Anyone who's ever played "Guitar Hero" or watched MTV knows that the Gibson Les Paul is one of the most favorite electric guitars in the world, preferred by a diversity of guitar players in a number of styles, from rock and blues to jazz and country.
The trouble for many of us, though, is that Gibson Les Pauls are a bit on the expensive side.
A new Les Paul Standard will cost over $2,000, an expensive musical investment to be sure. So what can we do?
Consider the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus!
Don't let the "Made in Korea" sticker fool you. This Epiphone-branded Les Paul Standard Plus sounds, plays, and looks like its American-made equivalent. But how does it compare in every detail?
We surveyed a transparent Blue Les Paul Standard Plus Top, and I have to say the guitar has one of the most beautiful tops I've seen in this cost range. The figuring is utterly beautiful, and is wondrously complimented by its creme-colored binding and chrome hardware.
Suffice it to say, that that the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top is one very captivating instrument.
I've been fortunate to have owned a Gibson Les Paul Standard for quite some time, so I found like I was in a strong position to compare the two instruments. Honestly, I was very impressed. The neck actually reminded me of a 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard. It was, in fact, quicker in some ways than my own Les Paul, which has a 50's style neck.
The rosewood fretboard felt wonderful and the frets were well-polished and smooth on the whole, but not quite as impeccable as my Gibson Les Paul. Still, the fretwork is extremely well done, especially given the instrument's price.
The Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top sports alnico classic pickups, which unquestionably capture the classic Les Paul Sound. Even So, I prefer changing pickups in most of my stock guitars, and the Epiphone is really no exception.
I'm personally partial to Seymour Duncan JB and Jazz Pickups, so I would probably add those to the Epiphone, but this isn't actually a necessity.
The stock Epiphone pickups sound very nice as they are, and they just might suit your needs as is. I did find some "squealing" at high volumes, but it wasn't that much of an annoyance.
The compromises in a model such as this instrument aren't easily obvious. Epiphone saves cash by having a veneer flame top glued to non-flamed maple. Likewise, where Gibson Les Paul Standard bodies are made from a single mahogany slab, the Epiphone mahogany body is laminated, as is the neck.
The plus side to the cutting costs with this instrument, though, is that the Epiphone Les Paul will really weigh far less than a similarly outfitted Gibson, which anyone who plays with a Les Paul can prize. Overall, we think this guitar is a solid instrument for the cost and one that could bring you a lot of playing delight for years to come.
The trouble for many of us, though, is that Gibson Les Pauls are a bit on the expensive side.
A new Les Paul Standard will cost over $2,000, an expensive musical investment to be sure. So what can we do?
Consider the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus!
Don't let the "Made in Korea" sticker fool you. This Epiphone-branded Les Paul Standard Plus sounds, plays, and looks like its American-made equivalent. But how does it compare in every detail?
We surveyed a transparent Blue Les Paul Standard Plus Top, and I have to say the guitar has one of the most beautiful tops I've seen in this cost range. The figuring is utterly beautiful, and is wondrously complimented by its creme-colored binding and chrome hardware.
Suffice it to say, that that the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top is one very captivating instrument.
I've been fortunate to have owned a Gibson Les Paul Standard for quite some time, so I found like I was in a strong position to compare the two instruments. Honestly, I was very impressed. The neck actually reminded me of a 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard. It was, in fact, quicker in some ways than my own Les Paul, which has a 50's style neck.
The rosewood fretboard felt wonderful and the frets were well-polished and smooth on the whole, but not quite as impeccable as my Gibson Les Paul. Still, the fretwork is extremely well done, especially given the instrument's price.
The Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top sports alnico classic pickups, which unquestionably capture the classic Les Paul Sound. Even So, I prefer changing pickups in most of my stock guitars, and the Epiphone is really no exception.
I'm personally partial to Seymour Duncan JB and Jazz Pickups, so I would probably add those to the Epiphone, but this isn't actually a necessity.
The stock Epiphone pickups sound very nice as they are, and they just might suit your needs as is. I did find some "squealing" at high volumes, but it wasn't that much of an annoyance.
The compromises in a model such as this instrument aren't easily obvious. Epiphone saves cash by having a veneer flame top glued to non-flamed maple. Likewise, where Gibson Les Paul Standard bodies are made from a single mahogany slab, the Epiphone mahogany body is laminated, as is the neck.
The plus side to the cutting costs with this instrument, though, is that the Epiphone Les Paul will really weigh far less than a similarly outfitted Gibson, which anyone who plays with a Les Paul can prize. Overall, we think this guitar is a solid instrument for the cost and one that could bring you a lot of playing delight for years to come.
About the Author:
If you are searching for a killer deal on an Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top, then search no further! Ray's Guitar Shop has the lowest prices on all new and used acoustic and electric guitars available online. Go visit Ray's Guitar Shop today!
No comments:
Post a Comment