Best Epiphone Les Paul to buy: which are the good ones.
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- Опубліковано 16 вер 2024
- In this video I cover more than 10 years of experience playing Epiphone Les Pauls. I will go in detail over different guitars coming from different factories and years. The purpose of this video is to give you tips so you can choose the best Epiphone Les Paul. The summary of all my tips is at the minute 29 of this video.
THANKS FOR WATCHING and enjoy!!!!!!
*Link to check serial numbers:
www.guitardater...
INFORMATION FROM GIBSON´S FORUM: (Thank to a viewer!!!)
* YYMMFFRRRRR
YY = year of manufacture
MM = month of manufature
FF = factory ID
RRRRR = ranking number
Example: 08121520333 = 2008 / December / factory 15
Note: Models from 2008 and onwards omit the factory ID letter. Pre-1994 productions also frequently omit the factory letter codes and appeared as all digits, e.g. 3042779.
* FYYMMRRRR
F/FF = factory ID
Y/YY = year of manufacture
MM = month of manufacture
RRRR = ranking number
Example: 3021234 = Samick Korea / 1993 / February / unit 1234
Note: There may be no factory designator for some 1993 and earlier models. A single digit month of manufacture for some 1997 and earlier models. The ranking number may consist of any number of digits.
*FYYMRRRR
F = factory ID
YY = year of manufacture
M = letter code to corresponding month
RRRR = ranking number
Example: R01B0123 = Peerless Korea / 2001 / February
Note: The month of manufacture is single letter corresponding to each month such as A = January, B = February, etc.
*FYYSSSS
This serial number formats is solely used on Epiphone Elite or Elitist models.
F = factory ID
Y = single digit year of manufacture (2002-2009)
YY = double digit year of manufacture (2010-Current)
SSSS = sequential ranking number
Example: F21234 = Fuji-gen Japan / 2002 / unit 1234
* Factory Letter Codes
B - Bohêmia Musico-Delicia (Czech Republic)
BW - __?__ (China)
CI - Cort (Indonesia)
DW - DaeWon (China)
EA - QingDao (China) = Epiphone Acoustic
ED - Dongbei (China) = In Chinese "Dongbei" means Northeast.
EE - QingDao (China) = Epiphone Electric
F - Fuji-gen (Japan) = Elite/Elitist models (see post below on Epiphone Japan Serial Numbers)
F - Qingdao (China) = Les Paul Standard '59 / '60 / Tribute Models (see bottom of post on F-Serial Numbers Used on LP Std'59/'60 models and Tribute/Plus models)
F/FN - Fine Guitars (Korea) = non-Japanese models
FC - __?__ (China 2000's) Possibly "Global Fine Supply Ltd."
FC - Fuji-Gen (Japan 1990's)
H - _____ (China?) Found on a 1995 El Nino
G/GG - Identified as early modern Masterbilt acoustics (Epiphone says they have no record of G serials)
GR - Grand Reward (Farida, Guang Dong) China, Seen on some early Masterbilt acoustics
GP - __?__ (Korea) found on a BB King Lucille from 2001 (verified by Epiphone Customer Service)
I - Saein (Korea)
J - Terada Gakki Seisakusyo (Japan)
J - Unknown. Possibly Jakarta, Indonesia - Found on a 1997 S-310
JK - ??? Korea or Indonesia - Found on a 1999 G-310 Junior
K - Korea Ins. (Korea)
L - Leader Musical Instrument Co Ltd (Korea)
MC - Muse (China)
MR - Mirr factory, China
N - See: FN
O - Choice (Korea)
P/R - Peerless (Korea)
QG - Qingdao Gibson (China) - prior to "EA" & "EE"
S - Samick (Korea)
SI - Samick (Bogor, Indonesia)
SJ - SaeJun (China)
SK - ???
SM - Samil (Korea)
SN - __?__ (Indonesia)
T - Terada Gakki Seisakusyo (Japan)
U - Unsung (Korea)
UC - Unsung China (China)
WF - __?__ (China)
X - __ (China) - Early to mid 1990's serial number label - Verified by Epiphone Customer Service.
Y - Korea (seen on a PR775CE)
Z - Zaozhuang Saehan (China)
* Factory Number Codes: Some models from 2008 onwards have serial numbers that begin with a certain digit.
11 = MIC sticker on a '08 Masterbuilt 500
12 = DeaWon or Unsung (China - uncertainty remains as to which factory)
13 = China - factory unknown
15 = Qingdao (China) - electric
16 = Qingdao (China) - acoustic
17 = China - factory unknown MIC sticker on a J160E
18 = China - factory unknown
20 = DaeWon or Unsung (China - uncertainty remains as to which factory)
21 = Unsung, Korea
22 = Korea (factory still unknown)
23 = Samick factory Indonesia
I = Indonesia
* F-Serial Numbers on Les Paul Standard '59/'60 Models and Tribute/Plus Models: The latest serial number system used by Epiphone has not yet been completely deciphered. The new "F" models are made in China. The new system seems to be just continously running model numbers rather than a dedicated date and place of manufacture.
F300000 = late 2009 used on LP Std'59/Std'60/Tribute models
Continued around F310650~F311050 in spring 2012 on Tribute-Plus models
Continued around F305000 in 2011
Continued around F310000 in 2012
Continued around F317000 in 2013
Continued around F324000 in 2014
Continued around F330000 in 2015
please go to this link because the information is longer than the space for this description:
forum.gibson.co...
I came for a suggestion but the story was just gold lol. couldn't stop listening.
Patrick Caelan Thanks man I appreciate it!!!! I hope it has been helpful : )
What a really really giving gesture of you to share so much of your experiances with the community. Where I live now, I have no friends who play, and know very very little about epiphone. You have passed on a tremendous amount of knowledge in one video that would take me hours to compile from reading threads on different forums. Thanks so much for making and sharing this video!
It is a pleasure my friend!!! Look around for jam nights, that's a great way to meet other musicians, online facebook groups
I absolutely love my Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy Plus. It is a quality guitar. The active EMG pickups sound great, especially when you play it lightly with a gentle touch . It is super responsive.
Oh, you're Venezuelan. I am too. Been living in Spain since 2014.
Good video by the way. Subscribed
Excelente pana!! Estoy en Madrid y voy pendiente de jammear : )))
Mate....really enjoyed your story....I've owned two epi lp's....standard pro plus and a black standard with gold hardware.....had to sell both,first on had to sell for money to give my kids for Christmas,the second,had to sell to buy a car to move to kent from Merseyside in the uk,I'm 55 this year......and I'm hunting for another.....but it stays with me until I drop lol,well done mate,great story....something about the epiphone lp....great guitars,take care,and be safe🤘👍🏻
Thanks my friend! I´m glad that you enjoyed it. I´m sorry that you had to sell your guitars. Right know I just have the blue one because I had to sell the 89 to move to Spain where I live. Hopefully the next Epiphone is going to be awesome and it is going to be inherited by your kids. I have not tested the newer ones (with the new headstock) but my advice always will be: try as many as you can.
Good luck and cheers!!!
Loved listening to your story and completely share your love and appreciate for (good) Epiphone Les Pauls. I have three of the Les Paul’s mentioned in this video:
(1) Classic Quilt Top (2004), amber - fantastic guitar, even better with slash pickups and upgraded electronics and tuners
(2) Alpine white custom pro (2014) - again, great guitar, plays like butter and the probuckers sound exactly like what I want a LP to sound like. Keeping it totally stock except for tuners, which were fine but Hipshots are better.
(3) 1960 tribute plus, vintage burst - recently acquired through trade. Best guitar out of the three. Classic 57 pickups are warm and vintage sounding, neck is comfortable, plays perfectly, upgraded hardware feels premium.
Oh Yeah!!!!! I´m so happy to hear that my friend. Epis are around and we just have to spend time finding the right one. By the way there is a Japanese Epiphone Les Paul in my city for sale right now, It has the exact gibson headstock and the 59 burst finish. I am going to go try it because it looks INSANE, as beautiful as a custom shop. The guy is asking 1600 euros though.
Thanks buddy, keep rocking!
I adore Epiphone Les Pauls! I have 3 of them... including a cherry sunburst! It is gorgeous and I’ve now had it 22 years. Brilliant!
Yeah man me too!!!!! I´m always checking if there are some in the used market LOL
I have 3 as well a cherry sunburst and 2 epi customs ebony fretboard.
those are machines. swapped the pickups and pots and I like them better than my gibsons.
@@leonsparta I've heard swapping the pots is a good upgrade, what do you look for? lower resistance? Like 500 ohm to 250s? Or just quality?
@@imdawolfman2698 hi, one of my customs I converted to active pick ups, EMG 81|85. that is very similar to e Kirk Hammet sound on his custom. the other one I have swapped the stock pickups for Seymour duncan Alnico slash pick ups. CTS pots and change capacitors. that helps get a nice sound.
the EMG pick ups surprisingly are good for blues and Clean.
@@leonsparta , I am so new to this you might as well be speaking Swahili, I only got into electrics about 6 months ago. So I watch a lot of YT videos and scored some guitars, some in really bad shape, and worked on them.
My first two were a Dean LP style, missing the tailpiece and a Kay Strat copy I got them because a guy in the RV Park I live in, Wildwood, died when a tree fell on his trailer. I bought a cheap bridge set, put the tailpiece on and sold the Dean for $60for a $40 profit- A star was born. The Kay, which was a $60 sears guitar is '70s vintage all original. Critter, the guy that died, had sloppily GLUED the floating bridge to the body CROOKED with EPOXY which had run all down the face and was HELL to remove. It's not good to speak ill of the dead, but I cussed a storm at him. And I watched videos and I learned, learned learned that I fkin love working on musical instruments. I feel like a healer, because each one of them has a soul.
That Kay is the MOST FUN TO PLAY! Everybody agrees!
She just draws your fingers along, in her joy to be played. It wasn't me. I just patiently chipped away at the glue, tenderly avoiding gouging her flesh, and then followed the directions on UA-cam for tools needed, measurements, fret leveling, string height, setting harmonic tuning, floating bridge, etc.
She cost $55-60 originally in the '70s, maybe at the Western Auto where a dad picked it up to give his kid. Maybe that kid became Bon Jovi, maybe this guitar is worth $450 to him! I did the math and $60 when this guitar was made is, DAMN!, $450 in current money! HAHA! So maybe I could sell it for it's original cost. But no, it's priceless to me now, and has taught me what to do with the rest of my life, to be valuable.
So I been setting up friends guitars, leveling frets, watching videos (thanks TJ for this one), buying guitars, (I have 7 playable and 4-5 rebuildable, now) and finally, at 63, have found my bliss. So, please excuse my ignorance, but I'm all ears to you all's wisdom. Oh...
And along the way my playing's gotten a little better, but that's not as important to me.
Just picked up a 2001 Fugigen Epi Les Paul Custom in white w/ Gibson open book headstock. It's every bit as good as my 1978 Gibson Les Paul which I got as a gift when I was 16. These are the same as Orville and the ultra's. Long tenon, two screw truss rod, abr-1. The only thing I prefer more on my Gibson is the nitro feel. It was overly warm so I put a jb in the bridge and full shred in the neck. It is very heavy and very loud unplugged. Next will be a bone nut. If you haven't tried that, it adds a lot of snap and articulation. Great video, you know your stuff.
Dude that's a score!!! Yeah I also think the customs tend to be a little dark. By the way, a couple of months I picked up a les paul made in japan by Edwards which is ESP. It is one of the best les pauls I have ever tried. Stay tune I'm working on a pickup shooutout: Seymour Duncan JB and alnico ii pros vs Fishman fluence classic!!
That is awesome. The Japanese made instruments seem to a have their own mojo and feel, definitely pro quality. I'd like to get on of those sunburst plain tops that show up one reverb every now and then. People are starting to know what they are now, as the prices reflect!
@@shanealan2995 Yes that is correct. If you hace the chance to put your hands on any lawsuit les paul like a Burny, Greco, Edwards, Tokai, Orville or even Yamaha you have to try them. They're incredible
You deserve the great gift your great family gave you! Love your passion, the story is inspiring. I wish you the best
Thanks man!!!! I hope my video has been helpful 😊
I recently purchased an Epiphone Les Paul custom flame top. Serial number begins with the letter “I” and was made in Korea in 2001. It is one of the best sounding and most well built guitars I’ve ever owned. I’m 42 years old and have owned and played countless guitars. I’ve owned Gibson Les Pauls as well. The wood in Gibson May be slightly better but, I would put my epi up there with it. It certainly doesn’t leave me looking for more out of a guitar. Also, it has a solid top; not a veneer. Thank you for sharing your story.
Oh yeah the ones with I serial numbers are excellent!!!!!! I'm glad you liked it
Was looking for a cheap Epi LP to add to my collection, since I've never even bothered buying an LP guitar in over 19 years of playing, and so glad I stumbled upon this video. As of this writing, on 05/13/2018, I found a Samick (Indonesian) made Epi LP at Sam Ash this weekend, I don't know if these are where all the 2018's are being made, but the Chinese ones from 2017 were all absolutely dreadful, this video really helped me narrow down the duds from the winners in finalizing on buying a $469 USD Epi LP I was looking at, and the $249 USD one I ended up buying and fell in love with. Cheers Al! Thanks!
Yes brother!!!!!!!!!!!!! that was what I intended with this video!!!! I know what you mean, I got my first Epi Les Paul brand new so I paid full price. It can be very disappointing if the guitar is not good. The best formula is keeping the money in the pocket and have patience until you find the right guitar. Last one I got was an used Schecter, I tried it because the model was discontinued which made me curious and I had been looking for a floyd rose guitar for a while. I just got a guitar that kick f...cking asses for 180 bucks!!!!!!! LOL Actually I just made a video with it: 12 steps tutorial to setup a floyd rose guitar if you want!!!
Enjoy your guitar bro, take care!
Epi 1960 Tribute Plus. 🤘🤘🤘
Great video ! By the way I have a 2005 Epiphone Les Paul Classic quilt top . Made in China , it is an amazing guitar , and I replaced my Gibson Les Paul Custom with it . You are correct about these guitars ! The quality of my quilt top LP is superior to almost any Epiphone Les Paul I have ever played ! I bought it used at Guitar Center , it came with a new Road Runner gig bag .
I have a 2009 special edition mattalic red with black trim, good shape ,tuning keys are grover they are black too, alnico pickups(black). It's a standard. Subscribed.
A guitar just like yours showed up for sale here in Madrid. It looks sick!!!
thanks for sharing your experience with us ! Your guitar No. 1) F serial means made in china, F is Qingdao , My new epiphone les paul 1960 tribute the serial No. starts F34xxxx stands for F : Qingdao 34 : 2018
Thank you.! After I made the video a lot people shared their kmowledge about the serial numbers and I added that info in the description of the video.
That is a great story bro! you sound like such a good person. sounds like your family thinks so too! love that blue epiphone
james severin thanks man I appreciate it!
Great Story, sounds like you have a wonderful family!
pupstop1 I do!!!!! 😊😊😊😊
Customs do have maple caps w a veneer over them..very dark tho.I l take a 400 used Gibson melody maker any day I've played many epis ...Japan are great..unsung factory in Korea made some of the best sheratons and they are great
Natred Vondamage Yeah some people have told me that but for some reason most of the ones I've tried sounded very dark. It also depends on your taste of course
Great story! I agree that the manufacturing plant and country played an important part in the past as far as construction quality goes. Epiphone in China has come a long way. Judging by the recent used $326 tobacco burst Epi plustop pro I grabbed at GC, im impressed. IMO it's on par with a black Gibson standard i owned. Even though the nut was poorly slotted and plastic it still had i nice ring to it when played unplugged. I replaced that with a tusq nut and now better tone and sustain. Aside from that the hardware and tuners are keepers. I swapped the bridge for a hotter pickup so for under $400 I have guitar that's a joy to play. Most $500 lp style guitars are well made, they just lack any kind of quality setup which makes a majority of them sound and play like garbage. Years ago this was a mystery but not anymore with youtube. No excuse for not be able to change strings, adjust truss rod, slot correct nut height, set intonation...
HighSpeedirt1 Yes bro you are right! I'm going to upgrade the nut on mine and the bridge as well.
Awesome story man! I just got a 94 Epiphone les paul standard. Needs a little fretwork…but man…..excellent neck and tone. Beautiful cherry sunburst! Scored for a deal also. I am a fan of epiphone also!
Thanks brothee!!. Yeah with Epiphones you just need to look enough until you fund the magic one
I know this post is 5 years old lol 😂. I've owned an epiphone Les Paul Studio (wine red) and it was absolutely amazing and felt great to play. Waiting on another Les Paul Studio (ebony) to arrive tomorrow. The quality of Epiphones have drastically improved over the last few years and I adore them!
Thnaks Darren!!! Man, I haven´t checked the latest ones, but I will definitely will!!
I know exactly what you are talking about. I bought a new Epiphone Les Paul about 25 years ago from a store out in Lansing Michigan. The thing was perfect, great sustain, action set perfect, and the awesome Les Paul sound. I never regretted buying that guitar.
When I went looking for another, I could not find anything I liked or played half as well as the first one. Same manufacturer, Epiphone, but very different guitars. I was getting very disappointed.
A few years back, I was at Guitar Center and playing some used guitars. I found a cheapo Epiphone Les Paul, the one with the bolt on neck. I laughed at it, until I got my pride back in check and played it.
The guitar had sustain like my other Epiphone Les Paul. How was that possible? The action was perfect. The sound was phenomenal, so very much Les Paul. I bought it for less then a third of the cost of my other Epiphone, and still have it.
The cheapo Epiphone is all Epiphone. So it's still a mystery as to why this guitar sounds and plays the way it does. The only thing on this guitar that I noticed at Guitar Center was the string slots were widened on the nut, but I usually do that myself for tuning stability.
So you're correct, you have to play a bunch of them to find the right one. It helps to keep an open mind and not lose the critical aspect of trying out guitars. Sometimes you find a guitar that just can not be, and IS just what you are looking for.
Thanks for the great video.
The Lenawee Trekker yeah! Once you find a good one you must marry her LOL
The Lenawee Trekker n
I agree
Great info.I will be buying an Epiphone Les Paul sometime in the future this info was helpful
Of course man! I hope you find the best one!! Thanks
Your story was epic. Les paul for 280 that's a steal. Loved when you said BAM I got it! Made my day happy for you brother again awesome story rock on 🤘
LOL yes I have had some of those BAM moments. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I've been very busy but soon I'll make more videos. Stay tuned and rock on!!!
Bought a Korea made 1998 Epu Les Paul Standard in1998. In a flame honeyburst. Looks and plays amazing still.
Rob B take good care of it. They are amazing!!!
thank you for your positive vibrations.....and all of your excellent research! keep it up ....your personal story is inspirational..
Thank you for watching. Rock on!!!
I've got 4 epi lp's, and a '13 Gibson LPJ. My 03 epi LP standard flame top, made in Saein, Korea is the best one I've got. My 2020 Epi 50's, Chinese, is nice, my 2013 Epi LP standard, also Chinese, is nice too. But the 03 Korean will never be sold. It's as good as any Gibson to me.
I'm actually waiting on another Korean LP made in Saein, Korea. A 2002 Epi LP custom, Alpine white. It's listed in excellent condition so I'm sure it's gonna be a keeper also.
If you find a Epiphone that has a "I" for the first serial number you should check it out. The "I" means it was made in the Saein plant. Their reputation is pretty good. From what I understand they didn't produce as many as other plants could. Perhaps the attention to detail is a little better.
Yeah I´ve tried two of the I serial and they were great!
i got an older epiphone second hand . the best playing and sounding guitar in my collection . i've always wanted to look up the numbers but didn't know where to look . Thanks for pointing me in the right direction .
Awesome!!!! Check out the description of the video because I have added information that has been provided for all the viewers regarding to serial number. Take care!!!
Sounds like you have a wonderful family. Your father certainly knows his son. When it comes down to it family is all we have.
Yes man that´s true!! Thanks for your comment, I hope this video had been helpful
@@alverduratonejunkiealveram1017 and it sounds like they had fun, getting your friend to lie to your face and not smile must have hard. What if you had messed it all up by finding your 'perfect guitar' the day before? HA!
I own a Birdseye burst the same as this I bought it new in the 1990s. It's pretty, everyone who sees it asks me about it. This is the first time I have seen another similar to mine in almost 30 years 😊
Yeah awesome!!! A friend of mine bought one amber color from France recently on Reverb.com. they're incredible guitars
Mine is from Korea too! And it's a f'n beast! I just got a prs, and it is super easy to play and I like it a lot also made in Korea!
Wow good story telling. Interesting observations but most important is that you’re a gigging musician so you have real world experience which takes time to learn.
Thanks for sharing 👍
Yes exactly!! it is a beautiful journey man. The more you try the more you learn
Very inspiring story my friend. I have 2 Epi LPs and 2 Gibson’s. The Epiphone’s compare well, especially when you consider the price difference. Good luck.
Thank you very much buddy! Yes it all depends on the budget.
It’s great to see your love for guitars. Best wishes from Tasmania, Australia. 👍
I have done a lot of research on Epiphone les pauls and some SG's. There are several Korean made models that come stock with Gibson 57 classics or 490 R &T set. Some of the new ones have Gibson Busrbuckers in them. The Epiphone MIJ models are called Elitist. They cost a bit more than the MIK or China made ones.
Yeah, even though mine was advertised that pickups were 57´s they didn´t have any gibson logo or sticker. Anyway they sounded really good.
Hey Al. Loved youre story and positive wibe. Epi's are great. I just bought a LP Black Beauty and love every part of it. Price around 280 $ incl. hardcase. Keep up the good work, man.
Duuuuuuude, that is a score!!!!!! Enjoy your guitar!!!
awesome story man!
Jefferson Sixx thanks bud!! I hope this can help you choose wisely 😁
Thanks Al!!
I appreciate all the insight on these Epiphone lp's..
Great story too!!
You're welcome! I appreciate that!
Its so good to see venezuelans getting a great guitar for a cheaper price. I just picked up a korean epiphone bass today for £60. Its a 1990s one i think. I also have a squire strat 1992/3 from korea and its good for £75. You just need to look at who built it as korea built some great guitars at samick and cort factories. Dont believe theyre bad. Its like japanese fenders they often play and sound better than many others e VC en some american made ones. Gordon Smith are even better if you can find them. They have a brass nut too.
Whaaaaat?? You scored with those man!!!! There are many great japanese and korean instruments out there for us to find, and they are cheap 🤣
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I can tell you that I own an Epiphone Standard LesPaul built in 1996 (letter F). There is no maple cap (just a maple "sheet" for the look). I found the sound a little dull or dark, but it's really nicer with a tube amp. The guitar looks in a great shape today (very stable). But the bridge saddles were worn out (strings going into the saddles) => bridge changed for dussenberg one. And I changed the nut which was a plastic hollow one. Nut width for Epi is a little less than gibson , but spare parts exists for Epiphone or Gibson (same for bridge).
I copy also a key that I found in a forum in France :
S = Samick, Corée
I = Saein, Corée
F = Fine Guitars, Corée
U = Unsung, Corée
SJ = Sae Jung, Chine (bien que parfois il y ait un autocollant « Made In Korea »)
BW/DC/EE = Chine
DW = Deawon Chine
B = Bohemia Musico-Delica, République Tchèque
T = Terada, Japon
Yom TI yeah man, they are all different. Thank you for your comment. I will add that to the video description
Is not the same bridge, the posts are completely different i have two Gibsons les Pauls and 3 epi les paul the standar the ultra and the standar plus pro II
Yes that's what I meant, they are differents. When I bought a new bridge, I had to enlarge the bridge holes to fit the diameter of the pins installed in my Epi (dimension between the 2 holes centers was good). I think the bridge upgrade is not straightforward but it is IMO it's usefull one day (bridge with forged saddle at 50$).
Another funny think, is that the nut slot was not flat, so the nut was not perfectly installed. I reallised that for the price of an Epi, where could be just a minimum hand finish time (nut fitting, fret job, etc..).
I came across this video quite a while ago but remembered it. I am in the market for an Epi Les Paul and rewatched for your info. I totally forgot you ended up getting the Tribute from your family; turns out I am also getting one. I let me daughter look through all the colors, even the limited edition rainbow one (and she is 8) and she chose the same color as yours. I’m hoping mine will be as awesome for me as yours is for you. Great info and keep rocking!
Thanks man I'm glad it was helpful!!! I wish you have an awesome new guitar. Mine has been very great, I did some fretwork (I posted it a video in my channel) and soon I'm planning on changing the bridge and other mods.
Gracias I've always wondered and Epiphone Les Paul Gibson epic fenders Yamahas Gretsch I like your video it was really informative getting the serial number thank you for sharing your friend Manny Lopez
My pleasure Manny!!! I´m glad that it was helpful
I have owned lots of Epiphones over the years but have ended up selling them usually because I didn't like the pickups or the neck shape(why do they put a D shape neck on so many models?) However my latest purchase is an absolute corker. It's a 56 Goldtop PRO. The P90 PRO pups which are made to the original spec, are fantastic and the neck is proper 50s--rounded C shape and very fat. Maybe not to everyone's taste but I love it!
Neat. I own 2 Gibson LP's and 1 Epi LP Standard (though I own 3 other Epi's). You're right, Epiphone's can be inconsistent. Still, I generally trust the name. They do release some very nice guitars from time to time.
Anyway,
I recently got an Epi Wilshire Phant-O-Matic. I like Wilshires. Anyway, unlike most imports, the serial number is imprinted, or pressed into the headstock, just like a Gibson or your LP. In all my years this is the first Epi I've seen like this. It's a fantastic instrument. The best Epi I've ever owned.
These Epiphone's with pressed in numbers MAY be built at the dedicated Epiphone plant in China. Btw, it's all numbers, no letter.
*TheVoxOfReason* Yes maybe the pressed serial number means that they cared more about the quality. Thanks man, enjoy playing!!!!!
Al Verdura Tone Junkie, hey, side note:
If you haven't seen the Epiphone factory tour vid, you have to see it. I was amazed at how much is still really done by hand. It's on here, just search for Epiphone Factory tour, China. That should get you to it. It was filmed by a Japanese crew in 2016.
*TheVoxOfReason* Really? I will check it out tomorrow. Thanks man!
Real people real life experience and brotherly love man and good family-win win 🥇
Thanks Johnny, I hope it's been helpful!!
Came here for information, left with a great story in mind! Great video, bro!
I'm glad you liked it man. There's more to come!
Epiphones are so nice NOW! I have a 2020 SG MUSE, 2021 Gold Glory, 2021 Les Paul '59 Cherry Burst....they are wonderful now....I still have a '67 Gibson ES125T with a P-90 it's a great guitar but it's not the HOT ROD feeling I get from my EPIPHONES....great video. Thanks!
You're welcome man!!!
Thank you for doing this! I am planning a trip with my wife to vancouver later this summer, where the used guitar market is an absolute gold mine. I plan on finding an epiphone les paul and this video was very helpful!
Awesome!!! I thought I was the only one that do that LOL!!!!!!! Some years ago my wife and I went from Orlando to Tampa to celebrate our wedding anniversary. I went on craigslist and saw a Furman pedalboard with built in power supply for 8 pedals and 3 outlets for more adapters. It also had handles and wheels, looked very similar to the SKB.
I couldn´t resist and I scored it for $50!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish you find the right one brother, good luck bro!! and thanks for the support
Al Verdura Tone Junkie SO...i ended up finding a 2007 les paul standard plain top. I scored some nice gotoh pickups on the same day. I ended up with a really nice guitar for not much money at all!
Fuji gen is great factory! Japan makes excellent guitars! They have for decades. It seems that Korea also makes quality guitars as well. I've been playing for quite awhile and just like you it took me a lot of playing and studying to figure why certain guitars played much better. Good luck to you man. Great stort
Zach 9 Thanks buddy I appreciate it. There is more to come!
Zach 9
I have a 1960s paul tribute made in this factory and it is simply amazing, beautiful piece of art.
Fantastic story! Thanks you for sharing!!! Best of luck with your music!
Thanks buddy I appreciate it!
I really enjoyed your story. Thank you so much for sharing. It made me so sad you were without a guitar for 2 years! I appreciate the knowledge you have learned and shared.
Thank you very much, I´m glad you found this helpful. Now use this information; try some guitars; get your own experiences and share : ) See you soon, I´m preparing another video
Al Verdura Tone Junkie I'm kind of new to all this to share experiences. I have an Epiphone Les Paul studio deluxe that i think is great...but not much to compare it too. Its better than my first electric guitar ...an Epiphone Special II anyway! But havent played any other Les Pauls! Thanks again for the info! 🎸
sussezq T. Don't worry just try as many guitars as you can and this way you will be creating you own opinions about them
Just bought an Epi '56 gold top with cream p90s that was built at the unsung Korea factory. Getting it tomorrow via ups. Can't wait to check it out. I've got a schecter hell raiser, Mexican strat, Gibson sg melody maker, Kramer focus, home made strat, never owned an epi.
Yeah that sounds good, my next guitar will be a p90 one for sure, maybe a junior just to have something different
excellent video, just what I was looking for!
Edmundo Garcia and yteedrewqadghjkklzxcvbnmlbw
Good vid man - really enjoyed it ;) I have lots of gibsons, lots of fenders and a whole lot more, but honestly some of my fav guitars to play are epiphones. Just bought another today lol - a really old silverburst that's aged to a slight green heugh. I guess that makes 10 or so ! Bought a 56 reissue a few weeks back and I love that one too - p90's, the chicago blue one, and it's fantastic quite frankly. Never let anyone tell you that a good, well set up epiphone isn't as good as a usa gibson, 'cos they don't know what they're talking about.
Lol totally true brother!! Today I make a living fixing guitars and amplifiers and let me tell you, price and brand have nothing to do about if you are going to love or hate an electric guitar 🤣🤣🤣. Few years back I went through another journey trying to find a Gibson Les Paul and I ended up falling in love with a Japanese copy. I'm planing on making a video about it
Personally, for an Epi, I would look at one with USA Gibson 57s!! :)
Yeah man that´s why the Tribute 60 Plus is one of the best options out there
I have an Epiphone Les Paul Ultra from around the time where Unsung moved from Korea to China. It’s got a nice quilted top and it’s pretty good.
Yeah man the Ultras are gorgeous. I love the piezo pickup!!
Al... just this weekend I purchased, brand new, a Epiphone Les Paul 1960 Tribute Plus, and my guitar friend also owns and plays Gibson Les Pauls and Epiphone Les Pauls and this guitar sounds a lot better to me, and I'm a Strat man...but this guitar has it all, Gison 57 Pickups , sieries parallel switching,push/ pull pots, Mallory 150 Tone Capacitors, SwitchCraft Toggle switch, Grover Locking Tuners , and it sounds FANTASTIC and absolutely no flaws on this guitar....little expensive for a Epiphone, little under 1000 but for a great guitar, even came with a hard shell case. And the color.. Black Cherry....Awesome and yes it is made in Japan.but this guitar is equaled to any low to mid range Gibson I've played....And I know Gibson makes great guitars...but as you said at 1/3 rd the cost you absolutely can't go wrong.
Exactly brother!!!!!! Same thing happened to me when I saw this model in a GC catalog for the first time. There has been a discussion about where this model is made. Apparently is not Japan but China according some information found by viewers. Also to support that Lloyd Williams in the comments said that he runs the Gibson Qingdao Factory (Epiphone) in China that make the tribute models. Anyways, for me my guitar is MADE IN I DON´T CARE LOL. Enjoy your guitar buddy!!!!!!
Al Verdura Tone Junkie exactly....I've got mex strats that are equaled to or even better than some of my U.S. strats. I really don't care where there made as long as they are quality.
Appreciated you personal info but also about where the instruments were made. I have an 09 Les Paul standard made in November at factory #15 in China. Haddent been able to find this out till you video and the info contained. Thanks!!
Thank you man!!! I´m glad this information was helpful. I have put a lot more on the description that has been provided by the audience. Soon I will be making a fret leveling video which is a common issue that epiphones need so stay tune!!
It's funny how that works. I bought the only left-handed Epiphone Les Paul Standard they had in the store at our little local shop and have loved it from day one. It feels great, sounds great, plays great, and I've had it for over ten years now. Looking up the serial number, it was made at the Daewon Plant in China in August, 2004. It's a cherry burst, and it's a beauty.
Interestingly, I later came up with a used Gibson SG that I never gelled with. It never felt right, and it ended up just gathering dust until I traded it for an Epiphone SG that felt tons better.
Sheer dumb luck to come up with a keeper on a one-shot deal!
DivergingClearVideo I think on those years all the Epiphone Factories were doing a great job
One the best videos I’ve ever seen on UA-cam! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks man!!! I appreciate it!! There is more information about serial numbers in the description of te video.
Couldn't agree more - thrilled with my 2002 Korean-made Epi Les Paul. Fit and finish stands up to two other Gibsons here in the studio; actually plays better.
good bday story man. i got a epi tribute several years ago..love it. best epi model imo.
Thanks man!! yes for sure they´re one of the best
i play and make money with my favorite guitar , it is a hybrid 1957 lespaul goldtop darkback, mixed with a 1959 les paul standard........... a epiphone joe bonnamassa goldtop lespaul, it shreds my other gibson les pauls , if feels like im playing a mercedes benz, it is so comfortable , i hated burstbuckers until i played them on this guitar, it sounds like a blues machine, with led zepplin pickups., ( in my humble opinion) thanks for your excellent guitar conversation
donthewatcher oh yeah that's the spirit man. I totally get you because I feel the same way. Enjoy!!!
I just checked the serial number - I own one made in Daewon China from March 2005. Its Midnight Blue and I love it. My first real guitar and I still play it to this day nearly 16 years later! :)
Hey man, yeah, those DWs have to be good, I´ve come across with like 4 of those and all were good. Enjoy bro!!
Wow, love the story about your guitar. My mom is from Venezuela as wel
Awesome dude!!!! I'm glad you liked the video. Very soon I'll be doing something similar but about Gibson Les Pauls. Stay tune
Mine's a 2000 Les Paul Black Beauty 3 built at the Unsung factory in Korea (Serial# begins with a U). Hands down, this guitar is better sounding & built than any Les Paul I've ever played or owned in my 45+ years of playing.
Price? $200 used but perfect condition!!!
A lot of cool people have played it & even more offered to buy it (almost every time I play out someone is drooling over it). I have pictures of Uncle Kracker playing it here in Michigan at the bar he owned called Mugshots in the Detroit area.
One thing I do to brighten up all my Les Pauls, especially the neck pickups, is to simply remove the tone control from the circuit, either by removing the leads or installing a push/pull pot on each tone control.
Good CTS 500K volume pots are also a must.
Mark Marshall Yeah man. There's nothing like loving our guitars. Thanks for your advice bro!
I absolutely love my 2010 Epi 1960 standard with the 59 profile neck! Keep on rockin!
Yeahh they are great!!!!
Al Verdura Tone Junkie Dude they really are!
I did the same serial number research on my used Epiphone 60's Tribute, and the F 3 series serial number does indicate Korean made in 2002-2003 and older models, but they also used the F series 10 years later for newer Epiphones like the Tribute, and indicates made in China around 2012-14.
Yes, you're correct older models with F mean Fujigen, the newer F serial numbers are from the Epiphone Factory at Qindao China. After I posted the video lots of people have been adding information to this subject and I tried to sum it in the description of the video.
Thanks a lot brother!!!
I came across a Les Paul Epi in 93 sunburst finish that was awesome! Unfortunately, I sold it in 97 due to family issues. Was a K like this one and had the best sound! While everyone around my circles where with EMG-Jacksons, Ib, etc I was using an LP sunburst playing death metal in Los Angels during the 90's. You have a great story!
Yeah man, it sucks when you have to sell the gear you love. Keep looking around because they are still out there!!!!
I've had 4 guitars in my 4 years of playing. My first was a dirt cheap acoustic guitar I got from a friend while they were cleaning out their old house. Even he said he absolutely hated it and only used it for a handful of months before getting an Epiphone acoustic. I only used it for about 2 months before trashing it. Next I got a royal blue Squier Mustang. I still have it today but it's been repainted, all the electronics have been replaced, and I replaced the hardtail bridge with a trem bridge. Next I got a Ibanez GIO from my buddy. I still have it but because it was so old and beat up so much, the electronics were basically dead after a year or so. I plan to repair it, but at the moment there's no electronics in it. Next I got an Epiphone Les Paul Studio Deluxe. Definitely my favorite guitar and pretty much my only usable guitar right now. It just feels so nice. I personally like it more than my friend's Gibson Les Paul Standard. It just feels better and has more personality to it.
Yeah man, sometimes you find guitars that are very good and affordable, those are the ones that deserve to get better pickups and electronics. I´m hunting for guitars like that all the time LOL. Thanks bro!!
Everything I ever wanted to know. Thank you a lot! Stay healthy, stay safe.
You're welcome!!!!
Hello chamo, un gusto ver tu video ! Thank you so much for sharing that knowledge with us all.
I'm currently looking for an epiphone ES Les Paul, and I'm hesitating between a 2000 Saein made (so korean, it's on reverb), and a 2016 ES Les Paul pro, made in China.
Here's a quick description of them, both in wine red :
Saein :
- Mahogany body, back and sides
- Maple top
- Modified with new pickups
China :
- Maple body, top, back and sides
- Probuckers, with coil split
For now, I think I'll go with the chinese one 'cuse there are more infos online, and the maple construction seems to produce a brighter sound. But do you think the Korean is worth the shot, and I should try to make it come from the US here in Paris, France ?
Thank you very much for your advice =)
Gracias panaaaa!!!! I just checked the one on reverb and it looks killer!!! If it's possible, I would try the chinese one first to see if I connect with the guitar before going after the one on reverb. I'm very sure that they are going to be very different from each other because the woods are different. Now I live in Spain but I work in a huge guitar store with more than 800 guitars in the showroom and I got to tell you, my advise is that you have to try everything you can 🤣
I owned 2 very good Epiphone Les Paul's from the year 2000 when they were made in South Korea. These were very well made in all aspects and not as heavy as the Gibson counterparts. I had a Burgundy Flame top with Gold Hardware and a 56 Gold Top both of them played, looked and sounded great. The Burgundy finish model was $399.00 and so was the 56 Gold Top. I don't think they make the Burgundy with Gold Hardware anymore and the 56 Gold Top gets discontinued and reissued from time to time.
Man those should be great!!!
Newer Chinese LP's are a real gamble. Cheap electronics, sharp frets, loose switches, dull pups and looser 3/4" jack, etc., etc.,etc. ! Nighthawk Reissue has been my favorite Epi buy...cheap & bullet proof and alot of great pickup settings.
john madory that's true man. Everytime somebody tells me they want to buy a new Epiphone Les Paul I always advise them to try at least 20 of them
I first glanced at your name I thought it said Ace Ventura, I didn’t know the Pet Detective played Guitar! Good Video…..
LOL. Well, I have to admit that I make weird faces when I play guitar 🤣🤣
The epiphone Les Pauls with a pair of Bill Lawrence rails pickups in them are the best sounding, I think.
I haven´t tried those but I´ve heard very good comments about them.
Great story, Albert. I love how passionate you are about it. You showed a picture of my guitar in the video! (Not MY actual guitar, but the same color & model that I have) 2005 LP Classic with the Black quilt top. It was made in the Saein Plant, Korea. I changed the pick-ups to the Seymour Duncan "Slash" zebra coils, 550k pots and orange drop capacitors. I changed the orange knobs to black speed knobs and it looks and sounds awesome. Anyway, thanks for sharing your story.
Kevin Lackey Oh man that's a great guitar! Take good care of it and enjoy it every minute!!!!!
Thanks bro. Very informative and one hell of a story teller.
Thanks man!!!! I hope it has been helpful
Hey man great video ,I love epiphone les pauls have had two of them one mid 90s standard tobaco burst model from samick factory korea the other is a 2004 custom black model from the unsung factory in Korea serial no starts with (i) both great guitars .the japanese ones are called the elite series I beleive the headstock are slightly different so is the logo they don't come up for sale very often and when they do they are very expensive I bidded on one on ebay a couple of years ago I bidded 650 pounds and didn't get It and it didn't sell.rock on man!
Ivan Roberts I think the Korean early models are better?
Mi pana, yo también soy de Venezuela y después de 20 años finalmente logré obtener mi Les Paul, es una Epiphone Les Paul Standard Pro
Brutal!!!!!!!. Espero que la disfrutes bastante, de verdad que no hay nada como una buena Les Paul. Un abrazo mi pana
Great video. I have a 2016 Gibson Les Paul Traditional and a 2008 Epiphone Les Paul Custom. My Gibson is superior, but the Epiphone is awesome too. I love them both. Epiphone is a huge value.
Thanks man, totally agree! When you find a good Epi is like hitting the jackpot.
I’m back! I recently scored a 2009 Epiphone Les Paul Standard plain top in honeyburst. Got it with a sweet SKB hard case for super cheap. Outstanding guitar.
I bought an 8-string ukulele from Guitar Center and then, a few weeks later, I bought a 6-string ukulele from Musician's Friend. Both ukuleles were made by Lanikai and were very similar. The really amazing thing is that both ukuleles, one a model SOT-8 and the other a model SOT-6, had THE SAME SERIAL NUMBER.
Rex Robards LOL really???
Yep, really. (Musician's Friend is a subsidiary of Guitar Center.) Now, I'm not offering any explanation of why two ukuleles with the same serial number are being sold by related companies at less than 1/3 of the "manufacturer's" suggested list price, but it happened.
BTW, my Epi LP is a Studio Deluxe, and I love it.
Spend time swapping pots and caps and you can push the tone around if you have a too bright/dark guitar rather than swapping pickups. Pots have a 20% tolerance range which people would complain if the scale length changed that much from guitar to guitar. If you have a really muddy pickup put a 0.047uF capacitor in series with it.
The Korean LP/SGs tended to get 0.033uF tone caps installed rather than 0.047uF, and some of the reason those sound different.
jvin248 Yeah I have experimented with those. The other thing I have been trying is the treble bleed circuit in the volume pot
You just compared scale length to component tolerance. This is proof you know nothing
Thank you Al, great story. I tuned in to check out your tips on Les Paul copies and felt compelled to listen through the whole video. I happen to have a Gewa VGS Eruption pro in faded cherry. it is a Les Paul style with the same scale with high end hardware, made in the Czech republic in 2013 that plays amazing. Hard to find in the US, but I guess I was just lucky too. I really enjoyed the story of your journey through guitars though. Thanks!
Hey man I'm glad to hear that, I've never heard of that brand but I'm going to look them up. Man there are a lot of brands that make really good copies. I moved to Spain 3 years ago and here you find more stuff. If you have the chance look for Tokai, Orville, Greco, Burny and Edwards; they are made in Japan and they are killer!!!!!. A viewer commented that Epiphones made in Czeck Republic are also incredibly good. Thanks for watching
I have heard of Greco, Burny, and Tokai, but have not heard of Orville or Edwards, so I will keep my radar up for those two, and thanks for the tips. My VGS Eruption Pro faded cherry is I feel all handmade, but I could be wrong. But it is really solid and rings out very well even acoustically. Like all guitars, you have to play many to find the one that suits you. Thanks agan for your insightful tips.
I have the Midnight Sapphire, 60 Tribute also. An amazing guitar. Rock on!
Do you still have it? Just bought a Tribute Plus Midnight Sapphire. Love it!
@@tenantrep I actually recently traded it for a Parker. Loved the Tribute Plus, just never bonded to it like I did the Parker.
I have a 2002 samick epiphone les Paul standard in cherry burst, it’s my favourite, I have had a few expensive guitars which have come and gone, but my les Paul is like my sidekick and I will keep it always
Yeah man, I totally agree with you. When you find one of the good ones you gotta keep it LOL
About Epiphone Les Paul Birdseye A guitar tech guy in Mexico didn't want to tell me if the guitar was good or not, he just said , those are the ones made in Korea, right? I kept it in a box 15 years or so, I put it out to sell it, but then I decided to just put a GraphTech nut and wooooww!! the sound just improved a lot, It sounds some grade as a Strato leater on I learned that Epiphone Les Paul Birdseye is made out of Alder. I cannot sell it anymore. No way! (yes it is too shinny , but sounds and plays great.
Yo FS Whaaaaat?? How you found that out? Alder body???? I know for sure the one I had was mahogany. Anyway If it makes you feel good when you play it please KEEP IT!!!! LOL🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
Some of them are alder/mahogany. I've read that in a couple of forums, and mine has that slight sound that is characteristic in alder's guitars.
Dude that is a score!!!!! Enjoy it every minute!
I think f/n is fine Korea and f is Japan. I just checked and F can be Japan, China, or Korea. F/FN is fine Korea. It seems like the serial numbers are a little messed up on some of the epi's but either way, it looks like you got very lucky my friend 😁. Have a good one.
Yeah but later on we found out that F in the serial does not belong to Korea nor Japan. It was made in China at the Epiphone factory where they manufacture the highest models in the line. Somewhere in the comments somebody claimed to be the Director of that factory and said that. I was like WTF???? I googled his name and he is actually the director of that factory LOL
Go for a late 90s early 00s Les Paul, Samick if possible. You will not regret it
That's actually one that I scored, Samick 94 birdseye maple top. I talked about it in the video
Yeh, I liked the comparison to your Les Paul Classic, because I feel the exact same way. That Korean Epi is so well made. Appreciate that it can be hit and miss depending on who made them, but I’ve picked up a few Samick ones now and they’ve all been 🔥
@@VamboMarbleEye Totally!!!
Thanks for video. Great information. The pursuit you've gone through too find the right one.
Yes man and there are more out there!!!!! still looking :) Thanks!!!!
Al, cool story! I'm picking up a Unsung Korean 2001 lp black beauty 3 from a pawnshop today. I have some Duncan's lying around and are going in asap!
Oh yeah!! Seymour Duncans are always a way to go. Thanks for watching and enjoy that guitar!!
@@alverduratonejunkiealveram1017
I went to get it today and someone had it in their hands and bought it😭. Oh well!
@@jukeboxheros7021 that sucks man!!!
@@alverduratonejunkiealveram1017 I found two epiphones this week, a 2002 Korean black lp custom has a FN serial number and a 2005 china epi lp standard has a EE serial number, bought them both😁 very nice guitars. Under the black paint on the Korean epi custom you can see the flame pattern😳. I also have a 70's gibson lp custom black beauty🤪
@@jukeboxheros7021 you are a hoarder!! 🤣. Dude the ones the EE serial number I´ve tried have been surprisingly good. I can´t believe that they painted the flames!!!! Enjoy your guitars man, you should post a video about them or if you post pictures on instagram or facebook let me know, I want to see them!
I enjoyed watching your video, Al. I believe what you told me about Epiphone Les Pauls. I recently had the good luck to find a Les Paul copy made by some Chinese company. The guitar has "Jay Turser" as a brand name on the headstock. It sounds great, and I haven't found any need yet to replace much of the hardware. I did replace the input jack with a better one, but the wiring, the pickups, the switch, the volume and tone pots, the tuners, and the bridge all seem to work and sound fine. Other players who have played this guitar agree with my assessment of its quality. I bought this guitar for $100.00 from a buddy of mine. He sold it to me for the same price that he paid earlier that day when he found the guitar in a local pawn shop and bought it.
Yeah man those guitars are cool! They are really good for the price
Great video
I have 2000 mij epiphone les paul standard (lps-80 )
And it's amazing
All most like my gibson r8.
Build all most the same
Thank you!!!! Man I want to try those but I have never come across any.
They very hard to find
Even in my country we don't have many
I get lucky and find some one that brings it from Japan
@@saarbrandvin9616 I live in Spain now and here you can find Tokais and Edwards in guitar stores, I have tried a few Grecos, Orvilles and others but MIJ Epiphones not a single one.
@@alverduratonejunkiealveram1017 i believe all of the Japanese lp are pretty good
Interesting story. Have you made any progress in your investigations since you've posted the video? Recently, I've bought a brand new Epiphone Les Paul Tribute 60. When I checked its number on the web, I found out exactly what you're sayin in your video: it is supposed to have been made in Japan in 2003! Very strange indeed. For sure, the guitar is excellent in terms of finish, sounds, both accoustically and plugged and makes me think about some Tokai (Japan) I've seen before. Plus it's light too. A dream to play. But thinking that the model was made in Japan, made it's way to France where I bought it and have not been touched since 2003 is hard to believe. Maybe it was stored somewhere and a some instruments from this stock is being sold progressively by Gibson to ensure a certain consistency in quality for some of the Epiphone range, compared to their chinese models. I would be curious to know more about it.
Yes man, time ago a guy who claimed to be the manager of the epiphone plant in china said that the tribute 60s are made in his factory but the serial numbers are misleading. (It is somewhere in the comments) Apparently there are several factories in china that make guitars for epiphone and other brands but they own one that is the "Epiphone" where they make the higher end models and that is the reason why our guitars seem to be "better' that the normal runs. Mine is pretty heavy though!! And I love it every day a little bit more LOL. Anyway check the description of the video because I have added a lot of info provided by the viewers. Merci!
Good story! I have 1993 korean epi les Paul Cherry sunburst what a great piece of kit!
Now i also have a 71 Gibson les Paul custom dark burst 3 humbucker killing machine!!
Thanks man!!!! and how the Korean Epi stands up against the Gibson??? I remember my 94 Korean was pretty close to a gibson classic and a standard I had the chance to compare with
+Al Verdura Tone Junkie THE Gibson is better but THE epi gets pretty close
Thank you so much for your video it's the best one out there you're so passionate I just got a Korean Epiphone like that deep Sunburst one you had 1990 talk about quality wow so sweet and smooth let's start a band alright thanks again I live in LA
Awesome man!!! Yeah definitely those Korean Epis are something else. Best of wishes with the band!!!
I absolutely loved your story and opinions. I live in south west Florida and if just happened to where I would be honored to subcontract you to go over my epi 1960tributeplus
Man I miss Florida!! I live in Spain now. Thanks so much 🤗. Here I work on guitars for a living and post my work and tips on instagram but it is in spanish though. My account is @alveramps
Had my Epi Les Paul modern for a couple of months now. Love it.
Have a Japanese Elite Les Paul Custom (Wine Red) 2002 made in the FujiGen Factory. Serial Number starts with a F 00140 which makes me think this Guitar were the first 150 Elites to be made at this factory...
Customs in wine red color are beautiful, I haven't had good luck with customs yet but I will LOL
Epiphone 1960 Tribute Plus. The only Epi Paul to buy. Needs no upgrades except maybe a nut. It's got most of the electronics and pickups that a real Gibson has. '57 Classic Pickups... Mallory caps...Switchcraft jack and switch...cts volume pots..real maple top (still a flame veneer though)...long neck tenon. It's got it all.
Yes man you are right!!! Mine has been used a lot and works perfectly. Probably the first upgrade I want to do is the bridge because saddle rails are to short and some of the strings I cant get to intonate properly but thats it.
Cheers!!
Honestly, even as high end as this is, the fret work is still not as good as Squire guitars. A lot of fretbuzz. I can't even set it up to the recommended setup.
Cool video man. I subscribed. I like what you had to say.
Thanks man!! I'm working on another video like this one but it's going to be about Gibsons and non Gibsons Les Pauls. Stay tuned!
Thanks so much for your real world stories! and the link!