Tried a few more Les Pauls today

[hippietim]

I must need to go shopping where you guys shop. Because the Epiphones here in NC that I've played at GC and Sam Ash are just flat out junk.

BTW, I'm not averse to giving these things a shot. I owned a ZW bullseye. At best it was mediocre. For the price, there are substantially better guitars. A year or so after I flipped that thing, a friend of my oldest son came over with his almost new ZW bullseye. The pots were already shot and one of the tuning keys was shot. I opened it up to fix the pots (I never opened mine up). Wow, the wiring in this thing was terrible. It looked like the first guitar I ever rewired when I was 13. Saw dust came pouring out of the cavity too - not sure where that came from.

[hippietim]

+1

In my opinion I feel that a lot of people who say Epiphone, Squires, and all over inexpensive guitars aren't as good as the more expensive guitars. Just are trying to justify spending 5000.00 vs. 500.00, and the 500.00 sounds and plays better (not true all the time)...and that a lot of people think that expensive means better... again just my opinion. I know that the Expensive guitar's have better quality control, hardware, and highly quality of wood.

Look at my signature.. I'm on the side of inexpensive...

Same with pickups. I would wager that if unbranded these pickups and put them against inexpensive pups that a lot of people couldn't tell the different (I know there are different tones etc.). The power of suggestion plays a roll in making something good and something else no good.

Relatively speaking

I could easily make the counter argument - people that buy cheap guitars convince themselves that they're just as good as the high end guitars just because they can't or won't buy a high end guitar.

I suppose the debate is pointless really.

In reality, a $5000 guitar is not likely to be 10x better than a $500 guitar. Just like a $250,000 car is not likely to be 10x better than a $25,000 car. The same holds true with all things - the price/performance ratio is always a downward slope for just about everything you can name. You often pay dearly for what amounts to an incremental improvement. You just have to decide if it is worth it to you.

Could I get by with an Epiphone if I had no other choice? Absolutely - although there are much better instruments for the money.

[JetFixxxer]

I could easily make the counter argument - people that buy cheap guitars convince themselves that they're just as good as the high end guitars just because they can't or won't buy a high end guitar.

Tru Dat Dawg!!!

[Rich#6]

It's a know fact. If it costs more people believe that it is better.

http://www.earthsky.org/radioshows/52171/study-shows-wine-tastes-better-when-costs-more

Proven here with the wine taste test.

[Endrik]

I have never played an Epiphone Les Paul I'd keep. In fact, I've only played one Epiphone guitar of any kind I'd own. I just think they suck.

+100000000

[Predator1]

I just received a Gibson Classic Custom Silverburst over the weekend. I got it from MF as a new blem for $1600.00 with a 45 day return policy. Upon opening the case I was almost afraid of what I might find. I was quite pleased to find no visible issues aside from some light polishing swirls on the black back. The action was pretty high and needed to be lowered some I did this and no buzz so far so good. I am a little skeptical about the weight relief since this guitar almost feels too light to be a Les Paul. It is very punchy and the notes ring out extremely clear. It sounds very different then my 83 LP Custom. I will say that the finish work and fret work is top notch. I am not sure if I will keep it. I will need to play it more.

[Dreamland_Rebel]

get and older Tokai

[clifffclaven]

I just received a Gibson Classic Custom Silverburst over the weekend. I got it from MF as a new blem for $1600.00 with a 45 day return policy. Upon opening the case I was almost afraid of what I might find. I was quite pleased to find no visible issues aside from some light polishing swirls on the black back. The action was pretty high and needed to be lowered some I did this and no buzz so far so good. I am a little skeptical about the weight relief since this guitar almost feels too light to be a Les Paul. It is very punchy and the notes ring out extremely clear. It sounds very different then my 83 LP Custom. I will say that the finish work and fret work is top notch. I am not sure if I will keep it. I will need to play it more.

for 1600 thats a great deal.

Im a gibson guy, have been since i was 15. Have 4 of them, and all play/ sound/ look fantatstic. Then again, the "newest" one i have is an 03v. Maybe thats why...? YMMV, (obviously)