More brightness and snap out of the Epi, but the Greco def. has more body/fullness. The Epi doesn’t sound bad at all though, just comes down to individual taste. Thanks for the a/b!
I have a Greco story to share. About 20 years ago I bought 2 1978 Greco LP copies together, one a Standard (don’t know the model #) and the other a Custom EG600C. The Standard got burgled in 2015 and I sold the Custom in 2016 for some $800. A couple months ago I sold a vintage Fender Jaguar in a deal that included a vintage Greco LP Custom. I recognized the case and then the unmistakable damaged headstock finish (where someone must have tried to obscure the then-unfashionable Greco logo). I’m so happy to have my Klownburst Greco back home after all these years! It sounds great with those Maxxon pickup, plus has tons of authentic presence as an artifact with a personal history.
That was a good comparison. I thought the Epiphone sounded better in the cleaner end. Greco sounded better when you started adding some dirt....Both nice guitars.
Both sound pretty good to me. The Epiphone sounds brighter, maybe slightly harsher, the Greco a bit more velvety. But you could probably make them sound however you like with the right amp and effects/tone processing. Playability is more important to me.
Greco wins, i think the pick ups are a little tighter and brighter than the Epi. The Epi is a little darker and the pick ups are a little dryer bjt still sounds pretty sweet. Thanks flr the comparison 👍
The magic is what make us play, Greco are absolutly killing it. especially late 70’s model with the velute and the 3 pcs maple neck. Those are magical 🎸 So much that I have sold my LP standard, because i was not using it anymore. Thanks Lucas 😁
I used to owned an Epiphone Les Paul standard plus, I had an opportunity to swap it with a 1976 Greco eg480 and I swapped it. Although it's a bolt on construction, it still sounds and feels better than my Epiphone because of some magic in it and I do not regret it one bit! There's just something about Greco's that are just amazing and unexplainable that just makes you want to play it for hours every time you pick it up....
I had that experience with one of mine, it sat in customs for almost a month. The other 2 were in and out. It will come though, sometimes they just get backed up. It'll be worth it!
Thank you so much for the comparison as I have been interested in the revamped Epi lineup. I purchased my second Greco EG700 a couple of months ago and had plans to install new pickups but ultimately decided to keep it stock because it just sounds great! It is the heaviest guitar I've ever owned but thats OK. After listening to your comparison, I'm sticking with the Greco. Excellent playing as always!
70s greco and ibanez les pauls are awesome. Many back in the day thought they were better than the late 70s gibson counterparts. Personally, I'd take that Greco over your Epiphone or Gibson. Bet that Greco didn't have high frets when you got it.
To me, it was all about the neck size, fret height and string action, and the string tuners. . . . The sound can be altered to anything using Peavey solid state. . . I have an Epiphone Bass Es-335, a Greco SG Elec, and Ibanez LP 59'er, and a selection of 60's Japanese odd body shapes. My brother has a Gibson Spanish acoustic, a Gibson Flying V Retro issue, an Epiphone John Lennon Blonde Casino, a Guild Solidbody, a Squire Bass, and a few others.
Lucas, just wanted to mention here that you, Dunsy and Rob Hanson have been the gurus to turn to and I’ve joined the ranks as of today with a ‘78 EG-700 coming in from Japan. Many thanks on all the info and killer demos of these gorgeous guitars, brother. Rock on!
i like greco's clean MUCH MORE. and i cannot tell much difference when both go dirt. my 1977 eg500 is on the way from japan to my house. wish it's a good purchase.
I was considering buying one from ebay, Japanese seller. And was wondering if this is the way to go? They warn about import fees and that's the part that scares me. What was your experience? Thank you in advance.
@@alexaguado4854 I think import fees depend on your country's policy and... luck. I bought a $1600 AUD guitar from Japan and the customs charged me $350 import tax. That was horrible. But for other purchases from the same Japanese seller the customs charged me nothing. They just released the package instantly without asking.
Thanks for the video bought a $2000 dollar Fender Stratocaster Elite and I had to get the fret ends filed down there are alot of companies that have poor quality control and I'm not talking $600 guitars the higher end Epiphones have come along way there using better pickups these days I wish you could hear my Epiphone it's a Les Paul custom silverburst it has the ebony fretborad I installed some Billy Gibbons custom shop pearly Gates in it and I put a tone man custom 50s wiring harness and tone pros and keystone locking tuners and a USA switch and input Jack and I got the frets leveled and polished you should hear this guitar now it sounds amazing my whole cost was about $1200 guitar included it was worth every penny.
The Epiphone's can usually be turned into really impressive guitars with some time and money. They are getting closer to that right out of the box now.
Hey there Lucas I agree that you can buy these new Epiphone guitars with better components these days but my point is that you also customize these guitars to your own taste I own two Epiphone guitars I have a standard Pro Les Paul I installed Semore Duncan pickups I put a JB and a Jazz in it and I put a USA switch and input Jack now it Rocks I might upgrade the wiring later on it's sure funny how some musicians are so touchy about there guitars lol you have a good day ☮️ Peace.
@@patrickromero5365 I've got 5 Epiphones and while I'll skip the complaining about every single one needed fretwork, they are great guitars. I've got the Custom Pro Silverburst like you, 1960 Tribute Plus, ES339, Standard Plus Top and SG G400 Pro. The Tribute obviously has Gibson 57's in it, but I like the stock pups in the rest as well!
I wish, so badly, I still had the 1976 Ibanez Les Paul 59er Deluxe that I got from your father back in the 80s. I am still looking for one but, may go with a Greco, if I cant.
Greco hands down. The quality is through the roof. Japanese made guitars are simply the highest quality made. Gretsch has their high end guitars minus the USA made custom shop models made there.
Lucas when your playing guitar and stare at cam it freaking me out,reminds of the look my dad gave me when i was a kid and was about to get a spanking lol
@John Smith Holy crap that was crazy man,I actually was trying to make a joke out of the Lucas stare but damn!!! that was crazy.The biker dude sounds like a nut job and im so sorry for that girl.
Clean the Greco win hands down. A lot fuller and richer on all 3 positions. With Gain I thought the Epi was sweater in the midrange especially in the neck pickup. However, I agree with you that overall the Greco just has more mojo in it. It's full and thick without being muddy. I can tell you enjoy playing it slightly more as well. That being said Epi has come a long way and the Epi still sounded awesome. They have made huge improvements with there pickups. Also the headstock change to the old Kalamazoo one is sooooo much better. Awesome video as always Lucas! You're making me want to buy a helix because the tones you get are just stellar.
I do enjoy playing the Greco a little more, I think because of the way it responds when I play it, it's a little more "alive". The Helix definitely rocks, but those EV12L speakers don't hurt either :P
Love the bloom I guess that's what they call it, on the Greco it's so resonant sounding, the modern Gibson and Epiphone just sound flat and metallic to me, been looking for my Greco or at least a MIJ Burny
I purchase a Black 1982 Greco LP in the SF Bay Area 4 months ago for $600. It has some custom made humbucker pickups in it. It plays and sounds better than all of my Gibson LPs.. except my 1972 Black Beauty LP Custom..!! Older Grecos are Perfect..!!!
The Epi sounds more bright and synthetic, and the Greco more woody and open; it's kind of like analog vs digital. The Greco is the superior guitar: better quality woods used, better craftsmanship, better pickups, and it's aged as well. You might as well have compared the Epi to a '70s Gibson lol
Both sound great , been a long time since I’ve had an epiphone The Greco 700 onwards are really nice, I have a custom eg-500 it came chambered and was ok, it was like a decent epiphone and was chambered but still had heaps of mojo There was just something about it ... If your in the mij market a late 70s early 80s tokai or burny is also good
I’m a lefty and I’ve found a Greco from ‘78, same as me and I’m kinda itching to buy it. I’m never going to buy a Gibson, or probably not even an Epiphone, if I was buying brand names I’d likely buy a Fender Tele, but even then they’re too much for me to spend. I think the Greco sounded better in this test, it sounded brighter on the highs and has a really nice growl to it, and I’m one step closer to trying to lock in a deal on the one I’m looking at. It’s a lot of money for me though, and I’m only a beginner but they don’t come around every day, especially as leftys.
Nice review ! I like when real players (like yourself) describe how the guitar "feels" and "looks" in person. I also like when they describe the comparison of the "pickup's" sound quality. I don't put a lot of stock in comparing the sound on a computer, even with headphones. Just too much compression. I appreciate your honesty and experienced hearing. Tell the misses we love her in front of everybody too:-)
Hey Lucas, great comparison once again, smoking playing too, as always. No doubt, both are fine instruments but for me, 10 times out of 10, I would take the Greco. The Epi is missing the very thing that the Greco has, a richness in the midrange that just stands out. I would say that the Epi has a sound but the Greco has a voice. Just my 2 cents, but thanks again, great vid, cheers!
That was my read too. It's not huge, but it's enough to make me choose the Greco every time. We'll see how the Epi holds up with a better set of pickups though :)
love my 60s LP Standard but there is definitely some vibe that idk I guess just being a fully put together guitar for 30+ years has given these old ones cause that thing is sweet! just be careful y’all the market for these vintage MIJ guitars is a bit blown out of proportion & a lot of them are NOT the same as the higher end Grecos, Yamaha’s, Ibanez’s etc
Greco sounds a bit better but still Epi got it pretty close considering the price difference (although I may only guess how much did you dish out for that japanese les paul copy).
Come on Lucas you can’t make a fair comparison with those tone enhancing strap locks! Changes the ratio of tone wood to hardware density and... idk I’m out of crap to spew lol great A/B though. Both sound pretty good but the Greco has a bit extra warmth to my ears.
I originally thought the Epiphone sounded better clean and the Greco sounded better distorted, BUT...when I went back to listen with my eyes closed, I could not tell the difference. Swear to God.
@@markwilliamsmusic2987 hey there Mark Williams it's Pat yeah I thought the Epiphone sounded much better I been playing guitar for 48 years so I know alittle bit about tone the Gegco wasn't bad but it didn't have mids that the Epiphone had to my ears anyway.
Of course tone is subjective :P Both sets of pickups meter out in the 7.5k-8k range, but the Epiphone's definitely have a little more top end. The Greco pickups are A5 magnets and the Epi pickups are A2 magnets, so that makes a difference as well.
Fast forward to Sept 2023 a version of 70's Greco featured is now worth approx twice the price of a 2020 Epiphone Inspired by 50's LP on the secondhand market. On that basis the Epiphone wins easily and it also has a better looking and more accurate shaped horn.
Just want to pop in and say I just bought another one, from the same guy in Japan, shipped to me for $674.11 total. Here is the seller I prefer: reverb.com/shop/shen-ye-s-gear-outlet
I hate when Greco's are referred to as a " LP copy" - they ain't. They are awesome hand-built Japanese guitars that just have the same shape. My 1978 600C smears the Gibsons of the same year.
@@sowiloi Yes, more or less. It's a japanese version of the ABR-1, with the posts that mount directly into the wood. I always think that has a noticeable effect on the sustain and punch of a guitar. Nothing wrong with the Nashville style, but I think the ABR style is like 10% better :)
@@sowiloi I've never had a real 59' in my hands but that is my understanding, yes. My SG from 1991 has that same type of bridge as does my Dad's Aldo Nova Les Paul. It does seem to impart some "magic" :)
this may be the first video in history that will convince me to get the newer Eppiphones this guitar has a brighter tone then the Greco does i also happen to love Greco’s i have 4 of them already the Epiphone didn’t sound that bad it has like i said brighter tones then the Greco but it isn’t a bad thing i may just have to look into these epiphones i only own 1 epipphone an aoustic bolt-on yes a bolt-on i have never seen one never seen one since i bought it from a guy named ron from where i used to work for $200.00 back in 1997 which i still have to this day came with the hard shell case too and i believe it has a first fret too which was odd for me back then thank you for the Video i really enojoyed it
Hey Lucas I like all your videos. Thanks for filming this I like to watch guitar videos. I have Gibsons and Epiphone's I like them both. I do not hate them. I think you are a great Luthor as well. Sorry you had to do the fret work on that gold top. It is all a matter of preference, the Grecco seemed to have a more Gibson wound pickup sound. Epiphone has their own unique pickup sound with their Probucker or Alnico. The more I think about all these cool things we ha e the luxury of these days, EQ pedals, Amp native EQ, effects, Distortion, compressors. Seems like we can pretty much dial a sound if we need to slightly change them. Another example is I have two Yamaha Pacifica's one 612 and another 212. The 212 has Stock pickups I have bee.n on the fence to put Duncan's in the 212 similar to the 612 that comes with them. But I have been thinking maybe I can dial in some tones to shape it. Anyway thanks again for shooting this video.
The short answer to that is I've been playing for 16 years and I've got a rich musical background. It was all improvised, yep. The secret to getting good in my opinion is making "practice" seem fun so you don't ever want to put the guitar down :P
I guess I would more fall into the "Gibson or Epiphone" first crowd, but I believe I can still be honest about my opinion on which one I think is better, so here goes lol. Honestly, I did not hear enough of a difference to say which one sounds better. I think the middle position for the crunch section the Epiphone sounds better, and the neck only position. But, for the distorted it was the opposite. Those burstbuckers that come in the Epiphone I am leery of anyway, they seem a bit too dark for my taste, so that being said the Greco would probably not be to be liking either since it sounds very similar to the Epiphone. Now about the fret issue - here is where I think the Epiphone steals the show. If you bought and Epiphone with bad frets and had to return it, you could have your replacement guitar in a couple of days, where as with the Greco, it could be weeks maybe even a month or longer. The only way the Greco would be better would be if you bought it from like a local dealer who had several models on hand, but then you would have noticed the fret issue before leaving the store lol. I like to play it safe and it's for that reason alone I would go with the Epiphone, as I said, if I had to get it replaced it would be the fastest one and more than likely the one with the least amount of issues to return. I am not going to judge them on appearances because frankly I don't like either one. If the Greco didn't have that huge red border I would say it was the better of the two. I hate ANY guitar having a border like that. So I guess in the end I would have to say it's a toss up, I think I would be equally happy or unhappy with either one lol.
Ron I agree with you on this "Now about the fret issue - here is where I think the Epiphone steals the show. If you bought and Epiphone with bad frets and had to return it, you could have your replacement guitar in a couple of days, where as with the Greco, it could be weeks maybe even a month or longer. The only way the Greco would be better would be if you bought it from like a local dealer who had several models on hand, but then you would have noticed the fret issue before leaving the store lol." Y'know I am a big Gibson fan, but I do think Epiphone has come a very long way these days. I recently saw a video from this guy Riff, Beards and Gear - he was talking about after market pickups. The point is, that you can dial in anything you need to modify with a pickup stock or aftermarket. There are so many EQ pedals and other pedals to mold your tone. Look at Brian May (I don't follow Brian May of Queen) but he coldn't afford a guitar so he and his dad created their own guitar and pick ups. Everything worked out pretty well for him didn't it? It is all in the player hands and their amps, etc.
Pickups makes a big difference. If you put great pickups to cheap but good guitar it's harder to say which is better. Like Harley Benton les pauls sounds nice with good pickups.
People have poured their soul into that Greco for 44 years, a new guitar just can't match that kind of mojo. Especially in the hands of a fretboard fiend
The Greco sounds warmer and smoother. Which sounds best depends on the style of music (Greco clean is good for jazz and blues but not for music that needs snap and brightness from the guitar). And, good tone is in the ear of the hearer.
The only Grecos I can find on reverb in Epi price points are bolt on neck LPs from the 90s. All the set neck Grecos seem to be 70s era and all at least $800 or over $1k. I'd rather get the Epi in that case and have a big box retailer like GC or Sweetwater for warranty/return policies in case of receiving one with issues. If I was going to spend $800 plus on a Greco I'd rather just get a cheaper gibson at that point.
If you want a Greco, you have to be patient and watchful. After you find one you like (from a Japanese seller) you'll need to haggle to get a good price. I've bought 3 from Japan. EG800 for $550, EG600 for $420 and EG700 for $520. That includes the massive $120 shipping fee. But you do have to take a leap of faith since you can't play it in person!
@@LucasFowler Ya I believe you if you have the patience and really want a Greco then sure. Personally I don't want to wait/hunt/haggle level of time and effort with included risk factor just to get a Greco which is still a brand most people don't know of anyways and could be marginally better than the new Epis if you get a good one. I'd rather just buy a new Epi and change the pickups if they don't satisfy, if i get a dud exchange at store till get a good one. But if you are a Greco fan totally worth the time and effort i suppose, to each their own :) I'd rather hunt/haggle for a Gibson if I were to put in that type of effort for getting a more special guitar.
Both nice guitars I cannot choose between them put i do love gold tops so i would go for the Epiphone if i had to choice...🎼🎶🎸 Maybe try the Cort CR 200 / 250 see what you think of them?
I'm like 95% about to buy a 2020 50s les paul from epiphone .. I watched the first video and its great!!.. what kind of modification would you suggest to change if I ever get this epiphone 50s les paul
Greco sounds brighter for me, I heard vintage Japanese guitars are in general sounds brighter than Gibsons, because of different mahagony suppliers. But, for a more fair comparison, we should exclude the pickup impact, will be awesome to compare both guitars with some true les paul reference pickups to hear the real wood difference
Tried to watch the video without looking at the guitars (scrolled through different videos instead) and just looking when I particularly liked the sound of one. Actually liked the epiphone more.
Both have their own great and unique tones! But the sounds will always be under the master's fingers as this video shows. How cute!! The I love you comment.
Both sounded good, but the Greco did sound a bit more “scooped” in the mids, where the Epi did have a bit more thickness. Which was better? What ar you wanting? For the Les Paul + Marshall 70s classic rock guy, I’d Go with the epi. For the modern scooped metal guy, I’d go with the Greco. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
The thing that Epiphone (who makes a great guitar) can't compete with is the quality of components. They can't get the kind of mahogany and rosewood that even high volume builders could get in mass quantity back in the day. That's a great 50's Les Paul, but look at the fretboard compared to the Greco. The pickups are also apples and oranges in the two different models, in the 70s it was high output high gain, in the 50s they were just hum eliminated versions of P-90s. That's irrelevant because it's still a great comparison to see, and it shows that Epiphone is making a great product that any player should be happy to have.
I follow this guy in Japan, I've bought 3 Greco's from him. I bet if you keep an eye on his page a nice custom will come up :) reverb.com/shop/shen-ye-s-gear-outlet
Based on your opening comments, you were predisposed to liking the Greco better, and that's okay. You don't have to justify your opinions to anyone. If you feel that the Greco sounds better and it inspires you more than the Epiphone, then by all means play it!
I would say I am predisposed to like the Greco better, since I've had good results with them consistently. Epiphones have been a little hit and miss for me, but these new ones do sound really good.
Epiphone wins for me, it looks better and I really never liked the fact that there were copy guitars out there but at least Gibson owns epiphone. Gibson is doing more interesting things with epipone the themselves so I appreciate that. Always liked epiphone.
The Greco does have the bridge posts directly into the top, where as the Epiphone doesn't. But the neck joint on the Greco is a short/dowel joint and the Epi has the long neck tenon actually :P
You added strap locks, unfair comparison.
You are right. After hearing this, I will add strap locks to all of my guitars. The Greco sounds so much better. :-P
🤣🤣🤣
More brightness and snap out of the Epi, but the Greco def. has more body/fullness. The Epi doesn’t sound bad at all though, just comes down to individual taste. Thanks for the a/b!
I have a Greco story to share. About 20 years ago I bought 2 1978 Greco LP copies together, one a Standard (don’t know the model #) and the other a Custom EG600C. The Standard got burgled in 2015 and I sold the Custom in 2016 for some $800. A couple months ago I sold a vintage Fender Jaguar in a deal that included a vintage Greco LP Custom. I recognized the case and then the unmistakable damaged headstock finish (where someone must have tried to obscure the then-unfashionable Greco logo). I’m so happy to have my Klownburst Greco back home after all these years! It sounds great with those Maxxon pickup, plus has tons of authentic presence as an artifact with a personal history.
great story :)
@@donaldlariviere thnask. Guitars are like swords and horses
There is definitely something very unique about those Greco pickups! I like the way they sound. Very cool video. Thanks Lucas.
I don’t think they were the fabled dry z’s but similar
That was a good comparison. I thought the Epiphone sounded better in the cleaner end. Greco sounded better when you started adding some dirt....Both nice guitars.
Aww hell yea go Greco! I bought that black eg 700 you shared and I love it. Thanks so much for the recommendation.
Dude nice! That was a good looking guitar!
Both sound pretty good to me. The Epiphone sounds brighter, maybe slightly harsher, the Greco a bit more velvety. But you could probably make them sound however you like with the right amp and effects/tone processing. Playability is more important to me.
That Greco really rings out nice! The tone is killer. Nicely done playing and comparison! Subcribed
I think the Greco sounds better. Doesn’t sound as pronounced as the Epi, but the sound overall is better. Especially distorted. Thanks for the review!
Greco wins, i think the pick ups are a little tighter and brighter than the Epi. The Epi is a little darker and the pick ups are a little dryer bjt still sounds pretty sweet. Thanks flr the comparison 👍
Greco Wins you just cant beat that sweet old build quality!!!
The magic is what make us play, Greco are absolutly killing it. especially late 70’s model with the velute and the 3 pcs maple neck. Those are magical 🎸 So much that I have sold my LP standard, because i was not using it anymore. Thanks Lucas 😁
Epiphons, as always, give glass in sound. Greco sounds much velvet, it has more bottoms. Great video, thanks for talking about the epiphones.
I used to owned an Epiphone Les Paul standard plus, I had an opportunity to swap it with a 1976 Greco eg480 and I swapped it. Although it's a bolt on construction, it still sounds and feels better than my Epiphone because of some magic in it and I do not regret it one bit!
There's just something about Greco's that are just amazing and unexplainable that just makes you want to play it for hours every time you pick it up....
That's it! I can't explain it exactly, but there is some magic in those old Greco's :)
It’s called superior craftsmanship and materials. Plus age to wood and finish.
One of the better Epiphone LS comparisons on RUclips. I think the Greco is very impressive. Not a player but both sound great. Nice playing Lucas!
Im still waiting for my 1976 eg700 to get through NY customs after 3 days and then i see this video 😭😭😭 lol
I had that experience with one of mine, it sat in customs for almost a month. The other 2 were in and out. It will come though, sometimes they just get backed up. It'll be worth it!
@LucasFowler it's an interesting part of the process. Rediscovering child like enthusiasm for its arrival.
Greco just has more tone and fullness to me.
Thank you so much for the comparison as I have been interested in the revamped Epi lineup. I purchased my second Greco EG700 a couple of months ago and had plans to install new pickups but ultimately decided to keep it stock because it just sounds great! It is the heaviest guitar I've ever owned but thats OK. After listening to your comparison, I'm sticking with the Greco. Excellent playing as always!
70s greco and ibanez les pauls are awesome. Many back in the day thought they were better than the late 70s gibson counterparts. Personally, I'd take that Greco over your Epiphone or Gibson. Bet that Greco didn't have high frets when you got it.
To me, it was all about the neck size, fret height and string action, and the string tuners. . . . The sound can be altered to anything using Peavey solid state. . . I have an Epiphone Bass Es-335, a Greco SG Elec, and Ibanez LP 59'er, and a selection of 60's Japanese odd body shapes. My brother has a Gibson Spanish acoustic, a Gibson Flying V Retro issue, an Epiphone John Lennon Blonde Casino, a Guild Solidbody, a Squire Bass, and a few others.
Lucas, just wanted to mention here that you, Dunsy and Rob Hanson have been the gurus to turn to and I’ve joined the ranks as of today with a ‘78 EG-700 coming in from Japan. Many thanks on all the info and killer demos of these gorgeous guitars, brother. Rock on!
Both are great, but to my ear, the Greco sounded better dirty than the Epiphone.
Sounded beefier, but I'm a shit guitarist, so who knows 😎
I can relate, but I agree with you man!!
The Greco feels a little more harmonically "alive" to me when I play it. Just a little more magic :P
You might be a shit guitarist, maybe, but nothing wrong with your ears.
i like greco's clean MUCH MORE. and i cannot tell much difference when both go dirt.
my 1977 eg500 is on the way from japan to my house. wish it's a good purchase.
I was considering buying one from ebay, Japanese seller. And was wondering if this is the way to go? They warn about import fees and that's the part that scares me. What was your experience? Thank you in advance.
@@alexaguado4854 I think import fees depend on your country's policy and... luck. I bought a $1600 AUD guitar from Japan and the customs charged me $350 import tax. That was horrible. But for other purchases from the same Japanese seller the customs charged me nothing. They just released the package instantly without asking.
Thanks for the video bought a $2000 dollar Fender Stratocaster Elite and I had to get the fret ends filed down there are alot of companies that have poor quality control and I'm not talking $600 guitars the higher end Epiphones have come along way there using better pickups these days I wish you could hear my Epiphone it's a Les Paul custom silverburst it has the ebony fretborad I installed some Billy Gibbons custom shop pearly Gates in it and I put a tone man custom 50s wiring harness and tone pros and keystone locking tuners and a USA switch and input Jack and I got the frets leveled and polished you should hear this guitar now it sounds amazing my whole cost was about $1200 guitar included it was worth every penny.
The Epiphone's can usually be turned into really impressive guitars with some time and money. They are getting closer to that right out of the box now.
Hey there Lucas I agree that you can buy these new Epiphone guitars with better components these days but my point is that you also customize these guitars to your own taste I own two Epiphone guitars I have a standard Pro Les Paul I installed Semore Duncan pickups I put a JB and a Jazz in it and I put a USA switch and input Jack now it Rocks I might upgrade the wiring later on it's sure funny how some musicians are so touchy about there guitars lol you have a good day ☮️ Peace.
@@patrickromero5365 I've got 5 Epiphones and while I'll skip the complaining about every single one needed fretwork, they are great guitars. I've got the Custom Pro Silverburst like you, 1960 Tribute Plus, ES339, Standard Plus Top and SG G400 Pro. The Tribute obviously has Gibson 57's in it, but I like the stock pups in the rest as well!
@@LucasFowler I have to agree with you Lucas they are great guitars once you get them dialed it lol.
I wish, so badly, I still had the 1976 Ibanez Les Paul 59er Deluxe that I got from your father back in the 80s. I am still looking for one but, may go with a Greco, if I cant.
The Greco's were made in the same factory by the same people :)
Greco sounds both more full tone when played clean and more growly when overdriven. I 'd pick that.
Greco hands down. The quality is through the roof. Japanese made guitars are simply the highest quality made. Gretsch has their high end guitars minus the USA made custom shop models made there.
Lucas when your playing guitar and stare at cam it freaking me out,reminds of the look my dad gave me when i was a kid and was about to get a spanking lol
You should try looking at the guitar I'm playing and not my face lol
@@LucasFowler Sorry my bad lol
@John Smith Holy crap that was crazy man,I actually was trying to make a joke out of the Lucas stare but damn!!! that was crazy.The biker dude sounds like a nut job and im so sorry for that girl.
@John Smith that was a wild ride of a read, I'm glad I don't remind you of him!
Clean the Greco win hands down. A lot fuller and richer on all 3 positions. With Gain I thought the Epi was sweater in the midrange especially in the neck pickup. However, I agree with you that overall the Greco just has more mojo in it. It's full and thick without being muddy. I can tell you enjoy playing it slightly more as well. That being said Epi has come a long way and the Epi still sounded awesome. They have made huge improvements with there pickups. Also the headstock change to the old Kalamazoo one is sooooo much better. Awesome video as always Lucas! You're making me want to buy a helix because the tones you get are just stellar.
I do enjoy playing the Greco a little more, I think because of the way it responds when I play it, it's a little more "alive". The Helix definitely rocks, but those EV12L speakers don't hurt either :P
My guess is the Greco has a5 magnets so it’s slightly hotter with more bite. The Epi has a2 magnets which are the classic rock/metal sound
I believe the Greco's U-2000 pickups are indeed A5 mags. Good ear!
Lucas, I just ordered the Epi 50’s goldtop from Sweetwater.
@@mattlillis6152 Sweet!
Only Greco I own is a 1978 ES335. I love it. I have a 1983 Tokai Les Paul and a 1980 Burny LP. Great great guitars.
I got my eye on a Crestwood les paul
Love the bloom I guess that's what they call it, on the Greco it's so resonant sounding, the modern Gibson and Epiphone just sound flat and metallic to me, been looking for my Greco or at least a MIJ Burny
That Greco sounds amazing.
I purchase a Black 1982 Greco LP in the SF Bay Area 4 months ago for $600. It has some custom made humbucker pickups in it. It plays and sounds better than all of my Gibson LPs.. except my 1972 Black Beauty LP Custom..!! Older Grecos are Perfect..!!!
The Epi sounds more bright and synthetic, and the Greco more woody and open; it's kind of like analog vs digital. The Greco is the superior guitar: better quality woods used, better craftsmanship, better pickups, and it's aged as well. You might as well have compared the Epi to a '70s Gibson lol
Both sound great , been a long time since I’ve had an epiphone
The Greco 700 onwards are really nice, I have a custom eg-500 it came chambered and was ok, it was like a decent epiphone and was chambered but still had heaps of mojo
There was just something about it ...
If your in the mij market a late 70s early 80s tokai or burny is also good
Glad to know about these Greco Les Paul's. I had heard of the name before but never really heard one. Thanks for the effort. ps..nice noodling.
i have a couple of Greco guitars and they are just superb !
The video is 4 years old, Any chance of you updating the comparison between the new Epiphones with the Gibson headstocks?
I’m a lefty and I’ve found a Greco from ‘78, same as me and I’m kinda itching to buy it. I’m never going to buy a Gibson, or probably not even an Epiphone, if I was buying brand names I’d likely buy a Fender Tele, but even then they’re too much for me to spend. I think the Greco sounded better in this test, it sounded brighter on the highs and has a really nice growl to it, and I’m one step closer to trying to lock in a deal on the one I’m looking at. It’s a lot of money for me though, and I’m only a beginner but they don’t come around every day, especially as leftys.
I lot of old Greco guitars are in very ruff cosmetic shape and they are still asking 7-8 hundred with 150 dollars shipping!
Nice review ! I like when real players (like yourself) describe how the guitar "feels" and "looks" in person. I also like when they describe the comparison of the "pickup's" sound quality. I don't put a lot of stock in comparing the sound on a computer, even with headphones. Just too much compression. I appreciate your honesty and experienced hearing. Tell the misses we love her in front of everybody too:-)
Hey Lucas, great comparison once again, smoking playing too, as always. No doubt, both are fine instruments but for me, 10 times out of 10, I would take the Greco. The Epi is missing the very thing that the Greco has, a richness in the midrange that just stands out. I would say that the Epi has a sound but the Greco has a voice. Just my 2 cents, but thanks again, great vid, cheers!
That was my read too. It's not huge, but it's enough to make me choose the Greco every time. We'll see how the Epi holds up with a better set of pickups though :)
Greco transmits, it's incredible. It's so good . Epiphone doesn't fill my soul, but it sounds pretty good :)
love my 60s LP Standard but there is definitely some vibe that idk I guess just being a fully put together guitar for 30+ years has given these old ones cause that thing is sweet! just be careful y’all the market for these vintage MIJ guitars is a bit blown out of proportion & a lot of them are NOT the same as the higher end Grecos, Yamaha’s, Ibanez’s etc
Greco sounds a bit better but still Epi got it pretty close considering the price difference (although I may only guess how much did you dish out for that japanese les paul copy).
Not that much more
The Epiphone was $599.99 shipped and the Greco was $629.99. So basically $30 more :P
@@LucasFowler nice, that Greco was a bargain. Need to get myself one as well. Rock on Lucas !
Come on Lucas you can’t make a fair comparison with those tone enhancing strap locks! Changes the ratio of tone wood to hardware density and... idk I’m out of crap to spew lol great A/B though. Both sound pretty good but the Greco has a bit extra warmth to my ears.
They definitely enhance the tone. I tend to think the guitar sounds better without the headstock broken off :P
I originally thought the Epiphone sounded better clean and the Greco sounded better distorted, BUT...when I went back to listen with my eyes closed, I could not tell the difference. Swear to God.
Put caps in a Greco pbass and it's mind-blowing the tone. Greco everyday.
The Epiphone sounds better to my ears it has better highs mabe the pickups are hotter cool video .
Agree
@@markwilliamsmusic2987 hey there Mark Williams it's Pat yeah I thought the Epiphone sounded much better I been playing guitar for 48 years so I know alittle bit about tone the Gegco wasn't bad but it didn't have mids that the Epiphone had to my ears anyway.
Of course tone is subjective :P
Both sets of pickups meter out in the 7.5k-8k range, but the Epiphone's definitely have a little more top end. The Greco pickups are A5 magnets and the Epi pickups are A2 magnets, so that makes a difference as well.
Nice demo. Thanks
That is a really good playing comparison Lucas, you really ripped it up! I think the Greco looks nicer but then I just love Cherry sunburst.
Fast forward to Sept 2023 a version of 70's Greco featured is now worth approx twice the price of a 2020 Epiphone Inspired by 50's LP on the secondhand market. On that basis the Epiphone wins easily and it also has a better looking and more accurate shaped horn.
Just want to pop in and say I just bought another one, from the same guy in Japan, shipped to me for $674.11 total.
Here is the seller I prefer: reverb.com/shop/shen-ye-s-gear-outlet
I hate when Greco's are referred to as a " LP copy" - they ain't. They are awesome hand-built Japanese guitars that just have the same shape. My 1978 600C smears the Gibsons of the same year.
prefer the greco in every way except the paint job. love the darker fretboard and smoother sound
Whenever I watch a 2020 Epiphone demo I notice this really midrangey focused thing from their pickups. That's for both Les Pauls and SG's.
Yeah it's a tad much for my preference, since I tend to use very midrange heavy amps. It probably sounds great through a blackface Fender though :)
Now I’m trying to think of mods I can do with my epi to make it sound like that Greco lol.
sound is subjective but my ears seriously prefer the Greco! Epiphone has been killing it as of recent tho.
the greco sounds much better. people rave about the dry z pickups but the pickups in the lower priced models are all good pickups too.
Nice playing !
I have a 1970s austin made in Japan. It kills: )!
That Greco sounds completely like a Tele which is essentially what the old Bursts sound like.
I think a good portion of what makes those Greco guitars sound like that is the bridge design.
Lucas Fowler isn’t the Bridge a standard ABR?
@@sowiloi Yes, more or less. It's a japanese version of the ABR-1, with the posts that mount directly into the wood. I always think that has a noticeable effect on the sustain and punch of a guitar. Nothing wrong with the Nashville style, but I think the ABR style is like 10% better :)
Lucas Fowler thanks for the explanation, didn’t the 59 ABRs also have the studs mounted directly into the wood?
@@sowiloi I've never had a real 59' in my hands but that is my understanding, yes. My SG from 1991 has that same type of bridge as does my Dad's Aldo Nova Les Paul. It does seem to impart some "magic" :)
Greco sounds better, but I'm sure if you swap the pups on the epi it can sound just as good as a Gibson.
Yeah I think with a great set of pickups the Epiphone will really shine. We'll see because Jose from Planet Tone is doing a couple new sets for me :)
this may be the first video in history that will convince me to get the newer Eppiphones this guitar has a brighter tone then the Greco does i also happen to love Greco’s i have 4 of them already the Epiphone didn’t sound that bad it has like i said brighter tones then the Greco but it isn’t a bad thing i may just have to look into these epiphones i only own 1 epipphone an aoustic bolt-on yes a bolt-on i have never seen one never seen one since i bought it from a guy named ron from where i used to work for $200.00 back in 1997 which i still have to this day came with the hard shell case too and i believe it has a first fret too which was odd for me back then thank you for the Video i really enojoyed it
Great review. Thanks man!
Hey Lucas I like all your videos. Thanks for filming this I like to watch guitar videos.
I have Gibsons and Epiphone's I like them both. I do not hate them. I think you are a great Luthor as well. Sorry you had to do the fret work on that gold top. It is all a matter of preference, the Grecco seemed to have a more Gibson wound pickup sound. Epiphone has their own unique pickup sound with their Probucker or Alnico. The more I think about all these cool things we ha e the luxury of these days, EQ pedals, Amp native EQ, effects, Distortion, compressors. Seems like we can pretty much dial a sound if we need to slightly change them.
Another example is I have two Yamaha Pacifica's one 612 and another 212. The 212 has Stock pickups I have bee.n on the fence to put Duncan's in the 212 similar to the 612 that comes with them. But I have been thinking maybe I can dial in some tones to shape it.
Anyway thanks again for shooting this video.
How to play like you? You are really rocking. Was this all improvised?
The short answer to that is I've been playing for 16 years and I've got a rich musical background. It was all improvised, yep. The secret to getting good in my opinion is making "practice" seem fun so you don't ever want to put the guitar down :P
its like comparing Fender ST62 to Fender ST57
I guess I would more fall into the "Gibson or Epiphone" first crowd, but I believe I can still be honest about my opinion on which one I think is better, so here goes lol.
Honestly, I did not hear enough of a difference to say which one sounds better. I think the middle position for the crunch section the Epiphone sounds better, and the neck only position. But, for the distorted it was the opposite. Those burstbuckers that come in the Epiphone I am leery of anyway, they seem a bit too dark for my taste, so that being said the Greco would probably not be to be liking either since it sounds very similar to the Epiphone.
Now about the fret issue - here is where I think the Epiphone steals the show. If you bought and Epiphone with bad frets and had to return it, you could have your replacement guitar in a couple of days, where as with the Greco, it could be weeks maybe even a month or longer. The only way the Greco would be better would be if you bought it from like a local dealer who had several models on hand, but then you would have noticed the fret issue before leaving the store lol.
I like to play it safe and it's for that reason alone I would go with the Epiphone, as I said, if I had to get it replaced it would be the fastest one and more than likely the one with the least amount of issues to return. I am not going to judge them on appearances because frankly I don't like either one. If the Greco didn't have that huge red border I would say it was the better of the two. I hate ANY guitar having a border like that. So I guess in the end I would have to say it's a toss up, I think I would be equally happy or unhappy with either one lol.
I totally see how getting the Epiphone is the "safer" buy. It's definitely a really good guitar now that I dealt with the fret issues.
Ron I agree with you on this
"Now about the fret issue - here is where I think the Epiphone steals the show. If you bought and Epiphone with bad frets and had to return it, you could have your replacement guitar in a couple of days, where as with the Greco, it could be weeks maybe even a month or longer. The only way the Greco would be better would be if you bought it from like a local dealer who had several models on hand, but then you would have noticed the fret issue before leaving the store lol."
Y'know I am a big Gibson fan, but I do think Epiphone has come a very long way these days. I recently saw a video from this guy Riff, Beards and Gear - he was talking about after market pickups. The point is, that you can dial in anything you need to modify with a pickup stock or aftermarket. There are so many EQ pedals and other pedals to mold your tone. Look at Brian May (I don't follow Brian May of Queen) but he coldn't afford a guitar so he and his dad created their own guitar and pick ups. Everything worked out pretty well for him didn't it? It is all in the player hands and their amps, etc.
Pickups makes a big difference. If you put great pickups to cheap but good guitar it's harder to say which is better. Like Harley Benton les pauls sounds nice with good pickups.
People have poured their soul into that Greco for 44 years, a new guitar just can't match that kind of mojo. Especially in the hands of a fretboard fiend
It does feel extra special. It must have played some rockin' gigs in Japan :)
bingo....that is the answer !
You should do a compare with Ol Blackie that I picked up from you and a Gibson . With the Planet tone pickups I think it kicks my Gibson's ass.
That's why I sold the 2018 LP Traditional I had, my Greco with PT's in it ate it alive :P
What is being played at approximately 9:30 into this video and where can I learn it? Excellent comparison video!
The Greco sounds warmer and smoother. Which sounds best depends on the style of music (Greco clean is good for jazz and blues but not for music that needs snap and brightness from the guitar). And, good tone is in the ear of the hearer.
The only Grecos I can find on reverb in Epi price points are bolt on neck LPs from the 90s. All the set neck Grecos seem to be 70s era and all at least $800 or over $1k. I'd rather get the Epi in that case and have a big box retailer like GC or Sweetwater for warranty/return policies in case of receiving one with issues. If I was going to spend $800 plus on a Greco I'd rather just get a cheaper gibson at that point.
If you want a Greco, you have to be patient and watchful. After you find one you like (from a Japanese seller) you'll need to haggle to get a good price. I've bought 3 from Japan. EG800 for $550, EG600 for $420 and EG700 for $520. That includes the massive $120 shipping fee. But you do have to take a leap of faith since you can't play it in person!
@@LucasFowler Ya I believe you if you have the patience and really want a Greco then sure. Personally I don't want to wait/hunt/haggle level of time and effort with included risk factor just to get a Greco which is still a brand most people don't know of anyways and could be marginally better than the new Epis if you get a good one. I'd rather just buy a new Epi and change the pickups if they don't satisfy, if i get a dud exchange at store till get a good one. But if you are a Greco fan totally worth the time and effort i suppose, to each their own :) I'd rather hunt/haggle for a Gibson if I were to put in that type of effort for getting a more special guitar.
Where did you get the eg700 from? Secondly is it that much difference between the eg700 and the eg800?
THE
GRECO IS ON ANOTHER LEVEL, HANDS DOWN
The Greco sounded better in my opinion. It probably has better wood, and also a fuller range and tone in the electronics.
Both nice guitars I cannot choose between them put i do love gold tops so i would go for the Epiphone if i had to choice...🎼🎶🎸 Maybe try the Cort CR 200 / 250 see what you think of them?
You hardly EVER see the Greco's in a Gold Top or I would definitely have one! :P
I'm like 95% about to buy a 2020 50s les paul from epiphone .. I watched the first video and its great!!.. what kind of modification would you suggest to change if I ever get this epiphone 50s les paul
Both obviously has tonal diff.....but they both sound good to me....
Greco sounds brighter for me, I heard vintage Japanese guitars are in general sounds brighter than Gibsons, because of different mahagony suppliers.
But, for a more fair comparison, we should exclude the pickup impact, will be awesome to compare both guitars with some true les paul reference pickups to hear the real wood difference
Tried to watch the video without looking at the guitars (scrolled through different videos instead) and just looking when I particularly liked the sound of one. Actually liked the epiphone more.
Both have their own great and unique tones! But the sounds will always be under the master's fingers as this video shows. How cute!! The I love you comment.
I thought the Epi has more note definition ...both sound great
My face just melted!
This is about: Bolt on vs set neck Les Paul. I think these japanese beauties are for Fender lovers
While Greco did make several models with bolt on necks, this, and all the other Greco's I have purchased have been set-neck models.
Both seem great haha. Great video
I think the grecpihone is good.
Greco is King!
Both sounded good, but the Greco did sound a bit more “scooped” in the mids, where the Epi did have a bit more thickness. Which was better? What ar you wanting? For the Les Paul + Marshall 70s classic rock guy, I’d Go with the epi. For the modern scooped metal guy, I’d go with the Greco. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
That little bit of natural scoop from the Greco may be why it feels a little nicer to play.
Greco sounds a bit thinner... but somehow more vintage. Both sound good, can't say the Greco slays the Epi at all.
The thing that Epiphone (who makes a great guitar) can't compete with is the quality of components. They can't get the kind of mahogany and rosewood that even high volume builders could get in mass quantity back in the day. That's a great 50's Les Paul, but look at the fretboard compared to the Greco. The pickups are also apples and oranges in the two different models, in the 70s it was high output high gain, in the 50s they were just hum eliminated versions of P-90s. That's irrelevant because it's still a great comparison to see, and it shows that Epiphone is making a great product that any player should be happy to have.
Greco sounds fuller and better but I was surprised how good the Epiphone sounded! A little harsh and bright but not bad
Disappointing that they don't have leveled frets for 600$. Harley bentons have frers level at 1/3 of the price. So does Jackson, Ibanez and many more.
That's the only real downside to the new Epi's IMO. If you get one with level frets they really rock :)
You should go deep on agile and wolf. Korean made LP guitars!
Sweeet. I’m in the market for a Greco Les Paul Custom. I would get the Epiphone custom, I just can’t get over the headstock shape.
I follow this guy in Japan, I've bought 3 Greco's from him. I bet if you keep an eye on his page a nice custom will come up :)
reverb.com/shop/shen-ye-s-gear-outlet
Based on your opening comments, you were predisposed to liking the Greco better, and that's okay. You don't have to justify your opinions to anyone. If you feel that the Greco sounds better and it inspires you more than the Epiphone, then by all means play it!
I would say I am predisposed to like the Greco better, since I've had good results with them consistently. Epiphones have been a little hit and miss for me, but these new ones do sound really good.
Uhh I was in a vintage guitar shop in Japan today!!! They had seven or eight Greco,s!! All $300 to $400!! Itchy !!!!
Epiphone wins for me, it looks better and I really never liked the fact that there were copy guitars out there but at least Gibson owns epiphone. Gibson is doing more interesting things with epipone the themselves so I appreciate that. Always liked epiphone.
Greco sounds more musical to my ears.
I would imagine that Greco has a real ABR-1 bridge installation as well as the possibility of a long neck tenon.
I'd pick the Greco 1st every time.
The Greco does have the bridge posts directly into the top, where as the Epiphone doesn't. But the neck joint on the Greco is a short/dowel joint and the Epi has the long neck tenon actually :P
The 70's Greco's had pancake bodies as well right?
Keep in mind That’s an Epiphone 50’s Les Paul Standard with 50’s wiring VS the Greco ????
I like Grecos but the Epi is so much better here. Clearer, snappier, bitier. More alive and responsive.