Epiphone IS Getting WORSE. Fact?

I compare my New Epiphone Les Paul Studio with my old 1998 made in Korea Epiphone Les Paul Studio.
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New Epiphone Les Paul Studio review: • Epiphone Les Paul Stud...
Chapters:
00:00 Intro - Is a New Epiphone Worse than one made in Korea?
00:31 Coming Up...
00:52 Headstock - a fascinating discovery. The new one is wider!
01:40 Tuners - Kluson vs Fake Grover
02:32 Nut
03:03 Fretboard
04:03 Neck profile and measurements
04:34 Fret ends
05:00 Poker chips!
05:10 Humbuckers
05:27 Split coils - nice!
06:01 Single coil sounds... stratty...
06:27 Pickguards retrofit
06:44 Weight & Body thickness - old and skinny vs new and chunky!
07:42 Internals - inside the rear cavities
09:28 Stop tail bridge quality
09:38 Inside the pickup cavities
11:18 Sound demo
11:54 Control knobs quality
14:05 Unplugged sounds
14:49 Final thoughts
16:07 Epi Slash guest appearance
16:57 Geek corner - pickup resistance!
17:54 Geek corner - headstock - truss rod covers

[@appetiteforguitar]

What you think of new vs old Epiphone guitars? Great to hear your views!

[@auntjenifer7774]

The new pickups did sound better but it's hard to tell which guitar is better with out being able the play em and such.

[@appetiteforguitar]

Very true! In practice the necks and playability are remarkably similar for two guitars separated by 25 years or so. Personal preference is a big factor - I like the chunky body of the new one and having split coils... but I love the old one too.

[@charlesb7831]

I tend to prefer older guitars, however that being said, the new Gibson modern series are really sweet. I kind of got away from "Traditional Guitars " ie. Gibson Les Paul and Fender strat. I realized that I just prefer the late 80's and 90's shredder guitars so keep that in mind with my responses. I think so.e of the newer Gibson and Epiphone are really nice. Where I'm having issues is with Richlight fingerboard and the Indian Laural stuff and constant fret sprout going on. I have an 1989 Kramer Nightswan Aztec, Peavey v-type exp that I replaced everything on lol. Kramer Dave Sabo signature, Zakk Wylde Epiphone 2004, Kramer Dave Sabo 2021, 1996 Hamer Californian, Fender Squire Jim Rroot model, 1998ish Jackson and a Spector bass. I just have les issues with these guitars, 5 of them are Floyd Rose guitars. I think people, including myself get sorta trained/brainwashed into thinking that if your not playing a Gibson or Fender your not a great player kinda thing. My next on my list is and ESP/LTD, the craftsmanship is outstanding. I like real woods, not fake stuff like say Richlight stuff, shielding is usually something I always do myself so I don't worry about that anyway. I find with say , Indian Laural that is higher maintenance and the companies are starting to use it alot more. I'm an Ebony fingerboard kinda guy personally and people use to tell me those were high maintenance, not compared to the Laural. I do find aged , old wood has stabilized and just less work. Again this is just an opinion, not what I think others should do. It took me too many years to realize that you don't need say a Traditional Gibson or Fender collection lol. I'll say my 1989 Kramer Nightswan sounds better than a Gibson Les Paul, has the same scale length and had big bottom end and plays absolutely effortlessly. Just my opinion once again lol.

[@appetiteforguitar]

Interesting... the Kramer NightSwan seems to be having a bit of a revival... with blue polka dots! The neck pup is kind of set back towards the bridge more than most by the looks of it. Intriguing guitar for sure.

[@charlesb7831]

@appetiteforguitar The rereleased Nightswan is nothing like the original, not even close. The rereleased one is a nice guitar on its own, I wish they would have just named it something else. I was really excited, thinking I could have another, then I played the new one and the neck is completely different. The original Nightswan has an R1 nut and the new one is an R2. The profile is completely different as well. That's why I bought the Kramer Dave Sabo signature and was looking at the SM1 as well. All fantastic in their own right, I was just disappointed they trying using the original name and it's not like the original. The pickups are different as well. The original Nightswan had a Seymour Duncan Fullshred in the bridge and a JB in the neck. The new one has 2 JBs. The new Kramer's are super nice and I think overlooked. With the Dave Sabo one, is essentially a reverse headstock Beretta with a nice paint job and a hotter pickup. Hope that gives you some insight on them lol.

[@charlesb7831]

I'm just going to give my 2 cents as comments not what others should do. I have a 2004 Zakk Wylde Epiphone Les Paul and I had a Gibson 2010 Studio Artic white with the Ebony fingerboard, so a really nice version of the Gibson Studio. I bought both new, not used. The 2010 Gibson i left stock except I installed better tunes and I always backstring the taistop so I had an extra tailstop for it. I'm a huge Zakk Wylde fan so keep that in mind. First thing I did to the Epiphone was installed and tusk nut, made a huge difference for note clarity and a bit of sustain. I installed the EMG Zakk Wylde pickup set, but wired the batteries for 18V instead of 9V. I also sanded all the clear finish off the neck and sealed it with proper Oil. Recently I have literally wore out the tunes and installed a set of Ratio tuners. All that being said I sold the Gibson about 2 years ago because it was a case queen. Was always worried about chipping it etc. The Epiphone is more a work horse and beat the crap out of it with no worries. For sound, the Gibson for some reason was to bright sounding for me , it did have the weight relief cuts in the body as well, which always felt weird to me. The Epiphone is a tank, I swear mine is closer to the 9lbs mark lol. Both guitars I actually copper foil shielded so grounding was great on both. The neck on the Epiphone felt better to me over the Gibson, even though I preferred the Ebony over the Rosewood on the Epiphone. The neck shape was much better and much faster playing then the Gibson. My Epiphone always stays in tune even when it had the Grover tuners, the Ratio one's are absolutely amazing! I just found the Epiphone checked the boxes more of the Gibson for me. Yes I obviously put more into the Epiphone, but playability alone with the neck was way better, even though I prefer the Ebony. Sound wise , I really didn't like the sound of that Studio, again just to bright for me. I have a guitar with the Indian Laural fingerboard and I can tell you the dry out alot and have to keep up with Oiling them. Out my 8 guitars it always needs more maintenance then any of my Ebony fingerboard and definitely more then my Rosewood one's. I will say I couldn't believe how much clear finish they put on the Epiphone was ridiculous , I swear it was like taking off 3/32 of finish lol. But once removed and Oiled you can't beat it lol. Frets were ever better on the Epiphone for some reason. Never had issues with the Epiphone at all the Gibson had Fret sprout a couple times. Now I live in Central Canada so the temperature swing is nuts. From -45C in winter to +35C in the summer and the Epiphone doesn't care, it just works. The Gibson had the typical tuning issues and the Epiphone didn't. Kinda long, sorry about that, but that was my experience between those two even though the Gibson should have been better, it wasn't for me and I kept the Epiphone, I sold the Gibson and bought a Kramer Dave Sabo signature model in place of it and that's an Amazing guitar in its self!

[@appetiteforguitar]

Oh, I need to check out the Kramer! I have a Gibson Faded I'm going to do a review on too. Like you say, mine is the same regarding the brightness. It is much brighter than than the Epi. The sound is more different than I would have thought. Both nice... and worth keeping both lol. That's how I'm justifying an expanding collection anyway 😅

[@kevb044]

So, when I started learning to play guitar waaaay back in 1996 my 1st guitar was a Squire HSS Strat and I just didn't gel with it, so I thought I'd try a Les Paul and saw that Epiphone had released a few funky limited edition coloured models that year so I got myself a nice, Korean made Epi Les Paul in wine/purple burst (it was marketed as Trans-Purple) and I clicked with it and 28 years later I still have it. It's mostly stock too, I've only had to swap out the toggle switch once and replace a tuner after the peg got damaged

[@appetiteforguitar]

Nice, sounds like a cool guitar. I think they older ones are awesome. They have loads of mojo. Keep rockin' 🎸🤘

[@Chimp_No_1]

Really interesting and honest video ! I’m glad that I am subscribed !

[@appetiteforguitar]

Thank you! I put a lot of work in and really enjoy making these videos so that means a lot! Keep rockin' 🎸🤘

[@ChangoGuitarras]

Gran comparación amigo, like!!!

[@appetiteforguitar]

Muchissimas gracias! 🎸😎

[@thedonal]

Nice video! Just a note- what you're pointing out as weight relief is actually the routing for the wires from the pickups and switch to the control cavity. This is on all Les Pauls, due to the switch location. The weight relief chambering will be hidden behind the top. I love my 97 Korean Black Beauty 3 Pickup- it's been gigged to death.. Mine benefitted hugely from a Gotoh bridge- really added life and sustain to the sound. Just rewired it too and it's sounding better than ever. Heavy as hell, but a great guitar.

[@appetiteforguitar]

Thanks! I can relate... my Epi Traditional is going towards 4.5kg which is a fair bit after some hours of standing! I thought the rout looked quite a bit larger on the new Epi so assumed it was part of the chambering. Guitar Max sawed thru a LP once. I'm not sure I'm brave enough to do it and check the exact routing... but never say never! The '97 Black Beauty is a lovely guitar. Keep rockin' 🤘🎸

[@bluwng]

You are right about the string angle towards the headstock.

[@appetiteforguitar]

Yeah, I was suprised when I saw that. Until you put them next to each other it's not that obvious. But then when you do, the new headstock looks really big in comparison and the angle is more acute as a result. Looks nice though!

[@jimyounger9490]

Epiphone is a great guitar and I plan on getting the es 355 , the 58 korina explorer , the Les Paul custom inspired by Gibson custom shop one. Yeah these are bad ass guitars today !!

[@appetiteforguitar]

Wow, that's a cool selection of guitars!

[@auntjenifer7774]

I don't know ! I have a new 2022 inspired by Gibson epiphone les paul gold top traditional pro iv and it's pretty awesome ! I also have a regular 2014 cardinal red les paul standard and it's awesome as well but the 2008 Epiphone SG prophecy is a dead copy of Gibson sg standard 2017 down to the neck shape and light weight mahogany so id say the older the best in my case but there's no way i just got lucky as I've never bought a bunk Epiphone guitar, they all were good! I played the new Epiphone les paul customs and they are pretty freaking nice but i won't pay $800+ for em since i remember they were only $500 not too long ago, that and the fact Dean are beating Epiphone at the same price no problem ! Do yourself a favor if you want a killer guitar for under $600 you can get a Dean 1980 series brand new or a used select series and have 100% Perfect guitar in every way, they blow Gibsons away so they beat the crap out of Epiphone ! I think that Gibson knows that and that's why they sued Dean !

[@appetiteforguitar]

I'll have to check the Dean out for sure! I know of the Bolero which I've heard good things about. Ah, the SG! I haven't got one by Epi or Gibson yet... but I've got my eye out for one. I have the original Epi Traditional Pro - v.cool guitar - I did a review of that one you might enjoy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKLFepyLmadnkJYsi=jcu6zZRLgKmMeKuP

[@ByTheSpirit84]

I'm not sure Epiphone is getting worse, but they are DEFINITELY getting more expensive. I'm not paying $1600 for an Epiphone when I can get a Gibson for less than that.

[@appetiteforguitar]

For sure, I got myself a nice Gibson LP for much less than that - I'm going to review and pitch that against an Epiphone very soon in a video. I'm thinking probably doing the Gibson Vs the Epi Studio and/or the Epi Slash, which is more expensive and pretty close to cheap Gibson price. I do like a good Epiphone, but some of the prices leave me a bit stunned too... but is it justified if the guitar is THAT good...? Hmmm. In a way, if an Epi is Gibson prices, and the labor is much cheaper, then the guitar must be incredible. There's also inflation, the fact there's more artist signature models, the expertise of the labor regardless of where they are based.... lots of reasons things are changing. It's a complex discussion so a I think a proper video on the subject is in order... Keep rockin'!

[@ByTheSpirit84]

@@appetiteforguitar good points, lots to consider for sure. Looking forward to it

[@marccarter1350]

Current Ep casino, made ok, decent wood, fretboard, frets, neck, headstock. Everything else, cheap Chinese non braded junk, replaced it all

[@akasgsvirgil9503]

Epiphones are well made, affordable guitars. They're made from affordable materials with excellent craftsmanship in countries where skilled workers haven't figured out their skills are worth a lot more than $3/day. Now, what don't you see? Epiphones that are over 30 years old. Why? Because Gibson and Epiphone DO NOT shop for their materials at the same stores. Its really that simple. Will you get your money out of an Epiphone? Yes. Are they collectible? No. Any questions?

[@Johnwick-ed7vo]

Ummm not saying that you don't have a great Epiphone, but in my personal experience, old beats new dang near every time, I work at Sweetwater in Indiana, we set them up before we put them on the floor, because so many come in with crappy feet work, sometimes wires need reattached, and necks often have to be adjusted, and let's face it, it's a personal opinion but at the price people pay, they deserve a bone nut, also intonenation has to be adjusted, I sincerely hope other places have better than our area, but have to say I doubt it. I could have any ax I want, but I play a 250 dollar axe and invest in a great amp. Did not have to do anything but adjust the neck slightly and of course new strings. Sorry dude I just see to much

[@appetiteforguitar]

Interesting... the box was open when I bought mine, so it's very possible it had a decent set up. When a guitar is shipped across the world from the factory, you would hope a lot of shops would do a set up. My old one was ok when I got it. As a used buy, cheaper than new and a great guitar still. Assuming a good set up, to me, they both sound and play awesome. My Epi Special II was a bit of a different story... that's a guitar that could do with upgrades. There are some pretty significant look and feel differences like the body thickness, pots etc on the Studios. I had wanted to sell one, but I think doing this video has made me enjoy them more... I think I'll end up selling something else! The Slash I briefly mention in the video is also good (not perfect), but maybe the shops near me are doing good set ups before they even reach a consumer's hands. To be fair, it's great to hear Sweetwater do that due diligence. Keep rockin' 🤘

[@samarth1906]

I think the reasons old guitars (15+ years) tend to be better than new ones is that only the best of the best manufactured back then actually survive to this day. So the average distribution of quality is likely to be higher for old guitars than newer ones but this depends on quite a few factors like quality standards today vs then, the lifetime of a good vs bad "old" guitar etc. Older guitars are also more likely to have had work done on them just because of their age and imo a good setup (frets, action, truss rod) is rlly what meaningfully differentiates guitars in different price brackets today..

[@bradleyclosson5042]

I used to like Les Paul's before I knew they suck.

[@appetiteforguitar]

Harsh lol

[@mofomartianp]

Lol, I used to hate them before I realized they rule.