Good concise review.. I've got a tea burst and tobacco burst lp..and a red 355..the custom buckers and the ebony fret boards were what made me pull the trigger
I'm really excited about the '63 SG custom. I have my pre-ordered with Sweetwater and hope to get it soon. Plus with the heavy duty Gibson style hard-shell cases, you can't go wrong with the new Epiphone inspired by Gibson guitars. I for one, feel that the price of these inspired by Gibson Epiphone's are worth it.
@@CoverBandConfidential as part of my Collection I have a 2017 Les Paul Tribute HP. the ones with the really wide neck a 60’s Les Paul standard and an Epiphone Les Paul prophecy , so fairly used to all different neck profiles. But I always try before buying, thanks for the info on the neck profile and what to expect.
Agree wholeheartedly. If I didn't already have the Gibson version of all of these guitars that I want, I would have preordered every single one of them! The fact that they not only come with Gibson electronics, hardware, and headstock and have a hardshell case, one can't upgrade the cheaper one to the Gibson specs for that kind of money. Excellent move on Gibson's part. PRS has done a similar thing with the new line of S2's and I can see them doing the same to their SE's in relatively short order. Excellent choice if someone is looking to purchase a new Gibson, look at this Epiphone line first.
I am in Canada and I actually picked up the LP Custom in white and it looked very cool and felt great. The only thing is it was 1899.99 and there was a beautiful Gibson SG used for 1700. Also brand new Gibson SGs( in the new colours) for 1999.99. It's a no-brainer to get used Gibson or spend an extra 100 and get a brand new Gibson!
@@CoverBandConfidential it’s so common you just gotta look. I can find a used Gibson on marketplace and Kijiji any day of the week for cheaper than this Epiphone. I just looked and there’s several and like I stated in the store today too
I want the white 355! Epiphone has stepped their game WAY up. Gibson wouldn't allow them to put their own $500 USA pickups into junk guitars. These are all going to be amazing instruments.
Yes they would . Those pickups alone will cause people to buy the these guitars. They sell the pickups Seperately and plenty of sets will end up in crappy guitars. Crappy guitars wouldn't hurt the reputation of Custombuckers. And besides I've played plenty of poor quality Gibson Custom shop guitars worth 8000 dollars with poor fretwork and tuning issues and they had Custombuckers in those guitars. Custombuckers are great pickups but they are not worth 500 dollars. They are made with all the same materials as Burstbuckers and 57 classics . The only difference is the A3 magnets and a different winding pattern but the coil wire is the same and they are wound on the same machines A different winding pattern doesn't add an extra 200 dollars onto the price.
The guitars are very well made.. Full training and supervision was administered by gibson production engineers to ensure that the quality was right. They are using the best equipment too... I have just bought the black les paul custom.. I got it for £1089.00....If you shop around you can find deals.
@@pauljohnson3686Yeah but do they let the slaves take breaks and do they still employ children. Or do they have to piss in a corner like most other filthy Chinese factories? Gibson are masters of disguise with their Hollywood style factory tours.
What do I think? I think you are an open-minded American. You embrace change. I’m glad I stumbled upon your channel. I just hope more musicians are like you. Oh by the way, I just ordered the LP Custom in Alpine White 7 hours ago. With this new batch of 2024 IBG Epiphone guitars, I hope the future will be bright for Epiphone. Subscribed!
Great vid. I think the wake up call for the entire industry was the DGT SE. the bang for the Buck on that model is insane. That being said, I also have one of the Bonamassa 63 SG units. It punches way above its weight. It’s what has me thinking about the white SG. (sounds like it has the same neck profile. I have NO problem with that!) IF I were to drop the hammer on such, probably the first thing I would do is make the middle pick up in phase with the bridge. That is a huge feature of the Bonamassa unit for me. It seems to me something is going to have to be insanely special for me to spend more than two grand on it these days .(which is apparently what my 84 Fujigen Gakki re-issue strat is worth now…)
EPIPHONE has come a long way . i bought the 1958 Explorer and couldnt be happier . The guitar is insanely good . my only deal is the fret polishing . .I polish the hell out of them and not much else just standard set up stuff . .My 650$ V is remarkable outstanding Probucker P/U's are almost identical to Pearly Gates frequency response . . HAPPY
Bingo Epiphone! I bought two of the 59 leslies a month ago and then they come out with this new custombucker version. Ordered both the les paul as well as the 355 and arrive tomorrow. Folks, this guy is right on. These are AMAZING....wait, I will know tomorrow for sure :)
Don't know when ,but surely I'm gonna get a '59 in Honeyburst ...with Custombuckers and a hard case ,the correct body and horn shape and the open book headstock they're surely a very good deal...well done Epiphone...
Hell let’s be honest if the guitars cost 800$ people would bitch and buy a 300 $ Harley Benton or something. Trolls just love to hate on Gibson brands . Personally I love the white custom it’s beautiful
@@CoverBandConfidential Really? Just go watch reviews about the Guitars and read the comments you will see ! It doesn’t matter Gibson owns Epi so Epis gets the Gibson hate! I don’t see a problem with the price the guitars are loaded with quality parts
What I meant is that the target market for these guitars aren't people who would spend $3-$5k on an instrument: it's working musicians who need solid solutions at a reasonable price point. Apologies for the confusion.
@@CoverBandConfidential My comment was not meant to be directed at you. I was referring to all the people who seem to know what Gibson's marketing strategies should be...i.e., if they would only sell their guitars for $1.00 then everyone would be happy and "served".
I got the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson ES-355 in Red, and I love it. Even though I'm not a good guitar picker and maybe should have gotten a cheaper es-335. I went ahead and bit the bullet and got it.
I bought the new 2024 Epiphone '59 Les Paul. I didn't expect it to be THIS good, but it really is. The Custombuckers are EPIC pickups. Miles ahead of any Epiphone branded pickups. Just my opinion....
I agree, they are professional grade guitars. I personally like the looks of the Epiphone Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 Custom Bigsby Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar - Ebony. Gave a thumbs up for recognizing that the Epiphone is catching up quality to the Gibson.
I own a Gibson ES-345 in 60s cherry. I am amazed at how great it is, I play it every day. That being said to me what looks cooler than the Epiphone ES-355 in white? Custombuckers to go along with it? I have to play one of course but how can you go wrong it's so cool. My Gibson set me back at $3799 the Epi is $1299 with custombuckers in my Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul R8. I know these PUPS very well and if they are unpotted? I don't know for sure but that would be great. The feel and sound would be most important to me.
They're polyurethane finishes, not polyester. very different finishes. If these follow the Masterbilt series, they'll be great guitars that may or may not need a good setup done. The criticisms I've seen all seem to come down to things like frets needing to be polished, maybe some fret ends that need sanding, though after repairing guitars for 25 years I have to admit not seeing this problem often on Epiphone of the last several years.
@@CoverBandConfidential I wouldn't worry too much about it, 90% of people don't even know there's a difference. That's why when you ask what type of finish something has, it's almost always just described as "poly." Blame Fender, two of the top 3 "this gives a better tone than that" debates can be traced to Fender: maple to rosewood fretboards in 1960, then Nitrocellulose to polyester finishes five or six years later.
Here's the specs of the 2021 Epiphone custom koa Les Paul its very high end and now recently discontinued..these 2024 epiphones are not by any means the FIRST high end Epiphones they were restored back in 2020....The new Epiphone Koa-topped mahogany body Les Paul Custom is part of Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Collection and honors the 1950s classic designed by Mr. Les Paul himself in 1954 as the “tuxedo” version of his groundbreaking solid body masterpiece! Featuring the traditional Custom bound all-mahogany body, 60s SlimTaper™ neck profile, ebony fingerboard with block inlays, gold Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece, a pair of critically acclaimed Epiphone ProBucker™ humbuckers, and Custom split-diamond inlay on the headstock. This Epiphone Inspired by Gibson model also has the 60s style Kalamazoo headstock, rolled neck for a comfortable feel, Graph Tech® NuBone® nut, era-appropriate wiring, and CTS® pots.SPECIFICATIONS BODY Body Type: Solidbody Body Shape: Les Paul Custom Body Material: Mahogany Top Material: Koa Body Finish: Gloss Color: Natural NECK Neck Material: Mahogany Neck Shape: Slim Taper Neck Joint: Set Neck Radius: 12" Fingerboard Material: Ebony Fingerboard Inlay: Pearloid Blocks Number of Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo Scale Length: 24.75" Nut Width: 1.693" Nut Material: Graph Tech NuBone HARDWARE Bridge/Tailpiece: Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece Tuners: Kidney-style Tuners ELECTRONICS Neck Pickup: Pro Bucker 2 Humbucker Bridge Pickup: Pro Bucker 3 Humbucker Controls: 2 x volume, 2 x tone Switching: 3-way toggle pickup switchCollection and honors the 1950s classic designed by Mr. Les Paul himself in 1954 as the “tuxedo” version of his groundbreaking solid body masterpiece! Featuring the traditional Custom bound all-mahogany body, 60s SlimTaper™ neck profile, ebony fingerboard with block inlays, gold Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece, a pair of critically acclaimed Epiphone ProBucker™ humbuckers, and Custom split-diamond inlay on the headstock. This Epiphone Inspired by Gibson model also has the 60s style Kalamazoo headstock, rolled neck for a comfortable feel, Graph Tech® NuBone® nut, era-appropriate wiring, and CTS® pots.Les Paul Custom Bound All-Mahogany Body w/ Koa Top 24.75" Scale Rolled Mahogany Neck w/ Ebony Fretboard & Pearloid Inlays Dual ProBucker Humbucker Pickups Era-Appropriate Wiring & CTS Potentiometers Fixed Bridge, Graph Tech NuBone Nut '60s Style Kalamazoo Headstock & Grover Rotomatic 18:1 Tuners
@@CoverBandConfidential that is a real one buddy you need to research Epiphones history the Gibson solid body guitar aka Les Paul wouldn't even exist today without Les Paul and Epiphone...a historic fact you content creators are wrong more than you are right and all you have to do is research first
I picked up the new Adam Jones silver burst with the Seymour Duncan and custombucker pickups and it absolutely kicks ass - I have several epic’s and one Gibson and these new models are definitely a step up - would I prefer a nitro finish - yes am I willing to thousands more - not if I can help it
Thanks for your contribution in driving up inflation. Only an absolute prune would pay that much for Chinese popcorn guitars. Did you not spot the American made guitars selling for less to the left and right? I did.🙈🙊👀
@@ClintsGuitarsNGear Sorry your little feelings are hurt, that someone bought some Epiphone guitars…I did see those guitars and?! I own a Gibson les Paul and it doesn’t play as nice as the new Epiphones I just bought. That’s my opinion…maybe the ones you played do suck…your entitled to your opinion and I can respect that. To say someone is contributing to inflation?!!! What a joke you are 😅 smh 🤦♂️ go troll other comments
@@ClintsGuitarsNGearSorry your little feelings are hurt…go troll some other comments. To say someone is contributing to inflation for doing so smh 🤦♂️ what a 🤡 last I check everyone is entitled to buy what they want and like. However, I can appreciate that we both are passionate about guitars American made or not…keep rocking 🤘🏼
I previously had an inspired by Gibson Les Paul on vintage burst , it was as Slashy as you can get ,superb guitar CTS & orange drops I did end up getting The Gibson Slash appetite Amber eventually
I got 3 of these immediately; white 355, white LP Custom, and cherryburst '59 LP. I'm extremely happy with all 3. The 355 is like a big luxury car in guitar form. The satin finish and thick neck feel amazing. Plays like a dream and has big tone. The LP Custom feels amazing and the 498t/490r pickups sound great. The '59 LP sounds and feels a LOT like a Custom Shop Gibson. It sounds almost as good as my R8 but not as hot an output... although raising the pickups might change that. I've been playing Epiphones for 15 years and these are their absolute best yet. I highly recommend although its true - their necks are pretty beefy... which may not be for everyone. Personally, I'm a 50s neck guy so these are perfect for me.
I've got both the 59' LP Standard IBG line and the LP/SG Custom and I love both, they play every bit as well as my Gibson's do and feels great also. I'm not a fan of the middle pup on the SG but it just takes a little while to get used to. Of both the guitars, I have to give the LP 59' a better score because of the no middle pup getting in the way. The Thing with the SG is it came with 3 Custom buckers so the guitar is priced right with the premium wiring and switch and the reworked Maestro that is now nice and solid compared to the Gibson brand lyre. I've also got a black back Cream LP Custom IBG line that is nice but it has the Probuckers in it which makes it not so much an IBG as the others are. The Neck on the SG is nice and slim compared to some of my other SG's like my Gibson standard 018 LE the neck feels just like a LP. I also have a G-400 pro SG Standard that has an even slimmer neck than the new Custom SG/LP making it one of my best feeling guitars I have, it plays great and I'm thinking of replacing the Alnico's with the Custom buckers or 57's 1&2's like in my Gibson SG standard. I think you gave it a very fair review I would have pointed it the same as you. I love the looks of it it's probably one of my most pretty guitars but looks don't make a guitar I've heard rats that are better than some new guitars. The case is also another nice selling point on this one it's got better padding than most Epiphone cases and the color inside really set's off the guitar while in the case and the snaps are a lot better. I'd stay clear of the SG if you are a newer player unless you want to count learning another picking style as a plus because you for sure have to adjust your picking style to accommodate the middle pup. Over all even with the price I still feel good having got it.
They upgrade to custom buckers on the les paul 59 is great but maybe that expense was the root cause of why it still has a laurel fretboard... I tried the older model but did not like the feel of the laurel.. Now I am very interested in the new les paul custom.. It has the very same pickups that are used in the original gibson version.. They seem to have really made a guitar that is very close to the real thing here.. The perfect gigging guitar that has the looks and the true sound... And a groovy case too
Ditto! I couldn't agree more. I bought an Epi Marty Schwartz 335 and an Epi LP Studio 3 months ago, and the sound and construction quality was better than my 2020 Gibson LP Studio Tangerine. Based on how impressed I was with those guitars, I ordered the Epi 59 ES-355. It's on backorder at the moment, but as soon as it isn't, it will be in my greedy little fingers. And for all those naysayers that refuse to buy a $1300 Chinese built Epiphone - how many of you own an iPhone made in China? Isn't it a bit hypocritical to say you'll pay $2k for a Chinese made iPhone, but you won't touch a $1300 Chinese made Epiphone?
Very nice. Enjoy your 355! I hope you don’t have to wait too long. I have to admit it but I wish it had the varitone circuit. A 355 looks a little naked without it, but it’s still very cool. Anyway, I think the fact that it is back ordered shows that there are quite a few people willing to spend a little more for the added value they are building into these guitars.
@@renodavid I purchased an Epiphone Marty Schwartz 335 in January, which is beyond great. I liked it so much, I contacted Epiphone Custom Shop and asked if it was possible to get one in white. I never got an answer, then the 355 appeared. I'll happily take it instead.
You're allowed to be stupid and overpay for a terrible brand .. if I wanted a high end les Paul I'd buy an Edwards, and get a Japanese made guitar with Seymour Duncan's for less than these Epiphone's and better than any Epiphone ever built. Gibson's brand is more about profiting from the ignorance of Trump supporters than making good guitars.
Ever since JC Curliegh Restored Epiphone back to high end Epiphones in 2019/2020 nothing hype about them they are the real deal and epiphone was never meant to be a budget brand in the first place and they weren't until Norlin ruined them when they took over Gibson..now they're back get use to it and many many of us are thrilled..also the Quindoa epiphone facility is completely American owned and operated with American and Asian luthiers and only Epiphones are made there no other brands...
Just want to point out that the guitar you’re calling a es335 is actually an es355. Difference being 355 is the luxury version with bound neck and headstock , ebony fretboard , etc. But those are about $7000 from Gibson. So compare that epiphone 355 to Gibson 355 and that epiphone is an absolutely amazing deal. Also has Gibson custom bucker pickups too !!
absolutely hope to be buying the new LP custom. Love what Epiphone have been doing. Makes absolute sense to introduce pro level instruments to fill the old Gibson standard spots. I currently have an JC Wino Epi LP and it's every single bit as good as my Gibson USA SG standard. I honestly don't believe 'Made in USA' means even half as much as it used to. The pricing makes sense to be considering the construction methods and upgraded hardware and electronics. It's about time Epiphone started putting out stuff this good.
But don't forget the epiphone Quingdoa facility is completely American owned and operated by Gibson Epiphone USA with American and Asian luthiers and only Epiphones are made there and 70% crafted by hand just like the little brother Gibson..
@@LarrytheMan-uc4ev yeah. The guitars build is great, but the running gear is shit. Very decent guitar one you replaced the cheap Tuners, nut, tailgate, bridge. The pickup and electrical stuff is ok, I place in 2 Orange Drop caps that brightens up that dull sound, thinking at some point to replace the input jack pickup selector
@@marccarter1350 have you actually looked at epiphone specs? No you haven't I suggest you research first before you open your mouth and stick your foot in it
After reading quite a few comments here, it appears I'm not the only guy who's been wanting a Gibson 335, but found the $4k price tag a bit ridiculous. A 355 for $1300 is like a gift from heaven - especially in white! And to all the Epiphone trolls and haters on this thread, absolutely NO ONE is stopping you from throwing all your cash into a new Gibson. NO ONE! Go ahead and pay $3700 for a new Gibson ES-335. I hope you love it. The last one I played was - meh. Gibson is hit or miss these days, and I took a ROYAL BATH on the one I sold last month, so your opinion that ONLY Gibsons hold their value is simply nonsense. I'd rather spend my money on things I've researched and tried out. If you haven't tried a new Epiphone, and just came here to bash on Epiphones from past years, you really are just a fool. NO one IS ASKING YOU to suffer any financial loss from our decision to buy what we want. Don't simply assume that everyone here has a 75 IQ and plays cheapo LTD guitars all day long. Some of us have been at this for decades, know quality when we see and play it, and don't need a lecture from an anonymous moron on the internet. So move along; you're bothering the paying customers...
Well said. And if they rather I play a Gibson, send me the cash. Even though I’d probably still buy the Epiphone and spend the rest on something else 😂
@@csharp57 Just think. For the same price as a new Gibson ES-335, you could get an Epiphone Es-355 IBG 59, a 2024 PRS S2, and a Sterling Cutlass CT50 - and never need another guitar for as long as you live. That to me is the right way to spend your money.
Update: I received both the les paul (dark burst) and the 355 (cherry red) today. My early verdict is that the les paul is inferior to my epiphone 59 I bought a month ago for $900. Don't get me wrong it's a stunning and great playing/sounding guitar. But the gain I was hoping for just isn't there. The custom buckers do not seem to have the clarity and attack that the $900 burst buckers have. The neck also feels thinner but that may be the less rounded shoulders like the sweet $900 one has. I am selling the new one. The 355 is stunning if you like a matte finish on a 335 (I prefer gloss on a 355 style) and GOLD hardawre. To be honest the looks turn me off. Then I payed it...YAHOOO!! I can live with being a gold member. this one is definitely a keeper!!!
So how do you feel the new 59 Les Paul stacks up against the old 59 Les Paul, do you think there’s improvements over the old one? what’s your thoughts?
I just bought an Epiphone 59 .. I'm sold the guitar plays flawlessly right out of the box... the tone from the custom shop pick ups is incredible... Anyone wanna buy a 2022 Gibson LP standard ? Likely wont by a Gibson again .. incredible guitar.
Gibson “SE”. I wish they had more interesting finishes though. Give us some flame or quilt or something! But I guess there are plenty of other brands doing that, and that’s never been Gibson’s focus anyhow.
@@mr3klax any guitar will do that if you actually like playing guitar, if you need a expensive instrument that says gibson on it to feel inspired to play. Then the only "real" Thing is the guitar not the player. Why the gibson slogan. What inspires us is clearly not the same. Im inspired by growing as a guitarist. Not by the guitar
Still wrapping my head around the VOS (Vintage Original Sheen). The Custom Shop uses a gloss nitro for the process. In this case they are using polyurethane for the VOS. So I believe it’s a lightly applied polyurethane that’s lightly buffed to a matte finish? If so that’s the first time Epiphone have used that on a series of guitars. Not sure how you “Vintage Sheen” polyurethane but ok. Lol
@@CoverBandConfidentialOrdered the Tobacco Burst. Thanks for the informative video and your responsive comments. It’s appreciated. I had the first Epiphone ‘59 but that D neck was very taxing on the fretting hand. The medium rounded C and pups make this guitar worth the cost alone. Thanks again!
Those 2 guitars are VERY different. The electronics, finish, weight relief are opposite sides of the spectrum. If you plan on gigging it you may want to consider the weight relief of the Tribute. Personally I like the look of the Epi 59 better
Considering the standard Epiphone ES 335 is around $600 and the figured Maple comes in around $700, then you spend $500 for a pair of the Custombuckers that come with the "Inspired By Gibson" version, you're still at $1,100 and wouldn't have the wiring, capacitors, and switches that come with one of these babies. Oh yeah, unless you do all of your own upgrades, you still would need to add the labor costs. Getting mine in white from Sweetwater, adding the $299 for a PLEK'ing, all in for around $1,500, or half the cost of it's cheapest Gibson brother. Even in the used market, the Gibson 335 will set you back around $2,000....No brainer!💰
In full disclosure, I bought the Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus about 5 years ago with the 57 Classic and 57 Classic Plus pickups and that guitar is AMAZING!
Yeah, add to that, the new IGC isn't a 335... it's a 355. There are more differences. And yes, many of them are aesthetic. But that is true of the Gibson 335/355s. And no one is saying they should be priced the same. So the "Put the p/us in yourself and save $200" argument isn't even true to begin with. That new 355 is a smoking deal. I think you are underestimating how much the difference is, if anything. Hope you like the new guitar!
I've been going back and forth on that IBG 1957 sj-200... I bought a Epi Jumbo (not inspired by anything) abough 5-6 years ago and it was really bad! Baseball bat neck, really bad sound and playability... just not good all around... That is why I'm hesitant even though i really want an authentic (or as close as possible) Gib sj-200! You had mentioned the BB necks on some... did you feel that on the sj? I am in a major city w/ GuitCent's all around and not on of em has one!.. Nor any specialty guit shops. Ive seen others about this sj and it seems to sound better than my last pos Epi! What did you think about the neck on this sj version? Ive got med-lrg hands... As no one around here has one I'll probably have to cross my fingers and order one! I've only seen $1499... none @ $1299... Would you mind sharing where you found that price. The price probably went up by the time i saw this video 😢 happens to me all the time! Anyway, great video and thanks for the excellent info! 👍
When I saw the new LPC I was very interested as initially it looks perfect. However, one detail that I think is crucial to a real LPC is the all mahogany body, so I am very disappointed that they have elected to use a maple cap. Considering the upcharge over the regular Epiphone LPs this is not acceptable. I think they say in the blurb that the construction is authentic but with sonic enhancements or some bs along those lines. I accept they are not advertising these as authentic 57-60 or 68-69, and the post 1970 LPC are way more prevalent but, in my opinion it is the 50s and 60s LPC that are the iconic models. They definitely have an edge to the tone that is not present on the standards/bursts ( I can speak from first hand experience as I was lucky enough to own a 59 LPC with PAFs for about 10 years). I may sound cynical but is this a deliberate ploy to hold back features (something that Gibson have previous form for), so that the model can be relaunched in the future as the most accurate version yet (probably at an upcharge again!). Case in point, I picked up a Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J45 a couple of years ago, supposedly the closest thing to a real vintage or reissue J45. Now it is a very good guitar, all solid wood construction, and it has a pleasant tone and is eminently playable. It retailed at a fair bit more than the regular Epiphone J45 but I think was quite a step up in quality and tone. Now fast forward and I see there is a new Epiphone 1942 J45, that boasts the most accurate reproduction yet!! I have no doubt it is a great guitar but now the price is almost double the previous version. There is a conscious move by Gibson to elevate the Epiphone brand, kudos to them for raising the standards, but what I don't like is the continual regenerating models, insisting they are the most authentic to the originals possible, only to come out with a new more accurate model with matching upcharge down the line. Back to the new IBG LPC, I am sure they are very good guitars in their own right, and many players will enjoy them greatly but IMO it is a regular LP with a slightly different finish, whereas the all mahogany construction would have given the sonic enhancement they boast of (or however they phrase it). Rant over Lol🤣🤣
People only sneer at things made by China because of politics or because of the corona virus , myself I didn’t even know Epiphone guitars were made in China until after I had already bought three of them. I have a gold top and the ‘59 inspired by Gibson Les Paul and the ‘61 inspired by Gibson SG style Les Paul , plus a regular standard Les Paul , but I have a Gibson Les Paul as well but I always grab the SG style Les Paul more than any of them because it just feels awesome in my hands. I don’t think the price matters especially if you are getting a quality product. Gibson does it all the time and in a lot of cases the quality just doesn’t show it was worth that price. That’s been my experience anyway. Cool video , I’m excited about the true Gibson headstock on the new Epiphone , gonna get one as soon as I can , but money is getting tight these days LOL. 👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️
I'm thinking about checking out the '59 LP tomorrow. I can't see myself ever affording a Gibson CS '59. I understand "IT"S NOT A GIBSON CS"(to all the Gibson Snobs). Is it worth the look?
Anyways, I’m trading in my old Epiphone ‘59 tomorrow for the new ‘59 Tobacco Burst. It’s a no brainer. New neck profile, Custombuckers, and the same VOS (Vintage Original Sheen) used by the Gibson Custom Shop for their Historic Reissue models.... and yes it’s a “gloss nitrocellulose finish”. I’m sold.
@@jameshughes6049 Sorry, but I’m literally looking on the Epiphone website regarding the new ‘59. They mention “VOS (Vintage Original Sheen) finish”, which is a nitro variant. No mention of polyurethane. The tuxedo editions are polyurethane, I believe.
@@jameshughes6049 I’m on their website. Under the ‘59 it states, “VOS (Vintage Original Sheen) finish”. No mention of polyurethane. According to Gibson, VOS (Vintage Original Sheen) is standard on Custom Shop Historic Reissue models. And it is lightly dulled gloss nitrocellulose finish.
@@jameshughes6049 Cimpletely false advertising then. That’s ridiculous. “VOS (Vintage Original Sheen) Polyurethane”. The Custom Shop (Vintage Original Sheen) consists of Gloss and nitro. So there is something wrong here.
Gibson USA isn’t able to serve the need because they’re pricing 99% of guitarists out of buying a USA made Gibson. People have dreams of owning a Gibson but are priced out of it now. Some people want the real thing, not that there’s anything wrong owning a epiphone.
The acoustics are not comparable to their Gibson counterparts ,and at the price point i dont believe that is a reasonable expectation. However,i think there are better options for the price point.
Are they not using VOS (Vintage Original Sheen) finishes, on the 59? It gives gently aged appearance, with lightly dulled gloss nitrocellulose finishes and some patina on the hardware. Parts are lightly aged for authentic vintage patina. Finish is buffed to a light matte appearance.
@@CoverBandConfidentialBro, so what does this Vintage Original Sheen feel like as it is made of polyurethane? The Vintage Sheen from the Custom Shop is a gloss nitro. So is it a thinner polyurethane? How does it feel?
@@automatoncollectives7237 This is one of my few complaints about the series. Gibson and Epiphone "VOS" aren't the same thing. Epiphone is the finish and stands for "Vintage Original Sheen" while the Gibson version is a whole guitar treatment that is "Vintage Original Spec" which is meant to be a non Murphy lab minor aging process that "patinas" the whole guitar.
I'm honestly confused as to just what pickups are in this, or if there are more than one set of "Custombuckers." I look online for Gibson Custombuckers and get two results: one set that's $220-ish, and another thats $450+, both at the same merchants (Sweetwater, Zzdounds, etc), and can see no difference in the specs or descriptions. Sometimes i see them listed as an option on guitars as Gibson 'Custom Custombuckers'. I thought that it must be like Fender USA pickups vs Fender Custom Shop pickups, but upon further examination that seems to fall apart. So while i believe these are Gibson USA pickups, I'm not so sure they're the same ones in the Custom Shop '59 ES355. Actually that's one that lists them as "Custom Custombuckers," while the Epi are just listed as Custombuckers. Anyone?
I like the highly acclaimed Epiphone Pro buckers.. awesome tones they are also made the same exact same way as the Gibson burst buckers with the same materials..
@@timwhite5562 just think if you did research before you open your mouth and stuck your foot in it you would have known the pro buckers are highly acclaimed pickups and they are made the same exact same way with the same exact materials as the Gibson burst buckers..see what happens when you actually research first..😂🤣😅
@@LarrytheMan-uc4ev it wasn't the quality of the pickup, it was describing them as "highly acclaimed." Who talks like that outside of infomercials? "Hey you wanna try my Strat? I strung it with GHS's industry leading and 2023 NAAM aware winning Nickel Rockers." It sounds like a commercial. Even here you're repeating verbatim parts from the original post. From a 7 month old account…
@@timwhite5562 maybe if you would have done research before you open your mouth you would have seen that's exactly how they are described..see what happens when you research you actually know what you're talking about 😉
Na, I’d take an Ibanez, Jackson, schecter, or esp/ltd. All under 1000 and more features and quality. Best guitars epiphone makes are the prophecy series or the 84 explorer reissue, and those are both under 1000😂😂😂
people saying epiphone is becoming premium and wouldn't pay for that price is in the minority.. many people already ordered theirs.. i can't even buy the SG, its on backorder until september.. i mean its a legit opinion but its not the majority.. its a win-win for consumer and manufacturer..
@@EdMan57 i have zero tuning issues with any of my Epiphone inspired by . .i have 5 Inspired by . .like i stated be4 my issue is always the scratchy frets , but i polish the hell out of em and upkeep . .no problems
Will they be plek’d? If not, I don't think I'll take it. The pups and the headstock are not worth the difference. the fretting is often sloppy on Epiphones.
Epiphone is a USA Gibosn factory located in China....... Not a Chinese company making guitars for Gibson. The Biggest difference in price now is, the cost of manufacturing in Asia is significantly less than trying to make something in the USA. And I will venture to say that the electronics Gibson uses in Nashville in their instruments are ASIAN made, we don't manufacture these componets in USA. Thats why all cell phones, computers and other high tech electrical components are manufactured overseas. Now there is going to be some aesthic differences that may make Gibson more appealing to some players, it is up to each of us to decide if that difference justifys $2000-4,0000 more! That is why Fender can no longer put on their headstock Made in USA because the electronics are asian made, so you now see only Corona Calif.
How are the frets up and down the fretboard? Apparently Epiphone has a reputation for having bad fretwork especially at the high frets. Has that been fixed?
It genuinely irritates me when people get upset when people bitch and moan at the price just because the headstock says Epiphone inspite of knowing the high premium package the lineups come with
Haven’t played the newest ones but having bought and owned the $1300 Bonamassa ES-335 & Adam Jones…these are not worth the price. They’re good guitars but even with all the nice specs they still have poly finishes with no fret nibs and they don’t feel like Gibsons as a result. They feel like $500 import Epiphone guitars that were modded. For $1300-1500 you can get a used Gibson which will feel much more premium and hold it’s value much better.
@@CoverBandConfidential Glad you had a good experience with it. I played both as I own the previous graphic series one & tried the open book model. I agree both felt quite good but the fret ends without the nibs are still a little sharp on the graphic one and the poly finish pretty thick on both so it didn’t feel much different from the $500-700 IBG Epiphones I played. On their own they are great guitars but they just don’t feel as premium or nice as a Gibson to me. Perhaps with a good set up and fret work they could be amazing but at $1300 that shouldn’t be necessary.
The new Epi ‘59 comes so loaded with US/Gibson parts and accessories, to the extent it’s more “American/Gibson” than many of the entry level Gibsons are, that are made in the USA. Think about they for a minute.
From a spec standpoint to me the LP Customs are not worth the money. You can buy a Custom with a slim taper neck for $800 put a set of $490 in it and y still only have $1050 invested. less money more comfortable neck. Win Win.
When I buy a guitar, I want as much of my money to go into a quality build along with quality parts. With Gibson, I find a big chunk of my money is going to American wages for assembling the guitar, and not necessarily for a quality accessories. I want my money to go into the guitar, and not into financing a factory worker’s next vacation or mortgage. Just saying.
You say you played all of them yet no footage of that and then you say the new Epiphone 335 well it's not a 335 it supposed to be well is a 355 which is a custom lol.....
and another run of the same guitars..for a little more money. They rather have you buying Asian Gibsons than paying skilled American builders and make less profit. I am not saying they are bad guitars, but it feels like they are just trying to follow the PRS strategy. The big companies don't really care about the musician, they care about their profits.
And your point is? If "big companies" just cared about the "musician", then the "big companies" would cease to exist. And you would be playing a $2000 squire bullet.
Absolutely NO ONE is preventing you from buying a Gibson at 2-3 times the price. No one. That is Gibson's take here - they refuse to lower their prices, and people can still buy their guitars if they feel they are worth the premium price. But if you are looking for a REALLY close clone, by the same company, for 1/2 to 1/3 the price, Epiphone has you covered.
