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Best Epiphone by PRICE
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- Опубликовано: 21 янв 2023
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EPIPHONE Electric Guitar Buyers Guide by Price
John reviews the electric guitars currently offered by Epiphone. Models include the Les Paul, SG, ES line, Flying V, Explorer, and Firebird broken down by price and features. Epiphone also has unique models like the archtop hollowbodied Swingster and the Wilshire.
DROP A COMMENT: What EPIPHONE will you buy next? Leave your questions in the comments too!
Watch the GIBSON Buyers Guide: • Best Gibsons by Price
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Archtop Hollowbodies
Inspired by Gibson
Under $500
$500-$1000
$1000+
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Two Epis that I'd like to see: Gold top with P90s and 60s neck. Les Paul Special Double Cut with P90s and 60s neck.
Yes, Garry. One of each please.
❤❤❤
I have an 80’s DC with P90’s 🥰🥰🥰
Yes please! Enough of those 50's necks!
Dude! That sums it up!! They would be huge. I would do like a '55 or '57 goldtop reissue with p90's.. I have big hands, don't mind the 50s neck. The 60s neck does feel faster and more luxurious though, so that would be sweet too. The 70s neck is just a 60s feel with a more narrow nut..
Gimme a gold top, 60’s neck and P90’s please!
As a long time GenX player, I'm very happy to see what Epiphone is offering. The quality of imports in general is so far beyond what we had in the 80s and 90s. I do own a handful of Gibsons, but in recent years I've added some Epiphones to my collection. They are just fantastic guitars.
My favorite guitar: the Firebird. It's made right. It sounds great. It's as close to perfect as a guitar can get.
not only with cheap guitars being high quality but also amps,multi effects, and plugins.. really we are lucky to be alive at the right time..
I just bought the jerry Cantrell in white and this guitar rocks it's a great metal machine with the Fishman fluence pickups in it
Over the last few months I've bought a Epiphone Les Paul 50's gold top, 60's Iced Tea burst, and an ES-339. They're all very nice, far better than what I tested out 10 years ago. The fit and finish is perfect on all of them. Only minor setup adjustments were required. No sharp fret ends or high frets. Just polished them with 6000 grit micro-mesh pads and it plays like butter. The electronics are impressive as well for this price. I thought I would be replacing the pickups but I'm very happy with them. I'll mention I bought all of them from Sweetwater, I have terrible experience with Guitar Center but that's just me.
The probuckers are absolutely fine recreation of a PAF pickup it's probably the best thing epiphone has recently.
The pickups weren't bad before but they were just too modern. They are quite different to burstbuckers too because they go for a more vintage accurate paf sound.
Not that burstbuckers are bad just different and the same goes with probuckers.
I want that 60s but I'm afraid of the quality
I'm not into import versions, but got the Epi 335 because they changed the headstock. Wanted a 335, but not enough to spend $3K.
Starting off, I hated it. Sounded like cardboard unplugged, pickups sucked, frets were scratchy, high frets 😭
Ok, leveled, crowned and polished frets, proper set up, threw in Duncan '59s, now it plays nice (the setup fixed the unplugged sound big time) but still wasn't happy with tone. Usually Duncans do the trick.
Found an MHS set, aged the hardware, changed truss rod cover to Gibson style (hate the 3 screws), now it's allowed to hang with the rest of the pack.
Really, you can’t talk about Epiphone ES style guitars without mentioning the Sheraton. Beautifully appointed, 335 style semi-hollow, with push-pull controls, possibly their best PAF style humbuckers, and a history that is Epi through and through. And, of course, there’s a whole range of not-made-in-USA-and-affordable Casinos with some really interesting finishes.
I owed a few recent releases from Epiphone and if you have the Management Team from Nashville overseeing the production line that moved to live and ensure the quality of everything...Long live Epiphone!!
You missed the Epiphone Les Paul Special 1 with P-90S in TV yellow at $179. but occasionally you can get them for $119. from MF....great episode !!!
@@toddflowers8052 Thank you for the info!!
@@williammazzotta5595 You are very welcome !
What I am really waiting for is an Epiphone issue of an inspired by '52, '54 gold top with P90s. I have to agree tha the new "inspired by" models knock ot out of the park. I also have some older 335s & Les Paul's, even a classic that play great, but plug them in after one of the newer models & you find the pots & wiring not up to the same standard & with the pick ups a little muddy.
I just bought a fender American professional 2 Telecaster in Miami blue. It kicks butt. It's the best most expressive guitar I've ever
Owned. Your content is fantastic sir.
Epiphone owner too. I love Epiphone.
These guitars sound so good that 99% of even guitar players can't tell the difference between an epiphone and something thousands of dollars more. We live in a golden time when you can spend $500 on a guitar, have it set up, and it is professional-quality.
The 2021 Epiphone Custom Koa Les Paul there isn't a Gibson Standard Les paul that could even slightly touch it..
I bought the new TV Special Yellow two-three months ago and I’m still giddy like 5 Y.O. On Xmas day! I can not find one flaw of any kind. I wanted a new guitar w/P-90’s and am madly in love with it. At my age (70) I probably have one more guitar in my future and it’ll be an Epi too. I have 3 now so yes I love Epiphone guitars; but this one is imho better than the Gibson version. The Gibson one I played just falls short to me. If you love P-90’s this is the one to get. You will be glad you did!
Glad the Coronet and her sisters got a mention.
Great vid! I have the Adam Jones. I was kind of apprehensive about it but when it arrived, it blew me away. Worth every penny! 😊🎸
I buy and keep almost all of my amps and cabinets and guitars from American Musical supply for over 20 year's now
Nice rundown. Thanks.
I own a Gibson Les Paul tribute.
I've never played a Epiphone over the $500 price point that didn't play 2x better than my Tribute.
Cheers!
Wilshire Pro is very cool. Casino, Gold Glory, P-90 Les Paul Special, '59 Les Paul, Muse SG, P-90 SG... All keepers
I’ve got a 2020 classic in honeyburst and had it a few years now. It’s the 7th Epiphone I’ve owned and so far the best and it’s definitely a big upgrade from the previous plustop pro I had. Here in Australia I payed $850 for it but now there over $1k for most set necks
I really dont know why they didnt bring back the P90 Goldtop Lp ('56?). They had it in production before they relaunched their lineup, but it would fit perfectly in the classic collection.
I'd hoped to hear more about the Coronet and Wilshire.
I just got the first Adam Jones Artist Epiphone and have ordered the Jerry Cantrell Wino, just waiting for SW to get in stock. I love Epiphones.
I’ve got an Epiphone standard 60 and sound and looks amazing this new line it’s incredible!!!
You guys need to hit 50,000 soon because the guitar you are giving away is my dream guitar.Green Les Paul's are rare and even more rare is the back and sides are a caramel color.When you did the video during the lockdown I hoped you would pick that guitar and you did.
I have a 1980’s epi Les Paul standard made in Japan, the quality and tone exceeds many 90’s Gibsons LP’s. I switched to PRS mid 90’s and hadn’t looked back…until recently. I bought a 2021 limited 59 epi LP standard and was blown away. I compared it to my 2021 Gibson standard 60’s and all I can say is if your in the market for that LP tone without breaking the bank. Go for the limited epi 59’
Hope to own that Epi Les Paul Custom in Alpine White one day.
I think best overall value has to be the LP 59 and the SG 61, both with Gibson USA pick ups
Epiphone and the PRS SE lines are really hitting a nice "Value For Dollar" mark in the current market. You get a good guitar for your money now. Gibson pickups and CTS pots are a nice upgrade to the previous iterations.
I have the Les Paul Epi standard 60s. I own a Gibson SG standard and the size of the necks are so different to me. The SG feels so much thinner so it’s funny when the 60s is described as having a thinner neck. The 50s styles must be huge haaha
I bought a Pelham blue Epi ES 339 (semi hollow with center block) with P 90s and put on a Deusenberg trem… it’s great… I also have a Epi Casino Coupe (hollow body) with P 90s and trapeze bridge. Love them both. I also have an Epi Les Paul Standard plus top with push pull pups (I added a Deusenberg trem, it’s great) and an Epi SG. I like all my Epiphone guitars. I have one Gibson (a V2 from 1979) and it’s a better guitar in fit finish and overall quality, but the Episode are so good at their price point, that I can own all 4 for the price of one extra Gibson… so I just went with the Episode and don’t regret it at all.
A phenomenal guitar that you missed was the epiphone Alex lifeson model! I have one and that guitar is absolutely amazing!
I agree but not in production though unfortunately! Thanks for watching 🍻
@@PlayandTradeGuitars will it come back? They are in high demand it seems like
I bought the 59 with the gibson electronics. Great guitar. I also have a traditional 2013. Upgraded electronics and cosmetics. That guitar had a 59 neck with long tenon, orange drop caps (i wonder why they did not mention that when selling. Love them both
I have a 1985 les Paul model made by Gibson at Samick factory in Korea. 2 p90 coils and double cut cherry colour. It belonged to my father in law and he said he barely played it and he bought it brand new in the 80’s. I hit the jackpot! I love the guitar. It’s just great
I wish you coulda covered the wildkat or flame kat ..these are Gibson inspired.
I own a flamekat and I really impressed with fit and finish, it does suffer from the goofy dice knows and the Bigsby copied tremolo...
I found the "New Yorker" pick ups to have a vintage kinda sound( not too bright) which I find to better sounding than the Seymour Duncan version..
I had had it professionally set up and it plays like a dream, the ebony finger board is beautiful..
It can cover rock, rockabilly, blues and jazz...all at a fraction of cost. The thinner hollow body is Les Paul sized, nothing like a Joe Pass model...
If you can get past the flames and the goofy knows it's a great guitar...
P.S. I love the flames and will change out knobs to preserve them...
Try one if you can...
I'm old school when it comes to LPs and I think the best value (bang for the buck) is the classic. It is exactly what a Les Paul should be.
I have a translucent cherry one. For the $2,300 price, it is definitely worth it.
The Epi LP Classic is the best value. CTS pots, mahogany body and neck and pups sound good.
classic heavy ;)
Nice review.
Right now I have a Desert Burst Les Paul Standard Pro and an overseas Casino (which didn't get mentioned in the video). Next will be a 335 or maybe Uptown Kat.
Goldtop LP with P90s is/was something I lusted for. Not sure if it’s still in the range.
Got the Gibson model, but would like the Epi version for open mics etc.
No complaints..but the high end ones are outrageous
I have an Epi LP Standard Pro Plus Top, and I love it - they make really great and absolutely beautiful guitars. Mine is a gorgeous model in Heritage Cherry Sunburst, and I got it used for $400! I don't know why anyone who isn't like performing live would get a Gibson given the enormous price difference.
I have the 1955 Les Paul Custom. I think it was a limited edition. But it is equipped with Gibson P90’s and a classic style case. Awesome guitar.
I'm surprised the more affordable Casino didn't make it in the list. Also, I definitely like the green on that Gibson.
I've got the traditional pro 4 in faded black and love it.
What about the Les Paul Muse? And the Riviera with the mini humbuckers?
Great video,I love the breakdown..its a beautiful contents..I want to see more of it
I'd love to see the bring another run of the alex lifeson les paul.
I. Bought a epiphone slash Les Paul at guitar center had trouble with getting it intonation right. I have it pretty close as I can , I play really good and a beautiful guitar, it came with a hard case with red velvet interior very beautiful and awesome for the price range $ 750.00 and love it
I think you missed the Riviera. I just bought a used 2021 Riviera with mini-humbuckers in sparkling burgundy. Fantastic guitar.
My theory is the best value in Epiphone is the LP Special p-90. SG 60 and 61. Reason being is it's a mahogany body. No veneer slab. Not as whole lot different than the Gibson counterpart and anything with Gibson pick ups stock in it. If you are looking at this from a value for dollar point of view. the 59R is a great deal. 899 with hard case. It's a great guitar for the money.
Joe bonamassa es 335 is killer
Joe signature are all awesome and go high prices on reverb. Just look at his black beauty that is rare as hen's teeth and goes 4 times it cost new.
It's no wonder though his guitars are always period accurate. The way I see it epiphone guitars are awesome and with Joe's input and blessings you're getting a god level guitar. These guitars have been instant classic and even now are highly sortafter.
I have one, it easily hangs with my Gibson ES-335 Traditional…it’s the best Epiphone I’ve ever played.
I have an Epi 339, and once I levelled and crowned the frets, it became excellent. Still doesn't really get picked for gigs though, so I might sell it.
Been really thinking on getting the Crestwood Custom in white but throwing P90s in it. Love the channel.
Considering either the Classic or inspired by Gibson 59. Might need to get into the Gibson Garage in london and have a noodle!
Hi
And they Alex Lifeson Les Paul Smith Volgde bridge is missing.
Thanks for your feedback.
BR
Steve verstichelen
THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE GIVEAWAY! So many of us just can't afford an instrument of that caliber. And the only chance for some of us to ever attain a guitar like this is to win one... God bless and take care...
John, I wonder what the You Tube plaque on the back wall is for. Epiphone is making great sounding instruments, they just do not hold the value like Gibson. They are basically the same.
I got a jr. Used .crazyluvit!! I redid the bridge and put a newyorker potted humbucker in it. Got the height of it adjusted good. Next a tone circuit overhaul. IT PLAYS GREAT
The model that is missing from the entire line is the 1960 Les Paul Special double-cut in TV Yellow with dual P90s. I've recently written to Epiphone requesting this model. Maybe you all could jump in and help get this model produced so we all can have one of the coolest guitars ever.
Very cool what Epiphone has done with their line. I'm sold!
Ive got an Epi Les Paul Custom and a Cherry ES335. I have changed the pig guard on the 335 to a mother of pearl plate it goes way better with the tuning knobs and yellow ish trim around the edges. I love them both and i will be buying more Epiphones probably an SG next.
although Epi’s have really gotten good recently, I still think buying older used Epiphones are the best value-wise. Looking at Reverb, a killer 90’s Les Paul won’t cost you much
The problem is epiphone back then were very inconsistent. Gibson also did epiphone a disservice that all changed with new ownership.
Epiphone guitars are built in a factory that was built and completely owned by Gibson. The factory is even called
Gibson Qingdao. It's a completely modern facility run by Gibson master luthiers.
I own an Epiphone John Lennon EJ-160JVC, limited edition with his autograph reproduced on the body & I’m in love with it!🎉 The interesting thing about this guitar is the neck joins the body at the 15th fret, not the 12th or 14th, as I’m accustomed to. And the pickup at the sound hole is cool!
I also own a 2018 Les
Paul Standard Pro with the pull-up on volume knob for single coil, in a nice Mapleish honey look. Killer guitar! Great versatility!
Now, I also own a few more guitars but I’m not here to bore you!
PLAY FOREVER! 😎✌️🎶🎸🪕 17:45
I've owned both, a 1965 Gibson J-160E & the Epi. The Epi is a much better sounding acoustic because the top is much thinner than the original Gibsons, which were "plywood guitars", laminated & very thick. I currentl have 3 Epis. A full custom LP Special with P90s & a push pull pot for series, a full custom SG Jr & a push pull pot for coil split, & an ES-175 Premium with all Gibson electronics. Have less $$$ in the 3 than 1 Gibson ES-175 would cost.
I enjoyed and appreciate the Epiphone review. I have 4 Epi models including the 61 Les Paul sg and the Joe B 335 both of which are excellent guitars, I also have a Slash November burst which is disappointing, they could have done a much better job with that collection
I’m loving this channel, really good content guys, keep it up! You did miss the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Lazarus joe Bonamoss edition. I own it and it’s incredible!
I don’t think they make em anymore which would probably be why it wasn’t mentioned. I’ve heard it’s a great guitar from several people. You’re lucky to have one. Enjoy !
Epiphone need to make a Custom version done like the 59 les paul as far as upgrades. I'd love to see the 490 498T pick ups in an Epi Custom. I have to have a two piece bridge system.
Explorer looks great! It is to be my next guitar!
I keep waiting for the Korina Explorer to come back into stock, I just got my Korina Flying V, and I replaced the switch plate with a white version so it looks like Amos. I have a custom LP with a Koa top which is really nice. I still want to get a Firebird, I might just get the Bass version since I need a bass ;) I have 5 Epiphones so far.
Epiphone is making some great stuff these days😊
I got the Epi '59 LP for $799 at zZounds in the "Southern Fade" finish when they first offered it.
The top is absofuckinglutely gorgeous!!!
After getting everything I could possibly need in a guitar for under a grand, I'd feel like a damned fool paying what Gibson asks for a Gibson USA LP.
It's hard to "Buy American" when you can't AFFORD American...
And the P-90s in my Epi SG Special fucking rip man!!!
I just don't need the prestige of a $2,000 headstock...🤣🤣🤣
I've had epi explorer and sg 61. Both had good hardware and best looks. I also loved the neck shapes to the paint. but the tones were both mushy and boomy. changed pickups and eq'd them but couldn't keep them as I couldn't hear my fingers as they felt like having a blanket over my ears 9:30 9:31
I am a bass player but love looking at guitars as well. My prize possession is an Epiphone thunderbird pro IV with Active pickups. I have always preferred the y tuners on the Epiphone over the paddle or clovers on the Gibson. I am a big fan of the firebird and love the crazy tuners Gibson uses on it, they adjust on the back of the headstock instead of the side. The other guitar I like a lot is the V. I'm about to upgrade the bird with fishmans. I may call it a thunderfish fluencebird or something.
Love my Les Paul protop plus and my J200EC acoustic/elec.
I have 6 Epi's (Edit: I forgot one !), 3 acoustics and three electrics. I don't look at Epiphone like the 'Gibson Cheap Line' nearly as much as i look at Gibson as the Over Priced brother to Epiphone ! I use all of mine playing out !!
You talk about P-90-s but you don't even mention the Wild Cat and the Coronet, Wilshire, or even the Custom Crestwood with a Bigsby and min humbuckers. These are some really cool guitars that are priced right that nobody seems to talk about. If they made a lefty Wilshire, I'd have one for sure.
I covered all that...
Those Epiphone USA guitars are recreations of models that were originally Epiphones.
I was really surprised with the Slash Appetite. Great quality and sound for that price.
I have a n Epi custom Nighthawk re- Issue in Fireburst which is like having a Les Paul and a Stratocaster in one guitar with hum buckets or single coil pickups and a beautiful Ebony fretboard and mohogany neck which plays beautifully. No longer made?
I have the Noel Gallagher Riveira...it's the most perfect guitar for not only playing my favorite band Oasis but heavier Beatles songs, and The Who as well. It creates that fat, loud rock n' roll sound I've always been chasing.
Does Epiphone have a 12 string either acoustic electric or electric? I want a Rickenbacker 36012 sound but don't want to spend the 3500 they cost.
ones i wish i could aford/get in no order
billie joe armstong les paul jr
50s standard les paul
les paul spacial
and maybe the les paul jr
wish they sould make a 50s standard with p90s
My personal favorite: Les Paul Traditional PRO-IV in Worn Metallic Gold.
What country is this pricing based from?
$1 US dollar, is $1.34 Canadian.
Example my Les Paul Junior I paid $150 for in mint condition. $429 US would be $572.33 Canadian
Do you know which guitar in Epiphany or gibson is similar to fender Stratocaster?
The white custom is a winner for me since the Gibson version is priced for only wealthy doctors and lawyers cool show keep em coming 🤘
Ok, since you specifically stated you are talking electrics I will not go into the fabulous inspired by acoustics from Epiphone, but you did miss a few key items that people looking in the ES range may love.
1)The Epiphone Casino - They have the worn models right now for $499 that are fantastic. The colors are Interesting and the feel and sound are fantastic. If you're not into the rustic look and feel, they have the standard Casinos as well which are fabulous for about $599 or $699
2)The Epiphone Sheraton - I think this guitar is the unsung hero of Epiphones ES style line. Its more like a Deluxe than a standard ES and depending on which one you find you either get humbuckers like an ES or you may get mini humbuckers. Epiphone seems to do some interesting things with this guitar. The Emily Wolf you talked about is one but the standard is about $749
3)The Epiphone Riviera - You touch on this with the Noel Gallagher but the standard one is completely different. It has the Frequensator tailpiece and has mini humbuckers. At $699 I think its a steal.
The crazy thing about these three is the variety you can get. You have the P90s with the Casino, the ES 335 style, plus some wild appointments like the ornate headstock on the Sheraton and the min humbuckers on the Riviera.
Plus here is some trivia for Oasis fans. The Union Jack Sheraton that came out from Epiphone a few years ago is set up MORE like the Riviera, with the Frequensator and the mini humbuckers just like Noels own Sheraton was when he used it live. The new Noel Gallagher Riviera is set up more like a Sheraton or standard ES335 with the full humbuckers and the stop tailpiece. So for some reason or another in the 90s, Epiphone switched their specs around. I personally think that makes those two guitars massively unique.
Plus, the Casino, Sheraton and Riviera are unique to Epiphone. Gibson does not have their own versions of those models. Well not ones that are named the same.
Im seriously considering getting the Modern. Dies anyone have any experience with one? Also i know its not important but the Pelham Blue is sexy lol
What do you think about Matt Heafy LP Custom Origins?
Hey man! Greetings from AZ. I love your show and I think you have a great personality and idea for future shows. Great work, man! 13:52
Bought the Inspired by Gibson 335 sun burst.Out of this world fab guitar.
I hope your new Epiphone 'doesn't have a loose toggle switch , faulty electrical volume and tone control knobs, and uneven frets .or wood worms . Other than that when built correctly not a bad guitar.
Slash snakepit epiphone les paul is the best epiphone ever made,. The snake inlay is just gorgeous
I hope Epiphone would revamp the Dove (not a fan of orange) and have more finish options for the Sheraton.
Epiphone Les Paul vs Yamaha Revstar
What about the Sheraton??
I've been playing the Pro II...... it's a decent quality guitar.
Yes, it's not to be overlooked...but it was overlooked 🍻
www.zzounds.com/a--3979398/item--EPIETSP
As I said there's a LOT of production models, I was bound to miss an obvious one. You're 100% right.
@@PlayandTradeGuitars I like the fact that the Sheraton is an Epiphone original.
I wish they would just do their own custom shop models. Where we can call in and order not necessarily everything available because obviously Gibson would never allow that to happen, but be competitive at the equivalent of say Gibsons entry-level guitars but because they’re not made in the United States costs are less expensive but that doesn’t mean they’re gonna be cheap. Anyway, that’s my two cents there’s a lot of guitars I would love to see available as well as have certain specifications made available.
I have the 1959 Les Paul. A absolutely amazing guitar, if you like the fat 59 neck.
do a video for us on the nancy wilson i have heard it both ways tell us !!!!!
I own all the Gibson guitars I will ever buy. 2 SG's a Hummingbird, A song writer, an older Les Paul, an ES195, and ES335 and a Les Paul Studio, and one Midtown. All great guitars but now their pricing is prohibitive for the average guitarist. At 323 guitars, I think I have enough for sure. LOL Talk about GAS!
I'd love to see Epiphone make an inspired by Gibson Lzzy Hale explorer or firebird.
I have a few Epiphones, the Casino is awesome and the 1959 outfit is pretty good
Did Epiphone stop making the Broadway and Emporer?
The higher end Epiphones are some of the best stuff they’ve ever made but I would never recommend a low end Epiphone to a beginner. Nearly every other manufacturer in the $100-$400 space is vastly better.
Really? Even compared to Squier strats or Ibanez Standards?
@midwestrob8408 absolutely. I had a decent Epiphone SG for a while, and it inspired me to try a Les Paul so I snagged a humble Special II for like $179. BIG mistake. Thing was barely playable, and definitely didnt provide the Les Paul tone or "feel".
I now have a much nicer Epi LP Standard that provides both the tone and feel I was looking for, alongside the SG, and I would reccomend either to anyone looking for a sub$1k guitar.
For a sub $300 I'd go Squier all day, used Player or better if possible but even a $200Affinity+$100tuneup is a very solid starter axe.
I have played a friend's Squier Affinity Tele, and while it's certainly not an amazing guitar it plays well enough for $200, but more importantly it undeniably recreates the feel and tone of a Tele.
As for Ibanez I've only played their acoustics and Basses, but both were beyond serviceable.
I didn't see you mention the Traditional Pro-IV. Was that intentional for some reason?