Well, a little more money in guitar terms means $700 vs $2000. Epi is the cheaper version of Gibson, just as Ltd is to ESP and Squire to Fender. I've heard Epi's higher end stuff is nice, but as I always say, try it before you buy. Thats the only way you'll know wether or not the guitar is for you. You can check out Guitar Center or Sam Ash, though I think Sam Ash stopped dealing Gibsons, or at least stoped stocking them and just selling whats left.