Is an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Right for You?

Any serious electric guitar player needs a high quality guitar.  Cheaper models aimed at beginners may do fine for someone starting out, but they just won't hold up for years of daily playing and frequent gigs. 

The Les Paul is an iconic image, and is well known for its great, warm sound, playability, and versatility.  It's a perfect choice, as it will last you for years, and can handle just about any style that you want to play.  But Gibson Les Pauls sell for thousands of dollars, which is above many people's budget for a guitar. 

But the Epiphone Les Paul Custom offers all of the features of a Gibson Les Paul, at a third (or less!) of the price.  Considering the quality of the sound and the instrument, this is probably the best bargain out there for people looking to buy a very high quality but affordable electric guitar.

Epiphone is currently one of the most respected names in electric guitars, and is owned by Gibson.  The company began in the 1890s, as a family business making and selling lutes, violins, mandolins, and traditional Greek instruments. 

When the trends of the times shifted away from mandolins and toward banjos, the company shifted along with it, producing a line of unique and innovative banjos.  These banjos were hugely popular and successful until guitars became more popular.  Epiphone began producing guitars, and during the 1930s, Epiphone and Gibson were rival companies competing in the relatively new guitar market.  Many famous musicians of the time endorsed Epiphone guitars.

 After World War II, the company ran into some difficult times under new management.  Even with their new line of upright basses, the future wasn't looking promising.  A new company, Fender, had appeared. The competition between Gibson and Fender had taken center stage, while Epiphone was looking at bleak financial times.

In 1957, Gibson bought Epiphone, intending to market Epiphone's upright electric basses.  Ultimately, though, they ended up using the Epiphone name to market Gibson models, such as the Les Paul.  They also began to manufacture some of the original Epiphone model guitars, and to create some entirely new models under the Epiphone name.

So, while Epiphone does offer less expensive versions of many Gibson-model guitars, they're also a lot more than just the budget-friendly offspring of Gibson.

The Epiphone Les Paul Custom is a genuine Les Paul, made to Gibson's standards, and outfitted with all of the features that make Les Pauls so unique.  First, it looks the part.  Epiphone offers its Les Paul Custom in Ebony and Alpine White, along with a number of special and limited editions, and a left-handed version.

It's got a sleek, classy look, with all gold tuners and bridge.  The body is all mahogany, with a set mahogany neck, a rosewood fretboard, and beautiful block inlays.  Basically, it has the look of the more expensive Gibson Les Paul.

Next, the sound.  The Les Paul Custom is known for a warm, deep tone, and this guitar definitely has it.  It has Alnico classic humbucker pickups, which some people recommend changing.  changing them isn't necessary, however, as these pickups have a great sound, and they give you the versatility.  They sound great for soloing, rhythm, and can handle distortion well. 

The grover tuners are another great addition.  Strings losing their tune can be a major annoyance, or even an outright disaster depending on the situation.  But grover tuners hold a tune amazingly well.

Finally, the playability.  What does it matter how great a guitar looks and sounds if it doesn't play well?  The Les Paul cutaway design gives you very easy access to the higher frets.  And the rosewood fretboard is smooth, beautifully polished, and a dream to play.  The Epiphone Les Paul Custom's playability is frequently raves about.  The playability of this guitar is definitely on par with Gibson's much more expensive models. 

One drawback that many people mention with this guitar is the strap buttons can be a bit loose.  This means that the strap could come unhooked from the guitar,  causing the guitar to fall.  This can be remedied by using straplocks, though, so it's not a huge deal.

You may be worried that you are getting cheap or lower quality parts because you are paying so much less than you would be if you bought a Gibson Les Paul Custom.  But while Gibsons are made in the US, Epiphones are made in either Korea or China.  This cuts down on the cost of labor considerably. 

With American managers and good quality control, it's unlikely that a poorly manufactured guitar would slip through from Epiphone.  So there is no need to be put off by the made in China label. 

Also, when you buy a Gibson, you are paying a lot for the Gibson name.  They have a reputation for being the best—and that reputation does affect the cost of the guitars.

The price tag (usually around $700) is certainly on the high-end for Epiphone guitars.  And if you're firmly of the belief that Epiphones are nothing more than cheaply made Gibsons, then you're probably better off getting a low end Gibson. 

But the truth is—and I think this guitar proves it—that Epiphone has a lot to offer in its own right, and at extremely competitive prices.  With a stunning appearance, all the features of a true Les Paul, fantastic playability, and the Les Paul's characteristic sound, this guitar stands out from others in its price range.  Few people regret buying it, and in fact, most say that they would gladly buy it again.