Epiphone Guitars or Gibson Guitars? Musicians will argue this 'till the end of their time, let's just concentrate on some facts to help you decide for yourself.
First, a little bit of background:
epiphone les paul and Gibson are extremely popular guitar makers. Epiphone was Gibson's biggest competitor until 1957, when Gibson purchased the faltering Epiphone. At that time, Gibson licensed lots of its most in-demand models to be produced by Epiphone, by this surely could penetrate a new tier within the guitar marketplace.

So, what's all of the fuss about? Why is a Gibson Les Paul $2,000 and an
epiphone les paul $500?
Let us take apple iphone 4 differences:
1. Where They're Made.
epiphone les paul guitars are primarily stated in China. This of course makes huge cost cuts possible, but makes qc a tad bit more difficult. Gibson guitars are always stated in north america, and Gibson strives to have actual musicians making these guitars whenever you can. Into a this can make no difference, but if you would like to eye for workmanship you will notice an impact in craftsmanship.
2. Quality of Components. Epiphones will have lesser quality pickups and tuning keys. Whilst the tuners don't possess most of an effect on tone, it might be annoying to need to tune often because of inferior tuning keys. The more expensive quality pickups on Gibson guitars may be a nuance missed by non-musicians or beginners, however, you can bet that not too many Platinum records were recorded utilising an Epiphone. Countless classic records have already been recorded using Gibsons.
3. Headstock. Towards the untrained eye, An Epiphone plus a Gibson may look identical. The true secret aesthetic giveaway would be that the "open book" styling in the the surface of the headstock is block on a Epiphone. Obviously, it also says "Epiphone" on the headstock, but this subtle difference is sufficient signal the main difference between "pro" and "entry-level." Having a Gibson is often a statement that you have spent big money with a guitar, and in many cases is often a musician's status symbol.
4. Finishing Touches. Gibson guitars sport a Nitrocellulose lacquer finish, while Epiphones have a Polyurethane finish. The Nitrocellulose finish allows the wood to age well and allow some air and moisture to give the final. This brings forth different sound characteristics because the instrument ages. In addition, it should be applied in multiple layers with sanding between, and is also additional labor intensive.
An Epiphone's polyurethane finish needs merely to be sprayed on a single or two coats, therefore it takes less work and time. This finish also restricts the environment and moisture transfer towards the wood that cuts down on the (often desireable) results of aging.
The effect of the type of finish on tone is debatable, but an Epiphone's finish is undoubtedly cheaper and faster to apply.
It is possible to happy medium between an Epiphone along with a Gibson?
Yes. Here are a few suggestions if you cannot decide which guitar to get:
*Many guitar players elect to obtain a used Gibson to take down the price. A guitar what a little pummelled has some "soul," which is not always bad.
*Alternately, some online retailers offer to spread the charge equally over 5 months without any interest or charge card needed. You can buy quite a nice, completely new $2,000 guitar for $400 every month without having to open a brand new loan.
*A final indisputable fact that works well is to buy an Epiphone and replace the pickups and tuning keys. Using this method you enhance the two biggest shortcomings from the Epiphone while keeping costs down. If this describes your first-time attempting this, please hire an established for the job!
Resources :
Epiphone Guitars - A Good Different to Gibson? Learn the High 4 Differences and Determine For YourselfA History of the Epiphone Les Paul GuitarA Historical past of the Epiphone Les Paul GuitarThe Epiphone Les Paul Guitar - Does it Stay As much as the Legend?