We Compared A REAL 59 Burst To An Epiphone Les Paul

Learn more about the 1960 "Blessing" Burst Here: cartervintage....
Thanks to ‪@CarterVintageGuitarsNashville‬ for having us out to check out these historic bursts!
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Today we're at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville shooting out close to $1,000,000 in vintage Les Pauls. Not a sentence you get to say every day. We put the "real thing" up against our own Custom Shops, and some modern Les Pauls that might surprise you.
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[@jltrem]

When Rhett says, "we live in a golden age of guitar", I wholeheartedly agree. I'm 71. What we had to choose from as an affordable guitar when I was a youngster was a world away from what is available today.

[@notbraindead7298]

I'm 75 and the guitars I could AFFORD when I was a kid were terrible.

[@jltrem]

@@notbraindead7298 Exactly.

[@artful_dodger59]

Totally agree! I'm 64 and the "budget" or beginner guitar from the 70s were only one step above unplayable. Now, a 249 Squier is a gigable guitar. And, remember trying to learn a song? A cassette tape rewind/fwd fast process that was the ultimate in frustration! No KZbin, tabs or anything else like that. It is a great time for guitars right now.

[@jltrem]

@@artful_dodger59 I didn’t even have the cassette. I had to move the needle back on the LP.

[@gazmasonik2411]

Yep. I'm 60 had a zenta with ridiculous high action and muddy pickups. Maybe developed finger strength but without attainable good tone no improvement recognizable in ability. Until squires arrived wow. Today unquestionably the Golden age of effects. Zoom multi fx =half an early 70s boss pedal lol. Now ironically Gibson so junior 1 p90 gives me all I need.

[@Clearview68]

I've been a devoted Gibson player for almost 40 years and in the past year started playing Epiphones just to compare out of curiosity. I have to say, they are just as good and in several ways prefer them. Also receive the most compliments on "tone" from both fans and sound techs when I use the Epiphones.

[@lambornpeter3922]

I just saw a review on "the guitaristas" on the new Sheraton. Wow. I want one! I've also been contemplating buying their SG special. They look fantastic, and the reviews of all of the "inspired by Gibson" series. At around half to a quarter the price of the Gibson counterparts, they're sure to become serious competition. Keep your eye on Epiphone. From a guy playing for 60 years!

[@garyb1036]

I have a epiphone 59 les paul reissue and a hummingbird,quality and tone are perfect and affordable.

[@donbishop6994]

​@@lambornpeter3922I bought an epi classic worn sg with p90s around the same time you posted your message. It's probably my favorite guitar out of 6. The only thing I had to do was polish the frets and intonate a single string. The quality blew me away. The stock pickups are nothing less than amazing.

[@Zoso981]

Similar situation here. In fact, I've sold off all but 1 of my Gibsons and I've been having a blast with these new Epiphones. Two of the Signature models I currently own are actually better than any Gibson I've laid my hands on in 30 years.

[@andrewdraper6586]

Got a beat up old Epi cherry burst from my bro in law. I didn't expect much, but after some cleaning, adjusting, and fixing a pot it's my most played guitar. It sounds and plays great!

[@stratotele12]

Rhett- "This guitar is made overseas, modern, and a little homely looking" Me- "Wow that's a nice blue!" I guess to each their own. I do have a weird thing for blue guitars, though.

[@PoolsideCigarReviews]

I also dig the blue... haha.

[@lp59pete]

I like the blue.

[@maxwellblakely7952]

Blue guitars have zero tone, same with red guitars.

[@ZodiacGallery]

I was like Rhett. Until I spent 3 hours trying Les Pauls and PRS only to have a blueberry burst 339 be the best guitar in the store.

[@JeffSmithbureau13]

Me too, I love the finish on that Epi.

[@jonkerr2050]

Rhetts face when he hit that first lick on the Epiphone... priceless!

[@gagemoss1075]

It's at 15:15 --I saw it too!

[@5150show]

The inspired by Gibson range of Epiphone guitars has been a absolute game changer for Gibson . Well done .

[@joserafaelbermudezartiles9398]

I always was a "fender guy", now, my favorite guitar is the epi les paul std 60, never like les paul's neck until now, I try the std 50 before and neck was too big. . And it sounds really good..!!

[@rockhaze]

I'm really considering getting the Epi Les Paul Custom Arctic White. It looks sick, has all the premium parts except the gibson humbuckers (which you can just, like, replace), and it looks like Randy Rhoads's LP custom.

[@brammachiels2755]

It was, untill they decided to put a $1000+ premium pricetag on Epiphones... I got my 59 Epiphone for €750, but the new artist models are going for $1100 and above, which is ridiculous. Just get a standard USA SG at that point.

[@Trial212]

@@rockhaze Don't sell the Epi Probuckers short. I have/had a Epi 2021 LP custom with the Probuckers. To my ears they are pretty doggone good. Only reason I don't still have it was because I traded it in on a recently released Epi 1955 Replica LP with twin pro P-90 pups. I love P-90 pups. To me they just sound great, but so do certain replicas of PAF's!! Best wishes!!!

[@Joe-mz6dc]

I guess they just needed to be inspired by Gibson.

[@axilleas]

Hearing you two taking jabs at the Epi's colour while thinking that it's the only one I'd ever be seen playing because the rest of them look like furniture was priceless XD

[@sparrow7399]

do you know what furniture is?

[@sparrow7399]

you gonna sit on the les paul?

[@hawnyfox3411]

@@sparrow7399 = He should do..... His moniker/callsign here, is, "Furniture Salesman Official" - (In GREEK !) I reckon HE knows more than me & you put together - Blue bodies rock & kick a$$

[@timmoerman2694]

HAHA like furniture nice.

[@dionysusthemadgod]

Can’t say I agree. I’m definitely on their side. But the main issue is that it is lacking a pick guard.

[@eo151]

Keep in mind Eddie Van Halen was put on a pedestal for both talent and tone playing a second-hand, off-brand Fender body, multiple random Fender necks and garage-wound pick-ups. You can make almost anything feel and sound awesome with some love and attention to detail. There was no magic sauce that made the old guitars superior.

[@faustthehammer8706]

Brian may of queens guitar was barn wood that's what makes these guys legends took nothing and made epic sounds

[@samchoate1719]

I love this comment

[@richlife06]

Eddie also played an import Explorer for most of the first VH album.

[@samchoate1719]

One more thing I would add: those guys didn’t sit around comparing gear all the time either. They were just using what they had and making music. Guitars are for making music. The music is what’s special.

[@jamesbarrick3403]

This guy gets it. 98% of great guitarists is in the experienced hands. Did you know that Joe Walsh has a great collection of guitars but routinely plays out with cheap off the rack guitars. Kurt Cobain was never accused of being a phenom, but his riffs and his tone is legendary with pawn store beat up slabs - then he smashes them. Eddie... frankenstrat crap in the hands of a master we all know the results. Quit worshiping this old instrument crap. I think the investment crowd will get crushed... soon

[@gtr1952]

The thing that I love about old LesPaul's; I've been listening, reading about and wanting another pre-60 LP for a long time now. I say "wanting another" because I'll be 71 years old March 28. When I was 18, in 1970, I had a 1958 LP. I paid a whopping $400 for it, and that was a lot of $$ then!! My 1972 Guild D40 acoustic, brand new, w/case was $320! Anyway, I played that '58 for 2 years! Money was tight, gigs were not paying much. I sold it for $600 AND a new, less than 1 year old Fender thin line Tele!! I still had something to play and I had 2 months, almost 3 months rent!! A big deal then!! Anyway, the mahogany used to make the tri-5 LP's was cut in the 1890's from huge trees! They were all 1 piece and 70 years old to start with! IMHO the 100+ year old wood is the magic sauce! It is why the tri-5 LP's sound the way they do. There are other little bits also but that is #1! I could go on and on about other things but that's my story. If you got this far, thank you for reading! 8) Peace --gary

[@dougsadler5496]

I can relate. In 1974 I paid $300 a '63 stat which had been badly modded by the owner. Kept it for a couple of years and sold it for $350. Congratulated myself for making a few bucks, and put into a 76 LP, which I kept for a few years and sold to buy an acoustic. Well, kicking myself today for disposing of both of them. However, I totally agree with JLtrem above that when we were young (I'm 67) if you didn't have a Gibson or Fender, your guitar was probably a piece of barely playable junk. Today, there are SO MANY very good guitars at a fraction the cost of the Fenders/Gibsons. I've had 3 strats now, 2 American and one Japanese - kept the MIJ one. I've had two LPs and let them both go. Current go-to is a Charvel tele-style, and it plays and sounds like a dream.

[@TokaSFC]

Except.....wood doesn't change the guitar's tone at all!

[@dougsadler5496]

@@TokaSFC I beg to disagree. If you read about tonewoods online, you'll see that the wood makes a big difference in sound, even for electric guitars.

[@Mikey__R]

If the 71 year old guy who's been playing for longer than I've been alive says he prefers the old wood guitar, I'm going to take his word for it! Awesome stories Gary and Doug, thanks for sharing!

[@dragan4658]

Nostalgia is absurdly expensive! This should be the new Epiphone slogan... Go Epiphone!

[@Funkybassuk]

Only An Epiphone Is Affordable Enough 😂

[@mbuchart2927]

Amen. Buy the Epiphone and play it a lot. Over time, the pickups with mellow. After ten or fifteen years, it'll be vintage and it'll sound vintage. And it'll be YOURS.

[@dragan4658]

@@mbuchart2927 agreed and theres no need to sell your car or house to get the originals or even reissues when you can get a standard Epiphone.

[@jasonmatos6641]

I suppose, but you don't have to go vintage to get a good guitar. I had an SG stolen from me about 8 years ago and i bought an Epiphone SG to fill the void and boy was I underwhelmed.. sadly I still haven't replaced that SG.. I did get a late 90's LP studio that I freaking love, PRS SE that doesn't inspire much but easily the best made guitar on the rack and with a duncan jb set in it i really cant complain, a blacktop tele with PAF's that wail , and a sterling cutlass ct50 with seymour duncans that will play well with a little dirt or lots of it! So needless to say the void is filled, BUT none of my current guitars play or sound like my 2004 SG standard... Damn i miss that guitar..

[@mbuchart2927]

@@jasonmatos6641 I get it: guitars are individuals and some guitars like your 2004 Gibson SG are just special. I guess what I'm saying is that nowadays the higher-end Epiphones, because of increasing quality control, have a much greater chance of being 'special' that they would have in the deep dark days of the 80s.

[@caseyholford]

Despite the “most useless comparison ever” joke I think this was damn useful and kinda empowering for guitarists out there who can never hope to own an original. Thanks guys!

[@hollandguitars7086]

I am a Gibson fan and have 2 LP's, a 2005 Standard with Doyle coil pickups, and a 2014 Custom Shop Custom. That Epiphone has a really crisp tone and sounds great. I gave up dreaming of owning a 59 years ago and don't even need one. Great job guys showing that no one really needs Vintage for a great sound but as an investment and bragging rights! Music is the winner! The Vintage vs Modern debate will never end!

[@maurice19541]

Jimmy Page wrote, recorded and performed two of Zeppelins finest songs - In My Time Of Dying and Kashmir on his cheap made in NJ Danelectro - a guitar made of masonite he bought when he was like 17 and still has today. He used that same guitar on many numbers and was his back up guitar during Zeps early years. Yeah his number 1 is a 1959 burst but his Danelectro is almost just as important as a "tool" to get his sound where it needs to be. Great episode guys!

[@marcuso.424]

That’s the point! took the words out of my mouth ! Clapton made his Black strat joining parts of 3 cheap, $200, pawn shop guitars. Danny Gatton recorded his precious songs with a toilet board tele.This is 90% hype. I have a 2013 Traditional baseball bat Les Paul and 2020 Classic and it sound almost the same, but i prefer much more the classic because of its neck profile

[@richardbullwood5941]

​@@marcuso.424 To be fair, Clapton's guitars that you are talkin about were bought in a pawn shop in Nashville Tennessee in the very late 60s. But they did happen to be a mix of 1957, 1958, and 1959 Stratocasters. Both Brownie, then Blackie, were simply a mix of those necks bodies and the electronics. But pretty good stuff to start with.

[@Dad-Gad]

@@richardbullwood5941 It's only an Alder body and hardware , Hendrix had his guitars off the rack , nothing different to buying a MIM Strat today , biggest difference would be the pickups imo .

[@richardbullwood5941]

@@Dad-Gad I know what comprises a Stratocaster. My point in the comment was to say they weren't necessarily cheap pawn shop guitars just because they were bought at a pawn shop. Brownie and Blackie were comprised of different neck and body combinations of the most classic years of stratocasters there are. I think anyone playing a mid to late 50s era Stratocaster has equipment that is top-notch. Not necessarily pawnshop junk.

[@viper2148]

…heavily modified ‘1959 burst’.

[@seanhershey3390]

Epi's always punch above their weight...I've have several..amazing. Squier is killing it as well..

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

ive owned the expensive stuff.gibson les paul custom,usa strat.......now its all epi and squier

[@J450NRS11]

I don't know about always, I might have just got unlucky but 3 out of 4 epiphones I have bought in my life have something a bit off about them, two had problems with unlevel frets (2020 LP standard 60's and 2020 SG Special P90) and the other ones pickups just sounded muddy and dull (2016 LP studio). The most important thing I'll say is refrain from buying an epiphone (or indeed any guitar) online before trying it! Brand new out the box epiphones usually have awful unplayable setups in my experience, you're better off trying ones in a store that have had at least a basic setup. Squiers are better value imo. But I agree overall Gibsons and Fenders aren't worth the money with the quality of cheaper alternatives on the market these days

[@travisbrueckner4457]

​@jasonstainer1 this is why I bought an epiphone Coronet from sweetwater and had it pleck d with a new bone nut.. doubles the cost of the guitar 🎸 but when it arrives it will play better then a Gibson for 1/3 the money

[@timzitzelsberger3200]

Hell yeah

[@incredifunk]

@JRS41 unlevel frets is no reason to say something was wrong with a guitar... just saying that's something easily fixed by the player. No need to pay someone in most cases... Imo

[@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio]

Great video guys! I own a few Les Paul's and a 2019 R9. I always had that "snobby" feel on Epiphone in the past, and I think some of it had to do with the headstock. Two months ago, I picked up a 2021 Epi Custom Silver burst and was blown away. So much so, that I ordered the Jerry Cantrell Wino that I looking "secretly" looking at online for about 18 months... and two days later, found a used Epi SG Custom Black Beauty that just felt and sounded beautiful! So inside of a weeks time, I went from NO EPI'S to three Epi's!

[@ckturvey]

I really liked how all the guitars in the room were ringing when you guys stopped playing. Its not often you can get to be that loud inside of a shop with that level of instruments! Truly epic sound. I agree with Rhett; It doesn't matter what gear you use as long as it allows you to create music.

[@mikepj1025]

Loved this. I bought my first Epiphone les paul gold top about a year ago and after a pickup and wiring swap, i was blown away at how incredible it feels and sounds. About $250 in upgrades and less than 2 hours of bench time. For us garage rockers, its more than enough.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

i have owned both,i still own 2 epi customs and love them.gibsons are gone

[@Kiviat]

I bought a used Gold Top Epiphone LP Trad IV and installed Seymour Duncan SH-4 and SH-2 (total cost $450). Just screams through my home built Trinity Tramp tube amp

[@mikepj1025]

@@Kiviat yeah man. These new inspired by Gibson Epiphones are another level. Fine as is but a little time and a minumum part swap and they are unreal.

[@evanmiller2579]

The look on your face after a few riffs on the Epiphone....priceless. Great video. Love Carter's. It's my home store.

[@gustavvader2207]

You lucky bastard!

[@Eric_01]

As a fan and owner of a number of Epiphones, this was heartwarming. I have a couple of Gibsons, too, and I've continued to buy Epiphone even after those.

[@RagggedTrouseredPhilanthropist]

I have an Epiphone inspired by Gibson 1959 Les Paul. Epiphone made it in conjunction with the Gibson Custom Shop so it's basically an Epiphone with Gibson pick ups. It's a simply amazing sounding guitar. Well worth the extra couple of hundred pounds compared to the standard Epiphones.

[@teleguy5699]

Got it on my wishlist.

[@pjl626]

Got mine scratch & dent from Sweetwater. Saved $100 because of a tiny, virtually invisible mark on the headstock. Love the baseball bat neck and the Burstbuckers sound better than the McCarty pickups in my USA PRS.

[@Cris_Borgnine]

Got one as well and I have to say it plays incredibly well in fact I was sold without it even plugged in it resonated beyond my expectations and the neck felt great even better than the 4.2k LP I had my eye on!

[@Greatdaim]

Yeah I love mine it's a great guitar and it stays in tune.

[@Ponchy]

Same and agreed! I was lucky enough to get one of the Aged Southern Fade ones and I love it.

[@Rockfish66]

Thanks for this. Old stuff will always be precious because it's old and rare. But nobody should feel bad, or like they are missing out, playing a new guitar. We live in a golden age of amazing guitars at every price. Many of us who were around "back in the day" hated those guitars. And it's not just the 50's or 60's. I had a 1980 LP that I nearly burned for firewood, but they are now 3-4 grand because of an irrational belief that older is always better.

[@danilojsrp]

that's it, you can see the incredulous feeling on your face when you play the epiphone and hear the same top tone that the vintage ones have. As the Japanese taught us years ago, we eat with our eyes first, and only then do we pay attention to the taste.

[@brentgarner]

The more I watch these videos (like the one where Rhett chose a LP with Tim Pierce) - the more I am convinced that "tone" is what something feels like in your hands.

[@sundaynightdrunk]

You feel it in your hands because of what you hear out of the amp. It's a feedback loop from fingers to amp to ears. When you find a guitar that fits best in that loop, it's amazing and that's why people spend huge amounts of money on guitars.

[@indiedavecomix3882]

There are a million things that affect tone, some of it isn't even part of the guitar. Bigger hands, longer fingers, the mood you're in, how the color of the guitar makes you feel, and maybe just the pride you feel in a guitar you put together yourself. Then there's the hundred things in the signal chain between the pick and the speaker. I say dance with the one that brung ya and make the most out of what you got in your hands.

[@SAGABIJO2]

Probably you are watching too much YT clip instead of playing, go play and compare yourself....

[@teleguy5699]

@@SAGABIJO2 OK. You know where I can find a room full of 100,000 dollar guitars?

[@SAGABIJO2]

@@teleguy5699 No problem but don't you or anyone else should jump to conclusions upon commercial material on YT.

[@ImNotOld_ImVintage]

They all sounded great, but what I really got out of this video is that the amp Zach was playing into sounded magical.

[@matthewmiller3205]

I own 6 Les pauls. I just Picked up a Sweetwater exclusive Radio Blue Les Paul Modern Epi at a pawn shop in perfect condition For 400 bucks with Gator Gibson style case. This guitar is fantastic. The tone is spot on. Love it.

[@TheFastrider76]

This was a great episode...and that blue Epi is gorgeous ✌🏼🤣

[@pirahna432]

Just bought a Gretsch G2655 and honestly for $400, it’s unbelievable. Sounds great, plays great. Love it.

[@jaypeterson7637]

I just today took possession of a Gretsch g5230t jet. Still setting it up and stunned at how well made and beautiful it looks. It truly is the 'Golden Age' of guitars. Congratulations on your G2655!

[@brianmcleod3783]

​@@jaypeterson7637 I also recently bought a 5230T, and I can't believe how great it is. Cheers!

[@AljonGo]

Thanks for the shootout guys. Glad you dig the Epiphone! 🙌🤘

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

The only problem Alijon they both need to learn the history of Epiphone and Les Paul before they open their mouths..

[@mihailmilev9909]

@@BlueberryStinkFinger62 what....?

[@joey-zr8lt]

​​@@mihailmilev9909 another words know what you're taking about when you talk Epiphone..this guy Rhett is full of it especially when he said real one speaking of the Gibson if he knew anything about Epiphone and Epiphone with Les Paul he wouldn't have made a stupid comment a lot of us are really tired of this either know what you're talking about or keep quite

[@monmixer]

@@joey-zr8lt Epiphone has been a major player in the music industry long before Gibson bought them out and they bought them out to eliminate the competition. Many very good pro players use Epiphone guitars.

[@joey-zr8lt]

@@monmixer go look who plays them now and in the past very impressive

[@bakstabbath]

There's magically resonant guitars and lifeless duds regardless where they're made. Usually it's consistency that's important but with CNC building all levels of guitars, they're all getting consistently great.

[@qua7771]

I'll agree with half of that. Even with CNC there are resonant guitars, and duds. I even have a resonant guitar that is a dud. It's resonant frequencies are harsh, and require a dark pickup to hide it. That doesn't leave many pickup options for it. Then again, someone else might think it is a gem.

[@peacefulruler1]

The cutting of the wood is nearly irrelevant. It’s having someone choose the best pieces of wood that matters, and this doesn’t happen in mass production except through random chance.

[@MrDrewseph]

My two most resonant guitars: one is a locally (NZ) made singlecut, the other is an early PRS SE soapbar II My epiphone les paul was excellent straight outta the box too No dull notes anywhere, everything sings

[@emartinezr]

The CNC machine will do NOTHING to that feeling or resonance they were talking about. All it will do is eliminate one indistinguishable variable, and quiet some of the KZbin type reviewers who bring out calipers to review a guitar. Silly.

[@turunturun]

My two best sounding and resonating Les Paul’s are a ‘23 Murphy lab 57 and a Japanese made ‘07 Edwards relic (ESP sub brand) I bought for $700. The Edwards is SO close in sound, feel, and quality to the Murphy lab that it’s shocking. It was a true find. Other LPs I have that are on the spectrum of nice that these two are beating are: two LP Customs, one from 07 the other from 22 w custombuckers, a 78 LP Pro Deluxe, a 76 Pro Deluxe, and a 21 LP Classic.

[@patw999]

Rhett, I have to say, man, I love your playing, the sound is so cool and it’s totally laid back. You make it look effortless. To me, anyway, that is a sign of a great guitarist, the laid back effortless look. Some people do that scrunched up “ man this is so hard to do, my balls are hurting soooo bad” look to them, but watching you play just really the sound you have and the look of “ I am having the greatest day ever, you can’t possibly believe how happy I am “ when you are playing is fantastic to watch. And hear. Thank you for sharing your joy with me.

[@pauleddy5146]

Rhett, you do the guitar community proud. And yeah, the Epiphone sounds glorious. And the blue isn't so bad, not traditional sure, loud, granted, but just wear brand new unwashed denim and you're golden . . . oh, and the factory black with the Bigsby was great! The '60 Burst, in Zach's hands, had Paul Kossoff of Free written all over it!

[@incredifunk]

Don't think a lot of people know who Paul kosoff is.

[@Benz2112]

Absolutely on point that it is about what inspires you to make music, and there is no formula for it. Two of my favorite keepers were never even guitars that were on my radar, they came to me in trades, and I just found inspiration. Great video, 10/10 Shoyles for this one.

[@garyslespaul]

Great demo, thanks guys! I have a Gibson Std 60s and I have the Inspired by Gibson Epi 59 and I gotta be honest, the Epi just “feels” better and sounds as good!

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

my gibson les paul custom tossed its head stock twice almost by itself ,seriously..... (a very small bump and it popped off,then popped off in the case later after having a professional repair with carbon fiber rods) each repair cost as much as my epi les pauls....but my epi (identical to this blue one ironically) fell off the wall and nothing happened.....much better design,less break angle.ive had 5 gibsons and currently dont own one..couldnt bond with them except the custom ,but it was too fragile) but still have 2 epi les paul customs that i love

[@arkarh1114]

I love this blue, def changes for everybody

[@JinderSongs]

I’ve played Gibson electrics and acoustics for 25yrs. Former Gibson endorsee artist and did some work with them to redesign the lamination of the SJ200 pickguard back in 2007…not to brag, just to illustrate that I’ve been around Gibsons for a long time and know them well. Yesterday I was in a guitar store to pick out an amp for my stepson who is starting out on his journey with guitar…grabbed an Epi SG to try out the amp and was SO impressed with it. It played so well and the neck felt just like a Gibson. Beautiful setup and fretwork, no thick gloppy finish like the old days of Epiphone, superb pickups, super responsive, just an ace package. The thing RIPPED and I felt like I could play anything on it! So impressed. £420 out the door. Epi are making some heavy hitters right now.

[@BillDutton]

Suddenly I want an Epi LP! This was a fun episode.

[@xodiaq]

Get one, I doubt you’ll regret it!

[@turdferguson51586]

Highly recommend the Epi 1959 Standard outfit. Excellent guitar for $900!

[@BITESIZEJONES]

Thing is most of the time you really don't

[@indiedavecomix3882]

Just got a used Epi Standard LP and I can barely put it down.

[@gazmasonik2411]

In electric blue too

[@CurtEvans-o2h]

I found an old Japanese Guitar in a basement with a set of P90 replicas. The guitar was unplayable but the pickups worked. I routed an Epiphone Trad Pro and it turned out to be my favorite guitar! I was just taling a gamble and I hit the jackpot!

[@Bryan-jd7os]

Anything Japanese is worth a look.

[@ph6376]

First of all, that blue is not hideous. It's pretty sweet, actually. I got the Epiphone 335 a couple of years ago, and it has not ever left me wishing for a Gibson.

[@salimel4835]

Definitely . I don’t what his on about. Its looks so beautiful. I wont even talk about how good it sounds

[@mrzimothy]

I have a $600 Epiphone double cut LP from a few years back. With the exception of some headstock dip, it absolutely slaps. It has coil splits and can put middle position out of phase; it does the LP thing and a little more. Epiphone makes great instruments.

[@davidkeller6156]

I really wish they would’ve used different amps. Not a sound I like from what they’re using, and I like to hear what a guitar sounds like clean, also. But, that being said, it’s amazing how close the Epi sounds to the originals. I’ll have to check some out. So thanks for the comparison.

[@WinstonTexas829]

Agreed. It wasn’t a tone you would choose to assess a guitar or make comparisons.

[@dougsaroma]

I was wondering if it were a poor mic or direct-in, whatever. It sounds clipped AF to me. Maybe its what they are going for, but not what I want to hear in a guitar eval.

[@User-jk8wq]

Yeah, the distortion sounds really gritty and not in a good way

[@fossilmatic]

Sounded like a beat to hell old tweed deluxe. Would have loved to hear that black LP through something with a bit of shimmer and spank.

[@Myfingersstinklikefish]

Here Rhett look at this .. don't make anymore ridiculous comments like you did..it's to easy in 2023 to find the truth...Epiphone will always be Gibson’s older brother, and its history is perhaps the most interesting of any guitar brand”: Celebrating 150 years of Epiphone

[@Myfingersstinklikefish]

The SG of the Future The SG Modern Figured from Epiphone's Inspired by Gibson™ Collection has the classic SG™ body profile made from mahogany and a maple cap with an AAA-figured maple veneer. Powered by a pair of Epiphone's ProBucker™ humbucker™ pickups with coil-splitting, phase switching, and a treble bleed circuit for a multitude of tones. It also features an ebony fingerboard, asymmetrical SlimTaper™ neck profile with contoured heel, world-class Grover® Locking Rotomatic® 18:1 ratio tuners, and a Graph Tech NuBone™ nut.

[@tomdac]

That blue quilt top is STUNNING. my first guitar! Bought it as soon as I held it.

[@bduff5004]

Excellent video. Pretty brave to pull that comparison off on film and admit the Epi is hanging in there!!!!!! Way cool

[@AdrianWhyte]

I recently heard the podcast with Greg Koch, and as a youtuber myself and doing all the guitar things here in Melbourne I just loved your take on all things Rhett, you have such a down to earth and well thought out take on guitars and where they fit into life! Thanks man!!

[@Murphy_R9]

Yes that GREG KOCH video of him playing the Epiphone 1959 Les paul in "Aged darkburst" was the final proof for me that yes Epiphone can make a guitar for under $1000 that will rival a Gibson costing 3x times as much! What was really insane was that Epi Greg played was out of the box!

[@AdrianWhyte]

@@Murphy_R9 I loved that video!!!! I’m more of a Gretsch and tele guy so I never pulled the trigger but I almost went and bought an epi Les Paul off the back of that Video!!

[@beargonefission6160]

If the finish feel is a thing, try the Epi LP Classic Worn-the finish is great if you are averse to thick poly, and it punches way above its weight. Other than needing the frets polished, it’s really good out of the box.

[@jr0706]

My LP is an Epi Standard 50s. All I did was put some modded SD59s (with A2 mags) in it. It’s lovely.

[@DeeDocker]

I have owned many Les Pauls through the years. I recently found a black Epiphone Les Paul in a pawn shop that I bought for $250. As much as I have always wanted a real '59, my $250 LP is the best sounding LP I have ever had. I know many of you will tell me that I am crazy, but it has that '59 sound.

[@kevinbaisdon8767]

Wonder if the pickups were upgraded at some point? I bought a Washburn strat type for $30 a few years ago that was a dream after I cleaned it and restrung it. Definitely was not stock

[@shuster1921]

Bravo to Carter Vintage Guitar for helping Vet's!!!

[@mattshaheen5333]

Rhett: "I'm sorry. I gave you the '58." Zach: "It's ok." 😂😂😂

[@gund2281]

My gosh Rhett I sincerely hope you appreciate all of the amazing things your guitar skills have led you to be able to do. I would KILL to be able to play half as well as you do and be able to parlay that in to playing some of these instruments.

[@erickruiz2386]

I recently brought an Epiphone Special Satin SG for $199. I am awestruck with how great it sounds through my Blues driver. Epiphone has my profound respect

[@luisg1653]

I play the same setup almost daily. The P90 special I got for $150

[@ratwynd]

Tone from the guitars is awesome. What was more interesting was to hear two really fine players playing the same great guitar side by side. No matter how good or sweet sounding the guitar, it is the player who gives it its true voice. Enjoyed ALL of it, players and guitars. Thanks!

[@MrGuitar1458]

I have an Epiphone LP Standard Plus Top Pro Blueburst that is every bit as a good as my Gibson LP Standard...in fact, it's better, what with coil taps, etc. at a fraction of the price. Nice video guys.

[@linkshield1347]

I have that same red vintage looking epiphone LP and just started guitar with it, and it really is incredible. It has crazy sounds even for starting as a beginner, yet it looks fascinating. 👌

[@nedbaez]

For us, regular working people are good enough at that price point, epiphone nailed it. Great video as always.

[@Willhomes71]

I have a 2003 Epi LP Classic that I had upgraded to Seymour Duncan JB and ‘59 a few years ago. The luthier also tweaked the pots (I think that’s what he told me) to give it a light flange or wah sound. Now, I can’t get enough of my Epi! It sounds incredible, and when I bring it once a year to 30th Street the guys always comment on how good it sounds. Great content, thanks!

[@85metalgod]

Would love to see Rhetts comparison and opinion on the Epiphone "1959" Les Paul's that are currently out! This was a great video. Thanks for quality content!

[@Tyrannosaurine]

Me too. I own one and it’s every bit as nice of a guitar as the 4 Gibson Guitars I’ve own (2 Les Paul Studios, SGx, Flying V). I don’t know why I still feel shame about a name on the headstock, but I do while meanwhile using the Epiphone for a good deal of my recording lately.

[@lestel5359]

I just purchased a 50s Standard Epi LP and I absolutely love the thing. I haven't put it down since I purchased it.

[@Myfingersstinklikefish]

More About the Epiphone Company This Gibson-owned factory was, when it first opened, led by Gibson luthier Mike Voltz, overseeing the production of Epiphone’s core line of guitars.

[@rustyshackleford9557]

No foreign entity can own land or a factory in China. Look it up. A foreigner can ONLY own a personal residence. The biz is so full of BS. To hide this fact, Gibson will say stuff like initiate our new Epiphone factory. Well folks ! It ain't Gibson's factory. Period. Google: " can a foreign company own land in China?" I've been in this biz for decades and it preys on nerdy guys who can't really play and sells em stuff they don't really need.

[@rustyshackleford9557]

If the factory is in China it is not Gibson owned. Google: "Can a foreign company, corporation or individual own land in China. ?" It is Chinese owned and Gibson contracts these Epiphones to be built to their specifications.

[@Myfingersstinklikefish]

@@rustyshackleford9557 should have researched first you not even slightly close to being right

[@rustyshackleford9557]

@@Myfingersstinklikefish hi tell me what I am mistaken about. I googled: 'can a foreign company own land in China.?" The Google answer I got was " No" It then stated that only a private individual could own a single family , residential home and they must live in China for a designated period first. I am most happy to be educated. Please tell me your findings and source. Thank you.

[@rustyshackleford9557]

@@Myfingersstinklikefish I re- googled and got the same response that foreign entities can not own land in China. I do recognize that Gibson CAN own machinery in China. Gibson could own the CNC machines etc but they can not own land.

[@jessem53403]

Very eye opening video guys! Thanks!

[@christianwalsh7082]

Epiphone are smashing it these days - I have a 59 epiphone limited edition thingy bob. That thing rocks - done some pro level gigs with it, totally works!

[@michaela.friestbigmikesbas2508]

Thanks for that guys. Rhett, you got me into the whole Les Paul thing. I was exclusively a Strat guy when I played electric guitar. Now I'm hooked on the single cut. I agree too about that "in the market for..." Distinction. Someday when I retire and have to spend my savings to keep from getting taxed I will finally own some vintage. For now, that blueberry is fine and hopefully comes in different finishes.

[@daleturner3507]

That Epiphone sounds really good! I think it shows how good an Epi can be. I get a collector isn’t going for it but a player is a player!

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Collectors are going for it and I'm one of them..I just bought a 2019 Epiphone exclusive deluxe limited edition g400 pro Sg it was crafted the same exact way as the original 1961 Gibson Sgs..bought it off of Reverb for $650.00 it's the honeyburst color and hard to find ..and very well worth the price tag and more the quality of build is incredible..

[@johncartelli]

i sold my 2014 Gibson std because I couldnt bond with the neck profile not the sound. I also dont play my 05 Epi Classic for the same reason. my highly modded Harley Benton I kept and play, along with my 2018 Gibson Tribute as i am comfortable with their neck shapes.

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Bull buddy I'm a collector and two years ago I bought a 2019 epiphone exclusive deluxe limited run Sg Pro G 400 at auction $650.00 and worth every cent

[@mijwil]

Rhett. Love your channel. I do find it hilarious that you find the blue guitar ugly while you play a pink sparkle with a gold pick guard. Proof it’s in the eye of the beholder…. But your point about people looking for different things not just sound and feel is spot on. People collect and drive classic cars, not because they are more comfortable or have a better sound system. I see old Gibsons that way. They sound great, but you can get equal or better for a fraction of the cost. Not what a person is looking for if they’re shopping an old Gibson. It’s a 65 ford Mustang…… or whatever your favorite old car is in my analogy…

[@rayhoskins4478]

Love the look of the blue guitar!

[@philodonoghue3062]

Yup Only thing ‘loud’ about it was not the colour finish but when they plugged it in

[@svgitana2499]

How does this video only have a few comments?! Great video!!! Beautiful guitars, including the Epiphone! The Beatles played with Epiphone guitars. Did at some point the quality went down and hence the reputation it had?

[@ProjectWheelhaus]

I picked up a floor model of the Epiphone Les Paul 60s quilt top in this blue built in 2024 - damn this thing sounds ridiculous and feels amazing. Also mine has a flame neck and half of the back. I took off the pickguard and replaced the knobs to speeders and it’s just fun.

[@stephenpavlik9007]

When Rhett was playing the real 58 vs the new LP the sonic difference was striking. The new LP was very bright in comparison. However, when Zack played both it was hard to tell the difference. Seems like the person whose hands are on the guitar can make the case on whether one guitar sounds 'vintage' or not.

[@maxpeck4154]

🎯

[@toddhatfield5329]

Fact

[@texasblueschannel]

Could it be that tone actually resides in the touch of the player???

[@randygomez9595]

There's also the fact that they were using different rigs, but let's not consider that

[@joshfitzgerald8401]

were they playing the same amp though?

[@bluekoi455]

The guys at Carter are super nice ( out of the big 3 of Nashville) this peasant was visiting and was drooling over. 58?59 on the wall behind the little fenced in area. The older gent put it in my hands without hesitation. I was starstruck!

[@Datimdavis2900]

Holy crap! That Epiphone sound was crazy!

[@deltawhiskey1398]

One of my favorite guitars is my Epiphone LP Custom Blackback...I spent a afternoon sitting in front of the TV...watching college football...rounding the fret ends and polishing the frets...de-glossing the back of the neck...cleaning and conditioning the fret board...installing locking tuners...putting on new strings...setting the neck... pickup height and the action. I enjoyed every minute of it...and I now have a great looking and playing guitar that comes very close to the real deal...and didn't have to spend $4 grand.

[@fred5613]

I loved this video. I actually thought the Epi sounded the best of all of them.! It's a good thing because this is the only one I could afford!

[@Thecariboumoose10]

Rhett I’ve been following for several years , watching your epi casino series , love for 335, as well as les Paul journey. I’m Interested in an epi inspired by Gibson 335 with Alnico pros or an epi les Paul custom blackback with probuckers. I currently only have G&l semi hollow asat tele style (which I love , the neck leaves a little to be desired), if having a small quiver what would be your number 2 Guitar after a tele? Recommendations welcome!

[@llwonder]

The epiphone sounded so good. It was very articulate and loud

[@1972Georges]

better sustain too

[@davidjameschamberlain]

I have the burst version of that quilt top, thing's a boat anchor, but it sounds amazing

[@1972Georges]

@@davidjameschamberlain yes. they are heavy - mine also.

[@jeffjfindley4802]

Dude. Both of my sisters recently started taking lessons from me, and one is in Arizona. She bought an Epiphany LP from Sweetwater, and I used it for my Zoom lessons while I was there and the damned thing blew me away! It even stayed in tune!! LOL

[@faarao44]

That blue Epiphone looks great to me! :D

[@TheMelody911]

I own an '57 Black Beauty and it's fantastic. Bought it from a man in the Netherlands who had no clue what that guitar was! A few years later, a good friend of mine bought a 58 burst and I loved it but couldn't afford one, so I found an German luthier who had some good wood lying around for almost 40 years and he handcrafted an awesome Les Paul. I found original electronics, we used grover tuners and fret wires from Gibson. That one costed me around 700 dollar's and that is the best guitar I own! I have a few Fender's and some 80s Superstrats, but my Paula is my best!

[@michaelgriffin5304]

I loved this video! What an interesting shootout. I honestly didn't like the amp settings they were played through at all.

[@TheTapMusic]

Agreed; I think Rhett was getting some good sounds when we back off the volume or his picking, but outside of that, very farty.

[@jim_easley]

My sons first guitar, that he picked out as his 8th grade graduation gift, is an Epiphone Futura, in purple, and it sounds amazing. It’s making me want to get an Epiphone LP as well. Great video guys!

[@halohat2286]

Your channel is a treasure, Rick. Thank you and your friends and guests for sharing.

[@blueveinriver3253]

Yes Rick is definitely a treasure. Rick sure is. Rick

[@JuddLofthouse]

@@blueveinriver3253 excellent 👌😁

[@pauldemery1033]

its rhett bro

[@thomasdiorio4441]

@@pauldemery1033 isn’t this Brett Skull?

[@stevegraffmusic]

@@thomasdiorio4441 Chet Buell!

[@dougsadler5496]

I appreciate your candor in this video, guys. There's such a mystique about the old bursts, and having never played one, I can't comment personally. However, I've had US Fenders and a MIJ one - kept the MIJ one. I've had 2 LPs and I'm currently enjoying a mid-priced Charvel Tele style. Has a roasted maple neck, compound radius fretboard, locking tuners, 24-fret neck, pinwheel trussrod adjustment, 2 pt Gotoh trem, and Fishman fluence pickups with 3 distinct voices. Show me a strat or LP with all that.

[@Guitarjosii]

Some months ago, I had the chance to check out 3 Bursts in the same room. And I did the comparison to a CS. Two of these bursts were good but not thaaaat special. But there was this '58 and it absolutely blew my mind. I played a lot of vintage guitars in my life but this one was OUTSTANDIG. They are all really different, keep that in mind.

[@johnvcougar]

I LOVE Epiphone guitars and basses. Gems. Squiers, too! I'm a tinkerer so feel less guilty swapping out bits and pieces. But let me tell ya: I managed to land the Epiphone Alex Lifeson Signature Les Paul Axcess, and it's AWESOME.

[@Bryan-jd7os]

Im with you! Love tinkering with Squiers! Also That Alex Lifeson looks awesome!

[@limpneckmike]

They’re making fun of the blue finish, but I honestly would take that over the traditional sunburst / cherry burst / tobacco burst any day. The burst finishes are overdone and overrated in my opinion. I don’t mind that finish if it’s on original bursts, but I’m sick of seeing modern guitars with those finishes to be perfectly honest. The blue looks amazing!

[@akshaysharma2786]

Well modern meets colour looks cool But yeah the classic designs do look good in old fashion lemon drop is my favourite.

[@BadRobotica]

I bought an inspired by Gibson Epiphone J. Bonomassa 62 ES-335 “Custom Made” and was floored when I played it for the first time in shop. I stopped and was shite eatin grinnin when I noticed the store was quiet, everyone had a look on there faces like WTF… I’ll never get rid of this, everyday I’m impressed either by the sound or the build quality. It so cook

[@lynnfrancesanderson1829]

I think the blue one is beautiful. So… taking into account you’re more of a traditionalist, Rhett, I really like that you can also still LISTEN to a guitar. I’m one of those who would consider the Epiphone that sounds just as good as a vintage LP, even though I could afford a “real” one. If you think about it, we’re talking about production guitars. Gibson probably uses all the same kind of C & C machines (think capital expenses) in all their factories. So, then it becomes about pickups and the parts that are hand-finished. You can get a guitar factory worker in any country who does extraordinary work OR rough work. Maybe quality control is slightly different because it’s a lower end product…? maybe… maybe not. And if components are a bit cheaper, it’s no big deal to swap out an input Jack for a better one or something like that. I’m gonna go buy one of those ugly blue guitars right now!!

[@Aibotcomment]

Them: “Just close your eye and play.” Me: “I cant see what my hands are doing.”

[@stickylizardbabyangel]

That 58' burst is absolutely murderous.

[@stickylizardbabyangel]

Were those its original pups?

[@MichelleWettstein]

Hi Rhett I really liked you video about what and how you would do it all over again. And what you talked about your exspirance and what you would do and not do...as a beginner.

[@christopherhansford6876]

The Epiphone looks beautiful and sounds just great to me

[@goingbonzo5923]

Yea, it's just a matter of what you like. I have a faded Pelham blue modern. I love the sounds. It looks cool and feels good.

[@TheHercalways]

Got an Epiphone LP Classic and it is beautiful and it fits my (extremely modded) VOX Pathfinder 10, as I feel it, so good that I get even Tom Petty tones or real Chuck Berry kick, AND stuff like Nestor (with a 68 centaur clone and oceans eleven), and man, I thank you so much to say that my ears are not completely spoiled....

[@jacksonrich6398]

I own both Gibsons and Epiphones. Sure, they’re all different but they’re all great in their own way. But Rhett’s frustrated look at how good the Epi was 😂

[@jeffmariajenson9751]

Rhett clearly wanted the high dollar guitars to be noticeably better than the Epiphone.....They weren't. Even tossing the vintage guitars and comparing only the Gibson R9s to the Epiphone begs the question: Is it worth it?

[@1972Georges]

LOVED it.

[@philandviki]

I own several Gibson Les Paul’s and several Epiphone Les Paul’s and I love each one !!!!! Believe it or not my favorite one is my 1993 Gibson LP studio I bought new in 1993 . Maybe because I’ve played it for so long . 😁

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Laughed My As* off when he said the real les Paul speaking of Gibson..all I have to say is this boy needs to learn the full history of epiphone and epiphone with Les Paul before he says anything...

[@Billy_bSLAYER]

Great video, I own an Epiphone Les Paul 1960s Tribute Plus that came stock with Gibson USA hardware and it is amazing. It came at a premium Epiphone price but it just screams "I am a Les Paul Child also".

[@adamkrauss303]

Interesting. One thing that isn’t really discussed much, is how the made overseas Epi’s will hold up structurally and electronically over time. Rhett- you mention using a Scotch pad to sand down the neck. I have a fairly new Epi Les Paul Special that i bought after several hours of hands on play comparisons with the Gibson variant and hearing/feeling little to no difference. I do hate the heavy poly finish on the neck however. Would love to see a video on the process for sanding down the neck. Thanks.

[@RobYoungband]

I was a guitar snob for 20 years. Had to be a big name brand high end guitar...recently bought a Classic Vibe Squier used for $350 CAD and it's all I've been gigging since. Something to be said about having a low cost guitar that you don't have to worry about leaving it backstage, that sounds great and is reliable.

[@joshuajkoplin]

I had a Squier in 96 at 16 years old. Those classic vibes blow the one I had out of the water. They’re also cool because they have the vintage vibe to them. I was pleasantly surprise when I played my buddies classic vibe.

[@user-fb2jb3gz1d]

I use a hello kitty guitar that has been upgraded and nobody asks me to play it during my breaks at gigs. Problem is......I'm favoring it so much, my other guitars are collecting dust

[@riadmiah3342]

This vid outlines the future of Gibson.. Gibson will only continue to make Custom Shop guitars and Epiphone will take the place of Gibson USA models.

[@Daddybell6957]

Year later and you are correct.. i saw it coming a few years back after gibson dropped there lower priced guitars...

[@krist39]

I was waiting for you to comment about the Epiphone finish. I picked up a similar Epiphone Les Paul (blue sunburst though, which looks way better) and after a month of trying out different setups, I didn't really enjoy it. That's when I took a fine-grit sandpaper to the back of the neck and completely changed my opinion. The poly finish was "sticky", but with a super light sanding, it's a vastly different experience. And, like you guys say, it actually sounds pretty great for the low price point.

[@turboeagle4600]

I got really surprised when Rick played the 59" and then he switched to the Epiphone, the sound difference was marginal!! It sounded better than the reissues. Incredible, Rick's FACE tells everything.

[@1972Georges]

yep. he gone red. ha! secretly thinking he might made a mistake not to look also at cheaper brands....;-)

[@turboeagle4600]

@@1972Georges Hahaha true

[@jesinbeverly]

Strings probably make up a bigger difference in those two than all other aspects combined.

[@kiptonsheekjr.5371]

Three weeks ago I bought a Epiphone Les Paul. It's the same color as yours. I love that color.