Epiphone Les Paul Custom PRO KOA | Two Complaints

[@chadgarber]

The string problem was were the Elixir Optiweb strings. I use the Elixir Polyweb and it doesn't do the scratchy bending.

[@tylerthompson1842]

Eddie didn’t play Eruption on a Les Paul for a reason, and the frets just need to be polished. You know what.. you should probably just give the guitar to me.

[@chadgarber]

LOL.Funny.

[@dashdash9348]

Seriously, this youtube channel is underrated, I look up just about every song I like and he has a video for it, that's pretty cool.

[@chadgarber]

Thank you so much!!!

[@chadgarber]

Feel free to share with your friends!

[@chadgarber]

Your comment was so encouraging, I pinned it to the top.

[@dashdash9348]

I'll share it to my two friends who like playing guitar and I'll hope that spreads maybe.

[@chadgarber]

@@dashdash9348 Thanks so much. No pressure or anything! Your comments have been extremely encouraging.

[@_jesuscoll]

About scratchy frets I can say I have some experience (I've build three guitars). I changed frets on a Strat and a Tele. Both fret replacements were made with (suposedly good) frets bought in Aliexpress. Well, both guitars suffer this fenomenon (scratchy frets) sometimes when bending along all the fretboard. I had never had such behaviour from a fretboard unless from unpolished frets. Not to mention, the frets are level and highly polished. It is pretty weird as this does not hapens always but sometimes. The feeling is that the frets are too soft and the string carves on them. Actually, my frets are carved already, and I did it no more than a year ago. I do not play hours everyday !!! Could it be a too soft Chinese metal as this Epiphone has the problem right out of the factory ?

[@chadgarber]

In my case, it was definitely the strings.

[@MrArjen1960]

The scratch noise could be polishing the frets, or maybe its the fretboard (Unlikely) Although the next unlimited version will come without the split coil, but with an ebony fret board.

[@chadgarber]

I think I figured it out. I think it is the elixir polyweb strings I am using. This is my theory but I haven't completely proved it yet.

[@MrArjen1960]

@@chadgarber Yeah those strings are great for acoustic guitar and bass !

[@ralphcintronnjr9869]

are there 2 different versions of the koa because I bought one today at guitar center. and it doesn't have the push pull knows to change the pickups Into single coils. please help me understand. gonna take it back to the store Friday when I'm off from work

[@ralphcintronnjr9869]

oops meant push pull knobs

[@chadgarber]

Mine is the custom pro and definitely had the pull out knobs so yours must be a different version.

[@chadgarber]

The pull out knobs to make a single coil sound is crucial in my book with this guitar and I wouldn’t want one e without the single coil ability.

[@ralphcintronnjr9869]

thank u soooo much. I think there are 2 versions cause u mentioned your is a custom pro mine say custom so I think there are 2 versions .not gonna wait until Friday taking it back tomorrow. thanks for the advice. if they don't have one like yours what would u suggest in its place

[@chadgarber]

@@ralphcintronnjr9869 What is your price range?

[@joefitzism]

Have you polished the frets?

[@chadgarber]

Good question. No I haven't. It's only been a year so I didn't think I would have to yet. When I changed all my strings, the problem seemed to go away for now .

[@chadgarber]

Actually the problem has come back a little. Doh!

[@sajidmahmud_]

@@chadgarber brother has been the scratchy problem solved?

[@ARayMaddy]

Ive owned several guitars over the years that get that "scratchy" feel...IMO its just the string shaving a little metal off theh fret(s)...Just do what you were doing and it will fade away... and Yes you can get this after polishing the frets...Ive leveled , crowned, 0000 steel wooled frets and still had this happen...dont worry about it... perhaps harder fret material this wouldn't happen as much. Nice video , thanks. I like the look of those KOA models..

[@chadgarber]

Thank you so much for the info.

[@filippocappiello9490]

Great Video . I've ordered it some days ago as ex demo and I'm wondering if I make a good choice since both this PRO model and the newer Model Was available. Did I made a good choice selecting the rosewood fretboard , no pickguars , split coil model at a lower proice point (500 euros , vs 650 euros) , or I should prefere the newer design with Ebony fretboard and CTS pots upgrade?

[@chadgarber]

I have no idea. The only way I figured out that I liked the one I bought was by playing it. I specifically was concerned about the b coming out of tune like many Les Paul’s but this one stayed in tune even when I did a big bend on the b string.

[@chadgarber]

Sorry I can’t be more helpful!

[@autumnprovidence]

I have the same guitar. I’ve had it for four years and I love it. I have no problems with the frets but for some reason my bridge pickup is sketchy-it sometimes won’t engage completely and I’ll have to rock the pickup selector back and forth a dozen times to clear it before it kicks in like normal. I’ve had my local luthier take a look at it twice. They’ve fixed it twice, but it keeps coming back. Not sure what’s up with that. (Maybe I need a new luthier!) Luckily, I prefer the neck pickup for most of my songs anyway so I just avoid the bridge pickup. And as far as the number of frets? It’s a Les Paul. 🤣 it might be a custom pro, but it’s not some extended range PRS. I don’t know if you can fault the guitar for having the standard number of frets for a Les Paul. Edit: Oh, I just remembered... another thing that happened to mine is the top strap button screw was ripped out of the guitar after gentle, mostly sitting in a chair use, so I had to have that repaired. But overall, I think it’s a fantastic guitar.

[@chadgarber]

Yea it’s a good guitar.

[@chadgarber]

I think the exlixir optiweb strings may be the culprit on the scratch frets because my other new guitar is doing the same thing after a while.

[@teleplucker6802]

My neck pup used to cut out too. The wiring inside is a nightmare but that's probably the issue. Bad solder joint or loose connections. I had Epiphone send me a new pot and after swapping it out--no more problems. Oh, and no fret problems on mine. One issue I have is the poor plating. I don't have sweaty hands and always wipe it down after playing but the gold has worn off the stop bar, bridge and even the screws that never get touched. Again, kudos to Epiphone for sending me replacement parts under warranty. One last thing, both of my pickup rings cracked and had to be replaced. Yes, under warranty. I attribute that to the fact that the pup ring is flat on the bottom and you have to screw it down over a carved top. But you need to know that I don't play that often, mostly at home, and I'm not an aggressive player. My 1976 ES-175 is still in immaculate condition. PS, my LP Koa is just over 4 years old and I still love it.

[@andytraverse]

Sounds like Epiphones haven’t changed much since the late 90’s then - bought one new back then and the pickup selector was faulty , the strap button screw pulled out of the body so the guitar hit the floor - couldn’t get rid of it sooner.

[@Countrballs291]

Nice vid. Is this epiphone for beginners or professionals? Is it good for recording and concerts? Which is the range? Lower, intermediate or high level? Thanks.

[@chadgarber]

I think it can be used by professionals or by beginners. Good for all I think.

[@YunantoJuwono]

Is the TOM bridge too low?

[@chadgarber]

Can you expound?

[@YunantoJuwono]

@@chadgarber Well, you could loosen up your strings first, and then just turn the gears below the TOM. If I'm not mistaken, Higher TOM = Harder to bend, Lower TOM = Easier to Bend. When you're done, make sure the gears are perfectly balanced, as all things should be. Wish to see a video if there's any update ☺️

[@chadgarber]

Thanks so much!

[@YunantoJuwono]

@@chadgarber My pleasure 👍

[@JamesFlemingIreland]

good stuff. no real complaints here really, except for the scratchy frets, but that can probably be resolved as it's "run in". On the issue of there not being enough frets, if you're playing Eddie Van Halen style music, my advice to others is to purchase a guitar built for that - let's be honest, the LPs were designed with other styles in mind. I think it was the great Louis Stewart who once said about 6 strings, that there is more than enough possibilities to get to grips with all they offer without adding more strings... I feel the same way about 22 frets. i have an Epi LP custom also, and my biggest complaint is with the switching, which is worn out (of course it's inevitable eventually), which I think could be a little stronger. Also the pickups do tend to get very "muddy" at times - a common criticism of those humbuckers. There also seems to be volume disparity between the two pickups, which is especially inconvenient when you are on the middle position (using both bridge and neck pickups). This is all stuff that you can get fixed up at a music shop though - as you would have to do eventually with even the most expensive guitars. The Epiphones are solid guitars though, good enough for live or recording. I believe the Edge uses an Epi custom for years. Gibsons are of course better - but not proportionate to their price (you'll pay €500 - €800 for an Epi, €2.5K - €4K+ for a Gibson). What many people also do is simply buy Gibson pickups for the Epiphones, which will get you so close to the Gibson that the difference is unnoticeable to most people.

[@chadgarber]

Good thoughts! Thanks for sharing!

[@petedetraglia4776]

Polish the frets or put some Dr. Duck's Axwax and string lube on them. I own the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro Koa and the Schechter C-1 with EMG active pick-ups in it.

[@chadgarber]

I think the scratching was because of the version of elixir strings I was using.

[@terryduncan5718]

I received my epiphone Koa custom last week....mine has an ebony fingerboard

[@chadgarber]

Nice!

[@jasontairi7816]

Buff the frets with extra extra fine 0000 steel wool that's how I get rid of that problem

[@daviddiehl8523]

I just ordered one and I'm getting the plek upgrade. Maybe that "scratching" won't happen with the plek work?! I shall find out. Good video, I like the humor!

[@chadgarber]

I figured out the scratching was because of the OPTIWEB elixir strings. Had nothing to do with the guitar!

[@chadgarber]

Congrats!

[@peppppe]

@@chadgarber so bro maybe take the video out of here 😅 I was about to take this guitar out of my list and it seems that both complaints are solved. About the frets, get another guitar and it will be solved. In the video it looks like is the costume guitar fault, when is really about the type of the guitar you got. Les Pau guitars are short scale guitars and it is what it is... this is what I learned last couple of days anyway.🙂 thanks for the good intentions though

[@williamrobertson1563]

I'm getting mine ordered on Thursday. Old voodoo blues guy love that rasp. Sounds like the nail file of the devil himself. We all looking for a sound.

[@chadgarber]

Congrats

[@williamrobertson1563]

@@chadgarber went a different course played it. Don't get me wrong great guitar but not bright as my other custom. Saw a epi les paul classic had supper hot pickups zebra. Found out they were Seymour duncan bare knuckles. Classic cheery burst it was like love at first sight, and sound. At under 300$ couldn't pass it up. Picked up a plus top green strat the same day. Two guitars for the price of one. Should have listened to your review. Thanks again.

[@evanchristo708]

Hey great video! im thinking of buying this guitar. I have the same in black but its from 2007 and need an upgrade. Regarding your complaints... #1 - EVH does not play a Les Paul. His guitars have more frets simply from the design of most Kramer, Charvel, Jackson guitars. and basically any other "shredder" guitars. So if you wanna play like EVH, you gotta get something like that! You probably already knew that, but hey, might as well mention it! #2 - this problem is most likely from poorly and/or rushed, fret dressing. That's the leveling and crowning production does at the factory. Its not uncommon for Epiphone's to come a little underdone. That being said, Your local guitar repair man should be able to help! On the other hand, the more you wear the frets in, the less "scratchyness" you should experience.

[@chadgarber]

Thanks so much! Great feedback!

[@Robowx]

Hi Chad. Besides my last comment. I wouldn’t mind a Epiphone Les Paul Custom Koa.

[@chadgarber]

You wanna buy mine?

[@Robowx]

@@chadgarber Probably cheaper to buy it locally.

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

The Koa pro is veneer top the new version is a solid Koa top

[@Robowx]

Bring it in for a fret dressing the problem will be solved. As far as the style of the cutaway and 22 frets. Is the way the Les Paul was made.

[@chadgarber]

Thanks!

[@tommya5957]

Really??!!. If you wanna play eruption then use a super strat, pretty sure that is what Eddie did. How is that a negative of this guitar?

[@chadgarber]

Just not having more frets in general, not just for Eruption.

[@andytraverse]

That was painful to watch. Strings will be scratchy to bend because the fretwire is the cheapest rubbish and has a rough finish- if you looked closely you would probably see that yourself.

[@chadgarber]

Actually I discovered it was the strings: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKKsgH2iqpx2ja8

[@chadgarber]

The fret wires are great because the strings did the same to any guitar I used, even my charvel.

[@chadgarber]

If you like this video, you may like this one as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJi3i3-OoMpsqac

[@younggod2319]

1. it is a Les Paul 2. really, how can you hear scratchy over the scratchy?

[@chadgarber]

The scratchy were the Optiweb Elixir strings. The polymer work perfectly.

[@waynecribb4922]

Polish the frets bro.

[@geemann3760]

Uses effects as a crutch.

[@chadgarber]

Why do you say that?

[@chadgarber]

Admittedly, I had too much delay. It sounds like more delay on the recordings than live for some reason:

[@jshumphress13]

Haters gonna hate. Sounded great to me!

[@theoriginaltroll4truth]

My only complaint is the Grover tuners. Don't know why anyone likes them, they suck. Owned a custom epip SG with Grovers, sucked on that too. When I have the cash, I'm switching to locking tuners. Otherwise is a beautifully made guitar, absolutely love the overwound PAF alnico probuckers. Love the ability to split the coils, makes it a very versitle guitar. I play anything from really hard and heavy to creamy blues to crystal cleans, does it all with great sound. Again, only complaint is the tuners.

[@chadgarber]

Interesting. I haven’t had any problems with the tuners.

[@randomcsorely]

I have no scratches lol

[@chadgarber]

Yay!

[@blimeylimey13]

I will never buy a Chinese made guitar.

[@chadgarber]

Interesting. I didn’t know they were in China.

[@blimeylimey13]

Chad Garber yes, most Epiphones are made in Qingdao China... for political reasons, I choose to avoid them. 🇨🇦🇺🇸🎸🎸

[@chadgarber]

@@blimeylimey13 I understand.

[@user-vx9pw9ss6y]

Epiphone is actually really good! A lot of people say there even better then the actual Les Paul, Epiphone is owned by Gibson so it's not like you're getting a knock off.

[@chadgarber]

@@user-vx9pw9ss6y Yea! That’s what I thought when I bought it and this is a darn good guitar.