Epiphone Slash Goldtop Les Paul vs Gibson Les Paul

by sammy
(New jersey)

I am interested in buying a Les Paul. I am thinking about an Epiphpone Slash Les Paul Goldtop, or is the Gibson Les Paul really that much better? I understand that the Slash Epi is built much better than the regular Epiphones, but I wonder if it is as good as the Gibson Les Paul. Are you familar with these guitars and can you compare them.
Thank you

ANSWER

Hi, Sammy--

Epiphone is coming out with some really nice guitars! One of my students brought in the new Epiphone SG with the EMG active pickups--very nice.

The most noticeable difference between the two guitars that you mention are the pickups. The Epiphone uses SD Alnico II pro and the Gibson has Burstbucker pickups with unmatched bobbin windings and Alnico magnets just like the'57 models.

The Alnico II are exposed coil and the Gibson pickups are covered. That will give each a different sound. It is a matter of personal taste. The Gibsons will tend to be a little warmer and have more of the classic humbucker sound.

The headstocks are different, but I think that is mainly cosmetic. Both necks are mahogany, but the Gibson is one solid piece. Both fretboards are rosewood.

The insides are probably different, as the Gibson has the CTS potentiometers and bumble bee capacitors from the '57 model.

Both have Mahogany bodies, but the Gibson has a hand carved maple top. Both necks are the same length and are attached by a long neck tenon. The Epiphone neck is also glued in.

I guess it is just a matter of what you want. The Epiphone is definitely a nice guitar, and the Gibson IS a Gibson. Have you tried out both of them? That might be the best way to make your decision.

Best Wishes,
Lynne