to epi or not to epi that is the question

Does anyone have a epiphone? I am thinking of buyine an epi les paul custom. I was going to buy a gibson les paul classic (thats what I want at least) but they cost $1000 more. Any advice would be appreciated I went to harmony central and read some pretty good feedback on epiphones I just dont know if the people know what they're talking about of now?

Any advice is appreciated,

THomyorke575

i have a black epiphone les paul special..yeah...not a lot to say about that...go with the gibson..you'll spend a little more . but you'll be glad you did

Yeah thats what I'm thinking. I guess I'm just waiting to hear some people say. Hey Man dont spend the money get an epiphone their almost as good. But, I havent heard that from anyone. I am thinking of either a Les Paul classic or a custom. Definitley used though, I cant afford a new one and want it as a players guitar anyways not an ornament or collection piece.

Thomyorke575

i have an Epiphone Special II (thats the lefty version) its not bad... but go with the gibson. If ur gonna get an LP then get a real one, you wont regret it.

Thanks for your input. I have been selling off gear to get a les paul. I can get a used lp custom for ~$1300-1400. Its alot but I would definitely spend it if I can find one I like. Is There Anyboby with a les paul custom Out There?

Thomyorke575

For about half that amount, you could buy a mid-1980's Yamaha SBG 2000 or 3000. I own a 1984 SBG 1000. It doesn't have a sustain-enhancing brass block under the bridge like the higher models do.

I bought it new, after doing a one-on-one comparison with an LP Custom. At the time, the LP cost $1300. I bought the Yamaha (for $640), not because it was less money, but it because it was, and is, a better guitar! Fit and finish were perfect, it was set up well, right out of the box, and a lovely, plush lined, hard-shell case was included. I have since changed the pickups and modified the switchgear, but that was a matter of personal preference. I certainly didn't have to do so.

A check of Harmony Central writeups will show you that SG/SBG owners agree that Gibson guitars are more hype than performance. If you can find one, close your eyes and let your hands and ears make the assessment. If you still choose the LP, at least you have made an informed decision... and if everybody had identical tastes, there would only be one kind of guitar in the world. :)

Thanks for your suggestion, I appreciate your input.

Thomyorke

theres nothing better than to try an epi out, then try a gibson out. you'll see that the difference isnt worth $1000 or more.

Hi everyone,

I bought a les paul classic plus it has a trans amber finsih. Just wanted to let everyone know who spent time replying to my post.

Thanks,

Thomyorke575

This time the info IS accurate.

http://www.regentguitars.co.uk/cgi-bin/bulletinboard_cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=001314

This one of the better UK guitar dealers,who have no axe to grind and no need to do so.

makes you think.

So, now we know why so many Gibsons & Epiphones come brand-new out of the stores in bad shape!

I couldn't help grinning when I read that post about how much better Yamaha quality control is.

For my part, I can't recall ever seeing a guitar in a shop labelled as a factory second. Not any brand, not in any shop. Looks like the retailers need to have a word with the distibutors!

Lord,Yamaha have my vote,over Kawasakis and GMI products.

{Ever seen an 11.5mm bolt? They were on a Zephyr 550's Fender/Mudguard.. 4 of 'em)

Now go to sleep..or go to work and sleep. :)

[Edited by James8831 on 06-25-2002 at 10:32 AM]

Originally posted by Lordathestrings
I couldn't help grinning when I read that post about how much better Yamaha quality control is.

That was me - I use different usernames at different places...

You have to admit that Epiphone selling factory seconds is pretty shameful. Whatever the quality of their normal guitars, having these things out there in the shelves will tarnish the brand.

I'll bet that a lot of them end up either on Ebay or, as you say, unmarked on dealer's racks.

Seriously, though, has anyone played a Yamaha that had any manufacturing flaws? I know that the setups slip in the shops sometimes, but they arrive absolutely perfect. I've never played a Yamaha I didn't like.