Experience with 2020 Epiphone LP?

[redgierocker]

Hey,

I'm looking at getting my first Les Paul, and the pricing/specs of the new 2020 Epiphone Les Pauls seems really good.

I'd love to be able to throw down 5k and get a Gibson Les Paul but it's a lot to spend, and given I've only been playing for about 2 years, I'm not sure I'd really appreciate the difference.

I'm keen to hear from some more experienced players what they think of the 2020 Epiphone line up? Specifically, I'm liking the look of the modern.

Thanks,
R

[Bg]

The better the guitar, the easier it is to play - never discount how long you've been playing.

If you're set firm on an epiphone, have a look at second hand, then you won't lose on forecourt costs.
I Have an ES339 epiphone that I love, but I've had to fiddle with it to get it to where I want. Including fitting a bigsby.

[codedog]

I had an Epi LP 60s Tribute Plus once. Nice guitar, especially for the money. Other than setting up the action I didn't need to do anything.

I recently bought a 2020 Les Paul Special. I dressed the fret ends a bit. Not totally necessary, just preference. I did have to lower the 6th string nut slot though. It was noticeably sharp on the first fret. The action was almost spot on for me. Had to adjust the bridge for intonation though. Other than that it's great!

[robthemac]

I always thought PRS SE guitars tended to outperform Epiphones for the money. They seem to be very affordable on the used market, too.

[sam_the_bogan]

More importantly, welcome to the forum

[Cdog]

Welcome dude

[kdawg2a]

Welcome!
Epiphones are generally pretty good for the money, they may need some setting up but if you buy second hand that may already be done and they'll be cheaper too! Don't discount a second hand Gibson either. There's normally not much difference between a new Epi lp standard and a second hand Gibson lp studio. The studios are pretty decent rock and roll machines!
Good luck with your search!

[redgierocker]

Thanks for the advice, and the welcome !

I'm looking at around $1200 for a Epiphone modern, plus maybe $150(?) for a good setup.
There are a couple of near new Gibson equivalents on reverb for low 4k landed here, but I'd be buying those sight unseen. Maybe if I wait I'll see a lower priced example?

To be honest, part of me is looking for the justification to go for the Gibson.

The better the guitar, the easier it is to play

That's just the kind of justification I'm looking for

I tried a PRS SE about 9 months ago. I wasn't all that enamoured with it to be honest. But then at the time, I was really after a telecaster and I eventually picked up a MIA one from reverb.

[MikeC]

Welcome! I too vote for a second hand Epiphone LP which often show up on TradeMe - this will save you bigger losses on a brand newy. They are generally good guitars and play well when setup properly (like all guitars to be fair). There are many on this forum that can do it and probably someone is living right near you...

[Basket Case]

I always thought PRS SE guitars tended to outperform Epiphones for the money. They seem to be very affordable on the used market, too.

I agree completely. I've never tried an Epiphone that I thought played well. You get a much better instrument in a PRS SE. The equivalent amount spent on a LTD EC would also get you a much better guitar.

[redgierocker]

I'm happy to but second hand, but the 2020 modern is the one I'm pretty keen on simply because of its feature set. Not sure how many of those would be floating around so soon after release.

[codedog]

The post is about 2020 Epiphone though. If you're determined on that generation I don't think many have popped up secondhand. If you're not then by all means you should check out secondhand.

[redgierocker]

The post is about 2020 Epiphone though

Yeah, I've watched tons of videos and read lots, but I'm really after some local opinions.

While I am open to other suggestions, I already have a MiM Strat and the MiA tele I mentioned. I'm really quite keen on the Les Paul.

[HackSaw]

The Epi LP tribute I had was a cracking guitar. Gibson pickups and proper wiring, played superbly. Actually I had 2, a blue and black. Because.

I quite like the look of this...

https://www.rockshop.co.nz/shop/epiphon ... dware.html

[NippleWrestler]

Epiphone are great value for money. They dialed them in a long time ago and there's many pros who use Epiphone as their main touring instruments. They do the job. Phil McKnight has many good things to say about the brand, I think he picked them as number 1 in his too import brands video not too long ago, but don't quote me.

Just make sure *you* like it. All the reviews in the world can't change the neck profile not fitting your hand, or the guitar being too heavy or too light or too whatever. Go take a look, spend a bit of time with each guitar and get the one that speaks to you. You might be surprised.

Most stores will throw in a setup if you ask nicely. We always did because you want customers to be happy.

Don't forget the strap and some plectrums too.

Good luck. You'll love it.