Les Paul shoot out: Artist LP59 versus Epiphone 1960 Tribute Plus

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

In a follow up to this video check out this one, in which I try the Gibson 57 pickups in my trusty PRS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHubdaGOpsd6ncU

[@leansephbishop4309]

Hey my dude, Obviously If I had to choose One It would be the Epiphone because It has the greatest favourite pickups Imo to buy. But If you were getting the Artist It's still good too, It comes now In a Sunburst and a Charcoal Black Burst now, If you were to take the Artist Les Paul to a Music Store, How much would It cost to modify that Guitar with some Split-Coil Tap.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Because of one viewers bad experience, I thought I'd share my personal view on buying guitars online: it might be worth thinking about. I generally say, don't buy a guitar unless you've already played and liked it personally. And by that, I don't mean, try out that model and then order the same model, I mean, ONLY BUY THE GUITAR THAT YOU ACTUALLY PLAYED IN THE SHOP. Every guitar is different and both Gibson and Epiphone have very variable quality control (in my opinion), so if you're shelling out a good amount of your hard earned cash, the only way to be sure you're going to be happy, is to try before you buy! If you want a very specific model, this can be a problem sometimes, but no one wants to buy a lemon, especially an expensive lemon. With the Artist Les Paul, I broke that rule for two reasons: 1. For the quality of guitar you get, the Artist LP59 is ridiculously cheap. 2. I know from experience, that if there is anything wrong with an Artist, in either construction or play-ability, then Artist will replace your guitar at no cost to you, This takes a lot of the worry out of the purchase.

[@chrisquader3637]

Have to agree with you 100%. I bought an Artist not long before i saw your review and was blown away with what i got for the price i paid. And funnily enough i had a pickup problem after a month with the guitar, a phone call later and the problem was sorted straight away. A new guitar arrived 2 days later and has been humming since. I have been very lucky to inherit a 59 Les Paul Standard recently and while the Artist is not in the class of this as Jeff has said if you are on a budget and you want a great sounding guitar in the LP style and sound you would be mad to look further than an artist LP59. Thanks Jeff great review.

[@davidallen346]

Extreme good value of that Artist les paul copy too bad they don't ship to the US.

[@ShockingPikachu]

@@davidallen346 they have a US store but from my research they strangely don’t stock the LP59 or even the LP60

[@slooob23]

The current model artist LP59 has the excellent bull bucker pickups with coil splitting, so it's even better now.

[@delucafra]

Really nice comparison! I got a Tribute Plus 60 and i am an happy man

[@Rogijimbex]

A terrific evaluation - right to the point. I have the rainbow colored Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus model and am blown away. I own three Gibson Les Pauls (Standard, Special and Studio Lite) and this is right up there with them. I am grateful to now know a little more about Artist guitars also - thanks for that. In addition to playing this Epiphone I can't get enough of setting it against a wall and just looking at it. Great presentation and playing - thanks again.

[@jimrogers3540]

I'm a beginner/intermediate who just plays at home. I bought an artist les paul online and had to return it due to a faulty pickup. They sent me another and it works perfectly. The artist les Paul is amazing for me. If you were playing seriously it would be worth getting the more expensive model

[@GrahamMylett]

Thanks for a fantastic review of these two guitars. You convinced me the Artist is a bloody good guitar for the price so I bought one.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Thanks, Graham. Glad I could help!

[@MikeSadlerAU]

Great shootout Jeff. I too have been a happy Artist customer many times, including returning a couple of guitars that *just didn't give me the vibe*. That you can do that makes all the difference... and conversely the Artist guitars I've kept I really, really love (mostly superstrats), because I had the choice to return them but didn't. I have actual Gibson Les Pauls (and an SG) so I'm never going to be in the market for one of these cheaper versions. On pricing... Artist now have a sub $500 guitar with Splitable 'Bullbuckers' (their own custom, position specific pickups) and all the trappings. I have fitted these same pickups to some PRS style copies and they sound absolutely amazing... uncannily like the Seymour Duncan JB bridge and Jazz neck combo that was go-to old school 'classic' pickup upgrade for Epiphone LP's, SG's and 335's. Given you can buy that new 'Deluxe' Artist LP, a case PLUS a Squier/Artist Tele/Strat plus case for less than the Epiphone... that's insane value.

[@patrickwhite4151]

I have the Artist tc59 and it is an incredible guitar for £149 including shipping. Its well made. Hefty yes but beautifully finished. The tones are up there with top-end guitars. Suffice to say buy one if you get the chance.

[@slooob23]

I agree, I've had one for 4 months now and it is an excellent guitar. An absolute steal for the price.

[@cross-hairz800]

I love my epiphone 60 tribute plus!!!! Highly recommend!!!!

[@sam8290]

I've got the Epiphone, and love it for the price. Just wish I could play it half as good as you..

[@jeffcookeguitartuition4173]

Practice lots and you'll soon be better than me! ;)

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Ha ha, Thanks Alan!

[@bobravenscraft5376]

If you own it you will. Richard Lloyd alchemist guitarist. You are welcome I have just changed everything

[@linden72]

I own 4 Artist guitars, they are excellent guitars. They don’t ship them set up perfectly but if you know how to adjust the action and tinker a bit you are getting a product worth double the asking price

[@weetardedcat2112]

the actual lespaul is very nice but I think that the artist is very worth your money. thanks for your review I think this has given me enough confidence to actually buy an artist guitar.

[@danielpaddonshealingspace2481]

Nice to see a fellow Perth resident I am interested in the artist lp59 at how much it cost and sound to the original lp it's fantastic

[@jland12]

Coil TAP is when you start the single coil from a certain point in its winding so you get a quieter, less hot sound. This can only be done on single coils Coil SPLIT is when you ground one of the coils of a humbucker, making the it sound more like a single coil. Obviously can only be done on humbuckers. Parallel switching (what the Epiphone has) is similar to a coil split but still cancels 60 (or 50) cycle hum. Both will reduce the output and give you a better clean tone, but parallel will have no hum, splits will.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Yes, an important distinction. Thanks for pointing it out. I should have said coil splitting, but it's a common mistake. However, the Epiphone does neither, it provides series/parallel switching, which I find more pleasing than coil splitting.

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

Thanks for the objective comparison. There are more and more well made budget priced guitars on the market. If a person learns to set up their own guitar (as one should) and have the ability to change hardware, a budget priced guitar can play and sound as good as high priced.

[@sjazzp]

Great and complete review, you covered so many good points. After spending a good amount of money in Squiers and Fenders, I discovered Artist Guitars, just impressed with the quality and sound. First I got a TC59 with the Bullbuckers, it weights as much as good it sounds and now I got a LP59GT90 that is incredible for the price.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Glad you found it useful!

[@michaelgreen7941]

I have watch dozen if not hundreds of guitar reviews over the years. Jeff your review was great. Please feel encouraged Jeff & thanks

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Thanks, Michael, I appreciate the comment! Glad you like the review.

[@danielwinlandfarm7633]

An actual review! I have the Tribute and love it, coil tapping is an awesome feature on this model Epip.While the sound is pretty amazing from Artist, you clearly enjoy the Epip more,....your shredding spoke for itself!Great vid.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Thanks for your comment, Daniel! I agree, the combination of the coil tap and the Gibson pickups make the Tribute a real winner!

[@trevord4243]

Nice demo Jeff. To date I have three Artist 6-strings (LP60TSB, DC60CSB,Cherry58) and three Artist basses in my arsenal. As much as I'd like one of those LP59's (awesome guitar) my LP60 is now probably capable of a whole lot more. Though in standard format the LP59 is the better buy. My point? Well dollar for dollar, an Epiphone is a great brand and has it's history as you would no doubt agree. But an Aussie Artist of this quality leave me a lot more to be proud of. Sure it ain't a Gibson. But when you only want a good sounding well made guitar that can be turned into an even better one, Artist has plenty on offer. But awesome demo. Very honest assessment.

[@watto59]

Trevor D hi how is the cherry 58 ,would you recommend it

[@harrisfrankou2368]

What are the basses like? I got a PrsC24 and a 80's shredder I got a Artist TC59 which is awesome for differnt sounds ..country and slide...love it. I need a Bass for recording it's so much easier than using a midi patch...want a classic JB sound. I as on the phone to artist today. You have a few what's best for a basic fender JB sound?

[@nmssis]

ofcourse lets not forget that Les Paul worked at the Epiphone factory in NYC in his early years perfecting the solid body electric guitar Artist Guitars....hmmm, might have to look into them. thanks for the heads up

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

+nmssis No problem.

[@andythrash.]

Really looking forward to try some Epiphone Les Pauls at my local store, been eyeballing the Tribute Plus for a while now :)

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Daniel L. Sorry it took a week to reply, but I've been away! The Fender Mustang is a great amp in its price range and, while it's not going to sound like a cranked Marshall, you should still be able to get a decent amount of gain, especially as all the settings are programmable. The Les Paul studio is obviously one of the cheaper Gibsons and, as such it's a more affordable way of getting a guitar with the Gibson name, but in my opinion, the budget end of the Gibson range is not as good (at least sound wise) as the top end of the Epipone range, so my pick would be to go with the Epiphone. Hope that helps!

[@cjmst3k]

I'm a drummer who noodles around on guitar only a little. Had a friend who guided me towards the Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus 1960 when we saw it in GC "used" but in perfect condition for $399 usd. Sounds very good and full. Now I need to learn how to play.

[@nate3213]

Great video Jeff and exactly what I was looking for. An excellent comparison between these two guitars. Thanks mate.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Glad it was helpful, Nate!

[@johnnyblythe5375]

I’ve never tried a genuine Gibson LP, have played a couple of other peoples Epiphone Les Paul’s (I can’t remember models), and I also own an Artist LP60 Pro-Line which cost me $279AUD a couple of months ago. I cannot think of anything in the tone of Epiphones that make me want one, the Artist has beautiful rich mids and lows with a sustain like Route 66. Although my model doesn’t have coil splitting others do.

[@dawso2o2]

I just bought two artist guitars and found them to be great quality for the price

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Agreed, Wayne!

[@eltongoldin3640]

I'd love to see this comparison video done again as the Artist LP59 now has Bullbucker pickups and the ability to switch to single coil like the Epiphone Les Paul can.

[@cashan123]

Really enjoyed your comparison. This is really what I look for in comparison video... Thanks

[@slowraceultra]

I have the Artist LP6 stealth and I absolutely love it. The bang for buck is hard to beat.

[@jakubshouseofrock7109]

I recently got one of the Artist ones ( heavily discounted too! because of cosmetic damage... ) and wow ! I love it ! looks and feels just like a Les Paul, and for such a great price! thanks man your video helped in deciding to pick it up. I'm gonna do an unboxing video/demo and review of it, the ones they make now have got different Artist brand pickups called Bullbuckers, they sound great

[@KaddysJamKave]

Fellow Perthian! Great vid, thanks mate. After many videos today, it seems Artist guitars are incredible for the money! I'm gonna buy the LP6G and the Gnosis6. They look amazing, and I'm confident they will feel and sound great thanks to vids like this. Cheers!

[@chuckvt5196]

I own an Epiphone 1960 Tribute Plus Les Paul, and I love it. It is a great guitar, but it is better than double the price of the Artist. I never use the coil tap. If I want to sound like a Fender, I play my Fender. Honestly, you could buy the Artist AND a Squier Vintage Modified '70s Stratocaster for still a bit less than one Epiphone, and now you have two nice guitars for the cost of one. I actually own one of those Squier vintage modified1970 models, and just a simple set up and it sounds terrific, so why not? Great review, thank you!

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

I have owned strats and love them (and I have a Frankenstrat now) but it's not really the same sound as the humbuckers switched to series. Also, I actually use series and parallel sounds in the same song a lot of the time, so changing to another guitar wouldn't be an option. I do also think the Epi is a better guitar than the Artist overall, but as long as you're happy with what you've got, it's all cool.

[@DPolitis]

Great guitars... I am an epi lp 1960s tribute plus owner... I really liked your playing! You are an 80s hard rocker dude... Grab a Kramer with maple fretboard and show us what you've got!!!! Shred these guitars hard!!!! 🤩

[@brian-lord]

Hi Jeff, thank you for the very in-depth and informative comparison review of these lesser priced but great value guitars. I too am a teacher but in Echuca Victoria and so will send some students to this video for a real value review. Appreciated. Great job. I've been telling people for years they don't need to spend a fortune to get a decent guitar.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Thanks, Brian. I'm glad you found it helpful. You're right of course, it's quite possible to get a reasonably priced guitar that will play well. Then, if and when the student progresses to a more advanced level, there's always the chance to buy a more expensive guitar. There's certainly no need to break the bank for a beginner or intermediate player!

[@jayquanvo5134]

Great review Jeff. Awesome playing. Ive already got an Epiphone Les Paul that I love. It’s how I channel my inner Jimmy Page 😜 But you’ve convinced me that those Artist guitars are great value for money! I won’t hesitate to get one on my next guitar shop outing. By the way you kind of remind me of a young Ronnie Wood mixed with Johnny Marr. Lol.

[@danielhounslow4274]

Loved the brown tone of the artist!

[@ShockingPikachu]

The new Artist LP59’s I’ve seen in more recent reviews, have Artist branded pickups now instead of the Wilkinson on the older models. The tone is different but still sounds great and maybe a little better or worse depending on your ears. Just something a few people may not know as this is a 5-6 year old video now

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Yes, Shocking Pikachu, you're right. I haven't had a chance to try the Artist pickups (I think they call them bullbuckers) but I might see if i can get my hands on one. It would be nice to compare the Wilkinsons with the newer ones and then with the Epiphone and maybe even with an actual Gibson Les Paul!

[@Moon0525_]

@@jeffcooketeachguitar so glad to see you active because I was actually gonna mention this! I was looking at the new 2020-era 50s/60s Standard Epi, friend recommended the new Artist LPs with the bullbuckers. Music store guy won my heart with basically saying 'this is as close to the original Gibson holy grails as you can get' (I'm into that kinda Page/Slash/Gibbons sound), friend said if you want budget go Artist. Apparently store clerk said in 2020 Epi just shredded their design ideas and went for as authentic as possible, even down to PAFs instead of P90s so the quality for 'vintage feel' has exponentially increased. But yes, price tag. Seeing as I'm only a beginner and not as ear-trained to tone as you'd be, I'd LOVE it if you could ever get a chance to play and compare the new issues :) Epiphone is stepping up their game which means the market for "cheaper Pauls" is making them a contender again

[@ianwalton7893]

@@jeffcooketeachguitar I've also just came across these Artist guitars whilst searching for a reasonable quality cheap LP. When you were describing the LP59 in the video I was sure you had made a mistake and was actually describing the LP60, as the upgraded version of the LP59 also has the coil splitting capability as well as the better pickups. It seems they have possibly upgraded both models in recent times? If this is in fact the case, then it would seem your video is actually reviewing a modern LP60. I don't really need the coil splitting feature, so if an LP60 can sound this good with the Wilkinson pickups It may not be worth me spending the extra £70 on an LP59?

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

@@ianwalton7893 You're correct that the current LP59 has coil-splitting. It also has different pickups to the model I was reviewing. My model has Wilkinson pickups, while the newer models have bullbuckers (I believe). Back when I bought my LP59 there were a number of different features compared to the LP60. from memory these were probably a thicker body, better nut and locking tuners, but you'd have to compare the current spec differences between the LP59 and LP 60, as I'm sure they've been altered.

[@ianwalton7893]

@@jeffcooketeachguitar yes the current LP59 has the split coil Bullbucker pick ups, locking tuners, a bone nut, better stock strings, and weighs a bit more. I'm not particularly interested in any of these extra features over the standard LP60, and strings can easily be replaced I'm not even a guitarist to be honest. I'm a drummer who likes to dabble 😀 Thanks for a great video. Your LP59 sounds great with the Wilkinson pickups, which has helped convinced me that a current LP60 will probably be fine for me. Many thanks.

[@EddieG1888]

Artist makes some incredible guitars for the money. I've only got hands-on experience with a Black58DLX that I received last week, but for £279 to my door, I don't think there's another semi-hollow out there built to these specs for that kind of price. I've also got a Harley Benton HB-35 that I stuck a vibrato unit on, and thought its also a great guitar, I think the Artist feels a lot more than a step up in quality. Once I have my Big D Varitone switch fitted and the electronics upgraded at the same time (only because I may as well do the work while I'm having the switch fitted), this guitar will easily hold its own against an Epiphone costing three times the same. And on the strength of this video, I'd have absolutely no problem buying one of their Les Paul-style guitars either. At the very least, they're instruments that are built solidly and a good basis for modding with more expensive pickups and electronics, for those players who don't like to take more expensive or vintage instruments out to gigs.

[@mrgozz2780]

Excellent review ... two good basic guitars ... all down to personal choice .... a fan of both but for the money ... the artist .... thanks for the time to show us ....

[@grbguitar11]

Very Interesting Comparison. Thankyou. I have a few Artist Guitars, very happy with all of them ....... And am planning The Artist LP59 as my next guitar. ...... Artist Guitars also have a new Range available later this year was look awesome too. Cheers

[@auntjenifer7774]

1959 -1960 les Paul's had those pickups that sounded allot like single coils and to me is why they sounded so good and why I love p90 in my les Paul's.

[@adriyanmusic]

Oh my friend even without headphones I can tell how good is the Epiphone a lot better than the Artist ... The tone of the Epiphone is greater and I can see how much you enjoyed ;) nice playing Jeff

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

I definitely prefer the Epi. But you get what you pay for!

[@adriyanmusic]

@@jeffcooketeachguitar Okay man thanks :)

[@beachfrontman]

That was a really enjoyable review and I liked the format you used to put it together.....I've been looking at Artist's "Telecaster" model and right now undecided. A pleasure to subscribe to your channel!!!!

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

thanks beachfrontman! I wouldn't mind trying the Telecaster too!

[@Goran2551]

I have both the Epiphone ant Artist guitars ___both are great budget guitars ….but the Artist stealth 60 is quite a heavy guitar the heaviest of all my 9 electric guitars …but also the punchiest and loudest at all the same settings

[@markkennedy7404]

I couldn't see which geetar was which as you switched. Indeed, I echo the good review comments.

[@nickguitarhd8441]

Love Wilkinson guitar parts, I have many of them on my guitars

[@davidcaro8217]

8 years on and those cheap prices are long gone but nevertheless I think they both sound great and your chops are legit!

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Thanks, @davidcaro8217. Your comments are much appreciated! Certainly, prices have risen quite a bit in the intervening years, but I notice that the equivalent Artist model (their newer 59 style) is still only $429 Australian at the time of writing. Cases are an extra $99 Australian, but this is still pretty good value! By contrast, the Epiphone was listed at around $1500 8 years ago (though I got it for about $850) but comparable models (not the basic, cheaper versions) are between $1700 and $1900 Australian: 2-400 dollars more! Looking at the Artist now, after years of owning it, I now find that what I originally described as a mellower tone, I now consider to be a muddy tone. It’s subtle, but even after re-watching the original video, I still feel the same. In fact, that’s more apparent in person. The Artist has also now developed a raised first fret, which now causes a bit of fret buzz. Fixable, yes, but annoying, whereas the Epiphone remains perfectly playable. As far as the muddiness issue goes, I suspect that the cause may not be with the pickups, but with the pots and/or capacitors and wiring. The pots particularly, are the tiny, cheap kind, often found on budget guitars and, though I can’t read anything useful on the back of the pots, I suspect that they’re no better than 250k. The new specs for the AP59 say the pots are now Japanese 500K and they are combined with Ceramic capacitors. They even have coil-splitting on the pickups, which the old model did not! This may go a long way to fixing the muddiness/tone issues. Between the two guitars, there was never a massive tonal difference, though construction quality was better on the Epiphone. But I think in use, over a long period of time, the Epiphone would win out every time as being more useable and gig-able … if I only had those two guitars. However, I now have a Gibson Les Paul (and I’m in the process of buying another) and I have to say, even between the Epiphone and the Gibson, the difference is night and day! Before I talk about that, there’s a big caveat here. If I’m buying an expensive guitar from any manufacturer, I would never buy one online. Ever. I played 20 or 30 different Les Pauls before buying the one I have now, even one which was the same make, model, and colour and not one of them felt or sounded the same. If you’re spending that kind of money, you have to try before you buy. Every time. But here’s what I found with my Gibson: The build quality is excellent (again, you need to confirm that in person) but more importantly, it felt great and it sounded amazing. The character and subtlety of the tone is streets ahead of the other guitars, which now rarely get a look-in. It’s much brighter in tone than the other two as well, to the point where I can roll off the tone on the bridge to find the sweet spot. Is it worth the massive difference in price? That really depends on what you want. If you’re not a professional musician, the difference in tone and feel may not make anything like enough difference for you and it isn’t as if I couldn’t get a good, useable performance for most purposes out of the cheaper instruments, where 99% of the listeners wouldn’t be able to spot any difference but for me, personally, it makes me very happy! Sorry for the immensely long post, but I’m now seriously considering a follow-up video, comparing the three guitars and incorporating my long-term impressions. Sound like a good idea?

[@jeremierochon2288]

I own a Epiphone 1960 tribute plus and i have to admit the artist is a pretty good option in term of sound

[@anthonyclegg1511]

I play an Artist tc and it's a beautiful guitar. 💓🎸.the Gibson sounded a bit harsh, compared to the Artist.

[@philodonoghue3062]

I’m glad I’ve held off getting one of these Artist guitars ie Les Paul Deluxe because now they’ve got coil splitter spec, I’ll get one (to add to my excellent Cherry 58 (which I returned to have the top fret ends rounded off a tad more within the 100 day grace period with free shipping both ways). That the Epiphone has a slight edge for more than twice the price is the whole point isn’t it? Why pay over twice as much when you can buy a way beyond acceptable guitar for less than half the price? And Artist guitars basically answer that age old question by guitarists - and reviewers DON’T buy one of ours! In fact, you’ll have enough to buy ANOTHER Guitar ie two for the price of one! And I love Epiphones - got 3. Apparently, Artist Guitars have a new factory and buyers and reviews have noted a step up in quality and specs including I presume the addition of the coil splitter

[@LionelHutz619]

nice the epiphone bridge sounded pretty awesome

[@chuckstrut]

nice video. I think a closer comparison would be to compare a lower end ephiphone to that artist guitar. also alot Cibsons in the asia Pacific region and are really good quality. When I recommend electric guitars for people who are serious about learning. I recommend. Epiphone les paul standard plus pro. (cheaper than tribute but no gibson pickups.it has probuckers that are really hard to tell the difference.)That sells for around $500 USD. fender squire anything in the classic vibe series And prs se standard 22 or 24. I compare these to my orginal gibson, american fender and PRS and its 90 ~95% the same sound. if you in a band you cant even notice. also own gibson lp starndard 2013, 1959, traditional ES 335. fender american strat standard, custom shop, telecaster american. PRS custom 24 and santana. those stay under lock and key I try play all of them at least once a week. I also love my cheaper guitars as well , will replace any of them if something had to happen.Just add a ephiphone Dot pro to the Cheap collection last week. after a good setup fret work nut replacement plays just as well as my Gibson 335. Never tried artist guitars before but I have had good experience with Asia Pacific knock offs but I will not buy one. Also check out chapman guitars they done very well and dont need a setup to play well.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

+Earl Norris Interesting comments. From what I've read and seen, The Artist is comparable to some of the better Chibsons out there (it is, of course, made in China). You're right, it would be nice to compare the Artist with a Epiphone Standard Pro or Plus Pro which doesn't have the Gibson pickups, but initially, I wanted to show how well the Artist stacked up against the better sounding Gibson equipped Tribute.

[@electoplater]

+Earl Norris never seen a epiphone dot pro,

[@chuckstrut]

Its Epiphones version of the Gibson ES-335.

[@chuckstrut]

Normally sold for around $450 usd at the last time I saw them on the market. www.epiphone.com/Products/Archtop/ES-335-PRO.aspx however the dot pro same hardware had the dot inlays and better hardware than the current dot. www.epiphone.com/Products/Archtop/Dot.aspx

[@jeremywooldridge5537]

I own a couple Epiphone's. A plus top pro and custom pro. Thanks to this review it looks like I'll be picking up a 3rd. Great review.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Thanks, Jeremy, glad you like it!

[@jeremywooldridge5537]

@@jeffcooketeachguitar have you played the plus top pro or custom pro? If so, where do you rank this one with those other models?

[@eazyrider6122]

With multi effect pedals giving hundreds of amp modling options and the many ways to seek tone i think the diffrence is not worth the price gap. The Artist guitars are great value for a beginner or a intermediate player who has a stratocaster as their go to guitar but sometimes needs that humbucker tone.

[@paulbush8881]

Thanks for that , at last a no nonsense, no jokes no gimicks comparison of two grreat les pauls , its so refreshing to see someone reviewing a guitare..... rather then themselves ..job well done Jeff

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Thanks Paul!

[@keithaustin-brisbane6533]

Get the Deluxe (LP59TSB) Deluxe and you do get the split coils and for only 449.00 (2022 Price) - Maybe you should have grabbed that one for an even fairer comparison.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Unfortunately, the LP59TSB didn't exist when this video was made. It might be a thought for the future though.

[@peterward9446]

*_Fantastic review Jeff - I bought the Artiste '59...Aussie outfit but made in China [what isn't these days???]...very happy with it - can't understand why a Gibby costs circa 10 times as much!_*

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Thanks, Peter. I have to agree with you on the cost of modern Gibsons, especially given some of their quality control issues. A good example will always be better, but 10 times better? Probably not.

[@nickjimenez6138]

Ive watched a few of these comparisons with artist and epi. The Aussies always like the Artist better it seems. I like them both. But i would take the epi, i dont like coil tapping so that dont do nothing for me. If i want single coils ive got my Strat for that. Very nice playing by the way.

[@sassysweetx8096]

Thank you. Very informative. I have an acoustic Artist guitar which is god value and a fender electric but I’m thinking of the LP59 (Artist) to save myself some cash and get a decent guitar.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Thanks @Sassy Sweet. The acoustics are reasonably good value for money, though not so much as the electrics I'd say. The LP 59 is pretty sweet for its price range. As I said in the video, the Epiphone is a better guitar, but you'd have to spend around twice the amount to get that, so the Artist is a bargain. Even better if you're handy at doing set-up tweaks yourself!

[@jamessmithurst6011]

Thanks Jeff. Very informative review. The Epiphone pickups are very noisy compared to the Wilkinsons. I mean, a lot noisier. That alone would be a deal breaker for me. Tonewise, they are "almost" identical but the Epiphone has a smidgen more mid-range which could be due to anything (wood, hardware, pickups). Is it better to be overloaded with mids? I think not. At the end of the day, which one had more sustain and played better? I worked for a Gibson importer some 20+ years ago and never owned a Gibson or Epiphone. I was always a Fender/Ibanez guy. However, I bought an Artist Les Paul recently (based on your video) and in my view it is "better" than some genuine US Gibsons that I sold to brand fetishists 20 years ago. Obviously, 20 years ago, Asians could not manufacture a high quality instrument. But now they certainly can.

[@overcome8628]

Dude I have a Epiphone 1960 tribune plus, and it sounds amazing. I also had a WOLF les Paul copy that had Wilkinson pick ups, and for me they where very weak. Not even close to the Epiphone, that being said for a beginner it would be fine.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

I actually enjoyed the Wilkinson pickups in my Artist, but Artist don't do those anymore, as far as I know. Anyway, you are right; the Artist is a reasonable alternative to an Epi if you don't have the budget, just as a Gibson is a better alternative to a Epiphone if you DO have the budget.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

It's also worth noting that Wilkinson (I'm sure) make many different pickups and the ones in your Les Paul copy may not have been the same as the ones in my Artist. Of course, I may be mistaken and I'm always open to being corrected!

[@armyofazra1922]

I liked the sound of Artist neck and bridge pickups more than Epi on the clean settings tbh. Epi definitely won the combined pickups. Epi was better overdriven but is it double of the price better? I didn't see the evidences that it is. Thank you for your efforts to make this video. It will definitely be helpful to many who will watch it.

[@12south31]

For one, the Epiphone has $320 worth of Gibson pickups in it. For $800 total, including a $130 hard shell case, it's a steal! One thing to note is that the electronics are all upgraded as well, built to last. How much will new electronics cost after they die in the cheaper one?

[@marcelpacheco7878]

Great riffs Jeff!

[@melaniecamoin5897]

Great video and comparison! Thanks heaps

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Glad you liked it, Melanie!

[@john-zw9rw]

Really good demo..... Thanks

[@psour33]

Thank's for sharing. This is very interesting for me. Sadly in Europe it seems very hard to find Artist guitars. Thank's again :)

[@RiffsAndRibeyes]

Great shoot out! I've actually just started looking at these epi's as an alternate (cheaper) way to add a great LP to my collection. I have PRS Custom 24 and don't feel like throwing $3k into another guitar at the moment, but would love another great rocker, with a completely different tone! Thanks so much for this review, excellent playing, and rock on!

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Timothy Lasswell Thanks Timothy! I actually had almost the same situation before I bought my Epi. I have a PRS CE24 and I wanted a Les Paul too, but, like you, I didn't feel like shelling out on a Gibson. The Epi is brilliant, but I had to play 7 or 8 before I found the one I was happy with. Same with Gibsons really: I've played many over the years and some were good, but others were shocking, so I always recommend you try before you buy!

[@adamwatson6916]

The classic 57s are more of a modern take on the 57 Gibson PAF then then a straight up cone especially the classic 57in the bridge. The 57s have a more pronounced lower midrange compared to a vintage PAF or straight up PAF clone making them a bit more modern sounding.

[@deepgravity]

I think the Les Paul had a bit more reverb than the Artist. I have a Artist Strat which I like, and I eventually want to try an Artist 338 I think it is and a Telecaster. Play nice compared to price

[@freewheeler8924]

FYI: The 2022 Artist LP59CSB has Bullbuckers with coil taps.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Yes, I've heard that. Maybe I'll get to try one!

[@garyheighway7635]

I have two of the Epiphone's and love them to death. But my harley benton 450's with Wilkinson pickups are just as good.

[@petethescalemodeller6130]

Awesome vid mate ... I have the artist LP60 , going to drop the bullbuckers in it ... They sound so good .. cheers :)

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

LP 60 is great for the price!

[@aliffdzulhailie4599]

Lp artist has a clear bright sound

[@col145]

Lots of OK’s in there Jeff….. hope your OK mate👏👏

[@bobtheblindbedroomguitaris8742]

you know what I've been noticing with that the phones when you start getting into the higher price range of Apple phones and they offer the Gibson electronics and pickups and the Grover's and all that good stuff it's a steal. I mean they're the only company that can copy exactly shapewise the Gibson that they do copy. With all the headstock is different than they do that on purpose they only I think at the phone that has a different headstock then to Gibson so either way especially if you're looking for a used guitar how can you beat it I mean it's basically a Gibson right granted it ain't made in the USA but it's made out of mahogany by Diana Maple Scott to rosewood fingerboard it's got all the same words and with all the Gibson electronics it's basically a Gibson isn't it just without its name so if you're hung up on the name I guess you're not going to go down that route but I'mma Gibson fan most to my guitar Czar usa-made Gibson's but I can't get myself nor do I have the money at the time on now even to show out to three grand for a Les Paul so I've been looking for a used Epiphone Les Paul firelands even the prophecies anyway I'm blobbing on please excuse any typos or misspelled words lack of punctuation in this comment and my other not illiterate I'm not a bad speller I'm just blinds and use speech to text which makes a lot of mistakes peace out

[@jeffholliday8304]

Yeah I’ve The 1960 tribute plus and it’s a great guitar

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

It is! Pretty close to a good Gibson, especially for the money!

[@jeffholliday8304]

Jeff Cooke Hey Jeff you do some lessons

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

@@jeffholliday8304 Yeah, I do.

[@jeffholliday8304]

Jeff Cooke Yeah do a few lessons on KZbin

[@jeffholliday8304]

Jeff Cooke I also want to ask you where was your Epiphone Made mine was made in 2003 in Japan

[@reseidolon]

Prefer the Artist, all Gibson/Epiphone guitars suffer from what I refer to as "Gibson Fudge" which is this weird bottom edge boom that as an engineer I always have to deal with because it tends to mask the articulation on the bass guitar.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

To be honest, in person, the Artist has roughly the same bottom end, which isn't too surprising as it''s made with the same construction techniques and woods (essentially). The biggest difference for me is a slight lack of top end clarity on the Artist, but that can work better for some things.

[@eidolon.]

That's what the treble knob on your amp is for. It's tougher for you because you're running a Marshall which are great amps and I love em' but the tone controls are more "tone suggestions" than they are controls. I'm sure you're right that they sound closer in person I know how KZbin processing messes with the sound, so I guess whichever one feels better is the one to go with. I know I'm down on Gibson but not because I want them to die but because I want them to be what they once were in the 60's and early 70's in terms of build quality.

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

The treble control on the amp won't give you a sound that isn't there at the source. I've done enough mixing to know that you can't boost frequencies that aren't there in the first place. I've also tried these guitars through many amps and the distinction is the same. If you're not happy with Gibson type guitars, then that's a different issue.

[@eidolon.]

So buy the Artist axe and you have $400 to spend on pickups. You tell me, is the build quality similar?

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

The neck is much better on the Epiphone. That's usually the big tell-tell between different price ranges. They can range from completely unplayable on some budget instruments to pristine and efortless to play on the very best (like my PRS). The Artist has a good playable neck, but the fret dressing isn't as good and the action will probably never go down quite as low as the Epi (and the Epi will never be as low as the PRS). I do like the Artist, as I said in the video: after all, I bought both of these guitars. With a pickup change I could probably use the Artist live, at least as a backup guitar, but the epiphone has a little something more and I can make it sound pretty close to a much more expensive Gibson. That might make you think that it isn't worth buying a Gibson, but again, there's a step up in quality (if you get a decent one). Is the much higher price justified? Probably not, but it is what it is and given the funds, I'd quite happily buy one if it feels and sounds right. You always get what you pay for and what you pay for it is usually the going rate. We can argue about whether prices are justified (and there's no reason why we shouldn't) but serious musicians will almost always fork out to get exactly what they want.

[@bobtheblindbedroomguitaris8742]

On my second comment you play really well man great great great rhythm number two I think they both sound will really good those are two really nice sounding guitars and not really all that much different

[@BrockDavisson]

Nice, and yeah I have that same epiphone, check out my newest video! And i can't tell nothing between the epi and that artist, both sound nice and look nice on youtube!

[@BAMozzy69]

Epiphone Les Paul - double the price but more than double the range of tones and 'slightly' better on the comparative tones. The Artist has 3 different options Neck, Bridge and both. The Epiphone has those 3 but also adds Neck split, Bridge split, Neck full/Bridge split, Neck split/Bridge Full and Neck split/Bridge split options - that gives 8 different tonal options compared to just 3 with the Artist so arguably more than double the guitar. The Tribute Plus also comes with a Hard Case - at least here in the UK - not sure if the Artist does. The Artist certainly sounds a decent guitar for the beginner but the Epiphone is better for the beginner to touring musician - even those that write/create music too as it offers much more tonal variation. I wouldn't give up my PRS 594 for an Epiphone but it also has the coil split option which is fantastic...

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

I pretty much agree on the tone and the variations. The Epiphone is pretty much pro-spec sound-wise, though more expensive guitars tend (or should tend) to be better built. I actually have a lovely PRS, which I've recently had fitted with the same Gibson 57 pickups as in the Epi. It soesn't sounfd quiite the same (as you might expect) but it is a beautiful, great sounding guitar. You can see before and after videos on that here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHubdaGOpsd6ncU and here kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZXWomWMib2iY6s

[@BAMozzy69]

I watched those two after watching this - the 57 pick-ups certainly improve that PRS SE, dare I say even better than the Epiphone two. I have a PRS McCarty 594 which is similar to a vintage LP but with coil taps which I prefer to a Les Paul (Gibson or otherwise).

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

I'd like another PRS, but they're a bit expensive, so I might have to wait!

[@BAMozzy69]

They are expensive but the build quality is exceptional and, I think, above that of Gibson. You really have to go around looking for the 'perfect' Les Paul but all PRS 594's are incredible - very minor differences in tone but you won't find imperfections in the finish - like stain bleeding into binding, glue around the neck joint being a bit thick or even a slight gap. You also have a better 'break angle' on the headstock - less likely to break and the finish is thinner but also much longer lasting too. The hardware is better so you get a very high quality instrument with great tone that will last a lifetime. That quality does come at a price but if you want a quality instrument that delivers the vintage Les Paul tones with modern quality and consistency, then the 594 is (in my opinion) the best option - they do a SC version too - although I have the DC more traditional PRS shape...

[@charlietango5163]

I have the Ephiphone Les Paul 1960 plus. But damn....I have never made it sound so incredible! Ouch!!!

[@sgmarshall3]

Wow, great review! I'd never heard of Artist guitars, but it sounds pretty good. The only thing I think you missed in the review is how they play. I know it is a very individual thing, but I would like to know how comfortable each feels.

[@jeffcookeguitartuition4173]

Good question! Well, sgmarshall3, I'd say that the neck is where you feel the difference. The Epiphone has a D-section neck which fits very comfortably in the hand (though neck shape can be very personal for some) plus the frets feel smother and better finished than the Artist and somehow the fretboard as a whole feels slightly more comfortable. Having said that, I have no trouble playing the Artist and I may even consider some Gibson Classic 57 pickups to get closer to the sound of the Epi. If I do, I'll have to do a before and after comparison video!

[@sgmarshall3]

That's cool! Does the Artist sound good and full when it's not plugged in? If so, the pickup swap might be a great idea.

[@jeffcookeguitartuition4173]

Yes, it's quite resonant, with plenty of sustain.

[@granvillefriel2635]

I have a les paul tribute plus awesome guitar for the money stays in tune plays great

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

+Granville Friel Agreed, Granville!

[@seb76834]

Nowadays the artist lp59 has a coil split and their own in-house pickups, just bought one for myself

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

Yes, so I hear. It's probably time Artist sent me one so I can compare it to my others and post another video!

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Are they made in the same factory with different badges and pick-ups? They look very similar.

[@mikesci91]

Awesome video thanks a lot

[@t.s.1670]

Tribute Plus 60 very very cool for the price

[@dannygoode2255]

I have Gibson's, epiphones and a lp £129.99 from artist. ( Bottom range) Change the pick ups to iron gear Tesla sharks, Ernie balls, and it beats them all. We all know it's about what's on the headstock, and thats the shame.

[@lgmnowkondo938]

the epiphone starts to show it's prowess with more gain and using the bridge position.

[@flodge1964]

Unnecessary shredding - lolz. Eye's shut and headphones check - you can't really tell. Maybe the player can feel it more but everyone else won't know. Nice one Jeff. PS can we use your JCM 2000 for our next lesson?

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

flodge1964 I agree, it's difficult to tell the difference on the standard pickup settings. The only preference I really had was that, for me, the Epiphone's Neck pickup was slightly brighter and better defined on the overdrive settings, but again it's probably down to taste. But one question, flodge: who are you? Or are you keeping your identity a mystery on KZbin? You can let me know at the next lesson!

[@rsmallfield]

If you ever have access to one, I'd be interested in a test from you of the Vintage V100 series Les Paul style guitar. I've just bought one mint, second hand and half of the already low new price. So I couldn't resist taking the plunge. It's a very nice guitar and people in this market should consider.

[@rsmallfield]

PS Excellent demo - thanks!

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

+Richard Smallfield I've heard good things about Vintage, so if I get the chance, I'd be happy to review one! Glad you like the video, Richard.

[@AverageGamerDad914]

damn you play nice and you did it with slash's style that would really output all the guitar's capacity.. very simple video and not long and boring.. i still wonder how to play like you. i have the same epi.. your hands just made it sound like a $2500 gibby

[@kennigrimmelmann4364]

The sound from gibson pickups is very very good, so I will take the guitar from epiphone.

[@bobtheblindbedroomguitaris8742]

I hate to be in this car but it drives me crazy when people call a coil split a coil that the two different things completely and number two parallels to series switching is a third thing that's different I'm pretty sure you mean coil splitting turning a humbucker into a single coil I'm pretty sure I got this right lol and again hate to be a nitpicker but these terms have true meanings and if you start throwing different Terms with wrong definitions around it could be very confusing so again coil splitting coil tapping and parallel vs. Series switching three different animals completely I'm not going to get into what the differences are but again pretty certain that the Epiphone has coil splitting changing a humbucker into a single coil or supposed thank you for letting me share

[@Larry-Art179]

thanks

[@3abueno]

Very close, but I think that perhaps the 57 pickups in the epiphone give it a smoother sound

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

The 57 pickups are very good, Alex. In my opinion, they make a budget guitar sound like a pro guitar. As a matter of fact, I use the Epiphone live, in preference to my PRS. Although the PRS is a beautiful guitar and is actually nicer and more comfortable to play than the Epi, I find the pickups a little over-saturated, with less clarity and bite. I may consider a pickup change in the future!

[@3abueno]

Yes, 100% agree with that. However I have heard that 53/10 pickups in the PRS give it a better sound. I have both a Epiphone with 57's and a PRS SE 245. I feel more inspired to play the 57's. I think I might try the 53/10's in the PRS

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

My PRS is an American CE24 which, I believe was supplied with PRS vintage pickups. My research suggests that the 53/10s might not be quite what I'm after. I do love the 57s though, especially with the parallel switching option, so I'm hoping to find a suitable way to fit that into the PRS without having to resort to any routing. The five way rotary switch on the PRS does give a coil tapped sound but I find it a bit harsh, toppy and thin.

[@jameskrys5286]

The extra wood on the Epiphone head stock improves the tone, just like the bigger Fender CBS head stocks.

[@jreagle58]

What's the difference? Epiphone has mahogany body with maple cap and maple veneer. Upgraded electronics. The Artist is mahogany with veneer only. The Epi is constructed closer to an actual Gibson. More wood, more money.

[@oldpeon6887]

I think you might be looking at the specs for the lp60 rather than the lp59 reviewed here. Based on the artist website the lp60 is a veneer only, but the lp59 is a cap and veneer.

[@carldhondee797]

I have a an artist lp59 cherryburst and it DOES have a split coil switch.its on the rhythm/treble switch. don't know how u managed to miss that!

[@carldhondee797]

Maybe mines a newer lp59?as it has bullbuckers not Wilkinson pick ups and a split coil.gd review tho :)

[@jeffcooketeachguitar]

@@carldhondee797 Yes, the newer ones have different pickups (bullbuckers, as you said) and coil splits (I think they're on the tone controls, but I couldn't swear to it since I don't have that model).