Epiphone Les Paul Comparisons - Standand, Ultra, 1960 Tribute Plus, Custom

[@neverendingseventeen]

hi Rick Holly.......thank you for the education. i am astonished at how good they play and sound for so little money. I appreciate the demonstration. Now i wont feel bad about buying one. Doug

[@jacobvddoes4121]

Great review I own the 1960 Tribute plus. Another channel weighted the tribute plus at 8.3 lbs instead of 9.2

[@jamespatterson3620]

A very professional sound demo. This is by far the best sound demo I've ever seen, I play epiphone and gibson lespauls, beautiful job brother!

[@w.c.fields7355]

I know right ? Whatever he used for Recording was smack on .

[@T1374]

I like that Ultra. Makes it sound way different.

[@EleenaLavode]

my favorite is the 60's tribute plus but I've got to give the ultra credit it sounded great especially with that nano mixed in with the distortion. That had some pretty sweet tones.

[@DistortedNocaster]

Best review video ever! FYI, I've seen most of them. Nice job, man! I wish more reviewers would be so thorough and dedicated as yourself. I own a Pelham blue Joe Bonamassa Epi and It sounds great. Videos like yours make people think much more of affordable guitars and it a very clarifying perspective on the Epiphone vs. Gibson controversy. Thanks a lot.

[@Rickholly74]

Pablo Negócio Thank you so much for your comments. I love the blue finish on the Epi's. When I got my 1960 Tribute I couldn't decide between the dark cherry and the blue. I finally got the dark cherry which is nice but I still want the blue and I keep a look out for a used on. It will happen. Thanks again.

[@spconn3867]

Nice video. Thanks.I have the same Tribute Plus (2013) & would like to add a pick guard as you did. Where did you buy the PG & mounting hardware? I want to make sure the one I buy fits. Also, on the Tribute Plus you did not mention the coil tapping feature

[@kenmorales3108]

Very informative. This is exactly what I was looking for. Thinking about getting one of these, and I have heard they vary wildly in quality, but the person that told me that wasn't able to be as specific as I would have liked. Thanks for posting this!

[@Rickholly74]

+Ken Morales Great. Thanks for watching.

[@kenmorales3108]

+Rickholly74 I would be happy with any of the ones in your video. I guess the key is to stay away from the low end "Special" models.

[@Rickholly74]

+Ken Morales Yes, stay away from the "Specials". They have much cheaper hardware and pickups and often bolt on necks and rough frets. They starter guitars at best.

[@johnm3152]

I've got the LP Epi Ultra. I was blown away when I saw Nancy Wilson from Heart play an entire show with one. She usually changes between electric and acoustic guitars. The Ultra ll totally eliminated the need. Her acoustic parts w/the nanomag sounded superb. It also has two 1/4" stereo out jacks. Pretty nice axe, plus it stays in tune and takes abuse.

[@rickpearce9239]

I agree. I'm also getting older and the weight of the Ultra is great on those gigs when my regular Les Paul's are feeling a little heavy.

[@johnm3152]

To think I didn't like Gibson&epis weight relief on their LP's. You can't realy hear a discernible difference in tone or sustain. I just never liked messing with the original recipe! Now my back thanks me. I used to play a 1978, 13 lbs. Ibanez MC 500 for years - ouch! Plus weight relief, like tone wood arguments are a waste of time imho. Nice post...thx.

[@Rickholly74]

I agree 100%. Until about two years ago I still had my 1973 Gibson Les Paul Standard which is a great guitar that I put in thousands of hours playing on and traveled thousands of miles with on the road in the late 70's early 80's. The point being that along with this a few other Les Paul's I am very familiar with what a Les Paul should feel and sound like. The upper end Epiphone LP's are great sounding and playing guitars. Are they better than a Gibson? I'm sure there are many who feel they are but are they $2000 better? Not for me.

[@TelepathicTraffic]

1960 Tribute Plus hands down would be my choice, in fact I almost bought one. Gibson pups and hardware are the deciding factor IMO. That Ultra has some cool features, but doubt I'd use them. The 11 lb Custom ... yikes.

[@Rickholly74]

You are right about the Custom. At 11.3 lbs. is a killer on your shoulder but the guitar sounds great and looks beautiful. You hit the nail on the head with the Ultra. I have had it for three years and I have played it on maybe a dozen jobs since I got it. It's just not as big sounding as any other LP. It is overly weight relieved and where the Custom is too heavy, the Ultra is too light for an LP. Thanks for watching.

[@Mr27Fit]

Great comparison, I got the epiphone les Paul plus top standard in translucent blue, I am loving the looks as well as the playability of the instrument, the only things I changed was the gold knobs to black knobs. I sometimes feel as if I should have went with the Heritage cherry, that one is gorgeous, over all thou I'm happy with my translucent blue Epiphone!

[@Rickholly74]

***** I will be getting a blue one soon I'm sure. I just keep looking on EBay for a reasonably priced used one. I just installed a Bigsby B7 vibrato on my 1960 Tribute and it works great. Have done several gigs with it and no tuning issues. I'll do a short update video on it soon. Thanks for posting comments.

[@paliccolo]

***** i've got the blue one as well. didn't regret it for a second. also come in a bundle with a hard epiphone guitar case.

[@Mr27Fit]

paliccolo That is Awesome!

[@timmcdonald9877]

Excellent video sir! I really liked the Epi LP 60's, but my favorite was the Ultra while using the Nanomag. Well done!

[@Rickholly74]

Thanks. The Nanomag pickup is pretty neat. The guitar is chambered so it is light and easy on the back. I think the chambered body helps with the Naomag.

[@karsenic6436]

Awesome comparison! My baby is a 2016 1960 tribute plus In aqua burst and it’s pushin 12lbs so it’s weird how different yours is from mine! Nothin but Les Paul love though. No matter what you pick they’re great guitars.

[@grahamcomfort4312]

Long time to the party. I have the 60’s Tribute plus. Did it come with the pickgaurd?

[@Rickholly74]

I added the pickgurad to both of my Epiphone LP Tributes. I like that traditional look.

[@MistahRushaman]

I bought a standard plustop pro for $500 a while back and since then, I thought that was the peak of Epiphone Les Pauls... Until I heard the Ultra in your video. That one was by far my favorite. It has such a rich, beautiful sound that wasn't there in the other guitars you reviewed. I would be selling mine and buying an Ultra very soon; however, being a lefty makes guitar buying a challenge.

[@Rickholly74]

Jacob Hohn Wow. Glad you liked it. It is unusual. It can sound like a normal Les Paul and then you have the Naomag pickup which puts another slant on things. I should add that the Ultra is also very light compared to other Les Paul's I own because it is chambered. The action on the neck is every low with no buzz. Thanks for watching.

[@davesivertson241]

Enjoyed your review. Thanks Rick. I almost bought a Custom but as an older beginner I opted for the Special II until I know enough to really have a preference. Do you think an online website like Jamplay or guitartricks is a good place to start?

[@Rickholly74]

+Dave Sivertson Thanks for watching. I am not familiar with the sites you mention so I can't say. There are quite a few decent instructional videos here on KZbin.

[@quelo2262]

and the winner is???

[@bandawhat33]

great video man. I have a black epiphone standard Les paul. Do you know if they use maple top and mahogany sides and back on the standard? And if I upgrade it with 57 classic pickups do you think it would sound good like that 1960 tribute plus you got there? or do you think the quality is less and even with better pickups it still wouldn't sound good in terms of sustain and tone? just curious about your opinion. Thanks.

[@Rickholly74]

bandawhat33 I'll tell you what I have learned though I'm sure it's not always the same on each Epiphone. The cap on an Epiphone Les Paul Standard is a full maple cap. The difference is the finish. A Gibson has a full maple cap and a one or two piece mahogany body. The Epiphone has a maple cap and a multi piece body that could be more than two pieces of mahogany. The finish you see on the Gibson cap is the actual cap itself a really choice piece of maple with a beautiful book matched grain.. The Epiphone top you see it's a veneer over the maple cap (a very thin piece of wood glued to the maple cap). In the case of a black Standard modal there is no need for a veneer since the top will not be seen. As for the pickups, Gibson Classic 57 pickups are very nice but also very expensive so you might want to look around for other pickups that cost less. I hear stewmac.com has some pickups called "Golden Age" that are high quality clones of the Gibson Classic 57 at half the price.

[@bandawhat33]

Rickholly74 I will check them out. Thank you for the reccomendation and getting back to me!

[@3houses205]

I currently have a mint 2004 Heritage Cherry Epi LP Standard I got for around $220 and have contemplated upgrading electronics. But...I'm trying to decide if I should just go with a used 1960 Tribute + and save the hassle. Also, are you playing through that Vox amp in the background? What other hardware are you using? Thanks - great review!

[@Rickholly74]

+Douglas House I love the Tribute and for the past two or three years it's been my go to gig guitar. Since I did this video I have added a Bigsby vibrato. I bought my first Epiphone Standard so I could stop taking my Gibson Les Paul out on gigs. I was so pleased with it that I bought the other white Custom and the Ultra II. They were all used and bought on Ebay at very reasonable prices. I know how to do my own set ups and fret dressing so I was worried about that. I started thinking like you and thought I would put new pickups and pots on the black Standard. Then I saw the 1960 Tribute Plus on Musicians Friend with real Gibson 57 Classic pickups, CTS pots and wiring, Switchcraft switch, Grover Locking Tuners, full maple cap and mahogany body and lastly it came with a beautiful hard shell case. It would cost several hundred to do the changes on my Standard and buy a case. For the price Musician Friend was selling the Tribute it was a much better thing to do financially and I'm very happy with it. It's an excellent guitar with a beautiful neck. Thanks for asking.

[@3houses205]

+Rickholly74 Thanks for your reply Rick! Yeah...once I do the math for the upgrades + wiring it makes more sense to go with the Trib+. I've been following a couple of used Tribs for around $480 - $500.

[@ozoneswiftak]

Great video. That's for honesty sharing your prices. I like my schector copy for 950$ but it's a copy. Wish the store up here had better choices.

[@1966davrojoe]

Hello I have just bought a Epiphone Les Paul 1960s tribute plus and don't know how much it cost when new, do recall price when new?. Cheers David

[@Rickholly74]

I bought my first Epi 1960 Tribute (I own two) in 2013. Mine came from Musicians Friend and as I remember cost $599.00. I warn anybody who buys one used to make sure you get with the original Gibson Classic 57 pickups. A number of scrupulous sellers will buy an Epiphone 1960 Tribute and remove the USA made Gibson pickups and replace them with some generic humbuckers. Then they sell the pickups by themselves. A new set of Gibson 57 Classic pickups today cost $300-350. Congratulations, you have a great guitar. I also currently own two real Gibson Les Paul Standard's (2001 and 2015) and two Epi Tribute's. The Epi Tribute's are on par with Gibson's no matter what you hear from Gibson fanboys. www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/gibson-57-classic-plus-pickup/306012000181000?cntry=US&cur=USD&Gibson+%2757+Classic+Plus+Pickup+Gold&source=3WWRWXGS&gclid=CjwKCAjwqauVBhBGEiwAXOepka6sABwJIEXibzfnnHnZ7qJ9VyTWtWvUaf_YZHBKMvOXTQHJlcFZnRoCE1sQAvD_BwE

[@TheRycooder]

Which is your favorite ........I thought the ultra sounded the best to my ears. Also have you hear anything about the Epiphone Limited Edition Lee Malia Les Paul Custom Artisan....Thank you in advance and thanks SO MUCH for a great video.

[@soulfra]

Do we know what the differences are between the 1960 Tribute and the 1960 Tribute Plus?

[@rickpearce9239]

Good question. I wish I knew the answer. Both of mine have truss rod covers saying "1960 Tribute Plus". I have never found the answer to that question.

[@w.c.fields7355]

Nice Job . Sound was distinct . Thank You .

[@mhdz10]

Great comparison sir. Thank You!

[@1thess523]

For me I like the Custom but I tried a Standard Pro Plus at Guitar Center through a Marshall and Man did it sound sweet 👌, I just traded my Squire Classic Vibe Tele for a 2004 Korean Epiphone Les Paul Standard with Gibson pick ups and Man does it sound good through my Blackstar HT 60 and my vintage 30's cab. It came set up nice but I changed to 10-46 strings so it buzzes a bit but I play all distortion so it doesn't bother me, I did however upgrade the tone pots, tone caps and wiring and it sounds even better than when I first got it. Unplugged it has a nice loud clear resonance and it weighs in at 10lbs which I like because I like heavy guitars they just seem to have a better sound for me. I really enjoyed your video, thanks for your time and God bless

[@rickpearce9239]

Nice move on the Epiphone. I still think the Korean made Epiphone's are really nice. That Korean Custom I have sounds great but it's just too heavy for gigs where I have to do four sets a night. Thanks for watching.

[@mrmaramind]

Interesting. You have a pick guard on the 1960’s TP which I’m very sure did not come with one. Did you add it?

[@Rickholly74]

Nice catch! Yes, I added a pick guard to both of my LP Tributes. I just prefer that look. You are the first person to notice.

[@TropicalFuzz]

+Rickholly74 Cheers from Brazil! Of all the Epis, what do you like most? I have a 1960 Tribute Plus in Cherryburst that i love. How do you think the Tribute Plus holds against those Gibson behind you?

[@Rickholly74]

Pedro Henrique Ruzão The Epi 1960 Tribute is my favorite go to guitar these days. I'm playing a gig tomorrow and I will be playing my 1960 Tribute Epi.

[@JWCFB]

Fantastic informative video. Thank you.

[@aronds1241]

Whats the difference between a Epiphone Standard and an epiphone custom pro?

[@jonmatthewsphotos]

Great video Rick. I'm weighing up either getting the tribute or the custom and have played both in the shop and cannot decide. I like the look and feel of the custom more but the tribute with those gibson pickups certainly sound amazing. What's your opinion on them now? Still the tribute?

[@Rickholly74]

I like the sound of the Custom but the Tribute is just a touch better and since I made this video I bought a second Tribute In midnight sapphire. On the other hand my Custom has the best action of any of my Epiphones and despite the weight of my Custom, it is a great playing guitar (and I love white Les Paul's). Can't go wrong with either.

[@MemoriesRR]

Excellent review. Thank you.

[@1allspub]

Very good comparison. Thanks for posting this. Did you drill your Trib+ to put that pickguard on it? I just got a FC Trib+ and the on thing I wish it had was a pickguard.

[@Rickholly74]

1all's Pub Yes I drilled and added the pick guard. I like how they look. Thanks for asking.

[@adamwatson6916]

The 60s tribute also has Gibosn classic 57 pickups.

[@scottcummings8602]

Great video, the ultra is the only one I’d consider. 9lbs to 11lbs guitars are a turn off for me. I’m sure someone must like those heavy boat anchors though.

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

the neck pickup...clip, clip, clip...and now both...clip, clip, clip...and the bridge...clip, clip. clip. It is nice to see a video like this, but the clipping is simply unbearable. Had to turn it off after the second round of playing.

[@rickpearce9239]

You are right. Sorry. That was cheap camera mic clipping.

[@jerryx2000]

lol

[@soofitnsexy]

what clip??

[@w.c.fields7355]

I thought that was on purpose

[@donthewatcher8835]

great review i got 2 epiphones LP customs Their Names are, "Ebony and Alpine ", and The 2011 Epiphone bonamassa Goldtop i like the classic 57's in the tribute, and the probuckers in the custom and Ultra are decent.

[@rickpearce9239]

You are right. Epiphones are a great buy. I sold the Custom white one in this video last year and bought an Epiphone LP Custom Lite (Alpine). Now instead of 11.3 lbs. the custom Lite weights 7.6. I bought the LP Custom Lite in early 2020 for gigs which of course stopped being available right after I bought it (Covid). I also bought the 2019 Epi Peter Frampton Les Paul which has become one of my favorite guitars. It has such a variety of tones with it's unique wiring giving the middle pickup it's own volume and tone. It also has the Phonix shaved neck profile for one of the most comfortable necks of any LP. While I own two Gibson Les Paul's, I am usually reaching for an Epi. Thanks for your feedback.

[@ericlitalien1862]

Custom pro !

[@andrea4809]

I play from a chair at my desk and keep a guitar on a wall hanger behind me. When I am using my 2002 epi custom pro and reach back to pick it up off the hanger it is like picking up a truck! On the other hand sometimes I play my tele and I could almost will it out of the holder.

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

I have a 2016 Epi. LP custom Pro and a 016 Sheriton 2 pro. Both of these guitar's have big intonation problem's and have been in the shop twice to be set up and intonated by a professional guy who KNOWS guitar's. I don't know if the neck's are twisted, they don't measure as being twisted. My roomie who is a professional guitarist claim's that Epiphone is using wood that hasn't been set up long enough and isn't dry enough, he claim's that after the guitar's get a little older they will clear up. I am just wondering if this has been an issue with anyone else? They both sounded great for the first year I had them and then they went out of whack. I have many other guitar's made in Korea like the 2 PRS SE's I have and they both sound and stay in tune and intonation great, never a problem with them. I hate to get rid of my Epi's because they are really nice guitar's aside from the intonation issue's. I also have a 2017 LE Gibson SG standard that has no tuning issue's but made in the USA. I am frustrated.

[@rickpearce9239]

I now own 6 Epi Les Paul's and 2 Gibson Les Paul's. None of these have any of those issues and neither does my older Epi Sheraton. I trained on guitar repair and set up under a luthier named Tom Doyle www.tomdoyleguitars.com/ who was Les Paul's guitar tech and sound man for more than 45+ years. It was one of the best things I ever did. I do all my own work and have no intonation issues on any of my Les Paul's. I gig with them often in fact I'm about to get ready to load up for a gig tonight and I'll be using two of my Epi Les Paul's. Sorry I couldn't help but I just don't have that problem. Thanks.

[@ricklynn6176]

Nice playing! Am I correct in stating that that black custom behind you is a replica? I say this bc I can see the custom shop diamond is a bit too small for the headstock. JW cheers

[@rickpearce9239]

+Rick Willard Yes you are correct. I have had that guitar for about two years and I still need to do a little more work. I've done the neck and that's all good but I don't like the pickups. They are dark and muddy sounding mostly on the neck pickup. I have a set of Stew/Mac "Golden Age" PAF style pups that I bought for it but haven't taken the time to change them yet. I want to rewire the whole thing so each pickup has it's own volume control and just a master tone (like Peter Frampton wires his). Good catch on your part.

[@ricklynn6176]

+Rick Pearce I see, I own a few epi LP and a couple Gibson LP .. But I've always wondered about the replica ones.. Been trying to find a site that won't just take my cash lol but I here those are pretty much just epiphones with the Gibson headstock. So I figured since they're probably packed with Epiphone parts if you put upgraded get some parts in it, you wouldn't be able to tell much of a difference especially if you get a standard or something where the looks are a little bit closer to the real thing. Thanks for the quick reply though and also, great Epiphones!

[@rickpearce9239]

+Rick Willard I have three Chibson's. Regardless of what people say I don't belive that the pickups are Epiphones. I know they are stamped Epiphone on the bottom but the headstock says Gibson and I know that's not true. All of my Chibson's came with fake Epiphone pickups but they are all microphonic and need to be wax potted. None of my Epiphones ever had this issue. These guitars are a bit of a crap shoot and I have heard some 2nd hand stories about getting screwed but I didn't have any problems ordering mine. The first one I bought to tear apart because I was training with a luthier and learning how to work on guitars (re-fret, new binding, new nuts etc.)top to bottom and rather than use one of my own guitars I paid $230 and got a Chibson so if it got destroyed the guitar I wasn't that concerned. I have now had all three apart from top to bottom and I can say without a doubt these necks and bodies are not Epiphones. Some parts and hardware may come from the same people in China who make parts for Epiphone like stop tail pieces and bridges but the pickups on Epi's are much better than the ones on the Chibsons I own. I think I'm done with buying any more Chibson's but you never know.

[@thomasbarr5940]

My 60s tribute plus has no pic guard? Don't think they came with one as standard..

[@Rickholly74]

Correct. I added the pickguard. I always like them on all my Les Paul's.

[@Terry3Gs]

Very nice attept to show the variations of the epiphones !!! In the future just to note as I was nagged about this myself in previous video's try to keep your clean & dirty tones clear of any effects on them as it alters the true quality of the pups themselves. Also .... as far as I knew the MIK's where stopped production in 98' BUT if you where able to find some made randomly after those years that would be interesting to those looking to hunt for the mik models possibly. Cause again as I have read/heard those pre 98' Epi's are VERY close to Gibson's quality of the time as well. So I cant remember if you got a "chibson" or not .... but if you did what would you say of those 4 epi's vs it? And nice playing !!! For having large hands/fat fingers you look like you have a easy time playing the complex cord forms easily!! Wish I could do so but you probly have played a lot longer then I have. Again thanks for the video Rick, =)

[@Rickholly74]

Thanks for the advice. Your are right about leaving out the effects.Although i went directly to the amp I had the gain high and master down to get the distortion but I also left the reverb and delay on. Thanks for the tip, I am critical of others who do it also. As far as the MIK info I'm using the Epiphone serial dater (epiphonewiki.com ) to look up the the serial numbers and also the Guitar Dater Project site (guitardaterproject.org/epiphone.aspx). If I am reading it correctly since the LP Custom serial number starts with the letter "I" that signifies the Saein factory in Inchon S. Korea the serial numbers following the "I" are 05012405 so the dater reads: Guitar Info Your guitar was made at the Saein Plant, Korea/China January 2005 Production Number: 2405 Saein Musical Instrument Co. Ltd The Saein Musical Instrument Co. Ltd. is located in the Namdong Industrial Complex in Incheon, Korea. Saein was established in July 1st 1991 and has a monthly capacity of 4,500pcs. In Oct 1st 1992, Saien Began manufacturing guitars for Epiphone, who they now consider to be their main business. They also started producing their own line of guitars called Shine in 1997. In February, 2001, a new factory was opened in Gaomi City, China. This factory boasts a monthly capacity of 10,000pcs. Saein was presented the ‘The Best Quality Award of the Year’ by Gibson Epiphone USA in 1998 and 1999. Good sites to access. Hopefully they are correct.

[@Terry3Gs]

Rickholly74 np rick. :) Hmmmmm that would definatly be interesting cause again IF they are keeping that factory open ... it could explain the higher tiered Epi's that come out as limited editions maybe originating from that factory then !! Interesting indeed & as I have said on occasion purest would think the Epiphone Les Pauls as the original les paul before Gibson bought them out.

[@Rickholly74]

***** Well Les did make his "Log" (there's more than one) solid body electric in the Epiphone factory in New York City using Epiphone parts. He did take one to Gibson in the late 40's but they were not interested until a few years later when Leo Fender came out with the first Fender solid body guitars in 1951 (the "Broadcaster" which became the "Esquire" which became the "Telecaster") and was successful selling them. The Les Paul modal was developed by Gibson's Ted McCarty with advice from Les Paul and his endorsement. So Les Paul guitars are truly Gibson originally but they are tied to an Epiphone legacy also. In 1957 the Epiphone Company was put up for sale and Les Paul was instrumental in convinceing Gibson to buy it. Epiphones and Gibsons from then until 1968 were made in the same factory in Kalamazoo side by side with Gibson modals. When Gibson was sold in December 1969 the new owners started licensing the Epiphone name and having them made in Japan and Korea. That went on till 1989. This quote I lifted from the Epiphone offical web site ; "Gibson President David Berryman opened an Epiphone an office in Seoul (S. Korea) and appointed Jim Rosenberg as product manager, and set about re-introducing Epiphone to the world as an innovative guitar maker." That was in 1992 and by 2002 they had moved to their current factory in Qingdao, China.

[@davegull6148]

The 2005 standard was made in China. I have one. I think they stopped making them in Korea circa 2002??

[@Rickholly74]

Depending on your budget, I would look for a used Tribute. Last time I looked I saw them on Ebay and Reverb.com for $500-600. Good luck.

[@kennigrimmelmann4364]

Do you have ,probuker humbuker on , Epiphone, Les Paul Custom.

[@Rickholly74]

That Custom is an older one from the early 90's. Epiphone Probuckers were not introduced till 2010.

[@kennigrimmelmann4364]

Okay. Which pickup s you have in the beast Les Paul custom Epiphone.

[@Apzalar]

You tried the LP custom classic pro? And how is it compared to the normal custom? epiphones ofc

[@Rickholly74]

Apzalar My Epiphone Custom is a Korean modal and it's very heavy. It sounds very good but the Epi 1960 Tribute plus is better. It's not night and day better but there is a noticeable difference, a little more clarity.

[@darthsensei3838]

ultra sounded by far the best. very unique

[@rubykaufman5361]

Did you add the pickup guard to the Tribute plus?

[@Rickholly74]

+ruby kaufman Yes. I know some players like them without the pick guard but I like the look.

[@rubykaufman5361]

+Rickholly74 It looks good, I was thinking of doing the same thing, mine is expected tomorrow from Sweetwater, I ordered the cream color PG to go with it and now that I have seen yours I'm glad I did, Thanks

[@Worlds_Worst_Guitarist]

Nice comparision! I liked the last one the most.

[@rickholly8183]

+JayF Official Your perception is correct. The 1960 Tribute is a really great guitar. I like the Epiphone Les Paul's a lot but the Tribute has a subtle difference in feel and sound. It's as good as my Gibson Les Paul in my opinion and about $2,500 less. Real Gibson 57 pickups, solid mahogany body, Full maple cap, CTS pots and Grover tuners. It is a great buy.

[@sleepnaught]

+Rick Holly the last one he played was the Ultra II, not the Tribute Plus

[@rgerent]

Good comparision. But is better turn off delay. Confuse the sounds

[@Rickholly74]

I bought my first Epi 1960 Tribute (I own two) in 2013. Mine came from Musicians Friend and as I remember cost $599.00. I warn anybody who buys one used to make sure you get with the original Gibson Classic 57 pickups. A number of unscrupulous sellers will buy an Epiphone 1960 Tribute and remove the USA made Gibson pickups and replace them with some generic humbuckers. Then they sell the pickups by themselves. A new set of Gibson 57 Classic pickups today cost $300-350. Congratulations, you have a great guitar. I also currently own two real Gibson Les Paul Standard's (2001 and 2015) and two Epi Tribute's. The Epi Tribute's are on par with Gibson's no matter what you hear from Gibson fanboys. www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/gibson-57-classic-plus-pickup/306012000181000?cntry=US&cur=USD&Gibson+%2757+Classic+Plus+Pickup+Gold&source=3WWRWXGS&gclid=CjwKCAjwqauVBhBGEiwAXOepka6sABwJIEXibzfnnHnZ7qJ9VyTWtWvUaf_YZHBKMvOXTQHJlcFZnRoCE1sQAvD_BwE

[@danielhartman5086]

Les Paul's are great guitars but very heavy. Which is why I play and SG.Much more comfortable for me. Since I am a smaller guy.

[@Rickholly74]

You are right. My Gibson 2001 Standard is 10.4 lbs and my 20013 Gibson Gary Moore/Les Paul is 9.5 lbs. I use extra wise guitar straps and always bring along another guitar on gigs that is not so heavy in case I can't get through four sets of 40 minutes each on a gig but I do love my Les Paul's.

[@monmixer]

I want one of those 1960 Tribute Plus guitars. My guess is it may be the closest to a Gibson . Just a guess.

[@rickpearce9239]

Your guess would be correct. I have three Gibson Les Paul's and the two Epi 1960 Tribute Plus's I have are equal to the Gibson's. Absolutely.

[@fender4brad]

Why does a "real" Les Paul, meaning a tradaitional or standard sound so much better clean? Never made a lot of sense to me but true to my ears.

[@wiseguy9202]

Very nice collection!

[@The2bdkid]

The Nanomag makes it sound like a Strat to me

[@showoff9823]

what is best ?

[@danielpenida4849]

Tribute plus

[@FedericoGemignani]

awesome video, thank you!

[@MemoUlloah]

Ultra sounds a bit more resonant and "hollow", I liked it more specially at higher registers.

[@Rickholly74]

+MemoUlloah You are correct in that the Ultra is chambered with strategic hollow spots beneath the maple cap to aid in the acoustic tone of the guitar when using the Nonomag pickup. It also makes the guitar about 1.5 to 2 pounds lighter than a Les Paul Standard.

[@NickintheStates]

Great video man and tasty chops! Like Terry was saying I'd love to hear how you'd compare your Chibson to the Epis. I had stalked an Ultra for a long time and ended up buying an LP studio 60s to scratch that itch. The Ultra is a nice Swiss Army knife and you have a really pretty one right there.

[@Rickholly74]

Nick in the States Thanks. that's a good idea to compare a few Chibson's to Epiphone.

[@Checkyoselfb4]

Is this a good deal; $430 for a decent condition epiphone les paul custom black and gold

[@Checkyoselfb4]

Its 2nd hand tho

[@mrmuscle4815]

at that price you'd be better off getting a brand new white one

[@garyrudy9018]

think he used enough delay??

[@mattyoz0]

+Gary Rudy I know, it's horrible.

[@abetteryou2025]

lol ill admit my face twerked when he started. To spacey sounding for me

[@TheCentralflorida]

In his sentences and pauses or in music?

[@jasonbuhagiar4714]

Excellent

[@andreverhagemusic]

7:40 he is playing in a big arena stadium!

[@eduardo0796]

I'd get the Custom just for the looks.

[@Rickholly74]

Svartedauden That's why I got it because it looks so good. It turned out to play well too. Low action, nice full sounding pickups. The only downside is the weight but that is not normal for any Les Paul guitar. Most are 8.1/2 - 9 1/2 lbs.

[@eduardo0796]

Yes it's too heavy. I have an Epi LP Custom but a Zakk Wylde model. I honestly don't like the paint job, but it plays fine. I want to buy a Black Custom instead, or maybe a Cherry Standard. We will see. Thanks for your video.

[@3abueno]

Very difficult to say which is the best. Needs more editing so that the playing is next to each other to compare. The sounds are too far apart

[@georgescarlett2320]

Less TREBLE at Amp?

[@danielpenida4849]

1 epiphone lp Slash 2 epiphone lp tribute plus 3 epiphone lp Ultra 4 epiphone lp custom 5 epiphone lp plus top pro 6 epiphone lp standard

[@Rickholly74]

Nice!! I agree with you. I know each of my Epi LP's have very different sounds. All my 6 Epi LP's added together cost about $3,400 in total and most were bought new. My two Gibson Les Paul's (2013 Gary Moore Standard and a 2001 Standard) cost more than that in total. Is there a big difference in sound and quality? Not enough to make a Gibson version 4-6 times more in price. Actually the 1960 Tributes both feel and play as well as the Gibson Standard. I'm not knocking Gibson, I am praising the Epiphone Les Paul line. OK the cheaper stuff (Juniors, Specials etc.) are not very good but anything above an Epiphone Standard can be very good with a decent setup. 1 Ultra ll 2 1960 Tributes 1 Custom (Korean) 1 Standard 1 Peter Frampton

[@epilpcuspro499]

@@Rickholly74 I just bought an Epi LP Custom Pro with an ebony fretboard. I replaced the original nut with a bone nut and had it set up by my local Luthier. The guitar felt so great to play that I could not put it down and ended up injuring my thumb and wrist. I might have to sue Epiphone for making such an irresistible guitar.

[@joseppi2382]

Nice!

[@sibelkaragoz6558]

Custom or tribute ?

[@Rickholly74]

Thanks for watching. Not sure what you are asking.

[@sibelkaragoz6558]

@@Rickholly74 which one should ı choose ?

[@sibelkaragoz6558]

İt will be my first electrıc guitar experience

[@Rickholly74]

@@sibelkaragoz6558 I get it. The Custom is just a fancier more cosmetic Epiphone Les Paul Standard. The Tribute is almost completely a Gibson Les Paul. The Tribute comes with Gibson Classic 57 pickups, CTS pots, Mallory tone capacitors, Grover locking tuners, and Switchcraft switches and output jack. It also has a mahogany body and maple cap like a Gibson Stndard. The difference is the mahogany body may be two piece where the Gibson is normally a one piece and the Epi top finish is a veneer where Gibson's are a finished maple cap. The Tribute also has split coil options on the tone pots. You can go from humbucker pickups to single coil. Outside of the Epiphone logo, the Epi Tribute is almost a Gibson. The Epiphone Custom comes with Epiphone Pro Bucker pickups and traditionally both Gibson and Epiphone Customs do not have a maple cap which some people believe (not me) that the maple cap adds a little more "brightness" to the guitars sound. It's a matter of opinion. Both Epiphone guitars sound great. The Tribute is more expensive. I currently own two Gibson Les Paul's and in my opinion the Epi Tribute sounds as good as either of the Gibson Les Paul Standard's that I own but at about 2/3rds less money. Thanks for asking.

[@abetteryou2025]

i like the nanomeg

[@lacuerdaalaire2558]

Whta do you think aboaut "tribute 1960"?.Are greats les paul for the money?- Perhaps is my nest guitar

[@Rickholly74]

In all honesty I now own two of them. Side by side with my Gibson Les Paul Standard they sound the same. If you are buying one used be careful, some people are buying them and swapping the Gibson Classic 57 pickups with cheaper ones and selling separately.

[@lacuerdaalaire2558]

Thanks so much Rick. I'm thinking to buy new in a stroe because now in Spain is a 600€...really really nice price. Thanks again for your opinion

[@robertturtle]

Interesting, I thought the 1960s tribute plus came without pickguard

[@raydandy4899]

It does not come with a . I added a pickguard. I like the more traditional look.

[@ericlitalien1862]

Custom!

[@john-zw9rw]

Heavy strings making that annoying tick click sound..... Check out Jordon Ziff demo on Les Pauls... The Kid burns it down

[@Rickholly74]

No. The click is from the cheap mic compressor on my video camera.

[@riaanoosthuizen9870]

why does the tribute plus have a pickguard

[@Rickholly74]

Riaan Oosthuizen I added the pickguard. You are correct that the Tribute doesn't come with a pickguard. Some people like the look of no pickgurd but I like them.

[@riaanoosthuizen9870]

So you had to drill the holes yourself??

[@Rickholly74]

Riaan Oosthuizen Yes

[@vladdragan8140]

Hi there and thanks for the video. 2 questions here: 1. If you didn't have any of them and you'd have to choose one (except the tribute cause you obviously love that one), which one would that be? 2. How does the Tribute stand against a Les Paul made by Gibson (a standard and a studio)?

[@Rickholly74]

Vlad Dragan I probably like the black Les Paul Standard best out of the other three.

[@Rickholly74]

Rickholly74 As far as the Tribute, I just sold my 1973 Gibson Les Paul which I have owned since 1975 but my Tribute sounds just as good and with the money I got for selling the Gibson I will be buying more guitars and some other gear. I have never played a Gibson Stusio so I don't know how they are. Since this video was made I also added a Bigsby vibrato to the Tribute. Check it out it works great. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3e9oqKwh9GGY5I

[@mat2941]

The weight was in pounds or kg

[@Rickholly74]

pounds

[@kurt1869]

Mat lol what would happen if the weight is kg.11kg like carrying a small bag if cement lol

[@heliogiorgiorigarcia]

nice video...to my reality... the custom.pro is the best...I really it

[@Rickholly74]

+Helio Giorgiori Can't argue with that. The Custom looks great and sounds great. The neck is also nice to play and the action is very low. The only problem is the weight. After a 40 minute set on a gig that 11.3 lbs. gets pretty heavy. Thanks for watching.

[@heliogiorgiorigarcia]

+Rickholly74 thanks mate! take care... keep doing nice videos. I ll not use in the stage :)

[@joepipe1010]

I was waiting some stone riffs to breakout the ears..

[@Rickholly74]

You came to the right guy. I know many Stones riffs. I am old enough to have learned them when they were new riffs in the 60's.

[@joepipe1010]

@@Rickholly74 than it's all right. Zeppelin, Humble, Free , Who, Boston, Darkness and more..whatever you want.

[@davidallen346]

With all that money you spent buying those Epiphones you could've purchase a few decent and better build sounding Gibsons

[@rickpearce9239]

I own a 1973 Gibson Les Paul, a Gibson ES335 and a 1956 Gibson ES225 They are all very nice guitars and I love them but is my Gibson Les Paul better than the Epiphone 1960 Tribute? Yes, but only in small ways that many players might not even notice. I got over the "headstock cork sniffing" a long time ago. If a guitar sounds good and feels good, it is good. The same CNC machine that cuts the neck and body of a Les Paul at the Gibson Nashville factory is the probably the same as the CNC machine that Epiphone uses in China or Korea and we know the design specs and programing for the CNC is the same specs that Gibson gives Epiphone. So the question really is; Is a $700 Epiphone Les Paul Tribute with all Gibson hardware including Gibson 57 Classic pickups better than a $3,000 Gibson Les Paul Standard? Probably, but is it $2,300 better? Well I can only speak for myself but I don't think so. If you want a Gibson and have the money, buy one and be happy. I did many years ago. They are great guitars. If you just want a nice Les Paul to add to your arsenal and get an authentic Les Paul sound, you might be just as happy with an Epiphone (or an Agile, or an ESP both very good guitars). Too each his own.

[@taketheredpill1441]

+David Allen Not everyone wants a Gibson. It's a matter of personal choice. Also not many average people find it necessary to spend 2k on a guitar...

[@jameshughes6049]

David Allen....Epiphone Les Pauls are excellent guitars. The 1960 Tribute Plus is basically a Gibson with an Epiphone headstock. It comes stock with Gibson'57 humbucker pickups, Mallory pots, Switchcraft USA pickup selector switch, Grover 18:1 locking tuners, AAA flamed maple top & an Epiphone hard shell case. Bought mine brand new in March 2019 for $849. Can't beat that!!!

[@krelbar]

Another couple of pounds ...stop being a wuss. Seriously, up to 25 obs on an upper male torso is nothing..

[@rickpearce9239]

+styx85 Thank you Styx85. I don't sit home with this guitar and just play them in my bedroom, I'm out almost every weekend playing gigs and an 11.3 Lbs. Les Paul gets a little heavy after four hours of playing. I do use it for about half of a 45 minute set because it really sounds good but you are right, it's a matter of comfort not trying prove how tough I am.

[@TheRycooder]

+krelbar STFU macho man!

[@gerberbernstein7360]

Amen. Playing a heavy instrument, and singing for four hours is a pain. Especially if you're not 20 years old.

[@stefanbabic8915]

its amazing how much time humanity has to waste.....comparing 4 epiphones......really? its epi, epi, epi an another epi, i bought custom pro........pos, then i bought gibson studio faded.....ef epiphone, period

[@tannersparrow5588]

They're all different guitars, imagine comparing a gibson LP standard to a gobson 59 VOS. wouldnt be fair, right?

[@johnnygonzales3211]

Wow what ugliness😜

[@nerad1994]

🧖🏼‍♂️🤳🏻