Does it look unprofessional to play an Epiphone Les Paul on stage? I don't mind, and I play well...?

Question

I want my music and my band to be taken seriously, I hate it when people criticize my "cheap" guitar.

Answer 1

I just HAVE to remind you that Paul McCartney has an old Epiphone acoustic that he plays upside down on a couple of his songs.

Answer 2

there now merged into one company..don't sweat it. 99% care about how you play, not what you play!

Answer 3

Absolutely not. I understand where you're coming from, but honestly man it isn't what you play it's how you play it. I personally play a Gibson Les Paul Studio -- but didn't buy it because I thought I'd look unprofessional playing an epiphone, I just fell in love with it at the music store and decided I had to have it. It's funny, when I read this question it immediately reminded me of some friends of mine. They're in a band from Atlanta called The Lord Is My Shotgun and they are doing extremely well (they're both extremely professional and do NOT half *** their music, image, or anything pertaining to the band). The guitar player plays an Epiphone Les Paul. The singer even used to be in a band called The Drag who was signed by Island Records and had a video on MTV in 1996 -- Rolling Stone Magazine actually said they'd be the next Oasis. So bottom line - no, it will not tarnish your band's image.

Answer 4

There is nothing wrong with playing any make of guitar on stage.  As long as you play well and have good energy it shouldn't matter.  People get hung up on the name too many times.  Unless you are trying to be a professional there is no need to spend a lot of money on you instrument.  As long as you like the feel, that is all that is important.  Epiphone's were great before Gibson bought them out (which is why Paul McCartney still uses his).  They are still solid instruments.

Answer 5

I think it's fine if you play well!

If you s***w up just blame the Epiphone! whereas with a Gibson people ain't gonna believe you.

Answer 6

I won a guitar contest with a Gemtone $79 guitar and competed against Fender Strat owner.

The instrument doesn't make the player. Contrary, some people won't look at the make. The sound and the way you make it sound is what counts.

Epiphone is a good guitar and ahs an awesome action. I agree that the sound is not as fat as the original Les paul but who cares?

If you can play well, it doesn't matter who criticize you. I had that happen to me and I just handed the guitar to the criticizer. That made him blush. After years of playing, I 'll make heads turn on any guitar.

When I enter music sotre, I love to turn my back and let them wonder what I'm playing. They always try to wonder how come that guitar sounds good not realizing, that is it the guitar player that controls it, not the instrument.

So keep on pickin. You love that guitar? Keep it

Answer 7

no way. how many people can or even would read the name on the guitar in the audience anyway. i might buy a $2000 guitar if i was in a world famous rock band and had plently of money to throw around but for casual, club gigs that would be kind of silly. But if you want your epiphone to sound as good as the real thing or even better, go out and spend a couple hundred bucks on a set of premium pickups like emg's and have them installed.

Answer 8

For those that criticize you, blow them off the stage (make sure you've got the chops though).  Nothing "wrong" with an Epi Les Paul.  more people own those than Gibsons I'm sure.