The 9 Best (Mostly) Inexpensive Gibson Les Paul Standard Alternatives

[@intheblues]

Hi everyone. This list is a combination of guitars I've owned and also tested over the years. I have only put guitars I've actually played on this list with a few "honorable mentions" at the end! Thanks for watching and for all the support with this series of videos. Please leave a thumbs up if you dig it and links to all the stuff in the video are in the description. Rock on and keep safe!

[@JR-to8sn]

You didn't mention FGN. Made is Japan and awesome quality guitars. ESPII made in Japan versions are better than the LTD models.

[@superdave6415]

Ltd is good esp is different from my Gibson les paul traditional but as good or better quality

[@superdave6415]

Should mention ltd is like epiphone and esp is like Gibson

[@mickeymice2004]

Edwards by ESP

[@sfear6]

intheblues how about schecter or jackson?

[@jimmymc10021]

I've got an ESP LTD EC1000 Deluxe that I'd put up against any guitar on this list. Cost me $600 AUD secondhand but in mint condition. I seriously can't find a flaw with it. Worth checking out.

[@michaelbell1204]

I have a couple of them and use them on stage and in studio. Best LP style guitar in my opinion

[@ronnieparfait]

Jimmy Agreed.. I have 2 Gibson Les Paul standards and a ESP LTD EC1000 and I catch myself playing the ESP more than the Gibson’s, my ESP is a 9 pounder so very Gibson like.

[@BA99253]

I have one too and prefer it to a Gibson any day. 700 new.

[@xxxgabaxxx]

I have an EC401VF. I believe they pretty similar, except the 401 comes with Seymour Duncan pickups vs the EC1000 EMGs. I love mine! Best bang for the buck. I paid $290 on eBay on mine.

[@the_swoletariat1621]

Yup, the EC-1000P is currently my only guitar and I love it! The piezo is great but I hate the JB/59 so I’m throwing in a new set this weekend. Anyway, better than my old schecter and After I put in the new pickups it’ll smoke an LPS!

[@Nosferatu981]

The Gretsch Duo Jets with the Broad'tron pickups are badass.

[@p3nf9ld]

Yeh you can get some absolute bargains - I got a new Gretch Electromatic for AU$400 new and it is amazing for the money

[@mattgilbert7347]

Love my Gretsch Streamliner w/Broadtrons.

[@paulcasilio1119]

This post just plain wins. Gretsch is crushing it, especially with the duo jets.

[@mcdonnec1]

I actually clicked on this video because I thought I saw a Duo Jet Silver Sparkle top! Guess not, but very cool video. Tone wise I prefer the Duo Jet to the Les Paul, (sounds a little brighter to my ear) my two cents anyway.

[@guitarman11000]

Pot metal frets.

[@andrewsmall4865]

Edwards - made by ESP for the Japanese market. Can't be sold in the US because they are so close to Gibson's. Amazing guitars. I own a black P-90 one.

[@markrosenquist8259]

Great guitars!

[@randulltiller8997]

Is there a way to import one?

[@kingjellytoast8407]

@@randulltiller8997 ebay has quite a few of them just make sure to ask the seller for as much information as possible

[@dlong7146]

ESP/LTD make fantastic guitars. Often they make a better single cut than Gibson.

[@TheStobb50]

As a lefty it’s great to be watching someone who is a lefty

[@ShockingPikachu]

I’m left handed but play a guitar right handed coz I didn’t have an option. Trying to play left handed for me now feels awkward and I can kind of understand how difficult it can be to find products catered toward us lefties. My drawing Tablet I have to flip upside down but luckily there are drivers that lets my left handed self use the express keys. Good luck mate

[@FretLevelMidnight]

I firmly feel you have the best sounding voice production in the KZbinr guitar community, it's so crisp.

[@Mr.D34]

LTD Eclipse 1000 Deluxe. Not a cheap alternative and the prices really got up lately. I bought from a friend who had changed the hardware and the electronics and put bare knuckle pickups. It cost me half the price of a used Les Paul but sounds and feels better that any Gibson that i tried brand new or used. Honestly I wouldn't change it for any Les Paul. PRS SE are amazing too. I'm also looking for a Edwards that are made by ESP however can't be sold in north america and a Tokai Love Rock, thanks to you 🙂

[@rickybobby6760]

Godin Session...made in Canada, beautiful quality at a fraction of the price of a Gibson

[@rickybobby6760]

@Mich De lucia I meant to say Summit, that's more comparable to the Les Paul, but chose the wrong model.

[@johnm3152]

My 5th Avenue has been solid and great sounding going on 6 years now

[@rickybobby6760]

@@johnm3152 I've had the desert green Stadium 59 for a year now....easily comparable to the American Standard tele in quality, if not better.

[@ferox965]

Godins are great. I have the A12, the 12 string electroacoustic. Rock solid quality (Canada represent!)

[@Lysdexia]

I've got two Gibson Les Paul's ( a Standard and a Tribute) and both of them are now in their cases because I discovered the ESP EC-1000 range. I have one with EMG's and one with Seymour Duncan's - buying used, together they cost less than the Tribute and they are magnificent!

[@dazeindystopia]

I've been a long time ESP player. My current main guitar is an E-II Eclipse DB. I also own a Gibson R7. I play the ESP more. I Iove my Gibson, but my ESP is a much better feeling instrument to play

[@henryrodriguez2054]

ESP are extremely well-made guitars fit and finish right up there.

[@VegetarianFeast]

Love my EC1000 in cherry.

[@ProtomanBlues]

ESPs are good LTDs are garbage

[@funcia789]

Protoman I have an LTD and its possibly the best guitar I have

[@JS-gh5gm]

I have an LTD EC1000 and it is better than any Fender, Gibson, PRS or Ibanez that I have. I have blindfold tested it with friends here in Nashville, many rabid Gibson LP fans have had to eat some crow. Over $500 LTD is a fantastic buy. My EC1000 is way better than my ESP E2, at more than half the price.

[@experimentalgroup9473]

An ec256 could to toe to toe with a gibson. May not win, but it costs a fifth of what a standard costs so that a win by default

[@rickyl9540]

Also Darrell Braun did a great rundown on a black Schecter LP that seemed better than a gibson in every way

[@brian770]

it was the soloist II, and yes, it is VERY good and can be had in a lefty version too.

[@anteklisovic7487]

Schecter solo || is the name, and as soon as these corona restrictions end i’m gonna try it and if it feels good i will buy it, i’m going for a gloss natural one think it looks original and amazing

[@PeteKaster]

Agile AL series with Grover tuners. AL-2000 is like the LP Standard but with ceramic pups. AL-3000 series are like Customs and have Alnico 5 pups, with options such as ebony fretboard and thru-neck construction. Great values.

[@jameskrys5286]

I own two AL2000's. I got one from a pawn shop accross from where The Spanish Castle used to be. I paid $100 and got a case too. Spanish Castle Magic indeed.

[@simonwe]

I own a LTD EC-256 fm and I think it feels and sounds great :)

[@philipellulle1072]

I have 2 Greg Bennett Avion 7 and i can't be more happy!!! Cheers from Chile!!!

[@phelipehulk]

Another mention would br Cort CR models. I own the Cort CR 280, the highest of the 200s series but all of them are the same (200, 250 and 280 have the same pickups and specs). When i bought mine i tested against a Epiphone Standard, and the Cort had brighter sounding pickups, which made me decide for it (plus the fact it was half the price of the Epiphone). Not only that but it has a real maple cap (its thick enough for you to see on the cutaway) and the flame is beautiful, it moves with the light. If its a veneer its a really good one.

[@avisaiko5354]

So what is real different between cr 200/250/280/300 ?

[@risgrigg]

Agile guitars from Rondo Music have many L.P. style models. They are made in South Korea available in left or right handed and some models feature real mother of pearl or abalone inlay, rosewood or ebony fingerboard, alnico pickups, neck through or set neck construction, fancy veneer or real maple caps. I've owned a number of Agile guitars and have been very pleased with the quality, sound and playability. Prices range from about $300 to $500 US.

[@mfergel]

Agree. I have about half a dozen of the 3000 series and rank them with the older Japanese Epiphones.

[@acidbran]

Look at the Wolf brand, I own one and it's beautiful.

[@guitarman11000]

I have two LTD Eclipse's and they are incredibly good guitars. Rarely play my Les Paul anymore.

[@experimentalgroup9473]

I have a lefty Ltd ec256 in cobalt. Beautiful guitar. Solid pickups, jumbo frets. Very comfortable to play

[@onlyguitars]

You sold me the Gibson LP Special, and you were totally right. It's an absolutely great guitar. It became quickly my number 1. I have tried LP Standards, Traditional, Classics, Studios, and I used to own an LP Traditional 2018 that was great, but there is something about the LP Special that I know it's a guitar I will never sell (Unless I really really really need for any reason). I have also tried many different Tokai guitars, and they are very good, and it's absolutely true that they have great quality and are very consistent. For anyone who wants a Gibson, the LP Special is the best one you can get for the money by far IMHO!! Even if I had a Standard, The LP Special would still be my number 1 guitar.

[@david_cummings]

I've been lusting for a P-90 guitar for ages

[@onlyguitars]

@@david_cummings If you want it, it makes you happy and you can purchase it, then just go for it =) You can even look for used (I bought mine used). And if you like more kind of chunkier necks then the Gibson LP Special is great! Or go for the Epi LP Special. Seen only good things about it. Let me know if you decide to get one :D

[@precisionbrown6829]

Nicolás Ramírez Barros I had a black beauty 3 pickup epiphone Les Paul but it was disappointing and heavy of course

[@onlyguitars]

@@precisionbrown6829 and what you didn't like about it?? I had a Standard Pro, which I really like (only sold it because of the slim neck profile) otherwise I thought it was great.

[@david_cummings]

@@onlyguitars I have a 1982 Ibanez AR50 Artist. Great axe. It's a back breaker though

[@greekfreak1980]

ESP/LTD EC-1000 Deluxe Series,they have various models with Piezo systems,with Evertune or with OFR, active EMG's for the metal players,passive S.Duncans for more classic rock oriented players and a new model with Fishman Fluence pickups which is like a Swiss Army Knife guitar. The Fishman pickups can be operated like passive PAF humbuckers or you can run them in active mode,like high-output pickups and they have coil-split mode.

[@seanhutchins6714]

I have an LTD EC-1000P with the Piezo, and Seymour Duncan JB and '59. Feels great and sounds fantastic. The Volume and Tone knobs are really responsive, you can get a huge variety of sounds just messing with those.

[@UnlimitedPotentialMusic]

Jerry's guitars. I've been in Sarasota for 4 years and didn't even know. Thank you and good call!

[@colinhoward5696]

I sold my lp standard. Just wasn’t comfortable to play. Now got a ESP ltd ec1000 and love it. I’d say it’s more for metal guitar than rock/blues as it has actives but really comfortable to play.

[@SocksworthRiffs]

I'll buy ESP Standards/E-IIs over a gibson any day of the week. I Just bought the blue fade with burl maple and it's stunning! the LTD 1000 line isn't shabby either, and often go used under 600, or even 500 bucks. I'd highly suggest buying one, I know lefties are hard to find but I hope you're able to try a lefty ESP or LTD soon!

[@robertlane1192]

Ou

[@ayersbiz6458]

Esp or ltd guitars mid and high grades are that nice, you should really try them and most of them are split coil pickups in them. 100% good. Also check out the AIO and Wolf same brand LP's, same company in Los Angeles CA. U.S. are very nice as well.

[@jimmpanik3402]

ESP and their budget friendly LTD products are incredible bargains. I've owned a number of them and they're absolutely fabulous. Something else that didn't make your list but NEEDS TO BE ADDED is Godin. Godin are IMHO some of the best guitars on the planet. Little known fact: Godin is the OEM for many other makers for necks - Jackson and Charvel both have used Godin necks in most of their models.

[@FlyOnTheMoon.]

Thanks, Shane. I'm in the USA, and I appreciate your assessments. I just subscribed to, and up-voted, your channel. I appreciate your time and information.

[@jokerboi526]

What a great help you are man. This is the second time you opened my eyes to better options.

[@guitarocd9984]

I think that Japan makes the best guitars in the world. I saw a Japanese custom shop video. The attention to detail was amazing.

[@lomoholga]

Guitar Ocd Japanese factory workers are serious

[@guitarocd9984]

They seem to have a lot of pride. I think South Korea is using the Japanese model. China is not there yet.

[@RKDriver]

I picked up a used Epiphone Elitist LP Custom last year. Amazing guitar and such high quality.

[@guitarocd9984]

RK nice get. I remember when they came out about 10 years ago. They were $1,000 and my procrastination kept me from owning one. It was a short run. So I missed it. I think Gibson got nervous they were better than the ones they were making.

[@precisionbrown6829]

Lol 😂

[@tacob69]

Esp is my absolute favorite guitars period.I have an ESP that cost me a couple thousand and I also have 2 LTD'S under a grand and honestly I pick the LTD'S quite a bit.

[@lobugatti7526]

I own an LTD EC1000 Fluence in violet andromeda, absolutely gorgeous finish and sounds fantastic with the Fishman Fluence Moderns; great option if you want the more metal stuff but you can get some rock tones out if you be the amp settings right

[@MrShadowofthewind]

You really should demo a Gretsch electromatic some time, the G5220 would fit in this list, lots of quality for the price, and it's own take on the single cut !

[@AndruJorj]

I own two ESP LTD guitars. One is an Explorer, and the other is a Viper (offset SG shape). They are decent guitars. The higher the price, the better the guitar with ESP. You get what you pay for..

[@spidgeb3292]

I have 3 Schecter Solo II Customs. Outstanding guitars.Loaded with premium features, including the best locking tuners on the market, ebony fretboard, coil splitting, relieved nut, hot Pasadena pickups. Any discussion of Les Paul alternatives has to include Schecter.$900 US

[@TheMasterRobi]

YAMAHA "Revstar" Family!

[@vampolascott36]

My ESP Eclipse II was right around $2000 USD and it's very well made. I don't think you would be sacrificing quality at all with this one. It's less chunky than a Les Paul but very close in tone.

[@moviesuae]

Was never an LP fan and then I played and ended up buying a Tribute Gold Top. Love this guitar and it was under a grand!

[@mkds7756]

I owned a LTD that came stock with Duncan’s. Fantastic guitar! If you come across a lefty I would highly suggest it. It’s A LOT of guitar for the money. As with some of the other brands they don’t hold value but that’s great for us!

[@markkennedy5712]

Have you looked at Wolf guitars? Korean built and pretty cool. I have one and it plays great. Always come back to Fender though.

[@intheblues]

I haven't seen those anywhere before but I will have a look at them! Thanks for the tip.

[@matf.6679]

Great list! I’ve got a ‘99 LP Studio that I will never part with. They’re lovely guitars.

[@mysweetshadow747]

I've owned an LTD-EC401 for about 10 years and it was a life changing Guitar for me. I find it easier to play, better sounding and most reliable out of all guitars I've owned (I've never owned a PRS or any Gibson products in the interest of full disclosure). I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anybody and they'll be prying mine from my cold dead hands when they put me in the ground. If you have about $1,000 it's a great choice for sure

[@xxxgabaxxx]

The EC401 goes for less than $400 used now. I have one too, I love it!

[@mysweetshadow747]

@@Fektthis Sadly not in Canada it isn't. Our only major music retailer sells 400 series LTD instruments for around $1,000-$1,200 Canadian dollars. That's roughly $600-700 USD

[@BenjaminRoethig]

@intotheblues Shane, I have two ESP LTD EC-256s. For $300 USD each I got two guitars that are flawless and play like an absolute dream. And this is the lower end of the range. The EC-1000s and the Japanese and American made models are as good as any guitar made The bad side, there are a few full thickness models, but they tend to be thinner which makes them more comfortable, yet tend to sound somewhere between a LP and a SG. Also, I am not a fan of the lawsuit mandated 2v 1T controls.

[@sunlightpictures8367]

ESP guitars are fantastic. The LTD version is the more affordable but right up there with Epiphones.

[@Ragnathar]

No mention of gretsch? They have the slickest neck out of all of the gloss guitars i've played and have the most colour options that ive found for left handed guitars. I got a G5220LH and it plays like a dream.

[@intheblues]

Gretsch makes some good stuff but the ones I have played sound quite a lot different in terms of tone to an LP. They are a great guitar no doubt! :)

[@precisionbrown6829]

intheblues the Gretch is a very beautiful guitar but it’s a little too big and fat as far as comfort

[@josephdimalante7023]

Hi, thanks for this video. You forgot the brand "Vintage" they also made good guitar's. Maybe you don't see them down there. I have my 81 Gibson Les Paul for years but I wanted one with P90's so I bought a Vintage gold top with P90's for $400 USD and it is a very good guitar... Thanks also for all your video's

[@rsmallfield]

joseph Dimalante Absolutely. I bought a Vintage AFD and it’s a keeper. Beautiful to look at, too. Cheap second-hand. (See my comment above.)

[@jamalabdul2009]

I’m a big fan of the Tribute and Studio LP models. All of the Gibson feel and looks at more than half the price!!😎😎😎😎

[@merlhay8278]

Vintage V100. I have 2, the standard V100 in tobacco and the AFD100 in flamed Amber ('Slash copy' ). Both are seriously well-built and great sounding guitars. I got passive EMGs put in the V100 and now it sounds monstrous. Heavy guitars (weight-wise) but lovely to play.

[@allanhindmarch7323]

I've got a black SX LP style and a black stat with a single scorpion inlay. Awesome guitars!

[@rsmallfield]

JHS Vintage - I have an AFD model and, with a Seymour Duncan pickup installed in the neck, it’s exactly the sound I want, and it’s got a beautiful flame top. Well worth it on the second hand market, as they are cheap second hand and make great platforms for experimenting with new pickups.

[@DrPocalucha09]

Excellent review. And as you say there are many other brands that produce great instruments and at great prices, you just have to take your time and try them out. Cheers!

[@tosh-jakefinnigan1356]

Dr Rick looks like such a stereotypical Blues Doctor on stage, I love it. I actually picked up a PRS SE One exactly the same as his from Traralgon in mint condition with its PRS gig bag for $100 in October 2017 and sent it on long-term loan to a friend who had their house ransacked. They're planning on returning it to me once the isolation period for COVID-19 is over. One brand you missed here is Vintage by JHS - UK-owned brand similar to Harley Benton, but specced out with all Wilkinson parts (and co-designed by Trev Wilkinson himself). All their Les Paul clones are amazing, but I'm particularly fond of the V120 (LP Junior) and the V100 AFD and Lemon Drop (Slash AFD and Peter Green clones respectively). As far as ESP goes, I used to work for the Australia distributor and have owned quite a few Custom Shop models, but I absolutely love the brand, and still do even after leaving CMI. Anything from the LTD EC-256 line upwards is going to be exceptional, and if you can find a used LTD EC-1000 for under the sort of $600 AUD mark I couldn't recommend picking one up enough. The old ESP Standard Series EC-1 CTM series with the traditional 4-knob layout honestly killed any Gibson I ever picked up, a shame they discontinued the model.

[@DMSProduktions]

Got a GOOD bargain on the PRS! Totally WITH you on the Vintage brand guitars! Wilkinson was originally and AUSTRALIAN company too! \m/ Happy Easter! (Kinda...)

[@andjelo555]

ESP LTD EC1000VB passive is extremly good, well balanced guitar with a rock tone, thinner body, all mahagony, I loved it, but I have already my perfect LP custom handmade, so I didn't need to buy another LP

[@mattgilbert7347]

I'm still pissed that I sold my Epiphone "Special 2" LP. It played great and sounded fantastic. Only cost me 100 bucks used.

[@UltimateAccuracy]

ESP/ LTD make a great guitar. I've still got my first guitar (Lefty Budget EC-50), still gets played even though I've got a Gibson and other costier guitars. More modern feel, Belly cut, better access up the neck. There's nothing not to like, one day I'll buy an EC-1000, again lefties available and plenty of finish and pick up configs.

[@DamianS1893]

Shane, I purchased a new LTD EC1000QM with the Evertune Bridge. 24 Frets with Seymour Duncan Pickups. It plays like a Dream.

[@stepvanjoe3469]

The new Gibson line are great. I picked up a bbq burst studio 2019 new with hard shell case on sale at G.C. for $990 this pasted December. The slim tapper neck profile has made it my no 1. Great lineup btw. Be safe

[@allanhindmarch7323]

I've also got a PRS SE245, tobacco burst. My favorite that I own, it's beautiful to play. Better than my fender tele deluxe Chris Shifflett sig series.

[@sidestyle05]

Reverend Sensei and Contender...better than any Gibson I've played!

[@jonm1544]

I have two Gibson Les Paul Standards as well as an Eastman SB59-GB. The Gibsons have that sturdy feel and do have a little extra sizzle sonicly. However, the Eastman is extremely competitive. The neck feels great and the it plays flawlessly. It sounds fantastic as well. The Eastman is a guitar I find myself reaching for a lot.

[@seanyoung8085]

Jon M totally agree. Magnificent guitars.

[@IndigoJo]

Are Fujigen still making Les Paul type guitars? Their Teles and Strats are meant to be pretty good quality and a lot less expensive than the originals.

[@PetesGuitar2303]

I love my ESP LTD EC 1000 Deluxe, plays and sounds as good as any of my Les Paul’s, absolute quality and a premium feel to boot. But I love my PRS SE the most out of all of mine

[@toddflowers8052]

Great list mate ! 😎🎸🎶

[@travisbashista8868]

The esp eclipse and Ltd ec1000t are absolutely amazing guitars. You should definitely look into testing one out

[@NerdGasims]

I’ve played a ESP E2 eclipse and ESP/LTD EC-1000. Both were top quality guitars and played great the E2 Eclipse was really a great guitar and had a really comfortable neck

[@ThBraveBraveSirRobin]

ESP/LTD EC-1000 is an awesome guitar. I love mine.

[@PeteKaster]

Dare I say Firefly LPs? Chinese with good wood construction and bone nuts for $200 US. Upgrade to make them great.

[@mikecorey8370]

I've got a Epiphone Plus Top Pro. Absolutely love it. Never had to do a thing to it. $550. U.S. It's surprising you were able to find so many lefties. It's tough. Even the G.C.'s around here in Michigan U.S. just don't carry them. Ordering is not a problem, but you can almost never play one.

[@2k10anupam]

I have an ESP LTD les paul design guitar and it's barely 230 USD

[@chuwy2k]

What about Cort Guitars, RC200/RC250? I know they exist but I've never tried them. 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼😉👌🏼👋🏼🙂🇺🇾

[@myndflowers7751]

Can you do a inexpensive SG list?

[@souravmohapatra5685]

Please review hagstrom guitar

[@henrikjohannessen3017]

Just want to leave this here: Wolf WLP 750!

[@johnm3152]

Good choice. A friend just scored one and loves it.

[@henrikjohannessen3017]

@@johnm3152 I got one in November, and it is better than several Gibsons I have tried! Unreal for the price.

[@andrewwatkinson9470]

Added a WLP750T to my quiver this week, and it is an amazing value. Couldn't find a thing wrong with it.

[@leonthompson8988]

I bought a mint condition used Gibson l.p. tribute 2016 for 699 bucks. My Vintage v100 icon has a great 60s neck profile and is very well built

[@ghostx697]

I would take any Japanese made guitar over a US Gibson product without question. For me tho, ESP has really stepped up the quality from Navigator or Edwards(lawsuit brands) to ESP/LTD. I’ve never been disappointed with their fit/finish or playing quality.

[@firemarshal2629]

I highly recommend the schecter solo series. Fantastic guitars made in South Korea.

[@DMSProduktions]

ANYTHING Made in China atm, won't hold much value, with China being very on the nose right now!

[@thBrilliantFool]

Made in China is garbage

[@DMSProduktions]

@Mark Seymour You'd know! You are NOT worthy of that avatar!

[@rsmallfield]

My Chinese Epiphone 339 is made every bit as well as my ‘80s Japanese Ibanez Roadstar II was.

[@joefaber1381]

May I suggest trying a Firefly and a Wolf LP style guitars.

[@ThorstenKBlock]

What about Vintage Guitars UK and Hagstrom?

[@marvinbernard2566]

I own a Prestige (not the Ibanez model) les paul style and it is fantastic they retail about $1200 us but can go used at about a third less. Also CMG is a USA made brand with some excellent les paul style guitars and a custom shop. They’ve only made about 1000 guitars ever but if you want a truly unique les paul at a great value check them out.

[@BeardedBluesDude]

The thing I love about the LP special is it has the bound neck which you don't see a lot on the Studio models. The play great, sound amazing and so much less than a standard. Hard to beat for sure!

[@christopherhester2845]

I have an 2008 ESP 1000. It is better than my 2019 Les Paul in some ways. No tuning issues and it is lighter. I use to like the EMG pickups but I am going to swap them out for passive. My 2019 Gibson LP GT Tribute sounded great and played great when I bought it. Never owning one before I was aware of the tuning issues. I purchased a string butler. That solved the problem. I upgraded the tuners, pulled out the circuit board and pots and replace the pickups. I didn’t have to replace the pickups but that is just some I do sometimes. I fill that now that I did all that it is the guitar I should of purchased to begin with. I do play it now more than my others, but to get it where I thought it needed to be cost me an extra $300 not including the pickups. Putting that at around $1700. It still doesn’t stay in tune like the ESP but it is a lot better. Thanks Shane this is helpful. I do own a lesser expense LTD and it plays fine. With the cheaper guitars I just worry about having to do a lot of work to make them play well.

[@greghenderson4582]

you Forgot Hagstrom and Hamer ....the Hamers are now made in Indonesia ..and are amazingly good ...KMC owns them now I am afraid they are going to stop due to lack of interest or sales and the Hagstroms are made now in China ...but they are killer !!! Their pickups are great !!!

[@TT-cz6cn]

Hey Shane, what about the Vintage V100s? Especially the Moore/Greenie Lemon Drop one. Thanks for the great videos!

[@victorramsey5575]

I have a Gibson Les Paul Standard (60s neck) with 498 bridge/'57 neck pickups. And I have a ESP LTD EC-401QM with EMGs. The Gibson is basically a pretty piece of art in the corner of the room as the ESP gets played WAY more! Going on neck feel alone, it just fits my hand perfectly and of course with active EMGs its a pure metal machine but does blues and cleans great too. Id sell the Gibson before the ESP.

[@TeroZone]

What about the Hagstrom? (Hagström)

[@LoydChristmass]

Single cut style guitars are my prefered to play something about the look I'm in love with. I own Gibson, ESP, Harley Benton, Schecter and Epiphone. I recently put a set of Fishman pick ups into my esp eclipse and I love playing it with heavy music. Ibanez has particularly great guitars in the mid price range as well. Those law suit era guitars have been catching my eye lately.

[@larryperez5761]

Great channel Shane, appreciate what you do. What do you think of the Agile 3200MCC from Rondo Music?

[@patrickschef]

You forgot Edwards! You have one right? (Or am I confusing you with another KZbinr?) Can't go wrong with an Edwards!

[@Marcoshary]

One brand that is really worth mentioning is Burny guitars, MIJ too. I heard the early ones(early 80's) are fantastic. I own one, early 90's, although not as good as the first ones, supposedly, it's very very good. I also own an Orville by Gibson FV, great one too.

[@darphbobo55]

I’m getting closer up the ladder to a les PauI haha. I have a Harley Benton sc custom and a 76’ Greco eg700.

[@zackhagains3739]

Great video. I like seeing other brands of guitars that may not be available in my part of the world. That being said, have you ever seen or play CMGs (Chris Mitchel Guitars)? It's a small builder in Statesboro, GA (USA). Their main guitar is the "Ashlee" and it's a LP style of guitar. The entry price is around $900 USD but you can customize them in many ways, obviously for a higher price. They feel, play and sound great! If you get a chance check them out. Thank again.

[@markc2427]

Oscar Schmidt by Washburn are pretty decent too. I made a few budget upgrades and it rocks...

[@Axess-sv8nq]

I just got an Epiphone Les Paul MUSE in 'Smoked Almond' (Goldtop) for $419 blemished - it had a very tiny dent/cut in one of the pickup surrounds and it took me over 5 minutes to find it! It has the Coil Splitting and the tone for the neck pickup has phase-switching! It's also THINNER and LIGHTER than a standard Les Paul (7.5lb / 3.4kg). So, it's easier on the back and shoulders of old dudes like me! ;-) I love mine! It's my main guitar now!

[@derpimusmaximus8815]

Well, I own an LTD EC-1000 (JB/59 combo), and it's a really good guitar. I'd say it's different from my Gibsons, rather than better or worse, because if I just pick them up for a noodle, I play differently with them. As with all things gear, the choice is not so much which do you buy, it's which you buy first...

[@benlogan430]

LP Studios are the way to go! Especially on the used market! $500-750 USD...Studio faded are the least expensive ones. And my favorites!

[@SimpleZer0]

About ESP LTD: I bought an used ESP LTD F-405 bass for about 400€. It's a metal monster. With grover tuner, emg pickups and a nice playability. I can't imagine anything better for 400€. I can't say anything about guitars from ESP, but their basses are really great for the price. Greetings from Germany, have a nice day :D

[@TheGhostGuitars]

I have 2 (maybe 3, but I need do repairs to the bad work by PO before I can say much about it). First is one of my absolute favorite guitars of ANY styles. It's a 2012 Agile AL-3010. This is a premium Korean LP that's sold at less than premium prices. For under 500$US, you get a LP with abalone-inlaid ebony fretboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets, at least @ 12" radius and black TUSQ nut. The headstock has a mildly weird design which can be forgiven since it sports mother-of-pearl inlays, Grover tuners and a lower amount of tiltback (about equal to an Epiphone). All this on a really chunky 50s style mahogany neck that is set onto a full-thickness mahogany body with a thick flame maple cap. The entire top (body, fretboard AND headstock) is fully bound. The stock pickups sounded SO similar to a set of Pearly Gates that I ended up keeping the stock chrome covered pups and installed the real Pearly Gates into a different guitar! My particular AL-3010 had what was called Oceanburst, blue that fades into a transparent teal (greenish-blue) center which nicely shows off the flame maple. The backsides sports a darker teal blue. The bindings are cream. The pup rings are black and the pickguard is 3-ply black/white/black. The hardwares are chrome plated which includes a fully adjustable T.O.M. bridge and saddle bars. This guitar plays fantastically, once I got used to the chunky neck (before this I favoured, and still do now, thin Wizard type necks). I've named it in Hawaiian, Kaʻōmaʻomaʻo (The Green). The biggest drawback may be that this LP is easily one of my 2 heaviest guitars (ignoring basses), the other being a 2011 Ibanez XH300, which is an all-mahogany HH SuperStrat with active electronics that is so big that I had to get a bass gig bag just to carry it. Even then, twas still a tight fit! The other one is a 80s vintage Japanese Cort Flying V lawsuit guitar. This transparent red beauty has 22-fret rosewood unbound fretboard on a somewhat chunky mahogany neck set onto a body that is likewise VERY similar to the real the real thing. Aside from the oversized truss cover, the headstock is VERY similar to a Gibson gennie. The hardwares are gold, with Cort branded sealed tuners and string thru strat-styled hardtail. The 6 saddles are a bit unusual and I suspect they're not originals. They're not gold and are noticably wider than the string-thru hole. Easy to fix. The 2 humbuckers don't look original and the wiring is a bit messed up. Also easily fixed, altho I opted to upgrade them to gold plated Whole Lotta Humbucker set with Triple-Shots. The truss cover and pickguard was replaced with custom cut brass versions. The electronics upgraded to Gibson-spec wiring with gold switch and brass tip. The knobs are also swapped for brass knobs with set-screws. The output jack plate has been changed to brass with gold Pure Tone mono jack. This guitar is fun to play on! OH, just remembered that this video is about LP alternatives...oh well...hmmm...nah not gonna delete the V. LOL

[@univoxdeluxe]

I own two Agile 3200 guitars. Best comparison to a Gibson Custom, except for neck thru construction. 5 piece walnut / maple neck thru, with carved lower access on back. Just an upgrade to the custom. Heavy? Yes. But, so was the Gibson Custom. Sustain for days. Perfect frets and intonation on both Agile 3200mcc's. These guitars are hand crafted in the Custom shop Rondo Factory in South Korea, and were pre-order. The Rondo Factory in South Korea are excellent craftsman. They also make left handed models, and they make the SX models you mentioned. Some of the sought after Epiphone Les Paul's made in Korea were also made at the Rondo Factory. I wouldn't sell either of my Agiles. But my Gibsons are long gone.