Guitar <span title="Question!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?">Question!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...</span>

Question

Sorry for the title, just trying to grab attention.

Can you please tell me the differences of a Gibson Les Paul and a Epiphone Les Paul? I have the Epiphone version and I want the real Les Paul, but I don't know what differences it has and if it's worth it.

Thanks!

Answer 1

The Epiphone Les Paul is a copy of the Gibson Les Paul. The Epiphone model is less expensive because of the brand, differences in the pickups, materials and hardware. It is a good guitar, but not the same as a Gibson Les Paul.

Of course, you will pay more for the Gibson simply because it is a Gibson. Depending upon the model and age of a Gibson Les Paul, you can pay anywhere from $800 to $3000 (or more for a vintage guitar). Whether or not the Gibson is worth the greater cost depends on your priorities... and your financial situation.

Bottom line... Epiphone is owned by Gibson so the underlying qualities of both guitars are similar. It&#039;s like comparing a Honda with an Acura. Both are great cars, but the Acura costs more because of fancier accessories, fit, finish... and the brand.

Answer 2

Lots of info on the other answers...  What they did not address is the fact that Epiphones are made in an assemby line plant in China.  Gibsons are individually made in the USA by skilled craftsmen, which is the biggest reason for the cost difference.  Yes, the wood and wiring makes a huge difference, but not so much in cost.  A Gibson will be more well made in the long run and quality parts, instead of thrown together as it passes by on the belt.

Answer 3

Epiphone was a quality guitar maker in its own right which was bought out by Gibson in the 1950s. In the 1970s they shifted their manufacturing base to east Asia where they would produce budget versions of the flagship Gibson models such as the Les Paul.

As with any budget option, the quality of the woods used in manufacture, the quality of the electrics and hardware and the finishing of the guitar will be the major factors. All of these will have an effect on the tone, power, balance and sustain of the instrument.

For example, the maple top and dense mahogany back are said to contribute to the sustain of instrument and give it its trademark weight; the humbucker pickups will allow precise tone control and reduce the amount of noise and hum; the tune-o-matic bridge and Grover locking tuners should make the guitar easier to tune and more likely to stay in tune.

This are just very basic points. The real issue for you is if the guitar is worth the investment. Why do you want a Gibson? Do you perform live or record? Is this something you aspire to? Have you played the Gibson model and if so, what do you like about it?

The Les Paul is a pro-standard guitar, but you don&#039;t need to be a pro to play one; it would, however, be a shame not to be able to appreciate the advantages associated with a quality guitar if you&#039;re going to spend a significant amount of hard-earned cash on it.

Go to guitar shops, play guitars of all prices and quality and get a feel for the ones you like. Find out about their construction and tone.

An educated and informed investment is more plesurable than simply buying into a brand. That said, I own a beautiful black Les Paul Custom and it was worth every penny!