The Epiphone Greeny Les Paul Has A Gibson Headstock?! Do You Care?

The Epiphone version of Gibson's iconic "Greeny" Les Paul was just announced and it has a Gibson headstock! This is a first in the Epiphone world. You can be just like Kirk Hammett of Metallica for a fraction of the price...and not have to play a guitar with the Epiphone headstock. That's good, right? You let me know in the comments.
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#guitar #epiphone #gibson #lespaul #kirkhammett #greeny

[@TomButwin]

Greeny on Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/1rdZVx The Epiphone Greeny Les Paul: www.zzounds.com/a--3980673/item--EPIEIGCKH59

[@BlockDefender]

It's the unfortunate truth that the logo/headstock plays a big role in the image of a professional guitar player because of subconscious cultural associations. A lot of people think being a headstock snob is a status thing (which it may be) but it's actually genuinely important for a guitarist's personal brand to be associated with the community of other name-brand players rather than amateurs or hobbyists. Being talented doesn't hurt, but it's branding/marketability/image that actually makes or breaks a career, and presenting a certain level of professionalism can absolutely play a huge part in that. Thats why as a professional, when I play cheap guitars, I try to go for guitars that aren't perceived as the cheaper alternative to something else like epi/squire type brands, clones with a different headstock, etc. There are a ton of brands and models that are smaller and unique to themselves without any negative subconscious biases attached and they are just as good!

[@bobmanners8624]

I don't think 95% of the people that you are playing for would know the difference between one headstock or another. It's in your head, cause all they care is that the sound is there!

[@BlockDefender]

@@bobmanners8624 You would be surprised how many people know the differences, especially the people in the music industry

[@ronqueral9651]

I own epiphone guitars and nevermind the headstocks, its the feel of the neck matters

[@TomButwin]

👏👏

[@mgsg50]

I’m unfortunately a headstock snob, and I can’t really help it. I wasn’t always this way. I think it changed when I got to a place where I could start buying higher end guitars. However I still recommend tons of guitars to beginners or people on budgets that I would pass on solely based on the headstock.

[@geraldpinkerton6412]

I own many Epiphones with the old “clipped” wings headstocks, & I have Gibsons with the “open book” headstock, & the distinction never bothered me. I love the new Kalamazoo headstock Epiphone has, & now I prolly won’t buy an Epiphone if it has the old style. I actually picked up the Epiphone Greeny today, & while the Gibson style headstock looks great, I probably would have still bought it even if it would have had the Kalamazoo headstock, because I collect Epi signature models, & this model is a must have. It’s not that big of a deal to me. I think Gibson purposefully kept the headstock different on the older Epis to maintain that distinction, but I know a lot of people who would have bought Epiphones, but they hated the old headstocks. I think the new CEO realizes this, & is making this change. What many people don’t realize is there’s budget guitars under the names of either Baldwin or Maestro by Gibson, & these are super cheap beginner student guitars in the sub $100 range with bolt on necks & crappy hardware, & THEY have always had the Gibson style open book headstocks! Go figure. So I guess I’m kind of a snob now that I favor the Kalamazoo headstock over the clipped wing, but Epiphones having the open book on the headstock isn’t really a big deal to me. I actually like the Kalamazoo headstocks better even than the open book & I wouldn’t mind if Epiphone just continued using the Kalamazoo lol

[@TomButwin]

That’s gotta be a cool collection! Would love to know what else is in it.

[@geraldpinkerton6412]

@@TomButwin as far as my Epiphone signature collection goes, I have a Joe Perry Boneyard, a Zakk Wylde Bullseye Custom, an Ace Frehley Custom, a Slash Plustop, a Slash J-45, a Toni Iommi G-400 Sg, the George Thorogood Whitefang, the Jerry Cantrell Wino, the Adam Jones Frazetta Custom, the Billy Joe Armstrong LP Junior, the Alex Lifeson Axcess Custom, & now the Kirk Hammet Greeny. Would still like to get a Tom Delonge ES-333, maybe the Bonomassa Lazuras, & maybe the BB King Lucille. The upcoming Dave Grohl looks cool too 😏

[@CM-iq2jq]

Prolly?

[@geraldpinkerton6412]

@@CM-iq2jq oh, I’m sorry. PRO-BAB-LY 🤣

[@henryweiland7761]

I've been wishing for this for years. I've always felt the epiphone headstock was far uglier than the gibson ones. This is great! I do think certain guitars should have the old epiphone headstock though, like their casinos and such. But on a les paul it SHOULD be the gibson shape.

[@TomButwin]

It’s here now! Sounds like it’ll be in some future Epiphone signature/customs as well, but not the whole lineup.

[@teleguy5699]

Bought a Les Paul Junior. It looks great. Like a true Junior. I bought it for it's rock and roll pedigree, but the headstock and finish add to the appreciation of the guitar. I also have a Harley Benton model. Great little guitar too. The Gibson scratched my itch for an American made model like my American made Fender model. Bucket list time as I age. I'm a bedroom player so nobody is going to see my collection anyway.

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Get that Gibson disgusting headstock off that beautiful Epiphone..here we go again first it was Norlin that ruined Epiphone quality..then 2019 JC curliegh restored Epiphone back to where they should have always been..2023 Gibson trying to ruin epiphone once again

[@TomButwin]

If they did this to a Casino, I’d be on board with you.

[@rockhead69]

"Look daddy... I'm a Gibson hater, too...do you love now?" Man up, dude !

[@LarrytheMan-uc4ev]

​@@rockhead69man up what? That it's you playing the joke of the guitar world ..let me set you straight little man ..no Les Paul and Epiphone.. there would be NO GIBSON LES PAUL TODAY

[@FrankBuyers...guitarista-iu3zg]

Maybe he should take a look at my 2021 epiphone Les Paul the real deal and not one Gibson comes close to it

[@zombieparrot2606]

I love the open book headstock that Gibson has. The only guitar I would pay for the Gibson moniker tho is the SG. I just love SGs, and I think they look so good with the Gibson headstock. But I love epiphone. I don’t care about the headstock tho I like the newer Epi ones. I have a 60s epi LP. And besides, the Beatles used Epiphone haha. The reason I would buy this epi greeny is because it has that great shape but without the “Les Paul” silk screen. It looks so good just plain black. Great video btw 👏👏👏

[@TomButwin]

Appreciate it! Thank you for watching. Took me awhile to actually play one, but I agree on the SGs. Such a cool guitar. I’ve got a video on here of the first one I ever played.

[@zombieparrot2606]

@@TomButwin I will defend check it out! Thanks!

[@btbb3726]

I’d be more interested in the angle of the headstock than the aesthetics of the headstock.

[@TomButwin]

Now we’re talkin’

[@pete1342]

Yep, for sure. Hopefully Epi didn't use the Gibson headstock angle.

[@btbb3726]

@@pete1342 I’m not certain but I do seem to recall seeing/reading that the Epi’s have gone with a different headstock angle. The information I saw claimed that the Gibson LP headstocks are at 17° and the Epiphone LP headstocks are at 14°. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@welle1018]

I play Epiphone Wildkat and a Sheraton. Epiphone headstock on the Wildkat looks really cool tho, not so sure about the Sheraton. I might prefer Gibson 335's headstock over sheraton, but it's purely aesthetic reasons. Sheraton's headstock feels like it's too big, heavy and overdone. The name on the headstock doesn't concern me much

[@brian91145]

I have a SG special Epiphone that is a total chopper and love it to death! I moded everything on/ in it

[@TomButwin]

If it works it works! Doesn't matter what the name on the headstock is...but I still have that mental block on my Epiphone lol

[@sjmusicforlife4638]

Have a new Epi 59 LP, and two Gibson LPs. The epi kalamazoo headstock is unique and importantly it plays great. That’s all that matters.

[@olganesterowicz]

Epiphone headstock should be kept the original way. I don't wanna the headstock breakage!

[@MikaelLV]

I'm such a snob in fact that the shape alone isn't enough. I also need the Gibson logo if I am to buy a Les Paul.

[@rockhead69]

Yes, I do !

[@Johnny_Doe]

For status, the logo, model and materials matter. For playing not so much as long as the tone and playing is great.

[@TomButwin]

Yup!

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Yes, yes I am, a headstock snob. 😉🤣With one caveat, Playing at home, no. Playing out, yes. A perfect example, I have an Eastman SB 55V and a new Gibson Les Paul Junior and there is no way in heck I would play the Eastman at a gig. It's just the way it is.

[@TomButwin]

I think that’s where I’m at too. I use that Epiphone Les Paul to track stuff at home all the time, but I’ve not taken it to a gig in the last 20+ years.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

😉👍@@TomButwin

[@ethanmullett4128]

could you make an epiphone sound like a 59 les paul, i believe you could givin the right type of make over, yk pickups and pots and caps, all that jazz. can you make an epi look like a 59 lp, not a chance. this is a good middle ground

[@TomButwin]

Good point. Question is…which matters more? Looks or sound? (Or feel?)

[@ethanmullett4128]

@@TomButwin feel in my opinion. my main lp is a gibson LP tribute which i've rewired to 50s spec and it sounds and feels fantastic, to be fair i do think i got an exceptionally resonant example. i really think that for 7k outta the custom shop, your not getting much more besides looks and tone wood🤷‍♀️

[@starsturncold]

Even if epiphone just made a whole new headstock that isn’t the traditional epiphone one they’d boost sales. They’ve made great strides but it’s still a goofy headstock. Doesn’t matter how you dress it up. 😂 I bought a es335 pro with the newer headstock and it’s a great guitar, and the headstock looks way better.

[@GothicXlightning]

YES I ALWAYS CARED not about this guitar despite me liking Kirk hammett but cos i always preferred and loved the open book Gibson style headstock inifinite times much more than the abortion of ugliness that epiphone used to do thanks to the SKYGODS they are changing that since 2 years ago i start developing huge appreciation for some Epis such Black custom SG and Black Beauty custom Les paul etc

[@TomButwin]

There are some great Epi’s out there, that’s for sure.

[@GothicXlightning]

true my friend i have learned to accept that as fact i own both SG & Black Beauty Lp custom versions my fav so far aside the several other good ones such Custom Lps silverburst Adam jon signature and winy jerry cantrell sig etc Epi as has become as good as Gibson but without the whole OVERPRICE BS NONSENSE

[@stevehrrn9445]

Nicest headstock is on an Epiphone Blackthorne, an 'affordable' archtop from the 1940s - almost Perrless like, with nearly straight string paths. More sensible than the Les Paul headstock which is too wide and too steep.

[@danedwards5707]

Fender and Squier use the same headstock. Gibson and Epiphone should too

[@TomButwin]

On models that were originally Gibsons (SG/LP), definitely a good argument for that.

[@budgetguitarherogeartv4143]

Imo it will only increase the desirability of the brand. Headstock shape is important to me. There are some beautifully spec's guitars with absolutely shocking Headstock designs. Take Sire for example. The headstock looks like it's been cut by an 11 year old in woodworking class!

[@robertcarlson5411]

Yes I care about the headstock, I won’t by a Fender Strat with the bigger headstock. I want a Les Paul gold top but I don’t want to pay $3,000, but Epiphone headstock doesn’t appeal to me.

[@Zoilu]

yes

[@fightforfreedom5193]

If it doesn't say Gibson on the headstock it is not worth $1500. Been shopping for used Gibson Les Paul 60's standard and for a few hundred dollars more you can grab a mint Gibson standard. By the way I have the Epi '59 standard lemon burst basically the same guitar for half the price.

[@TomButwin]

$1,500 is pretty steep, I agree.

[@bassplayer8815]

I yam who I yam. I prefer the old headstock

[@bobmanners8624]

Insane. This "Greeny" is a marketing scam. The Epi 1959 Les Paul Standard Outfit for $750.00 was a screaming deal - and came with a plush hardshell case! Most people you are playing for wouldn't know one headstock from another. It's in YOUR head.

[@TomButwin]

It’s most certainly in my head, that’s for sure. My ‘98 Epiphone LP is such a great guitar.

[@brittsmith8260]

I agree, I bought it, and it is an excellent guitar which comes with a great case. Can't beat it.

[@ace7271]

Yes!!! And over the top…great video and question. A headstock that I consider horrendous, would stop me from Playing or buying it. Example BC Rich and that atrocious Widow headstock. Nope! Dean As Well. I don’t even like the bigger 70’s Strat headstocks None of these headstocks “fit” on these guitars and just makes them look rather dumb. The Epiphone headstock has stopped Me from owning an Epiphone (I own quite a few Gibson’s ) but this Greeny has me interested with the correct headstock (i work at a guitar store and we just got these and I’m quite impressed with them because of the correct headstock. As well as the new Kirk Hammet V’s they are correct as well. Yea I guess I AM a Headstock Snob…😂😂😂

[@TomButwin]

I’m 100% with you on the big 70s style Strat headstocks. Just can’t stand them. Same with the Fender headstock on an acoustic. I can’t do it lol.

[@ace7271]

Right!!! This is a great video!!! I thought I was the ONLY one!!! Glad you touched on this topic!!!!

[@nikosmagnisalis6080]

Couldn't care less for the headstock. If it helps functionality, great! Don't care how it looks.

[@johntiger5]

No I don't care. I have Fender Strats, Tellys , a Gibson Firebird, and an Epiphone Gold Top L.P. The Epiphone sounds great. Sound matters more then the shape of the headstock or name. John Lennon played Epiphones. He didn't seem to mind.

[@TomButwin]

Tone and playing is king…but we all get caught up in aesthetics. At least I do, sometimes!

[@keithgrahammusic]

I am. Unfortunately. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TomButwin]

I might be too😂

[@manuedwards6959]

Well nevermind the headstock, I don’t expect to be that price😂

[@manuedwards6959]

Meant didn’t

[@TomButwin]

It ain’t cheap!

[@LarrytheMan-uc4ev]

That's because most of you don't know Epiphones history

[@FuzzWoof]

I only really care because it's stupid that Gibson-derived Epiphones ever had an Epiphone headstock in the first place, as they're not traditional Epiphones, they're cheap(er!) versions of Gibsons. Actual Epiphone models like the Sheraton, etc? No problems with the Epi headstock on those.

[@TomButwin]

Great point! I agree.

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

My 2021 epiphone Les Paul cost me $1,400 and has the original Kalamazoo headstock also worth every cent that more than I can say for any Gibson does anyone even want a Gibson today?

[@alsaunders2490]

New to the channel- im more an amp snob, and by that i mean - please dont bring a full stack… imma judge you hard. You’re not evh.

[@TomButwin]

Welcome! Appreciate you watching. The appropriate gear for the gig/player is an art in and of itself. I totally agree.

[@jcrbama]

$1,500 for a Chinese made Epiphone? I'll pass or save up for the Gibson one. As far as the headstock, I like that Epiphone is using the Gibson "book" headstock.

[@TomButwin]

The price tag was a little shocking, I’ll admit.

[@MoeVanprick]

Chinese made? Hmm let's take a look at this. Epiphone Quindoe facility well it's completely American owned and operated. Epiphone/Gibson opened the facility in 2002 that was 21 years ago now who's inside that American owned and operated building. Scott Lewis he's the facility manager and his luthiers are American and Asian so this whole Chinese thing you poor misinformed people keep throwing out there really means nothing

[@stuartmiller7419]

They're selling a Chinese Epiphone for more than the lowest priced US Gibson, and you're suggesting that 'headstock snobs' are more interested in the shape of it rather than the name on it or the price tag? Ultimately, it's time for people to grow up. I hear people talk about 'gigable guitars', when what they mean is 'guitars I wish to be seen playing on stage'. Either learn to play a good guitar well, or don't, but don't pretend to yourself that the name on the headstock, its shape, it's colour, the country of manufacture or any other marketing BS you've been sold, determines its playability, tonal capabilities or your chances of being regarded favourably for playing it. Vacuous materialism abounds!

[@srogers500]

I am not a headstock snob. I'm a man that appreciates beauty, gaudiness, and horrific taste. Epiphone Les Paul headstocks are the ugliest of any mass produced guitar from any of the big brands. It didn't stop me from buying one, but it is ugly.

[@TomButwin]

This comment took me on a ride and I loved it lol. That’s awesome.

[@srogers500]

@@TomButwin Being an Epiphone fan is an emotional roller coaster.

[@S.Lang7]

Nope, don’t care at all what’s on the headstock.

[@TomButwin]

👏👏

[@jamesseverin]

Whats a headstock? 🤪

[@TomButwin]

That’s the ultimate question.

[@bbsoni4814]

i prefer the. original. Epi headstock, more authentic even on les pauls, i guess it gave a real identity to Epiphone guitars.... that "Gibson". Epi headstock. on Greeny doesn't look right to me and the finish is weird..... too yellowish which is not how greeny. was when Peter had it

[@TomButwin]

I wonder what the finish looks like in person on the Epi

[@hotrodjones74]

I love my old style headstock Epiphone Les Paul guitars. I feel there's something more punk about them. Noel Gallagher used one on his first album Definitely Maybe.

[@megadave1197]

Oasis punk? lol

[@heycouper1835]

Little do people know but Les Paul himself originally was an Epiphone guy

[@olganesterowicz]

I didn't know that! I reckon most Epiphones used to be made in USA.

[@styrenebuilds6851]

People keep saying Squier uses the Fender headstock but Epiphone was it's own brand before the modern import versions and never used a Gibson headstock. So the "newer" old Kalamazoo shapes would be more appropriate . Squier was started as a cheaper version of Fender company. Gibson bought Epiphone back then because they were competition .

[@TomButwin]

Squier was actually a string company Fender acquired and then repurposed the name/brand! You’re point is well taken though. Not at all the same as Epiphone, which had its own established identity and line of instruments.

[@stevenbodo965]

I think most people hate the old Epiphone headstock not because it was different from the Gibson headstock but because it just wan't a good design. It was ugly. The new E. headstock is what they always should have : Gibson-is but not the same. Now, with the G. headstock on the Epiphone Greeny I wonder if Epiphone is gonna Disney it and start alienate buyers by going down a rabbit hole of ever changing headstocks.

[@drdoktor77]

I'm more concerned with how much they want to charge for the thing.

[@sgtmac62]

Yes I am, and I'm o.k. with it.

[@hammill444]

Who cares about the headstock? It’s the price tag that is of more concern. It’s preposterous.

[@TomButwin]

It’s definitely expensive.

[@christopherfidler3019]

according to Mat Koehler (Gibson Brands VP) The Gibson open-book headstock will be featured only on Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Shop models going forward while Epiphone standard models will continue to use the current Kalmazoo headstock 🍺🇨🇦

[@TomButwin]

Good info! Cheers!

[@christopherfidler3019]

@@TomButwin No Problem. Epiphone is just trying to upcharge customers is all this is but it only affects their Custom Shop models. There was a narrative going around yesterday or "hope" that they were changing the headstock permanently to the Gibson open-book headstock but this isn't true.

[@jmanningmbt]

Snob, I don't know. The headstock shape does not make the Epiphone a Gibson, but, it does water down the value of real Gibsons

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Vast majority don't want that pathetic Gibson on our epiphones in the first place

[@TomButwin]

😂👏 yes! I love this take

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

@@TomButwin most don't understand that Epiphone was never ever meant to be a budget brand in the first place Norlin ruined them when they took over Gibson..2019 JC Curliegh Restored Epiphone back to where they should have always been..but it's looking like Gibson is going to pull that garbage again..I was reading that people want epiphone to brake from Gibson and become their own again epiphone can do this and they also own the rights to the Les Paul name and rightfully so.. epiphone doesn't need Gibson not one single bit so hopefully sometime next year epiphone will say goodbye to Gibson there has already been talk about this a few years ago

[@rj-zero1453]

Love the new Gibson Headstock on the Epiphone, that headstock is iconic to a Les Paul and looks great.

[@TomButwin]

It certainly is iconic to that guitar.

[@FrankBuyers...guitarista-iu3zg]

The headstock on Epiphones except this greeny are the original Kalamazoo Epiphone headstocks they aren't new epiphone was returned to high end almost 5 years ago and the original epiphone Kalamazoo headstock was also returned

[@rj-zero1453]

@@FrankBuyers...guitarista-iu3zg Yes, the new/old Epiphone Headstock was a nice and wanted change to the ugly cheap looking Tombstone Headstock.

[@megadave1197]

@@FrankBuyers...guitarista-iu3zg I’ve owned numerous epiphones over the years and I wouldn’t call them high end they are beginner/ intermediate guitars. I can’t see why you’d want an Epiphone headstock on a Gibson copy. The Casino I can understand as it’s an Epiphone but I always consider these Gibson copies for what they are basically a Squire equivalent in the Gibson space. I’m not knocking Squire as I own a Classic Vibe which is a good guitar

[@FrankBuyers...guitarista-iu3zg]

@@megadave1197 do you own epiphone from 2019 to present? No you don't. Your reply is invalid not even slightly close to any truth

[@Ryansick11]

I hate to admit it, but I am definitely a headstock snob. That Epiphone headstock shape just gives me shivers, do not know why, I guess the years of reading articles and watching videos has turned me. But Epiphones are fantastic guitars, no doubt about that.

[@TomButwin]

I know. Same here. I know I’m full of it, but I can’t help it lol

[@outernationalstudios]

I definitely care- the epi headstocks are the reason ive never owned one- come on gibson- just let it happen. We need this to be a permanent new thing!