I Didn't Expect it to be THIS Good! | 2024 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Review

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📚Description: Today we are looking at the new NEW 1959 Epiphone Les Paul "Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop." It is a little confusing because there are now two different 1959 Epiphone Les Paul Standards at varying price points with different headstocks and different Gibson pickups... as well as an even cheaper 50s/60s Standard with epiphone pickups. These new epis are expensive... but they also have EXPENSIVE pickups in them. Great for a gigging guitarist to take out and not worry about dinging up!
0:00 - Intro
0:25 - The Epiphone 1959 Model(s)
2:07 - First Impressions
2:50 - Epiphone 59 VS 59 Custom Shop Gibson
4:10 - Accessories Included
5:00 - Bench Segment Parts / Specs
12:01 - Clean Tones
13:38 - Dirty Tones
15:14 - Compared to Custom Shop R9 Gibson
16:58 - Final Thoughts
19:08 - Watch Next
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[@MilitantOldLady]

I wouldn't think of these as Epiphone trying to be Gibson. I look at them as Epiphone raising their standard to what people wanted all along.

[@Someone-lc6dc]

I just wish Epiphone could go their own way, be on their own again.

[@strawsparky33]

@@Someone-lc6dc they cant. Gibson owns the rights and licensing. Some random billionare would have to convince Gibson to sell them not only the brand but the licensing rights for the Gibson style Epiphones as well like the 335, firebird, les paul, sg and so on. And Gibson makes way too much money from Epiphone to just sell them off to someone.

[@DavidOakesMusic]

Exactly. Like - i've never understood why they couldn't just use the same headstock ? It looks SO much better. The previous redesign was good too .

[@Mikey__R]

​​@@Someone-lc6dcthere are a million brands that do their own thing, some of them are also owned by Gibson. There is so much choice right now, if one brand doesn't have what you want, another will. Brands are just constructs anyway, especially when most of the world's guitars come from a handful of factories.

[@wally-001]

Who is willing to pay those prices for a Laurel fretboard? Hell no Gibson! Or Epiphone. Or whoever needs to hear it 🤣

[@boulderertim5986]

Disappointing that the routes are so clean. At this premium price they should be giving us the same bearding and rough finish that Gibson USA offer

[@JokersWild70]

😂🤣

[@brrav_]

😂😂

[@nomojoe8150]

You get nitrocellulose lacquer on Gibsons not thick encapsulated shiny plastic like epiphone.

[@automatoncollectives7237]

@@nomojoe8150Which many of us can’t stand. That junk is high maintenance.

[@adamwatson6916]

We need to stop expecting these Epiohone 59s to have all the Same specs as a 7000 dollar custom shop Gibson .

[@shaft9000]

Yeah, in a perfect world. In the real one a fool and their money is easily parted, and you can't fix stupid.

[@luizdiaz5196]

I've waited two decades for this! I applaud Epiphone for stepping up their game and giving us what we wanted all along- more affordable premium spec'd guitars.

[@thetoneknob4493]

if they had a nitro finish a rosewood fret board and fret nibs ide be stoked but they don't.

[@strawsparky33]

You mean Gibson? Gibson owns Epipohone, everything Epiphone does has to be Ok'ed by Gibson first.

[@strawsparky33]

@@thetoneknob4493 that would cost like another $1200.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Just get a Japanese Orville or Epiphone. Some had Gibson pickups from factory.

[@DS-nw4eq]

You waited two decades for this? You could have just bought a Les Paul and paid it off 18 years ago

[@dwightb8323]

I bought the 2024 because of the better pick ups, not because of the "open book" headstock. I don't really care about the headstock shape. I wanted the custombuckers, which sound really really good. I also like the new neck. It feels a little better to me than the old 59 - maybe it's the finish. And most importantly, I wanted something that I could take to practice, gigs, and blue jams - I don't need more guitars for my house :) And you can't expect a $1,300 guitar to measure up to a guitar that costs three to four times more. The new epi is a great workhorse.

[@samuelllakaj5439]

Very reasonable reasoning, unlike me, who's only here for the headstock XD.

[@user-xo6bc7gg3l]

Its arguable that Custombuckers are better than the Gibson Burstbucker 2 and 3 in the previous version. Gibson deviated from the Seth Lover original design by using Alnico III magnets. Burstbuckers use period correct Alnico Ii. Burstbuckers , like original PAF vary in output from as low as 7.5 to as high as 9 ohms. BB 2 is on the low (warm) side. BB3 is a little hotter. Custombuckers are a one size fits all, using identical neck and bridge pickups with no variation. This is a cost saving penny punching move by Gibson, eliminating the need to have two production lines. Get less, but pay more.

[@dwightb8323]

@@user-xo6bc7gg3l I've been thinking about getting a Gibson Traditional. Played a 2016 and really liked it.

[@garynovak1012]

Same here. The new neck shape and the Custombuckers are worth the price of admission to me. The headstock was just a nice little bonus

[@RussellFeatherstone]

I have the opportunity to get the burstbucker for 40% off, worth it?

[@Fenderman4022]

I bought a brand new Edwards off Reverb, and it was completely painless. No import duties, quick shipping. I like it better than my Gibson LP

[@jacksacks6687]

Edward’s, FGN, and Tokai all currently make Les Paul’s that are at minimum on par with what Gibson is producing as Standards.

[@nikkimagnusson9437]

Mine arrived last week..Ice Tea Burst... originally I planned to swap custom buckers in one of my Epi 59s..so I bought a pair ..then this Epi version was released...now I'm not gonna swap pickups...more spare parts for my ever growing parts bin..bins .

[@dominicclarke2696]

Cigarette co 's been doing this for years, so has fendar, not a surprise marketing idea, increase choices, change the packet design , increase / decrease price. Subsidizing CEO's bonus package

[@joecoach7268]

Man I totally agree with your assessment. I love to see the collab with Gibson parts and love the new headstock, but these Epiphone Vintage/Faded/Satin finishes are just total misses. They look cheap and really make the veneer more of a "cheap" stand out to me.

[@joermnyc]

Honestly, I’ll stick with the Epi Modern Les Paul, got the AMS version with an actual EBONY fretboard and a nice Bourbon burst finish. Didn’t cost me $1200. Laurel isn’t that bad, G&L Tribute (import models) uses“Caribbean Rosewood” which is actually a wood called Chechen from several Carribbean islands, it’s also pretty good. Pao Ferro has to be the right color, too many guitars (and basses) out there with orange fretboards.

[@sisuriffs]

I put Gibson Burstbucker Pros into my old Epiphone Les Paul. Added Grover locking tuners, Graphtec saddles and nut, and a Bigsby. Absolutely killer guitar. They say you can’t turn an Epiphone into a Gibson. Maybe. Whatever I ended up with is stellar. And yes, I do have a nice Gibson Les Paul too. Love them both.

[@EM-km8em]

Whats the difference between regular burst buckers and pros ?

[@sisuriffs]

@@EM-km8em Honestly, not sure. Just saw I guy was selling them online and thought I’d try them. Supposed to have a more vintage sound, as I recall. No regrets.

[@strawsparky33]

​@EM-km8em if they're more vintage sound you probably have the 50's burstbucker set. The 60s set is a bit hotter iirc

[@EM-km8em]

I think the pros have better harmonic response and feel more articulate from what i heard comparing at guitar center

[@BurgersforBreakfast127]

I hotrodded my Silverburst Epi LP Custom. Have and will again put it up against overpriced Gibby LP's and it more than holds its own. My philosophy is don't listen to others when it comes to tone. Especially ones who think price instantly makes a guitar "better".

[@markvonwisco7369]

It's a nice enough looking guitar, but for $1299 USD, it should really have a rosewood fretboard!

[@asw7696]

And a gloss finish.

[@limpneckmike]

Am I the only one who couldn’t care less if the fretboard is rosewood or laurel? They look similar enough to me.

[@nicksalvatore5717]

@@limpneckmikeexactly. It doesn’t change tone or durability

[@mxwx51]

​@limpneckmike , nope. I don't mind the laurel. It's VERY similar to rosewood. I do hate things like pao fero, though...

[@MrDokek]

Bro, just get some wood stain and darken it. Oil it first, then darken. Great results afterwards and the fretboard material doesn't affect the tone anyway.

[@cfl941]

i think that neck tenon isn't doing much, looks liek sloppy fit and extra glue, and i don't think the glue is meant to fill the gap like that.

[@1allspub]

Gibson is definitely upping Epi’s game and trying to reposition it in the market. I do wish they used rosewood on these… but IL (as long as it’s dark) actually makes for a nice looking board. Also, with an all the other “59ish appointments” it would have been nice to see some historic tall pickup rings. All-in-all though, I am really digging these IBGCS Epis.

[@markjamesmeli2520]

THANK YOU!! This video brought to mind things that you offer here that you seldom get at a retail outlet. I'm not really a guitar player, but my late brother was, and I remember that, if my father, brother and me were going out looking for guitars for big bro, the same thing would always happen: you'd be taken directly to the Gibson Les Paul with almost no mention of the Epiphones at all. Or, you would get a quiet, cocky statement about the Epiphones ("well, they're 2nd rate junk," etc.). Now, with online shopping, the showrooms are gone - and you sometimes don't know what you'll be sent. Trogly, you are a GREAT resource! Again, having gone guitar shopping in the late 70s to the 90s, the sales-folk will direct YOU, and you won't know what questions to ask. To anyone shopping (and this is from a guy who worked in musical instrument sales for a few months at the turn-of-the-century), you'll never find a better, more honest knowledge than TROGLY'S GUITAR SHOW!!

[@electricfox9276]

Looking forward to you doing the ES-355. Would love to hear a glowing review of what looks like a great semi hollow body guitar for the momey compared to it's Gibson counter part.

[@roughcutguitars]

Right? That thing is getting a little scary close.

[@tonedowne]

Yeah that is where is at. The physical nature of a semi means things like exact woods and finishes matter less to the tone and feel. I think it will be the one that really justifies the price

[@noahMrkz]

Couldn’t agree more. Add in the fact that ES are maple ply anyway…if I didn’t have the Bonamassa I’d be plunking down a credit card already.

[@pepmasters-999]

Yeah, the ebony fingerboard means it's a real contender.

[@kenfernsler6507]

I have it. It is great. I gigged with it already. I didn't miss my custom shop.

[@garynorman1598]

I picked up new epi 335 custom and it's fantastic! Ebony fretboard, mother of pearl block, gold hardware, Gibson custom buckers, Hands down best value on the market. Better than D'Angelico at 2k .

[@ericoswood1856]

Nice guitar and were it not for my older Epiphone 59 reissue, I would buy one.

[@alexhernandez6027]

I polished my epi 59 and it looks way better.

[@voided76]

Same. I have a southern fade zzsounds model and it came out like a million bucks after 1000 grit wet and some polishing compound.

[@alexhernandez6027]

Yeah when I showed it to my brother he thought I bought another Guitar 😂😂

[@qua7771]

That makes since. You have to completely disassemble it though.

[@Uncle_Ice]

👍👍👍

[@adrianhjordan1981]

Good to know, I'm planning on getting a Les Paul Custom from this range and would want to shine it up!!

[@JONNIE_ROCKER]

I play Orville’s. I have 3 and they costed me less than a new Gibson LP standard. And they are great

[@tonedowne]

I really think they should bring that brand name back for these guitars. People are always going to feel weird about paying what were Gibson prices for something that says Epiphone on the headstock.

[@alexandremachadorocha8264]

I was waiting to see your review of this one, thank you for doing it. I really liked the specs, but am still not sure if the price is worth it. I was impressed with the 2020 59 outfit when I saw it in person in a store, and will need to check this new one out in person. Since I am not a big fan of glossy finish, I appreciate the satin feel finish Epiphone has tried to do. Thanks for this in-depth review!

[@Matthew-qk1xi]

At that price point they could've done it a little better. I have a Epi 1960 Les Paul Classic reissue with a real Rosewood board with 495r 500t pick-ups great flame top in vintage burst for $800 new. I have a Gibson standard also and more often I grab that Epi its been on the road and played hard, I've had many "it must say Gibson on the head stock" players fall in love with it swearing i put in pick-ups blah blah. Its all in what feels good and sounds good to you.

[@nedludd3641]

I bought two Custombuckers separately in a sale. They both got the short connector bars on them (used to fix the pickups to the body). Is that a problem? Is there a workaround? Do I need one long and one short or some such? Any advice?

[@adamwatson6916]

Different countries have different restrictions on the Import/export of woods . Just because guitars made in Mexico can use Rosewood doesn't mean guiars made in China can use Rosewood. Even Eastman doesnt use Rosewood on their SB59 les Pauls .

[@trevor4533]

That is true. But then just like Eastman and ESP/LTD, maybe they should use Ebony instead for all of their premier models?

[@catmandoodoo7903]

For much less than that you can get an Orville. That would always be my choice. I’ve had Gibsons and Epiphones come and go but my Orvilles have always stayed put.

[@gregperkins7723]

I have one and it made me love les pauls..I don't play my Fender AVRIs or PRS' anymore...I LOVE MINE!!!!!! I have had several Gibsons including a beautiful custom shop R0. For some reason this one just bonded with me. I happen to love the finish. Of all the guitars I have owned ( a lot) I always stare back at this one when I put it down.

[@Wodawic]

Pretty sure you could buff in some Howard Feed & Wax into that Satiny thing and it's gonna shine like a sunny Friday. Buff down the headstock logo first. That reddish tint is kinda coolio also. They're cutting all the right cost-cutting corners but keeping the good stuff. Flip out the bridge and tuners, change out pots, wiring & a cap or two. Tough call...

[@Darth.Shredder]

And after all that, you'll still have a laurel fretboard and whatever passes for "mahogany" in China these days. Last I heard they were using "olive wood" bodies with some kind of birchwood top on their Epiphone '59's. Is it really a tough call?

[@jonathanhudak2059]

​@@Darth.Shredderdepends possibly on what you can afford for some people...

[@Darth.Shredder]

@@jonathanhudak2059 I wasn't discussing price or what people can afford... I pointed out that even after all those additional upgrades and finish work, there are some significant things that can't simply be changed.

[@soulagent79]

No, you can't make those Epiphone satin finishes shiny. It's not like with Gibson's satin or faded finishes, which can be polished up quite easily.

[@Wodawic]

@@soulagent79 Fair enough. You would know better than I. Tks

[@Mr.Cynical92]

Bottles of Virtuoso cleaner and polish would do wonders for that satin top and headstock. I used it on my 2018 Classic Player Plus LP, and love the results. I don't know if the veneer on these Les Pauls would be something to consider with a polishing.

[@quietinterlude770]

I polished a new one of these, mines tobacco burst. I used some automotive polish and microfiber cloths. It's not super high gloss but definitely looks more the part now. No issues with the veneer, the poly is thick enough it didn't even get close to it. Be careful on the headstock, I went very careful because a friend of mine polished another satin guitar and rubbed the waterslide off, which would suck

[@andrewbrookes2485]

Weights - please convert to Kg on screen ? Thanks

[@MickeyMouse-xy6op]

This is basically the 1959 Epi Standard Exclusive Run with Custombuckers and an open book headstock. That VOS finish is a satin finish. What sells me is the headstock, pickups and the 3 different colors.

[@mkguitarproject]

No, it has many more things. 1-piece neck and mother of pearl inlays. And the custom buckers are not a minor difference. You can't get those in any gibson except custom shop.

[@onlyguitars]

Please check the white 335. Looks really grogeous and want to see what you think on that one. I dont care much on getting a 335, especially a gibson that are very expensive, and is not my main style of guitar. But I can see myself going for the white epi. Looks awesome.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Man that's a great sounding Les Paul! The satiny VOS finish is okay but as others have said it could potentially be buffed to a glossier finish. All in all I'm liking it thanks Trogly and love how it made you branch out and solo a bit too! 👍

[@tedjohnson5210]

I know it’s not feasible, but I would’ve liked to have seen these offered in a plain top burst as well. Hell, just make a “made to order” Epiphone custom shop 🤔

[@mrredritehand]

That'd be cool!

[@trevor4533]

If I were to guess. Somewhere down the line, they will make a 58' or 60' reissue with a plaintop.

[@mikecarbone828]

Salutations Austin! Very nice looking ‘59 Epiphone Les Paul, and it sounds great too! I think it’s a good indication that it’s a good instrument when you are inspired to play a solo! Thanks for sharing this with us all! Please have an excellent and awesome day! ☀️✨🎸

[@Cookie4yabro]

I swapped out the Burst buckers in mine and put Seymour Duncan Antiquities and it sounds amazing

[@bryancollins6796]

I think you're right. This new 59 from Epiphone would make a excellent gig guitar. Your LP from the Custom Shop can be saved from harm.

[@garynovak1012]

I've owned my new '59 for about a week now. I didn't expect to like it as much as I do. It's a GREAT guitar, no matter who's name is on the headstock.

[@larryburwell8550]

i have the 999.00 version in the burst you show and its a great guitar and good enough for me in a epiphone. i still have my gibson les pauls. great video. the headstock doesnt really matter because it still says epiphone

[@user-om1ur6gq2u]

I got one for $849. It like the one you have different color. And I'm like you totally happy.

[@voided76]

I wasn't sold on it being cool til I saw some binding bleed haha! And the sound is super nice! It costing as much as someone's american strat is kinda weird, but the quality lines up a bit too I'd say.

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

What a beautiful guitar. Those pickups sound amazing. I played my whole life with a pair of Wilde (circuitboard) Gibson pickups.,.. But I must say. These sound amazing.

[@pat5882]

Your camera studio lighting really gives the IL fretboard a very dry look. Also, I believe, @ 13:13 you break into “20th Century Boy” by T. Rex. Nice!

[@rocktorrocks]

These new Epiphones can be amazing guitars but you can buy lower end USA made PRS, Gibsons, and Fenders in the $1300-1700 price range. No way should an import guitar cost this much, even if it has fancy “custom shop” specs. The cost of labor in China is far cheaper than cost of labor in USA yet you’re paying close to USA made prices for a made in China import guitar. Add to that Epiphone still cheaped out with the indian laurel, lack of fret nibs or plek job, and using a poly finish. Can’t really justify this one even if the guitar is good, it shouldn’t cost $1300. I see other brands charging over $1K for imports and I worry us buying these will send the message they can charge more for imports and ultimately even more for USA made guitars.

[@freq18hz]

Agree on the labor, but I have a PRS S2 594 and one of these new Epi 59's, and the Epiphone plays and sounds better than the S2.

[@markooshio1]

The cost isn't the labour, it's the pickups. The SG has three!

[@user-kp1zz4ik5l]

Walk on by and pickup the Eastman.....way better quality and attention to detail

[@donbishop6994]

Good thing nobody is forcing you to buy one then. A $500 plus set of pickups, gibson wiring and a hardshell case is gonna make it more expensive. Compared to the $999 version, this is a steal. Most people don't care where things are made.

[@rocktorrocks]

@@donbishop6994 Well I hope you never have to sell it cause you’ll take a massive loss when you realize people care where things are made. There’s perceived value in something made in USA or Japan and save for a few exceptions like Eastman the mass produced imports from China will always have lower perceived value no matter how great the specs. Especially since that price point of $1300 will get you USA and Japan made guitars. $1100 and these would be great value. Or $1300 with fret nibs and a plek job which would improve the feel. They should have bypassed the MOP inlays and used the money to upgrade to a rosewood board as well. I bought the previous iteration of these and know how great they are but I also believe they have piss poor resale value because people aren’t interested in these at the current asking prices. More power to anyone who likes one and plans to buys one. I have to no plans to get one unless I’m really blown away.

[@Coolbeans1492]

It might come with custombuckers and say inspired by gibson custom shop. But anyone who compares an 1800$ CAD guitar to a proper 7-10k custom shop lp is just silly. What I wouldve compared it with is a standard 50s which are a lot closer in price. The construction is similar with 2 piece body, 1 piece neck. But the laurel vs rosewood and custombuckers vs burstbuckers definitely warrants a debate. How does it compare to a standard 50s aesthetically? Are the colours close tg? How about the resonance and how it plays? Do they feel similar etc… these are all worthwhile questions. But comparing between this and an acc custom shop is silly when theyre closer to a standard line gib at the end of the day. The reason behind this line was to fill middle ground between epiphone and standard gibson not the custom shop……

[@wiseguy9202]

The one detail keeping me from buying one of these higher end Epi's, the indian laurel. I can't stand the way it feels and looks. So porous and stringy.

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

Ya I would even prefer Richlite at least it’s dark in color

[@wiseguy9202]

​@@sirbaronvoncount4147 Funny you should mention, the last guitar I purchased is a 2021 Les Paul Raven and I love the Richlite. It's smooth and non-porous which for me is ideal.

[@MarkEdward-bl6cr]

Right with ya guys that Laurel looks like it's way to porous no thanks Richlite is a good idea 👍

[@wiseguy9202]

@MarkEdward-bl6cr I purchased an Epiphone Standard 60's to match my Gibson, and it's a horrible fretboard. I was half tempted to pull the frets, apply a grain filler, and resand it.

[@strawsparky33]

​@@wiseguy9202richlite is also gonna last longer since it's resin based.

[@imywt]

I've got an older Epi LP. At first I thought it was ultimately inferior, and a trade-away. It's about 12 years later. I still have him.

[@dobiqwolf]

Will you review the Les Paul Custom Custom shop inspired too? And the 355?

[@Trog]

355 yes - custom maybe

[@georgeoh-well8116]

Nobody is giving headstock angle. I've played Les Paul's with both 14 degrees and 17 degrees. It makes a difference in terms of tuning stability and feel and probably likelihood of breakage too.

[@kenfernsler6507]

I think the Gibson sound is in that angle, though. The tension between that and the bridge make up some of the sound.

[@georgeoh-well8116]

@@kenfernsler6507 I respect your opinion and I'm sure you're right, every part of a guitar contributes to the sound and character. But what is the percentage contribution to the overall sound/character? I love Gibsons ( don't fully understand why) but the constant struggle with tuning stability is a big issue for me, so anything that mitigates that is worthy of consideration.

[@Rendell05]

Thanks for the honest review. I've been between the 355 and Les Paul and the dark finish sealed it for me

[@jcedrez]

Was the plastic still on the control/back plate?

[@rancehamilton4683]

I’d love to buy one of these once they hit the used market, strip it down and do a cool Nitro paint/relic job. Wouldn’t feel as guilty doing it to an epiphone 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@James-cn9no]

Amazing how much smoother the Gibson sounded even thought the Epiphone has the Gibsone Custom pickups.

[@patrickkem689]

For any future refinishing,,,I would not recommend sanding to remove any finish, Hot blow air,,,and any finish sanding high grit and by hand! There is no top to speak of.

[@jose_moya]

Putting indian laurel instead of rosewood or ebony on that fretboard was a crime, considering all the other nice specs this guitars has. For the same price i'd rather buy a Gibson tribute or save a little bit more and spent 2300 bucks on a Gibson standard faded.

[@pcar928fan]

Thanks for the price comparison at the end. I wasn’t sure how much that custom shop was. The R9 was/is bad ass! I love that beast! It looks fantastic!

[@adamswanson8216]

I was truly surprised as I don’t normally play inspired by a guitars. I am a Gibson and normally now and Eastman guitar player. I was shocked by the quality of this if they had done a good job on the fret of the one I ordered for my son I would’ve been very pleased but the front work was terrible. I sent it back three times and then bought him a Gibson less Paul studio Modern, which only cost me about 700 more dollars and turned out to be three times the guitar I actually like it myself, but these are certainly great if you want to accept them and get the work done, but maybe you are luckier than most, but everyone has been talking about the fretwork that I’ve spoken to. I don’t know about on the videos, but I wish they would just work on that because it was definitely sharp Fred. 0:58 1:03

[@ayeapprove]

That's used USA Gibson territory though. I like how they did the dull finish instead of the candy one. That's a mod I did to all my Epis years back.

[@alexstrums]

Got my eye on one of the IBGC Les Paul Custom models in Ebony because I love the colour and it has the correct neck carve 🎉. I already own a Gibson Les Paul Standard so more than happy to save £3000 for a Chinese made replica of the Custom

[@kbgrevolver4563]

Wow. Very impressive

[@MrJermeyp]

My Adam jones standard has MOP inlays … but then again… he’s special 😂

[@guitarman6632]

I have a black royale epi lp and limited gold top slash epi

[@rensuzugamori2531]

My issue with this guitar is the same issue I have with the new PRS S2 guitars. If they would have kept the same price point as the existing $1000 Epiphone Les Paul x Gibson Custom 1959, and just replaced it by upgraded the pickups to custombuckers and changed the headstock to a Gibson headstock, then it would have been fine. But instead, they are releasing this model for $300 more than the existing Epiphone 1959 and for that $300 all you are getting is a spec bump from Gibson USA pickups to Gibson Custom pickups and changing the headstock from Epiphone shaped to Gibson shaped.

[@dw7704]

I like the Epi headstocks, I like the Gibson ones. And I own both It’s not a deal breaker or deal maker for me. So the extra $300 may not be worth it, would depend on the pickups

[@adamwatson6916]

The other 59 is not still in production . It is discontinued but Epiphone still has loads of backstock which is why its still listed . Just because its listed as still Availble doesn't mean its still in Production .

[@clarkbabin9799]

This is a very nice guitar. They were smart to put to stamp the back of the headstock with the interlinked Epiphone inspired by Gibson logo. Besides the the difference in the truss rod cover someone could likely take this and give it more of a Gibson look possibly to fool someone.

[@monmixer]

So the price difference in this guitar and the previous 59 is simply custom buckers and one piece neck? It appears that way to me and the mother of pearl instead of toilet inlays. Is it worth that much more? Bustbuckers are GREAT pick ups. So are custom buckers but is there that much difference? I doubt it. Edit : I notice the difference in your playing. Great job bud. You are coming along great.

[@adamfindlay7091]

There is the Great Debate about Gibs, well, I never played one. I actually have owned some amazing guits with beautiful action: Hagstrom vintage, DeArmond and now own a hollow Epi.

[@pauljohnson3686]

The nailed the look, feel and sound on the new LP customs... The 355 is amazing too.

[@donthewatcher]

wow the custombuckers sound amazing in a epi thanks gibson custom/epiphone for delivering some affordable heat as in Fire, Trog great review as usual

[@mulcrackers43]

Can you do a demo of the custom model . preferably black as I just bought one! Much appreciated sir!

[@evrgreen_69]

Stopped my ears in their tracks..That thing sounds sick! Thanks Trogly 💯

[@turquoiseturkey6710]

I love real MOP on guitars and I wish more companies used it even if they have to fill out paperwork or something

[@indiekiduk]

It’s good you can see more of the binding face-on compared to the old epi 59 but still not as much as your Gibson 3:12

[@saleseng]

This is a bit of a dilemma for me because I own several Epiphones which I love but I will not purchase another one until we get concrete clarification on whether or not all models will be phased in with the latest open book headstock

[@maxhanningiv2223]

I think the epiphone les Paul classic has thin cutaway binding as well

[@mrredritehand]

What is that?

[@michaeldionne3139]

I liked the solo!

[@JokersWild70]

Thats a damn good deal for what it is

[@RockyH.]

Austin please do the white or black Epiphone Custom soon? The new Customs are just amazing...but I'm waiting for you to go through one.

[@ferox965]

Same. That has my attention.

[@tedstryyker374]

Agreed, yes please do the IBGCS LP Custom!

[@paulsworld2]

Agree would like to see a review on the White custom. Might be the only custom I could ever afford.

[@fattony4961]

After seeing the new customs and after watching a video a KZbinr spraying Amber lacquer over his white, Les Paul custom and it coming out looking like a Randy Rhodes model, I’d love to see these new LPC guitars getting some of that kind of treatment as well. Wishful thinking though. May have to wait for some other brave souls to do the same, and then post the results. Personally I want goldburst and natural customs since Epi seems to be going down the Adam Jones rabbit hole.

[@RockyH.]

@@fattony4961 Absolutely! I saw that Dem Dem BMX do that as well. I'd love to tribute a custom to Randy Rhoads that would call me closer to the guitar.

[@kevinmackfurniture]

Custom Buckers are $500 beans all by themselves... $1299 doesn't seem completely unreasonable... Especially when you see the fit and finish of this new Epiphone.

[@csiszerg]

For me - the headstock and the pickup upgrade does not justify the ~300 USD price differece to the already Gibson electronics-fitted 900 USD-ish 59 model. Keeping both in production makes sence because they have a product both for those who don't want to strech over 1k in spending and for those who'd like to spend a bit more for some premium(ish) feel but nowhere near Gibson territory. But as an instrument these two are practically indentical - and are on pair with the real gibbos (I have the earlier Epi 59, and like it more than my 2000 Gibson LP Classic)

[@pattyoneill91]

I wish they just did a normal plain top and some are flamed kind of. Thats the way the originals were! Idk why they just HAVE to make it uniform. I personally would like it to look like how the old ones were. Some have two some three pieces of maple top

[@ibisrox1]

The IBG Adam Jones custom is really.nice!!!

[@waynecribb4922]

The Gibson Custo Shop you held up beside the Epi is the most beautiful Les Paul I have ever seen. !!! WOW !

[@travisdillon1264]

Been waiting for this, seriously looking to obtain one of these

[@beastmode003]

horn shape is still different 😢

[@beastmode003]

actually, the whole shape is slightly off, looks a bit "inflated" (even the pickguard looks larger, the bridge and stopbar tailpiece also looks a slight further distance from the bridge pickup, the pickup rings looks slightly larger as well, and the frets could use binding on the ends) as with the price, but overall, i think comparing this with whatever else epiphone has in the market, this seems like a good deal if you're in the market for epiphone. Me personally, I just grabbed an SG standard and a 60s unburst LP, coming from a '99 mim strat and a 50s classic vibe strat, and now i dont know if i can go back to epiphone. honestly for the price of the lowest epi lp, which is 450 for the worn classic series, i'd probably pick that up before I pick up this newer one and if i really want custombuckers, it would make the $450 les paul to a $950 les paul. but who's doing that all that much? I rather just save for another Gibson. probably a '61 SG standard this time. Heard from a few people its Gibson's best guitar in terms of quality, playability, and tone. Either that or Ill try a Gibson Les Paul Classic since they have a phase switch and coil splitting. 🤷🏽‍♂️🙃

[@datphot]

Hope you do the IBG Les Paul Custom. Would love to get your opinion on it.

[@EM-km8em]

Should have done some high gain metal chords thats where the pick ups show their teeth and bite. Most of these soft samples are too similar to most les pauls and not pushed enough to show their true octane

[@FUBAR896]

Why dont they fix the truss rod cover from 3 screws to 2 ?

[@MirageIV]

Let me guess, Rosewood and glossy finish will be 1499 ...

[@monmixer]

I would prefer the burstbuckers. I like the sound of them. So the 899 version that went to 999. they are still out there used for 6 or 700 with the case and candy in some instances.

[@AlabamaDigger]

Waiting for one of these with a floyd rose frt 1000.

[@snowblind1581]

You rock buddy! Love your channel! Coulda sworn I heard you play intro to Focus - Hocus Pokus. Respect ❤

[@automatoncollectives7237]

The 59 rounded C neck is the main reason I traded in my 2021 Epiphone ‘59 for the newer version. Much nicer neck for my fretting hand.

[@gaboasis21]

13:40 sounds like Oasis Cigarretes and alcohol live version intro (wembley 2000)

[@matthewajello1299]

All this tells me is that a custom shop 59 reissue should be the standard line of Les Paul’s for like 3500 bucks at the most

[@liuziyu8487]

this is the first time they scrape the binding on their mas produce models. Not scraping the binding thing i hate the most on epiphone

[@realRonPetersen]

Nice vibrato technique during your solo.

[@indiekiduk]

Does it have Gibson size pickup rings?

[@ferox965]

I'm tempted to get custom.

[@user-kp1zz4ik5l]

Really don’t like the dull finish. In the shop it looked really plastic and cheap. To be honest I’ve never been excited about the headstock change, it shouts of ‘I wanna Gibson but can’t afford one’, rather than I like Epiphone guitars. At the price point it moves it into the Eastman bracket. Having played both and owned Gibson, Epiphones and Eastman, Eastman are way ahead of both in regards to attention to detail and finish.

[@antoonhermans8953]

i think the ES 355 is the one to buy out of this new epi range , it has an ebony fretboard wich the others do not have .

[@kingstumble]

I really don't understand the obsession some people have for the "open book" headstock. The "normal" Epi headstock is much more ergonomic in that there is a straighter string path to the tuners. And it also looks better. Just my opinion before anybody has a go.