Could this Epiphone be a better choice than a Gibson?

Part of the new Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom line, the 1959 Les Paul Standard is yet another top tier model that might just be better than you expect. I describe the features, demo the sounds, play it to a backing track, and give my thoughts on it's overall value. I also let you know how well I think it stacks up against the USA Gibson Les Paul Standard and talk about who this guitar might appeal to.

#epiphoneguitars #lespaulstandard #gibsoncustom #bluesguitar #gibsonlespaul #epiphonelespaul

[pedraw]

Epiphone has seriously stepped up their game in recent years. I haven't picked one of the newer models up to check them out but personally I think 1300 is a reasonable asking price for the features. Great review and demo, thanks.

[Clayton-ti]

Hi Leonard, I watched this again, I now have 5 of the IGC '59's, counting my Greeny, I had a 355 which I traded for an acoustic, some pickups and some $$. I think I just love to perfect them, fret edges, polish them, name change, unsatin, and age the hardware. I'm addicted and I don't care. What's interesting for me is the fact they never go out of tune, never had fret issues and I have low action, and I use EBall 9's, bending a lot, I do graphite the nut slots even though they're supposedly "Graphtech" I think. I always say, they sound expensive for what they are. Rock on boss.

[ew]

I always enjoy your demo playing but just as important is how you think through and articulate your perspective and analysis on different ways to view a potential guitar purchase. Sometimes there are better alternatives than the big names on the headstock when viewed in totality. Great video!

[tonyb]

Yes! I got this guitar and haven't played my Gibson Les Paul Standard since. Love it!

[DreePlus]

Bought this guitar a few months ago and absolutely love it! Outstanding tone and clarity. Stays in tune really well. Sound resonates impressively well. Highly recommend this guitar.

[aminahmed]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful weekend Leonard ❤😊

[MattMorgans]

Great independent, unbiased video as always Leonard! Agree the Epiphone offers a lot of bang for you buck! I realise the Gibson/Epiphone comparison is inevitable, but I think a lot of Gibson owners are getting fed up with constant criticisms on other reviews!

[gregcameron]

I got the older version right before they upgraded to custom buckers, the build quality is fantastic, I turned the G string saddle around since I use 9s instead of 10s. I think Epiphone is knocking it put of the park. I really like the burst buckers too. Love your channel and my wife says you’re easy to listen to. I also like the satin finish over the gloss. Keep up the great videos.

[chasiebabe]

Lovely to hear a review of a Les Paul that hasn't got tons of distortion on it

[ChrisJones-htzn]

Hi Leonard, I just bought this guitar. In the UK it's £999, which is a pretty good price for what you are getting. I agree with you that the fret ends do need a bit of work. Having said that, the setup was perfect, or as perfect as you can expect from Epiphone.

Playability is great and the tone is something else. The pickups sound amazing. I would definitely urge people to try this one out. I was one of those who dismissed these guitars at first but having played one for the last few hours I can honestly say that it's a very good Les Paul indeed.

Love your reviews and your playing. Keep doing what you do.

[guitarzan]

Thx for sharing your vast knowledge of these different guitars you review!! Your playing and the spot on comments, are a great help to those wanting to make informed decisions about guitars they might be interested in!
What’s next💥🤔👍

[salimel]

Hello Leonard, I’ve acquired this one in tobacco burst . I cant get enough of it. Its sounds and feels great . Even acoustically without plugging it in. It resonates so well . The woodtones are there for sure !

[danielcarter]

i think it's cool Epiphone is coming back to making high quality instrument. it seems like in the 60s-70s Epiphone was right there with Gibson in terms of quality, but they were just offering different models. The Beatles used the Casino!

[StephenChadwick-rrpm]

That's an honest review, you always remind me of Lee Marvin which isn't a bad thing I'm going to buy one of these, I had a Gibson Les Paul tribute which had issues, Gibson specs and epiphone QC seems perfect to me, thanks Steve Manchester UK

[antilaw]

👍 up for the great video! I own Gibson les Paul's. I'm stoked Epiphone came out with these. I'm getting one. I will treat it with care equally as my others. BTW... sounds great through that deluxe reverb amp! Now to decide on what color... Hmm... washed cherry 🍒 😊

[johnwalsh]

Hi Leonard, nothing wrong with that guitar you got some great sounds out of it, great video, take care
✌️🎸🧷

[lyndatomlins]

At last, a guitarist of experience, common sense & affibility, doing helpful reviews with superb playing. I do not think he is doing it for a career/money, just a love of playing. Cheers.

[Clayton-ti]

Excellent review, I have 3 of these and a Greeny, I do all the fret end stuff and polish the frets, light age the hardware and plastics, and add the Gibson name as it should have. It's a labor of love

[johnbridges]

Leonard Griffin Sir.
Thank you So much for your most interesting and professional advise on guitars.
Gosh what you say about build quality and Certainly of lower priced guitars copies can be better than the Higher priced guitars!

A Great man guitarist and friend
Kevin from Halifax loved the Squire Strat! Me to as I have one!

Keep up your valued work and keep Picking in your guitars

All of The very Best to you.

JB. Surrey. UK.

[mortonwilson]

Great to see an Epi here! I have one of these - just wanted to dip my toe into the '50s neck with 'da flame' finish etc., something different from the Custom I've had for decades (and at such an affordable price). I'm good with it overall, love the satin finish and aiming to put some of the Monty's Underwound PAFs into it - the internals are all pretty much Gibson so no need to re-wire, maybe just a bone nut . . . not a Gibson but a good back-up, nice feel!