Les Paul Classics Compared! Gibson vs. Epiphone, what's the difference?

Tyler mentioned a few days ago that he was keen to try the Gibson and Epiphone Les Paul Classics side by side and we thought, 'heck, probably a lot of people want to do that, lets make it a video!'
Feel free to skip around with the timestamps below:
00:47 Clean Tones Compared: Bridge Pickup
02:17 Clean Tones Compared: Neck Pickup
03:32 Push Pull Coil Tapped/Coil Split Sounds Compared
04:57 Drive Tones Compared: Riffs
05:28 Drive Tones Compared: Hot Leads
06:35 Guitar Volume Control Dynamics Test
07:23 Drive Tones Compared: Leads with Tone Control at 50% (Neck Pickup)
08:45 Price Difference Discussion: Manufacture Location
09:02 Price Difference Discussion: Materials
09:48 Price Difference Discussion: Construction
10:15 Price Difference Discussion: Hardware
10:56 Price Difference Discussion: Finish & Hardcase
11:17 Summary & Outro
We recorded the sound demos using a Strymon Iridium for our amp, settings weren't changed between guitars, and pickup/tone pot settings were identical.
Les Paul Classics differ from the Les Paul Standards most notably with the addition of push/pull coil tapping/splitting electronics, making them a versatile choice of guitar.
Shop Gibson: www.mannys.com...
Shop Epiphone: www.mannys.com...
As usual, huge thanks to @tylerdejong for hosting, be sure to check out his channels!
We are Mannys Music, located in Australia.
Store locations here: www.mannys.com...
Follow us on Facebook: / mannysmusiconline
Follow us on Instagram: / mannysmusiconline
Visit our website: www.mannys.com.au

[@tylerdejong2552]

Even harder to tell them apart once they’ve been recorded! Definitely a magic in the way the Gibson feels but the Epi really holds its own!

[@kolchak357]

I have the Epiphone Les Paul Classic in honeyburst. Like it very much. No complaints. Just couldn’t justify spending the extra money. Could always replace the pickups if I didn’t like them. But I’m happy with the sound as is. I did put locking tuners in it, but I always do that. Other than that it’s stock.

[@phillipholt6005]

I would buy the Epiphone and leave it stock because locking tuners aren't a issues with me. At the moment my memory escapes me on the difference between coil splitting and coil tapping.

[@gsxerwhite]

I have the same guitar. Love it. I've told people it's a a Gibson they're hearing on my recordings before and no one knows the difference until I tell them the truth lol I use a Katana 50 and it's sounds great!

[@Hammonds77]

I’ve got the Epi and couldn’t be happier with it 2 years on. I can’t justify Gibson’s prices here in Australia but don’t feel I’m missing out with the Epi’s either, they make great guitars.

[@Tomtoms-tomtoms]

If you can afford a Gibson get one, and if you can’t, don’t feel bad about it, get the Epiphone, they are fantastic guitars in their own right. Both beautiful in their own way and both really great guitars… always go with your own gut on your own personal guitar journey, there are great guitars out there at all price points. .. great video 🤟😎🤟

[@carlwolf4547]

The Gibbo has a smidgeon more clarity but damn that Epi sounds good!

[@partyxplays]

If I was asked to pick one id probably go for the Epiphone. I personally feel like the coil splits sound better than coil taps and it's 2000 dollars cheaper. I would also give it a good setup, add extra stuff like lock in tuners and strap locks and I think if done correctly the Epiphone would be a perfect guitar!

[@SEVNTIGERS]

Finally! at 60 years old I just bought my first NEW Gibson :) I ordered one of these off the Gibson Mod Shop on Reverb - in honey burst. Really love the versatility of those coil taps, phase & such. I'm very much enjoying discovering all the new voicings this LP can do - sweeet!! The setup from Gibson is just about perfect - low action, no buzzing & frets are prepped to a high standard. I would say higher than my usual purchases, which are guitars in the 400 to 800 dollar range. but I think I should expect that when spending $1900 (included shipping & case) The mahogany is beautiful! I like the honeyburst color and plain top, too. I am changing the plastics to my prefrence - creme color. It came with black. ❤👍 👍

[@68blues]

There goes a happy man!

[@TonyvdGraaf]

Great vid Manny, thanks! The fact we're discussing if and what the differences are between a guitar and a guitar that is 5 times as expensive says it all. Just have an Epi Les Paul Classic Worn Metallic Gold and I absolutely love it. Together with my Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster they are my 2 fav guitars. Does the 1500 price difference justify it for me? No, I'm just not a good enough player to do so. Purists are everywhere, I respect their opinion as long as they respect mine. Keep up the good work!

[@andrewzamora6104]

The Gibson has more clarity and sustains the sound really well while the epiphone has a more deep sounding vibe to it. Both are beautiful guitars.

[@Ron-w5o]

Great video, I bought the Epi 3 hours ago and it seems it was a good buy.

[@michaelcosta7235]

If your heart is set on a Gibson, the Epiphone won't scratch that itch. I learned it the hard way.

[@TNTales]

The important thing is to be honest with yourself. If you just want an LP shaped guitar that is quality in sound and feel there are lots of options. But if what your heart wants is a Gibson Les Paul nothing else will do even if another (probably cheaper) guitar meets your other requirements.

[@christiand7678]

Epiphone sounds more vintag-e and is more clear on neck pickup! Most feel/play difference lays in fretboard! I bet that with switched picups you could not tell tonal difference (recorded that is)...holding it in hand or standing in the same room it's another thing....

[@metalliholic]

Gibson sounds better but not $2,000 better

[@keithmarkham8787]

Agree, Absolutely

[@luisg1653]

I watched this on my TV with my Yamaha receiver. When the knobs are pulled I think the Gibby sounds better. When the knobs are not pulled I think the Epi wins. Not even a matter of price, I just don't like how chimey the Gibson sounds. It might just be what he's playing, maybe on single notes the Gibby would win, but for chords I prefer the Epi here.

[@christopherhansford6876]

I wonder that about the $20,000 Custom Shop model…surely it must sound very, very expensive…?

[@marcogriffioen599]

Get an EQ pedal, and the end result in sound is exactly the same. The Gibson is rediculously overpriced

[@psycojuggalo1642]

Gibson sounds better due to sustain from the weight relief

[@jansbamusic4778]

you can hear the price difference and an Epiphone is just not a Gibson although the similarities get close, they both have their own character and tones, but to know that for under 500euro you can own the ''as close as it gets'' sound and looks, that is awesome

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

When you’re truly honest with yourself, and you compare them in person, the Gibson is just so much better. Obviously, not every Gibson is the same, I’ve played some that truly sucked, however, the one I bought recently is truly unbelievable. Like it literally plays better than my Charvel shredding guitar, and that is saying SO much!

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

I could hear the difference immediately, and I think it’s a pretty big difference. The epi sounds good, but less dynamic, and more muddy in comparison. The Gibson sounded brighter, more clear, and was much more dynamic. What I mean is on the first cord you were playing. Once you were strumming the high strings harder, you could really hear it have more dirt on it than when you were playing it soft, and I really like that. I think I did the right thing buying the Gibson

[@jamesmcmillan7845]

I think the real difference is the pickups. I have an Epiphone Modern and Classic. I put a JB in the Modern and what a difference. Going to upgrade the Classic also. I do feel like the stock pickups are a bit bright.

[@bigbasil1908]

You could always change the pickup magnets. I mean if they are ceramic, get alnico magnets. Or if they are alnico, try a different pair of alnico magnets. The higher the number of alnico, the more bright and less warm they will sound

[@raymondreeder3274]

They sound distinctively different but collectively awesome..can't go wrong with either.. I suppose if you're a headstock snob then spend an extra 2 grand on a Gibson.. I think both guitars sound great especially in the hands of a pro like yourself.nice job of demonstrating the differences..

[@miltoningram2391]

Great comparo, thanks.

[@MannysMusic_Online]

cheers Milton!

[@neilmurphy6475]

I own the gibson in honeyburst and the epiphone has a less dynamic range the gibson is more 3D , but I have to say in a mix both guitars sound great ,is it worth the extra money, my answer if it is to you then that's all that matters ,

[@RothKholum]

It's very easy to tell the difference in price but very hard to tell the difference in tonality.

[@mr1bienvenu1]

They sound a little different but I wouldn't say one sounds better than the other.

[@rmsavig2204]

Absolutely!!!!!!!

[@rafaelcuestabarbado1197]

Excellent video. Congrats. Having had one Epi, as well as several strats and PRS, I was doubting between the two. I will definetely go for the Gibson. It sounds more articulated and clear to me. The Epi can get too muddy, specially in the bridge position. Very good value for money for this one, though. Thanks again.

[@kralas111]

It's clear who you're rooting for 9:17 The big question is, is Gibson worth buying for the money? My answer is no, it won't pay. The sound difference is minimal! And it's not really worth throwing an extra $2,000 out the window for better processing. I'd rather have 4 Epiphones for the money and I can choose which one I want.

[@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio]

For those who never compare the two side by side they sound close... but the feel and overall vibe of the Gibson is way different than the Epiphone. Just gotta play it to feel it.

[@MannysMusic_Online]

100%

[@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio]

@@MannysMusic_Online And it's a fact! I own 4 Gibson's (R9, Classic and Standards) and I own 4 Epiphones (Custom Editions : 2020 SG black beauty, 2021 LP Silver Burst, 2022 Cantrell Wino and 2021 Ebony Custom). And I love how they play and feel, Epiphone stepped up their game BIG TIME!! But once you grab the Gibson, you just feel it. The Nitro plays a decent part in that tone... but the wood quality, attention to details... its all their. Yeah, you can get some QC issues at times, but they are great!!

[@trevor4533]

@@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio Small world, I have the same Fireburst LP classic Antique!

[@gsxerwhite]

@@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio"nitro plays a difference in tone" lol yea I'm gonna need a citation on that horseshit.

[@MrGlasstech]

I was planning on buying a Gibson classic this year but the prices went up $400.00 so I'll go with the Epiphone.

[@68blues]

You will be very happy with your Epiphone, a great build, superb sound but there will be one thing that bothers you. Possibly not bothers but you will think about it. It won't have Gibson printed on the head stock. You don't know it but you will save money and have a Gibson….we've all done it.

[@Hexspa]

I’ve watched at least 100 videos like this. Sometimes the cheap one wins, sometimes they’re equal, but usually the expensive one sounds more like a record. Love my Squier Classic Vibe basses tho.

[@gtr1983]

To my ears the Gibson sounds a bit smoother but not by much, the Epiphone in a mix with a bit of processing EQ etc. it would be hard to tell, thanks for the nice demo.

[@limitededition3295]

Getting one for my birthday!!!

[@e.henrythripshaw4554]

It's always good to remember Hitchen's Razor: "what can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence." You do a truly excellent job of illustrating this.

[@brothaclam]

imo the coil-split epiphone sounded way nicer than the coil-tapped Gibson. I'd like one to differentiate a lot. They sound different but if i had to do a blind-test, could'n say which one would be which.

[@greg6509]

I agree! This is a selling point for the Epiphone.

[@slashtrio]

Well ultimately you have to get what you can afford and epis are great deals. I would personally rather get Gibson because they feel better, generally speaking look better, and certainty hold their value much more than epis. I have had several Gibson LPs and usually am able to sell them for close to what I paid. I do like these plain tops.

[@christopherhansford6876]

Good demo, guys. I tried out a lovely wine red Gibson LP Studio at Manny’s coup,e of years ago and to my surprise I didn’t love the sound. Nor did I love even more expensive LP’s at other stores. I wonder now if it is because of not knowing how to best use the available amps in the small confines of the room? Have you considered setting up Strymon Iridium’s (or other amp sims) with headphones instead so players can dial in a friendly setting more easily? Might also then be able to have multiple customers trying out guitars at once without the noise bleed.

[@MannysMusic_Online]

Thanks for the feedback Chris, amps are definitely a big variable in how a guitar sounds and a one-size-fits-all solution is tough for everyone's varying taste. We're quite happy to provide headphones when trying guitars, and we'll always have a number of amps or amp sims like the Iridium to try, have a chat to the crew and they'll be happy to set you up with an ideal rig for gibson shootouts 😀

[@therollband1290]

Most of the difference in sound is probably coming from the pick ups to be honest, and the headstock shape of course

[@KillerKev1961]

Classic. Across the range of tones, just very nice sounding.

[@charlexguitar]

I extracted the audio and put it into adobe audition to look at the spectrum and see if I could find any differences and I couldn't see anything in the spectrum, however when I was listening to small samples of the same music I could notice that the gibson guitar pickups were slightly rattling. with more clarity and definition than the sound of the Epiphone guitar, although in reality it is not a very marked difference and I wonder if in a live performance context it could be audible to the public.

[@ronhoffman7941]

Good review!!!

[@festushaggen2563]

There's definitely a difference. I tried to give these new Epiphones (50's, 60's, Custom, '59, Slash) a shot but it's just not the same. Once you go Gibson, there's no going back. There's a look, sound and feel there that can't be copied.

[@68blues]

I read here in some comments that a few people couldn't justify spending the money on a Les Paul standard. No offence guys but i was the same in 2003 but went ahead and bought one. A superb buy, and still get a thrill when i open the case, take back the black silken shroud and there it lies….damn, it's a beauty! Tea burst.

[@blueshadow7385]

I have the Epiphone classic. Its great, but it was a bit dissapointing that it came with two frets that are too high, so there is some buzzing. Will take it to a luthier. I would like to buy a Gibson, but cant decide if Ill go classic or Standard 50s.

[@zachb5803]

Something I just found out is that the epi classic has CTS pots where the Classic (faded) Does not so it’s worth buying the epi “Classic” 🍻

[@che2335]

Not a $1800 difference throw a set of Gibson 57 classic pups in the Epi and dont look back.

[@leafclover8891]

Why gibson cant give epiphone use their headstock. They're under the same company right? Epiphone headstock still looks off, it would be perfect if epi use similar headstock shape.

[@emartinezr]

What for? They're different. That's it. Maybe Gibson wants there to be a cosmetic difference. There's other differences too, like the headstock break angle, the neck shape/thickness, pickups, etc.

[@alanst.4417]

This video has it all in spades: All the information needed, well made shootout and a killer playing and nice guy to top it 👏 Hard choice anyway, the Gibson has something extra in sounds, probably the feel, too. But does it justify the price tag? Well definitely not for my skill level 😂

[@perrysaker1526]

All the famous recordings using Gibson lespauls all have different pickups, if you put Seymour's in this epiphone I guarantee it would sound better than the stock pickups In the Gibson!! Of course Gibson are higher standard, but even a pro could record an album with an epi and not tell anyone, and everybody would think it's a Gibson! Like I say all Gibson's lespauls sound different because every artist has their own personal preference when it comes to pickups and amps! Does a Gibson sound better than the epiphone? I don't know, put the same pickups in them and then compare!!

[@TheMichaelseymour]

would love you to swap the pups and see the diff , cos it was night & day here .

[@MannysMusic_Online]

Do you mean putting the Gibson pickups in the Epiphone and vice verca? That would interesting! Hot rodding the Epiphone with some Seymour Duncan pickups would certainly get you closer to the Gibson sound too

[@TheMichaelseymour]

@@MannysMusic_Online yes ....would love to hear the diff then ....possibly negligible - or maybe due to wiring / pots / etc ...may still be a pronounced diff....but i doubt it - but.....we will never know till you do it ! lol ....yes, that would be grand .

[@NightSkywalker69]

Definitely. The Gibson BB pickups and full electronics swap will make this guitar take off with that mahogany body. Not that the probuckers arent good enough, they have their own sound.

[@rogerledoux4741]

Night and day, you must have dog ears.

[@stevebell204]

You can spend about $15 on orange drop caps and that's it , especially if you're epiphone has cts pots , just the caps.

[@philtangerine]

Nice video. Gibsons have an (up to) 3/4 inch thick maple CAP, whereas Epiphones have a 1 or 2 mm maple veneer. The veneer is just for looks, its too little to make a sonic difference. The cap of course very specifically adds brightness/clarity/articulation to the Les Paul. Although an Epiphone may look and feel wonderful (I have one) they actually sound more like a Gibson SG, which is an all mahogany guitar. You can offset some of that with pickups, but I don't think you can ever get a 100% match. The question remains if its worth it to you...to spend 3 times as much on a Gibson to get that subtle difference (which no one can hear over crowd noise anyway). If you're recording, you'll need a Gibson to sound like a Gibson (or at least a Heritage). But, bang for the buck, if you find and upgrade the right Epi you can do very well.

[@MannysMusic_Online]

Can't speak for all Epiphone Les Pauls but the Les Paul Classic definitely features a thick Maple cap, not just a veneer. There's a few tear down videos around that show this, eg on @the trogly's guitar show

[@philtangerine]

@@MannysMusic_Online wow I didn’t know that. That makes a pretty strong argument in favor of the epi.

[@dannydunn2772]

@@MannysMusic_Online my traditional pro3 Epiphone definitely has a cap not a veneer

[@Johnsmith-fh4mt]

The epis have a plain maple top too with a maple veneer on top of that.

[@gsxerwhite]

Lol whatever you say buddy

[@ruckspin1981]

I truly believe you’re an absolute brand snob if you hate on the epi. I used to be one of those people. Gibsons have a certain magic for sure. But £2k more? Not a chance

[@ShyrusBean]

When I see these kind of comparisons, I always ask myself how the epiphone would sound with the gibson pickups...

[@Johnsmith-fh4mt]

Just 2 years ago the Gibson classic was $1899 to $1999. A few years before that, $1500. 2500 is just ridiculous.

[@bewusstsein3527]

2500 now? are you serious? i bought classic used at $1500 free shipping.. it has p90 non weight relieved

[@Pastor_Grant]

Gibson is better but not THAT MUCH BETTER for the huge price increase. The main thing is that the Epiphone headstock looks goofy but I've played certain Epiphones that definitely play better than the Gibson. Still, all things being equal, of course we would all prefer the Gibson.

[@Ollyxxx1]

I have the epi and no complaints , definitely not worth $2000

[@basiltiffani8850]

The pickups on import guitars are often intentionally darker. Get an eq pedal and save a couple grand.

[@carlosfur]

Thanks

[@6StringPsychedelic]

I want to get one of these and just change PU, PAF pickups perhaps? Cant say im familiar with the different nuances of humbuckers.

[@4oulf4oulhy]

エピフォンでギブソンに勝つパフォーマンスをするギタリストの方がカッコいいと思う。

[@barcham]

And one more video that totally ignores that the Epi also has a phase switch whereas the Gibson does not. But if you were to toss an older Epiphone Japanese Elitist into the mix, I would take that over both the Epi and the Gibson. 😁

[@bryanhatch6688]

The Gibson simply isn’t worth the additional expense. If you play through effects, the negligible differences can be met in both directions, with a slight nudge of a setting on your EQ or Pot. A Quality set up can be done for under $100.00 Now when it comes to the Amp…. Different story. People often forget how important amp selection is.

[@pflakes5497]

Are the necks gloss or satin

[@phillipholt6005]

Another thing I don't understand why affordable guitars have wood pieces. I would think that solid peices to build the guitar bodies and necks would be faster and cheaper to assemble.

[@MannysMusic_Online]

The cost comes from the size of the timber slab required for 1 or 2 piece guitar bodies, true mahogany is slow to grow and trees that are old enough to make a guitar body with are in short supply.

[@josephigillis]

I have the Gibson, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I also wouldn't kick the Epi out of bed that's for sure

[@craigwillms61]

The Epi may actually sound better to my ears... I'm a Gibson LP Classic owner myself but from a different era and any comparison to mine is apples and oranges. The question is does the modern classic still have the slim taper neck? It's the reason I bought it over the Standard way back when. Bottomline: when I sell it one day the Gibson will get me more $ and sell quickly.

[@MannysMusic_Online]

yep! Both the Gibson and Epiphone have a mahogany slim taper neck

[@christopherhansford6876]

One other thing, it sucks that the “low end” Gibsons don’t come with a hard case. Seems very stingy by Gibson (although not sure if that’s still the case since prices on the Studio models have increased).

[@jordanpratt3821]

But I think they come with that formed gig bag, which is a lot like a case. Have you seen them??

[@motorcyclemark2889]

I'm a rock n roll player and by the time I add pedals its just not worth the extra cash to buy a Gibson the Epiphone is what I play

[@ramonespinoza7661]

The differences are clear, but here in México the gibson cost 4.5 times more than the ephipone, for me it's not worth it.

[@Jonsvintagetoycave]

I find the epi top is nicer

[@canyonproductions7683]

Gibson for me. But ya can’t go wrong with either

[@continentalaquatics2725]

The Gibson has a louder, fuller, more sophisticated sound. Albeit, not by much. The Gibson just isn’t worth it to me.

[@NightSkywalker69]

Its a footstep behind and thats because cost & quality of materials and someones handwork. You can make it sound the same, just take it to your luthier and do full gibson pickups and electronics. Same guitar. All mahogany body Maple cap Ect.

[@angeloteran7772]

Mínimas diferencias con beneficios para la Gibson por los controles de calidad por los que tiene que pasar por estar fabricada en USA obviamente el precio de la mano de obra de construcción mas costosa que en China que es muchísomo más econòmico. Pero he comprado la epiphone porq es un excelente precio. A simple vistas no hay diferecias que se puedan notar, debes ser un experto para reconocerlos. La única diferencia es el Logo en la pala y sonido 90% similar. Si no eres un músico que va a tocar en un auditorio para más de 200 personas no creo q haga la diferencia. Compren la Epiphone 💪

[@mazklassa9338]

What's the electronic difference between coil tapping and coil splitting?

[@MannysMusic_Online]

Exact circuits will differ between manufacturers, but coil splitting basically turns one side of a humbucking pickup off, turning it into a single coil pickup. Coil tapping is an additional output wired from the pickup at a point in the wire coils before the ordinary final output, resulting in a thinner sound.

[@thedeadbeatsmo]

Expensive case!

[@jayderrett7362]

Great video, and very helpful to separate the snobbery from the difference in quality in this debate. One thing not mentioned though is that the Gibson has nibs at the ends of the frets, and the Epi does not. This is pure snobbery in my mind; the nibs add nothing to the sound or action, and in fact, detract from it; I have a five-year-old Gibson LP Standard and a fine gap has developed between the end of a couple of the frets and the nibs, in which the top E string sticks occasionally when it accidentally slides to the end of the fret. It is so annoying I am sorely tempted to get it refretted to get the nibs removed. This guitar was a very welcome and cherished gift, but if I was to buy an LP myself, I'd go Epiphone.

[@2dazetake]

I don't find much of a difference between epi pickups vs gibson, maybe just a little more character to the gibsons, unfortunately epiphone pickups can be inconsistent,but are usually wax potted, some of the fakes can sound microphonic,and some have to be rewaxxed.

[@ronhoffman7941]

Gibson a bit brighter epi sounds like a 57 classic traditional

[@ABIGD0NK3Y]

a pickup swap and that thing will sound EVERY BIT as good as the Gibson

[@mikeflores104]

It's the name that's expensive. They both sound really good, but I'll stick with my Epi.

[@rogerledoux4741]

With all due respect, recorded they sound damn close to identical. I believe your perceived magic is the placebo effect.

[@emartinezr]

Absolutely not. There is a notable difference, BUT it's not a good or bad difference. It's just a difference. A lot of people like the Standard 50's vs the Standard 60's, and coated string vs uncoated strings. The differences here are in that realm... not to mention the pickups. Some people like the tone in one pickup vs another, for whatever the reason.

[@rogerledoux4741]

@emartinezr If you record both of these blind, there is a very good chance you won't be able to tell which is which. You just have to watch a few Andersons blind fold videos to see it. Now there could possibly be magic in how they feel to you, but that is subjective. If I had my choice I would take the gibson because it will hold its value, however, for the money epiphone all day.

[@POTHS.1]

@@rogerledoux4741I would agrees well and argue that the Epi will hold its value as well

[@StudieClub2002]

Gibson sound very smooth

[@derekfrost6949]

I like the Gibson a fair bit more.

[@markreynard6913]

Very little difference and I would guess if playing a gig no one would be able to tell any difference, the skill of the person playing the guitar is what makes the difference.

[@kimseniorb]

the pickups have different placement and gib has a better pickups. most of the tone difference there is to it

[@kennyblackbird5674]

You look more happier playing the Gibson!😅😅

[@jordidosnumerosmes8731]

Gibson rocks here!!

[@polyphonicgroove]

Give the Epiphone a $200 pickup upgrade and you would hear zero difference. Gibson totally not worth 3 to 4 times the price of the Epiphone IMHO. I think the Gibson name has a psychological effect on the guitar player's brain....it cost more and it says Gibson....therefore it must be better. I guarantee if I dropped both in a track nobody could tell the difference. The only thing I will say is....if the Gibson makes you feel better about playing and enhances how you play...then maybe it's worth it.

[@jordanpratt3821]

Sound is super important, but not the only thing that matters.

[@Yettibuhayat]

i dunno man, sure, gibson is sure good but its not really worth 3 times of epi imo. i just cant justify the price of gibson. i got the money for it, but the question is do i really need a gibson? i dont even have friends to show off lol

[@sega62s]

swap pickups, and it will shine like the gibson, sound wise, not feel

[@CathyHolton-jh1xv]

The Gibson is moderately brighter and livelier.

[@sredojesredic9907]

Gibson should sound a bit more clean in my opinion.

[@wiseowl2335]

biggest difference : taking a $3000 guitar to a gig and having it stolen as opposed to the $700 model

[@alvarodelgado4928]

Epi almost not seen, this is a Gibson ad.

[@dxfordummies]

For all you blues lawyers now you know

[@GuitarSolosInc.]

Epiphones always sound out of tune to me. Idk what it is. The Gibson's low E sounds right. The epiphone sounds off.

[@craigwillms61]

I thought that too, the Epi seemed a bit out of tune for some of the demonstration...

[@ehdforlife]

Zero difference on the drive sounds. Maybe if you're in the room playing them, but on the Tube, nothing.

[@joekelly9369]

Look like planks , what happened to decent woodwork on these

[@shhhnowlisten7461]

The only difference is the Gibson goes to eleven! 😂

[@123pap]

Like comparing a poodle to a bulldog 😂 Gibson smoked it all day

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

I totally agree, for people that say it’s not worth the Price difference, then that just means it’s not worth it for them. But I’ve played a bunch of different Gibson’s and Epiphones, and I can say it’s Gibson all day. (Obviously) Not every Gibson LP I have played really did it for me, but the one I own currently I bought because it was the best one I played in the store, and it’s just is literal perfection.

[@radioesparta]

P s i c o l o g y

[@goniseukurac5911]

Gibson has more color , Epiphone is a litle washed out

[@gsxerwhite]

Gibson is a rip off. Plain and simple.

[@bikeman1x11]

replace the epi pickups it have the worst ones they make

[@emartinezr]

Those are actually pretty good pickups. Alnico Classic PRO.