"Very few people are going to play a les paul custom clean" very true but VERY sad. The LP custom clean tone is, in my opinion, one of the most over looked and underrated clean tones!
Nothing cooler than coming across an older guy that loves and appreciates guitars as much as I do you remind me a lot of my grandad God rest his soul. You’ve got a new subscriber!
Modern Epiphone Les Paul Customs have a 2 piece Mahogony body and a 3 piece maple cap. Translucent or natural finishes would include a flame maple veneer. Love the channel!!
Awesome guitar, awesome playing! Man, you are so down to earth! Some would say you are "real" You have some honest opinions about guitar matters and it is very refreshing among all the other guitar RUclipsrs, no hype, just honest reviews. Keep up the great work, keep those excellent chops exercised.
Why wouldn’t he be down to earth? “Some would say you’re real”? Do you think he’s some sort of superstar? Maybe it’s cos your mother shat you put and left you lying beside a skip
I, too, am a guitar addict. My Epiphone Les Paul Custom is ebony, though I also love the Alpine White. Over the years I have owned three Gibson LPs (not Custom) plus two previous Epiphone LPs. None of them measured up to this Epi Custom. It will be with me for life.
Great video! I recently purchased the Jerry Cantrell Epiphone LP Custom and I am blown away by it. I own two Gibson LP Custom Shop guitars as well so I’m comparing it to those. The ebony fingerboard is amazing. The Epiphone pickups are excellent and don’t need replacing unless you’re going for a specific pickup. Even the hard shell case is impressive. I think I can finally say that an Epiphone Les Paul is a serious alternative to a Gibson.
Cheers Rob, good to hear from you on the matter… people wont believe it but yes it’s true they are a serious affordable alternative. I keep looking at wino still and may yet get one! 😆👍
Ah, thank you Colin, I always get a thrill when hearing my name mentioned on RUclips 🤣👍. And I agree wholeheartedly with your summary around whether or not to sink loads of cash into a Custom Shop. Congrats on the new guitar, it’s stunning. Even when you played it clean, there was a lovely warmth to the tone…. You’re a gentleman Colin, happy noodling on that new beast!
I got one of these almost two years ago. It's pretty much flawless out of the box. The ebony fretboard is an amazing piece of wood. The tuners are impressive. It easily rivals my 60s Les Paul. I am considering upgrading the pickups, though stock are excellent. The gold on the tailpiece and pickup has rubbed off a bit. Thanks for the review!
the "gold" comes off fairly easy with sweat and heat.. i have this as well on my sg custom (epi) doesn t bother me much..it plays like a charm. and i have "reliced" it myself...:)
i put Gold 490r/498t gibson pickups in my Epi LP alpine custom, and i have seymor duncan P-rails in my my ebony LP custom try Nailbombs for a metal hardness and 490r/498t for versatility
Inspired by James Dean Bradfield, I bought an Epiphone white Les Paul custom in 1999 as my first guitar. Although it now lives amongst other more expensive guitars I still reach for it. The neck and fretboard are wonderful. It’s had a pickup change over the years but it’ll always be my favourite guitar.
Being around in 77 when I was 13 it was Mick Jones and Steve Jones who made me want to pick up the guitar in the first place....but I have been a big Manics fan since they burst on the scene over 30 years ago like a breath of fresh air...and JDB is a wonderful guitarist - and vocalist too...in my music collection, the Manics are only second to The Clash! BTW, wonderful video Colin and great to see/hear the Pistols riffing!
Kształt les pauli przyciąga mnie jak magnes,to wspaniałe gitary.Gdybym miał wybrać ibaneza lub fendera to i tak wybrałbym les paula mimo że to też genialne wiosła.Czytam na różnych forach bardzo dużo krytycznych głosów na temam epi i gibsona,czyżby drastycznie spadła jakość tych gitar? Na gibola mnie nie stać ale epi napewno kupię synowi,który model polecasz dla początkującego gitarzysty?
My Gibson studio that I got in 2006 is still my favourite guitar. I have a Standard, but it took such a long time to find that I don't fancy doing it again. Finding THE Les Paul for you is a magical moment though.
I bet a lot of people would say the Stratocaster is the most versatile electric guitar but I have always wanted a Les Paul Custom. The custom can do any genre of music and sounds great. Jazz, blues, rock, fusion, punk, metal. You name it.
Sir, I'd just like to tell you how much i loved this video. Your chill vibes, smooth voice and sense of humor are stellar! And you made my mind about getting one of these! Thank you so much! Much, much love from brazil!
The intro monologue is priceless! It is painful how much I relate to it. I damn near spit out my coffee when you said "Unless it was really cheap, and then I go through great pains to explain how cheap it was" ahahahha
This review (and a few others) convinced me to pull the trigger on an Ebony Les Paul Custom. It arrived today, and I am NOT disappointed! In fact, it exceeds my expectations. Love your channel, Colin. Keep up the good work!
Always interesting and honest analysis of the instruments. Like to hear how you describe one's rationality and expectations behind every purchase. It can be a struggle to balance.
Great video Colin. I bought the ebony version of this guitar 3 weeks ago. For sound and tone it is of similar quality to my Gibson Les Paul Standard which I updated last year with Monty PAFs, believe it or not. The build quality and playability straight out of the box is excellent and I will be gigging it this week for the first time. I agree with your points about cost and ownership of these value brands versus the big names. The manufacturing quality from China is unrecognisable to what it was ten years back. See you next week.
Why are all guitar reviews not as thorough and complete as yours? Because they don’t have the passion and intellect that you have. I’m sold on getting one now, thanks to your brilliant review. Thank you! 🎉
Hell yeah, I was hanging onto every moment hoping for a pistols riff and right off the bat you did not disappoint! Great review as always!! Now time to buy a new guitar.
I went through the same journey, coverting a real Gibson. At 48 I finally got myself a Standard 50s Goodtop. Its stunning, but the Epiphones I used to play were nice too. I've scratched the itch. My Goldtop will stay with me for good.
I've owned this same guitar for a year now and I love it! It is a better guitar than my Gibson Les Paul Studio, and almost as good as my Epiphone 59 Les Paul. Great review!!
I had a 2021 Epi ‘59 Les Paul in the Aged Southern Fade burst. While it was a decent guitar in its own right, my black 2021 Epi Les Paul Custom trumps the ‘59 in just about every way. Maybe I got an extra special LPC, or a dud of a ‘59….who knows. But I kept the Custom. 👌🏼
I'm exactly in this moment restoring Epi LP Standard Pro. Beautiful guitar with that flamed maple top veneer and the pickups are just stunning. Now I have a need to get a Custom Epi... thanks for another awesome video! It's really a pleasure to watch your stuff. Have a good one!
Interesting video that Colin, and quite thought provoking. When I bought my Les Paul Studio back in the 90s I knew I wanted a US Gibson but could not justify the price hike between that and a Standard or Custom. It was everything I wanted and meant I was not scared to take it out of the case. That same mindset has stayed with me. When I bought my SG 10 years ago I wanted US made but couldn't justify a Custom version. Same with my recent Strat. Bottom of the range Performer but does everything I want. I suppose what I'm saying it's about justifying to yourself and ensuring that you play the guitar....that's what they are there for. I personally couldn't justify £4k tied up in a guitar and tbh would be terrified of dinging it. It certainly would never leave the house. Hope this makes sense and brilliant Pistols playing btw 🙂
Cheers Mark, yes it makes perfect sense to get the more affordable entry level version with the 'right' headstock.... I couldn't be without some of them for sure! 😎👍
I’m not going to have a guitar that I don’t play even if I had a very valuable old LP, I’d play it whenever I wanted to. Yeah I might not gig it but, they are tools meant to be played. I really like the white custom in this video, I just wish Gibson would put the open book headstock on the epiphones they did it in Japan. Fender uses the same headstock on squier, Jackson, charvel, and fenders . The new epiphones are nice no doubt, but I want a Tokai because of the headstock, yeah that might be shallow but I just think the open book looks better. Epiphone custom headstocks look way better than the standards though the binding and inlay really gives it a classy almost tuxedo look.
Mark I purchased a 2019 EPIPHONE LES Paul Standard Pro Plus Top Pro. The electronics are identical To Colans’ but it has push pull CTS 500k pots at the volumes. It plays and sounds as good or better than any Gibson LP. Change your strings I think it made a good difference. Good luck with it…
Headstock logo snobbery is a curse we really don't need to be saddled with - bad enough to be saddled with guitar fetish syndrome. NIce to hear some comments from folk clearly not cursed with brand addiction. Recently I bought (wait for it) a STAGG Les-Paul-alike, and some folk accused me of buying a piece of junk. I, too, remember the bad old days when Stagg guitars were nasty things that learners bought and broke their fingers on as they struggled to learn (and later gave up - where do we get the idea that learners should go through a rite of passage so as to prove their worthiness by holding down impossible chords on guitars with sky-high action before they are worthy of a real guitar?). Well, my supposedly nasty Stagg LP STD (made in Korea) turned out to be so damned good that I ended up buying a second one. Just £218. And yes, I have a Gibson, and no, I can't tell the difference - except by looking at the headstock.
@@davidphillips2151 I don’t care what the name says on the headstock, I just don’t like the shape of the Epiphones in standard at least. I think the custom epiphone headstock looks pretty nice. I just think that the open book looks better on a LP. It’s just a personal preference of mine. Yes there are incredible guitars at all price points and by little known manufacturers.
I've had mine since new years eve. James Dean Bradfield, of the Manics is one of my main influences. Whilst I've always wanted a custom, I've never been able to afford the Gibson one and the previous Epiphone models had rosewood fretboards, which to me, wasn't a custom
I got the gold-top one for Christmas last year as a treat to myself. It's brilliant. I've been gassing for the TV yellow special for a while. But damn, the white custom is stunning too. And you make it sound great. Choices, choices...
Oh my gosh Colin, you've done it again. What a beautiful guitar! I really like the white with an ebony fretboard. Man, that is super sweet. Good weight, nice pups, cracking Gold hardware... it's just unbelievable . I top wrapped my SG Muse last night, it's not going back into the closet... Have a wonderful week, I can't wait to see what you find for next week!
Got a black epi custom a few days ago for super cheap because it has a repaired headstock. Still plays incredibly well. I plan on ripping it apart and setting it up with a Jimmy Page mod in a few days.
A great (and very useful) review. Thanks, Colin. Maybe now that mine is arriving tomorrow, I can stop rewatching it 😁. Love your channel. It's very theraputic and quite addictive. 👍
I love this eternal quest/rabbit hole we ALL go down. I’ve slimmed my guitars right down to a lovely ‘13 Gibson LP, a US HSS Strat, an Epiphone LP 59 like Colin’s (superb instrument) and my Faith Earth acoustic. The main problem with slimming down the collection is that there is an overwhelming urge to buy more! I now NEED a LP custom (I listened to Never Mind The Bollocks today). The stars have aligned, it is fate!
@@theguitaristas Colin, please could you expand more on what exactly a maple cap is in a future episode. I've an idea but I'm getting the idea there's more to it than a maple veneer over the body. Also, I can't be the only one wondering about which bands you've played in in your time. Would like to hear a bit more about you the guitarist. Love the channel, great to hear Paul Stafford Cook getting a mention too. What a player. Hands down 2 of the best guitar channels. Thanks man.
@@Ogma3bandcamp Good point... I assume everyone knows but of course they probably don't! For your info they cut the slab of mahogany body and then add a maple cap which is approx 1/2" - 3/4" thick and has the carve and flame in it. The Maple veneers are a much thinner wafer-thin slice of maple to replicate the fancy flame and cover up non matched pieces. Hope that is helpful... Cheers man and thanks for the kind words! 😎👍
The Epiphone Customs are solid mahogany no veneer and the standards have about a "3/4 inch maple cap with a veneer. I have two '59s and a silverburst custom with EMGs. They're excellent guitars that I have absolutely no regrets buying.
I love the white. I have an Epiphone Custom from about the mid to late 90's. Grover tuners, actual Gibson pickups and electronics. All gold as well. On the truss rod cover, where it usually says Les Paul, mine says Gibson. I don't remember how much I paid, but it was close to 1000 CAD. I was told it was a limited edition and there were only 2 in Western Canada, but I saw another one years late at another shop. Who knows. But it plays as good as any Gibson that I've ever tried. The neck is a bit fat for my liking, but not overwhelming. I've always wanted a white one, though. I white LP has always been my Achilles' heal. Oh. Mine is country gentlemen wine or something. It is translucent so you can clearly see the wood grain. Beautiful in it's own way. A tobacco burst is on my list as well and that would round out my collection... for LP style guitars anyway. Still some voids in the collection. No tele and no SG.
Love your videos each and every week but as a certified Les Paul addict I am especially thrilled to see you review one. This guitar is awesome and interesting that it is full mahogany. It sounds great and it obviously can scream bloody murder when it wants to. In 2018 I bought a used 2005 Cherry Sunburst Epiphone Les Paul Custom with upgraded hardware and Seymour Duncan Alnico 2 pickups. It has a gorgeous top with lots of grain showing and is a well built guitar that was taken care of. I use it on stage a lot. Anyhoo, nice review this week. Cheers!
@@theguitaristas I should clarify and say I'm thrilled to see when you review Les Paul's. I have seen you do many, of course. Looking forward to seeing the Seymour Duncans in the Gold Top Tokai.
marvellous video, just stumbled upon this and got my saturday evening well spent! So calm and relaxed of an atmosphere you're producing, it's been a pleasure to watch and I'll now go check what else there's to discover on this channel. Great find, truly.
High school friend had a black Gibson, effortless to play. It led you to play better. At that age the weight wasn't a problem. Not sure if he got it with most of the money from a Summer job and or his grandma chipped in. Great player, he liked rock metal and Bowie.
I'm very impressed with this Eppi, it sounds very nice. I own a ten pounder Gibson of the 68 verity which I love but as you said, I don't play it much and I never take it to gigs, I normally take my Mexi Strat. The Gibson is just too valuable to play in bars.
Excellent video once again! You have one of the more down to earth and entertaining styles. I recently bought an Edwards (ESP) Les Paul Custom in the style of John Sykes...It's a really well made in Japan guitar. Only issue is that it needs a bit of a set up for it's best pllayability.
Congrats shes a beauty!! I bought the epiphone jerry cantrell custom this is also a awesome guitar. Epiphone is knocking it out of the park lately. Great show brother... Im already looking forward to your next show. Take care sir
After watching quite a few reviews on these guitars, this one really sold me on it. Went for the ebony and it arrived this week, absolutely brilliant guitar and the pickups are waaay better than I thought. Thanks guitaristas!
Thank you Colin, this is exactly the video I've been looking for! I've had my eye on one of these since I started playing (about a year ago) for exactly the same Jonesy type reasons. I definitely think one of these needs to happen!
You should check out the Burny Randy Rhoads model, more cream coloured like the one Steve Jones used and Jones did in fact use a Burny Les Paul Custom in cream at one point! I’ve seen the stickers he had on his Custom available on eBay and switch to “witch hat knobs” too if you want to complete the look!
Great vid! I had a custom black "Franpton" Les Paul, yes with an 'n', made in Japan in the 70's. Great little thing, it was chambered. I had it for about 10 years, thinking I had what I need to sustain me but when I sold it, the world of electric guitars opened up. And yeah, I've got through many many since then and enjoying every minute of it. Moral of the story is, selling something even if at a loss in some cases, opens up the doors to better things. Keep up the great work. cheers!
Brilliant review as usual, the custom is definitely on the list, specially with the ebony fingerboard. I got the epi 50s goldtop and couldn't be happier. I don't think I need any more Gibson other than my junior and melody maker.. Love it when you give it some bollocks
I have a 2007 Epi LP Custom I added CTS pots and Switchcraft stuff and ‘57 classic pups, beaut instrument, then I bought a Gibson Studio which is weight relieved and fitted the ‘57 pickups and 50’s style wiring, love that guitar, now I have the best of both worlds in both my LP’s
Another lovely film, Colin! It's always a joy to hear you play and I am ever appreciative of the thorough examination and in depth review. As my internet handle might imply, I am also a Pistols fan, so it was a true pleasure to hear Jonesy's riffs. Please keep up the astounding work.
I love all your videos, but the Epiphone and Gibson stuff always makes my week. Having a rough time at work this week and gotta work through the weekend but having this video to look forward to when I get home is a huge help! I played an Epiphone Les Paul Custom recently, the quality and feel blew me away for the price. Was very tempted to bring it home haha. Cheers!
Another great film! I used your review of the SG Custom to justify buying one of these a few months back figuring it would share some of the specs and assuming prices would go up soon. Couldn't see myself putting Gibson money on a solid colour guitar so this Epiphone looked like a steal. Absolutely love it and can't walk past it without picking it up to get some playing in.
Great review Col and good comments and thoughts on the whole Gibson price v Epiphone quality. The Cantrell has a maple cap and different neck profile. The finish is really nice also......just in case you want to try one 🙂
I have the same 2021 in black and I love it. I changed the pickups (SD Slash Alnico II) and now it's the GUITAR. The problem now is that I need one in white.👏🤘😎🎩🇪🇸
It just can't be stated enough what a great channel you've created Colin. The licks were just Righteous on the Epi LP Custom. Great guitar+Great amp+Colin playing= #guitaristasmokinghotlicks
I have the Koa custom and I absolutely love it. Super comfy neck, looks stunning, and has tone just leaping out of it. If I'm not mistaken, only the top is Koa, the body and neck are mahogany like normal.
I totally get the response in feel. The collection bug is hard to deal with. You find the "one" that gives you your fix, you never sell it. Now days for me, after owning those history makers, some just are trophies more than enjoyable players. Like you, Collin, I recently got an Epi....it gets alot of play time. What do these mid-range, affordable things do to us ? I havent modded it, changed out nuthing, just burn up an hour noodlin around. Your so right. These guitars stay with you. 😆😁😉
Beautiful guitar! The pickups in it sound great, IMO. As far as I can hear, a fellow wouldn't need to change a thing and have a great guitar! I'm thrilled that you love it. I got lucky and bought an '82 Silverburst Custom before the Adam Jones craze raised the prices. I paid a local shop $2500 USD for it. It's all original except for the strap buttons. It's also not yellowed. It is marked 2nd, but after 40 years, who cares much about that? I'll sell it someday, and won't get another Custom. They're a bit too fancy for me. I'm trying to resist the urge to buy an Epiphone '59. The struggle to not feed my addiction is real!
I really like this guy.He is very sensible and explains the dilemma of gibson vs epiphone and makes my decision to by a epiphone les paul an already informed one.
I’m with you on that. I’ve got a few old Gibsons from a 1955 Junior, a couple of ‘77’s, all the way up to a mid 2000’s SG and a 2010 Melody Maker. My Koa top Epi Custom and my awesomely Green Epi ES-335 hang with them just fine. Can’t justify new Gibson prices when the Epi’s are this good.
Great demo, totally nailing Steve Jones attack, timing and TONE, without over doing it! For active pickups, they sound very controllable, which is always the challenge, less is MORE and lets the guitar sing.
I've owned an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro for about five years and I'm still in love with that guitar. They're excellent guitars from top to bottom front to back. Personally I like the thinner neck, I wouldn't have purchased it without the thinner neck. I've bought more expensive guitars since then but I plan on keeping it the rest of my life. If I did it again I would pass on the "Pro" part of it because of the push/pull pots they're a real bitch to replace and I damaged the one that splits the humbucker and the wiring is complex. If you want a single coil sound do that separately buy a single coil strat or something this is a Les Paul.
I run the a Klon KTR too. If you run a UA 1176 Compressor set to sustain mode, a Vemuran Budi-G (no gain) into the KTR it's heaven. Couple that with a light reverb and/or delay in the FX loop, and you're ready for the stadium
That’s a very good looking guitar ❤ . I had a Les Paul Tribute plus, Epi with Gibson 57 Classic pickups I loved that Guitar. I have a Traditional Les Paul now , the biggest difference was the neck the Gibson played way better and it felt better. But I Paid 495 dollars brand new in 2012 . It’s was worth every cent
Another great guitar review from by far the best guitar reviewer I've ever seen on RUclips. If I were the owner of Epiphone I'd be paying this guy a heft sum of cash for his terrific reviews of Epiphone guitars; or at least offer a substantial sponsorship. Well done, mate!! I love the white custom Les Paul, the missus likes the black one; which is great too. I also like the Gold Top Les Paul reviewed recently and the 1959. Four to choose from. As I'm disabled I have to play sitting down. The weight of a Les Paul is a bit of a problem, but not enough to put me off; and after all, It hasn't put me off my missus; and she weighs a lot more than a Les Paul. I guess that they all weigh about the same; the Les Paul's, not women. So it's really about gut feeling, and if I'm honest I'm drawn to the 1959. But the case it comes with is a big draw. I'm surprised that Epiphone don't provide good cases with the Gold Top and both their custom guitars. Even the 1950's Les Paul is a lovely guitar, a case like the 59 would be a much more appealing buy for me with all those guitars mentioned above. Sure it costs a bit more, but if I'm forking out the best part of 500 quid, I'll buy the case as well for the extra 100, for good guitar protection and partly for the everlasting buzz of opening a lovely case and seeing a beautiful guitar inside. I mean when you take the missus out to a restaurant you don't just buy her a slap up meal, she's gotta having the pudding for afters otherwise it ain't a proper date. It's the same with guitars, the Les Paul is the main meal, and the case is the pudding. Thanks again for the great guitar review. You're doing a great job. 👍
Cheers man thats appreciated... will the missus approve of you getting a couple of them to make the choice easier? Maybe take her for a slap up meal after to say thanks? 😆👍 Seriously the '59 is most likely to be the lightest as they are probably aiming for under 9lb... but as you say they are all pretty similar (unlike women!) 😂
@@theguitaristas Cheers, mate. Yeah. All four guitars are great. The 59 is the Jimmy Page guitar if I recall. That one is lovely. The Gold Top is lovely too. I think Epiphone should have made a gold coloured case to go with it. I'll probably go for the 1959 dark sunburst in the end. Although I think all the custom Les Paul should come with a good case.
Hi Colin! Got my cup of joe, and a love for all things Les Paul, here we go!! BTW, nice you give a shout out to Paul Stafford Cook in the description! He's got a lovely channel here on RUclips.
Colin, just wanted to add a comment around your experiences with Gibson Customs and this Epi. I totally agree. I can't say anything bad about Gibson guitars, nor of anyone who chooses/prefers Gibson for whatever reason. I personally can afford to buy Gibson, but intentionally choose Epiphone instead. Like you, I find that the sound if any comparative model in an A-B is not distant enough to warrant the $$ delta. The Probuckers DO have a bit of a different response than Burstbuckers, but I actually LIKE them both. And my opinion is exactly as you stated: "No baggage attached" for the subtle but minimal differences. Again, not slamming anyone who just wants/needs Gibson on the headstock, its a subjective call and fair game. I just find that the value and quality of the 2020+ Epis, with a wheelbarrow of money left in hand (proverbially speaking) allows for multiple guitars in our case its seems (a bit of an addiction!) and/or to do mods (like Burstbuckers) and STILL have money left over, makes these too good to look away from. At the moment I'm trying to acquire the old Epi Elitist LP Custom in Ebony I sold to a friend years ago, but if that falls through I will be ordering a 2021 LP Custom in the next couple of weeks. BTW Canadian viewers, Long & McQuade have both the Ebony and Alpine White LP Custom on for $899 CDN for the month of June.
Cheers man, and the thing is it literally is a 'wheelbarrow full of money' 😂 I love that description and it cannot be understated how much difference there is in the cost. 😎👍
I have several Gibson's that I bought 40 or so years ago . Two of them are a wine red Les Paul Custom and a Heritage 80 Sunburst Les Paul. I also recently bought two Epiphones which were darn near replica's of them because I don't like taking them out in public anymore . The biggest difference I noticed in the custom's were the thinner neck as you pointed out and the pickups which were OK but just different. What a fantastic guitar. For the sunburst I bought a Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50's model. I tried several of them and found one I really liked. Gave it a good setup and threw in a couple of Tim Shaw's I had--again not because there was anything wrong with the pickups it came with but I just wanted it to sound like the other one. It was almost like playing the same guitar. I had a couple of younger guys tell me that Epiphones are junk blah blah blah and then I show them my guitars and they usually can't believe it. The thing I find with Epiphones is the variance in quality . Try them out first but when you find a good one you can have a really nice guitar for 1/5 the price, especially if you can do a few things yourself.
Thank you so much for this review. I was trying to decide which guitar to buy my son-in-law, and this video made my decision so much easier. I got him the black custom, and he loves it. It sounded great right out of the box--only needed a little tuning. Love you videos!
My favorite guitar !! Been wanting this Alpine White beauty for over a year when I bought it last year and love it ! Great content as always ! My 6th Epiphone !
The gold hardware on the customs in white sure help make them look pretty!! Very eye catching. I had a cream colored les paul made by Cortez in 1978 and on for a couple of years. It had a carves top and a chambered body. It was no where near 10 lbs. Maybe 8 tops and it had serious resonance. I loved that guitar. Sadly I lost it but I discovered the Hamer company shopping for a les paul. I gotta a much nicer version of a dc with humbuckers than Gibson has to offer for half the price.
What an excellent video on the *Epiphone Les Paul Custom, you're very articulate...* You really covered all the bases clearly, information a person needs to know in making a good decision to buy one or not... I must say it sounds amazing especially thru the Fender Twin Reverb amp nice and clean... I do have a question though; how well does it stay in tune? btw: I like the way you play the guitar sounds great♪♫♪
I purchased a 2021 Epiphone les paul custom black on reverb for $ 450.00 plus $ 70.00 ship. And it came with an Epiphone case new. The only problem was a small discoloration on the ebony fretboard . No big deal , you can find lots of great deals out there .
I have owned a White Epiphone LP Custom since 1997 and love it. It is no longer white its a cream colour now and the gold has worn off but plays like new... I paid £349 for mine brand new..
The period correct non capped body AND the addition of an Ebony fretboard makes this LP Custom a getter indeed. SCORE...!!!😎👍 Jam is inspiring as well😎👍 😎👍❤🖖 Love Brother
Thank you for making this video, it helped me decide to buy one! It's March 2024 and I just ordered a Sweetwater exclusive viper blue quilted maple top Epiphone LP custom for $799. This one has nickel finish hardware, which is uncommon for a custom. There's no expected ship date so I have no clue when I'll get it. But Sweetwater has the whole lineup, they've got viper blue Gibson and Epiphone LP C, SG, 335's etc. Beautiful lineup. I wish I could've gone for the Gibson version, but it's $7991 after tax!!! Almost 10X the cost of the Epiphone!
I've got the black custom, great guitar. I did put a JB in the bridge just to get a little more in an 80s/90s area with it, but the stock pickup was honestly great on its own. I also am a guitar addict 😬
Nothing better than relaxing at a Friday afternoon after work than with one of these videos. Interesting, relaxed tone of talking (not that typical high-intensity, ultra-quick speech) :-)
Great review mate. Been eyeing up a white Gibson LP custom for 20+ years (starting in the late 90s when I got heavily into the Manics and JDB’s unmistakable style and sound) and they were only (only?!) £2,000 ish. Now they are £4K and getting one is more unrealistic than ever. This Epiphone may well be getting purchased. Heard nothing but great things. Thanks again pal 👍🏼
I just bought the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro in Koa. What an amazing guitar it is... I played Gibson Les Paul Studios in the past Black with the gold pick-ups but this Epi guitar outshines the studio in every way. The Pro version comes with the ability to split the Pro Buckers and also has a reverse phase option so 3 of the pots have dual functions. Epiphone has come a long way since I first played on them "I'm 51 years old now" and man have they really come a long long way with their fit n finish, set up and intonation was dead on, and the slim taper D style neck just plays fast. All mahogany body and neck with Flame top KOA... I paid 589.99 from Guitar Center here in the U.S. and felt like I absolutely robbed them as like I said this guitar is WAY better than my Gibson Les Paul Studios could even dream to be. Great informational video...Thank you for the time and effort you put into this video...
I too am a guitar addict!!! A Jackson Kelly, 4 Epi Les Pauls ('59 Standard, Tommy Thayer Electric Blue Spaceman, 1960 Tribute Plus & a regular Standard & a Gibson Les Paul Standard 60's). Love them all!!! Contemplating this white custom now lol.
This channel is the bollocks and I needed this review to help me get my thoughts in order. Playing is always top banana and there is a real trustworthy aura about you. Thankful for your input and keeping rock n roll alive man. Custom Les Paul ordered 👊
I have recently discovered your channel and I am loving it! I am a keyboard player but secretly I am a guitar anorak. I bought an Epiphone Les Paul Custom many years ago for my son when he was learning to play guitar and I thought it sounded great, he ended up selling it because he didn't like the Epiphone badge and wasn't a real Gibson so is great to see someone with real knowledge appreciating them for being a great instrument to play, keep those great videos coming.
The only thing cooler than a black les paul custom is a white les paul custom...
Yes that's right!! 😆👍
Steve Jones, Justin Hawkins, Randy Rhoads. Enough said…..😍🔥
@@martinscholes2023 Yes Randy Rhoads how could I not mention him! 🙌
@@theguitaristas the guitar weighed more than him 😆. Great vid as always. Thanks mate
@@martinscholes2023 Adam Jones, Jerry Cantrell, Buzz Osborne, Chris Cornell none of them were white but they're cool looking guitars in most colours
"Very few people are going to play a les paul custom clean" very true but VERY sad. The LP custom clean tone is, in my opinion, one of the most over looked and underrated clean tones!
Cheers Jake, true… and they probably were designed for that in the first place! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas they were, Les Paul played jazz
Couldn't agree more Jake, the clean sound of a custom is fabulous . I play the les pauls I owned clean and with some modulation effects often
I played mine clean alot also
Do the Les Paul Customs somehow sound different than other Les Pauls?
Nothing cooler than coming across an older guy that loves and appreciates guitars as much as I do you remind me a lot of my grandad God rest his soul. You’ve got a new subscriber!
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@theguitaristas older guy 😂 you don't look a day of 40 sir.
The joy in your face at 43:40 . :) That is what music is about right there. Joy of playing what you love. Sounds grand tone wise too.
Modern Epiphone Les Paul Customs have a 2 piece Mahogony body and a 3 piece maple cap. Translucent or natural finishes would include a flame maple veneer. Love the channel!!
Awesome guitar, awesome playing! Man, you are so down to earth! Some would say you are "real" You have some honest opinions about guitar matters and it is very refreshing among all the other guitar RUclipsrs, no hype, just honest reviews. Keep up the great work, keep those excellent chops exercised.
Cheers Frankie, thanks for the kind words! 🙏😊
Outstanding video quality as well!
Why wouldn’t he be down to earth?
“Some would say you’re real”?
Do you think he’s some sort of superstar?
Maybe it’s cos your mother shat you put and left you lying beside a skip
I, too, am a guitar addict. My Epiphone Les Paul Custom is ebony, though I also love the Alpine White. Over the years I have owned three Gibson LPs (not Custom) plus two previous Epiphone LPs. None of them measured up to this Epi Custom. It will be with me for life.
Great video! I recently purchased the Jerry Cantrell Epiphone LP Custom and I am blown away by it. I own two Gibson LP Custom Shop guitars as well so I’m comparing it to those. The ebony fingerboard is amazing. The Epiphone pickups are excellent and don’t need replacing unless you’re going for a specific pickup. Even the hard shell case is impressive. I think I can finally say that an Epiphone Les Paul is a serious alternative to a Gibson.
Cheers Rob, good to hear from you on the matter… people wont believe it but yes it’s true they are a serious affordable alternative. I keep looking at wino still and may yet get one! 😆👍
Ah, thank you Colin, I always get a thrill when hearing my name mentioned on RUclips 🤣👍. And I agree wholeheartedly with your summary around whether or not to sink loads of cash into a Custom Shop. Congrats on the new guitar, it’s stunning. Even when you played it clean, there was a lovely warmth to the tone…. You’re a gentleman Colin, happy noodling on that new beast!
Cheers Paul, have a great weekend! 😎👍
I got one of these almost two years ago. It's pretty much flawless out of the box. The ebony fretboard is an amazing piece of wood. The tuners are impressive. It easily rivals my 60s Les Paul. I am considering upgrading the pickups, though stock are excellent. The gold on the tailpiece and pickup has rubbed off a bit. Thanks for the review!
The pickups are the highly acclaimed Pro Buckers so why the change?
the "gold" comes off fairly easy with sweat and heat.. i have this as well on my sg custom (epi)
doesn t bother me much..it plays like a charm.
and i have "reliced" it myself...:)
i put Gold 490r/498t gibson pickups in my Epi LP alpine custom, and i have seymor duncan P-rails in my my ebony LP custom try Nailbombs for a metal hardness and 490r/498t for versatility
Inspired by James Dean Bradfield, I bought an Epiphone white Les Paul custom in 1999 as my first guitar. Although it now lives amongst other more expensive guitars I still reach for it. The neck and fretboard are wonderful. It’s had a pickup change over the years but it’ll always be my favourite guitar.
😎👍
Being around in 77 when I was 13 it was Mick Jones and Steve Jones who made me want to pick up the guitar in the first place....but I have been a big Manics fan since they burst on the scene over 30 years ago like a breath of fresh air...and JDB is a wonderful guitarist - and vocalist too...in my music collection, the Manics are only second to The Clash! BTW, wonderful video Colin and great to see/hear the Pistols riffing!
Kształt les pauli przyciąga mnie jak magnes,to wspaniałe gitary.Gdybym miał wybrać ibaneza lub fendera to i tak wybrałbym les paula mimo że to też genialne wiosła.Czytam na różnych forach bardzo dużo krytycznych głosów na temam epi i gibsona,czyżby drastycznie spadła jakość tych gitar? Na gibola mnie nie stać ale epi napewno kupię synowi,który model polecasz dla początkującego gitarzysty?
My Gibson studio that I got in 2006 is still my favourite guitar.
I have a Standard, but it took such a long time to find that I don't fancy doing it again.
Finding THE Les Paul for you is a magical moment though.
I bet a lot of people would say the Stratocaster is the most versatile electric guitar but I have always wanted a Les Paul Custom. The custom can do any genre of music and sounds great. Jazz, blues, rock, fusion, punk, metal. You name it.
Sir, I'd just like to tell you how much i loved this video. Your chill vibes, smooth voice and sense of humor are stellar! And you made my mind about getting one of these! Thank you so much!
Much, much love from brazil!
Thanks Aldo! 😎👍
The intro monologue is priceless! It is painful how much I relate to it. I damn near spit out my coffee when you said "Unless it was really cheap, and then I go through great pains to explain how cheap it was" ahahahha
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My biggest fear is that if I die 1st that my wife will sell all my guitars for the price I told her I paid for them!😃
@@dannyperfect9270 sneaky sneaky, gotta do what you gotta do all in the name of music! Gotta love a custom shop strat!
@@piedpeter1or maybe your wife will give all your guitars away to your neighbors for free .😮😅
@@piedpeter1just make sure you have a Will and leave them to someone who understands for “sentimental” value.
This review (and a few others) convinced me to pull the trigger on an Ebony Les Paul Custom. It arrived today, and I am NOT disappointed! In fact, it exceeds my expectations. Love your channel, Colin. Keep up the good work!
This video has finally pushed me to pick up this guitar instead of going for a lower-end Gibson. What a beauty.
Nice one Ben!
Always interesting and honest analysis of the instruments. Like to hear how you describe one's rationality and expectations behind every purchase. It can be a struggle to balance.
Great video Colin. I bought the ebony version of this guitar 3 weeks ago. For sound and tone it is of similar quality to my Gibson Les Paul Standard which I updated last year with Monty PAFs, believe it or not. The build quality and playability straight out of the box is excellent and I will be gigging it this week for the first time. I agree with your points about cost and ownership of these value brands versus the big names. The manufacturing quality from China is unrecognisable to what it was ten years back. See you next week.
Cheers Cramster thanks for supporting! 😎👍
Why are all guitar reviews not as thorough and complete as yours? Because they don’t have the passion and intellect that you have. I’m sold on getting one now, thanks to your brilliant review. Thank you! 🎉
Hell yeah, I was hanging onto every moment hoping for a pistols riff and right off the bat you did not disappoint! Great review as always!! Now time to buy a new guitar.
😆👍
I went through the same journey, coverting a real Gibson. At 48 I finally got myself a Standard 50s Goodtop. Its stunning, but the Epiphones I used to play were nice too. I've scratched the itch. My Goldtop will stay with me for good.
You became my favorite guitar channel. Good to know that I am not alone with my guitar buying addiction 😁
I think this is one of the best sounding demos I’ve seen on this channel! ☮️
I've owned this same guitar for a year now and I love it! It is a better guitar than my Gibson Les Paul Studio, and almost as good as my Epiphone 59 Les Paul. Great review!!
😎👍
I had a 2021 Epi ‘59 Les Paul in the Aged Southern Fade burst. While it was a decent guitar in its own right, my black 2021 Epi Les Paul Custom trumps the ‘59 in just about every way. Maybe I got an extra special LPC, or a dud of a ‘59….who knows. But I kept the Custom. 👌🏼
I'm exactly in this moment restoring Epi LP Standard Pro. Beautiful guitar with that flamed maple top veneer and the pickups are just stunning. Now I have a need to get a Custom Epi... thanks for another awesome video! It's really a pleasure to watch your stuff. Have a good one!
Cheers man! 😎👍
Interesting video that Colin, and quite thought provoking. When I bought my Les Paul Studio back in the 90s I knew I wanted a US Gibson but could not justify the price hike between that and a Standard or Custom. It was everything I wanted and meant I was not scared to take it out of the case. That same mindset has stayed with me. When I bought my SG 10 years ago I wanted US made but couldn't justify a Custom version. Same with my recent Strat. Bottom of the range Performer but does everything I want. I suppose what I'm saying it's about justifying to yourself and ensuring that you play the guitar....that's what they are there for. I personally couldn't justify £4k tied up in a guitar and tbh would be terrified of dinging it. It certainly would never leave the house. Hope this makes sense and brilliant Pistols playing btw 🙂
Cheers Mark, yes it makes perfect sense to get the more affordable entry level version with the 'right' headstock.... I couldn't be without some of them for sure! 😎👍
I’m not going to have a guitar that I don’t play even if I had a very valuable old LP, I’d play it whenever I wanted to. Yeah I might not gig it but, they are tools meant to be played. I really like the white custom in this video, I just wish Gibson would put the open book headstock on the epiphones they did it in Japan. Fender uses the same headstock on squier, Jackson, charvel, and fenders . The new epiphones are nice no doubt, but I want a Tokai because of the headstock, yeah that might be shallow but I just think the open book looks better. Epiphone custom headstocks look way better than the standards though the binding and inlay really gives it a classy almost tuxedo look.
Mark I purchased a 2019 EPIPHONE LES Paul Standard Pro Plus Top Pro. The electronics are identical To Colans’ but it has push pull CTS 500k pots at the volumes. It plays and sounds as good or better than any Gibson LP. Change your strings I think it made a good difference. Good luck with it…
Headstock logo snobbery is a curse we really don't need to be saddled with - bad enough to be saddled with guitar fetish syndrome. NIce to hear some comments from folk clearly not cursed with brand addiction. Recently I bought (wait for it) a STAGG Les-Paul-alike, and some folk accused me of buying a piece of junk. I, too, remember the bad old days when Stagg guitars were nasty things that learners bought and broke their fingers on as they struggled to learn (and later gave up - where do we get the idea that learners should go through a rite of passage so as to prove their worthiness by holding down impossible chords on guitars with sky-high action before they are worthy of a real guitar?). Well, my supposedly nasty Stagg LP STD (made in Korea) turned out to be so damned good that I ended up buying a second one. Just £218. And yes, I have a Gibson, and no, I can't tell the difference - except by looking at the headstock.
@@davidphillips2151 I don’t care what the name says on the headstock, I just don’t like the shape of the Epiphones in standard at least. I think the custom epiphone headstock looks pretty nice. I just think that the open book looks better on a LP. It’s just a personal preference of mine. Yes there are incredible guitars at all price points and by little known manufacturers.
Agree, some guitars inspire us and some don’t… hard to explain, but the creativity flows effortlessly from the guitars that inspire us.
I've had mine since new years eve.
James Dean Bradfield, of the Manics is one of my main influences.
Whilst I've always wanted a custom, I've never been able to afford the Gibson one and the previous Epiphone models had rosewood fretboards, which to me, wasn't a custom
I got the gold-top one for Christmas last year as a treat to myself. It's brilliant. I've been gassing for the TV yellow special for a while. But damn, the white custom is stunning too. And you make it sound great. Choices, choices...
Oh my gosh Colin, you've done it again. What a beautiful guitar! I really like the white with an ebony fretboard. Man, that is super sweet. Good weight, nice pups, cracking Gold hardware... it's just unbelievable . I top wrapped my SG Muse last night, it's not going back into the closet... Have a wonderful week, I can't wait to see what you find for next week!
Cheers Bob, and you mate have a good weekend!! 😎👍
Got a black epi custom a few days ago for super cheap because it has a repaired headstock. Still plays incredibly well. I plan on ripping it apart and setting it up with a Jimmy Page mod in a few days.
A great (and very useful) review. Thanks, Colin. Maybe now that mine is arriving tomorrow, I can stop rewatching it 😁. Love your channel. It's very theraputic and quite addictive. 👍
Nice one Stuart 👍... but please carry on watching! 😆
All ways a pleasure to watch your reviews,down to earth and straight up honest information.
I love this eternal quest/rabbit hole we ALL go down. I’ve slimmed my guitars right down to a lovely ‘13 Gibson LP, a US HSS Strat, an Epiphone LP 59 like Colin’s (superb instrument) and my Faith Earth acoustic. The main problem with slimming down the collection is that there is an overwhelming urge to buy more! I now NEED a LP custom (I listened to Never Mind The Bollocks today). The stars have aligned, it is fate!
Cheers Martin, it's tempting eh?.... just don't expect me to try and talk you out of it! 🤣👍
@@theguitaristas Colin, please could you expand more on what exactly a maple cap is in a future episode. I've an idea but I'm getting the idea there's more to it than a maple veneer over the body. Also, I can't be the only one wondering about which bands you've played in in your time. Would like to hear a bit more about you the guitarist. Love the channel, great to hear Paul Stafford Cook getting a mention too. What a player. Hands down 2 of the best guitar channels. Thanks man.
@@Ogma3bandcamp Good point... I assume everyone knows but of course they probably don't! For your info they cut the slab of mahogany body and then add a maple cap which is approx 1/2" - 3/4" thick and has the carve and flame in it. The Maple veneers are a much thinner wafer-thin slice of maple to replicate the fancy flame and cover up non matched pieces. Hope that is helpful... Cheers man and thanks for the kind words! 😎👍
The Epiphone Customs are solid mahogany no veneer and the standards have about a "3/4 inch maple cap with a veneer. I have two '59s and a silverburst custom with EMGs. They're excellent guitars that I have absolutely no regrets buying.
@@andrewbecker3700 Thanks for correcting me I had brain fade...
I love the white. I have an Epiphone Custom from about the mid to late 90's. Grover tuners, actual Gibson pickups and electronics. All gold as well. On the truss rod cover, where it usually says Les Paul, mine says Gibson. I don't remember how much I paid, but it was close to 1000 CAD. I was told it was a limited edition and there were only 2 in Western Canada, but I saw another one years late at another shop. Who knows. But it plays as good as any Gibson that I've ever tried. The neck is a bit fat for my liking, but not overwhelming. I've always wanted a white one, though. I white LP has always been my Achilles' heal. Oh. Mine is country gentlemen wine or something. It is translucent so you can clearly see the wood grain. Beautiful in it's own way. A tobacco burst is on my list as well and that would round out my collection... for LP style guitars anyway. Still some voids in the collection. No tele and no SG.
Love your videos each and every week but as a certified Les Paul addict I am especially thrilled to see you review one. This guitar is awesome and interesting that it is full mahogany. It sounds great and it obviously can scream bloody murder when it wants to. In 2018 I bought a used 2005 Cherry Sunburst Epiphone Les Paul Custom with upgraded hardware and Seymour Duncan Alnico 2 pickups. It has a gorgeous top with lots of grain showing and is a well built guitar that was taken care of. I use it on stage a lot. Anyhoo, nice review this week. Cheers!
Cheers man have a great weekend! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas I should clarify and say I'm thrilled to see when you review Les Paul's. I have seen you do many, of course. Looking forward to seeing the Seymour Duncans in the Gold Top Tokai.
@@drabun1 I try to mix it up with other models but it never takes long for another Les Paul to come along! 😆👍
marvellous video, just stumbled upon this and got my saturday evening well spent! So calm and relaxed of an atmosphere you're producing, it's been a pleasure to watch and I'll now go check what else there's to discover on this channel. Great find, truly.
Cheers man thanks for kind words… glad you found us! 😁👍
Great video again! I got the ebony version a few months ago. It plays and sounds great. Thanks for the review on this model.
I gave myself an Epiphone LP Custom Pro Blackback for Christmas back when Musicians Friend had them on sale… it’s a great guitar
High school friend had a black Gibson, effortless to play. It led you to play better. At that age the weight wasn't a problem. Not sure if he got it with most of the money from a Summer job and or his grandma chipped in. Great player, he liked rock metal and Bowie.
Love my Koa Custom. Got it in 2020 and it's the most smooth and sweet playing guitar I've ever had!
I’m seriously thinking about getting a Koa. Is the koa top a veneer or is it a true cap, like a 5/8” or 1” cap, something like that?
You my friend are brilliant! I am loving your knowledge, passions for guitars and the time you’ve taken create this video - Thank You!
Cheers Louis that’s appreciated! 🙏😎
Your reviews are the best ones man! I'm probably getting one of these Epiphones, in that same colour, Randy Rhoads style.
I'm very impressed with this Eppi, it sounds very nice. I own a ten pounder Gibson of the 68 verity which I love but as you said, I don't play it much and I never take it to gigs, I normally take my Mexi Strat. The Gibson is just too valuable to play in bars.
Excellent video once again! You have one of the more down to earth and entertaining styles. I recently bought an Edwards (ESP) Les Paul Custom in the style of John Sykes...It's a really well made in Japan guitar. Only issue is that it needs a bit of a set up for it's best pllayability.
Congrats shes a beauty!! I bought the epiphone jerry cantrell custom this is also a awesome guitar. Epiphone is knocking it out of the park lately. Great show brother... Im already looking forward to your next show. Take care sir
Cheers James! 😎👍
After watching quite a few reviews on these guitars, this one really sold me on it. Went for the ebony and it arrived this week, absolutely brilliant guitar and the pickups are waaay better than I thought. Thanks guitaristas!
Nice one Ray! 😎👍
Thank you Colin, this is exactly the video I've been looking for! I've had my eye on one of these since I started playing (about a year ago) for exactly the same Jonesy type reasons. I definitely think one of these needs to happen!
Cheers Gary, I think you should do it! 😆👍
You should check out the Burny Randy Rhoads model, more cream coloured like the one Steve Jones used and Jones did in fact use a Burny Les Paul Custom in cream at one point!
I’ve seen the stickers he had on his Custom available on eBay and switch to “witch hat knobs” too if you want to complete the look!
@@ces69 I've recently discovered the Burnys and am sorely tempted! They seem quite hard to find though.
@@ces69 Oh yes Witch Hat knobs are definitely going on! 😆👍
@@theguitaristas Good man, it’s the way to go!👍
Great vid! I had a custom black "Franpton" Les Paul, yes with an 'n', made in Japan in the 70's. Great little thing, it was chambered. I had it for about 10 years, thinking I had what I need to sustain me but when I sold it, the world of electric guitars opened up. And yeah, I've got through many many since then and enjoying every minute of it. Moral of the story is, selling something even if at a loss in some cases, opens up the doors to better things. Keep up the great work. cheers!
Cheers man.... Peter Franpton! 🤣👍
Brilliant review as usual, the custom is definitely on the list, specially with the ebony fingerboard.
I got the epi 50s goldtop and couldn't be happier.
I don't think I need any more Gibson other than my junior and melody maker..
Love it when you give it some bollocks
Well said, Bro
You gotta try an explorer and Firebird in a store.
@@johncollins5552 i live in Dublin, we don't get the full range of Gibson let alone epis here,,,, sad to say
I have a 2007 Epi LP Custom I added CTS pots and Switchcraft stuff and ‘57 classic pups, beaut instrument, then I bought a Gibson Studio which is weight relieved and fitted the ‘57 pickups and 50’s style wiring, love that guitar, now I have the best of both worlds in both my LP’s
Another lovely film, Colin! It's always a joy to hear you play and I am ever appreciative of the thorough examination and in depth review. As my internet handle might imply, I am also a Pistols fan, so it was a true pleasure to hear Jonesy's riffs. Please keep up the astounding work.
Cheers Sqid... love your handle btw! 😆🧷👍
I lucked into one of these recently and I absolutely LOVE IT! ❤
I love all your videos, but the Epiphone and Gibson stuff always makes my week. Having a rough time at work this week and gotta work through the weekend but having this video to look forward to when I get home is a huge help! I played an Epiphone Les Paul Custom recently, the quality and feel blew me away for the price. Was very tempted to bring it home haha. Cheers!
Another great film! I used your review of the SG Custom to justify buying one of these a few months back figuring it would share some of the specs and assuming prices would go up soon. Couldn't see myself putting Gibson money on a solid colour guitar so this Epiphone looked like a steal. Absolutely love it and can't walk past it without picking it up to get some playing in.
Nice one Erik! 😎👍
Great review Col and good comments and thoughts on the whole Gibson price v Epiphone quality. The Cantrell has a maple cap and different neck profile. The finish is really nice also......just in case you want to try one 🙂
Cheers Dave, yes I am of course still tempted by that one... I mean just look at the specs... it never stops! 😂👍
I have the same 2021 in black and I love it.
I changed the pickups (SD Slash Alnico II) and now it's the GUITAR.
The problem now is that I need one in white.👏🤘😎🎩🇪🇸
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It just can't be stated enough what a great channel you've created Colin.
The licks were just Righteous on the Epi LP Custom.
Great guitar+Great amp+Colin playing= #guitaristasmokinghotlicks
I have the Koa custom and I absolutely love it. Super comfy neck, looks stunning, and has tone just leaping out of it. If I'm not mistaken, only the top is Koa, the body and neck are mahogany like normal.
That's correct - I hace the same guitar and it is mahagany through and through, Lovely neck as well.
I totally get the response in feel. The collection bug is hard to deal with. You find the "one" that gives you your fix, you never sell it. Now days for me, after owning those history makers, some just are trophies more than enjoyable players. Like you, Collin, I recently got an Epi....it gets alot of play time. What do these mid-range, affordable things do to us ? I havent modded it, changed out nuthing, just burn up an hour noodlin around. Your so right. These guitars stay with you.
😆😁😉
I was thinking about buying a Les Paul Epiphone.Thank You for this video,much appreciated…You convinced me to buy a Epiphone les Paul…Thanks again…
Beautiful guitar! The pickups in it sound great, IMO. As far as I can hear, a fellow wouldn't need to change a thing and have a great guitar! I'm thrilled that you love it. I got lucky and bought an '82 Silverburst Custom before the Adam Jones craze raised the prices. I paid a local shop $2500 USD for it. It's all original except for the strap buttons. It's also not yellowed. It is marked 2nd, but after 40 years, who cares much about that? I'll sell it someday, and won't get another Custom. They're a bit too fancy for me. I'm trying to resist the urge to buy an Epiphone '59. The struggle to not feed my addiction is real!
Cheers Nella, great score with that custom! 👌
I really like this guy.He is very sensible and explains the dilemma of gibson vs epiphone and makes my decision to by a epiphone les paul an already informed one.
What a fantastic guy you are. From one guitar buying addict to another, thanks for sharing !
This is absolutely the best guitar review show out there, brilliant just brilliant!
Wow thanks for the kind words and support Antonio that’s massively appreciated! 🙏😊
Got the exact same white les Paul custom bought new in 2008! 14 years later it’s still a charm
And it was actually more expensive back then hahaha
Always quality and entertaining. As a Les Paul player and of late Epiphone over Gibson, lovibg seeing your reviews. Cheers mate.
I’m with you on that. I’ve got a few old Gibsons from a 1955 Junior, a couple of ‘77’s, all the way up to a mid 2000’s SG and a 2010 Melody Maker. My Koa top Epi Custom and my awesomely Green Epi ES-335 hang with them just fine. Can’t justify new Gibson prices when the Epi’s are this good.
Great demo, totally nailing Steve Jones attack, timing and TONE, without over doing it! For active pickups, they sound very controllable, which is always the challenge, less is MORE and lets the guitar sing.
Cheers man! 😎👍🧷
They’re not active. They’re passive
This video solidified my want to buy this guitar for my birthday later on this month.
Great episode. I thoroughly enjoy the content you put out. Absolutely love what epiphone have been doing lately. You just can’t go wrong.
Cheers Steve!
I've owned an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro for about five years and I'm still in love with that guitar. They're excellent guitars from top to bottom front to back. Personally I like the thinner neck, I wouldn't have purchased it without the thinner neck. I've bought more expensive guitars since then but I plan on keeping it the rest of my life. If I did it again I would pass on the "Pro" part of it because of the push/pull pots they're a real bitch to replace and I damaged the one that splits the humbucker and the wiring is complex. If you want a single coil sound do that separately buy a single coil strat or something this is a Les Paul.
I run the a Klon KTR too. If you run a UA 1176 Compressor set to sustain mode, a Vemuran Budi-G (no gain) into the KTR it's heaven. Couple that with a light reverb and/or delay in the FX loop, and you're ready for the stadium
That’s a very good looking guitar ❤ . I had a Les Paul Tribute plus, Epi with Gibson 57 Classic pickups I loved that Guitar. I have a Traditional Les Paul now , the biggest difference was the neck the Gibson played way better and it felt better. But I Paid 495 dollars brand new in 2012 . It’s was worth every cent
Fantastic demo Colin, iv always wanted one of these and now seeing this demo I’m getting one! Sounds and looks incredible 👌 thank you sir.👍🎸🔥
Cheers James! 😎👍
Another great guitar review from by far the best guitar reviewer I've ever seen on RUclips. If I were the owner of Epiphone I'd be paying this guy a heft sum of cash for his terrific reviews of Epiphone guitars; or at least offer a substantial sponsorship. Well done, mate!!
I love the white custom Les Paul, the missus likes the black one; which is great too. I also like the Gold Top Les Paul reviewed recently and the 1959. Four to choose from. As I'm disabled I have to play sitting down. The weight of a Les Paul is a bit of a problem, but not enough to put me off; and after all, It hasn't put me off my missus; and she weighs a lot more than a Les Paul. I guess that they all weigh about the same; the Les Paul's, not women. So it's really about gut feeling, and if I'm honest I'm drawn to the 1959. But the case it comes with is a big draw. I'm surprised that Epiphone don't provide good cases with the Gold Top and both their custom guitars. Even the 1950's Les Paul is a lovely guitar, a case like the 59 would be a much more appealing buy for me with all those guitars mentioned above. Sure it costs a bit more, but if I'm forking out the best part of 500 quid, I'll buy the case as well for the extra 100, for good guitar protection and partly for the everlasting buzz of opening a lovely case and seeing a beautiful guitar inside. I mean when you take the missus out to a restaurant you don't just buy her a slap up meal, she's gotta having the pudding for afters otherwise it ain't a proper date. It's the same with guitars, the Les Paul is the main meal, and the case is the pudding.
Thanks again for the great guitar review. You're doing a great job. 👍
Cheers man thats appreciated... will the missus approve of you getting a couple of them to make the choice easier? Maybe take her for a slap up meal after to say thanks? 😆👍 Seriously the '59 is most likely to be the lightest as they are probably aiming for under 9lb... but as you say they are all pretty similar (unlike women!) 😂
@@theguitaristas Cheers, mate. Yeah. All four guitars are great. The 59 is the Jimmy Page guitar if I recall. That one is lovely. The Gold Top is lovely too. I think Epiphone should have made a gold coloured case to go with it. I'll probably go for the 1959 dark sunburst in the end. Although I think all the custom Les Paul should come with a good case.
Hi Colin! Got my cup of joe, and a love for all things Les Paul, here we go!! BTW, nice you give a shout out to Paul Stafford Cook in the description! He's got a lovely channel here on RUclips.
Cheers man, yes indeed Paul's a lovely guy and a proper guitar player! 🙌
Colin, just wanted to add a comment around your experiences with Gibson Customs and this Epi. I totally agree. I can't say anything bad about Gibson guitars, nor of anyone who chooses/prefers Gibson for whatever reason. I personally can afford to buy Gibson, but intentionally choose Epiphone instead. Like you, I find that the sound if any comparative model in an A-B is not distant enough to warrant the $$ delta. The Probuckers DO have a bit of a different response than Burstbuckers, but I actually LIKE them both. And my opinion is exactly as you stated: "No baggage attached" for the subtle but minimal differences. Again, not slamming anyone who just wants/needs Gibson on the headstock, its a subjective call and fair game. I just find that the value and quality of the 2020+ Epis, with a wheelbarrow of money left in hand (proverbially speaking) allows for multiple guitars in our case its seems (a bit of an addiction!) and/or to do mods (like Burstbuckers) and STILL have money left over, makes these too good to look away from. At the moment I'm trying to acquire the old Epi Elitist LP Custom in Ebony I sold to a friend years ago, but if that falls through I will be ordering a 2021 LP Custom in the next couple of weeks. BTW Canadian viewers, Long & McQuade have both the Ebony and Alpine White LP Custom on for $899 CDN for the month of June.
Cheers man, and the thing is it literally is a 'wheelbarrow full of money' 😂 I love that description and it cannot be understated how much difference there is in the cost. 😎👍
I have several Gibson's that I bought 40 or so years ago . Two of them are a wine red Les Paul Custom and a Heritage 80 Sunburst Les Paul. I also recently bought two Epiphones which were darn near replica's of them because I don't like taking them out in public anymore . The biggest difference I noticed in the custom's were the thinner neck as you pointed out and the pickups which were OK but just different. What a fantastic guitar. For the sunburst I bought a Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50's model. I tried several of them and found one I really liked. Gave it a good setup and threw in a couple of Tim Shaw's I had--again not because there was anything wrong with the pickups it came with but I just wanted it to sound like the other one. It was almost like playing the same guitar. I had a couple of younger guys tell me that Epiphones are junk blah blah blah and then I show them my guitars and they usually can't believe it. The thing I find with Epiphones is the variance in quality . Try them out first but when you find a good one you can have a really nice guitar for 1/5 the price, especially if you can do a few things yourself.
Thank you so much for this review. I was trying to decide which guitar to buy my son-in-law, and this video made my decision so much easier. I got him the black custom, and he loves it. It sounded great right out of the box--only needed a little tuning. Love you videos!
Nice present Teresa I reckon you nailed that!! 😁👍
My favorite guitar !! Been wanting this Alpine White beauty for over a year when I bought it last year and love it ! Great content as always ! My 6th Epiphone !
Jesus Colin, get out of my head!!! I was looking at White Epi Customs just this morning!!! LOL!!! great vid mate, all the best! :)
We just both like cool guitars.... better watch out for next week! 😆👍
The gold hardware on the customs in white sure help make them look pretty!! Very eye catching. I had a cream colored les paul made by Cortez in 1978 and on for a couple of years. It had a carves top and a chambered body. It was no where near 10 lbs. Maybe 8 tops and it had serious resonance. I loved that guitar. Sadly I lost it but I discovered the Hamer company shopping for a les paul. I gotta a much nicer version of a dc with humbuckers than Gibson has to offer for half the price.
I just bought this guitar I'm blown away at the quality I have a Gibson Studio I love them both
What an excellent video on the *Epiphone Les Paul Custom, you're very articulate...* You really covered all the bases clearly, information a person needs to know in making a good decision to buy one or not... I must say it sounds amazing especially thru the Fender Twin Reverb amp nice and clean... I do have a question though; how well does it stay in tune? btw: I like the way you play the guitar sounds great♪♫♪
Thanks Larry! Stays in tune fine 👍
I purchased a 2021 Epiphone les paul custom black on reverb for $ 450.00 plus $ 70.00 ship. And it came with an Epiphone case new. The only problem was a small discoloration on the ebony fretboard . No big deal , you can find lots of great deals out there .
I have owned a White Epiphone LP Custom since 1997 and love it. It is no longer white its a cream colour now and the gold has worn off but plays like new... I paid £349 for mine brand new..
The period correct non capped body AND the addition of an Ebony fretboard makes this LP Custom a getter indeed. SCORE...!!!😎👍
Jam is inspiring as well😎👍
😎👍❤🖖
Love Brother
Cheers man! 🙏😊
Oh my god you made me laugh so hard when you said I didn’t have to hide the price tag from my partner 😂😂😂. Love the video mate
I just ordered one. Thanks for this video, I watched it from beginning to end.
Thank you for making this video, it helped me decide to buy one! It's March 2024 and I just ordered a Sweetwater exclusive viper blue quilted maple top Epiphone LP custom for $799. This one has nickel finish hardware, which is uncommon for a custom. There's no expected ship date so I have no clue when I'll get it. But Sweetwater has the whole lineup, they've got viper blue Gibson and Epiphone LP C, SG, 335's etc. Beautiful lineup. I wish I could've gone for the Gibson version, but it's $7991 after tax!!! Almost 10X the cost of the Epiphone!
I've got the black custom, great guitar. I did put a JB in the bridge just to get a little more in an 80s/90s area with it, but the stock pickup was honestly great on its own. I also am a guitar addict 😬
😎👍
Nothing better than relaxing at a Friday afternoon after work than with one of these videos. Interesting, relaxed tone of talking (not that typical high-intensity, ultra-quick speech) :-)
Cheers Laurent, have a great weekend man! 😎👍
Great review mate. Been eyeing up a white Gibson LP custom for 20+ years (starting in the late 90s when I got heavily into the Manics and JDB’s unmistakable style and sound) and they were only (only?!) £2,000 ish. Now they are £4K and getting one is more unrealistic than ever. This Epiphone may well be getting purchased. Heard nothing but great things. Thanks again pal 👍🏼
Cheers Tony, yes this would scratch that itch... about time I reckon! 🤣👍
I just bought the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro in Koa. What an amazing guitar it is... I played Gibson Les Paul Studios in the past Black with the gold pick-ups but this Epi guitar outshines the studio in every way. The Pro version comes with the ability to split the Pro Buckers and also has a reverse phase option so 3 of the pots have dual functions. Epiphone has come a long way since I first played on them "I'm 51 years old now" and man have they really come a long long way with their fit n finish, set up and intonation was dead on, and the slim taper D style neck just plays fast. All mahogany body and neck with Flame top KOA... I paid 589.99 from Guitar Center here in the U.S. and felt like I absolutely robbed them as like I said this guitar is WAY better than my Gibson Les Paul Studios could even dream to be. Great informational video...Thank you for the time and effort you put into this video...
Cheers Pete, I love the love of those Koa ones! 🔥
I too am a guitar addict!!! A Jackson Kelly, 4 Epi Les Pauls ('59 Standard, Tommy Thayer Electric Blue Spaceman, 1960 Tribute Plus & a regular Standard & a Gibson Les Paul Standard 60's). Love them all!!! Contemplating this white custom now lol.
Nice one James!… yeah reckon this one will fit in nicely 😁👍
This channel is the bollocks and I needed this review to help me get my thoughts in order. Playing is always top banana and there is a real trustworthy aura about you. Thankful for your input and keeping rock n roll alive man. Custom Les Paul ordered 👊
Cheers Paul, thanks for the kind words and support man it's appreciated... good purchase! 😆👍
She's a Beauty. I do have the Custom Ivory Black back with Propiety Humbuckers. An instant connection made playing through the Fillmore Mesa Boogie.
Have had mine for about two years now, and these things seriously hold up. Haven’t had to do a thing to it, even after taking er out on 2 tours
I have recently discovered your channel and I am loving it! I am a keyboard player but secretly I am a guitar anorak. I bought an Epiphone Les Paul Custom many years ago for my son when he was learning to play guitar and I thought it sounded great, he ended up selling it because he didn't like the Epiphone badge and wasn't a real Gibson so is great to see someone with real knowledge appreciating them for being a great instrument to play, keep those great videos coming.
Cheers Manuel! 😎👍