Is The Epiphone Les Paul Custom a REAL Les Paul?

[@damien6997]

Owned Gibson Les Paul standards. Sold them all over the years. Bought the epiphone custom les paul due to its weight and I love it. Well made, sounds and feels great. The only difference is the name on the headstock and obviously the price. Doesn't matter what you play if you can play. The rest is guitar snobbery

[@ejfantone]

Agree

[@Thedustymichaels]

Amen to that. I bought myself the Epiphone LP Custom Ebony back in July 2022. I paid about 650$ for the ebony beauty, these days it’s listed at 1200$.

[@mr3klax]

@@ThedustymichaelsCongrats on owning an Epiphone LP Custom in Ebony. I also have a 2012 Epiphone Les Paul Custom called Black Beauty with 3 pickups that I purchased in 2013. This particular guitar came out of the Unsung factory in Korea. It is extremely well-made. And with the passage of time, the bindings have started to yellow which gives the guitar that vintage vibe. But, as regards the $1200 present-day value of the LP Custom as you have mentioned, I’m afraid you might be referring to the NEW batch of 2024 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop that just came out very recently with a price tag of $1299. If you haven’t seen them yet please check them out as the $500 price hike is causing a major internet buzz among guitar enthusiasts.

[@RenegadeRebel83]

You gained a subscriber for your honesty and integrity sir. Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@Adrian-yi8fl]

I owned an Epi Les Paul Custom and it played like a dream as far as the fretboard and neck are concerned. I really can't speak to the quality of the pickups. They sounded fine to my ear but it wasn't like I was gigging with them or anything just playing at home but given the $5,000 price difference I'll take it. I sold it years ago but I'm actually looking to buy another one which is why I'm here salivating

[@tomflynn2912]

Every Epiphone ive ever owned i have respect for. I now have an Eppi LP 60s classic Black Beauty and i love it man!

[@tomflynn2912]

P.s. i paid 5 hundred bucks for mine, even came with an awesome hardcase!

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

That’s awesome! It’s nice getting a good group of guitars! Great price as well! Cheers -Ryan

[@antneyfatts665]

The only one I've had that wasn't liked, was the Epi LP Modern, Other than that, my fav is and always will be the Epi LP Custom pro!

[@viperBSG]

I've owned Gibson Studios and classics and now own an Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard outfit and must say, it deserves the Les Paul badge as much as any Gibson I've owned or played. thanks for the video it was great and just makes me want a Epiphone Custom that much more. hard guitar to beat in it's price range.

[@karkipramesh]

Cheers for the straightforward review!!

[@edwardbelcher8612]

Bought this very same model when they first became available and could not be happier with it. Looks and plays great, and to top it off, real ebony fretboard.

[@TonyStir]

I have a LesPaul Modern Burbon Burst it has an Ebony fret board also it probably only weights around 7 7and a half

[@mr3klax]

I have one in Alpine White. And I like it. A lot. Got it for $1199 from a known online retailer. For me, everything about it is great. I am taking it to my luthier next week for a pro setup and fret dress. In the meantime, I took off the covers and checked out the parts. Mine has Gibson USA 490R and 498T pickups, CTS pots, Mallory caps and Switchcraft switch and output jack. I was pleased to find that the cavities were super clean and painted white. The wirings were neatly soldered and nicely tucked. I am very happy with this guitar. So impressed that I purchased the IGC 1959 ES-355 in Ebony within a couple of weeks later.

[@Serbofreak]

That is not the same Custom as the one shown in this video. You got yourself an Inspired By Gibson Epiphone Custom, which is twice as more expensive than the model in the video. The wood specs are the same, the entire hardware is different.

[@bl4ckfl4g]

I have an epiphane LP Custom Silverburst and I love it. Plays and sounds great.

[@MaxCohen-mx2rf]

"That's not a pat on the back, that's not a flex, I have a legit problem." Truer words have never been spoken in regard to guitar acquisition syndrome.

[@TheNewBruno69]

i love how much this comment at the same time can be applicated to any other passions. my main one is photography (mostly film photography, and we got the GAS aka not guitar but Gear Aquisition Syndrome) not sure who inspired who, but it's a common issue i got with my self too already, can't afford yet an epiphone, never i will a gibson, planning to buy a good epiphone, but i have to deserve that guitar first.

[@antneyfatts665]

I had a Custom pro and truly regret selling it, because I'd take it over my Gibson LP Studio any day. The warmth, tones etc...off the charts!!

[@jasonoftheworld6996]

As a guitar tech that’s worked for bands all over the world and held gibsons that belong to the likes of Justin Hawkins and alike I own a 1986 Korean made Epiphone custom in ebony and prefer it

[@metalinsights9664]

In my experience with MIM Fenders vs. MIA Fenders, the craftsmanship of the MIMs is sometimes better than that of the MIAs. Where the MIMs are lacking, is in material quality. The frets are made of a softer material and wear down much, much faster. The bridge, too, is made of a softer material and, therefore, produces a tone that lacks the treble and presence of a steel bridge that the more expensive guitars offer. I've also noticed that the cheaper guitars have less dense wood, which can result in quickly worn threads if you often unscrew and put back certain screws (e.g., neck joint for truss rod adjustment, tremolo cavity for adjustments) often. For some people, the warmer tone of a MIM can be a plus. For Fenders, pretty much anything that's $700 and above, is a quality product in the sense that the body and neck will pretty much look and feel like the more expensive thing, and may even feel better in some cases, but with the caveat that the components won't be as durable and will need more frequent servicing. I am not sure whether the same lessons can be applied to the Gibson vs. Epiphone comparison, but I thought I'd offer my experience with Fenders here, as it may help shed some light on the debate.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Construction itself is different from Epiphone to Gibson. Materials used as well. That’s always the case in order to keep costs down. There are always outliers as well. The big point is more of “It IS a Les Paul”… not a “Gibson Les Paul”, but still a “Les Paul” lol. I really want to get into some Mexican Fenders as well (Rent, not purchase). I could never get along with the Mexican Fenders. Something odd about the poly spray and the feel of the necks. There always seems to be a finish crack in the neck pocket lol. But 2 Screw American Strats work really well with me lol. Cheers -Ryan

[@chiefline7084]

Bought a Vintage brand Les Paul. It’s the Mick Ronson model which was a Les Paul Custom with the stripped top. I am totally in love with this guitar. From the Wilkinson pickups and hardware and the double binding and the neck profile to the light weight and acoustic resonance It’s my number one guitar. I sold my Les Paul Classic 60’s model and my 50 yr old Strat just sits in its case along with my other guitars. You can tell me all day long how it’s not a real Les Paul and I will just laugh in your face. This guitar has become part of my body and I will never part with it

[@OliverAmberg]

What is always a reason for me to prefer a Gibson is the nitro finish. I have a couple of Epiphones and they are great guitars but can't beat my LP Standard or Melody Maker. I am a sucker for nitro finishes 😎

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

I agree 100%! Poly isn’t bad… but it doesn’t hold a candle to Nitro! I really wish Fender would use it more often than on their Vintage Series Guitars! Cheers -Ryan

[@TheLegendaryLP]

Got mine for 800 today and i love it

[@BattleDroid134]

As far as i was told the new epiphone customs with the kalamazoo headstocks ones do not have a maple cap they are all mahogany like the og Les Paul customs.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

You are correct. There's actually a note at the beginning of the Description. Basically when I rented the Epiphone the salesman said "Same specs as the Gibsons... Mahogany Body and Neck with a Maple Cap". Then I checked the specs on their website... they also had a Maple Top version available so their specs were listed weird. I should have checked Epiphone's website instead of Long and McQuade. Cheers -Ryan

[@greengelacid2061]

I bought an Adam Jones Les Paul Custom…I love it…it feels like a Les Paul to me…it came with Seymour Duncan bridge and a custom probucker neck, CTS controls, and orange drop capacitors…it’s sounds as it should as well…Epiphone has really blown me away with this guitar…

[@SeabeeBuckeye]

🤘🎸 nice review, as always!

[@stuartmiller7419]

Good video. The best Les Paul I own is not my Gibson or my Epiphones, it's my Japanese Tokai. I think of it as a Les Paul above all of the others as it is better made and better set up (sustains forever). The QC was better (especially when compared to my Gibson) and I'm pretty sure that Les would have agreed with me. As you say, the name on the headstock is ultimately illerevant to what's important about a guitar, and you tend to buy better quality guitars, once you're old/wise enough to finally figure that out.

[@StevieZero]

I'm same for my Burny Custom

[@mortonwilson795]

Thanks for a great, thoughtful comparison review! My one and only Gibson is a 1968 LP Custom that I bought from a friend in 1974. Played it live for 10 years and it's still in my studio - my guitar tech suggested a refret might be a good idea but the 'fretless wonder' thing works for me, no trouble voicing chords so why? We have a terrific Gibson / Epiphone flagship store here in HK and I have played the Black Epiphone Custom a few times and can attest that it has it's own distinct personality - a classic feel! (I don't NEED it so I bought the Epi Cantrell Wino & their 1959 Epi/Gibson hybrid for something a bit different to play with). The Epi Custom feels very 'at home' for me, the combination of the slimmer 60s neck, ebony fretboard and the solid mahogany body lend it a very playable and slightly 'darker' tonality, esp on the neck, which I prefer for clean arpeggiated chord work (sometimes thru a Leslie) and some solo lines, and with a bit of OD overall it is very solid, more 'dense' than some of the Gibson 1959 Custom Shops I have played, which tend towards a brighter, snappier, harder edge a la early Clapton, Page & Mr. Green! I will be swapping some Monty's Bethnal Greens and a 50s Wiring Rig / Bone Nut etc into my Wino (big Peter Green fan). I guess if I were to buy the Epi Black (or white) Custom I might consider trying some Gibson pick-ups, their relatively new 1957s look interesting, or Monty's classic PAFs . . . ultimately I reckon it's a really good buy if you are after a 60s Custom vibe - good as is and also modable (is that a word?) without breaking the bank! Cheers.

[@stingylizard]

Yes

[@WadeB-t2l]

If it says Les Paul , and nobody is suing, it's a real Les Paul.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

...There's ALWAYS somebody suing... ALWAYS! Hahaha! Cheers -Ryan

[@alexwalker5645]

Biggest difference that I’ve noticed is the headstock pitch/angle. I love Epiphones, but where they don’t have the same pitch over the nut, the pick attack is much softer, and it kind of kills it for me.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

They definitely feel duller in comparison. Cheers -Ryan

[@rideough]

The neck and headstock angles on Epiphone are the same as 70’s Norlin era Gibson’s. While a teen in the 80’s and 90’s the only gibbys I got to play were 70’s ones, so for a long time I thought Epis were the same as gibbys, then I tried a newer one in the 2000’s and noticed the big difference in the angles.

[@tomford8286]

The way you emphasize some words is hilarious!

[@monmixer]

I saw Ryan Roxie playing an Epiphone 58 explorer reissue onstage with Alice Cooper just a couple of month ago.

[@jimmyelectric]

What pickups are on your 50s standard? Sound great!

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

They are the Stock Pickups so Burstbucker 2 in the Bridge and Burstbucker 1 in the Neck. Cheers -Ryan

[@bravestarr2001]

I got a good deal on one of these, and it scratches my Les Paul itch... Mostly. I'd love a Gibson Standard 60's, but really cant justify it at the moment (funds or skill). Thinking of switching out the ProBuckers for Seymour Duncan Slash 2.0s... Is this crazy? Thanks for the video.

[@snowfall5956]

Schecter Solo II is a Les Paul or just a good singlecut ?

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Depending on what the employee finishing the guitar has done (be it with Sharpie or using a silk screen to add the Les Paul Logo)… I would say if you like it then it would be a good singlecut. Cheers -Ryan

[@sandsmusicstudio]

Had a question: Epiphone Les Paul Custom vs Epiphone Matt Heafy's Les Paul Custom Origins What are the main differences? I ask cause they are so similar in looks and even features I believe but yet there is $200 price difference. (This will help me understand and make a decision to buy one of the two) Thanks

[@25bchris]

The Epiphone origins has a slim taper 60s neck, also has Grover locking tuners, has diamond strap buttons, having a set of fishman fluence customs to Matt heafy specs, 4 different voicings, active, passive, split and something else, also has a specially slimed neck joint for neck access increase to higher frets

[@pauljohnson3686]

The official specs for this guitar say "all mahogany body" You say maple cap.. Where did you get that info from please?

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

There has been a note at the top of the description for this video since it was released. Cheers -Ryan

[@Lone_Wolf79]

Good video

[@froblivion8284]

I’m lucky enough to own a Custom Black Beauty & it’s fantastic but for the money it has to be. I’ve played some of the better Epi’s & for the money they’re really hard to beat. Great video 👍👏

[@emartinezr]

Wow. I generally like the tone in the Gibsons better, but this time I like the tone of the Epiphone Custom more than the Gibson...

[@dbullcutter]

Yes. Even the old Epiphone Les Paul Custom (with the old headstock) was the better "cheap" Les Paul and IMHO could have been considered as a real Gibson Les Paul.

[@deshawn4077]

The Epiphone tops have veneer on maple caps

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

I hope you don’t think there’s a veneer on this top, though. Cheers -Ryan

[@I-HAVE-A-BOMB]

Yeah, its better than any studio or standard and most custom Gibsons ive played, granted they were all 30-40 years old guitars with old man pickups.

[@darkestfugue]

nice guitars, i have an 1980 les paul deluxe, it does the les paul thing very well and was my main guitar for years, it even sounds like a good les paul despite the mini humbuckers, i dont hear much of a difference to be honest, ive tried it again modern les pauls and they just dont seem as nice, but im not really a les paul guy anymore, i dont buy guitars on the basis of names i but guitars that meet my requirements, which is 24 stainless steel frets, a contoured neck heel, a trem that stays in tune, locking tuners and splittable humbuckers, you can buy guitars like that for under 500 dollars these days, ill kep my lp though its a goody and i like to just play it from time to time

[@loupascarelli]

I OWN A STUD , AND A CUSTOM PRO .. BOTH BLACK .. BOTH ARE QUITE HEAVY ..

[@Dawnseeker]

Great vid - as always entertaining. Looks like you got a little sunburnt. Also, every time I hear you say “guitar” it reminds me of trailer park boys - that “AR” Canadian accent gets me 😂

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Being from the same province in Canada as the Trailer Park Boys helps. Oddly enough I have a very thin accent haha! Cheers -Ryan

[@Ontariosound]

@@Crypticmaskguitar A Blue Noser hoser 😂

[@Ouzo66]

The worst thing is that in our guitarshops they don t have the exact model that I want.....and if I can t try a guitar I won t buy it !!! Done that with my MIM fender and not too pleased ,feels worse than my ex 120euro s SX stratocaster🤷😓😓

[@mikethebloodthirsty]

I listened to your whole argument, and you made some good points but the Gibsons BLEW the Epiphone out of the water totally, completely tonewise, it just did not have ANY of the growl of the Gibsons.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

The point isn’t the sound, though. It’s the feature set. I agree with you whole heartedly. I own zero Epiphone, 9 Gibson USA Les Paul’s, and 6 Gibson Custom Les Paul’s. you won’t get an argument from me on that point. But the whole point of the video is to show that the Epiphone’s are indeed Les Paul’s. Cheers -Ryan

[@mr3klax]

Epiphone is the only brand that is legally licensed by Gibson to manufacture and market its iconic and patented Les Paul solid-body guitar and use the name Les Paul. No other brand is licensed to put the name Les Paul on its headstock. So, in that sense, an Epiphone Les Paul is a real Les Paul and not a knock-off. If you go back on the history of the Les Paul guitar, Mr Les Paul whose real name is Lester Polfus invented the world’s first solid-body guitar called ‘The Log’ - the blueprint of what is to become the Les Paul using the resources and facilities of the Epiphone factory. So Epiphone is rightfully and historically tied up to the birth of the Les Paul guitar. Unfortunately, Epiphone which was Gibson’s main rival in the 1950s fell on hard times when Epaminodas fell ill and the company was mismanaged by his siblings. That’s when Gibson purchased the Epiphone company upon the advice of Mr Lester Polfus which he reportedly in an interview many years later admittedly regretted. Just my 2 cents. But, I totally agree with you when you said “if a particular guitar inspires you that’s all that matters.” Awesome playing by the way. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the new batch of 2024 Epiphone IBG Custom Shop guitars ($1299). SUBSCRIBED!

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

It's an agree and disagree here... there's so much information out there that is conflicting on the "First Solid body" it's insanity. But The "Les Paul" that we know today was more influenced by the Appleton "App" Guitar than "The Log". The Les Paul design was presented to Les for his endorsement... he wasn't really consulted. He did request some minor changes, though. But "The Log" was solid in the centre of the guitar... with 2 detachable hollow wings (That were Epiphone bodies). The App was an actual solid body in a single cut design. Either way... it's always hard to argue as many people use it as their reason for playing Epiphone Guitars (Rather than the fact that they like the guitar) and others bring up the fact that the Les Paul wasn't a "Les Paul Design". I always find it hard to "Argue" as, to me, it seems disrespectful. The other main reason to not use it "As Fact" is... none of us were there hahaha. So it's a moot point. But still... whether you play a Gibson, an Epiphone, or a "Sears Knock Off"... if you like the guitar... you like the guitar and that's all that matters! Cheers -Ryan

[@mikedradio]

What happens if the guy at the bar yells out “that’s not a TRUE Les Paul” 😅😮

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

I can only give you some advice if this happens to you... DON'T GO TO THE BATHROOM WITH THAT MAN!!!!!! Cheers -Ryan

[@azza0575]

Jay Jay French from Twisted Sister play Epiphones live on stage

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Lots of people do. Cheers -Ryan

[@Eliphas_Elric]

Straight up if I were touring I'd be playing a Harley Benton or something because then it doesn't matter if shit happens to it. Save the expensive guitars for home/studio use.

[@gearmeister]

The cartoon face you made on the video thumbnail 😂😂😂 Instant sub!

[@Mcfly0856]

You really are just paying for the name at this point, the price difference between the two guitars is beyond ridiculous. BUT they sell, so nothing is going to change.

[@begemo]

All Epiphones I've played including my one are definitely worse all Gibsons I've played including my one. They have more dull top end and not have that soft feeling when you play a note. When I take upper notes on Gibson they feel soft when I take upper notes on Epi I feel like I play a log. Though I can take decent sound from Epiphone too and use it for practice to keep strings and frets on my concert instruments.

[@BigCarmine]

Big difference..... Pros can afford Gibson models, I can't. Regardless of whether its a Gibson or an Epi, ALL of the electronics are coming out and replaced with my personal preferences.... Pearly Gate Humbuckers (or stacked coil P90s), Bourne's pots and Orange Drop capacitors.

[@GothicXlightning]

FKCNN Baby Lame Yoda.. but yeah i consider this epic Black Beauty a true Les paul to my finger, to my ears and to my Eyes one of the few truly great one Epis i have the pleasure to own next to my Black Custom SG by Epic

[@ejfantone]

Cool Epiphone…

[@nathandenton1373]

Man you just triggered my g.a.s ,!! Now im going to have to buy the epiphone jerry cantrel wino les paul custom. Because there's no way i will ever be be able to afford the gibson one for 10k🤣

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Hahaha! I know, right! My dream guitar is the Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom at $9,300 Canadian. Pipe dream! Somehow I can justify $7,000 but any higher and my brain just cannot comprehend that much! Enjoy the Cantrel! Cheers -Ryan

[@Zoso981]

I just got my Epi Wino Jerry Cantrell, it's one of the best LP'S I've ever owned. Hope you're able to find one!

[@nickviolin1389]

🤭 Sounds like a real Les Paul, it doesn't stay in tune.

[@spencerludman3915]

How isn’t a “true” Les Paul?

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

As far as specs matching “Original Les Paul’s” released by Gibson. I have 13 Gibson Les Paul’s and none of those would be “True Les Paul” guitars. Until somehow I get a custom shop ‘54 lol. “True Les Paul” would be a nerdy term for “Sticklers”. Which are still better than those who bring up “The Log”. Cheers -Ryan

[@toi8610]

its a guitar who cares what it is long as it sound good