Robert Baker i already entered. in fact i enter everyone. i wanted that trogly pete guitar so badly! but it wasn’t in the cards. but this one! oh man! and i’m such a les paul freak too! i’d love to own this Epiphone. it’s a great guitar i was so surprised with it. and it is beautiful! you’re wife woman did a great job picking that out. she has a good eye and knows her guitars. you better keep that woman! they are few and far between. but man i hope i win this time. play Blondie Pete for me for a little since i’ll never be able to.
I’ll pass on the contest. I want someone who doesn’t own a les Paul to get it and be happy. I own a 2001 and 2002 Korean LP Classic (01) and standard (02). Quilt and flame tops. They outlived my Gibson LPs that got sold off due to the Epi’s raw consistency and dependability. Sturdy. Well made. The Gibson’s were nice but not what you’d expect. There’s been QC issues and such. Great investment if you can find them. I modded the hell out of them electronically and have since dropped them back to zebra hots(classic) and PAF(standard). Two good flavor options with 50’s wiring. I really couldn’t recommend them more. Thanks for the video.
I own 2 les pauls, a Korean 2003 cherry burst and a 2015 Chinese goldtop. The burst is stock and the goldtop is modded with pafs and 50s style wiring. Id be happy for another person who doesn't own a les paul to win because having a les paul is basically a life changing guitar. Im glad you have made this point because i didnt realize how important it is for us les paul owners to share the wealth😂 hopefully someone who never owned one gets it
Okay Robert at this point you're REALLY teasing that beauty! I'm not complaining I love the recent epiphone videos 😁and I JUST SAW THE PUSH PULL KNOBS AHHHHH IT GOT EVEN BETTER Love your vids!
I've always had a soft spot for Epiphone guitars. When I first started trying to play guitar in the 80's, one of my buddies had an Epiphone and I loved that guitar. It would stay in tune vs the Sears strat copy I had. It was a solid instrument, and that has always stuck with me. I own two Epi's now, and looking to get a third soon.
Epiphone is my soft spot too. Especially the made in Korea ones, great consistency. My current best sounding axe is an Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty III from 2005. However, if you're going to get a new Epiphone made from China, you should at the very least check out a brand called, 'Harley Benton'. Epiphone quality, way more affordable. Also made in China. Interesting spec choices and great variety. Especially with their single cuts.
Stathopoulos family moved from Sparta (Greece) to Smyrna (a multicultural city in Ottoman Empire with many Greeks, Armenians and Jews at that time), and then to the States to live their American dream (situation was becoming very complicated and dangerous for Greeks in Ottoman Empire, and Greece was a very poor country). Most people in Greece just don't know that. Even electric guitar players ! Thanks for the video.
After Epiphone was purchased by Gibson the original builders from New York refused to move to the new factory, so they created a builder's guild. Which eventually became the company Guild. Some Epiphone/Guild history for you 😉
Jimbo Carrino, Yes that's the story I have always known for about forty years or so. Gibson became a bigger company because their guitars were more affordable. Also if you notice the guitars in the dance bands in the films of the thirties and forties you will notice that they were almost always Epiphone's.
It's probably worth mentioning, Epiphone's Chinese factory is their own purposes built factory. When they were made in Korea they contracted out to other manufacturers. I genuinely believe that the guitars they make now are the best they've made since they moved from Japan or even the USA. I have an Epiphone Les Paul 50's standard and it's a really classy guitar. I also have a Gibson Les Paul classic and they're my two favourite instruments. As always, awesome video!
I was recently roaming the mean streets of Bend, Oregon when a bearded young man wearing tight fitting trousers approached me and said “BRO DID YOU KNOW EPIPHONE IS 147 YEARS OLD? ITS FANTASTIC BRAH!!!” I look at him, smiled and said “LITTLE MAN, I HAVE NO CLUE. WHAT ANY OF THAT KEANS BUT I THANK YOU FOR YOUR PASSION!” Then went about with my day.
Epiphone is one of my favorite brands when it comes about for guitars. Let me point that the founder was Athanasios Stathopoulos and Epi is shortcut to name Epaminondas Stathopoulos(Epaminondas -> Epi). And actually they were located on Smyrna. When i read the information about Epiphone i was shocked to known that a big colossal company like that had Greek roots(i am Greek) and i was very excited about having a big part of musical history being connected with my country. I hope one day,except from my strat i will be able to get an Epiphone. Greetings from Greece and my love to every single musician, guitarist and any other out there!
I own a number of Gibson’s, acoustic and electric, but I love the two Epiphones I have. One semi-hollow body and one acoustic. I feel much better taking those to jams and parties, plus the sound is pretty good! ✌️🤪🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶
Robert, If I am correct, the headstock shape (really love it) is now the same or more like the early Gibson purchase years. Like now, more like a gentle wave! Thanks for the giveaways, great idea!
Thank you for sharing the information of epiphone with us your commentary in each video kept and peaked my interest...The riff you did after " the fall " segment was awesome as well as the last riff you ended with.I wish i could play but having your videos allows me to play through you so ty and i hope your back feels better soon peace and \m/ stay rock'n! \m/ cya on the next 1
I own a ES175 and a Emperor II Joe Pass sig. and with a Guild Starfire V on the way, goody goody, so happy to be a part of the Epi family, in a matter of speaking. Love these Epiphone history info's, very delicious material 🎶🎸
I read somewhere that Gibson replicated their factory in China,exactly how it is in Nashville for the Epiphone line,which has brought their quality more consistent. Epiphone is a great value when you don't have a lot of cash to buy a quality instrument.
Very cool. First knew of the brand thru The Beatles Casinos. Saw the MIJ Coronet style stuff in shops in '73 when I first started playing. Didn't dig them then but would now. 4 models of the modern era here (or not).. 1993 Mik G-400. Partial mill and fret dress, cost split. Still had dead spots. I miss it. 2007 MIK LP Std +. This guitar hasn't needed anything, thank goodness. 2010 MIC G400. #1 for years before a move,,,,AC/DC, UFO, Robben Ford...Rocks 2020 Mic LP Jr, tsb. I love the simplicity of this axe. Always wanted one. I'm in love.
I have an Epiphone dreadnaught from the early 70s, a made in Japan guitar as good as the American made ones. Epiphone started in Izmir (Smyrna in Greek) in the Ottoman Empire building Ouds and Fiddles. Late in the 19th Century, the empire was collapsing and there was chaos. Epaminondas Stathopoulos' was a Greek so he knew the future in Izmir was bleak and moved to the USA. It was the right move because Ottomans went into the 1st Wold war and the empire collapsed. Izmir has changed hands between Greece and Turkey, and many inhabitants died in these wars. I am originally from Istanbul (Constantinople) and I went to Izmir many times growing up, it's a beautiful city.
I've got a Czech made Epi. Made in the 90's it was meant for the European market but found its way over here as guitars sometimes do. Sounds and plays great. I have reason to suspect that it was a special run for a certain store, but I really have no proof to back it up so I can't be sure
I bought a Stellar Mercury 06 Single Cut on ebay, made in the Cort Guitar Factory in Seoul South Korea, where Epiphone had the Les Paul made for a few years. It looks like the guitar in this video, only with chrome pickup covers, plays and sounds just like an Epiphone. With a hardshell case I paid just over $200 delivered to my door! Get one!
Hey Robert bud I just got an epiphone LP classic worn yesterday I tried 5 Les Pauls including Gibson's and this one was my favorite, glad you like it too
Robert, you are honestly my biggest inspiration when it comes to music. I can't help but to watch every single video of yours. I just want you to know that I appreciate you and everything you do. Thank you, man 🤘❤️
They make absolutely wonderful Les Pauls. I’ve never cared for LP’s, I really like Stratz but I came across one in a music store that had been loaded with Seymour Duncan antiquities. Blew me away I had to buy it! Thanks again for the wonderful info Robert. Love your channel, keep them coming!
Maestro is pretty much an entry-level under Epiphone. I have two Juniors: a 2015 LP & a 2010 SG; they are basically the same model guitars w/bolt-on necks but the only thing that pretty much separates em is the fact that Epiphone necks are painted black and the Maestros are unpainted. My SG Junior already had a hot humbucker (15K) but after swapping it and cheap pots out for a 17K Dimarzio X2N & CTS 500K volume/250K tone pots w/a Switchcraft jack and complete cavity & pickguard shielding along with an adjustable wraparound bridge replacing the lightning bolt bridge compensated for a wound G string... that red one screams like Pearly Gates and sustains like Santana; the cherry sunburst LP Junior's under reconstruction.
Oh man! The coil tapping goodness!! Hoping I win this! Thanks for the insights and info into Epiphone as a company. I knew they used to make very quality instruments, but never realized how long ago they started.
I think it's a good thing giving away the epiphone, I've got a older one which I've had for two years, not sure of the year it is, & I think its a great guitar, double humbuckers , it pretty much nails ac/dc ,its quite flexible in what I can get out of it ,really well made & I could easily put in a hotter set of humbuckers , only because these ones have a bit of age about it, but it still rocks 🤟🤟
Lol, How appropriate went to the shop today to buy a PRS SE 245 but willing to try ibanez, schecter etc but ended up buying a Epiphone SG Modern totally unexpectedly it looks gorgeous (figured black), it so resonant and it sustains endlessly. Officially NGD isn’t until my birthday until next Saturday(my birthday). Rock on
My family is from Kalamazoo and southern Michigan. I actually had a cousin that worked for Epiphone for years before the company moved. I have owned many Epies. I currently own three Gibson LP's and just bought a new Epi, like the one you have in your giveaway (except mine is Faded Cherry burst). Really like the coil taps! The neck plays as well as any of my Gibsons ( Gold top reissue, 1987 Traditional, and 2008 Studio). They are great guitars, I would only upgrade to better pots and put a treble bleeds on them!
I own an Epiphone Les Paul standard, made in Indonesia 1997 ,and it's a beautiful guitar great sound easy as chips to play, I'll never part with it for two reasons the first is the great sound , and that it was made the same year my son was born.
Hi Robert. Great to see you hanging out with Shane and Dr Ric at InTheBlues last night. Well, "last night" on this side of the world anyway. Take care!
Also, there was a time when Epiphone offered more expensive and more high-end instruments than Gibson. In the 30's, Gibson was mostly considered a more affordable option than some of the stuff Epiphone made. Funny how the world turns sometimes.
There is so much history there. No doubt Asia has stepped up their game on production quality. I do think that in some cases many guitars are over priced. There are specific instances where I would say it is worth it, but rare to be sure.
I bought an Epiphone Dot about 3 years ago and it's honestly the best guitar that I own. It just plays so well, sounds really good. I don't have a negative thing to say about it. I will admit that I wish it had the new headstock but whatever. How was I supposed to know back then?!
I own an Epi 339 with P Rails by Seymour Duncan, and an Epi Nighthawk. Both guitars are really well made, versatile and fun. The Nighthawk seems to me to be very underrated.
I purchased a special 2 les paul jr. Years ago, i took the old. Finish days ago to only be shocked that it was made of PLYWOOD. Not many people would be getting an epiphone if they knew that. Goes to show you if you put a good paint job on it , anyone can be fooled.
The more I see you showcasing this Epiphone the more I want one. Looks great ( I like he plain maple cap) and sounds pretty dawg-gone-good. Hope I win it put if I don’t I’ll probably end up with one.
Epiphone still (or maybe again) makes some guitars in the USA. Almost everything else is made in China, but their Masterbuilt line is really incredible and unique. BTW, I’m really salivating over that beauty you’re giving away. A Les Paul is one of the few essentials I haven’t gotten around to buying yet.
Trogly tested a few recent Epis like 5 months ago, and he experienced fret buzz on some of them. The new headstock shape is definitely an improvement. Where other brands have to warp the shape to dodge copyright claims, Epi is family, so they are safe for suits. Epiphone a is serious threat for brands like Vintage and Harley Benton. The current catalog has some gorgeous SG models in metallic finishes.
Fret buzz is not really a manufacturing or quality issue, it's a set up issue. Depends how you play, what strings you fit and so on. I would never take buzz under my notice unless it could not be fixed. I have a guitar that buzzes something shocking but it's set that way on purpose. I know that sounds illogical and maybe it is but when I'm muting it with my palm all the buzz goes away. Then I can smash the punk out of it and it sounds just how I want it to.
the link ad doesn't mention the extra push/pulls, etc. but that's a good sounding outro, again ! Maybe you should get yourself one, Robert, in Ebony, it'll go good with your 'look', don't you think ? We should make a rock star out of you ! You remind me of why I love to play guitar, it's really the music. Your music, and talent, and teaching, are great ! Thanks for showing us some more. Again, thanks !
His full name was "Epaminondas" (from the ancient Greek General lived in 4th century BC), but considering how difficult it is for you to pronounce "Stathopoulos" that is really simple, i understand why he chopped it to "Epi" :P
my 1st les paul was an epi les paul crica 1995 was when I got it for my 18th B-day,.. I still regret selling it to sam ash to be able to afford to get REASON 1.0.. but I have a used studie and a used tribute LP today so alls good on the LP front. for me now, just wish I had a strat that I cannot affort due to now being the proud owner of 2 gibby LPs.
I purchased a new guitar without playing first was the Epiphone Muse and boy I'm glad I did. Not only can you coil split but it has a phase switch on the bridge volume switch. I bought it because there's a new guitar from the Epiphone edition LP.
Not sure I'd buy an Epi made in china.... i can not imagine anything coming out of there being spec worthy. I've purchased a few chinese guitars here in the Philippines, and they are total garbage. I'm having to learn how to become a basement luthier bc of these junk boxes
How do Epiphone operate today? Are there separate Epiphone management, marketing and "head luthiers" who make their own decisions about how to advance the Epiphone range of instruments, or is it all just Gibson's people doing it all and deciding how and when to launch refreshed Epiphone (like the one in the video) in such a way that it makes the instruments desirable without cannibalizing the main Gibson brand too much?
A girl I went to grammar school's father was a traveling rep for Gibson and Epiphone. He told me originally the Epiphone name was going to be Epiphany stylishly spelled Epiphone. Never been able to verify but was a cool enough story that I've repeated it a few times.
Great guitar company name actually the best name in the industry . I was like I don’t own one but I have a badass entry level bass by epiphone I can’t even spell it ! Lol 😂
Epiphone still does build a couple of models in the USA... They have also used factories in: Japan (Fuji-Gen, Terada Gakki ) S. Korea ( Cort, Unsung, Fine, Leader, Choice and Samick) Indonesia (Cort, Samick, a couple of "unknowns") China ( Muse, Mirr, SaeJun, SaeHan, DaeWon, DongBei,Peerless, Unsung, a few "unknowns" ) In 2004 (?) they built their own fully dedicated factory in Guangdong, China so they could centralize and control the quality more precisely...they even sent one of their most senior quality control guys from Gibson over to teach the Chinese about guitar making... Funny Fact: Epi is more expensive to buy IN Asia (where they are built!!!) than here in the USA...WTF :)
As the founder was Greek I've wondered if it should be pronounced epiphany (a moment of sudden and great revelation or realization) rather than epi-phone.
