OT question for the guitarists on the forum

[AmBraCol]

Last Sunday night we had a burglary at the church meeting place and the miscreant took off with my personal electric guitar. Nothing special, just a Suzuki branded strat style I picked up a few years ago to mess around with a bit. I'd finally got it set up the way I wanted, had some decent strings I'd just put on and bam, it's gone. Thankfully he didn't take my amp, but now I've got an amp and nothing to plug into it. So, here's my question:

What can you tell me about Epiphone guitars in general? We don't have a lot to choose from around here and the local store brand isn't very convincing (plus they only offer a "mini Les Paul") The likelihood of picking up a Gibson is in the same league with the probability of yours truly winning the lottery, somewhere between zero and none. Someday I hope to replace the electric guitfiddle the thief skedadled with last Sunday, and am trying to figure out my options. I'm considering switching to a Les Paul style "just because" and am curious if any of y'all might have first hand experience with the Epiphone version thereof. The local store has a Les Paul Studio version at (for here) a fairly reasonable amount. Anyway, it'll be a while before I can get serious, just like to kick things around before making up my mind, and know what I'm working towards gives a goal to save for.

[oldebear1950]

Actually Epiphone is a very good guitar and its versions are lower priced than Gibson, and it is actually owned by Gibson.
The Epiphone is Les Paul is based on the Gibson Les Paul. Some of the newer ones actually use the same pickups as Gibson does.

At one time it was a separate company, but some time in the 1980s Gibson bought Epiphone.

Some of them can be very good. If you look at all the models they put out, some of them get expensive,

[samsi]

I don't have experience with the current Epiphone LP's but they have a mostly favorable reputation and some working musicians are using them for playing out vs. banging up a valuable Gibson. That being said, guitars are a subjective personal thing and if you've been playing a Strat type give the LP a test drive. They are completely different animals. No matter the brand a good solidbody should still have some acoustic sound properties and resonance when played unplugged. Look at some Youtube reviews as well, though as with all things Youtube you'll have to discern whether or not they actually know what they're talking about. I wouldn't expect the Epi Studio to be a full-on LP type but should still have some of the character.

I've been playing Strats for over 40 years but did have a few Les Pauls back in the 80's when used ones went for $300-400. They do scratch an itch and can be versatile instruments, just not as robust (headstock breaks - Epis do it too) or field repairable as a Fender.

[AmBraCol]

Thanks for the feedback! It always amazes me the breadth of knowledge available on this forum. I'm no musician, but enjoy "making a joyful noise" from a variety of instruments, which is why I picked up the guitfiddle that got hoisted last week. Different from my usual acoustic exploits, for sure, but had a blast and finally got it to sounding good to MY ear. Right now I've got a Fender acoustic, a national brand Cuatro and a national brand Tiple. I like to try different things which has me looking at the LP´s instead of, or alongside of, or whatever the Strats. I was not aware that Gibson owned Epiphone. Thanks for the tips!

[pinefd]

Hey, Paul, so sorry to hear about your guitar that was stolen.

I've been playing, collecting and building Les Paul style guitars for decades, but unfortunately, I can't be of much help with regard to the Epiphone line, since I've never owned one...only Gibson Les Pauls. Hopefully, forum rules allow this, but I would suggest that you check out the MyLesPaul (MLP) Forum, where you'll find answers to any questions you may have with regard to Les Paul guitars. They even have a whole section dedicated to Epiphone Les Pauls: https://www.mylespaul.com/forum/epiphone-les-pauls.3/

I actually helped launch the MLP website almost 20 years ago, but am not affiliated with them in any way, other than being a VIP member there. It's by far the world's largest forum dedicated to the Les Paul guitar, with a great bunch of members, including many of us who are also into shooting.

Anyway, I hope that's of some help to you, and best of luck in your search for a new guitar!

Frank

[AmBraCol]

Thanks, Frank! I'd NO idea about that site. A quick look through it shows they take their guitars MUCH more seriously than I do. Me? I just like to pick one up occasionally and strum a few songs for my own pleasure, and am easily satisfied. Weekly I'll play for the gathering of the saints and so far no complaints from folks, but we're a more laid back group than folks who gather for some kind of religious concert each week. We aim for accompaniment instead of instrumental dominance of the musical portion like too often happens in some gatherings, so if I don't butcher things too badly folks are happy. Anyway, the FAQ at the top is quite handy - and shows that folks take their guitar setup MUCH more seriously than I have to date. Again, thanks for sharing the link!

[wecsoger]

Another $00.000.02 worth

Epi's I've looked at are pretty good construction-wise. I would take a serious look at replacing the electrical bits, jack, and maybe the tuners.
These days the low end Fender Squires and Gibson Epiphones are turned out on CNC machines so the tolerances are to the thousandths.
The hardware generally sucks though.

If affordable, I'd take a really close look at that Les Paul Studio though. Same pickups and all the rest.
But you're not paying an extra thou and a half for fancy binding, neck inlay and so on.
So saying, I got one back in the mid 2000's. Nut badly cut. Guitar strap neck holder popped out, threads in wood stripped.
Intonation and set up...either done by Cletus at the factory, or not at all.
But it did clean up nicely.

I like the LP's for that nice southern rock sound, which essentially they start out slightly distorted, then more so if you push them.

Strats are nice, but you need really good noise-less pickups to sound clean.

Tele's my fave. And most sound guys, since they start 'clean', then the sky's the limit where you can take it.

Let us know about your pick. (and maybe start bringing your gear home...)