I'm partial to the Schecter. I've owned that model (in black burst) for a couple of years now (after having seen your Solo ii Custom review) and it's brilliant.
I have the exact same Schecter Solo ii Custom, down to the finish, as the one you demonstrate in this review, Darrell, and I picked up based largely on your original review. I am absolutely thrilled with it and recommend it all the time to others. Wow, talk about getting WAY more guitar for the money--what a value! I play it nearly every day and just love it.
The Schecter .. to me ... sounds a bit more brighter. The Epiphone sounded with more fatness ... It's all up to preference. Personally, I'll go with the Schecter
I love that you recognize and usually recommend Schecter. I have 3 USA Schecters and I can attest they are some of the finest guitars you will ever play and really do make Gibson and Fender seem overrated.
I’ve always been an Epiphone fan, and they’ve gotten even better in recent years! Having said that, the Schecter looks and sounds great too. Both excellent choices!
I have that Schecter -- same model and even same finish -- and it's superb! Great quality, zero issues with it straight out of the box, and it's wonderfully player-friendly. I love it and use it nearly every day. Incredible guitar and extraordinary value. Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an LP-style guitar.
Well I’ve watched your channel a thousand times and enjoyed each one. This is my first time commenting. I have a bunch of Epiphones so I may be a bit biased there. But I have to say through out the demo I was really liking the sound of the Schecter, to the point that if I felt I needed another single cut I’d be giving the Schecter a hard look. Thanks for everything. John
I have the Epi '59 and a Gibson LP '50 standard. The Epi has noticeably more top end sparkle than the Schecter and sounds much closer to my 50 LP standard which has even more top end and clarity. The Schecter sounds darker, so is great for high gain rock/metal. I own several other Schecters (not this one tho) and have found the build quality to be significantly better than most import guitars and certainly better than the Epi '59. If you play with high gain - buy the Schecter, if you play classic rock and clean, then the Epi is the best choice IMO.
This is exactly what I’m missing with my Schecter!!! I tried a Gibson LP the other day and man that clarity, detailed notes, sustain and feel is something else!!! I’m ordering an LP tribute
Hi, it seems you're very expert about those two guitars. So, a question. I have to play Green Day and have small hands, so I cannot buy BJA replicas because of the baseball neck. But I also play '80s hair metal solos with a lot of distortion but also ambient effects. What guitar, between those two, do you suggest me? Thank you.
I gotta pop in to say I bought the same Schecter last July after you reviewed it. I love it and play it every day. My SG Standard and Custom 24 SE just sit in their stand mostly. I just feel at home on the Schecter. So glad I bought it. Thanks Darrell😁🎶
I agree it plays and sounds nice, but I can't get over that plastic looking wood top. Is that supposed to be some sort of VOS finish? It looks like a terrible airbrush job.
I'm more of a metal guitar player and I thought I would like the Schecter at the beginning, but I end up liking the Epiphone more instead. Both sound really good overall! Cheers!
I have the Solo II Custom and love it. I actually customized it a bit though, replacing the stock pickups with Seymour Duncan Phat Cat P90s, removing the pickguard, and replacing the switch and pots with a Switchcraft switch and CTS pots. There was something odd going on in the wiring causing issues with the stock electronics (the culprit ended up being one of the pots), which is most of the reason I decided to go with the CTS pots and Switchcraft switch over just keeping most of the electronics as is.
Darrell, I think you did an exceptional breakdown of both guitars. I like them both but I'd prefer the warmer cleans and lower type output of the epiphone. However I think the cuts and the higher output of the schecter is exceptional and what a great look it has. Thanks for the vid as always good sir
Bought an Epi LP standard top pro. Love it. Brilliant easy to play, nice warm sound and unbelievable craftsmanship! Would buy it again. But I like the Shecter, too.
Another awesome review Darrell. Thank you. I’m a huge fan of Schecter guitars -I have three Schecter’s already and I am very impressed with Schecter‘s quality for reasonable prices
I bought a schecter solo custom II after seeing it on your channel. I fell in love with it, and it is everything people say it is. I did replace the nut with a black TUSQ XL (like they put on the black jack) and have removed the pick guard (filled the holes with black crayon so I could put it back on if I wanted to.) I do suspect I will replace some of the electronics at some point, but the feel of this thing.. and the looks... amazing.
Darrell, Purchased the Schector Solo II, put the oder in November 2021, Sweetwater sent out the guitar April 2022, well worth the wait! Amazing guitar, fun to play, has a diverse set of tones, absolutely love the finish and much more! Thank you for your reviews! John
Eyes closed, using headphones... The Schecter was my favorite sound. Higher output especially on the neck pickup. Both guitars are nice, but I also like the looks of the Schecter more. (I listened to the playing and wrote down 1 or 2 and then rewatched the video to see which was which guitar) Schecter won everytime.
2 years ago I came across a new EPI Les Paul ES. It's a semi hollow and basically an ES-335 in a Les Paul shape. It's a really nice quality piece that feels good and is very light, with sounds similar to the 335 but a little different. Sort of in between the ES335 and a solid body LP. It's one of my favorites of my small collection. Big fan of your videos.
Love both of these axes...excellent review/comparison! You are spot on- if you want a versatile, fast, badass axe get the Schecter, and if you want an actual les paul with vintage look, feel and sound go for the epiphone. 100%
For singlecuts, my favorite has always been the ESP Eclipse. I just picked up one, and it quickly became my main guitar. That said, these do sound pretty dang good. If I'm ever looking for something less hot, I'll have to consider the Epiphone.
Epis are inconsistent as well. especially the fret work and hardware. go to a music store and play with them them for a bit... and then go check out the Schecters and LTD models in the same price range. you'll be shocked.
I like the less hotter output on the epi, while I like the look of the schecter. I guess I would always choose tone over looks, so it would be the epiphone for me.
Greetings Darrell! There’s not much difference in the sound. And Epiphone also has models that have coil splits and phase switches too. I have an assortment of Epiphone Les Pauls and I frequently go to them before I grab my Gibson. They are great instruments and I am not as paranoid about damaging them as much as I would with the Gibson. I just recently restored my old 1965 Epiphone Olympic and it sounds great again. I have not added a Schecter to my collection yet, but someday I may pick one up. I have a variety of other Epiphone guitars as well and am just as satisfied with them as I would be with Gibsons. There are a bunch of them with the American made Gibson pickups, besides the 1959 Les Paul, the Epiphone Joe Pass Signature Emperors all have 1957 Gibson PAF pickups installed at the factory. Epiphone Guitars have the best warranty in the business, which is for the lifetime of the instrument from date of purchase of a brand new instrument, another big incentive. Thanks for demonstrating them both side by side, I am sure that this will be very helpful to younger guitarists that have only begun to build their collections. Please have an excellent and awesome day! ☀️✨
Diggin' both of these guitars. But, I'd have to go with the Solo II Custom just because of the "coil split" capability and the locking tuners. Been a fan of the channel for a few years, much respect! 🤘✌️
Well, after your first review of That Epiphone (59 reissue), I bought one. I really like it, the only other les paul I want to get is the ‘Vintage’ lemondrop (made by Wilkinson)
Yup.. you are right.. that Epi'59 definitely really worth for money.. you will never ever ever regret having it.. all the electronics were gibson.. I got one and very satisfied, also since this was limited edition, you will not found this guitar anymore when all sold.. 👌
I've never tried Schecter, but I own Epi LP 1959 and I absolutely love it. I also tested side-by-side with Gibson, I didn't feel any significant (only the sharp fret ends of Epiphone).
This is a good example of two guitars sounding different, but both sounding good. I did not have a favorite for that. I prefer the Schecter Matt Black finish, and overall design of the guitar. It has a cooler vibe.
I just recently heard that the bridge pickup in the Solo II was wound for Zacky of A7X and that does kind of come through with the percussiveness. I think the Schecter is the ultimate value choice for someone who wants a Les Paul-type with pretty consistent quality and good specs across the board. The Epiphone might sit better with the purist who doesn't need a really hot tone.
I have 2 Epis a pro plus top and Tommy Thayer edition and love them both. I also own 2 Schecters an Evil Twin FRS and an HSS Banshee. Can't say a bad word about any of them. They all sound and play wonderfully.
I've had the Schecter for about 6 months now. Great guitar! I'm going down a more acoustic route now and do you think I can sell that Schecter? Not a chance. Mint condition and the best offer I've had is less than half the cost of it. I've no idea why, as it's a superb guitar.
The schecter is incredible, looks a lot more playable than a gibson. Really wish they'd released the epiphone before I bought my gibson years ago woulda picked one up instead. Of course the Schecter may have to go on the wish list. Top stuff as always sir, and the playings killer!
I can speak to Gibson vs Schecter single cuts. I’ve kept two Les Paul’s, a standard and a trad, both are good guitars, out of 9 Les Paul’s I kept these two, sold the others. Now enter the Schecter solo 2 custom, best singlecut guitar at any price point I have ever owned. Beats a 5k Les Paul access custom that I sold. Simply built right and quality is outstanding, for $800 bucks you should be able to get the highest quality guitar you could ever need. Check out Charvel San Dimas too!! Great price and pro quality.
Fender is junk. They've got one decent guitar the Tele and almost any brand that makes a Tele shape does it better. More features, higher quality and much much better looking. Epiphone is the only old brand killing it. The only thing fender killed was Jackson.
That's because younger people buy off on all the horseshit online about Gibson from people who can't afford them. It's easy to convince yourself something sucks when you think you'll never have it. Neither of these guitars hold a candle to a Gibson and I have all of them
That Scheckter.... Wow! Although where I live, it comes 200+€ more expensive than the 1959 LP Epiphone and without a case. Definitely on my wishlist though!
I have that 1959 Epiphone, which came set up from the shop directly. I also have a Schecter Omen Extreme, which was set up lower. When I first got the Epiphone, I hated it because the action was too high compared to the Schecter, and I let the guitar collect dust for months; even thought about selling it. Then, I braved enough too learn how to set up guitars on my own, and lowered the action to reach some shredding capabilities. Selling it would have been the worst mistake ever. That Epiphone 1959 is an absolute monster of a guitar, and the sound is ridiculous, given the heft and the solidity of the wood. With a proper set up, it can shred perfectly because the fretwork has been done brilliantly, even if made in China. Gigantic value for money.
One of my first electric guitar was an all black Epiphone Les Paul Special 2 which my friend got the exact same guitar that same year. He now plays bass but I have worked my way up the ladder, I've had schecter Lyon Bc rich Dean Ibanez etc and now I can say I've owned PRS and Luna guitars. I recently bought a PRS Tremonti SE in the charcoal grey burst color and man that thing rips. T may have cost almost 1000 dollars but it was well worth it for being made overseas. If you haven't tried it I highly recommend it!
Shecter please. Like them both a lot. Thanks for the great video review! The ebony fretboard and larger frets are more to my liking and I have a Schecter Corsair Limited Edition in matte black so I know that finish is beautiful with the gold hardware. Like I said, love the Epiphone too.
I own 4 Epiphone Les Paul Custom's and 1 Schecter. Doesn't matter which one I buy, I put in EMG 81/85's, replace the plastic nuts with bone, inntonate for B standard and put on 72-13 gauge strings. I also ditch the witch hat knobs for speed knobs. Both guitars are fantastic out of the box though!
I've had the 59 for few months now, and I'm really happy with it. I Was expecting worse from the neck given it's close to a baseball bat, but it's surprisingly comfortable to play, at the point that sometimes I prefer it over my other LP modern. Tonewise, the burstbuckers lack a bit of attack, they don't "chug" as easily as the Seymour Duncan JB for example, but I find them lush and rich in harmonics.
I own the sweetwater honeyburst epiphone and I gotta say WOW!! Schecter has good modern features, but for my first LP I went for the '59 model that's got killer electronics
The matte black and shiny gold is my personal idea of a dream concept of good multi-use guitar. Not even including the quality of the pickups or build of the entire body.
What a great time to be a guitar play A Truly a golden age right now The best guitars and gear being made competitive prices The market is hot And builders and Brant everywhere are doing black flips for your and my business Pretty sweet hey..??! P.s. I'll go the schecter I already have a Gibson Les Paul And the ergonomics are a big plus to me Namely the heel car ve... Billy cut... Just the three knobs in a configuration you can reach for easily - the Gibson two-volume two-tone configuration is just so impractical. You want to use the volume from the bridge position.. and it's right over and down to the bottom.. you can't do swells.. and you can't snap the volume off and on in between riffs. Are pretty much have to have the next volume off... And just toggle like a kill switch. But of course when you want to use your neck pickup... You have to get the right volume knob first... And then toggle. It's too much. 3 nobs or better yet even 2. Screw it might as well just have the one volume knob evh Style. I'm even musing at the idea of having a no knob guitar.... And having nothing but a kill switch. Just a red button. Then there would be nothing protruding up from the face of the guitar... Getting in the way of your strumming and palm muting at cetera
I upgraded my Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s with Seymour Duncan Seth Lover PUs. It is fantastic. Sounds even better than the Joe Bonamassa 1959 Lazarus Les Paul that I also own. So I will upgrade that one, too. Probably with Pearly Gates PUs. No need for a Gibson LP Standard.
Oh man! Been watching your material for a while now, appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Have been wrestling between the Epi ‘59 LP STD and the LP Modern. Now you’ve added the Sollo ii to the mix, which sounds amazing. Not really sure you’re helping me here. 😁
Both guitar's are nice and have their good point's but I just want to throw one more guitar in the mix: the Epiphone prophecy Les Paul. It has locking tuners, Fishman pickups and 24 frets as well as weight relief and more contours for comfort. It's another model worth checking out.
yeah, i just bought prophecy flying V, just went to the store to try something new,this was my first time holding V and I bought it, but imo the SG prophecy is not that good, maybe it was just 1 bad piece but it was horrible
@@tommilitello198 Right! That's what I meant to say but was looking at another Les paul with the burst buckers LOL Anyway, I like the prophecy model's.They are a good deal at a fair price
The Schecter has a fuller/warmer sound all round and with the features, I think, a better buy. Might I suggest, Darrell, that you in future, present all of the clean sounds First on both guitars where it is easier to hear the 'real' sound, and then the o/drive, crunch second. Thanks for the video . Regards, Dave C.
From Leo: Schecter is the sound, controls, modern neck joint shapes, and the fit and finish looks fine. I really do not like black guitars and I especially do not like flat black. It comes in burl and natural gloss also. I am sure the Epiphone is fine, but I like the Schecter better.
I would probably go Epiphone reasons would be tone, don’t care for coil splitting, beefy neck, visually classic, case included although it wouldn’t see it much. Those are mainly my reasons...Thanks for the comparison!
great work. as usual... i would have loved to hear the split on the schecter. as it was, i loved the neck and middle position on the schecter. i did prefer the bridge on the epi. thanks !
I have the Schecter, I actually bought it because of your other video! But well, it doesn’t sound like a Gibson! Sadly the neck pickup is dull and muddy. The other day I played my friend’s cheapest LP and I was blown away! Yes guitar work and finish is not even close to the Schecter (Schecter is better) but if you’re a tone fanatic and need tons of dynamics then I would not recommend the Schecter!!! Also, the frets on the Schecter are not all level! Incredible design and finish but just feels lifeless! I’m contemplating changing all pickups and electronics but that’s around $600! I hate to sell it because it fulfills all the specs, but I’m unable to love it! Will mostly get myself an LP Tribute
Imo both are great, but the schecter offers a little more tonal options because of the coil split... the only downside is it's almost $1,000 with no case. To where as the epi has no coil spill, but still sounds great yet comes with a case. So literally depends on each individual players end game, budget, and or guitars they may already have.
schecter just by a hair. they almost sound exactly alike. i would wager the pickups are very similar. i'd like to hear them thru a different cab/speakers...
I put a Gibson LP Tribute against a Epiphone Custom LP and the Schecter Solo Custom 2. The Epiphone inspired by LP custom was the lowest in terms of build quality to me. The Gibson and the Schecter were closer but the Schecter had so many other bells and whistles that the Gibson didn’t, not to mention the aged black look of the Schecter it was an easy choice. The Schecter also covers such an array of tones so well! Would recommend the Schecter to anyone that wants a Gibson Custom LP but doesn’t have $3k to drop!
For me the Schecter looks absolutely wonderful. The Epiphone has a tiny bit more sparkle in the tone... I think I would take the Schecter. If I use a blues breaker pedal or a good overdrive pedal the Schecter will sound absolutely great and that's also the way I like to play the guitars.
If people turned off the video, it would be very hard to tell the difference. Probably more to do with one's computer speaker setup. Both are really nice guitars.
DBG...please do a shootout between the Schecter Solo 2 custom and the Jackson Dominion Pro. Would love that! I have a Schecter Solo 6 Standard from several years ago and I love it. No locking tuners, but it's got a Graphtech nut, vintage frets, Tone Pros bridge and tailpiece, and Duncan Designed JB/59 combo...with coil splits. The newer Solo 2 Customs are loaded feature-wise! So much for the money. Just not sure about the pickups. I would prefer JB/59 combo or Dimarzios...Dominion set.
Great review and always listen with interest. Quality control is always something that worries me with anything beyond low budget. The Gary Moore trick is to play it unplugged and see how it sounds. Ear near the strings. You want a clean and bright sound. Love hate relationship with LP's. Just too heavy for long use.
Epiphone or Schecter? Let me know which guitar you liked the most!
Enjoy!
I'm partial to the Schecter. I've owned that model (in black burst) for a couple of years now (after having seen your Solo ii Custom review) and it's brilliant.
Having played an Epiphone for 10 years, I recently bought a Schecter. Won’t go back! You can’t beat the bang you get for your buck.
Neither, Agile blows them both completely away.
I have the exact same Schecter Solo ii Custom, down to the finish, as the one you demonstrate in this review, Darrell, and I picked up based largely on your original review. I am absolutely thrilled with it and recommend it all the time to others. Wow, talk about getting WAY more guitar for the money--what a value! I play it nearly every day and just love it.
The Schecter .. to me ... sounds a bit more brighter. The Epiphone sounded with more fatness ... It's all up to preference. Personally, I'll go with the Schecter
Ima have to go with the Schecter. IMO the pickups just sound a bit hotter with that heavier crunchier tone.
Agree, Schecter sounds a bit fatter & hotter. Would probably better for me since I've been more of a rock player (at least back in the day).
Did someone claiming to be Darrell contact you? Saying that you won something?
@@pabloescabar1038 yeah. I saw the fake channel had 0 subscribers so I ignored it. Trust me I never win anything so I knew it was fake😂😂
@@freshestemo I've seen that or similar account here on DBG's comments, including mine once, in prior videos. 🙄
I agree 100%
I love that you recognize and usually recommend Schecter. I have 3 USA Schecters and I can attest they are some of the finest guitars you will ever play and really do make Gibson and Fender seem overrated.
amen
ESP/LTD and Schecter absolutely destroy anything by Gibson under $3000 as far as quality.
Actually Fender have unique sound and really good quality. Look at the player series or even Squiers - very good sound and price.
@@K-CHOMA yeah not bad at all, Schecter far superior though
I have a shecter guitar research and love it. Not a big fan of the finish I picked but man does that guitar shred!
“YESSSS, welcome back to the channel” is such a great catchphrase. I want a t-shirt with that printed on it!
I’ve always been an Epiphone fan, and they’ve gotten even better in recent years! Having said that, the Schecter looks and sounds great too. Both excellent choices!
I have that Schecter -- same model and even same finish -- and it's superb! Great quality, zero issues with it straight out of the box, and it's wonderfully player-friendly. I love it and use it nearly every day. Incredible guitar and extraordinary value. Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an LP-style guitar.
Awesome! I’ll buy one soon
@Text me via Telegram @Darrell_Braun weird I didn’t know Darrell only had 11 subs😂😂😂
Well I’ve watched your channel a thousand times and enjoyed each one. This is my first time commenting.
I have a bunch of Epiphones so I may be a bit biased there. But I have to say through out the demo I was really liking the sound of the Schecter, to the point that if I felt I needed another single cut I’d be giving the Schecter a hard look.
Thanks for everything.
John
You can never have too many single cuts
They sounded the same to me, but I definitely love the look of the Schecter!
Yea me too. And I think you get a lot more for your money with the schecter. Like a tonepros bridge and tailpiece compared to an abr-1 bridge.
I have the Epi '59 and a Gibson LP '50 standard. The Epi has noticeably more top end sparkle than the Schecter and sounds much closer to my 50 LP standard which has even more top end and clarity. The Schecter sounds darker, so is great for high gain rock/metal. I own several other Schecters (not this one tho) and have found the build quality to be significantly better than most import guitars and certainly better than the Epi '59. If you play with high gain - buy the Schecter, if you play classic rock and clean, then the Epi is the best choice IMO.
This is exactly what I’m missing with my Schecter!!! I tried a Gibson LP the other day and man that clarity, detailed notes, sustain and feel is something else!!! I’m ordering an LP tribute
The best comment ever! Cheers 🍻
Hi, it seems you're very expert about those two guitars. So, a question. I have to play Green Day and have small hands, so I cannot buy BJA replicas because of the baseball neck. But I also play '80s hair metal solos with a lot of distortion but also ambient effects. What guitar, between those two, do you suggest me? Thank you.
I gotta pop in to say I bought the same Schecter last July after you reviewed it. I love it and play it every day. My SG Standard and Custom 24 SE just sit in their stand mostly. I just feel at home on the Schecter. So glad I bought it. Thanks Darrell😁🎶
I bought the Epiphone in April from Sweetwater. Completely love the sound and vibe that guitar has. Mine is the faded cherry burst.
said it multiple times the epi '59 standard outfit is as much a Les Paul as any Gibson I ever played. I own one because of that fact. I Love my Epi!
I agree it plays and sounds nice, but I can't get over that plastic looking wood top. Is that supposed to be some sort of VOS finish? It looks like a terrible airbrush job.
Extremely happy with my 1959 epi. It’s a monster, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon
I actually bought the schecter, largely due to your original review and I still love it.
I'm more of a metal guitar player and I thought I would like the Schecter at the beginning, but I end up liking the Epiphone more instead. Both sound really good overall! Cheers!
I have the Solo II Custom and love it. I actually customized it a bit though, replacing the stock pickups with Seymour Duncan Phat Cat P90s, removing the pickguard, and replacing the switch and pots with a Switchcraft switch and CTS pots. There was something odd going on in the wiring causing issues with the stock electronics (the culprit ended up being one of the pots), which is most of the reason I decided to go with the CTS pots and Switchcraft switch over just keeping most of the electronics as is.
Do you have a link for what pots and switches you used. I am thinking of doing the same.
I have an Epi 1958 Korina and recently I bought my first acoustic, Schechter Synyster Gates signature.
Both are good guitars and enjoyable to play.
Darrell, I think you did an exceptional breakdown of both guitars. I like them both but I'd prefer the warmer cleans and lower type output of the epiphone. However I think the cuts and the higher output of the schecter is exceptional and what a great look it has. Thanks for the vid as always good sir
I have an Epiphone 59 Standard and I love it. It is everything that Darrell says it is. It's a stunningly great guitar.
Me also apart from one note on the seventh fret thin E string that doesn't ring anyone know how to fix that problem
Love my 59 Epiphone. Nicest guitar I've owned. Unfortunately they are a bit more expensive in Australia 🇦🇺 but worth every cent 👌
Bought an Epi LP standard top pro. Love it. Brilliant easy to play, nice warm sound and unbelievable craftsmanship! Would buy it again. But I like the Shecter, too.
Another awesome review Darrell. Thank you. I’m a huge fan of Schecter guitars -I have three Schecter’s already and I am very impressed with Schecter‘s quality for reasonable prices
Either of these would be great to own. I think once you have 1 of these you would soon forget the other. Great review Darrell as always
I've got something for you too...
I bought a schecter solo custom II after seeing it on your channel. I fell in love with it, and it is everything people say it is. I did replace the nut with a black TUSQ XL (like they put on the black jack) and have removed the pick guard (filled the holes with black crayon so I could put it back on if I wanted to.) I do suspect I will replace some of the electronics at some point, but the feel of this thing.. and the looks... amazing.
I love them both but prefer the Epi a tad more as when you played with distortion it sound a little smoother than the Schecter!
Darrell,
Purchased the Schector Solo II, put the oder in November 2021, Sweetwater sent out the guitar April 2022, well worth the wait!
Amazing guitar, fun to play, has a diverse set of tones, absolutely love the finish and much more!
Thank you for your reviews!
John
Eyes closed, using headphones...
The Schecter was my favorite sound. Higher output especially on the neck pickup.
Both guitars are nice, but I also like the looks of the Schecter more.
(I listened to the playing and wrote down 1 or 2 and then rewatched the video to see which was which guitar)
Schecter won everytime.
Great comp. I think I liked the Epi tone a bit better. Would love to know how the Sire single cut compares to these 2
2 years ago I came across a new EPI Les Paul ES. It's a semi hollow and basically an ES-335 in a Les Paul shape. It's a really nice quality piece that feels good and is very light, with sounds similar to the 335 but a little different. Sort of in between the ES335 and a solid body LP. It's one of my favorites of my small collection. Big fan of your videos.
Love both of these axes...excellent review/comparison! You are spot on- if you want a versatile, fast, badass axe get the Schecter, and if you want an actual
les paul with vintage look, feel and sound go for the epiphone. 100%
BTW they both sound fantastic
For singlecuts, my favorite has always been the ESP Eclipse. I just picked up one, and it quickly became my main guitar.
That said, these do sound pretty dang good. If I'm ever looking for something less hot, I'll have to consider the Epiphone.
Epis are inconsistent as well. especially the fret work and hardware.
go to a music store and play with them them for a bit... and then go check out the Schecters and LTD models in the same price range. you'll be shocked.
@@penoyer79 yeah, my first two guitars were LTD's. They'll always have a special place in my heart.
To me,
Clean: Schecter....
Look: Schecter
Overall, both sounded awesome 👍.
Nice review.
Brilliant demo Darrell. Loved both.
I like the less hotter output on the epi, while I like the look of the schecter. I guess I would always choose tone over looks, so it would be the epiphone for me.
Lower the schecter USA built pickups, problem solved
Great video. I have Epiphone 1984 and Schecter E1 and o love them 🤘
Great Video.
I wonder if both guitars had the same pickup height. Love both of them 🤟
The Schecter Solo II Custom has an excellent price to quality ratio. Plus, it looks and sounds awesome.
Congratulations 🎊🎈 fan !
Inbox the above telegram
we got something special for you
Giveaway🎉🎊.
The Neck pickup on the Schecter is a killer!
Greetings Darrell!
There’s not much difference in the sound. And Epiphone also has models that have coil splits and phase switches too. I have an assortment of Epiphone Les Pauls and I frequently go to them before I grab my Gibson.
They are great instruments and I am not as paranoid about damaging them as much as I would with the Gibson.
I just recently restored my old 1965 Epiphone Olympic and it sounds great again. I have not added a Schecter to my collection yet, but someday I may pick one up. I have a variety of other Epiphone guitars as well and am just as satisfied with them as I would be with Gibsons. There are a bunch of them with the American made Gibson pickups, besides the 1959 Les Paul, the Epiphone Joe Pass Signature Emperors all have 1957 Gibson PAF pickups installed at the factory.
Epiphone Guitars have the best warranty in the business, which is for the lifetime of the instrument from date of purchase of a brand new instrument, another big incentive.
Thanks for demonstrating them both side by side, I am sure that this will be very helpful to younger guitarists that have only begun to build their collections.
Please have an excellent and awesome day! ☀️✨
Schecter
Just bought it.
Love the PasAdena Plus bridge pickup.
I own the mgk pt which has the same pickup.
Diggin' both of these guitars. But, I'd have to go with the Solo II Custom just because of the "coil split" capability and the locking tuners.
Been a fan of the channel for a few years, much respect! 🤘✌️
i liked the sound from the epiphone myself and i just happen to own a sunburst les paul standard from epiphone and i love that guitar 😊
Well, after your first review of That Epiphone (59 reissue), I bought one.
I really like it, the only other les paul I want to get is the ‘Vintage’ lemondrop (made by Wilkinson)
Yup.. you are right.. that Epi'59 definitely really worth for money.. you will never ever ever regret having it.. all the electronics were gibson.. I got one and very satisfied, also since this was limited edition, you will not found this guitar anymore when all sold.. 👌
I've never tried Schecter, but I own Epi LP 1959 and I absolutely love it. I also tested side-by-side with Gibson, I didn't feel any significant (only the sharp fret ends of Epiphone).
This is a good example of two guitars sounding different, but both sounding good. I did not have a favorite for that. I prefer the Schecter Matt Black finish, and overall design of the guitar. It has a cooler vibe.
I like them both. If I were to buy one I would have to play them side by side. See how each feels in my hands. Go with what inspires me.
I own a Schecter Blackjack solo and I love it.
Hej Darrell.. I'm not a Gibson fan. I'm more of a Fender Stratocaster fan. But I think Epiphone has a better sound.. Thanks for the video.. 🙂👍
Schecter is one of my favorites next to Ibanez. Good stuff man!
I just recently heard that the bridge pickup in the Solo II was wound for Zacky of A7X and that does kind of come through with the percussiveness. I think the Schecter is the ultimate value choice for someone who wants a Les Paul-type with pretty consistent quality and good specs across the board. The Epiphone might sit better with the purist who doesn't need a really hot tone.
I have 2 Epis a pro plus top and Tommy Thayer edition and love them both. I also own 2 Schecters an Evil Twin FRS and an HSS Banshee. Can't say a bad word about any of them. They all sound and play wonderfully.
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I've had the Schecter for about 6 months now. Great guitar! I'm going down a more acoustic route now and do you think I can sell that Schecter? Not a chance. Mint condition and the best offer I've had is less than half the cost of it. I've no idea why, as it's a superb guitar.
The schecter is incredible, looks a lot more playable than a gibson.
Really wish they'd released the epiphone before I bought my gibson years ago woulda picked one up instead.
Of course the Schecter may have to go on the wish list.
Top stuff as always sir, and the playings killer!
I can speak to Gibson vs Schecter single cuts. I’ve kept two Les Paul’s, a standard and a trad, both are good guitars, out of 9 Les Paul’s I kept these two, sold the others. Now enter the Schecter solo 2 custom, best singlecut guitar at any price point I have ever owned. Beats a 5k Les Paul access custom that I sold. Simply built right and quality is outstanding, for $800 bucks you should be able to get the highest quality guitar you could ever need. Check out Charvel San Dimas too!! Great price and pro quality.
Gibson is definitely not adapting for younger players meanwhile fender is just killing it.
True
Fender is junk. They've got one decent guitar the Tele and almost any brand that makes a Tele shape does it better. More features, higher quality and much much better looking. Epiphone is the only old brand killing it. The only thing fender killed was Jackson.
@@I-HAVE-A-BOMB can’t argue with that, you absolutely right
Schecter all the way! I just bought an Evil twin solo ii. fishmen pickups. LOVE that thing. Also have a Schecter C-1 hellraiser SRF sustainiac
That's because younger people buy off on all the horseshit online about Gibson from people who can't afford them. It's easy to convince yourself something sucks when you think you'll never have it.
Neither of these guitars hold a candle to a Gibson and I have all of them
schecter prices are just getting ridiculous but i love the guitars, got the solo apokalypse and platinum models, best guitars ever made imo!
That Scheckter.... Wow!
Although where I live, it comes 200+€ more expensive than the 1959 LP Epiphone and without a case.
Definitely on my wishlist though!
I have that 1959 Epiphone, which came set up from the shop directly. I also have a Schecter Omen Extreme, which was set up lower. When I first got the Epiphone, I hated it because the action was too high compared to the Schecter, and I let the guitar collect dust for months; even thought about selling it. Then, I braved enough too learn how to set up guitars on my own, and lowered the action to reach some shredding capabilities. Selling it would have been the worst mistake ever. That Epiphone 1959 is an absolute monster of a guitar, and the sound is ridiculous, given the heft and the solidity of the wood. With a proper set up, it can shred perfectly because the fretwork has been done brilliantly, even if made in China. Gigantic value for money.
One of my first electric guitar was an all black Epiphone Les Paul Special 2 which my friend got the exact same guitar that same year. He now plays bass but I have worked my way up the ladder, I've had schecter Lyon Bc rich Dean Ibanez etc and now I can say I've owned PRS and Luna guitars. I recently bought a PRS Tremonti SE in the charcoal grey burst color and man that thing rips. T may have cost almost 1000 dollars but it was well worth it for being made overseas. If you haven't tried it I highly recommend it!
Shecter please. Like them both a lot. Thanks for the great video review! The ebony fretboard and larger frets are more to my liking and I have a Schecter Corsair Limited Edition in matte black so I know that finish is beautiful with the gold hardware. Like I said, love the Epiphone too.
I own 4 Epiphone Les Paul Custom's and 1 Schecter. Doesn't matter which one I buy, I put in EMG 81/85's, replace the plastic nuts with bone, inntonate for B standard and put on 72-13 gauge strings. I also ditch the witch hat knobs for speed knobs.
Both guitars are fantastic out of the box though!
⬆️🆙Dm the above 👆let
talk thanks 👍 for waching
I've had the 59 for few months now, and I'm really happy with it. I Was expecting worse from the neck given it's close to a baseball bat, but it's surprisingly comfortable to play, at the point that sometimes I prefer it over my other LP modern. Tonewise, the burstbuckers lack a bit of attack, they don't "chug" as easily as the Seymour Duncan JB for example, but I find them lush and rich in harmonics.
I totaly agree...its more traditional Gibson. Just what i like...
I own the sweetwater honeyburst epiphone and I gotta say WOW!! Schecter has good modern features, but for my first LP I went for the '59 model that's got killer electronics
The matte black and shiny gold is my personal idea of a dream concept of good multi-use guitar. Not even including the quality of the pickups or build of the entire body.
What a great time to be a guitar play A
Truly a golden age right now
The best guitars and gear being made competitive prices
The market is hot
And builders and Brant everywhere are doing black flips for your and my business
Pretty sweet hey..??!
P.s. I'll go the schecter
I already have a Gibson Les Paul
And the ergonomics are a big plus to me
Namely the heel car ve... Billy cut... Just the three knobs in a configuration you can reach for easily - the Gibson two-volume two-tone configuration is just so impractical.
You want to use the volume from the bridge position.. and it's right over and down to the bottom.. you can't do swells.. and you can't snap the volume off and on in between riffs. Are pretty much have to have the next volume off... And just toggle like a kill switch.
But of course when you want to use your neck pickup... You have to get the right volume knob first... And then toggle. It's too much.
3 nobs or better yet even 2. Screw it might as well just have the one volume knob evh Style.
I'm even musing at the idea of having a no knob guitar.... And having nothing but a kill switch. Just a red button.
Then there would be nothing protruding up from the face of the guitar... Getting in the way of your strumming and palm muting at cetera
I upgraded my Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s with Seymour Duncan Seth Lover PUs. It is fantastic. Sounds even better than the Joe Bonamassa 1959 Lazarus Les Paul that I also own. So I will upgrade that one, too. Probably with Pearly Gates PUs.
No need for a Gibson LP Standard.
Thanks for the video! Nice guitars I just read a review of the Schecter and it said it weighs over 14lbs!
The one to compare against both of these models is the Sire L7. Costs even less than either and is just an astounding guitar.
Oh man! Been watching your material for a while now, appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Have been wrestling between the Epi ‘59 LP STD and the LP Modern. Now you’ve added the Sollo ii to the mix, which sounds amazing.
Not really sure you’re helping me here. 😁
Can you do a review over behringers $25 effect pedals
Both guitar's are nice and have their good point's but I just want to throw one more guitar in the mix: the Epiphone prophecy Les Paul. It has locking tuners, Fishman pickups and 24 frets as well as weight relief and more contours for comfort. It's another model worth checking out.
yeah, i just bought prophecy flying V, just went to the store to try something new,this was my first time holding V and I bought it, but imo the SG prophecy is not that good, maybe it was just 1 bad piece but it was horrible
The prophecy has fishman pickups in it
@@tommilitello198 Right! That's what I meant to say but was looking at another Les paul with the burst buckers
LOL Anyway, I like the prophecy model's.They are a good deal at a fair price
Made in CCP China. No thanks at all.
The Schecter has a fuller/warmer sound all round and with the features, I think, a better buy. Might I suggest, Darrell, that you in future, present all of the clean sounds First on both guitars where it is easier to hear the 'real' sound, and then the o/drive, crunch second. Thanks for the video . Regards, Dave C.
Both sound great, i'm giving tone to the Schecter, even though I'm an Epiphone lover.
Great video. Will be nice to see a compare between the Schecter vs the Sire L7.
Love my Epiphone Les Paul Standard!!
Sound wise I’d go with the Epiphone. Has that classic sound!
From Leo: Schecter is the sound, controls, modern neck joint shapes, and the fit and finish looks fine. I really do not like black guitars and I especially do not like flat black. It comes in burl and natural gloss also. I am sure the Epiphone is fine, but I like the Schecter better.
I would probably go Epiphone reasons would be tone, don’t care for coil splitting, beefy neck, visually classic, case included although it wouldn’t see it much. Those are mainly my reasons...Thanks for the comparison!
great work. as usual...
i would have loved to hear the split on the schecter. as it was, i loved the neck and middle position on the schecter. i did prefer the bridge on the epi.
thanks !
I have the Schecter, I actually bought it because of your other video! But well, it doesn’t sound like a Gibson! Sadly the neck pickup is dull and muddy. The other day I played my friend’s cheapest LP and I was blown away! Yes guitar work and finish is not even close to the Schecter (Schecter is better) but if you’re a tone fanatic and need tons of dynamics then I would not recommend the Schecter!!! Also, the frets on the Schecter are not all level! Incredible design and finish but just feels lifeless! I’m contemplating changing all pickups and electronics but that’s around $600! I hate to sell it because it fulfills all the specs, but I’m unable to love it! Will mostly get myself an LP Tribute
Own two Schecters. Love them!
Imo both are great, but the schecter offers a little more tonal options because of the coil split... the only downside is it's almost $1,000 with no case. To where as the epi has no coil spill, but still sounds great yet comes with a case. So literally depends on each individual players end game, budget, and or guitars they may already have.
Nice comparison Darrell. I prefer the Epi. I thought it sounded Great!!
schecter just by a hair. they almost sound exactly alike. i would wager the pickups are very similar. i'd like to hear them thru a different cab/speakers...
Darrell, can you try and find one of the Epiphone Jerry Cantrell wino les paul customs to review ?
I put a Gibson LP Tribute against a Epiphone Custom LP and the Schecter Solo Custom 2. The Epiphone inspired by LP custom was the lowest in terms of build quality to me. The Gibson and the Schecter were closer but the Schecter had so many other bells and whistles that the Gibson didn’t, not to mention the aged black look of the Schecter it was an easy choice. The Schecter also covers such an array of tones so well! Would recommend the Schecter to anyone that wants a Gibson Custom LP but doesn’t have $3k to drop!
For me the Schecter looks absolutely wonderful. The Epiphone has a tiny bit more sparkle in the tone... I think I would take the Schecter. If I use a blues breaker pedal or a good overdrive pedal the Schecter will sound absolutely great and that's also the way I like to play the guitars.
If people turned off the video, it would be very hard to tell the difference. Probably more to do with one's computer speaker setup. Both are really nice guitars.
With modern specs things like coil splitting, compensated nut, locking tuners....the Schecter is definitely more attractive to me
I’m going with the Schecter. Both sound great but the tone was a little better with the Schecter. Also love ebony fretboard! Thank you Darrell
Thanks Darrell! Tried messaging but it did not go through.
I like the sound of the schekter better! Yep love it. I gotta learn how to play guitar 🎸
They are two very good guitars,but I prefer the more classic look on the Epiphone and the same goes to the sound.
DBG...please do a shootout between the Schecter Solo 2 custom and the Jackson Dominion Pro. Would love that!
I have a Schecter Solo 6 Standard from several years ago and I love it. No locking tuners, but it's got a Graphtech nut, vintage frets, Tone Pros bridge and tailpiece, and Duncan Designed JB/59 combo...with coil splits. The newer Solo 2 Customs are loaded feature-wise! So much for the money. Just not sure about the pickups. I would prefer JB/59 combo or Dimarzios...Dominion set.
Not a fan of LP style guitars but would probably go for the schecter for the coil splits and the versatility that brings
Hey nice shootout, I think schecter wins but that finish on that epiphone is freaking beautiful
This videos a little old but ltd has my faverite single cuts, mostly super modern like the schecter but they also have some more traditional models
Nice perhaps for what they are, but they can't hold a candle to my relicted 1959 inspired Gibson Les Paul Standard burst.
Epiphone would be my first choice but the Schecter looks good too!🤘🌓
Great review and always listen with interest. Quality control is always something that worries me with anything beyond low budget. The Gary Moore trick is to play it unplugged and see how it sounds. Ear near the strings. You want a clean and bright sound. Love hate relationship with LP's. Just too heavy for long use.