In Defense of Epiphone

[mesa/boogieman]

I go on a few musical instrument message boards and one of the recurring themes is the disdain of Epiphone. It's become so engrained that I've steered away from Epiphone guitars because I think to myself "what if the other guys I'm playing music with look down on me."

I've had 2 Epiphone Les Pauls. Both were solid guitars. One of them had an issue with a sharp edge on the bridge that caused the string to break often but it was an easy fix. One of my favorite guitars that I've had was the black Les Paul Classic I got from Mars Music in 1999 (who remembers that store!). I put some Grover Tuners on it and a Seymour Duncan Invader pickup and it was a hard rock/metal machine. I beat the hell out of that guitar and it never broke down. The only reason I got rid of it was when I was in my insane phase of selling, buying and trading gear.

These days I have a Gibson Les Paul Classic Antique that my dad bought for me. I'll never get rid of that guitar. But honestly for young guys, folks who don't have a lot of money or the fathers out there who don't have that kind of disposable income anymore I think Epiphone guitars are a great option. The ES339 is a sweet guitar and you can't go wrong with the Les Pauls, Casinos or DOT335's.

[msmith4432]

Hmmm, interesting. I have never seen disdain for epiphones. But always thought they were decent guitars

[0000]

Seriously, I'm frantically waiting for them to reissue the 1964 Coronet seen here... http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/epiphon ... -more.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mesa/boogieman]

Hmmm, interesting. I have never seen disdain for epiphones. But always thought they were decent guitars

I remember being in a music store about 12 years ago I told the salesman I play a Les Paul and he said "A Gibson one right?" and I felt so scared to say "no, it's an Epiphone." I think I worry too much about what other people think

[Jondog]

My take on Epiphones is that they are good guitars, but don't buy the cheap beginner esque ones similar to the Squier beginner ones. Of the good ones, you really have to play them before you buy (as you should with any guitar). But really listen to how the strings sound. I've picked a few up that were just dead. I also don't like alot of Epiphone necks. Either too flat or "sticky".

[enricoromanielo]

I got an Epiphone Les Paul Standard when I was 15. It was made in Korea (1999, I think), really cool guitar. However, I´ve played in some recent models made in China, and the quality is just so inferior to the old models, IMO.

[Jondog]

I got an Epiphone Les Paul Standard when I was 15. It was made in Korea (1999, I think), really cool guitar. However, I´ve played in some recent models made in China, and the quality is just so inferior to the old models, IMO.

I'll agree somewhat. My Korean made Joe Pass Emporer was an awesome guitar.

[ragincajun1919]

I have an Epiphone G400 ( I think that's the model) It's a mid level SG. I have owned a ton of Gibson SG specials which are about $200 more when looking at new prices. IMO, that $200 gets you a long way. The Gibsons have always felt and sounded better to me. But when you can hop on Ebay or Craigslist and get a used SG Special (Gibson) for $400, I think that's the way.

However, with the Les Paul Epiphones, there is a HUGE affordability gap compared to Gibsons, say they may be a better value.

[bclaire]

Personally, I think Gibson should have gone with the Fender business model and put out the import Les Pauls as Gibsons. We all can tell the difference between MIM, MIJ, CIJ, and MIA Fenders so why not Gibsons? I think that business move is what made Epiphone to get a bad rep at times.

That said, my Epiphone Supernova is one amazing guitar! Well-made and beuatiful, it is a simply awesome sounding guitar! I added a Bigsby to it and it really opened it up even more!

I think they should have kept the name for actual Epiphone reissue models; used Gibson with an ID for country of origin for imports, and then maybe Orville like Squier, for the cheaper things.

Here's my Supernova:

[enricoromanielo]

Personally, I think Gibson should have gone with the Fender business model and put out the import Les Pauls as Gibsons. We all can tell the difference between MIM, MIJ, CIJ, and MIA Fenders so why not Gibsons? I think that business move is what made Epiphone to get a bad rep at times.

That said, my Epiphone Supernova is one amazing guitar! Well-made and beuatiful, it is a simply awesome sounding guitar! I added a Bigsby to it and it really opened it up even more!

I think they should have kept the name for actual Epiphone reissue models; used Gibson with an ID for country of origin for imports, and then maybe Orville like Squier, for the cheaper things.

Here's my Supernova:

Nice! I had only seen the Supernova with the Brit Flag painting...

[bclaire]

Yes, it came in Man City Blue, too!

[Gray]

Personally, I think Gibson should have gone with the Fender business model and put out the import Les Pauls as Gibsons. We all can tell the difference between MIM, MIJ, CIJ, and MIA Fenders so why not Gibsons? I think that business move is what made Epiphone to get a bad rep at times.

I'm surprised to hear this viewpoint. I can't say that I would ever buy another new Gibson unless things over there change, but I for one am happy that they have not diluted their name the way Fender has. Any guitar bearing the Gibson name is made in the USA, and I approve of that solidarity. There is a clear line separating their import stuff from their american product, much like with Fender and Squier, except Fender has still gone and made a bunch of import stuff under their own name as well.

Personally i'm conflicted. I would not look down on anyone playing a cheap guitar and I think most of us have all been in that position, however I can also say that now, I would never buy an Epiphone or Squier guitar. I'm by no means rich and I don't have a wall of expensive vintage guitars, but i've learned to appretiate quality instruments rather than the instant gratification of something cheap that looks like the real deal. If I wanted a Les Paul or an SG I would save up until I had enough for the real thing. Same with Fender.

[OR73]

You must not have played any of the Classic Vibe Squier guitars. The quality is really very high, and I could care less what some arms folded, nose in the air, guitar player thinks about the name on the headstock. Value is important, and spending an extra $1000 just so you get the accolades of other musicians seems silly to me.

Cheap guitars and good amps. It's worked for me for 23 years!

[bclaire]

I'll tell you straight out, the best Telecaster I have ever played is the MIM Joe Strummer Tribute Tele. Unbelievable guitars... and for the record, my MIJ 1986 '54 reissue Fender Esquires are as good or better than the American versions. Electronics got updated but as far as guitar structure and manufacture? Top of the line.

[OR73]

Now, I think the QC on the lower level Squiers (like Bullets, Standards...etc) is pretty bad, and you might have to play 20 of them to fin a good one. But I've never picked up a CV or a Vintage Modified and felt bad frets, twisted necks, terrible setups...etc They really are nice guitars. Heck, I even like the pickups in my CV!