@@Someone-lc6dc they cant. Gibson owns the rights and licensing. Some random billionare would have to convince Gibson to sell them not only the brand but the licensing rights for the Gibson style Epiphones as well like the 335, firebird, les paul, sg and so on. And Gibson makes way too much money from Epiphone to just sell them off to someone.
@@Someone-lc6dcthere are a million brands that do their own thing, some of them are also owned by Gibson. There is so much choice right now, if one brand doesn't have what you want, another will. Brands are just constructs anyway, especially when most of the world's guitars come from a handful of factories.
I've waited two decades for this! I applaud Epiphone for stepping up their game and giving us what we wanted all along- more affordable premium spec'd guitars.
I put Gibson Burstbucker Pros into my old Epiphone Les Paul. Added Grover locking tuners, Graphtec saddles and nut, and a Bigsby. Absolutely killer guitar. They say you can’t turn an Epiphone into a Gibson. Maybe. Whatever I ended up with is stellar. And yes, I do have a nice Gibson Les Paul too. Love them both.
@@EM-km8em Honestly, not sure. Just saw I guy was selling them online and thought I’d try them. Supposed to have a more vintage sound, as I recall. No regrets.
I hotrodded my Silverburst Epi LP Custom. Have and will again put it up against overpriced Gibby LP's and it more than holds its own. My philosophy is don't listen to others when it comes to tone. Especially ones who think price instantly makes a guitar "better".
Mine arrived last week..Ice Tea Burst... originally I planned to swap custom buckers in one of my Epi 59s..so I bought a pair ..then this Epi version was released...now I'm not gonna swap pickups...more spare parts for my ever growing parts bin..bins .
Cigarette co 's been doing this for years, so has fendar, not a surprise marketing idea, increase choices, change the packet design , increase / decrease price. Subsidizing CEO's bonus package
I bought the 2024 because of the better pick ups, not because of the "open book" headstock. I don't really care about the headstock shape. I wanted the custombuckers, which sound really really good. I also like the new neck. It feels a little better to me than the old 59 - maybe it's the finish. And most importantly, I wanted something that I could take to practice, gigs, and blue jams - I don't need more guitars for my house :) And you can't expect a $1,300 guitar to measure up to a guitar that costs three to four times more. The new epi is a great workhorse.
Its arguable that Custombuckers are better than the Gibson Burstbucker 2 and 3 in the previous version. Gibson deviated from the Seth Lover original design by using Alnico III magnets. Burstbuckers use period correct Alnico Ii. Burstbuckers , like original PAF vary in output from as low as 7.5 to as high as 9 ohms. BB 2 is on the low (warm) side. BB3 is a little hotter. Custombuckers are a one size fits all, using identical neck and bridge pickups with no variation. This is a cost saving penny punching move by Gibson, eliminating the need to have two production lines. Get less, but pay more.
THANK YOU!! This video brought to mind things that you offer here that you seldom get at a retail outlet. I'm not really a guitar player, but my late brother was, and I remember that, if my father, brother and me were going out looking for guitars for big bro, the same thing would always happen: you'd be taken directly to the Gibson Les Paul with almost no mention of the Epiphones at all. Or, you would get a quiet, cocky statement about the Epiphones ("well, they're 2nd rate junk," etc.). Now, with online shopping, the showrooms are gone - and you sometimes don't know what you'll be sent. Trogly, you are a GREAT resource! Again, having gone guitar shopping in the late 70s to the 90s, the sales-folk will direct YOU, and you won't know what questions to ask. To anyone shopping (and this is from a guy who worked in musical instrument sales for a few months at the turn-of-the-century), you'll never find a better, more honest knowledge than TROGLY'S GUITAR SHOW!!
Man I totally agree with your assessment. I love to see the collab with Gibson parts and love the new headstock, but these Epiphone Vintage/Faded/Satin finishes are just total misses. They look cheap and really make the veneer more of a "cheap" stand out to me.
Gibson is definitely upping Epi’s game and trying to reposition it in the market. I do wish they used rosewood on these… but IL (as long as it’s dark) actually makes for a nice looking board. Also, with an all the other “59ish appointments” it would have been nice to see some historic tall pickup rings. All-in-all though, I am really digging these IBGCS Epis.
I really think they should bring that brand name back for these guitars. People are always going to feel weird about paying what were Gibson prices for something that says Epiphone on the headstock.
Bro, just get some wood stain and darken it. Oil it first, then darken. Great results afterwards and the fretboard material doesn't affect the tone anyway.
Honestly, I’ll stick with the Epi Modern Les Paul, got the AMS version with an actual EBONY fretboard and a nice Bourbon burst finish. Didn’t cost me $1200. Laurel isn’t that bad, G&L Tribute (import models) uses“Caribbean Rosewood” which is actually a wood called Chechen from several Carribbean islands, it’s also pretty good. Pao Ferro has to be the right color, too many guitars (and basses) out there with orange fretboards.
Looking forward to you doing the ES-355. Would love to hear a glowing review of what looks like a great semi hollow body guitar for the momey compared to it's Gibson counter part.
Yeah that is where is at. The physical nature of a semi means things like exact woods and finishes matter less to the tone and feel. I think it will be the one that really justifies the price
Pretty sure you could buff in some Howard Feed & Wax into that Satiny thing and it's gonna shine like a sunny Friday. Buff down the headstock logo first. That reddish tint is kinda coolio also. They're cutting all the right cost-cutting corners but keeping the good stuff. Flip out the bridge and tuners, change out pots, wiring & a cap or two. Tough call...
And after all that, you'll still have a laurel fretboard and whatever passes for "mahogany" in China these days. Last I heard they were using "olive wood" bodies with some kind of birchwood top on their Epiphone '59's. Is it really a tough call?
@@jonathanhudak2059 I wasn't discussing price or what people can afford... I pointed out that even after all those additional upgrades and finish work, there are some significant things that can't simply be changed.
I just brought a '23 Epiphone "Bourbon Burst" back in June. I got it at a pawn shop for $425 After playing Fender forever (which I still love)....it's REALLY NICE to have a change LOVE MY BOURBON BURST....IT'S GORGEOUS....I call it my " '68 "
I was waiting to see your review of this one, thank you for doing it. I really liked the specs, but am still not sure if the price is worth it. I was impressed with the 2020 59 outfit when I saw it in person in a store, and will need to check this new one out in person. Since I am not a big fan of glossy finish, I appreciate the satin feel finish Epiphone has tried to do. Thanks for this in-depth review!
I was truly surprised as I don’t normally play inspired by a guitars. I am a Gibson and normally now and Eastman guitar player. I was shocked by the quality of this if they had done a good job on the fret of the one I ordered for my son I would’ve been very pleased but the front work was terrible. I sent it back three times and then bought him a Gibson less Paul studio Modern, which only cost me about 700 more dollars and turned out to be three times the guitar I actually like it myself, but these are certainly great if you want to accept them and get the work done, but maybe you are luckier than most, but everyone has been talking about the fretwork that I’ve spoken to. I don’t know about on the videos, but I wish they would just work on that because it was definitely sharp Fred. 0:581:03
I'm gonna go on limb here but I actually like the Epiphone headstock. In fact, I wish we had the really old Epiphone headstock with the logo inside of the panty shape. Epiphone has such a rich history, they are actually the reason we have the Les Paul, because at first Gibson rejected Les Paul's solid body electric guitar idea, so he went to Epiphone and they let him make his "log guitar" with an Epiphone headstock. Then when the Telecaster became a hit, Gibson ran back to Les Paul, begged him to partner with them and they just pretended they were the ones working with Les the whole time, when really it was Epiphone. Technically the first Les Paul guitar had an Epiphone headstock on it.
These new Epiphones can be amazing guitars but you can buy lower end USA made PRS, Gibsons, and Fenders in the $1300-1700 price range. No way should an import guitar cost this much, even if it has fancy “custom shop” specs. The cost of labor in China is far cheaper than cost of labor in USA yet you’re paying close to USA made prices for a made in China import guitar. Add to that Epiphone still cheaped out with the indian laurel, lack of fret nibs or plek job, and using a poly finish. Can’t really justify this one even if the guitar is good, it shouldn’t cost $1300. I see other brands charging over $1K for imports and I worry us buying these will send the message they can charge more for imports and ultimately even more for USA made guitars.
Good thing nobody is forcing you to buy one then. A $500 plus set of pickups, gibson wiring and a hardshell case is gonna make it more expensive. Compared to the $999 version, this is a steal. Most people don't care where things are made.
@@donbishop6994 Well I hope you never have to sell it cause you’ll take a massive loss when you realize people care where things are made. There’s perceived value in something made in USA or Japan and save for a few exceptions like Eastman the mass produced imports from China will always have lower perceived value no matter how great the specs. Especially since that price point of $1300 will get you USA and Japan made guitars. $1100 and these would be great value. Or $1300 with fret nibs and a plek job which would improve the feel. They should have bypassed the MOP inlays and used the money to upgrade to a rosewood board as well. I bought the previous iteration of these and know how great they are but I also believe they have piss poor resale value because people aren’t interested in these at the current asking prices. More power to anyone who likes one and plans to buys one. I have to no plans to get one unless I’m really blown away.
I picked up new epi 335 custom and it's fantastic! Ebony fretboard, mother of pearl block, gold hardware, Gibson custom buckers, Hands down best value on the market. Better than D'Angelico at 2k .
I have one and it made me love les pauls..I don't play my Fender AVRIs or PRS' anymore...I LOVE MINE!!!!!! I have had several Gibsons including a beautiful custom shop R0. For some reason this one just bonded with me. I happen to love the finish. Of all the guitars I have owned ( a lot) I always stare back at this one when I put it down.
I feel the same way. I keep trying to find excuses to return it and the only reason I can think of is because I want the letters to say Gibson. The Gibson LP Tribute, Studio, 50's Standard and Classic that I have owned do not sound this good. The neck is much more comfortable too.
@@TWhite-mq6uf best neck ever for me and I kinda started liking it saying epiphone. That stigma is in the process of changing anyway I think. Since my post I bought the epi Greeny. Even better and total perfection in feel, sound and playability IMO. Worth every penny of the $1400.
i have the 999.00 version in the burst you show and its a great guitar and good enough for me in a epiphone. i still have my gibson les pauls. great video. the headstock doesnt really matter because it still says epiphone
At that price point they could've done it a little better. I have a Epi 1960 Les Paul Classic reissue with a real Rosewood board with 495r 500t pick-ups great flame top in vintage burst for $800 new. I have a Gibson standard also and more often I grab that Epi its been on the road and played hard, I've had many "it must say Gibson on the head stock" players fall in love with it swearing i put in pick-ups blah blah. Its all in what feels good and sounds good to you.
The one detail keeping me from buying one of these higher end Epi's, the indian laurel. I can't stand the way it feels and looks. So porous and stringy.
@@sirbaronvoncount4147 Funny you should mention, the last guitar I purchased is a 2021 Les Paul Raven and I love the Richlite. It's smooth and non-porous which for me is ideal.
@MarkEdward-bl6cr I purchased an Epiphone Standard 60's to match my Gibson, and it's a horrible fretboard. I was half tempted to pull the frets, apply a grain filler, and resand it.
unpotted humbuckers squeal a bit under high gain loads but the unpotted pups are phenomenal. The body in one piece, take my word for it. The maple cap is the same thickness variably as Gibson. The fact there was no solder drip everywhere like on the past few Gibsons Ive repaired was outstanding. Using great pots, and switches is something Epiphone has been doing since the turn of the century or around 2005 or so. The 60's Tribute Plus model Les Paul was my favorite guitar for years, until the more recent 335 release. Funny thing is hardly no one talks about the 60's Tribute Plus while it came with 57 classic pups and all the same pots, jack, etc as this guitar BUT the 60's Tribute Plus had plek'd frets and premium locking Grover tuners which I would rather have any day instead of those Gibson/Epiphone "Deluxe" tuners which are the same product with different names etched into them.
I have the lemon burst version (GC special run), spent an hour with some light automotive swirl/scratch remover and it polished up nicely. Not too much shine but an improvement over the factory matte.
For much less than that you can get an Orville. That would always be my choice. I’ve had Gibsons and Epiphones come and go but my Orvilles have always stayed put.
Bottles of Virtuoso cleaner and polish would do wonders for that satin top and headstock. I used it on my 2018 Classic Player Plus LP, and love the results. I don't know if the veneer on these Les Pauls would be something to consider with a polishing.
I polished a new one of these, mines tobacco burst. I used some automotive polish and microfiber cloths. It's not super high gloss but definitely looks more the part now. No issues with the veneer, the poly is thick enough it didn't even get close to it. Be careful on the headstock, I went very careful because a friend of mine polished another satin guitar and rubbed the waterslide off, which would suck
Please check the white 335. Looks really grogeous and want to see what you think on that one. I dont care much on getting a 335, especially a gibson that are very expensive, and is not my main style of guitar. But I can see myself going for the white epi. Looks awesome.
This is basically the 1959 Epi Standard Exclusive Run with Custombuckers and an open book headstock. That VOS finish is a satin finish. What sells me is the headstock, pickups and the 3 different colors.
No, it has many more things. 1-piece neck and mother of pearl inlays. And the custom buckers are not a minor difference. You can't get those in any gibson except custom shop.
Salutations Austin! Very nice looking ‘59 Epiphone Les Paul, and it sounds great too! I think it’s a good indication that it’s a good instrument when you are inspired to play a solo! Thanks for sharing this with us all! Please have an excellent and awesome day! ☀️✨🎸
Man that's a great sounding Les Paul! The satiny VOS finish is okay but as others have said it could potentially be buffed to a glossier finish. All in all I'm liking it thanks Trogly and love how it made you branch out and solo a bit too! 👍
I know it’s not feasible, but I would’ve liked to have seen these offered in a plain top burst as well. Hell, just make a “made to order” Epiphone custom shop 🤔
After seeing the new customs and after watching a video a UA-camr spraying Amber lacquer over his white, Les Paul custom and it coming out looking like a Randy Rhodes model, I’d love to see these new LPC guitars getting some of that kind of treatment as well. Wishful thinking though. May have to wait for some other brave souls to do the same, and then post the results. Personally I want goldburst and natural customs since Epi seems to be going down the Adam Jones rabbit hole.
@@fattony4961 Absolutely! I saw that Dem Dem BMX do that as well. I'd love to tribute a custom to Randy Rhoads that would call me closer to the guitar.
Question - which one would be better: this IGC, the previous Limited Edition 1959 (with Burstbuckers), or the Tribute Plus 160 with 57 Gibson pickups? Oe one of those older Epi's from Korea or Japan?
What a beautiful guitar. Those pickups sound amazing. I played my whole life with a pair of Wilde (circuitboard) Gibson pickups.,.. But I must say. These sound amazing.
Custom Buckers are $500 beans all by themselves... $1299 doesn't seem completely unreasonable... Especially when you see the fit and finish of this new Epiphone.
Funny thing...these come with the $500 pickups and....Indian Laurel fingerboard? But....the Custom has an ebony fingerboard and...490R & 498R humbuckers?
The ‘59 with the Kalamazoo headstock has the red dye back and neck. Like you, I prefer mine with the Epi headstock and Burstbuckers. It’s a great Les Paul for $1k.
A dream deluxe Epiphone Les Paul : nitro finish, steel frets, cut-away neck, bone nut, custombuckers, CTS 500k Pots, good gig bag (who needs a cumbersome case!?). NO push pulls or any fancy electronic crap, ebony compound fret board and pearl inlays, locking tuners, Handwired with Orange Drops capacitors, Aluminium Tune-O-Matic bridge. How much could that possibly be? I’d even cut the binding and just have some nice rolled edges… without a maple top, like the Les Paul Special. Let’s call it THE Un-Custom Shop Deluxe !❤
I've got one of these, under 8 lbs and great resonance. The neck profile and pick ups are my favorite features. The Gibson headstock makes sense to me, because Gibson is the parent company.
I purchased the Les Paul custom in 1981.Its built like a tank, but heavier. As I passed 70, l bought a Gibson SG.Nothing sounds like a Les Paul,but not if you have to strap in,instead of strap on.The SG has been my favorite since I was fifteen.Paid 5000 dollars in 1981! I will never spend that kind of money,even if I had it.I had it in 81,but it was foolish to spend more than 1800 bucks for a Gibson.Had a Epiphone Riviera, it was fantastic,also Guild Starfire 2 is nice.
I wasn't sold on it being cool til I saw some binding bleed haha! And the sound is super nice! It costing as much as someone's american strat is kinda weird, but the quality lines up a bit too I'd say.
I bought two Custombuckers separately in a sale. They both got the short connector bars on them (used to fix the pickups to the body). Is that a problem? Is there a workaround? Do I need one long and one short or some such? Any advice?
A few thoughts: I'll choose MOP over toilet seat (like my '71) any day. Still don't see the problem with Indian Laurel. As for nibs, many old LPs have been refretted without nibs, in some people's minds making it more authentic. A satin finish passed off as VOS - gimme a break. The "Les Paul" should be silk screened, not a decal. Run a black light up the edge of the guitar to look for multi piece construction.
Is the neck finish on the new Epiphone 59 Les Paul more sticky than the older Epiphone 59 LP ($999). The old one is currently on sale and I checked it out today and it was pretty nice, but I also really like the new headstock. I already have a Gibson LP, but the Gibson headstock is one of my favourite designs, so I wouldnt mind the upgraded New Epiphone with this design and the better pickups.
Not to go off too far on a tangent but just picked up an Eastman SB59 for $300 more than the Epi. Fit and finish are absolutely exquisite. Set up is perfect. Completely hand made with ebony fretboard, deep flame maple top, one-piece mahogany body. Goth hardware, switchcraft, CTS pots. Came with Seymour Duncan 59’s that sound awesome. Could I have ponied up $500-$800 more for a plane top Gibson LP standard? Probably. But I know the quality wouldn’t be there. Seriously, check reviews. These Eastman’ compare very favorably to Gibson Custom shop models costing 3 times the price. IMHO, if you’re going to go with a Chinese-made LP, don’t sleep on Eastman!
Damn! I played the 59’ $999.00 n I was blown away! I mean the customBuckers 😲are sweet. This is a really player, I mean just phenomenal all over the neck. If you need just a great guitar n don’t have deep pockets or just wanna play out give it try. I’m an S G All day but I needed to put it down. Temptation was leaning hard.
I’d love to buy one of these once they hit the used market, strip it down and do a cool Nitro paint/relic job. Wouldn’t feel as guilty doing it to an epiphone 🤷🏼♂️
I wouldn't had believed it but I bought one myself love it. If I don't get the feeling from a guitar when I play it I get rid of it. Some guitars just have a good soul and I feel it with this one I love the finish
Putting indian laurel instead of rosewood or ebony on that fretboard was a crime, considering all the other nice specs this guitars has. For the same price i'd rather buy a Gibson tribute or save a little bit more and spent 2300 bucks on a Gibson standard faded.
Nobody is giving headstock angle. I've played Les Paul's with both 14 degrees and 17 degrees. It makes a difference in terms of tuning stability and feel and probably likelihood of breakage too.
@@kenfernsler6507 I respect your opinion and I'm sure you're right, every part of a guitar contributes to the sound and character. But what is the percentage contribution to the overall sound/character? I love Gibsons ( don't fully understand why) but the constant struggle with tuning stability is a big issue for me, so anything that mitigates that is worthy of consideration.
This is a very nice guitar. They were smart to put to stamp the back of the headstock with the interlinked Epiphone inspired by Gibson logo. Besides the the difference in the truss rod cover someone could likely take this and give it more of a Gibson look possibly to fool someone.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I wouldn't think of these as Epiphone trying to be Gibson. I look at them as Epiphone raising their standard to what people wanted all along.
I just wish Epiphone could go their own way, be on their own again.
@@Someone-lc6dc they cant. Gibson owns the rights and licensing. Some random billionare would have to convince Gibson to sell them not only the brand but the licensing rights for the Gibson style Epiphones as well like the 335, firebird, les paul, sg and so on. And Gibson makes way too much money from Epiphone to just sell them off to someone.
Exactly. Like - i've never understood why they couldn't just use the same headstock ? It looks SO much better. The previous redesign was good too .
@@Someone-lc6dcthere are a million brands that do their own thing, some of them are also owned by Gibson. There is so much choice right now, if one brand doesn't have what you want, another will.
Brands are just constructs anyway, especially when most of the world's guitars come from a handful of factories.
Who is willing to pay those prices for a Laurel fretboard? Hell no Gibson! Or Epiphone. Or whoever needs to hear it 🤣
I've waited two decades for this! I applaud Epiphone for stepping up their game and giving us what we wanted all along- more affordable premium spec'd guitars.
if they had a nitro finish a rosewood fret board and fret nibs ide be stoked but they don't.
You mean Gibson? Gibson owns Epipohone, everything Epiphone does has to be Ok'ed by Gibson first.
@@thetoneknob4493 that would cost like another $1200.
Just get a Japanese Orville or Epiphone. Some had Gibson pickups from factory.
You waited two decades for this? You could have just bought a Les Paul and paid it off 18 years ago
I put Gibson Burstbucker Pros into my old Epiphone Les Paul. Added Grover locking tuners, Graphtec saddles and nut, and a Bigsby. Absolutely killer guitar. They say you can’t turn an Epiphone into a Gibson. Maybe. Whatever I ended up with is stellar. And yes, I do have a nice Gibson Les Paul too. Love them both.
Whats the difference between regular burst buckers and pros ?
@@EM-km8em Honestly, not sure. Just saw I guy was selling them online and thought I’d try them. Supposed to have a more vintage sound, as I recall. No regrets.
@EM-km8em if they're more vintage sound you probably have the 50's burstbucker set. The 60s set is a bit hotter iirc
I think the pros have better harmonic response and feel more articulate from what i heard comparing at guitar center
I hotrodded my Silverburst Epi LP Custom. Have and will again put it up against overpriced Gibby LP's and it more than holds its own. My philosophy is don't listen to others when it comes to tone. Especially ones who think price instantly makes a guitar "better".
Mine arrived last week..Ice Tea Burst... originally I planned to swap custom buckers in one of my Epi 59s..so I bought a pair ..then this Epi version was released...now I'm not gonna swap pickups...more spare parts for my ever growing parts bin..bins .
Cigarette co 's been doing this for years, so has fendar, not a surprise marketing idea, increase choices, change the packet design , increase / decrease price. Subsidizing CEO's bonus package
Disappointing that the routes are so clean. At this premium price they should be giving us the same bearding and rough finish that Gibson USA offer
😂🤣
😂😂
You get nitrocellulose lacquer on Gibsons not thick encapsulated shiny plastic like epiphone.
@@DJTGOATWhich many of us can’t stand. That junk is high maintenance.
@@DJTGOAT Who cares!! Jesus this isn't a bad guitar, gatekeepers gonna gatekeep I guess!!
I bought the 2024 because of the better pick ups, not because of the "open book" headstock. I don't really care about the headstock shape. I wanted the custombuckers, which sound really really good. I also like the new neck. It feels a little better to me than the old 59 - maybe it's the finish. And most importantly, I wanted something that I could take to practice, gigs, and blue jams - I don't need more guitars for my house :) And you can't expect a $1,300 guitar to measure up to a guitar that costs three to four times more. The new epi is a great workhorse.
Very reasonable reasoning, unlike me, who's only here for the headstock XD.
Its arguable that Custombuckers are better than the Gibson Burstbucker 2 and 3 in the previous version. Gibson deviated from the Seth Lover original design by using Alnico III magnets. Burstbuckers use period correct Alnico Ii.
Burstbuckers , like original PAF vary in output from as low as 7.5 to as high as 9 ohms. BB 2 is on the low (warm) side. BB3 is a little hotter.
Custombuckers are a one size fits all, using identical neck and bridge pickups with no variation.
This is a cost saving penny punching move by Gibson, eliminating the need to have two production lines.
Get less, but pay more.
@@PeteBloss I've been thinking about getting a Gibson Traditional. Played a 2016 and really liked it.
Same here. The new neck shape and the Custombuckers are worth the price of admission to me. The headstock was just a nice little bonus
I have the opportunity to get the burstbucker for 40% off, worth it?
THANK YOU!! This video brought to mind things that you offer here that you seldom get at a retail outlet. I'm not really a guitar player, but my late brother was, and I remember that, if my father, brother and me were going out looking for guitars for big bro, the same thing would always happen: you'd be taken directly to the Gibson Les Paul with almost no mention of the Epiphones at all. Or, you would get a quiet, cocky statement about the Epiphones ("well, they're 2nd rate junk," etc.). Now, with online shopping, the showrooms are gone - and you sometimes don't know what you'll be sent. Trogly, you are a GREAT resource! Again, having gone guitar shopping in the late 70s to the 90s, the sales-folk will direct YOU, and you won't know what questions to ask. To anyone shopping (and this is from a guy who worked in musical instrument sales for a few months at the turn-of-the-century), you'll never find a better, more honest knowledge than TROGLY'S GUITAR SHOW!!
Man I totally agree with your assessment. I love to see the collab with Gibson parts and love the new headstock, but these Epiphone Vintage/Faded/Satin finishes are just total misses. They look cheap and really make the veneer more of a "cheap" stand out to me.
Gibson is definitely upping Epi’s game and trying to reposition it in the market. I do wish they used rosewood on these… but IL (as long as it’s dark) actually makes for a nice looking board. Also, with an all the other “59ish appointments” it would have been nice to see some historic tall pickup rings. All-in-all though, I am really digging these IBGCS Epis.
I bought a brand new Edwards off Reverb, and it was completely painless. No import duties, quick shipping. I like it better than my Gibson LP
Edward’s, FGN, and Tokai all currently make Les Paul’s that are at minimum on par with what Gibson is producing as Standards.
I play Orville’s. I have 3 and they costed me less than a new Gibson LP standard. And they are great
I really think they should bring that brand name back for these guitars.
People are always going to feel weird about paying what were Gibson prices for something that says Epiphone on the headstock.
It's a nice enough looking guitar, but for $1299 USD, it should really have a rosewood fretboard!
And a gloss finish.
Am I the only one who couldn’t care less if the fretboard is rosewood or laurel? They look similar enough to me.
@@limpneckmikeexactly. It doesn’t change tone or durability
@limpneckmike , nope. I don't mind the laurel. It's VERY similar to rosewood. I do hate things like pao fero, though...
Bro, just get some wood stain and darken it. Oil it first, then darken. Great results afterwards and the fretboard material doesn't affect the tone anyway.
Honestly, I’ll stick with the Epi Modern Les Paul, got the AMS version with an actual EBONY fretboard and a nice Bourbon burst finish. Didn’t cost me $1200.
Laurel isn’t that bad, G&L Tribute (import models) uses“Caribbean Rosewood” which is actually a wood called Chechen from several Carribbean islands, it’s also pretty good. Pao Ferro has to be the right color, too many guitars (and basses) out there with orange fretboards.
Looking forward to you doing the ES-355. Would love to hear a glowing review of what looks like a great semi hollow body guitar for the momey compared to it's Gibson counter part.
Right? That thing is getting a little scary close.
Yeah that is where is at. The physical nature of a semi means things like exact woods and finishes matter less to the tone and feel.
I think it will be the one that really justifies the price
Yeah, the ebony fingerboard means it's a real contender.
I have it. It is great. I gigged with it already. I didn't miss my custom shop.
@@noahMrkzThe 355 actually has be considering flipping my Bonamassa...
I polished my epi 59 and it looks way better.
Same. I have a southern fade zzsounds model and it came out like a million bucks after 1000 grit wet and some polishing compound.
Yeah when I showed it to my brother he thought I bought another Guitar 😂😂
That makes since. You have to completely disassemble it though.
👍👍👍
Good to know, I'm planning on getting a Les Paul Custom from this range and would want to shine it up!!
Pretty sure you could buff in some Howard Feed & Wax into that Satiny thing and it's gonna shine like a sunny Friday. Buff down the headstock logo first. That reddish tint is kinda coolio also. They're cutting all the right cost-cutting corners but keeping the good stuff. Flip out the bridge and tuners, change out pots, wiring & a cap or two. Tough call...
And after all that, you'll still have a laurel fretboard and whatever passes for "mahogany" in China these days. Last I heard they were using "olive wood" bodies with some kind of birchwood top on their Epiphone '59's. Is it really a tough call?
@@Darth.Shredderdepends possibly on what you can afford for some people...
@@jonathanhudak2059 I wasn't discussing price or what people can afford... I pointed out that even after all those additional upgrades and finish work, there are some significant things that can't simply be changed.
No, you can't make those Epiphone satin finishes shiny. It's not like with Gibson's satin or faded finishes, which can be polished up quite easily.
@@soulagent79 Fair enough. You would know better than I. Tks
I just brought a '23 Epiphone "Bourbon Burst" back in June.
I got it at a pawn shop for $425
After playing Fender forever (which I still love)....it's REALLY NICE to have a change
LOVE MY BOURBON BURST....IT'S GORGEOUS....I call it my " '68 "
I was waiting to see your review of this one, thank you for doing it. I really liked the specs, but am still not sure if the price is worth it. I was impressed with the 2020 59 outfit when I saw it in person in a store, and will need to check this new one out in person. Since I am not a big fan of glossy finish, I appreciate the satin feel finish Epiphone has tried to do. Thanks for this in-depth review!
I was truly surprised as I don’t normally play inspired by a guitars. I am a Gibson and normally now and Eastman guitar player. I was shocked by the quality of this if they had done a good job on the fret of the one I ordered for my son I would’ve been very pleased but the front work was terrible. I sent it back three times and then bought him a Gibson less Paul studio Modern, which only cost me about 700 more dollars and turned out to be three times the guitar I actually like it myself, but these are certainly great if you want to accept them and get the work done, but maybe you are luckier than most, but everyone has been talking about the fretwork that I’ve spoken to. I don’t know about on the videos, but I wish they would just work on that because it was definitely sharp Fred. 0:58 1:03
I'm gonna go on limb here but I actually like the Epiphone headstock. In fact, I wish we had the really old Epiphone headstock with the logo inside of the panty shape.
Epiphone has such a rich history, they are actually the reason we have the Les Paul, because at first Gibson rejected Les Paul's solid body electric guitar idea, so he went to Epiphone and they let him make his "log guitar" with an Epiphone headstock. Then when the Telecaster became a hit, Gibson ran back to Les Paul, begged him to partner with them and they just pretended they were the ones working with Les the whole time, when really it was Epiphone. Technically the first Les Paul guitar had an Epiphone headstock on it.
Nice guitar and were it not for my older Epiphone 59 reissue, I would buy one.
These new Epiphones can be amazing guitars but you can buy lower end USA made PRS, Gibsons, and Fenders in the $1300-1700 price range. No way should an import guitar cost this much, even if it has fancy “custom shop” specs. The cost of labor in China is far cheaper than cost of labor in USA yet you’re paying close to USA made prices for a made in China import guitar. Add to that Epiphone still cheaped out with the indian laurel, lack of fret nibs or plek job, and using a poly finish. Can’t really justify this one even if the guitar is good, it shouldn’t cost $1300. I see other brands charging over $1K for imports and I worry us buying these will send the message they can charge more for imports and ultimately even more for USA made guitars.
Agree on the labor, but I have a PRS S2 594 and one of these new Epi 59's, and the Epiphone plays and sounds better than the S2.
The cost isn't the labour, it's the pickups. The SG has three!
Walk on by and pickup the Eastman.....way better quality and attention to detail
Good thing nobody is forcing you to buy one then. A $500 plus set of pickups, gibson wiring and a hardshell case is gonna make it more expensive. Compared to the $999 version, this is a steal. Most people don't care where things are made.
@@donbishop6994 Well I hope you never have to sell it cause you’ll take a massive loss when you realize people care where things are made. There’s perceived value in something made in USA or Japan and save for a few exceptions like Eastman the mass produced imports from China will always have lower perceived value no matter how great the specs. Especially since that price point of $1300 will get you USA and Japan made guitars. $1100 and these would be great value. Or $1300 with fret nibs and a plek job which would improve the feel. They should have bypassed the MOP inlays and used the money to upgrade to a rosewood board as well. I bought the previous iteration of these and know how great they are but I also believe they have piss poor resale value because people aren’t interested in these at the current asking prices. More power to anyone who likes one and plans to buys one. I have to no plans to get one unless I’m really blown away.
I picked up new epi 335 custom and it's fantastic! Ebony fretboard, mother of pearl block, gold hardware, Gibson custom buckers, Hands down best value on the market. Better than D'Angelico at 2k .
I have one and it made me love les pauls..I don't play my Fender AVRIs or PRS' anymore...I LOVE MINE!!!!!! I have had several Gibsons including a beautiful custom shop R0. For some reason this one just bonded with me. I happen to love the finish. Of all the guitars I have owned ( a lot) I always stare back at this one when I put it down.
I feel the same way. I keep trying to find excuses to return it and the only reason I can think of is because I want the letters to say Gibson. The Gibson LP Tribute, Studio, 50's Standard and Classic that I have owned do not sound this good. The neck is much more comfortable too.
@@TWhite-mq6uf best neck ever for me and I kinda started liking it saying epiphone. That stigma is in the process of changing anyway I think. Since my post I bought the epi Greeny. Even better and total perfection in feel, sound and playability IMO. Worth every penny of the $1400.
i have the 999.00 version in the burst you show and its a great guitar and good enough for me in a epiphone. i still have my gibson les pauls. great video. the headstock doesnt really matter because it still says epiphone
I got one for $849. It like the one you have different color. And I'm like you totally happy.
At that price point they could've done it a little better. I have a Epi 1960 Les Paul Classic reissue with a real Rosewood board with 495r 500t pick-ups great flame top in vintage burst for $800 new. I have a Gibson standard also and more often I grab that Epi its been on the road and played hard, I've had many "it must say Gibson on the head stock" players fall in love with it swearing i put in pick-ups blah blah. Its all in what feels good and sounds good to you.
i think that neck tenon isn't doing much, looks liek sloppy fit and extra glue, and i don't think the glue is meant to fill the gap like that.
The one detail keeping me from buying one of these higher end Epi's, the indian laurel. I can't stand the way it feels and looks. So porous and stringy.
Ya I would even prefer Richlite at least it’s dark in color
@@sirbaronvoncount4147 Funny you should mention, the last guitar I purchased is a 2021 Les Paul Raven and I love the Richlite. It's smooth and non-porous which for me is ideal.
Right with ya guys that Laurel looks like it's way to porous no thanks Richlite is a good idea 👍
@MarkEdward-bl6cr I purchased an Epiphone Standard 60's to match my Gibson, and it's a horrible fretboard.
I was half tempted to pull the frets, apply a grain filler, and resand it.
@@wiseguy9202richlite is also gonna last longer since it's resin based.
unpotted humbuckers squeal a bit under high gain loads but the unpotted pups are phenomenal. The body in one piece, take my word for it. The maple cap is the same thickness variably as Gibson. The fact there was no solder drip everywhere like on the past few Gibsons Ive repaired was outstanding. Using great pots, and switches is something Epiphone has been doing since the turn of the century or around 2005 or so. The 60's Tribute Plus model Les Paul was my favorite guitar for years, until the more recent 335 release. Funny thing is hardly no one talks about the 60's Tribute Plus while it came with 57 classic pups and all the same pots, jack, etc as this guitar BUT the 60's Tribute Plus had plek'd frets and premium locking Grover tuners which I would rather have any day instead of those Gibson/Epiphone "Deluxe" tuners which are the same product with different names etched into them.
I have the lemon burst version (GC special run), spent an hour with some light automotive swirl/scratch remover and it polished up nicely. Not too much shine but an improvement over the factory matte.
For much less than that you can get an Orville. That would always be my choice. I’ve had Gibsons and Epiphones come and go but my Orvilles have always stayed put.
Bottles of Virtuoso cleaner and polish would do wonders for that satin top and headstock. I used it on my 2018 Classic Player Plus LP, and love the results. I don't know if the veneer on these Les Pauls would be something to consider with a polishing.
I polished a new one of these, mines tobacco burst. I used some automotive polish and microfiber cloths. It's not super high gloss but definitely looks more the part now. No issues with the veneer, the poly is thick enough it didn't even get close to it. Be careful on the headstock, I went very careful because a friend of mine polished another satin guitar and rubbed the waterslide off, which would suck
Please check the white 335. Looks really grogeous and want to see what you think on that one. I dont care much on getting a 335, especially a gibson that are very expensive, and is not my main style of guitar. But I can see myself going for the white epi. Looks awesome.
This is basically the 1959 Epi Standard Exclusive Run with Custombuckers and an open book headstock. That VOS finish is a satin finish. What sells me is the headstock, pickups and the 3 different colors.
No, it has many more things. 1-piece neck and mother of pearl inlays. And the custom buckers are not a minor difference. You can't get those in any gibson except custom shop.
Salutations Austin!
Very nice looking ‘59 Epiphone Les Paul, and it sounds great too!
I think it’s a good indication that it’s a good instrument when you are inspired to play a solo!
Thanks for sharing this with us all!
Please have an excellent and awesome day!
☀️✨🎸
Man that's a great sounding Les Paul! The satiny VOS finish is okay but as others have said it could potentially be buffed to a glossier finish. All in all I'm liking it thanks Trogly and love how it made you branch out and solo a bit too! 👍
I know it’s not feasible, but I would’ve liked to have seen these offered in a plain top burst as well. Hell, just make a “made to order” Epiphone custom shop 🤔
That'd be cool!
If I were to guess. Somewhere down the line, they will make a 58' or 60' reissue with a plaintop.
My new " Greeny " inspired by Gibson is a gem once it was setup by my tech ! Plays and sounds as well as most Gibson Les Pauls !
I swapped out the Burst buckers in mine and put Seymour Duncan Antiquities and it sounds amazing
Will you review the Les Paul Custom Custom shop inspired too?
And the 355?
355 yes - custom maybe
Those pickups sound incredible
Austin please do the white or black Epiphone Custom soon? The new Customs are just amazing...but I'm waiting for you to go through one.
Same. That has my attention.
Agreed, yes please do the IBGCS LP Custom!
Agree would like to see a review on the White custom. Might be the only custom I could ever afford.
After seeing the new customs and after watching a video a UA-camr spraying Amber lacquer over his white, Les Paul custom and it coming out looking like a Randy Rhodes model, I’d love to see these new LPC guitars getting some of that kind of treatment as well. Wishful thinking though. May have to wait for some other brave souls to do the same, and then post the results. Personally I want goldburst and natural customs since Epi seems to be going down the Adam Jones rabbit hole.
@@fattony4961 Absolutely! I saw that Dem Dem BMX do that as well. I'd love to tribute a custom to Randy Rhoads that would call me closer to the guitar.
Thanks for the comprehensive review. Is Indian Laurel inferior, either quality-wise or tone-wise, to rosewood for a fingerboard?
I think you're right. This new 59 from Epiphone would make a excellent gig guitar. Your LP from the Custom Shop can be saved from harm.
New to guitar and own a Epiphone standard. What is the big deal about the head stock? Is there some advantage to the Gibson headstock?
Question - which one would be better: this IGC, the previous Limited Edition 1959 (with Burstbuckers), or the Tribute Plus 160 with 57 Gibson pickups? Oe one of those older Epi's from Korea or Japan?
What a beautiful guitar. Those pickups sound amazing. I played my whole life with a pair of Wilde (circuitboard) Gibson pickups.,.. But I must say. These sound amazing.
I've got an older Epi LP. At first I thought it was ultimately inferior, and a trade-away.
It's about 12 years later. I still have him.
Custom Buckers are $500 beans all by themselves... $1299 doesn't seem completely unreasonable... Especially when you see the fit and finish of this new Epiphone.
Funny thing...these come with the $500 pickups and....Indian Laurel fingerboard? But....the Custom has an ebony fingerboard and...490R & 498R humbuckers?
I bought the tobacco burst ! I need advice to make it shine !
The ‘59 with the Kalamazoo headstock has the red dye back and neck. Like you, I prefer mine with the Epi headstock and Burstbuckers. It’s a great Les Paul for $1k.
A dream deluxe Epiphone Les Paul : nitro finish, steel frets, cut-away neck, bone nut, custombuckers, CTS 500k Pots, good gig bag (who needs a cumbersome case!?). NO push pulls or any fancy electronic crap, ebony compound fret board and pearl inlays, locking tuners, Handwired with Orange Drops capacitors, Aluminium Tune-O-Matic bridge. How much could that possibly be? I’d even cut the binding and just have some nice rolled edges… without a maple top, like the Les Paul Special. Let’s call it THE Un-Custom Shop Deluxe !❤
Anaconda burst Slash epiphone getring delivered tommorrow. I can't wait to check it out. The back of it has some amazing wood to this particular one.
I've owned my new '59 for about a week now. I didn't expect to like it as much as I do. It's a GREAT guitar, no matter who's name is on the headstock.
Waiting for one of these with a floyd rose frt 1000.
Weights - please convert to Kg on screen ? Thanks
About 4.5-5 kilograms
I own one. Its perfectly balanced
I've got one of these, under 8 lbs and great resonance. The neck profile and pick ups are my favorite features. The Gibson headstock makes sense to me, because Gibson is the parent company.
3:09 are you sure you take factory burst which is red and not the Tobacco Burst ?
If you are to compare this timo the "older" 95 epiphone lespaul standard, which one would you like most
I purchased the Les Paul custom in 1981.Its built like a tank, but heavier. As I passed 70, l bought a Gibson SG.Nothing sounds like a Les Paul,but not if you have to strap in,instead of strap on.The SG has been my favorite since I was fifteen.Paid 5000 dollars in 1981! I will never spend that kind of money,even if I had it.I had it in 81,but it was foolish to spend more than 1800 bucks for a Gibson.Had a Epiphone Riviera, it was fantastic,also Guild Starfire 2 is nice.
Thanks for the honest review. I've been between the 355 and Les Paul and the dark finish sealed it for me
Your camera studio lighting really gives the IL fretboard a very dry look.
Also, I believe, @ 13:13 you break into “20th Century Boy” by T. Rex. Nice!
Thanks for the price comparison at the end. I wasn’t sure how much that custom shop was. The R9 was/is bad ass! I love that beast! It looks fantastic!
I wasn't sold on it being cool til I saw some binding bleed haha!
And the sound is super nice! It costing as much as someone's american strat is kinda weird, but the quality lines up a bit too I'd say.
For $1300 I can find a used Classic/ studio / tribute. A very nice guitar. Definitely want to try it out.
I bought two Custombuckers separately in a sale. They both got the short connector bars on them (used to fix the pickups to the body). Is that a problem? Is there a workaround? Do I need one long and one short or some such? Any advice?
That's used USA Gibson territory though. I like how they did the dull finish instead of the candy one. That's a mod I did to all my Epis years back.
The Gibson Custo Shop you held up beside the Epi is the most beautiful Les Paul I have ever seen. !!! WOW !
A few thoughts: I'll choose MOP over toilet seat (like my '71) any day. Still don't see the problem with Indian Laurel. As for nibs, many old LPs have been refretted without nibs, in some people's minds making it more authentic. A satin finish passed off as VOS - gimme a break. The "Les Paul" should be silk screened, not a decal. Run a black light up the edge of the guitar to look for multi piece construction.
Great job very thorough. Much appreciated.
So do they have a nitro finish or not?
these are good guitars for sure you should try to find a 1998-2001 Samick era Epiphone LP Standard
they're really good and the tops look nice
It’s good you can see more of the binding face-on compared to the old epi 59 but still not as much as your Gibson 3:12
When you went from playing the custom shop back to playing the Epi, the Epi looked like a kid's crayon drawing of the custom shop.🤣🤣🤣
Is the neck finish on the new Epiphone 59 Les Paul more sticky than the older Epiphone 59 LP ($999). The old one is currently on sale and I checked it out today and it was pretty nice, but I also really like the new headstock. I already have a Gibson LP, but the Gibson headstock is one of my favourite designs, so I wouldnt mind the upgraded New Epiphone with this design and the better pickups.
Why dont they fix the truss rod cover from 3 screws to 2 ?
I think the epiphone les Paul classic has thin cutaway binding as well
What is that?
Good to see that they beefed up the jack plate. I bought a sixtys L P last year and the jack plate didn't last no time. Other than that I love it.
Not to go off too far on a tangent but just picked up an Eastman SB59 for $300 more than the Epi. Fit and finish are absolutely exquisite. Set up is perfect. Completely hand made with ebony fretboard, deep flame maple top, one-piece mahogany body. Goth hardware, switchcraft, CTS pots. Came with Seymour Duncan 59’s that sound awesome. Could I have ponied up $500-$800 more for a plane top Gibson LP standard? Probably. But I know the quality wouldn’t be there. Seriously, check reviews. These Eastman’ compare very favorably to Gibson Custom shop models costing 3 times the price. IMHO, if you’re going to go with a Chinese-made LP, don’t sleep on Eastman!
They need to do this… but with the ‘54 gold top.
Damn! I played the 59’ $999.00 n I was blown away! I mean the customBuckers 😲are sweet. This is a really player, I mean just phenomenal all over the neck. If you need just a great guitar n don’t have deep pockets or just wanna play out give it try. I’m an S G All day but I needed to put it down. Temptation was leaning hard.
Can you play some smooth jazz chords?
My Adam jones standard has MOP inlays … but then again… he’s special 😂
I would love to see Epiphone do the custom type with the Maple fretboard there are some out there that Gibson did Gibson customs
Does the old version have a maple cap? The 2024 version has a maple veneer cap.
I’d love to buy one of these once they hit the used market, strip it down and do a cool Nitro paint/relic job. Wouldn’t feel as guilty doing it to an epiphone 🤷🏼♂️
Can you do a demo of the custom model . preferably black as I just bought one! Much appreciated sir!
I really love the color though, not usually my style but that one looks great.
thanks for the video i doesn't understand the difference between two 1959 ! i doesn't see the headstock difference at first
Are you reviewing the custom?
Would very much like to see a comparison of this one and the $999 one.
What is the headstock angle? I can't find any information on that
14 degrees i own one
I wouldn't had believed it but I bought one myself love it. If I don't get the feeling from a guitar when I play it I get rid of it. Some guitars just have a good soul and I feel it with this one I love the finish
Putting indian laurel instead of rosewood or ebony on that fretboard was a crime, considering all the other nice specs this guitars has. For the same price i'd rather buy a Gibson tribute or save a little bit more and spent 2300 bucks on a Gibson standard faded.
I don't disagree, but I have played the Epiphone and the pick-ups sound WAY better than my Gibson Tribute - which I do love the feel of.
I like rosewood,ebony on my Lp custom is too hard.Must have rosewood!
I liked the solo!
Nobody is giving headstock angle.
I've played Les Paul's with both 14 degrees and 17 degrees.
It makes a difference in terms of tuning stability and feel and probably likelihood of breakage too.
I think the Gibson sound is in that angle, though. The tension between that and the bridge make up some of the sound.
@@kenfernsler6507 I respect your opinion and I'm sure you're right, every part of a guitar contributes to the sound and character.
But what is the percentage contribution to the overall sound/character?
I love Gibsons ( don't fully understand why) but the constant struggle with tuning stability is a big issue for me, so anything that mitigates that is worthy of consideration.
This is a very nice guitar. They were smart to put to stamp the back of the headstock with the interlinked Epiphone inspired by Gibson logo. Besides the the difference in the truss rod cover someone could likely take this and give it more of a Gibson look possibly to fool someone.
this is the first high end epiphone i think i'd drop the money on! i've been wanting a 59 style les paul just cause, and this one seems awesome.
great clean tone funk riffs today