I came here to get some reassurance on my planned buying of a gibson standard 50s but I feel the same … high gain: Gibson all the way. But clean was very close and I also liked the epi a touch more (and clean/mild crunch is all that matters to me)
I have owned the Epi 59 for about two months now and find myself playing it every day. I really enjoy everything about the playing experience with it. I am constantly questioning whether i would get any greater enjoyment from a Gibson Standard.
@@booshting3520 I‘m deciding between a epi 59 and Gibson 50s. And while the brain says epi (moreso since I run modeled amps in a room …) I‘m afraid that you are right… same with my ibanez as93. Love it, but I wonder what it was like with an es 335 …
Thanks, Kyle! Just purchased the Epiphone today. I always love your reviews… You got a real trustworthy face my friend, it’s obvious you know what you’re talking about. Thanks for your honesty and your easy to discern style of playing when you’re doing an A vs. B vid.. You’re one of my favorite guitar RUclipsrs.
Thanks Kristen! That’s very kind! I love playing and talking about guitars, being able to share it makes it even better haha. Congrats on the new guitar!! 🎸🤘
WoW. On clean and gain A sounded fuller, richer to me - B just sounded weak and bit thin. I had a sneaking suspicion iA might be the Gibson, so very pleasantly surprised to find out it was the Epi! I bought one a few months ago and love it! Thanks for the comparison. I have own eda 68 LP Custom since 1974 and have switched between it with the Epi a lot in the studio - they each have their own personality but both really lovely. BTW, I prefer the satin finish on the Epi to nitro or poly gloss anyday.
Hey Kyle - great review. I also have the same Epiphone. Just a quick note on the finish. I tried to love it but - no depth to the veneer. So I polished the front with Meguiar’s Cleaner Wax. The result is very satisfying. Not full poly - not nitro either. Because the finish is so thin it buffs up quite easily. Now the “depth” is noticeably much better and the guitar sounds, feels, and looks like the quality instrument it is.
This guy had his Epi fully glossed on the top. ruclips.net/video/OPy6THdsTrQ/видео.html I think i prefer the hazy worn look like the old 1959 originals as opposed to brand new gloss like his in the video. Epi did not get that right unfortunately.
I cannot tell you how GRATEFUL I am to see this. I felt exactly the same. To each his own, but I got the Aged Dark Cherry Burst with just the right amount of flame I wanted and when it came it looked like it had a frosted window pain over it - ALL the time. I have experience hand-finishing guitars using Maguire's products so this gives me the courage to go at it and release the inner glorymof my 'Jimmy Page Les Paul Nearly 1' :-) THANKS!
Great video. I absolutely love my 59 epi, but I also absolutely love me Gibson LP classic. Both for different reasons. If I could only have one and it boiled down to price I'd be perfectly content only having the epi. It plays and feels like a much higher priced guitar.
Thanks for the great review! Very well thought out as well as a very fair comparison/contrast. I've owned a couple of Gibson Les Pauls. They were great guitars but heavy. I found an Epi 59 LP Outfit at 8.2 lbs. It is a keeper. Love the Burstbucker 2/3 combination. Great guitar.
Thanks! When I started working on the video I thought the Gibson would be the obvious winner but I was surprised that I preferred playing the Epi. The 59s are some great guitar, and I prefer the 2/3 too.
A very clear review. I have a Epiphone 1960 Tribute Plus with Gibson 57 Classic PUs. I had a Gibson Les Paul in 1994. After a long time then , last year I bought a Gibson 50s Standard. Both are great guitars.Both play just as well. The Gibson is a much better looking guitar, but the 57 Classics sound better to me. So, to me, on balance playing great and sounding better, beats playing great and looking better. Like you I wonder, if I sold the Gibson, would I ever buy another?
I brought this exact epiphone yesterday used for £500 not a mark on it and with the case. It sounds amazing. Absolutely no issues with it at all and well worth the money for how close it compares to the real deal.
I have an epi 59 and the Gibson standard 50s . The 50s standard has custombuckers and has more touch sensitivity and has a more clear and refined sound but I belive this is mostly down to the custombuckers . They are more open and have less output. I really notice the difference when you play lighter and then really dig into the strings .. if both guitars had the same pickups the difference would be much less. I don't like the BB2 as a bridge pickup but the BB3 is awesome in the bridge. So in this video I like the epiphone .
Nice review. I guessed correctly that the Gibson was B. Richer and fuller sound…however the Epi sounded just fine. I have one and enjoy it just as much as my Gibson LP’s. Thank you for the comparison
Great Comparison Vid. I just picked up a Epi 59 in Lemon Burst over here in the UK from Andertons and I have to say its an amazing guitar for the money. think I will put off going full on Gibson for a long time! :) Wishing you all the best.
I watched this Les Paul review a few times and i want to say I dig how honest and acurate your lp comparison review. And i did guess right on the b guitar being thw Gibson. I own 4 2020 and up epi lp's one being the 59 re issue Standard in cherry sunburst. I love them all. The Gibson Inspired Series collection is more true to Gibsons specs and standards way better than the older epi lp's. Very informative. Great review...
Epiphone during the last 5 -7 years have been fantastic. i have bought two Epiphones between 2016 and 2018 and i rarely do things like that lol. very happy with Epiphone LATELY. very close to the same Les Paul type of guitar as a Gibson is, for a fraction of the cost. now i am thinking of getting another Epi (never the chambered/weight relieved type though), it's an addiction, thanks Epiphone!
Nice to see you back! Epiphone are making much better guitars, and if you prefer the feel to the Gibson, I would definitely gig the Epiphone. Like you, I had my heart set on a Gibson Les Paul for years. Decades even. I'll keep mine. :-)
Thanks good to be back! Yeah between these two I do like the way the Epi feels more than the Gibson. If I move this one on it just means I’ll have to try another Gibson LP sometime, can’t be upset about that haha!
I got it completely wrong in the blind test. I have just ordered the Epiphone & was disappointed when I thought that A was the Gibson. Now I know, I'm thrilled.
What many people don't understand is that a wood veneer is just as real as the peice of wood that it was cut from. They cut the veeneer very thin from a slab of flamed maple and a micro thin layer of glue holds it to the plain maple cap. This saves a lot of money and provides a genuine look of flamed maple, because that is exactly what you are looking at. Although these early "1959" Epiphone Les Pauls do not have as nice of a flamed maple top as their normal Epiphone 50s and 60s Les Paul Standards. For whatever reason. To me....the veneer is the smartest way to go for a flame maple top, for those that like that look....Gibson could save a substantial amount of money if they did this on their USA branded models and it wouldn't effect a thing. But would they pass the savings on by lowering the price ? Probably not.
The bridge and tail are alot of what changes that sustain or chirp you were talking about You can swap out the bridge and tail piece for around 60-70$ and also get abr1 solid bridge studs from faber. They improve stuff a ton
Hi Kyle, welcome back from your short hiatus, 2 weeks without a video from you is a long time to wait and see what you have in store for everyone. Must be my sense of tone is improving as I picked guitar B as the Gibson. When playing with crunch and high gain is where the big difference is, the Gibson is clearer it doesn't over sustain the chords. Both guitars have their own merits and like you mentioned, it will all come down to personal preference and I guess just as important a factor is how much can one afford. I think if you sell your Gibson you may later on wish you hadn't because it will cost that much more to get another one. The one I bought from The Music Zoo was around $2250 , today it sells for $2699 talk about inflation. Well another great video and don't make us wait too long for the next one😄
Yeah I’ve had some family things going on, the videos may be a little more spread out for the next month or so but I’ve got a couple I’m working on. The Gibson has that clean ring behind it that just makes it sound better, but I don’t know if I could tell if it wasn’t back to back like this. I’m not sure if I’ll sell it or not but I have noticed I play the Epi more. I may keep it to sell later, like you said the prices just keep going up.
Hey Kyle, thanks for this awesome review! It helps me definitely to make a decision to go for the Epiphone. Nevertheless I can´t afford the Gipson, but I wasn't sure whether to go for a Epiphone 50s, 60s or the 59. So, because of the "inside" like pots and Burstbuckers I think the 59 is the one to go for. Thanks again and greetings from Europe!
I‘m not even a fan of Les Pauls, but I enjoy your reviews. I‘m about to pull the trigger on a new Yamaha Revstar. I‘d really like to see you review one of those. Have a great week!
Great comparison and I agree with you. I think the higher end Epiphone guitars made now are really knocking it out of the park with quality, playability and tone for a Les Paul Guitar. I have a few Epiphone and Gibson guitars, but my Epiphone JC Custom and Joe B. Lazarus are just top notch and hard to beat. Sure, my Gibson's have a little bit more of that harmonic clarity I think from the wood, little bit more headstock angle and light nitro finish that help contribute to that great tone. But my Epiphone's are no slouches either, they feel/play just as sweet as my Gibson's and the tone is fantastic where only people that have been playing for a long time can really hear the difference.
I've had more than 6 Epiphones over the years (Sheraton, Broadway, Swingster, etc...). Last year, to satisfy my GAS for a P-90 guitar, I bought the Epi LP Special in TV Yellow for $450 hoping it would help me stop thinking about the Gibson LP Standard 50s Gold Top. In the end I bought the Gibson as well because I just couldn't get it out of my mind. Obviously, the Gibson just feels premium in every way. But in terms of tone and even playability it's nowhere near 7x better than the Epi LP Special. Like he said, the Gibson is a work of art. When I take it out, I'm always worried about scratching it or knocking it. The Epiphone however is a really good tool that you can just play and not think about anything else while playing it. And the difference in tone between the two is way less than you might think. In a blind test, someone might easily prefer the tone of the Epiphone. I know when someone gets a Gibson in their mind it's hard to get rid of it. But as someone who loves his Gibson goldtop, I can say definitively that if you have an Epiphone LP, especially the 59, the tone and playability differences are absolutely not worth the extra cost of the Gibson.
Thank you for the review! I have gotten better to think about buying an Epi 59 but not good enough to buy a Gibson, and your video convinced that Epi is a great choice for now as I have also played one at tge local GC. But one day, as you said it: "God intended for me to play a Gibby" 🙂
Great video, i just purchased the Epiphone 59 outfit in faded cherry, I haven gotten it yet , however Your video combed all my nervousness about my purchase I am completely now I’m just excited to get the guitar so I can play it thank you so much I subscribed liked the video and obviously commented thank you for your time rock ‘n’ roll man
Epiphones are legit Les Pauls. I know no one is stating otherwise here, but just felt like typing it because I see many players throw shade at them. As for the chirp, I think the pick you use can help with that. Picks with beveled edges do it for me :D That 'v' profile on the edges gives me a nice ring with all my guitars. You could argue the attack, the angle, all that has a lot to do as well. As always, thanks for another enjoyable video!
I have a Gibson and I also had the Epiphone 59, it was an excellent guitar despite being an Epi made in China, sound more than acceptable but they are honest in saying that, when I compared the sound or bite in performances and concerts, I would say the difference is notorious , what made me sell the epiphone, I want to emphasize that it is a good guitar for the price, it is fabulous, it all depends on how purist you want to be with your sound, great video👍🤘
Hi Kyle, thanks for this interesting review, I'm a owner of a epi '59 that I really love, and lately I had the opportunity to try the gibson LP '50 like you, in fact the difference was pretty huge, the '59 sound darker and lack dynamic, precision, even playability is different So I choose to go on the gibson and sell the epi, '59 is a great guitar but can't compete with a gibson standard
Just coming across this review, great job! I own the 59 and it’s easily my favorite LP. I actually bought a Epiphone 50’s std as well and put the Gibson BB 1&2 into it and it’s a close runner up. Love my les pauls 👍
My opinion: Clean: both nice 👍( would even prefer epiphone's sound) Crunch & high gain: gibson wins But yeah, i mean, it's a comparison. The epiphone on a stage with a good guitar player behind, can blow minds too. But i was a little bit shocked, because gibson in crunch and high gain sounded way more... open? More... standing on the ground? I dont have the epiphone 1959, but i really like it though: Looks good, and it's way more affordable. I think one can have a really good time with it... Nice video!
Thank you. That was an excellent thorough comparison. I actually liked the sound of Gibson a little better, it was sharper with more focused with less unwanted resonance. But playability and price are important factors. The last question you asked “why” is the most important part of this video I think.
I have a few Les Pauls both Gibson and Epiphone- Gibson 50s Standard, 60s Standard, Epiphone 50s Standard and 59 Standard.......... and like you it's hard to justify the expense on the GIbsons these days the new Inspired by line from Epiphone has changed the Les Paul game significantly.
"We will plug these Les Pauls directly into a Marshall, just as God intended." That's one of the best quotes ive ever heard in regard to guitar / music.
Thanks Kyle, this is a very good comparison. If you don't care about the name on the headstock go with the Epiphone. Part of owning a Gibson is the tie back to the history of Rock and Roll and greats who have played one and if this means a lot to you save up for the Gibson.
Thanks! There are several benefits to the Gibson and I think they are worth the extra money (to some degree anyway) but it’s really impressive how much guitar you get for the money with Epiphones, especially this model.
Remember the Epiphone is a Gibson product. An Epiphone Les Paul is almost a carbon copy of a Gibson Les Paul. All manufacturing, tools, jigs, ect, are controlled and operated by Gibson....They just set up shop over in China to sell cheaper from labor savings and there are some electronic appointments that save money too and a little less attention to detail. But we are talking 3 times the cost and 4 times the cost for a branded Gibson Les Paul. The Epiphone Les Paul is the easy winner.
@@joehahn8817 The "name" has been around longer. Epiphone has been been owned & operated by Gibson since 1957...(the last 65 years) An Epiphone is a Gibson product.
@@stricknine8623 that’s just not true. Yes they are sibling companies but definitely separate companies. Tell the epi ceo that they are controlled by Gibson and see what happens 😉 It’s a tough call though… I own a pagani watch and it looks like a Rolex and is unbelievable accurate. It’s insane what china can do… so close by being so much more affordable… and while I don’t need a certain logo on my watch, I might on my guitars 😅
I couldn't give the right answer. I thought A was Gibson, B was Epiphone. I have an Epiphone les paul. It is very good one! For me, Gibson is a little expensive, but I would like to get a Gibson some day.
Kyle, Great review as usual! I own a Gibson LP Special with the same pickups as my Epiphone 59. Burstbuckers 2 and 3. These are my 2 favorite guitars with the Epiphone 59 nudging out the number one spot. The Epiphone has sustain that lasts long enough to get a cup of coffee and a voice that can play anything with authority. I was able to pick out which was which but attribute it to owning both and playing them often. Thanks for another excellent comparison. Bob
Thanks! BB 2/3 may be my favorite humbucker pickup combo, I love the way they sound. The 59s are some nice guitars! The Gibson sounds a little better but the Epi really does a great job.
I was correct about Guitar B being the Gibson. It has a more melodic sound to me and the notes seem more developed. Plus the wood and resale value are other factors. If money is not a concern then I would think Gibson would be the better choice. However, for a low income person like myself I will be getting the Epiphone.
My 2 cents, (I have an Epiphone 59 and a few Gibsons but my Gibsons are lower end models) The weight will vary in a Les Paul greatly in either brand. Nature of the beast. The chirp I feel is a product of the nitro finish letting the instrument to resonate acoustically. My Les Paul Studio and Special have heavy gloss nitro and although they chirp, I notice the satin finish on my Jr. Special and Tribute seem to chirp even more. I don't feel this translates to amplified sound but I do feel it in my hand when playing. I do like it. I love my new Epiphone 59 but don't hate me, It is the Les Paul I paid the most for. lol The Studio is a 1992 and was $749 brand new. The Special and Jr. Special were clearance items and are fairly old too so were under $550 each. Original price tags on each were $900 - $1000. Mind you a Standard back then was about $1500. My Tribute is a 2017 (mahogany neck model) and again clearance. $809! I am a frugal shopper. Problem is you don't see Standards on clearance.
Nice video, I noticed that the neck/fretboard seems wider on the Gibson, I'm seeing the low E string distance from the edge of the binding, to the string is wider, and the Epiphone distance seems less wide, almost to the edge of the fretboard, I like the Gibson better in this regard...Specially if you have shorter length fingers. All six strings seem more centered on the fretboard of the Gibson, and the nibs are an extra bonus.......
I have an Epi '59, and I really like it. I can hear a bit more clarity in the Gibson, not only in yours, but most of the videos. I'm thinking of going with a bit hotter pickups in my Epi.
Between these 2 guitars the Epiphone felt better, with the caveat that I had to file the fret ends on the Epi at one point. I think the Epi is great value for money!
I have the Epiphone 59. The key, change out the Epiphone's cheap capacitors. One of the capacitors in my guitar would cause humming if touched. If you buy the Epiphone and it has a grounding hum, they sometimes forget to solder the bridge grounding wire to the volume pot. And mine had a wire on the toggle switch barely connected that I had to re-solder.
I'm about to trade my cherry '59 and custom silverburst for the instore credit to cover the new Adam Jones LP sig. I have on preorder. I'm not parting with my southern fade '59 anytime soon though. Epiphone is doing some good things since 2019. My fingers are crossed this outrageously expensive limited edition AJ sig is on a whole nother level. The specs are actually better than the most recent Gibson version selling for 3k. Between the ASFB '59 and the AJ LP sig. I'm set for Les Pauls. I don't need to spend 10k each on Gibsons.
Hey man ! That's cool you did this video again ! I just got done practicing and trying out my new DSL 1 watt head with my 2019 Gibson Les Paul studio tribute Cherry burst and I love the tone of the new DSL ! I didn't like the DSL 40 a friend brought over but the small one rocks my world ! Glad you like your DSL 40 ! Rock on !
Thank you. I really enjoyed your review. I have two Gibson Les Pauls at the moment and have owned 5 others in the past. I’ve found them to be a mixed bag. The two I have now I love. I have a Slash Appetite Burst and a 2019 Traditional, both great guitars. I’m getting an Epiphone ‘59 today and after watching your review I’m really super excited to get it!!! I’ve got a lot of guitars, my most expensive is a $5,000 PRS. The one thing I’ve learned is more expensive does not equal better. I have a 1985 Carvin DC200 Koa that is the best guitar I own and I got it for $200.
Ty. I liked your comparison. I really like Epiphones acoustic guitars. Love my Gibson Hummingbird too, but your right the Epiphones are a great guitar for the price in my opinion.
Epiphone makes some good acoustics! I have about 5 acoustics and the only one I play is the Epiphone. It’s a sweet guitar and I got it for $5 in a returns sale, unbelievable haha.
I was wrong, I thought the A Guitar was the Gibson. It'd be easy to buy another Epi,as I have a Sherton II Pro in my collection & like it. Gibson's are out there, price wise. That was a good review.
Great comparison. I have an Epiphone Standard Plus Top Pro. It has a maple veneer that looks as good as any Gibson I've seen, you wouldn't know it's just a thin veneer. Having never played a Gibson, I'd never say that it's better than a Gibson, but it's good enough that I don't know if I could justify spending more than $1000+ just to have the Gibson logo on the headstock. That's not dunking on Gibson, I just feel like there's a point of diminishing returns. I actually prefer the scarf joint as it's stronger than the Gibson head stock design.
To me there is a significant difference in the sound between guitar A und B. B (Gibson) is on the neck pickup and also on the bridge pickup much richer in its sound. I prefer B.
One of the selling points that really had me looking at the Epi was the BB pickups... until I found out it comes with BB2 & 3's instead of BB1 & 2. Purely a preference thing, and hotter pickups aren't mine. But that's how I could tell A was the Epi and B was the Gibby. A's response, especially the bridge, was hotter than B's.
I saw a video and people mentioned they pit their Epiphone in the sunlight for about an hour to age it. On average it was about 5 hrs total to get it nice and worn
Straightforward and honest review. Having hard time with the 2 grand difference. From an affordable stance the Epi wins. Although, if it was going to be my soul mate, well Gibson’s is still honored by namesake by even the best musicians. Kinda like difference between a Chevette or a Corvette, one does the job,and then the other turns heads!
@7:55 About that Gibson "chirp". I hear it, but what's responsible for it? Both have the same body wood and maple caps, the figured part of the cap on the Epiphone is a veneer, but there's a real maple cap under the veneer. The nut is TUSQ. Maybe the Epiphone tune-o-matic or fret wire material? I much preferred the tone of guitar A on most of the sound clips
Nitro finishes are also unstable and easily marked, its also better to have neck joints especially the scarfe joint on the headstock as it reduces the risk of headstock breakages.
Yeah I’m almost paranoid sometimes about the nitro guitars, I try to be extra careful with them - which usually means I play them less haha. You’re right about the scarf joint too, it’s actually stronger than a one piece neck.
You're absolutely right about those scarf joints I had a 2013 Les Paul Traditional Pro and I was doing a show and the strap got caught on a guitar stand it got snatched out of my hand and the guitar hit the ground headstock first a clean break right underneath the nut also you are absolutely right about those Nitro cellulose finishes my Gibson es 335 has the same type of finish it is easily blemished you have to go over those finishes once a year with some McGuire's car polish to remove the impurities that end up in the Finish that nitrocellos finish
I love nitro myself, the dings are all part of it, plus as you progress you can get it refinished if needed. Albeit scarf joints are better. To each their own.
A lightweight tailpiece and a better quality bridge might the difference in the "chirp" that you referred to. A spec that you didn't mention is that the Epiphone '59 has long neck tenon construction, while Gibson USA Les Pauls have a short neck tenon.
Very good analysis between the two. Well put together. I can tell the difference between the two. It is subtle in some ways and not so much in others. The notes sound crisper in the Gibson, better separation. Is it $2000 better? It depends on the individual and what they’re looking for. If you feel inspired, the cost is worth it being a savings or not. I own a lot of guitars and played many throughout the years. I have sold 10 of my guitars to get a Great Fender Stratocaster made for me, and a Gibson Custom Shop R8. I’d rather have great guitars that inspire me then a bunch of guitars that are not being played all the time. Everyone is different.
I agree. Guitars are so personal instruments. Whatever guitar makes you constantly feel you have to pick it up and play every time you see or even think about it, that is the BEST guitar for you whether a $4000 Custom Shop xxxx, or $2800 of the shelf or $800 Epiphone... Plus, I've met a lot of guitarist that plays an Epiphone LP and make it sound like $10,000 guitar while I make my $2800 Gibson sound like $2800 Gibson...
I guessed B was Gibson. It’s sound like it’s tiny bit of reverb or delay on it, I guess it the “chirp” that does that. B sounded better for the two cleaner sounds, but A sounded better on the heavier distortion.
i got this Epi for 650 euros last week brand new which is about 652 USD same finish as yours. and honestly that is a steal for this guitar i mean not only is the price very good but you even get a gorgeous hardcase along with it. I do feel that this epiphone is one of the best vallue guitars you can currently get on the market. Nice video great comparison. your Gibson is quite a looker i would be quite hard pressed as well if i were to sell it or not, in the end it would come down to if i play it enough, if i dont id probably just sell it, put the money into something else. I did spot abit of difference in the sound Primarily in the clean the notes seemed a smidge cleaner and abit more full like warm? on the Gibson, but only abit sadly i dont think thats enough to make me want to put 2000+ USD into a guitar. Also regarding the color on the Indian laurel if you oil it with some woodoil thats designated for guitar fretboards it actually darkens up the wood, still not on rosewood level but defo darker than if not oiled
Another great review, love your honesty. I can’t believe it but was convinced that guitar A was the Gibson ! Just shows unless you have bucket loads of cash or play for a living the Epiphone is more than enough !
Since in beginning I purchased a beautiful 2019 used Epiphone. It looks, and plays much better than I do. After a year, two, or three, if I play good enough I’ll buy a Gibson Guitar.
My new Epiphone '59 plays, sounds and feels every bit as good as my 2019 Gibson Les Paul Traditional. And quite a bit better than my 2021 Epiphone Les Paul Custom. It's actually got a much "brighter" tone unplugged than my Gibson, better sustain too. But that's just my experience, no two guitars are the same....
Thanks. Honest and objective review. Guitar B sounded more articulate on the clean bit. I didn't hear much of a difference in the other 2 clips. Anyway, just pickup height or pole piece adjustment can cause such subtle differences and overall it's very subjective. They both sounded great. You mentioned fretwork on the Epi: to me this is a significant element. A guitar with imperfect fretwork affects your playing no matter what brand it is. That would have been a deal breaker, especially at a 850$ price tag. You didn't mention the bridge and the nut. On an Epi, the nut is not cut with as much attention, too deep and out of a cheaper plastic. It does affect friction, tuning stability and action on the first frets, and in turn affects playability. The body is cut weirdly, especially near the neck: you clearly see that around 10:20. The pickguard is off; but that's an easy fix I guess. There are objective differences between the two, especially to the trained eyes and hands. That said, the Epi seems quite better than older models. The price is also increasing. Besides comparing the Epi and the Gibson, another question could be "what can 850$ buy?" How would the Epiphone compare to, say, a Tokai? I don't have an answer. I have bought very few guitars in my life and the only ones I have kept are higher grade. Last one is a 2018 R8 and I have been playing it 95% of the time since I got it. I don't need many guitars and don't want to trade on quality. In the end I have spent less on gear than several friends of mine who own many passable instruments. However, if I were to gig, I probably wouldn't want to use my Custom Shop and risk damaging it or having it stolen. Then an Epi would do the job just as well. It's a choice one has to make for themselves. It's not just about the money.
I have both guitars that's in your vid the exact ones your talking about ,and play them beside each other ,and the sound of the 59 is very close to the Gibson now I don't know if I got lucky with the 59 Epiphone
Anyone that say's this guy is Not Honest is insane. i think this was the most unbiased and honest comparison on YT.
I learned a long time ago you will never lose more than $900 on a $900 guitar but you aren’t guaranteed to get $2800 for your $2800 guitar 😐
Exactly
I would never buy a guitar with re-sale in mind. To me, a guitar is not a financial investment. But that's just me.
I actually preferred the Epiphone to the Gibson during the clean neck pickup demo.
I came here to get some reassurance on my planned buying of a gibson standard 50s but I feel the same … high gain: Gibson all the way. But clean was very close and I also liked the epi a touch more (and clean/mild crunch is all that matters to me)
@@chrismowag6919 Clean/mild crunch is also what matters to me. Many times when people get a Les Paul they tend to go high gain
Sure kid.
I really like how the Guitar A (Epi) sounds, even with high gain.
I have owned the Epi 59 for about two months now and find myself playing it every day. I really enjoy everything about the playing experience with it. I am constantly questioning whether i would get any greater enjoyment from a Gibson Standard.
Owning a Gibson is an itch that won't go away until you scratch it.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Ever tried the Gretsch GS 2215 P90?
@@booshting3520 I‘m deciding between a epi 59 and Gibson 50s. And while the brain says epi (moreso since I run modeled amps in a room …) I‘m afraid that you are right… same with my ibanez as93. Love it, but I wonder what it was like with an es 335 …
Thanks, Kyle! Just purchased the Epiphone today. I always love your reviews… You got a real trustworthy face my friend, it’s obvious you know what you’re talking about. Thanks for your honesty and your easy to discern style of playing when you’re doing an A vs. B vid.. You’re one of my favorite guitar RUclipsrs.
Thanks Kristen! That’s very kind! I love playing and talking about guitars, being able to share it makes it even better haha. Congrats on the new guitar!! 🎸🤘
WoW. On clean and gain A sounded fuller, richer to me - B just sounded weak and bit thin. I had a sneaking suspicion iA might be the Gibson, so very pleasantly surprised to find out it was the Epi! I bought one a few months ago and love it! Thanks for the comparison. I have own eda 68 LP Custom since 1974 and have switched between it with the Epi a lot in the studio - they each have their own personality but both really lovely. BTW, I prefer the satin finish on the Epi to nitro or poly gloss anyday.
The same impression. I was already thought I'm deaf.
Hey Kyle - great review. I also have the same Epiphone. Just a quick note on the finish. I tried to love it but - no depth to the veneer. So I polished the front with Meguiar’s Cleaner Wax. The result is very satisfying. Not full poly - not nitro either. Because the finish is so thin it buffs up quite easily. Now the “depth” is noticeably much better and the guitar sounds, feels, and looks like the quality instrument it is.
I'm really interested to see your results. Could you show pictures? Message me directly.
Nice to know...
This guy had his Epi fully glossed on the top. ruclips.net/video/OPy6THdsTrQ/видео.html I think i prefer the hazy
worn look like the old 1959 originals as opposed to brand new gloss like his in the video. Epi did not get that right unfortunately.
I cannot tell you how GRATEFUL I am to see this. I felt exactly the same. To each his own, but I got the Aged Dark Cherry Burst with just the right amount of flame I wanted and when it came it looked like it had a frosted window pain over it - ALL the time. I have experience hand-finishing guitars using Maguire's products so this gives me the courage to go at it and release the inner glorymof my 'Jimmy Page Les Paul Nearly 1' :-) THANKS!
Great review! Clean and crunch had slight differences to me, but the gain of the Gibson really stood out from the Epiphone
Great video. I absolutely love my 59 epi, but I also absolutely love me Gibson LP classic. Both for different reasons. If I could only have one and it boiled down to price I'd be perfectly content only having the epi. It plays and feels like a much higher priced guitar.
Really nice video. Nowadays it's great that players have choices that provide solutions to their musical and budget needs.
Thanks for the great review! Very well thought out as well as a very fair comparison/contrast. I've owned a couple of Gibson Les Pauls. They were great guitars but heavy. I found an Epi 59 LP Outfit at 8.2 lbs. It is a keeper. Love the Burstbucker 2/3 combination. Great guitar.
Thanks! When I started working on the video I thought the Gibson would be the obvious winner but I was surprised that I preferred playing the Epi. The 59s are some great guitar, and I prefer the 2/3 too.
@@onemoreguitarchannel Awesome.
A very clear review. I have a Epiphone 1960 Tribute Plus with Gibson 57 Classic PUs.
I had a Gibson Les Paul in 1994. After a long time then , last year I bought a Gibson 50s Standard.
Both are great guitars.Both play just as well.
The Gibson is a much better looking guitar, but the 57 Classics sound better to me.
So, to me, on balance playing great and sounding better, beats playing great and looking better.
Like you I wonder, if I sold the Gibson, would I ever buy another?
I brought this exact epiphone yesterday used for £500 not a mark on it and with the case. It sounds amazing. Absolutely no issues with it at all and well worth the money for how close it compares to the real deal.
I’ve noticed with the 59s the resale value has actually went up in value in certain places and also they have not went down in value anywhere.
I thought the epiphone sounded better clean, the Gibson was better on crunch and high gain
I have an epi 59 and the Gibson standard 50s . The 50s standard has custombuckers and has more touch sensitivity and has a more clear and refined sound but I belive this is mostly down to the custombuckers . They are more open and have less output. I really notice the difference when you play lighter and then really dig into the strings .. if both guitars had the same pickups the difference would be much less. I don't like the BB2 as a bridge pickup but the BB3 is awesome in the bridge. So in this video I like the epiphone .
The BurstBuckers in the Epiphone are also unpotted!!! I love mine!!!
Nice review. I guessed correctly that the Gibson was B. Richer and fuller sound…however the Epi sounded just fine. I have one and enjoy it just as much as my Gibson LP’s. Thank you for the comparison
Great Comparison Vid. I just picked up a Epi 59 in Lemon Burst over here in the UK from Andertons and I have to say its an amazing guitar for the money. think I will put off going full on Gibson for a long time! :) Wishing you all the best.
Thanks! Congrats on the new guitar!
I have owned an Epi Joe Perry Boneyard les Paul for years. Makes me smile every time i pick it up!
Great review, Guitar A sounded better and more lively, I was surprised it was the Epiphone.
Guitar B on cleans is too sharp while A is a little bit more warm and rounded. Like it more than the Gibs
I have a Gibson Standard 50s HCS as well and it's way more acustically resonant than every Epiphone I've ever owned. I grew up with an Epiphone LP.
Btw I think adjusting to that thicker neck is worth it. It forces me to play quite a lot cleaner which is a great thing imo.
gibson lp are hollowed out garbage
I watched this Les Paul review a few times and i want to say I dig how honest and acurate your lp comparison review. And i did guess right on the b guitar being thw Gibson. I own 4 2020 and up epi lp's one being the 59 re issue Standard in cherry sunburst. I love them all. The Gibson Inspired Series collection is more true to Gibsons specs and standards way better than the older epi lp's. Very informative. Great review...
Epiphone during the last 5 -7 years have been fantastic. i have bought two Epiphones between 2016 and 2018 and i rarely do things like that lol. very happy with Epiphone LATELY. very close to the same Les Paul type of guitar as a Gibson is, for a fraction of the cost. now i am thinking of getting another Epi (never the chambered/weight relieved type though), it's an addiction, thanks Epiphone!
Nice to see you back!
Epiphone are making much better guitars, and if you prefer the feel to the Gibson, I would definitely gig the Epiphone. Like you, I had my heart set on a Gibson Les Paul for years. Decades even. I'll keep mine. :-)
Thanks good to be back! Yeah between these two I do like the way the Epi feels more than the Gibson. If I move this one on it just means I’ll have to try another Gibson LP sometime, can’t be upset about that haha!
I got it completely wrong in the blind test. I have just ordered the Epiphone & was disappointed when I thought that A was the Gibson. Now I know, I'm thrilled.
What many people don't understand is that a wood veneer is just as real as the peice of wood that it was cut from.
They cut the veeneer very thin from a slab of flamed maple and a micro thin layer of glue holds it to the plain maple cap. This saves a lot of money and provides a genuine look of flamed maple, because that is exactly what you are looking at. Although these early "1959" Epiphone Les Pauls do not have as nice of a flamed maple top as their normal Epiphone 50s and 60s Les Paul Standards. For whatever reason.
To me....the veneer is the smartest way to go for a flame maple top, for those that like that look....Gibson could save a substantial amount of money if they did this on their USA branded models and it wouldn't effect a thing.
But would they pass the savings on by lowering the price ? Probably not.
Most Gibsons use glued on wings on the headstocks too.
I think the Gibson "chirp" maybe something to do with the Aluminium bridge and tailpiece appointments Gibson uses.
The bridge and tail are alot of what changes that sustain or chirp you were talking about
You can swap out the bridge and tail piece for around 60-70$ and also get abr1 solid bridge studs from faber. They improve stuff a ton
Wow, I was totally wrong about the sound samples, and actually preferred the epi on all but the high gain, which is fine by me.
Hi Kyle, welcome back from your short hiatus, 2 weeks without a video from you is a long time to wait and see what you have in store for everyone. Must be my sense of tone is improving as I picked guitar B as the Gibson. When playing with crunch and high gain is where the big difference is, the Gibson is clearer it doesn't over sustain the chords. Both guitars have their own merits and like you mentioned, it will all come
down to personal preference and I guess just as important a factor is how much can one afford. I think if you sell your Gibson you may later on wish you hadn't because it will cost that much more to get another one. The one I bought from The Music Zoo was around $2250 , today it sells for $2699 talk about inflation. Well another great video and don't make us wait too long for the next one😄
Yeah I’ve had some family things going on, the videos may be a little more spread out for the next month or so but I’ve got a couple I’m working on. The Gibson has that clean ring behind it that just makes it sound better, but I don’t know if I could tell if it wasn’t back to back like this. I’m not sure if I’ll sell it or not but I have noticed I play the Epi more. I may keep it to sell later, like you said the prices just keep going up.
Hey Kyle, thanks for this awesome review! It helps me definitely to make a decision to go for the Epiphone. Nevertheless I can´t afford the Gipson, but I wasn't sure whether to go for a Epiphone 50s, 60s or the 59. So, because of the "inside" like pots and Burstbuckers I think the 59 is the one to go for. Thanks again and greetings from Europe!
Kyle, Nice Review! Great job!
Wow. The tonal difference is more than i expected. Epi sounds way less powerful. Gibson growls in low end and clear in high end. I prefer gibson❤
Nice review - as a guy who has had several Gibson Les Pauls, I'm now on a budget. It bruises my ego a bit, but I suspect that I would love the Epi 59.
I‘m not even a fan of Les Pauls, but I enjoy your reviews. I‘m about to pull the trigger on a new Yamaha Revstar. I‘d really like to see you review one of those. Have a great week!
Haha thanks! I’ll check them out, maybe I can get my hands on one in the future. You too!
Great comparison and I agree with you. I think the higher end Epiphone guitars made now are really knocking it out of the park with quality, playability and tone for a Les Paul Guitar. I have a few Epiphone and Gibson guitars, but my Epiphone JC Custom and Joe B. Lazarus are just top notch and hard to beat. Sure, my Gibson's have a little bit more of that harmonic clarity I think from the wood, little bit more headstock angle and light nitro finish that help contribute to that great tone. But my Epiphone's are no slouches either, they feel/play just as sweet as my Gibson's and the tone is fantastic where only people that have been playing for a long time can really hear the difference.
I've had more than 6 Epiphones over the years (Sheraton, Broadway, Swingster, etc...). Last year, to satisfy my GAS for a P-90 guitar, I bought the Epi LP Special in TV Yellow for $450 hoping it would help me stop thinking about the Gibson LP Standard 50s Gold Top. In the end I bought the Gibson as well because I just couldn't get it out of my mind. Obviously, the Gibson just feels premium in every way. But in terms of tone and even playability it's nowhere near 7x better than the Epi LP Special. Like he said, the Gibson is a work of art. When I take it out, I'm always worried about scratching it or knocking it. The Epiphone however is a really good tool that you can just play and not think about anything else while playing it. And the difference in tone between the two is way less than you might think. In a blind test, someone might easily prefer the tone of the Epiphone. I know when someone gets a Gibson in their mind it's hard to get rid of it. But as someone who loves his Gibson goldtop, I can say definitively that if you have an Epiphone LP, especially the 59, the tone and playability differences are absolutely not worth the extra cost of the Gibson.
Thank you for your honesty! Have you tried the Gretsch GS 2215 P90?
Thank you for the review! I have gotten better to think about buying an Epi 59 but not good enough to buy a Gibson, and your video convinced that Epi is a great choice for now as I have also played one at tge local GC. But one day, as you said it: "God intended for me to play a Gibby" 🙂
Great video, i just purchased the Epiphone 59 outfit in faded cherry, I haven gotten it yet , however Your video combed all my nervousness about my purchase I am completely now I’m just excited to get the guitar so I can play it thank you so much I subscribed liked the video and obviously commented thank you for your time rock ‘n’ roll man
Epiphones are legit Les Pauls. I know no one is stating otherwise here, but just felt like typing it because I see many players throw shade at them. As for the chirp, I think the pick you use can help with that. Picks with beveled edges do it for me :D That 'v' profile on the edges gives me a nice ring with all my guitars. You could argue the attack, the angle, all that has a lot to do as well. As always, thanks for another enjoyable video!
Really nice video, and refreshing that you challenged your own views.
Comes down to what hurts less. Price, Playing, holding, breaking the headstock......
I have a Gibson and I also had the Epiphone 59, it was an excellent guitar despite being an Epi made in China, sound more than acceptable but they are honest in saying that, when I compared the sound or bite in performances and concerts, I would say the difference is notorious , what made me sell the epiphone, I want to emphasize that it is a good guitar for the price, it is fabulous, it all depends on how purist you want to be with your sound, great video👍🤘
Hi Kyle, thanks for this interesting review, I'm a owner of a epi '59 that I really love, and lately I had the opportunity to try the gibson LP '50 like you, in fact the difference was pretty huge, the '59 sound darker and lack dynamic, precision, even playability is different
So I choose to go on the gibson and sell the epi, '59 is a great guitar but can't compete with a gibson standard
Just coming across this review, great job! I own the 59 and it’s easily my favorite LP. I actually bought a Epiphone 50’s std as well and put the Gibson BB 1&2 into it and it’s a close runner up. Love my les pauls 👍
Great video comparison. Hurry back…we miss your reviews!
I'd guess that the Epiphone sounding more muted is cuz the nut is Graphtec and the Gibson's isn't
My opinion:
Clean: both nice 👍( would even prefer epiphone's sound)
Crunch & high gain: gibson wins
But yeah, i mean, it's a comparison. The epiphone on a stage with a good guitar player behind, can blow minds too.
But i was a little bit shocked, because gibson in crunch and high gain sounded way more... open? More... standing on the ground?
I dont have the epiphone 1959, but i really like it though:
Looks good, and it's way more affordable. I think one can have a really good time with it...
Nice video!
Thank you. That was an excellent thorough comparison.
I actually liked the sound of Gibson a little better, it was sharper with more focused with less unwanted resonance.
But playability and price are important factors.
The last question you asked “why” is the most important part of this video I think.
I have a few Les Pauls both Gibson and Epiphone- Gibson 50s Standard, 60s Standard, Epiphone 50s Standard and 59 Standard.......... and like you it's hard to justify the expense on the GIbsons these days the new Inspired by line from Epiphone has changed the Les Paul game significantly.
"We will plug these Les Pauls directly into a Marshall, just as God intended."
That's one of the best quotes ive ever heard in regard to guitar / music.
Thanks Kyle, this is a very good comparison. If you don't care about the name on the headstock go with the Epiphone. Part of owning a Gibson is the tie back to the history of Rock and Roll and greats who have played one and if this means a lot to you save up for the Gibson.
Thanks! There are several benefits to the Gibson and I think they are worth the extra money (to some degree anyway) but it’s really impressive how much guitar you get for the money with Epiphones, especially this model.
Remember the Epiphone is a Gibson product. An Epiphone Les Paul is almost a carbon copy of a Gibson Les Paul. All manufacturing, tools, jigs, ect, are controlled and operated by Gibson....They just set up shop over in China to sell cheaper from labor savings and there are some electronic appointments that save money too and a little less attention to detail.
But we are talking 3 times the cost and 4 times the cost for a branded Gibson Les Paul.
The Epiphone Les Paul is the easy winner.
Epiphone has been around longer than Gibson.
@@joehahn8817
The "name" has been around longer.
Epiphone has been been owned & operated by Gibson since 1957...(the last 65 years)
An Epiphone is a Gibson product.
@@stricknine8623 that’s just not true. Yes they are sibling companies but definitely separate companies. Tell the epi ceo that they are controlled by Gibson and see what happens 😉
It’s a tough call though… I own a pagani watch and it looks like a Rolex and is unbelievable accurate. It’s insane what china can do… so close by being so much more affordable… and while I don’t need a certain logo on my watch, I might on my guitars 😅
Wow. Was I wrong. I thought B was the Epiphone as I found it slightly more brittle. Hmmmm... something to consider now. Thanks for the review! ✌
I couldn't give the right answer. I thought A was Gibson, B was Epiphone. I have an Epiphone les paul.
It is very good one! For me, Gibson is a little expensive, but I would like to get a Gibson some day.
Kyle,
Great review as usual! I own a Gibson LP Special with the same pickups as my Epiphone 59. Burstbuckers 2 and 3. These are my 2 favorite guitars with the Epiphone 59 nudging out the number one spot. The Epiphone has sustain that lasts long enough to get a cup of coffee and a voice that can play anything with authority. I was able to pick out which was which but attribute it to owning both and playing them often. Thanks for another excellent comparison. Bob
Thanks! BB 2/3 may be my favorite humbucker pickup combo, I love the way they sound. The 59s are some nice guitars! The Gibson sounds a little better but the Epi really does a great job.
I was correct about Guitar B being the Gibson. It has a more melodic sound to me and the notes seem more developed. Plus the wood and resale value are other factors. If money is not a concern then I would think Gibson would be the better choice. However, for a low income person like myself I will be getting the Epiphone.
The chirp!!! Nice point. I passed the blind test. Epiphone Standard '50s owner maheyah.
I have the Epi Les Paul '59 & a Gibson Les Paul 60's. Both guitars are awesome.
My 2 cents, (I have an Epiphone 59 and a few Gibsons but my Gibsons are lower end models) The weight will vary in a Les Paul greatly in either brand. Nature of the beast. The chirp I feel is a product of the nitro finish letting the instrument to resonate acoustically. My Les Paul Studio and Special have heavy gloss nitro and although they chirp, I notice the satin finish on my Jr. Special and Tribute seem to chirp even more. I don't feel this translates to amplified sound but I do feel it in my hand when playing. I do like it. I love my new Epiphone 59 but don't hate me, It is the Les Paul I paid the most for. lol The Studio is a 1992 and was $749 brand new. The Special and Jr. Special were clearance items and are fairly old too so were under $550 each. Original price tags on each were $900 - $1000. Mind you a Standard back then was about $1500. My Tribute is a 2017 (mahogany neck model) and again clearance. $809! I am a frugal shopper. Problem is you don't see Standards on clearance.
Nice video, I noticed that the neck/fretboard seems wider on the Gibson, I'm seeing the low E string distance from the edge of the binding, to the string is wider, and the Epiphone distance seems less wide, almost to the edge of the fretboard, I like the Gibson better in this regard...Specially if you have shorter length fingers. All six strings seem more centered on the fretboard of the Gibson, and the nibs are an extra bonus.......
Thanks! You may be right about the spacing, I’m looking at them and they seem similar but it’s possible they are slightly different.
Love my 59 epiphone as well! Just can’t seem to justify spending the extra $$ on the Gibson even if I could play as good as you.👏
Thanks! Yeah I think Gibsons are great guitars but you’ve got to find one you really want or a good deal haha.
I have an Epi '59, and I really like it. I can hear a bit more clarity in the Gibson, not only in yours, but most of the videos. I'm thinking of going with a bit hotter pickups in my Epi.
8:45- LOL. Truer words have never been spoken. 🤣 Thanks for this amazing demo.👍✌
For sure the Gibson is a nicer guitar but the Epiphone gets close in terms of look and sound (cant comment on feel) for a fraction of the price.
Between these 2 guitars the Epiphone felt better, with the caveat that I had to file the fret ends on the Epi at one point. I think the Epi is great value for money!
I have the Epiphone 59. The key, change out the Epiphone's cheap capacitors. One of the capacitors in my guitar would cause humming if touched. If you buy the Epiphone and it has a grounding hum, they sometimes forget to solder the bridge grounding wire to the volume pot. And mine had a wire on the toggle switch barely connected that I had to re-solder.
I'm about to trade my cherry '59 and custom silverburst for the instore credit to cover the new Adam Jones LP sig. I have on preorder. I'm not parting with my southern fade '59 anytime soon though. Epiphone is doing some good things since 2019. My fingers are crossed this outrageously expensive limited edition AJ sig is on a whole nother level. The specs are actually better than the most recent Gibson version selling for 3k. Between the ASFB '59 and the AJ LP sig. I'm set for Les Pauls. I don't need to spend 10k each on Gibsons.
Hey man ! That's cool you did this video again !
I just got done practicing and trying out my new DSL 1 watt head with my 2019 Gibson Les Paul studio tribute Cherry burst and I love the tone of the new DSL ! I didn't like the DSL 40 a friend brought over but the small one rocks my world ! Glad you like your DSL 40 ! Rock on !
Thanks! I love the DSL line, they are some great amps. I know they updated at one point, I think I have the newer 40 but either way I dig it!
Great vid 👍🏻👍🏻 very unbiased test ,the Gibson was a small bit clearer especially on the heavier sounds ,also ya wanna be seen with the Gibson 🤟🏻
Thank you. I really enjoyed your review. I have two Gibson Les Pauls at the moment and have owned 5 others in the past. I’ve found them to be a mixed bag.
The two I have now I love. I have a Slash Appetite Burst and a 2019 Traditional, both great guitars. I’m getting an Epiphone ‘59 today and after watching your review I’m really super excited to get it!!!
I’ve got a lot of guitars, my most expensive is a $5,000 PRS. The one thing I’ve learned is more expensive does not equal better. I have a 1985 Carvin DC200 Koa that is the best guitar I own and I got it for $200.
Ty. I liked your comparison. I really like Epiphones acoustic guitars. Love my Gibson Hummingbird too, but your right the Epiphones are a great guitar for the price in my opinion.
Epiphone makes some good acoustics! I have about 5 acoustics and the only one I play is the Epiphone. It’s a sweet guitar and I got it for $5 in a returns sale, unbelievable haha.
I was wrong, I thought the A Guitar was the Gibson. It'd be easy to buy another Epi,as I have a Sherton II Pro in my collection & like it. Gibson's are out there, price wise. That was a good review.
Great comparison. I have an Epiphone Standard Plus Top Pro. It has a maple veneer that looks as good as any Gibson I've seen, you wouldn't know it's just a thin veneer. Having never played a Gibson, I'd never say that it's better than a Gibson, but it's good enough that I don't know if I could justify spending more than $1000+ just to have the Gibson logo on the headstock. That's not dunking on Gibson, I just feel like there's a point of diminishing returns. I actually prefer the scarf joint as it's stronger than the Gibson head stock design.
To me there is a significant difference in the sound between guitar A und B. B (Gibson) is on the neck pickup and also on the bridge pickup much richer in its sound. I prefer B.
Well done young man. The battle rages on!!!🤘💪🎸
One of the selling points that really had me looking at the Epi was the BB pickups... until I found out it comes with BB2 & 3's instead of BB1 & 2. Purely a preference thing, and hotter pickups aren't mine. But that's how I could tell A was the Epi and B was the Gibby. A's response, especially the bridge, was hotter than B's.
I saw a video and people mentioned they pit their Epiphone in the sunlight for about an hour to age it. On average it was about 5 hrs total to get it nice and worn
Straightforward and honest review. Having hard time with the 2 grand difference. From an affordable stance the Epi wins. Although, if it was going to be my soul mate, well Gibson’s is still honored by namesake by even the best musicians. Kinda like difference between a Chevette or a Corvette, one does the job,and then the other turns heads!
@7:55 About that Gibson "chirp". I hear it, but what's responsible for it? Both have the same body wood and maple caps, the figured part of the cap on the Epiphone is a veneer, but there's a real maple cap under the veneer. The nut is TUSQ. Maybe the Epiphone tune-o-matic or fret wire material? I much preferred the tone of guitar A on most of the sound clips
Nitro finishes are also unstable and easily marked, its also better to have neck joints especially the scarfe joint on the headstock as it reduces the risk of headstock breakages.
Yeah I’m almost paranoid sometimes about the nitro guitars, I try to be extra careful with them - which usually means I play them less haha. You’re right about the scarf joint too, it’s actually stronger than a one piece neck.
You're absolutely right about those scarf joints I had a 2013 Les Paul Traditional Pro and I was doing a show and the strap got caught on a guitar stand it got snatched out of my hand and the guitar hit the ground headstock first a clean break right underneath the nut also you are absolutely right about those Nitro cellulose finishes my Gibson es 335 has the same type of finish it is easily blemished you have to go over those finishes once a year with some McGuire's car polish to remove the impurities that end up in the Finish that nitrocellos finish
I love nitro myself, the dings are all part of it, plus as you progress you can get it refinished if needed. Albeit scarf joints are better. To each their own.
Love nitro!
A lightweight tailpiece and a better quality bridge might the difference in the "chirp" that you referred to. A spec that you didn't mention is that the Epiphone '59 has long neck tenon construction, while Gibson USA Les Pauls have a short neck tenon.
Very good analysis between the two. Well put together. I can tell the difference between the two. It is subtle in some ways and not so much in others. The notes sound crisper in the Gibson, better separation. Is it $2000 better? It depends on the individual and what they’re looking for. If you feel inspired, the cost is worth it being a savings or not. I own a lot of guitars and played many throughout the years. I have sold 10 of my guitars to get a Great Fender Stratocaster made for me, and a Gibson Custom Shop R8. I’d rather have great guitars that inspire me then a bunch of guitars that are not being played all the time. Everyone is different.
I agree. Guitars are so personal instruments. Whatever guitar makes you constantly feel you have to pick it up and play every time you see or even think about it, that is the BEST guitar for you whether a $4000 Custom Shop xxxx, or $2800 of the shelf or $800 Epiphone... Plus, I've met a lot of guitarist that plays an Epiphone LP and make it sound like $10,000 guitar while I make my $2800 Gibson sound like $2800 Gibson...
Clean-wise: the Gibson was definitely a tad brighter.
Gain-wise: it was kinda hard to tell.
I guessed correctly. Super interested in the epiphone
Good comparison…the point you make about the chirp is very accurate
I guessed B was Gibson. It’s sound like it’s tiny bit of reverb or delay on it, I guess it the “chirp” that does that. B sounded better for the two cleaner sounds, but A sounded better on the heavier distortion.
Thanks for the great comparison! I found both sounded great but did choose the B (Gibson) guitar. :)
i got this Epi for 650 euros last week brand new which is about 652 USD same finish as yours. and honestly that is a steal for this guitar i mean not only is the price very good but you even get a gorgeous hardcase along with it. I do feel that this epiphone is one of the best vallue guitars you can currently get on the market.
Nice video great comparison. your Gibson is quite a looker i would be quite hard pressed as well if i were to sell it or not, in the end it would come down to if i play it enough, if i dont id probably just sell it, put the money into something else. I did spot abit of difference in the sound Primarily in the clean the notes seemed a smidge cleaner and abit more full like warm? on the Gibson, but only abit sadly i dont think thats enough to make me want to put 2000+ USD into a guitar.
Also regarding the color on the Indian laurel if you oil it with some woodoil thats designated for guitar fretboards it actually darkens up the wood, still not on rosewood level but defo darker than if not oiled
I guessed wrong, the EPI sounded better in my humble opinion. This was a great demonstration
Another great review, love your honesty. I can’t believe it but was convinced that guitar A was the Gibson ! Just shows unless you have bucket loads of cash or play for a living the Epiphone is more than enough !
Since in beginning I purchased a beautiful 2019 used Epiphone. It looks, and plays much better than I do. After a year, two, or three, if I play good enough I’ll buy a Gibson Guitar.
Guitar B is Gibson, am I right? 😂 Excellent review Kyle...🙏
i never noticed it before but the body shape of these is actually quiet different!
I have that Epi. Absolutely love it, so does my 21 yr old son $300 well spent
My new Epiphone '59 plays, sounds and feels every bit as good as my 2019 Gibson Les Paul Traditional. And quite a bit better than my 2021 Epiphone Les Paul Custom. It's actually got a much "brighter" tone unplugged than my Gibson, better sustain too. But that's just my experience, no two guitars are the same....
Thanks. Honest and objective review.
Guitar B sounded more articulate on the clean bit. I didn't hear much of a difference in the other 2 clips. Anyway, just pickup height or pole piece adjustment can cause such subtle differences and overall it's very subjective. They both sounded great.
You mentioned fretwork on the Epi: to me this is a significant element. A guitar with imperfect fretwork affects your playing no matter what brand it is. That would have been a deal breaker, especially at a 850$ price tag. You didn't mention the bridge and the nut. On an Epi, the nut is not cut with as much attention, too deep and out of a cheaper plastic. It does affect friction, tuning stability and action on the first frets, and in turn affects playability.
The body is cut weirdly, especially near the neck: you clearly see that around 10:20.
The pickguard is off; but that's an easy fix I guess.
There are objective differences between the two, especially to the trained eyes and hands.
That said, the Epi seems quite better than older models. The price is also increasing.
Besides comparing the Epi and the Gibson, another question could be "what can 850$ buy?" How would the Epiphone compare to, say, a Tokai? I don't have an answer. I have bought very few guitars in my life and the only ones I have kept are higher grade. Last one is a 2018 R8 and I have been playing it 95% of the time since I got it. I don't need many guitars and don't want to trade on quality. In the end I have spent less on gear than several friends of mine who own many passable instruments. However, if I were to gig, I probably wouldn't want to use my Custom Shop and risk damaging it or having it stolen. Then an Epi would do the job just as well. It's a choice one has to make for themselves. It's not just about the money.
The nut on the 59 is a Graph Tech...
I preferred: First (A), Second (B), and Third (A).
Thanks. You told me just wanted I wanted to hear.
Would you please make a review or comparison video with the Epiphone SG Les Paul 1961. You do a great deep dive in this video
I have both guitars that's in your vid the exact ones your talking about ,and play them beside each other ,and the sound of the 59 is very close to the Gibson now I don't know if I got lucky with the 59 Epiphone