FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Epiphone Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar

Question:
The less expensive epi models are the lp 100 and lp special.. both are bolt on neck models. go here http://www.wwandbw.com and you can find an epi les paul standard (in black, with hardcase, full warranty and set up to your specs) for 419.00. The lowest price I've found not eh set neck models. Then, go here, http://www.stewmac.com and take a look at pickups, graphite bridge saddles, and tuners. They show pics of the tuners so you can see which are more likely to match the epi les paul.. and you can ask them if you order too. also go to http://www.carvin.com and take a look at their pickups and hardware. Be sure to ask about the fit of any part you plan on buying.. all three places have toll free phone lines, too. If you took an epi les paul standard, put in say a set of EMG humbucks (at about 25.00 each) and a set of tuners, (say 25. to 30.00) you'd have a hell of a guitar for the money. You could go for gibson pickups and pay 100.00 each, You could get duncans for 60.00, or dimarzios for 45.00.. ...you get the idea. I think the EMGs would be an improvement.. but maybe you'd like to get a specific pickup.. the idea is. you can make the epi into whatever you want. maybe you want carvin pickups, with 4 conductor wiring and two pole pieces for each string... maybe you want something else... (the carvins run about 30.00 each ) you could replace the nut (bone brass or graphite), you might want to replace the bridge saddles, (rollers or graphite), you may even want to buy a fine tune tailpiece, or a bridge that has a piezo in it. Maybe you like sperzel locking tuners. Maybe you'd like a whammy bar. (stew mac has them for the les paul.. and it would probably fit the epi.) The choices for customizing an epi are great.. there are parts out there for everything from cosmetic to sound. all three above sites also have free catalogs. I recommend rock n rhythm over anyone else for epi prices and good service. I know stew mac and carvin will treat you right and are competitive on prices. Anyone has other ideas?

Answer:
I have seen a lot of Les Paul copies (mostly Epiphone) at many different prices, $250, $500, etc... Is anyone familiar enough with Epiphone Les Pauls to tell me which models are which prices, and what the differences are? I am not naive enough to believe that the $250 one (which might not have been Epiphone, can't remember) would be as good as something pricier, but it did look purdy. (I'm prepared to spend more than $250, I'm just curious about it) I am in the market for a nice electric guitar. I have had the same old strat (the Peavey Raptor - for about $250 or something it is a very nice sounding guitar for the price) for a long time and being in a band (and soon a second band) my need for a better instrument is getting more apparent to me as my skills progress. I feel that the guitar is keeping me and the amp I use (which is a very nice amp, I didn't skimp on it) from reaching full potential. Although of course what style I'm getting is not for certain yet, I really have my sites on a Les Paul, probably an Epiphone. I am hearing a lot of good things about the Epi LP's. If anyone can tell me what are the different Epi. LP models and any comments, etc... Obviously an Epiphone (Epi being Gibson's cheap Taiwan company) will have at least a few lower quality parts than the Gibson. If someone could also point me in the right direction of which parts I will want to replace with what I would greatly appreciate it. I am looking to spend $500 to $1,000 max.