What's up with Epiphone? $1500 Adam Jones Les Paul Custom & Greeny
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- Опубліковано 13 лют 2024
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Epiphone Greeny
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Epiphone Adam Jones Custom
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Epiphone Greeny
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Zzounds- www.zzounds.com/a--3979426/item--EPIEIGCKH59
Epiphone Adam Jones Custom
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Zzounds- www.zzounds.com/a--3979426/item--EPIEIGCAJLPC79N
The thing that surprised me with the Adam Jones is that they went with the Custombucker (which on its own is already $270) and a Duncan Distortion, when the Gibson Adam Jones Standard (not the custom shop version) didn't. I think for someone that wants a 70s style lp custom with top shelf electronics, and particularly if they wanted a silverburst, this one seems almost like a no-brainer.
Pickups don't matter. If you are paying a premium for PAF style pickups on a guitar, you are an idiot.
It’s sick!
As long as America continues to pay anything and everything for all consumer goods today, it won't stop.There is no incentive for businesses to lower prices if everything sells.
I fully believe this statement sums up the current "inflation" issue facing the US economy.
Capitalism
Dont buy them.
Well, yes. This is exactly how free markets work. I doubt you'd prefer a fully managed economy.
My only bitch is if you’re going to use these guitars to fill that niche then they should be plek’d. For this price point I think that’s a fair request, and if they did that I’d almost forget about the price. Almost.
Here is my take, when Gibson was buying up all these companies and trying to get into other markets it turned out to be a bad move. The other companies weren’t doing well and the Guitar side of their business was funding the failing ones. That’s when we saw the collector series come out which were guitars anywhere from 6K and up. Plus they increased the prices on all other Gibson‘s. Once they declared bankruptcy and got rid of all the failing businesses and got back to just making guitars the prices were still a bit much for people to swallow. But Gibson had to stick with those prices, because if they lowered the prices of their guitars they would be admitting they were screwing everybody for years. So I think in response to that they started increasing the quality of the Epiphones to gain back some of the market. I too have one of the Gibson inspired ES 335s and it is an amazing guitar. But what has always been peoples issue with Epiphones, the headstock, it’s not as attractive as the Gibson headstock . So I think this is why they’re creating these high-end Epiphones with Gibson headstocks. $1500 sounds like a lot but when a Gibson version of the same guitar is anywhere from double to triple that price people will be willing to pay it to get a quality instrument with the headstock they want.
I went on a limb and bought the AJ. I’m glad I did. The thing is absolutely sick. Plays so well, and the tone is heavyyyyyy!
They sound nice Steve. I bought an Indonisian made Schecter. I am blown away by how good it is and sounds. There are so, so, many different makes out there today. Some of which Im sure build for many name brands in thier factories.
Absolutely dude
$1,500 for an import guitar is not too much for a guitar that’s made in Japan or South Korea, but for something made in the people’s republic of slave labor, I mean China, it’s way too damn much. As an example, you can get a US made PRS S2 Standard 24 for the same $1500. Granted, you’re getting the import pickups and pots, but you’re getting a guitar that’s US made, nitro finished, and set up well from the factory. Step up a little more to an S2 10th Anniversary Custom 24, and you get everything that you get in a PRS Core Custom 24 aside from the bridge, but you get it for around $2100…half the price of an American made Core PRS. Gibson/Epiphone is way out of whack with their pricing. I’d happily pay $1500 for an Ibanez Prestige that’s made in Japan to what in my experience, is far superior tolerances and quality control versus the flaming turds that Epiphone pushes out of china. Anyone trying to pump up that garbage is selling corporate propaganda.
I picked up an “Inspired by Gibson” Epiphone 335 dot today and honestly the difference between it and the Gibson 335, which I also tried at the store today, was negligible. The quality of these new Epiphones are outstanding for the price point!
What a fantastic video have a wonderful day also happy valentine's day ❤😊
I noticed yesterday while browsing on Sweetwater that Gibson discontinued the Tribute series on ALL models. Your thoughts seem to be spot on. Epiphone is going to offer 2k or less price point while Gibson are 2k plus. I think it makes sense on a business level. We'll probably see more offerings from Epi at a higher costs then the current. Would be great to see more open book head stocks as well as nitro finishes on higher end Epi.
we are living in the golden age of guitars with so many awesome options across multiple price points. i would have loved to have this many options when i started playing in the late 90s. my options were to spend a thousand plus on something or spend sub 500 on a questionable import.
i own a couple of gibsons but some of these high end epiphone have impressed me when i picked up and played some of them at the stores. im not thrilled about spending that much on a chinese guitar but at the same time if it feels and plays great it doesnt matter where it comes from.
Good stuff, Steve! You mentioned that all of the Inspired by Gibson Epi guitars you have played since 2020 have been incredible. I’ve had the same experience. I still can’t believe how good these guitars are for the money. Great value! (Disclaimer: I’ve been a Gibson customer since 1978).
if only these options existed 20 years ago when I first started playing.
In Canada they cost 2100$ because of the xchange rate... It's plain ridiculous for an Epiphone. I always wanted that guitar but I can't justify spending that kinda money for a guitar made in China.
Took the words out of my mouth. Pricing themselves out of the market. There are so many options out there and great quality at a low price.
The price has gone up, but economy hasn't. This means wages wont go up either. These prices are inexcusable in my humble opinion.
Man, that thing is $2200 before taxes in Canada.... freaking insane!
Guys - they have stated this publicly. The higher end Epiphones are taking the position of the lower end Gibsons and they are trying to make a clear delineation. Expect lower end Gibsons to go away, Standards to be more expensive (which they already are) and high end range of Epiphones that fill that gap.
I've had Epiphone guitars for nearly 20 years (currently own five), never had issues with them. The more recent ones I got were from '21 and '22, QC is superb, definitely felt I was getting a much more expensive guitar. I'm not too tickled about the new custom ones, as you can find a used Standard 50s from their IBG line, comes with CTS pots, Mallory caps, long neck tenon, and you can upgrade the pickups and still be at about half of what these "custom shop" models are going for. That is if one can live without having "the right" headstock shape or color.
At the end of the day, it's about how well it plays, sounds, and the quality of its parts and construction. I've seen and played the AJ non-art, and it's very good.
Thanks a lot for this video! First time that I heard that someone explains where those prices come from.
On my way to the "real deal" (my Custom Shop Les Pauls) I bought various Epiphones (and I still own the Epi Joe Bonamssa Black Beauty 3 PUs and never give it away!)
and they all were great guitars.
Epiphone made a huge step forward in quality and I think: YES - that costs money for various things in production and better components!
And as we all know life is more expensive than 5 years ago!
But we all want the prices of the not so good ones?
I really like what they doing - but as long as we see Epipiphone as an budget-brand people will cry: So much money for an Epiphone?
Greetings from Germany!
Interested in how the DC High-Gain Humbucker, in the bridge of the Gibson version, compares to the Seymour Duncan Distortion in the Epi???
$1k before tax is my limit for an Epiphone (the 61 SG IBG with Burstbuckers is great). I have more than enough guitars now anyway.
Epi has come a LONG way I love em… great value in some of them
I love where Epiphone is going…everything sense 2020 is great…and I purchased the Greeny Epiphone and had the tuners replaced with Gibson Kluson style tuner because I want a more vintage vibe and I love the guitar so much! It plays great and has awesome tones. I would get the Adam Jones custom but I prefer a thicker neck so I’ll wait to see if Epiphone comes out with a custom with a thicker neck 🤞. I think the price is worth it 100% but what you like and keep rocking 🤘🏼
I think it’s kind of crazy that not even the Gibson Standard version of this comes with a Seymour Duncan. I think $1500 is a bargain for what this epiphone comes with. Even the hard case is gotta be worth $200
I have an epi lp classic. Bought it back in.2005. That guitar is incredible. For 500 bucks,Plays great, feels great, sounds great. For a Chinese guitar, I’m impressed. Epiphone has been killing it since 2004. As far as lps go. If I was still playing live, that would be one of the main two. Right now, the 59 epi is a great guitar. Everyone is hung up on the signature models. The only epi signature model that is really worth a shit imo is the Richie Faulkner V. Everything else is basically who can out slash slash. You know what I’m saying. And right now it’s Kirk. I have a standard. 2020. Love it, feels like Gibson, plays like a Gibson, sounds like a Gibson. I’m keeping everything stock. The burst buckers sound great. Covers all ranges. I know you hate these guitars, but the tributes are awesome for what they are. Especially the 2017 2018 models. I have a 18 but want a17 because that sound is gold. The guitar companies put sig models in people’s head and it took hold. Yeah les Paul is a signature, but a signature upon signature? RDJ explained it perfect in tropic thunder.
I started playing guitar in 1984 and I never owned an Epiphone. But there's a first time for everything and I ordered the Epiphone Adam Jones '79. Even though I am a Tool fan, I did not order it because of the associated name but for the specs.
Gibson has gone through the roof with their prices. Because of this, I believe it’s a good move for Epiphone to step up their game and offer those features most guitar players seek in a Gibson. Epiphone just launched their new line of 59s and they look really good. The MSRP 1299
These newer Epiphones are amazing. I purchased one of the Matt Heafy epis last year. It is a GREAT guitar - and Matt is very focused on affordable guitars for his fans. I do not own the current Adam Jones silverburst but do have the very first AJ Art guitar. It too is phenomenal but this one offers a couple of extras (like MOP inlays, THE Custombucker,etc) that more thank justify the price.
I also purchased a few months ago the Matt 6string in white, its an Swiss knife of guitars, I can do everything
I just got the Epiphone Tony Iommi SG (800 bucks on sale) and it's literally every bit as good as my SG Standard. Got a hardshell case included too.
I purchased the Noel Gallagher Riviera this week. Outstanding guitar. Plays like a dream. I got it new for $700 on sale. Nothing else I played compared to it unless I was going to pay 2k more. It also came with a case. It sucks in general everything is so outrageously priced. I won’t go over a grand for an import. I wish Gibsons and American made fenders would be affordable agin. 😢
I've been an Epiphone/ Gibson fan for a long time. I love the new "Inspired by Gibson" stuff. I own several, including the Adam Jones Veil of Bees. But for $1500, I'm gonna start looking at LTD or Schecter for my next guitar.
You can also get a PRS S2 594 brand new on a good day for $1500, that would be where I'd go if I were buying new.
Otherwise, I'd wait a year to see what these things sell for used.
@@trevor4533 You're right, I have a PRS SE 594, and it's GREAT. I'd like to try the S2
I would wait for a used Adam Jones guitar , patience is the key , when the price is right , jump on it . Lots of other great choices out there . Schecter solo ll , Ltd 1000 EC , Epiphone wino , Epiphone les Paul custom , PRS single cuts 594 . Head stock shape is not a issue for me .....
@@yeti1002 The Wino is a killer deal.
@@Zoso981 thanks for the feedback , Epiphone les Paul wino looks solid 👍💪 .
I bought an Epi Greeny. I didn't want to mod an actual Les Paul to reverse polarity on the pups. It's a killer guitar. The neck is pretty chunky and the pickups sound great. It's fully a pro instrument. I would buy it again.
I think the reason the Epiphone Greeny headstock looks off is because they removed the "Les Paul Model" logo from it. Our eyes are so used to seeing that logo that without it, it looks incomplete or odd. Sorta like how some car owners remove all the emblems from the back of their cars for a cleaner look, but as you are staring at it in traffic, it just looks weird.
My Epiphone '59 burst is my favorite guitar out of the 26 I own. I just traded for a NiB 'Berserker' Adam Jones Epiphone. Literally unplayed. I was tickled, and it's a really nice, well-made guitar.
Nobody is talking about the fact this guitar still has the Epiphone body contours, most visable on the fat rounded horn, and cheap Epiphone hardware (bridge, tailpiece).
At that price it is competing with Edwards and 80's Greco EGC's and both of those are a better deal.
Also I’m pretty sure plenty of other brands like ESP and Jackson price their import guitars at well over a grand now but no one seems to give them any flack. If Epiphone delivers on the quality, I can understand the price.
i bought a Gibson Les Paul Custom for 5k$ and im perfectly happy with it. I don't feel the urge to ever buy another guitar. I do intend to buy a second one in a different color of course as a back up. but i no longer have g.a.s.
I feel the same way, I have a Les Paul with humbuckers and one with p-90's. I'm good I can get everything done with these. Now that's probably why Gibson caters to collectors over players.
It's certainly a bold move, when posed the question "how can Gibson get away with charging so much more than Epiphone for basically the same guitar?", to come up with the answer "We have to charge more for the Epiphone ones then!"
I don't know Steve I have tried some many Epiphone's never been happy, but last summer I bought a new Gibson les Paul classic and it is amazing have you had this issue?, I can plug that guitar into any amp it the sounds it makes is like heaven your thoughts would be great Thanks Michael
I got the Iommi limited epiphone back in 2016 and that guitar is great! I often reach for it more so than my 1988 Gibson 62 reissue.
I did play some of the lower end Gibsons and was unimpressed. I wouldnt mind seeing better quality in Epiphone. But personally I would hold out for a Gibson Silverburst LP.
Wondering if you got your hands on a firefly Adam Jones Medusa Les Paul when they came out? For a couple hundred bucks, it's probably the best Firefly I have ever played. Great specs, and great feel. Obviously nowhere near the Epiphone, but still a really great player
I can't speak to specific comparisons because I've never played the new Epiphones, but I've played quite a few of those mid-2000's Les Paul Studios that are definitely worth owning and gigging with. Plus they are routinely going under $1,500 on the used market. I saw one even on the Guitar Center used site going for $929 for a gloss finish in ebony. I think if you are about spec and looks, you may want to go with the Epiphone but if you're trying to save money and still get a giggable guitar, used Studio's are still the way to go.
I ordered this exact Adam Jones epiphone yesterday and received it today.
In fact, I got 2.
Why? I’ve held and fiddled with the $3000 Adam Jones standard. The epiphone is better in my opinion.
First, it’s a recreation of his actual 79. It’s pretty accurate. The Gibson Standard is just that; a standard with a silverburst paint job. It didn’t even include a Seymour Duncan in the bridge.
Second, these guitars are VERY good. If it said Gibson instead of Epiphone, no one would be saying shit.
$1500 for a guitar with this type of build quality and a decent case isn’t bad. I’ve had a few of the $1400 Schecter SLS elites. They were NOTHING special in my opinion. The build quality was slightly worse in my experience and I just didn’t feel like I was really getting anything special.
You don’t have to be an Adam jones fan to appreciate this guitar. It’s just a GOOD guitar, and if you’re a AJ fan or tool fan, well, even better.
My first guitar was a Gibson back in 2001. It was my dream guitar. THESE Epiphones blow that Gibson out of the water. I have a Les Paul Prophecy in olive tiger that has amazing specs for $799!!!!! Fishman moderns, locking Grovers, mahogany body, ebony fret board, mahogany neck, graph tech nut, 24 jumbo frets…FOR $799. That’s a banger of a guitar for that price.
We seem to be forgetting about the Epiphone Elitist from 2002-2008, made in Japan. Quality was excellent and even Gibson made the pickups, built to historic specs.
definitely! Not as popular as they deserve to be
This new Adam Jones model is well worth the money. I just got mine today and it is just as good as the Japan models. It is absolutely worth it. I have a 2006 laq epiphone Japan custom and a 99 Japan standard. The fact that this one has the custom bucker in the need is a $300 pickup and what the custom shop puts in theirs
@@echopark78 it does look amazing!
You can get a USA-made Gibson standard used for $1800.00 or a classic for $1100
They changed it this year. Bro was right, they killed the studio range for 2k studio moderns.
Damn! it's hard to spend $1500 for a guitar that will lose so much value. I'll just wait for them to start poping up in the used market. @@lockedowng
...You'd be very very lucky to get a Classic that cheap these days lol.
Things change in time, but my theory is the Gibson marketing group realized they could sell more total units and at a higher per unit price by dropping some of the introductory models and creating basically a new brand image for Epiphone that provides a scalable model. The existing model has scaled laterally, not vertically. I really dig this new LP Custom because it has the Gibson ‘open book’ headstock. That matters to me, and it has great pickups and features. I’ve owned and currently own many Gibson LP’s and I really want one of these.
You made a good point. I already have an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty. It is a 2012 Korean model which I am very pleased. But, the fully bound oversized Gibson‘open book’ headstock with real MOP logo and split diamond inlay is my all time favorite. So, when I learned of these new Epiphone - Gibson Custom Shop models, I promptly called my Sales Engineer at Sweetwater and ordered one in Alpine White. I will definitely get the Ebony version as well soon.
If you look across brand at Ibanez and the Premium models and some of the AS line, these are priced in that range and the specs are there as you said... I think people just have a hard time seeing Epiphone stepping up in price point .. it's like Peavey gear.... Only worth $100 is a going inside joke for those that know how good some of the Peavey stuff is
im personally not upset about the new adam jones pricing, hell im probably going to get it. however the Greenie did rub me wrong for 1 reason. the Epihpone 59 exists. the greenie just didnt really bring anything really cool over the 59 outside of the headstock shape.. for another 600-700 bucks.. and yes it had greeniebuckers but the epi 59 has burstbuckers. meanwhile the adam jones is actually a pretty unique piece, and epiphone doesnt really have anything like it, sure they have the regular custom lets say i buy it and have it customized to look exactly like the adam jones and have the same specs + case. i honestly think id end up paying more than adam jones itself. i dont really mind its MIC as long as the end product is actually good. so far i have absolutely loved my epi 59, it came with no fret issues at all, which i got back when it was around 700. its important to remember that Made in japan and made in Korea guitars used to be viewed in the same light as made in china guitars are today, but manufactures improve as its workers get better at their job. and i honestly think we have been seeing that with Epiphone. but i understand why people are upset about a 1.5k epi, but its not like epiphone has stopped releasing affordable guitars, infact im quite sure they just recently released an LP studio line.
Again I must say Gibson ain't my thing and by the same logic Epiphone. But, ridiculous lawsuits aside, I get their move. I'm starting to look at their business model as kind of the same PRS and MusicMan are doing, the main brand remains a high end brand only serious players may consider while in parallel you have a mid to high tier import based sister brand that makes really good recreations of the real deal at a high yet approachable price for the enthusiast and semi pro crowd. And that's been going for a while now. It was pre pandemic when I was at a guitar store and saw a 7 string epiphone with a 1099 € tag that caught my eye (the Matthew Heafy model) and I tried it out just for fun and honestly it was better than many ESP or Schecter equivalents as far as sound and playability which left me quite stunned given how dodgy Epiphones used to be. Now with Harley Bentons that deliver those classic looks with good specs and incredibly low prices those sister brands need to step it up a notch and stand between those import knock offs and the Ferrari level main brand. So it makes perfect sense for me that Epiphone and Squier too follow that path of price and quality increase; and the choice by Epiphone to use the Gibson classic headstock design on their top tier products is a positive sign of the brand being actually taking things seriously instead of just being the official copycat.
I totally agree with you.👍

I recently got one of the greeny Epiphone and it’s one of the best feeling and sounding guitars I have ever played and I have been around plenty of Gibsons over the years and some of them didn’t play anywhere near as good as this does. I don’t understand all the hate behind the higher priced Epiphones they are awesome instruments and are not the epiphones of the early to mid 2000s that’s for sure. Give one a try before you judge it based on price.
I’m going to buy one these and I’ll tell you. It's not because I'm a massive Tool fan. I like them but I'm not crazy about them. But it has all the mods and upgraded I would do to an Epi. American electronics, a hotter pickup in the bridge, pick guard removed, etc. The custom shop dressing is also a factor. Because if I were to buy a custom LP it would be a Norlin era custom. And they are starting to go for collector moeny. The floor on them depending on condition is now in line with a brand new standard. And if you want a silver burst you are paying Murphy Lab custom money.
And yes I know Gibson has an Adam Jones Standard. But even if it didn't have his name on it. It just doesn't look right without the custom binding and diamond.
Just random FYI, I got response from Graph Tech about the previous Alex Lifeson signature Epiphone in Viceroy Brown.
"Thank you for the email and interest in Graph Tech. I would be happy to help with your inquiry.
Although the Epiphone Lifeson model with our LB63 bridge and Acousti-Phonic kit was quite popular, I believe that they decided to pull it. I think extra training & labor associated with the ghost install was determined to be too much
Thank you for your feedback
Best,
Graph Tech Guitar Labs Support Team"
IMO that guitar was a work of art and should be a regular offering from Epiphone so it can be used by more musicians these days, however they simply aren't up to the challenge of making them. Such a shame. The mix of the Les Paul combined with the piezo pickup and floyd rose is such a killer combo!
Love my Telecaster. 😉
Same. All 7
Food for thought: how far does 1500 bucks take you on the used market?
But wait!!
There’s more……. There is a cherry sunburst coming out also !! I seen it on a instagram post with the Adam Jones Epi !
I actually think it's a smart move on Gibson's part. They can't compete with the stuff coming out of China right now at that price point. The customer buying a Gibson is spending that money on the name and the heritage. People who are buying sub $500 guitars are looking for playability and higher end specs now, and they can get it from companies like Firefly and IYV.
Speaking of $1500.00 for a import guitar, Spector's import basses go from $2000.00 to over $3000.00 that's depressing!!!!
So here's the question that has been banging around in my head since yesterday. I have a 2011 Vintage Satin Cherry Gibson Les Paul Studio with the custombucker pickups (I have 3 Les Pauls). Do I sell my Studio to buy this Epiphone Adam Jones model or is that a bad move - open to your thoughts. Today - the Studio will sell for less used than what the Epiphone is going to cost me new - but what about 5 years from now...
Personally, I'd keep the studio and wait until these Epiphones settle on the used market.
Agreed
I have a 1999 cherry burst plus flame top that I bought back in about 2008 for 350 bucks.
The tuners were upgraded to gotoh by the original owner. The pick up on it say Pat applied for so I know there’s some sort of PAF… Maybe stock maybe not. All I know is that they sound great.
I’m in the process of upgrading the pots and caps to CTS 500K and bumblebee paper and oil caps . So that investment is raising my $350 to $450. There’s no way I’d ever spend 1500 bucks on a new epiphone.
Cool looking axe, I wrestled with getting an import Charvel for around the same price but I'm glad I did it I needed it for one of the bands I'm in. I do disagree with this being better than an actual Gibson studio. I have a couple of Gibson Studio's they're killer guitars not saying this is beneath it, equal maybe. I'll check one out maybe I shouldn't discount it before I try it.
One Les Paul, One SG - I’m pretty much set - I don’t need any more Gibsons. Maybe that’s Gibsons problem. Gibson needs to keep finding new customers to stay in business. You hear the term law of diminishing returns thrown around a lot in terms of paying more for a guitar. But the same may apply to customer retention. How many expensive Gibsons or Epiphones is the average guitar player actually going to buy. The more guitars the customer buys, the less likely they will be a customer for more. Greeny might be a magic guitar but (unpopular question) how many people today really care about the music of Peter Greene or Gary Moore.
I bought the queen bee today, $1299 but I paid $1099 with Memorial Day sale. Worth it but not $1500.
My first Les Paul was a '96 Epiphone that I picked up in the early 2000's. I think I paid about $400 at the time. It was always my view that Ephiphone was the "can't afford a real Gibson" guitar, much like Squier was the "can't afford a real Fender" guitar. I ended up getting a vintage Gibson Les Paul and loved it (still do) and I actually gigged with it too, until my fears of it getting stolen got the better of me and decided to leave it at home in favor of playing more replaceable guitars. Now...some of these high end Epiphones now over $1k? Now I'm back to the point that I'm not sure that I would gig with it. If I'm really into an Adam Jones, a Greeny, or another signature Les Paul...I'll put the money towards a Gibson and enjoy it at home or at practice. I think their "Inspired by Gibson" is an interesting take, and they're creating new product lines that are converting into sales, but I don't think I could get over spending that kind of money and it not being a Gibson.
Makes sense to me. Why would they redo their process for lower end Gibsons in order to get everyone to stop bitching about their quality when the margins aren't great. The margins are better, and (in the cases of the guitars I own) the quality is fine on high end Gibsons, so why not just commit to high end and let Epi fill in the sub $2k neighborhood? I get that doesn't please everyone, but if people are buying what they're selling they're playing the game correctly.
$1,500 is insane. It should be $800-$900 tops.
Disagree with your last comment. I have a Gibson Les Paul Tribute that I would much rather own than the Epiphone 59 custom (going like for like not a guitar attached to a name like Adam Jones or Kirk Hammett). Reason being that it will take years maybe even decades for the majority of the guitar playing population to not think of Epiphone as “cheap beginner Gibson” so resale value (again other than guitars attached to a name) will always be better. There are also countless videos on UA-cam showing the Gibson factory and process, I think there may be 1 old video of the Epiphone factory.
So you agree with the rest? Sounds like a win 🙌🙌
This comes to the same price as a used gibson les paul classic in mint condition. Just food for thought....
I have a epiphone 59 reissue comes the Gibson pickups and electronics new they’re $999 totally worth it better than a studio or tribute
Doesn’t the Epiphone 59 have Gibson ‘57’ pickups, wiring and electronics in it ?
Yes, not the 50s (that he was reading about), the 19598 does have two Classic 57 pups, cts pots and orange drop cap and a custom hardshell case (regular shape, not a chainsaw)
The custom bucker pickup in the neck is like 400 bucks by its self.
The JJ wino is just over half the price of this, and comes with a hard case
I got the epi 59 at release and it's good but it still had a lot room for improvement fit and finish wise. If these artist models have a higher quality to them and stuff that makes them special then there worth it. The epi 1979 adam jones custom is $2149 here in canada and the greeny is $2049 I'm scared to see the price of the epi DG 335 which is a must buy for me. The best epi I own is the brendon small ghosthorse explorer which picked up for $1049 cad best bang for the buck out there although isn't to everyone's taste it sounds and plays amazingly.
That's interesting that the AJ is more expensive than Greeny in Canada. They're both $1499 USD over here.
Brilliant moves by Gibson. Not only are they elevating Gibson into luxury, but they are moving Epiphone into the space WHERE Gibson lived a few years ago. I don't agree with it - but it's obvious to see where this is going. It is all about margins.
Throw the Gibson headstock on the Epiphone, people rejoice, and boom, we are spending $2K+ for a Chinese import (I am in Canada)
It will just further drive customers to amazing value brands like Sire.
Lets be fair. The 59 outfit comes with Gibson burstbuckers already for $749. The neck profile is a 59 just not the Greeny 59. So what. The only thing the Greeny has to it's advantage (if you want to call it that) is the headstock shape. Big deal. That doesn't add up to doubling the price.
What I can see in shops, a 1500 epiphone it’s finished and look way better than a Lespaul at 4500.
My epi greeny is so much better than my old gibson studio. Ordered the new AJ. It's a no-brainer to me at this point.
I mean if you can get a tokai , go for a tokai , those are high quality , look great and are very well made , made in china for the cheaper line and japanese made for the new epiphone price range , the japanese ones are incredible.
On the other hand 1500 bugs on import is not to expensive for an import as most ltds , schecters , and much more are imports and are great , but i do not think the epis change to much besides from pickups and headstock in order to charge that extra ammount.
As the oddball, I actually prefer Poly over Nitro. I own Gibsons, Schecters, BC Rich, Ibanez, and others besides my two Epiphones. My Epiphone Prophecy Extura and Les Paul Custom are my two favorite guitars. Not exaggerating at all. My other guitars are also good guitars but still I like what I like.
Don't forget that Epiphone was considered a higher quality guitar than Gibson before Gibson bought them. I don't mind their approach. I don't need any more Gibsons so the ones I have should go up in value. That being said, my Gibson Les Paul Studio is one of my favourite guitars.
They showed off a couple other non signature "inspired by" Epiphones in Japan last month. Including an ebony LP custom, and weirdly enough another '59. Looks like they have Gibson style bridges, rather than the flat head bridge. I would assume they will be slightly cheaper than the Greeny and AJ.
As for pricing. My take is, that around 20 years ago the MIJ Epiphones and Elitists were around $1k new. They also didn't have the same quality pickups and electronics. Although the MIJ ones are most likely much better made. Accounting for inflation and better quality pickups and electronics, on paper there would be more value here.
I think if they were made in Korea, they would be a little easier to stomach. Heck, a top of the line Ec1000 is $1500+ now.
I got one of the Adam jones art model’s and it’s the best guitar I’ve ever owned. It’s the closest I’ll ever get to having my dream guitar. I like what they’re doing. I’m so tempted to get this model too 😅
Haha same, Goddammit . Well guess we collecting silverbursts
I would be so annoyed if I bought an art series last year because personally I couldn’t care less about the art on the back and would rather trade the art and a couple hundred bucks for the open book headstock. In my opinion the clipped ears epiphone lp custom was a damn great looking headstock better than the newer one the inspired or whatever only to give people what they’ve been wanting a couple years later lol. Don’t get me wrong the newer epiphone LP customs are fantastic for less than 1000 bucks could arguably be the best guitar in the price range. I hope maybe epiphone will get to do some non signature Customs with the Gibson headstock, but I actually don’t think 1500 is too bad for this considering maple neck ebony board the pickups and headstock. You can’t just run out and buy MIJ guitars for 1000 dollars anymore and the Chinese and Indonesian factories can compete with quality and fit and finish.
@@brandonjackson5865 I think $1500 isn’t bad for everything this model provides. The Seymour Duncan is $100? I hear the Gibson Humbucker on neck is $300? The gator cases are $150+ ish. Hard to complain about the price. You can get an art model and this one for less than the price of 1 of the Gibson Adam Jones Standard models and that guitar doesn’t even have the big block inlays, no Seymour Duncan, no binding (I think) and no custom headstock.
@@Ponskippa nah I don’t think it’s that bad like you said the Duncan distortion is about 100 I honestly don’t know what the Gibson PU cost I thought 300 was for a set ? So 150 the case is at least worth 150 to 200 , and I can’t remember if it has upgraded tuners on it or not, so really take all of those upgrades away and you’re right around the 1000 dollar mark and I will tell you right now I was incredibly impressed with just a regular non signature epiphone lp custom I tried in a GC last year it was a whole lot of guitar for 750 so you get the maple neck ebony board and good pickups/ possibly hardware too if it’s got real Schallers it’d be a steal nearly. Yeah it’s expensive but all guitars are expensive but is it good enough to beat out some of LTD EC1000 and Korean and Chinese Tokai on paper it could be better depending upon your preference I happen to think a maple neck on a Paul is tits and this guitar Definitely isn’t for Gibson fanboys who traditionally hate 70s spec’d Lesters
At some point the consumer just has to stop buying these. Cuz if not, in a couple of years we’ll talking about the $2000 Epiphones. Let that sink in
Pricing themselves out the market . Not clever .
Guitars or any musical instrument for that matter is not a necessity or a basic commodity like food, clothing and shelter. To some, these might be needed to make a living. To some it could be just a hobby or pastime. We are free to buy them or not to buy them. Free to buy them now or buy them later. Buy them new or buy them used. Buy the expensive ones or the inexpensive ones. Free to keep our money or spend them. The choice is ours. No one is forcing us. If no one buys there will be a surplus. Surplus will drive the price down. Just my 2 cents. Cheers! Life is good.
Idk . I have a epiphone les paul custom and a gibson studio... I feel like the epiphone looks cooler but the gibson has the mojo
In 2019 Gibson revamped their whole line up including Epiphone. Everyone loved them back then and for the first few years, these Epiphones were more than solid, especially for the price. I work for a local music store so I get to unbox/play new Epiphones fairly regularly. This is only my anecdotal evidence of course, but from my prospective Epiphones have dipped in quality over the last year or so after peaking in 2019-2020. It almost seems like Gibson has gotten complacent with these Epiphones and stopped producing them at a high-level cause everyone already thinks they're awesome anyway. But worst of all, the guitarflation phenomenon has been hitting Epipone prices so hard that some of the prices of new signature models are straight-up agreageous! If we want this to stop, we as consumers need to push back by not buying these items. I've owned more Epiphones over the years than any other brand so these higher prices with seemingly lower quality hit me a little too close to home.
I bought a Chibson just because I did not want Epiphone on the Headstock. $300 Goldtop, Gibson on the the HS. And it plays and sound like a LP. Sure, I replaced everything on it. But at least it doesn't have Epiphone on the HS! LOL
Am I the only one who was expecting the non art version to be cheaper?
The price is justified, most Ibanez, Schecter, LTD guitars of the same quality are in the same price range. The upgrades are worth it, if it makes you happy play it👍🏼
So, does authenticity, sound, quality, price go Heritage, then Gibson, then Epiphone? Many guitars are overpriced in my opinion, as materials are generally inexpensive, CNC has reduced labor costs, etc. As far as "investments" go, then the price is about something that doesn't apply to me. I'm all about sound and playability.
I love it and I think the price is fair. It's the closest you can get to a custom shop without spending over 5 grand.
The conversation you stopped short of was basically is a high end Chinese Epi a better value than an American Studio or Tribute. Sure, the specs are better on the Epi. The biggest factor I see is that after playing the Epi for a while and you decide to sell it what are you going to get compared to a Gibson. Gibsons have held their value for the most part but a Chinese made Epi? It doesn't matter much to me because I'd never spend that much for an Epi even though I have an '88 Sheraton but I only paid $600 for it. If I really wanted to upgrade my Studio then I'd do it and in the end I'd have an upgraded American made guitar that'll hold it's value as compared to a Chinese body with American parts....it's still a Chinese guitar and I don't care who's profile the neck is. Good video.
Poly or Nitro finish?
Poly. I don't think we will ever see a Chinese Epiphone with Nitro.
Wonder how much the price will go up for a standard bridge, not the metric...I took a Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s, replace pickups, wiring and switch, bridge tailpiece and tuners. I'm in it $1100. That's new price of guitar with Planet Tone pickups, Gun Street Wiring harness, Faber bridge and tailpiece with inserts and green key Grover tuners.
Yeah, that decision left me scratching my head too. Because Greeny and the other "inspired by custom shop" guitars coming out next month all have A Gibson style bridge.
What I think is going on, is that the artwork AJ and the new 79 guitar are all made on the same production line rather than drilling out for two different bridges, to save a couple bucks.
I. Tried a 1200 dollar epiphone explorer recently. It played at least as good as my gibson. I don't buy anything from China if I can help it. But yeah they are nice.
These will sell out in no time. I said I'd never spend a grand or more for an Epi. I recently bit the bullet and picked up an Alex Lifeson in Ruby Red and it's outstanding.
Same here!
That model is tempting. I got to try one at a local Guitar Center and it was very nice.
I’ll stick with LTD if I want a LP. EC-1000 has locking tuners and stainless steel frets.
I wonder, in ten years, what will be worth more…
The Art Series (each style limited to 800) or the new AJ Custom?
You can pick up a new Art Series for around £1000 now. Add the Custombucker for £229 if you wish.
Honestly, they're probably going to be about equal, regardless of the limited runs. Odds are, neither will appreciate all that much.
I have a limited run fireburst Gibson Les Paul Classic antique, less than 500 were made. Paid $1650 for it in 2007. The last unmodified one on reverb sold for $2200. So it actually lost to inflation.
edit: Wow, didn't realize the resale value for "veil of bees" was as high as it is. In that case, I'm probably gonna be wrong lol.