Model, Epiphone Les Paul Standard - Plus
This guitar cost me 600.00 with all taxes thrown in as well. The list is in the 1,000 range but that’s store/Epiphone’s marketing for you.
Pros
This guitar is built like a rock. There is not a single mechanical flaw anywhere that I could find. It holds true to pitch unlike any other axe I own. After 3 hrs of “experimenting” not a single string was off by more than a dime. The fit and finish is again, flawless. The neck is satin underneath, and plays well even when in a sweat. Grover tuning machines, I’m guessing about 12-14:1. The electrical, again, perfect. Soldering was perfect, even the flux had been removed. All pots and the pickup switch noiseless. The jack grabs like a fist. The factory action is low, fast and buzz-acceptable.
Cons
I’ll replace the pickups for sure. A bit “thin” on sound but not offensive. The P/Us are also fairly non-linear. Certain notes are in-u-face while others are more muted. A couple of the frets were a bit sharp on the edge but Mr. fret file has taken care of that already.
Biggest con is the weight of the beast! Solid Mahogany means solid!
Review
I was looking for a blues-only guitar. Something I can set some heavy strings into (my favs are #11 Markley Cryros). I looked at 10-15 instruments over a week or so. Made a list, played them all and for the money, this guy won out.
It plays with ease, but then again, I’m used to heavy strung Strats. and bluegrass acoustics. (Read ape fingers!). I found the quality, tone, setup, and feel of the guitar to be a bargain at what I paid for it. Yes, I did play some “real” LP’s and yes, I liked the sound better, but the feel, at least at my level of playing was not worth 1-2 K more!
I want to stress the total quality of this puppy. I really feel that I’ve got something that I can build on here. P/Us, nut, bridge, tail-piece. I’ve no fear of making 3rd party investments on this frame it’s that solid and well made.
**Note that the EPI LPs varied greatly in price and I’m guessing quality as well. I picked up one unit that had to have weighed 5lbs less!
Summary
Unbelievably well built. The Koreans have made great quality strides in their products overall. Cars, boats, electronics, etc. There’s no comparison to the stuff they used to ship. And let’s not forget that and EPI is a Gibson company. A Korean Gibson, but a Gibson nonetheless. Other than the pickups (can any one make a recommendation???)
I really like this axe. I know that EPIs LPs have had a mixed reception, but if the Koreans keep building units like this, well, maybe even the Doc might have a second look!
PS. I wish the attachments could be a bit bigger.
