Originally Posted by: RazboWhich would you buy, a high-end Epiphone Les Paul or a low-end Gibson Les Paul? (Or SG, etc.)

I expected to have to consider changing the pickups on my Joe Pass Emperor. But I've A/B'd it with a couple of ES-175s and L5's, etc. And with a little amp tweaking it's just as good.

I may still do it in the future. I've run into gig situations in which I wind up playing through the house PA. In those cases, the upgrade in pickups would be welcome. But I can manage it fine without, too.

Other than that, the craftsmanship is wonderful! It's a fine machine. I love it and play it every day.

BTW - Jon's review is here:
http://www.guitartricks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26255

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http://www.guitartricks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=27