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

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Sep 30, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		gibson
by: Anonymous

i say the gibson lespaul it is amazing compared to the epiphone i have a gibson les paul studio and from playing it for a year nothing comes close to gibson guitars.there alot more expensive but the sound,the quality,is worth it.the epiphone sounds great its a great starting guitar but the gibson is much more enjoyble and its worth all the money you spend on a electric
Dec 14, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Slash Gold Top Epiphone
by: Anonymous

It should be noted that the Slash Gold Top Epiphone also has a grade A maple top, as opposed to a maple veneer common to most epiphone guitars. Also, the Seymour Duncan Alnico Pro-II pickups are the same pickups that Slash uses.

I just picked one up. Let me preface my comments by saying I am what one might consider a Les Paul snob, and would never have considered getting an Epiphone. However, after looking at the specs, and playing it, this guitar is a very nice, well built guitar.

Also, there are only 2000 made, and the certificate of authenticity make it somewhat of a collectible.

I also want to mention, that the case is excellent. Better than most Gibson cases.

All in all, got mine for under $900, so I feel it is definately worth the money. Dont know if I would give it a full 5 stars, but it is up there.

Pete
Sep 16, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks
by: Sammy

Thanks for your input. I think you said the best part last, that I should try them out, so I wil. Even thinking about buying a used Gibson, I didn't consider that before not sure why I didn't.

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