My first Epiphone - 1950s Les Paul Standard. Could it replace my Gibson???

[@denbodg9311]

A bit late to this, but I was a guitar snob. I have 3 Fender Strats, an ‘82 AVRI, a 2022 Vintage ii ‘61, & a 2022 Am’ Pro ii. Then I bought an Epiphone ‘50s Standard Gold top. I was stunned how good it was, & I didn’t consider myself a Les Paul guy. I now have two more, both Epiphone ‘59 Les Paul Standard outfits. One is stock. The other modified with Monty’s PAF’s, & a Faber ABR-1 bridge and tailpiece set. So I have 3 awesome sounding Les Paul’s for the price of one Gibson.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Well that's cool. And you make a great point. Three for the price of one.

[@motorcyclemark2889]

I owned a worn out Gibson custom les Paul it was a heavy thing but sweet as sugar I now own a 50 s epiphone and am completely in love with it

[@malachiharland6889]

Great vid! I have an American traditional 2016, thing is sweet and I just got a lemonburst epi. I am smitten with the epi. It is such a killer guitar. I sold an American Strat, which was also an awesome guitar to get a great axe I wouldn’t be stressed about taking to a local open mic or small show. It’s perfect for me. I am also a bit of a guitar snob, but have come to appreciate the mid price gems that you can find. There are really some great guitars you can get for not a ton of $$ that play and vibe as good as anything. I got rodded an 80’s Japanese Strat and that’s another of my faves. Keep rockin!

[@eddiemautone209]

It's good to see a nice person like yourself explained everything very well thank you

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Thanks man. Much appreciated!!!

[@JohnMaag-f3t]

I just bought the Epiphone "Inspired By Gibson" Les Paul Standard 50's Exclusive Lemonburst from Sweetwater. I love these guitars.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Exclusive finishes on Epiphones? That’s cool.

[@rccarsandmusic2641]

Nice to see a fellow lefty on youtube, Rock on!

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Thanks man!

[@dowadiddy2002]

I have one of these. Of course not as good as the Gibson, but these Inspired By Gibson series Epiphones are really good with the vibe, look, and quality that gets you into a very good licensed Les Paul for WAY less money. Looks and feels really good. Very good tone. Highly recommended.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

You are so right. Well said. Thanks for your comment.

[@JamieIanAaronsDad]

Both of those guitars look nice and the Epiphone seems to be a good find. Congrats. Enjoyed the video!

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Thanks!

[@eddiemautone209]

The Epiphone Les Paul is very good sounding and the pick ups are very strong great sounding 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Well said. I couldn't agree more! Thanks for your comment.

[@J_Braz_]

I have a early 2020 epi 50s. Same finish as yours. It's one of my favorites in my collection

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

You got a good one. Awesome!

[@J_Braz_]

@@pearlandGUITARIST oh yeah. Got it at a guitar center. It was used but in like new condition. Only paid $425 after tax. I thought surly their had to be a defect of some kind, but I've yet to find it. ✌️

[@kiptonsheekjr.5371]

About 2 months ago my son got me started learning how to play the guitar. He plays a bass and wanted for me to play with him. He gave me his old electric guitar so I could learn. Three weeks ago I bought a Epiphone Les Paul Standard and I'm extremely happy with it. I hope you enjoy your Epiphone Les Paul. At the store the sales associate played both the Gibson and Epiphone since I'm still learning. I also played what I could on them. There wasn't that much difference in sound and quality between them. I think Epiphones are a great choice for beginners and intermediate players.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Congrats on the new guitar and for taking the plunge. It is difficult to justify the cost difference between the Gibson and the Epiphone as the sound and playability are so similar. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

[@oldasrocks9121]

The ProBucker 1 & 2 set is relative scarce compared to the ubiquitous 2&3. The difference is the bridge which is lower output at around 8.1K compared to the 8.5-6k PB3B. The necks are about the same, my PB1N is 7.48K, my hottest PB3N is 7.7K but the other 2 are both just over 7.5K. Both PBs and BBs have unevenly wound bobbins, the PB screw pole bobbins are slightly hotter than the slug bobbins. BBs are wound with enamel magnet wire, the production versions are almost always potted, the custom shop versions are almost always unpotted. PBs are wound with either poly or formvar (by the bright look of the copper through the bobbin peep holes,) my guess is poly, its the easiest to deal with on the automated winders from a production point of view. All always potted but lately they're no longer "waxbuckers" with the covers packed corner to corner with solid wax. PBs do have quality nickel covers and back plates, polished magnets, high carbon slugs and pole screws, and maple spacers. They're a touch airier with the covers off but not so much they conoete in that way with the BBs. I wish Epi would develop a low wind enamel wire set with a 7K-ish neck and a 8K-ish bridge for 50s focused models. Their Alnico Classic Pros are tighter in output, like the Gibby 57 and 57+, but have A5 magnets. They have evenly wound bobbins, differences only in .0xK. I swapped A2s into a 7.5K 7.7K set, covers off, which took them to a lovely tonal 'scape I really like, much more so than with the A5s. I can understand tho why people get bored with them, they're a bit "civilized" if not staid. Livlier in a 335. The PB 1&2 are really something in a 335 played clean to medium gain, harmonics bloom in ways they don't in a Lester.

[@Tecniconta]

Perdona la molestia, pero tengo un juego de pastillas (mastil Gibson 57' y puente SD 59') instalados en una guitarra vieja, si monto estos en la Epi 50' crees que el resultado o cambio merecería la pena??? Gracias !

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

Just bought the 60's bourbon burst version and after a mild set-up it is great!

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

That's great. Enjoy!

[@gerardgalletta6943]

I’ve had some decent Epiphones and some terrible ones. This one is absolutely awesome. The fit and finish are perfect. The Probuckers are just as good as the 490’s in my Gibson. I play this guitar more than any of my others. Fantastic value for a third of the Gibson price.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Agreed. These Epiphones are really good. I feel my Gibson is a little better all the way around, but at it's price it better be! Thanks for your comment.

[@sassebensur7288]

Merci beaucoup (from France) !!!

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Thanks!

[@gregperkins7723]

Les Pauls even a couple of custom shops never seemed to stay with me. Bought this 59 Epi and it makes my teeth hurt it's so friggin sweet. Just bought a second one for no reason other than to have a second one.

[@krzi-o5619]

I have the ‘59 limited edition Les Paul and the ‘61 SG style Les Paul limited edition. Plus I have a 2018 Standard and 2017 Standard , I love my Epiphone Guitars , my limited editions are stock , the way they were bought but my other two have been modified , upgraded with Gibson electronics. They sound amazing. I may not have guitars that will have a pricey resale value , but I have some awesome sounding guitars that if you didn’t know they were Epiphone , you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference just by listening to them. At a fraction of the cost of a Gibson. And I’m not ashamed to play them in front of anyone lol. Sorry about the long comment. 👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

That's the way to do it.

[@williammg9135]

I am not much of a player but do like to try. Anyway, a few years ago when I started taking guitar lessons, I found an Epiphone Les Paul Standard in the used section and thought "why not". But lately all I play is my Fender Tele and decided to put the Epiphone back on the block. Today I pulled it off the wall and thought "this is a nice guitar, why am I selling it?" Which brings to me your video. I thought I would get some other opinions on the Epi and glad I came across your video. I will look for your comparison. But I think I will be keeping it. Thanks for the video.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Thanks so much for your comment. I did a blindfold comparison between the Epiphone and the Gibson here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXKmXqGBorqVhpI And had some more fun recently with the Epiphone in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHnSpHSGe9Flmsk This guitar rocks!

[@scottanderson4175]

Yes Wow ! I haven’t played guitar in over 25 years and after my wife passed I was looking for something to keep me busy 🫤 so I picked up a Epiphone 50’s Gold top and Wow it was so good I was and still am in shock 🫡

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

That's great. You don't have to spend a fortune for a dream guitar anymore. Thanks for commenting.

[@ilovejapanesemusic3858]

😊 thanks for letting me know about the left-handed knobs that's cool

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

It is cool! Thank you!

[@eddiemautone209]

😊😊😊😊😊good to see a lefty like myself I have 50s Epiphone Les Paul going on 15 years old now still sounds like new I have recently a Epiphone 335 inspired by Gibson a Epiphone casino and a Epiphone SG in my closet I have gretsh stremliner Epiphone acoustic and left handed fender telecaster squire I been singing and playing over 50 YEARS had other guitars back in the days I have an old Ventura Barney Kessel needs new pickups that guitar is made right handed 😊

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Nice collection. I would love to try out the 335. Maybe someday...

[@russellgordon5114]

As a lefty growing up in the 60's-70's, lefty guitars were few and far between and since there were more Strats than Pauls, I went with the Strat. Never owned or ever played a Les Paul in all my 55 years of playing, but I want to give one a try just for giggles. I have no idea what to buy, the Standards, 50's 60's....Any suggestions??? Thank you.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

If you can, try them out. I know as a lefty that may not be possible. If you must purchase online all I can tell you is that the 50's have a chunkier neck profile (the 60's is slimmer). It's just a matter of preference. I think I'd be happy with either. Good luck and thanks for your comment!

[@bluesman354]

I bought a 50's Standard in Heritage cherry burst. New at the time is was $599.00 Glad I brought it then. It has a beautiful flame maple top . I love it. Especially the long neck tenon. I like it so much i bought a 60's Standard with Bourbon Burst also with a Beautiful flame maple top for $649.00 price went up $50.00 Now the both retail fy$699.00 ea.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

The price tag on mine was $649 when I got it. But it was part of a trade so no cash changed hands. 😄 There was a nice 60’s in the shop at time also. It was a tough decision.

[@carlhungus2521]

that cherryburst you got is an absolute killer that is so much more guitar for the money that has just flown beneath the radar. If more people understood the true specs of 50s gibsons vs 50s epiphones, the cherryburst epi would be sold out everywhere . The 50s gibsons neck profile are not actually 50s specs at alljust slightly bigger 60s. The specs of that epiphone are incredibly more accurately 50s and very close to the gibson custom shop 1959 reissue... R9. just swap the pickups and you have a guitar that looks, sounds and feels as good playing as a $6500 murphy lab Gibson. I own both and thats the truth. For some reason the tops on the cherryburst epiphones are so beautiful and better quality wood than the other color choices.Dollar for dollar one of the most overlooked underappreciated guitars ever

[@fredfloyd68]

Beautiful guitar...Have to babysit those..The headstock breaks off too easily.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Yeah that's true. I treat all my guitars as if I have kid gloves on. Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@oza8578]

No they don't! I've got four of these Epiphone Les Paul's 2 50's, 2 60's), and not a one has had any problems with the headstock or neck angle since I start buying them some years back. I don't treat them any differently than my other guitars. Honestly, I don't understand why people spread these false statements when they probably don't even have a Les Paul, much less these newer ones that have been crafted to be more robust than their previous iterations.

[@taxationistheft2.0]

The Gibsons.... The epi Head stock is at a less angle than Gibsons

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

@@taxationistheft2.0 Yeah, I've heard that before and I believe it to be true.

[@spokes28]

I bought the same guitar (right hand) this year also. And although I like it I have decided that I will not buy another guitar that does not have a body contour carve. And at this price there is no reason not to include stainless steel frets. Ok, a 1950s LP did not have them.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Epiphones may not be the best value for money guitars available, but they are pretty good. Body contours - you need to look to Fender or PRS.

[@joe-dp3ng]

So 3 for me a Gibson SG an epi. SG and a 59 reissue Epiphone Les Paul. So I have alnico 5 epi. SG and 490s Gibson SG then burst buckers in the 59. I like em in that order. I just got a Epiphone Les Paul custom in ebony and gold. So now I have pro buckers as well. I was able to pick through 6 of them and I took my time. The one I chose had a tuner that was not aligned but OMG the neck and frets are perfect not near perfect but flawless perfect. If I swap the 59 USA electronics into the Epiphone Les Paul custom I will have a guitar that plays and sounds as good as any guitar I have ever tried. I sold my 74 SG and my 78 Les Paul standard then my 82 tobacco sunburst flying v. I regret that one. But no joke I got a black and gold guitar that is as good as the V and better in all ways than the others. I can't care less about what the headstock says. I'm not selling the custom ever! When I was young and dumb being a Gibson snob I missed out on many good ones. Now it's about how the neck feels to me a low action and NO fret buzz anywhere. I'm older and just play what I like.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Cool story. Congrats on the Epi LP Custom. Sounds like a really good one.

[@dean2075]

Awesome guitar and not nearly as fragile as the gibson version

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Can't disagree with you on either point.

[@30smsuperstrat]

Don't Gibson's have a 9-hole weight relief? That would mean they have a veneer as well?

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

The current Standard '50s and '60s models have no weight relief. The Modern's do have weight relief, but I believe they still have a proper maple cap. I could be wrong though...

[@thegrandpencil4374]

I have wanted a Les Paul all my life. Ever since I was a boy and fell in love with Guns N Roses, that guitar has held a charm over me. I have since managed to buy countless Gibson Les Pauls... and they all go back. Seems my love for the instrument is not nearly enough to overcome how unpractical they are. From the weight, to the sharp angles, to the unwieldy way they feel when you're playing standing up... I just can't get along with them. I love the tone. I ADORE the tone. But I can't justify spending that much money on it. And even an Epiphone... it's still got the same issues. So for me, I think I might just go with an Epiphone SG instead. Same-ish tone, much better ergonomics. If I get along with that, then maybe I'll step up to a Gibson SG. We'll see. But for now, no. I've returned my last Les Paul. It can remain an unrequited love. I just can't anymore lol.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

I can relate. I was exclusively a Strat player in my youth. The first Les Paul I mail ordered and just couldn't get along with. I was hard (for me) to go back and forth between Strat and LP. Sold that one after 6 months. Years went by but the desire for a Les Paul was still there. I now have no problem adjusting when switching guitars. But, your right - the Les Paul design is not ergonomic at all.

[@kevinwilliams5670]

Whats better the 50s Epiphone or 60s?

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

I haven't actually played a 60's, but they should be equally good. 50's has a thicker neck profile, 60's will be slimmer. Different tuners and knobs. Not sure about the pickups. It's really a matter of taste. Try them both and go with your favorite.

[@finishin.my.coffee8780]

I like the new Epi headstock, wasn't much of a fan of the old one.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Agree. I don't think anyone liked the old headstock.

[@finishin.my.coffee8780]

@@pearlandGUITARIST For a while there, I was on the fence about the old one but nah, I like the new one.

[@glennhayes3]

Are the necks close in feel and size?

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Absolutely. They both have a thicker 50's style neck. Some people say the Epiphone is flatter on the back, but I don't feel it. Measuring with calipers the Epi is 43mm wide at the nut and the Gibson is 43.25mm. At the 12th fret Epi is 54mm and Gibson is 53mm. That is width. Thickness I couldn't measure because of the strings, but they do feel very close. Having said that, they are not the same and the different finishes also affect the feel, but I don't think it is anything that would affect a purchase decision. The Epiphone does have a good neck!

[@blackstormer95]

and we are talking about $600 vs $3000, its not even a contest, just got the last one in Heritage Cherry Sunburst from Sweetwater!@@pearlandGUITARIST

[@user-jb4um9tl8d]

And so it goes......real shame the Epi costs far less and looks, plays, and sounds just as good huh? I have just under a dozen Gibbys, and NOT cheap ones. Like you, I am a snob, but after playing seriously for 50 years now, only a fool would pay what Gibson is charging for the same old with different funishes! The vintage market is SHOT, so why pay 10 times more, when an audience couldn't care less what the hell you're playing as long as it sounds good......😂

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

@@user-jb4um9tl8d So true, but if I could afford it I know I'd be inquiring at the Murphy Lab for a custom instrument. 😁 I'll probably never be that rich. 😭

[@rmcf3972]

Can the epiphone replace your gibson?

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

It actually could, but the guitar snob inside me hasn't come to terms with that reality yet.

[@Moby604]

i Guess for me its about the logo, I need to change that attitude🤣🤣🤣

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Oh yeah, I still do that - glance at the headstock and say, "Oh, it's just an Epiphone." 😛

[@SIXPACFISH]

You can find a turd from any manufacturer, top brand to lowest brand. You can also find a true jem from a low tier brand, same as from a top tier brand. So play every one in the store before making your choice.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

That's true and very good advice. Exactly what I did with the Gibson I bought in 2021. Played every one. They were all pretty good. Except for one... I brought home my favorite.

[@freeslave1968]

Absolutely. Best guitar I ever had was called "aria" . I bought it for 80 bucks in a pawn shop back in the early 90s.

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

@@freeslave1968 Well, that's cool.

[@tonyhewitt1345]

I don't dig the epiphone head stock

[@pearlandGUITARIST]

Yeah, nobody does. 😔

[@Ace-vp7ds]

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