Is an Epiphone Les Paul better than a Gibson Les Paul?

Is an Epiphone Les Paul better than a Gibson Les Paul?
Epiphone guitars are good guitars. There are, however, some differences to consider. Gibsons are made in the USA, while the Epiphone is made in Korea, China, or Japan. Labor is cheaper overseas, so it saves costs. The electronics are also made overseas. They are, however, made to the same specs as their American cousins. The finish is a completely different process for both. Up close, the Epi is beautiful. The Gibsons are even prettier. The wood used on Gibsons is generally Honduran Mahogany, and the bodies are one piece. The Epi uses other varieties of mahogany, and the body is usually a three piece affair. All said and done, the Epiphone is a fine instrument. Some Epiphones I have played sound and play as nice as the $2,000 plus Gibsons I have played. If you are willing to do a set-up and replace some hardware, you can achieve the same sound and playability as a Gibson without the price. The Epiphone will lose value over the years, the Gibson will gain value. Most Gibson owners are aware of this, and see their purchase of a Gibson as an investment. The name means a lot. I have built guitars for two companies, worked at music stores, been in bands, and have played a lot of guitars. I have a very nice late 80's Epiphone Les Paul Custom which, after leveling the frets, and re-setting up plays and sounds every bit as good as most Gibsons. I won't be selling my Epi for $2000 down the road, but then again, I only paid $268 when I bought it used in 1991.



They are almost the same. I have an Epi and my mate has a Gibson and we cant decide which is better. epiphone are much cheaper though. Epiphone are to gibson, what Squire is to Fender, the sister company.