was "clearly" on another plane.

[@landoftheninja]

Normally, with epi lp's my gripe is with the neck pickup. (And that's a pretty minor gripe bc I have an epi lp and two epi sg's) But with the 59 the neck sounds great, it's the bridge pickup that doesn't sound the best. But really I'd have to actually play one to have an opinion lol

[@jessejorgensen3931]

The finish does suck and so do the frets, but gibson has to do something to differentiate the two or most ppl would just buy the epiphone. I think i like custombucker better than the burst. I'm narrowing it down. The custom i have and the necks are too thin. I think I'm going to get a white 335.

[@gregrose6915]

What brand of strings are on these guitars? That makes a difference. Put NYXL's on both.

[@Myfingersstinklikefish]

Also ill remind you that the epiphone pro buckers are made the same exact same way as the Gibson burst buckers with the same exact materials...and highly acclaimed so are the epiphone Alnico classic vintage humbuckers highly acclaimed also..

[@johnnysix7162]

But the Epiphone in this video is using Gibson pickups, so what does epiphone import pickups have anything to do with it?

[@normanjohnson712]

The Epiphone is using the Burst Buckers 2 & 3 which by Gibson themselves say are just a little hotter than the ones than Gibson use which should be the Burst Bucker 1 & 2. But to me the Gibson sound a little clearer and brighter. Could it be the differences in the pots and caps that Gibson use that are making the difference?

[@johnnysix7162]

@@normanjohnson712 The epiphone uses Custom Buckers, they're a more "warm" sounding pickup than the burst buckers. I've seen arguements that maybe the Custom Bucker is just a Burst Bucker with an A3 magnet but others have said there was more difference, so who knows really.

[@normanjohnson712]

@@johnnysix7162 Yea I just looked it up I have one of the first Epiphone Limited Edition 1959 Les Paul Standard that came out which they used the Burst Buckers. But could the pots and caps make a difference here?

[@johnnysix7162]

@@normanjohnson712 Should be the same pots, caps might be different. I think the epiphone is using a bumblee cap and the gibson is probably using orange drops. It could make a difference, output of the pickups and height of the pickups could also affect it. But all said and done. it's a video... without being in the room hearing the tones straight off the cab, or monitors whatever the case is, really hard to say what one is really better for you, or for me. and sometimes sound alone isn't a good determining factor, since there are so many products you can use to shape the sound of the instrument, sometimes it's just down to how the guitar feels in your hands. I bought one of the Gretsch Malcolm Young signature guitars, absolutely beautiful sounding guitar, probably one of the nicest sounding guitars i've personally heard, but for the life of me cannot stand to play it. Just something about the neck on it.

[@LewisShieldsUS]

In comparison the difference is a prestige purchase and the insistent artificial differences between people. The perceived gulf isn't bridged by the union of guitar conceptually because those that purchase Gibson products are in fact better people; a higher life form. Epiphone purchasers have but only a dim hope of eventual salvation thru the cyclical passage of a few billion years of protracted musical evolution.

[@tonyb9864]

Why can't Gibson make that Epiphone? A 1959 Standard style lower priced guitar is what a lot of people want. Give it a fancy name ("1959 Junior Standard" or whatever). I have the previous 59 from Epi with burstbuckers which I love. The only thing that I like about the new one is the headstock.

[@dcmichosgaming7662]

They don't have the same pickups so this isn't a helpful tone comparison video. And the Epiphone is supposed to be a '59 reissue as opposed to the Gibson being a modern day LP Standard. So yeah, maybe you should have compared the Epiphone to a Gibson R9.

[@aliengrey6052]

Gibson kicks episode ass right out of the park.

[@xenophonkirby]

I have both of these guitars. Don't be fooled. The feel, sound, and playability are miles ahead with the Gibson.

[@danlawson3986]

Epiphone all day 4 me. If i want my guitar to sound better all i need to is practice. Just listen to jack pearson on his squier strat.

[@werewolflover8636]

😂😂😂😂 👍🤡

[@jonnyquickalive]

night and day. gibson kills it

[@chickenbites8877]

I genuinely prefer the sound of the Epiphone

[@user-jn3vi3vp2n]

Epiphoneでもこのレベルのギターを買えるようになっていい時代になったと思います。

[@guitarrise4523]

The fact that the epiphane has a long tenon and the Gibson does not is bullshit.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Only the Custom Shop Les Paul's have the Long neck tenon. Many prefer the short tenon because the tone has more bite and cut in the mix. The Epiphone is being historically accurate like the Custom shop Les Paul's are. That LP standard he is playing here is a more modern take.